Let’s Paint a Beautiful Boston Terrier in Watercolor!

Hi friends! First up today, some housekeeping. To Students in my online classes: I will be away at the heirloom stamp show today through Sunday so I won’t be able to respond to comments and questions in the Teachable classroom (the computer is staying home!) Please excuse my absence over the next couple of days as I recharge my creative batteries. I will approve and respond to all comments/questions in my classes when I return. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Today I have a more advanced tutorial than I usually post on Wednesdays but if you enjoy this style of art I encourage you to try it regardless of your skill level.  If you are new to watercolor you might want to watch it through before painting along and feel free to pause the video to catch up or take breaks whenever you want. For those advance painters who would prefer a time-lapse, you can click the gear on the youtube player and speed up the video.

Supplies available at sponsor Jerry’s Artarama! http://www.jerrysartarama.com/ Use coupon code: frugal20FS49 for 20% off $49 + Free Shipping (Excludes: Sale, Super Sale, Egift Cards, Buy It Try It’s and Vendor restricted items. Look for the green coupon eligible icon on the product listing.

• Lukas Professional WatercolorLukas Professional Watercolor: Ivory black, Cyan, Genuine Rose, Permanent yellow deep, golden ochre, burnt sienna
• Strathmore 500 series ready cut paper 8″x10” *This is a very affordable 100% cotton paper
• Brushes: Mimik Kolinsky brush (3/4″ flat #20), Mimik squirrel brush #2, #8 & #30 round
• Reference photo by MaggieLovesOrbit on Insta on Unsplash

Do you like these longer in-depth tutorials or would you rather I speed them up like my sketchbook Sunday videos? Let me know in the comments below! BTW I won’t have a sketchbook Sunday video this week due to my trip. I have planned a couple of videos to play in my absence tho:) Happy crafting!

Crafting on the go!

Hi friends! Last year after I got back from the Heirloom stamp show I completely unpacked my travel art bag. So many things had been accumulated over the years and some stuff I never used. I always stick duplicates in that bag or things I wanted to use up but it was time for a thorough clean out and that’s what I did.

That bag set empty on my shelf until yesterday when I went to pack up stuff to bring this year. I told my friends that I would bring coloring tools to share with everyone so that’s why my marker selection is a bit excessive but I hope this helps you decide what you might want to bring on a craft retreat. Also, I totally forgot to open the flat skinny pocket on the front where I keep my portable paper trimmer and I added a roll of double-sided tape after I stopped filming. If you noticed I forgot an important item be sure to let me know in the comments. Thanks!

Stuff in my Bag (Affiliate links used)

• Similar bag to what I have
• Chameleon pencils
• Color Dusters
• White Gouache
• Gink K ink cubes
• Watercolor wheel
• Waterbrushes
• Watercolor crayons
• Pitt pen fineliners
• License to Quill waterproof brush pen
• White gel pen
• Craft knife
• Stamped images (memento on Neenah paper for alcohol markers, Archival on Bristol for water media)
• Bag of watercolor paper cut to bookmark and postcards
• Bristol Pad (for watercolor markers)
• Neenah cardstock (for alcohol markers)
• Heavyweight card for card bases
• Ohuhu Alcohol markers (100 set)
• Watercolor Brush markers 
• Fineliners 
• Pencil sharpener
• Double sided tape
• Paper Trimmer (oops! I think I forgot to show that, it is is the thin front pocket!)
• Arteza real brush pens
• I also decided to add some chalks that have little pon-pom applicators because I can do backgrounds with my versamark pad which will be handy as I am not going to bring any patterned paper.

OK, what did I forget? Let me know in the comments below! If you are going to the Heirloom Stamp Show this weekend please say “Hi” if you see me! The BEST thing about crafting conventions is the wonderful people you meet! I am so looking forward to this trip. Now I have to pack my non-crafty stuff LOL! I have my priorities. 🙂 Happy crafting!

Who Draws a Noodle Bowl? I do, That’s Who!

Hi friends! Today I want to encourage you to draw whatever the heck you want to! Don’t worry if it is too weird or too common. If you are inspired by it, draw it!

I had more fun sketching this colorful ramen bowl than I have on anything else in a long while! Don’t worry if what you want to draw is odd, just draw it!

That’s what your sketchbook is for! Your sketchbook is for YOU! Pick something interesting and challenging and give your brain a good workout as you pick apart how to draw it.  When you challenge yourself you grow, and growth is the key to avoiding burnout. If you are feeling bored in your current art/life routine find something that’s a little it bit hard but within reach of your skill level. This approach can apply to any hobby whether it be drawing, sports, music or any skill you wish to improve. Working towards mastering a skill, technique or medium brings long-lasting pleasure and the great thing is with art is there is so much to learn!

Since it is Memorial Day weekend there are bound to be sales and Arteza is offering an
EXTRA 20% off all supplies on their website with coupon code MEMORIAL20 I will link to comparable products that I have personally used from Arteza that would work for today’s tutorial so you can get a deal. Honestly, I have used most of Artezas products and I recommend them highly with the exception of their watercolor paints, they are OK and well priced but there are other budget brands that I prefer. 🙂
This watercolor sketchbook is very similar to what I used today. I also recommend their colored pencils,  Gouache (this is the 24 set, 60 set also available), Real Brush watercolor ink Pens (12-96 pen sets available) and Waterbrush set of 5 (pushbutton style, I used these in the video)

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon and Arteza affiliate and I earn a small commission on sales made after clicking on these links. It does not cost you any more to shop through these links (it costs you less if you use the coupon code!) and you help support my blog and youtube channel, thanks!

Specific supplies I used *Feel free to substitute with the supplies you already own.

• Waterbrushes (Arteza, see coupon above)
• Genuine Crafts Real Brush Pens set of 100 (Lovely color selection)
• Fabrino Venice book *Also good is Stillman & Birn beta series mixed media and the Arteza sketchbook mentioned above
• Miya Gouache 18 color set (Comes in a wonderful palette/storage box)
• Prismacolor colored pencils
• White posca pen
• Reference photo

***Memorial Day Sale in my Online School!***

40% off any class with coupon code MEM2019

Click the discount link for the class you want below to learn more about the course and the 40% off coupon will be automatically applied if you choose to purchase it.

• Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor
• Texture Toolbox: Feathers & Foul
• Learn to Draw With Lindsay
• Watercolor Flower Workshop
• Soft Pastel for Beginners

This deal ends on May 28, 2019 but you can take as long as you want to complete the classes so it’s a good chance to stock up while they are on sale!

I hope you enjoyed today’s sketchbook Sunday and til next time happy crafting!

Many Marvelous Mermaids!

Howdy friends! Today’s project combines a lot of crafty goodness! I had so much fun making these cards and I hope they inspire you to create!

I worked an assembly line on these cards. I did a gel printing session, a coloring session, and an assembly session.

It can be daunting to think of making multiple cards in one sitting. It can also be overwhelming to gel print backgrounds for only one card. By breaking up the tasks I get to extend my enjoyment of my craft without getting stressed out and have a batch of cards to show for my effort!

You can see the complete process in the video!

Supplies (affiliate links used)

• Mermaid and fish scale themed stamps and stencils *This link is to Simon Says StampSimon Says Stamp, they have an excellent selection and they have 15% off your entire order with coupon code CRFT898 this weekend!
• Jane Davenport Gel Plate and Fish Scale Plate kitJane Davenport Gel Plate and Fish Scale Plate kit with stickers
• Also 3″x5″ gel plate
• Alcohol Markers (Ohuhu)
• Quickie Glue Pen *great for foil, glitter or embossing powder
• Clear ultra fine glitter
• Ink pads and sponges for stamped backgrounds.
• Cardstock, novelty yarn, acrylic paint, rhinestones and adhesive

Here is a look at all of the images colored. I thought about just trimming them to ATC size at one point but I decided that I’d be more likely to use the greeting cards.

I hope you have a lovely weekend! I’m off to watch my son play in his last tennis matches of the season and miraculously it’s warm and sunny! Yahoo! Til next time happy crafting!

A Red, White and Blue Bouquet for You! (and 40% off classes!)

Hi friends!  Today I have a loose and free bouquet to paint.

I went with a red white and blue colorway in honor of Memorial Day. A day to remember fallen soldiers who served our country. I love seeing the flags on display in small Maine towns. There are many elder veterans who put these out every year prior to memorial day and leave them out through July 4th for the parades. This painting can be a reminder of what we have to be thankful for. I hope you enjoy a few peaceful moments of reflection while you paint along.

Supplies available at sponsor Jerry’s Artarama!  Use coupon code: frugal20FS49 for 20% off $49 + Free Shipping (Excludes: Sale, Super Sale, Egift Cards, Buy It Try It’s and Vendor restricted items. Look for the green coupon eligible icon on the product listing.

• Lukas Professional Watercolor
• Strathmore Windpower watercolor paper 9″x12″
• Brushes: Soho wedge #6 (favorite)  Beste wedge #10 (large one)  Mimik Kolinsky brush (3/4″ flat #20)  Mimik squirrel brush #8 round

***Memorial Day Sale: Take 40% off any class in my online school with coupon code: MEM2019 through 5/28/19. *Click the orange “add coupon” on the checkout page to enter your coupon code. If you enjoyed today’s tutorial you can learn more about this style of floral painting in my Watercolor Flower Workshop! You will learn how to paint a variety of flowers and how to arrange them so you can paint beautiful bouquets from your imagination! If flowers aren’t your thing I offer other classes too which you can grab for 40% off through Memorial day with coupon code MEM2019.

In case you wanted to see close up of my practice arrangement or demonstration version of today’s painting I have posted them below. There is no reference photo because I made up the arrangement. I hope you give it a try!

Happy crafting!

 

 

Colorful Fun ATCoins! And New Ways to use Distress Oxide Inks!

Hi friends! Today I am going to show you how I made these artist trading coins to bring with me to trade at the Heirloom Stamp Show in W. Springfield MA later this month.

I had so much fun making these and even if you have no desire to make ATCoins you can use these techniques on cards or mixed media projects. They are messy and fun and the perfect way to play with your supplies! Watch the video to see how!

This tutorial is sponsored by Top Flight Stamps! SAVE 10% off your next order with coupon code: thefrugalcrafter10 *USA orders of $50+ ship free!

Supplies:

• Penelope Dee Organic Stamp
• Stamperia Stencil
• Stamperia Stamp (sentiment on back)
• Artist trading coins
• 5″x7″ gel printing plate
• Embossing powder
• Watercolor brush pens
• Distress Oxide inkpads and reinkers
• White Gesso (worlds best gesso, Jerry’s Artarama)
• Chunky clear glitter
• Black archival ink pad
• Beacon 3 in 1 glue

You can make the coin bases yourself if you don’t want to purchase wooden ones. They just need to be 2 1/2″ in diameter.  I recommend using a couple layers of cereal box chipboard for this. You can cut it with a die and glue them together so the raw sides are out and gesso it to prep it for paint or stamping. I might make some in this manner since I used up my MDF ones. These are fun and addictive and if you don’t want to trade them they would make a beautiful embellishment for a card or scrapbook page. I hope you try some of these techniques and til next time happy crafting!

Let’s make a sweet little book!

Hi friends! Today we are going to make a cute little mini book!

He is so mini my little studio manikin can hold it! Watch the video to see how!

Sponsored by Smart Art Box! Visit their website to purchase a subscription, see available past boxes and see what countries they ship to.

Supplies:

• Cardboard (I used the smart art box)
• Kraft paper (brown bag is fine)
• Spray bottle of water
• Pearl Ex & Gum arabic (from smart art box)
• Bristol ATC pack (from smart art box) https://amzn.to/2HlfTOA *or cut bristol or cardstock to 2.5″x3.5″
• Ribbon
• Mod Podge or white glue
• Hot glue

You can make these books from your recycling bin. It would be a fun project to do with a group of kids as well. If working with kids I recommend making the tabs larger so they have more room to tape and let an adult do the hot glue part. Making books is fun, I am not sure why I enjoy it so much but I do. Especially tiny ones! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Sketchbook Sunday: Geraniums

Hi friends! Today for Sketchbook Sunday I am painting geraniums! These hardy plants do well in Maine, I got a potted geranium from my sister last week from mothers day (that’s the one we will paint) and a hanging basket from hubby and the kids. The hanging basket is currently on the porch but I am waiting to plant the potted one until the weather warms ups a bit.  I did feel bad for the hanging basket one night and brought it in but so far so good. I hope it can deal well with the cold and lack of sunlight. Tomorrow is supposed to be 70 but thunderstorms, hail, and windy rain. I might have to bring him in again and save him from the shock!

As always my sketchbook Sunday paintings are in time lapse but I do have a real-time lesson for this painting in Critique Club.

Supplies (Affiliate links used)

• Watercolor pencils
• Watercolor paints
• Gouache
• Watercolor brushes: #8 round, #2 round and this is the Princeton Cat’s Tonge that I used for most of the painting

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you had a chance to work in your sketchbook this Sunday and til next time happy crafting!

No Waste Rainbow with Circle Dies!

Hi friends, today I am going to show you how to make the cutest Rainbow using your nested circle dies and show you a card from the leftovers!

 

You will get 3 cards out of this technique which I think is super fun and a great way to make sure you have a stash of birthday cards on hand! Watch the video for this easy technique!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry – use coupon code: LINDSAY and receive 15% off your retail order of $10 or more of peg stamps, peg stamp sets, and unmounted stamps! Coupon expires a week from this video publication. Continue to receive great deals by becoming a PegStamp VIP here. As a PegStamp VIP
you’ll get a weekly deal via email plus links to fabulous tutorials by me, Lindsay the Frugal Crafter and other designers.

Supplies:

• Happy Unmounted Clear Stamp Set
• Handmade With Love Unmounted Clear Stamp Set
• Mom and Dad Unmounted Clear Stamp Set
• Skyward Peg Stamp Set
• Party Time Peg Stamp Set
• Dye Based inks in Bright colors (Memento)
• Nested Circle Dies (any brand)
• Cardstock scraps in rainbow colors
• White cardstock for stamping
• Blending brush
• Blue ink for using with the blending brush, I use Broken China distress Oxide but you can use whatever blue ink you have.
• Cloud cut-out (Make 2, one to use as a stencil and one for your card) You can hand cut or die cut.

Directions:

1. Cut a sheet of heavy white cardstock in half so you have two A2 cards.
2. Arrange your cardstock scraps in rainbow order and gather your circle dies. Take the two largest ones and cut a ring from red. Then use the smaller two for red plus the next size down to cut an orange ring, and continue in this manner making smaller rings as you go.
3. Adhere all of the concentric rings inside each other (inlay) on white and use the largest and smallest circle die to cut out the combined shape and then cut that in half and you will have two rainbows. Save the inside circles for a leftover card.
   Use a blending brush, blue ink, and a cloud stencil to ink the back of the card base. *You can make 2 rainbow cards as you have 2 rainbows!
4. Adhere rainbow and cloud cut out to card.
5. Stamp Happy Birthday over the sky area. I used several shades of memento dew drop ink pads to create the rainbow sentiment. *test out this technique on a scrap of white cardstock and save the test for the leftover card!
6. Stamp birds in the sky with black. Stamp You’re Amazing on a white scrap and notch the ends, mat on black and adhere over clouds.
7. Embellish with epoxy circles if desired. *Stamp clouds and balloons on inside of the card if desired.
8. For Card #2 Arrange the leftover circles on a white card base and glue a “happy birthday” stamped strip on top and embellish with epoxy dots. On the inside of the card adhere a note with reuse instructions and stamping.

I hope you try this die-cut technique. It’s so fun to find new ways to use old supplies! Happy crafting!