Blog entries

Painting Birch Trees in Watercolors Tutorial

Cathy — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:07:24 +0100

I'm currently painting a large diptych of birch trees so I've been trying to find reference materials. I came across this great tutorial which I thought would be super useful for those of you that use watercolors.

Materials required are:

1. Photo reference for sketch and value study (strongly recommended).

2. Pencil, eraser, ruler, masking tape, old regular size bath toweRead More...

You want to turn your Art into a business?

Janice Ashworth — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:07:31 +0100

I wrote this a little while ago on my own blog and thought I would share with you now

People are always saying how lucky I am that I managed to turn my hobby into a business. I wont argue generally with that statement and I do have to pinch myself occasionally that I do indeed work for myself, doing something I love. But I always get the impression that people feel I have an easy life. To some extent then I will agree, as I truly bRead More...

Monster project

Karen and Rich — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:12:55 +0100

This year looks like it's going to be a fun one :)

A few months ago, I took the plunge and made my most personal demon available for sale.

Stephen has been with me for years and although he was a menace in the beginning because he's the only one of mine to give me nightmares, he has become part of our houseRead More...

Marketing skills

terry cervantes — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:02:44 +0100

I, first, want to thank Cathy for helping me with her critique of my shop. It was eye opening to the market world on the internet. What she has given me is priceless!

I am not only new to totalartsoul, I am plain new to everything. I have only been trying to sell me wares for about 18 months and just now, I get it. Tagging and keywords are everything!!

Come and look and tell me what you think. I am trying. and I will not give up ever. This is my new job. Thanks Cathy!!Read More...

Gift Ideas for Poor Creative Souls (22)

Cathy — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 17:48:40 +0100

Small Tissue Paper Christmas Trees

I've long wanted to find an alternative for styrofoam cones and I'm delighted to have found a great idea. You can use styrofoam if you wish but this tutorial will also show you how to easily make a cone shape.

Materials:

- tissue paper (10 sheets for large tree and 6-8 for medium tree)

- styrofoam trees or homemade card trees

- lots of gluRead More...

Gift Ideas for Poor Creative Souls (21)

Cathy — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 08:54:42 +0100

BATH FIZZIES

I saw this idea a few times on the Martha Stewart site and I would really like to make these as stocking stuffers this Christmas. It seems like such an easy thing to do and would really take no longer than baking a cake. I have some lovely old jars that I could place these in too which would really make it a lovely gift for someone.

Materials:

Baking soda

The "Great White Shark" in my studio

Edwin Hayes — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 08:29:44 +0100

Generally speaking I am not intimidated by too many things, however I must admit that I have always been very cautious while swimming in the sea. I guess this is simply the result of growing up in South Africa and from time to time seeing the huge sharks which fishermen have landed from the shore and the rocky coastline. Somehow the thought of not being able to see ” what lies beneath” iRead More...

Craft Ideas for Poor Creative Souls (20)

Cathy — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 06:57:37 +0100

Key Fob French Style

Living in France means that I get to find all kinds of lovely old objects. Old keys seem to be everywhere here and I've never really known what to do with them until now. Photocopying them seemed to work well and from this, you can use the image to découpage just about anything.

Materials Needed:

- old bits of wood (the more weathered, the better)

Gift Ideas for Poor Creative Souls (19)

Cathy — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 17:42:41 +0100

Twig Heart

I loved making this. It was super quick and the end result was just lovely. I've made a few of these and given them as gifts which have delighted friends and family. They look lovely hanging from a door or standing on a shelf.

Materials Needed:

* dogwood or hazel twigs

* new shoots

* florist wire
Read More...

Gift Ideas for Poor Creative Souls (18)

Cathy — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 06:25:39 +0100

Felted Christmas Lights

You can do this one in plenty of time for the festivities. It really is not difficult and I think you'll agree, the effect is wonderful. You can color match the felt with your Christmas decoration which will look really stylish.

Materials Needed:

- fairy lights

- olive soap or soap flakes

- wool roving

- towel

- plastic to make a Read More...