Gift Tags

Check out the Sketchables for two free sets of printable gift tags.

Humble Holidays

I had to take a break to finish my jewelry book along with making more time for my family.  I know as working moms we wish we could do it all, but sometimes things have to put aside while we take care of people.  People first, things second. 

Tomorrow I will share a set of free gift tags for folks to download on the Sketchables.  In fact, there will be a whole week of free gift tags from our group!  Can't wait to see them.

I thought I'd share some gift ideas with you from my Etsy shop.  I have this whole earthy, woodland vibe going on this year:

I have a few hand-pulled prints, these are originals that are hand-colored, signed and dated.

An etched copper ornament made with a print I designed.  This is my last one.

I have a series of beads that are created much like my prints, using little molds based on drawings that I made.  This is an evergreen design with beads on a gunmetal brass chain.

Ah, who doesn't like cute?  This is a sweet little stocking stuffer or would make a good gift for those hard to please teens.  I know a few on my list are getting these.

We all love books, right?  I created a series of Book Club Pendants using tiny handmade ceramic beads from another artist.  They are paired with charms and other beads.  This one is Wind in the Willows. 

And finally earrings - we all love them and work so nicely as gifts because one size fits all!   I have these modern candy cane designs paired with sterling silver wire.

Okay, now the skinny - use discount code Humblearts for 20% off your purchase.  I also have free gift wrapping and free 1st class shipping.  Sale will end Saturday, December 11th. 

Humblebeads Etsy Shop

Autumn Sketch

Hope you are enjoying some fall fun - pretty soon it will be time to carve pumpkins and enjoy caramel apples!  I have been shopping at local craft shows - that always puts me a fall mood since we don't have the change in seasons here in Texas. 

Black Bear

I was thinking of using this little guy has my new banner, but I'm leaning towards doing this one as a print. I think the graphic quality of the block print would lend itself nicely to the play of pattern. 

The Start of Story

A quick little bit of research on Amazon yielded over 2000 books for kids about bears and 800 about squirrels.  Here is a list of some of my favorites.  So what happens when you want to write a book about a topic that has already been done 2000 times?  You get right to the heart of the story and find something unique and universal told in the relationship of your characters.  Easy as pie.  Ha.  Oh muse hurry along...

More Watercolor Experiments

Practice will eventually make perfect, right? This was an experiment using ink outlines with watercolor. I think I like my lines with the brush more. Hard to say which ones of these I like the best, probably the last one. I like different parts from each one - hmm should I paint it one more time? Which one do you like the best?

Creating Without an Undo Button

I've been finding my way with the watercolors, looking to add another technique to my portfolio.  Watercolor is such a challenge and I find that even with printmaking I had an 'undo' that I miss when doing watercolor. 

You see, I never print just one print - I'll print 3-5 at a time and play with the colors like a coloring book.  With a block print, I create a proof - if something isn't right I can carve a little out or use tiny 'rubber stamps' to fill in things that may have been carved away or to add texture or another object.  With watercolor there is a point of no return and it can be hard to see a painting ruined by my over zealousness!

Here was my first attempt with this painting.  Can we say dingy?  Oh, I can almost hear my paint brush saying, 'Stop - you are overdoing it.  There goes the freshness.  Yep - Houston we have mud."  But it's okay, the first ones I like to call a color study and then I see where I needed to lighten up and relax.  It's a fun learning process and I do have to admit I love the immediate results of watercolor.  Just some days I do envy those who have that undo button a click away.