Looking Sharp-ie

Do you get ideas stuck in your head that you just can't shake?
Ideas that make perfect sense....in theory?

Well, I had purchased some iron-on transfer paper a while ago thinking that I would make tote bags with transfers of my art on them....

Turns out the ironing process, the thickness of the canvas and my patience level weren't a good combination for this project.
So, I thought I'd paint the bags instead.....
sort of like this.....

 

Sorry for all the random pen marks on this sketch. 

The concept was to paint different Dia de los Muertos inspired girls and attach a jersey flower pin to the side of her hair that could be removed to wear on other items. 

 

Like this....

 

 

 The other side would have a pocket sewn on in a matching jersey fabric.

 

 

There were several complications to this idea.  First, she took forever to paint!  Acrylic needs to be watered down quite a bit to flow over the toothy canvas, which meant lots and lots of layers to get brighter colors and full coverage.  I didn't want to ask a lot for these bags....and at this rate, they wouldn't be worth the time I was putting in :(

 

 

The second complication occurred after I gently washed the bag to test for durability and shrinkage.  I expected some....but not only did it shrink, it wrinkled very badly!  I have attempted to iron it 3 different times with underwhelming results.  The painting held up well, though....haha!

 

Here's the size difference after washing.

 

 

So I switched gears and decided to use permanent ink instead....it was definitely faster.

Sharpies are very durable and come in all kinds of great colors.

 

 

I would simply recommend spot cleaning these totes, no biggie...

 

 

Unfortunately, I should've tested the "permanent metallic ink" (not Sharpie brand) pens I've been using on my rocks on this fabric.  It seems they bleed when wet...sheesh!

So, no spot cleaning either....haha!

 

Clever fox Loves the Earth :)

 

 

So, I've got some cute totes available in the shop right now....

 

 

They will happily serve you as long as you follow an important rule (remember that 80's movie "Gremlins"?)

Don't get them wet!

.....but feeding after midnight is perfectly acceptable ;P

 

I also did a few more rocks over the weekend.

 

 

It might be time to switch over to familiar territory again...some safe hair clips or zombie plushies or something....haha!

 

What projects have you tried that didn't quite turn out as expected?

 

All my best,

Cam

My Birthday Rocks - a Giveaway!

Hello my most lovely Bloggy Friends!

Spring Break is officially over today for us. Maggie's back at school and I'm trying to get caught up on all the things I've let slide over the past 2 weeks. I have plans this weekend, you see.

My birthday is this Sunday, the 14th....I turn the BIG 4-0!
....and you know what?
I'm really looking forward to it! 

I'm dreaming of sneaking out of the house early whilst my 2 Sweeties still sleep.  I want to go to yoga, get a massage, take myself to a little café for a yummy lunch, then go to Barnes and Noble and peruse all my favorite arty magazines with a coffee in hand and, maybe, treat myself to one (which I never do).
I'll then go home and snuggle with my family on the couch while we watch a movie of my choice....then we'll have a nice meal and go get ice cream afterwards.
That's my plan anyway.

I'll let you know what really happens...haha! ;P

 

 

How do you like these rocks?  They were a little difficult to photograph because they were made with metallic ink pens.  They were oh so fun to make! 

We collected these stones on the beach here in Southern California....naturally tumbled by the sea.

Would you like to win one?

 

I love that I get to celebrate my Birthday with all of you in this awesome art blogging community.  Sharing here over the years has given me so much....I'd like to just offer a little bit in return.

I'm thrilled to give away both of these stones to 2 of you wonderful Friends....plus, I'll throw in some other fun goodies into the package, too :)

 

Please just leave a comment here and I'll pick 2 winners out of a hat on Monday, April 15th. If you have a preference as to which one you'd like if you win, feel free to share!

 

 

Thank you so much for the support, input, inspiration and laughter over the years! :D

Much love to you,

Cam