Paint Anything By Numbers

By: Lilybee Nov 13, 2008

I have a soft spot for paint-by-numbers kits, they are the universal equaliser for kids with dubious artistic ability. These days you're not limited to painting clowns, horsies or kittens (for some reason mine always came out looking slightly evil around the eyes), nope now you can paint ANYTHING by numbers. Easy123Art.com takes your photos and turns them into a paint by numbers kit, complete with paints, paintbrushes, and a reference guide. This is their example

created on: 11/13/08

but I… Continue Reading

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Art and Government

By: Lilybee Nov 12, 2008

Gussying up Parliament buildings in weird ways seems to be a uniquely European pastime, (though I'd love to know if I'm wrong about that). The most recent seat of power to get a funky art treatment is the Flemish Parliament building in Brussels. Artist Arne Quinze has created The Sequence a 80 meter long and 15 meter high sculpture, in Brussels.

created on: 11/12/08

The blurb about it says "The symbolic and physical connection between the neighbors, the Flemish Parliament and the House of Flemish Representatives, reflects a possible connection between all people in Brussels. Cross-culture connections, a connection with Europe, its diversity and entity." Which is nice and all, but… Continue Reading

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Considering Secret Wall Tattoos

By: Diy maven Nov 12, 2008

There are two kinds of wall tattoos. One is the stencil or vinyl sort put on display for public view. The other kind is created by anarchists who challenge prevailing thought. Sounds cool, huh? Whether wall tattoos of the anarchist variety are simple drawings or ornate modern art, they have one thing in common: They’re little seen. In most cases such tattoos can be found behind hotel ‘art work’, mirrors and furniture. The fact that these objects are usually screwed into place makes the job of the anarchist that much more challenging.

… Continue Reading
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How to turn junk mail into art.

By: Diy maven Nov 10, 2008

The triptych pictured above began it's life as junk mail and campaign fliers. The one good thing about this kind of mailbox trash is it’’s colorful, which means for Sarahh over at Re-Nest, it’’s the perfect medium for making art.

What you’ll need:

  • A variety a junk mail fliers–the kind made of heavy cardstock work best.
  • A black Sharpie
  • A scissors
  • Glue (Although Sarahh doesn’t… Continue Reading
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Using Goodwill Materials in Your Handmade Holiday Gifts

By: Modhomeecteacher Nov 09, 2008

 created on: 11/09/08

created on: 11/09/08

There are no hard and fast rules on re-gifting Goodwill treasures or merely using "gently used" materials as building blocks for your handmade, made with love, tremendously creative holiday gifts. Most people aren't tickled to have your  oodwill bargain passed along to them, however, if you've commited to giving HANDMADE this season AND you are the one hand making the… Continue Reading

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How To: Make a Crafty Camera Strap.

By: Chrisjob Nov 06, 2008

That black and yellow Nikon strap that my wife insists must stay attached to our DSLR is the most uninspiring, and perhaps downright embarassing, photo ecoutrement I can imagine.

Now THIS, on the other hand, makes me want to shoot the entire world.

Materials

  • Fabric of your choice
  • Some paper
  • A pen
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine and thread

Simply use your old strap to make a pattern, cut and sew, and slip… Continue Reading

5059 views | Comments (2)

Poladroid: Give Your Photos an Instant Polaroid Effect!

By: Chrisjob Nov 06, 2008

created on: 11/06/08

Last winter, Polaroid announced its plans to stop produce its instant camera film. Bad news indeed, as such an aesthetic has become a mainstay in our contemporary culture, 'specially for those who grew up in the 1980s, as a Polaroid was many of our generation's first camera. Indeed, some have made careers in such a medium.

Thankfully, the digital age, which brought an end to the instant film technology in the first place, has… Continue Reading

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Crayon Sculpture

By: Diy maven Nov 06, 2008

According to her website, artist Diem Chau ‘combines common mediums and common means to create delicate vignettes of fleeting memory, gesture and form, resulting in works that combine egalitarian sensibility and minimalist restraint.’ A more succinct description of her crayon sculpture might be ‘intricate yet simple’. An oxymoron to be sure, but fitting. Ms. Chau does commissioned work, as was the ‘Boy in… Continue Reading

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Chewing Gum Wall

By: Diy maven Oct 31, 2008

Used gum stuck on a wall is just nasty! Except if it’s a huge collection of thoughtfully place bubble gum. Like Gum Wall, Post Alley, Seattle, for example. The practice of sticking used gum on the wall started back in the 90's while patrons waiting in line to buy theater tickets. Attempts were waged to clean up the sticky situation, but to no avail. People kept depositing their spent gum on the wall. It’s now become a… Continue Reading

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DIY PhotoPumpkin Carving Techniques.

By: Chrisjob Oct 21, 2008

I remember the first halloween that 'art' pumpkin carving books became widely available...everyone in my neighborhood carved the same three patterns...witch-on-a-broom profile, three ghosts with boo, or cutesy scarecrow face. So, while they weren't the old triangle-eyes and toothy smiles of yesteryear, the variety was as hollow as the pumpkins themselves.

Certainly, modern books have improved on the patterns, but sometimes, you just… Continue Reading

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Making ordinary things extraordinary.

By: Diy maven Oct 08, 2008

Now showing at the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland, OR, is Manuf®actured: The conspicuous transformation of everyday objects. It's an exhibit of mass-produced objects and materials that artisans have taken apart and re-figured into some extraordinary things. Here is just a taste of what you can see at the on-line show.

Régis Mayot’s dissected plastic jugs:

Livia Marin's sculpted lipsticks:

… Continue Reading

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The $10 Sharpie Room Makeover

By: Chrisjob Oct 07, 2008

created at: 03/28/2013

Twenty years ago, Charlie Kratzer decided he wanted alot of impressionist-style art in his home...so, he figured he was gonna have to make it himself. Ten dollars later (which is what, eight sharpies?)...he's ended up with this:… Continue Reading

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The Butterfly Clock

By: Diy maven Oct 06, 2008

Susanne Philippson's Butterfly Clock comes in four pieces, three of which are butterflies that seem to have sprung from the clock itself. It's available at Generate ($319) in light green as well as white, black and pink. Time could not be told in a more beautiful way.

 

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Make a pressed leaf tray or wall art.

By: Diy maven Sep 25, 2008

When you think of fall, the first thing that probably comes to mind is leaves succumbing to the season. Luscious reds, golds, browns and even aubergines. A great way to bring these gems indoors is to make a pressed leaf tray, which, sans handles, could also be reinterpreted into wall art. The materials you’ll need to make one include:

  • Serving tray or picture frame in desired size
  • One set of handles, if using a picture frame… Continue Reading
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Harness The Incredible Power Of The Sun... To Make Pretty Pictures

By: Lilybee Sep 08, 2008

It contains approximately 98% of the total solar system mass, reaches temperatures of 27,000,000° F. and eventually it's going to gobble up the planet, but not not for a while yet.

In the meantime why not make a sun print? They're delicately pretty and they've got that school science experiment thing going on. Nostalgia-tastic.

Here's what you'll need:

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