Sunday, August 07, 2005
Anyone can be an artist
The Artist Inside All Of Us
Rocky Tapscott
I firmly believe that all people are born artists. Everyone canremember how, as children, we all loved drawing,finger-painting, etc. The wonderful thing was, we didn't carewhat others thought of our efforts, we were just having fun!Somehow, as we age, we often lose that creative innocence andexuberance, and in the process, lose a very gratifying part ofour lives. I see people every day that are unhappy and don'tknow why. I believe that if they could "rediscover" a creativeoutlet of some form, it would so enrich their lives that theywould return to it again and again. Often I hear adults say, "Ican't do that! I can't even draw a straight line!". Well, thestraight lines don't matter; it's the curved and crooked onesthat are more interesting!I personally have never had any formal art training. Neither hasmy husband, Kris, or our daughter-in-law, April. We all threejust need a creative outlet to help us stay sane, and now herewe are! When you browse through the Artisan Shops on Ruby Lane,you will see many very talented Artisans with different forms ofartistic _expression. Each and every one of them is exquisitelybeautiful in their own way, and all are uniquely different. Thatis the wonderful thing about art. What you create is a verypersonal part of you, and that carries over to your work. Thereare three of us that contribute to our shop.I started painting fifteen years ago. I had always wanted topaint, had never pursued it, and literally just woke up one dayand said, "Today I start painting!" I did, and two months latersold my first piece. Next thing I knew, I had a custom artworkshop going out of my home, and later, opened a brick and mortarstore that I had for over a year, until my mother became ill, soI went back to painting from home. Kris started out designingbook covers in elementary school for extra money. April startedout scrap-booking about two years ago, and has taken off withher own designs and techniques. I also work in ceramics, clay,and jewelry, and have sold items through wholesalers in Texasand Colorado. All because I decided I wanted to paint! Go ahead,give something a try! "If you can dream it, you can do it"!"An Artist's Dream" http://www.tias.com/stores/anartoffers aAbstract, Fine art, and creative designs using oil, acrylic andmixed media. Visit Laura and Kris at Ice Originals II ~ Collectibles, Jewelry and Artistic Designs,http://www.tias.com/stores/iceorig"An Artist's Dream", and "Ice Originals - Inside out!!!".http://iceoriginals.faithweb.com
About the Author
Laura is the owner of Ice Originals II ~ Collectibles, Jewelry and Artistic Designs . She is a practicing Artist and collector.
Rocky Tapscott
I firmly believe that all people are born artists. Everyone canremember how, as children, we all loved drawing,finger-painting, etc. The wonderful thing was, we didn't carewhat others thought of our efforts, we were just having fun!Somehow, as we age, we often lose that creative innocence andexuberance, and in the process, lose a very gratifying part ofour lives. I see people every day that are unhappy and don'tknow why. I believe that if they could "rediscover" a creativeoutlet of some form, it would so enrich their lives that theywould return to it again and again. Often I hear adults say, "Ican't do that! I can't even draw a straight line!". Well, thestraight lines don't matter; it's the curved and crooked onesthat are more interesting!I personally have never had any formal art training. Neither hasmy husband, Kris, or our daughter-in-law, April. We all threejust need a creative outlet to help us stay sane, and now herewe are! When you browse through the Artisan Shops on Ruby Lane,you will see many very talented Artisans with different forms ofartistic _expression. Each and every one of them is exquisitelybeautiful in their own way, and all are uniquely different. Thatis the wonderful thing about art. What you create is a verypersonal part of you, and that carries over to your work. Thereare three of us that contribute to our shop.I started painting fifteen years ago. I had always wanted topaint, had never pursued it, and literally just woke up one dayand said, "Today I start painting!" I did, and two months latersold my first piece. Next thing I knew, I had a custom artworkshop going out of my home, and later, opened a brick and mortarstore that I had for over a year, until my mother became ill, soI went back to painting from home. Kris started out designingbook covers in elementary school for extra money. April startedout scrap-booking about two years ago, and has taken off withher own designs and techniques. I also work in ceramics, clay,and jewelry, and have sold items through wholesalers in Texasand Colorado. All because I decided I wanted to paint! Go ahead,give something a try! "If you can dream it, you can do it"!"An Artist's Dream" http://www.tias.com/stores/anartoffers aAbstract, Fine art, and creative designs using oil, acrylic andmixed media. Visit Laura and Kris at Ice Originals II ~ Collectibles, Jewelry and Artistic Designs,http://www.tias.com/stores/iceorig"An Artist's Dream", and "Ice Originals - Inside out!!!".http://iceoriginals.faithweb.com
About the Author
Laura is the owner of Ice Originals II ~ Collectibles, Jewelry and Artistic Designs . She is a practicing Artist and collector.
Majolica Pottery Painting
Information about Majolica Pottery
Anita Frogel
Pottery is a creative masterpiece that stands alone in the artistic world. Whether it was molded by your first grader with his own two hands for a school project or was designed by famous potter in Italy, it will be cherished and shine as the work of art it really is. Pottery has been around for centuries and has been used by many cultures for an array of items, from cooking utensils to adorning the home. Today, many people are beginning to appreciate the unique design and exquisite craftsmanship that is found in Italian pottery especially Majolica. Majolica pottery when defined does not express the magnitude of its beauty. The definition is plainly stated as earthenware with a white, tin-opacified, viscous glaze, decorated by applying colorants on the raw glazed surface. The elasticity of the glaze holds back the flow as the glaze melts, which will give the pottery a glossy surface that will hold the line quality of the decoration on the surface. Others refer to this unique and radiant potter as tin-glazed. This wonderful pottery and the way it came to be dates back to the 9th century in Baghdad. From that time forward, Majolica pottery has had its ups and downs. But, throughout history it has held a special honor among many that saw this pottery as a work of art. Each piece has not only been glazed in a unique way, but also has a personality of days gone by. Today, you can purchase Majolica pottery that is created in much the same way as it was during the Renaissance years in Italy and France. This is when the true Majolica pottery was born. Many Italian ceramists and artists began to use this unique type of pottery and glazing to create their wonderful masterpieces. Pottery was transformed from being useful household items into some of the most beautiful items of art. Even today, a potter molds each piece by hand forming, hand turning on a wheel, or slip-molding. Then the design that the potter desires is etched or molded by hand into the clay. After, the piece is complete; it is allowed to dry naturally before firing the first time. Now, comes the glazing, the item is dipped into a fast drying liquid glaze. Then the artist, do their magic and turn this earthenware into a work of art. It is fired once more before the masterpiece is complete.So, if you want to invest in a beautiful piece of artwork that will enhance any room in your home you should look at all the options you have when you purchase Majolica pottery. You will find an array of Majolica pottery from wall hangings, vases, urns, plates, and other unique pieces to adorn your home with stunning art. You may use these wonderful pieces of artwork to adorn your dinner table and every one of your guests will wonder where you found such unique plates to serve for fabulous meal. Just remember that Majolica pottery is softer than china and can not be used in the oven or microwave. You can clean your Majolica pottery in a dishwasher but I would not personally do so. They can chip if they hit one another and then your precious artwork would be lost. Majolica pottery is one of those treasured items that your daughter just hopes will be placed in her hope chest or that she will one day serve her family your recipes. Your wonderful dinnerware now has become a family heirloom that will be cherished for many years to come. So, not only is this pottery useable, but will have long lasting memories for guests and family members that enjoyed many meals together at your table and during special occasions.
About the Author
Johann Erickson is a contributing writer for sites such as Helpful Home Ideas
Anita Frogel
Pottery is a creative masterpiece that stands alone in the artistic world. Whether it was molded by your first grader with his own two hands for a school project or was designed by famous potter in Italy, it will be cherished and shine as the work of art it really is. Pottery has been around for centuries and has been used by many cultures for an array of items, from cooking utensils to adorning the home. Today, many people are beginning to appreciate the unique design and exquisite craftsmanship that is found in Italian pottery especially Majolica. Majolica pottery when defined does not express the magnitude of its beauty. The definition is plainly stated as earthenware with a white, tin-opacified, viscous glaze, decorated by applying colorants on the raw glazed surface. The elasticity of the glaze holds back the flow as the glaze melts, which will give the pottery a glossy surface that will hold the line quality of the decoration on the surface. Others refer to this unique and radiant potter as tin-glazed. This wonderful pottery and the way it came to be dates back to the 9th century in Baghdad. From that time forward, Majolica pottery has had its ups and downs. But, throughout history it has held a special honor among many that saw this pottery as a work of art. Each piece has not only been glazed in a unique way, but also has a personality of days gone by. Today, you can purchase Majolica pottery that is created in much the same way as it was during the Renaissance years in Italy and France. This is when the true Majolica pottery was born. Many Italian ceramists and artists began to use this unique type of pottery and glazing to create their wonderful masterpieces. Pottery was transformed from being useful household items into some of the most beautiful items of art. Even today, a potter molds each piece by hand forming, hand turning on a wheel, or slip-molding. Then the design that the potter desires is etched or molded by hand into the clay. After, the piece is complete; it is allowed to dry naturally before firing the first time. Now, comes the glazing, the item is dipped into a fast drying liquid glaze. Then the artist, do their magic and turn this earthenware into a work of art. It is fired once more before the masterpiece is complete.So, if you want to invest in a beautiful piece of artwork that will enhance any room in your home you should look at all the options you have when you purchase Majolica pottery. You will find an array of Majolica pottery from wall hangings, vases, urns, plates, and other unique pieces to adorn your home with stunning art. You may use these wonderful pieces of artwork to adorn your dinner table and every one of your guests will wonder where you found such unique plates to serve for fabulous meal. Just remember that Majolica pottery is softer than china and can not be used in the oven or microwave. You can clean your Majolica pottery in a dishwasher but I would not personally do so. They can chip if they hit one another and then your precious artwork would be lost. Majolica pottery is one of those treasured items that your daughter just hopes will be placed in her hope chest or that she will one day serve her family your recipes. Your wonderful dinnerware now has become a family heirloom that will be cherished for many years to come. So, not only is this pottery useable, but will have long lasting memories for guests and family members that enjoyed many meals together at your table and during special occasions.
About the Author
Johann Erickson is a contributing writer for sites such as Helpful Home Ideas
Saturday, March 26, 2005
We Now Have Updated the Website
Creative Arts Studios Update
Have fun Painting your own pottery
The Creative Arts Studio offers affordable, alternative entertainment. Our bright and cheerful studios are the perfect place to celebrate any special occasion from birthday parties to bridal showers. It’s also a great place to bring a date, or just spend some quiet time creating a unique work of art for the home or to give as a personalized gift.
Don’t worry if you consider yourself “artistically challenged.” We offer expert instruction and have tons of ideas and design tools to assist you on your creative adventure. No experience is necessary, and we welcome all ages. Classes and workshops are offered. All of our paints are lead-free and non-toxic.
The Creative Arts Studios will have a retail area in the front of the store where customers may purchase original artworks, accessories, and art kits to go.
Put a little art in your life!
See the updates here http://creativeartsstudios.com/
paint your own pottery
mosaics
jewelry making beading
Royal Oak MI
detroit MI
Have fun Painting your own pottery
The Creative Arts Studio offers affordable, alternative entertainment. Our bright and cheerful studios are the perfect place to celebrate any special occasion from birthday parties to bridal showers. It’s also a great place to bring a date, or just spend some quiet time creating a unique work of art for the home or to give as a personalized gift.
Don’t worry if you consider yourself “artistically challenged.” We offer expert instruction and have tons of ideas and design tools to assist you on your creative adventure. No experience is necessary, and we welcome all ages. Classes and workshops are offered. All of our paints are lead-free and non-toxic.
The Creative Arts Studios will have a retail area in the front of the store where customers may purchase original artworks, accessories, and art kits to go.
Put a little art in your life!
See the updates here http://creativeartsstudios.com/
paint your own pottery
mosaics
jewelry making beading
Royal Oak MI
detroit MI
Monday, January 24, 2005
Paint your own pottery
Paint your own pottery: "Pottery and Ceramics
There are many discussions about the definitions of pottery, porcelain, earthenware, ceramics and china. For those of you who wish to understand the process of production or manufacture and the materials, we have defined the basics and provided the resources to get you started or help you develop new techniques or ideas for your craft.
"
There are many discussions about the definitions of pottery, porcelain, earthenware, ceramics and china. For those of you who wish to understand the process of production or manufacture and the materials, we have defined the basics and provided the resources to get you started or help you develop new techniques or ideas for your craft.
"
Compliments of www.CreativeArtsStudios.com
Painting Ideas
Express yourself through color and design. Enliven your surroundings by creating the perfect accent piece to complement a room. Coordinate kitchen and bath accessories such as tiles for the splashbacks, fruit bowls, coffee mugs, soap dispensers, etc. Paint a special set of dishes for the holidays for yourself or to give as a personalized gift. Paint items for decorations for any occasion or to enhance a room to reflect your personal style and taste.
Since items are fashionable as well as functional, children, as well as adults, will have a sense of accomplishment. Turn ordinary items into extraordinary works of art. Options are endless, limited only by your imagination.
There is no right or wrong way when painting. It’s an expression of yourself and your ideas. Build your confidence by practicing on smaller ceramic pieces. Soon you’ll find that your own painted pieces are more beautiful and much less expensive than store bought items; moreover, they will be more special to you.
Find sources of inspiration in wallpaper, wrapping paper, fabrics, and nature. Look at leaves, flowers, berries, vegetables, shells, animals, fish, etc.
Painting Events
Birthday parties, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Graduation parties, Bachelorette parties, Corporate outings/team building activities, Office parties, Family Gatherings, Friend’s night out, Girl’s night out, Women’s luncheons, School field trips, Christmas ornament painting parties, and Scout Troop gatherings.
Tips for painting with our special paints available on our online shop
Our special paints can be “fired” or baked in a domestic oven. The paints are non-toxic and conform to ASTM D4236. However, they should not be used on surfaces that will come into direct contact with food. Therefore, it’s important to paint the surfaces which will not come into contact with food, such as the outside of the item. It is also important to leave a 1” space below the edge of drinking cups.
Correcting mistakes
If a piece is freshly painted, simply wipe away the mistake. If the paint is already dry, it will be much more difficult to remove. Paint can be scratched off carefully with a razor blade.
Once you receive your order, clean the surfaces you will be painting with vinegar for the best results. Do not mix or thin the paints with water. Once you’re done painting, you can bake the ceramic pieces in your oven or you can let them dry by themselves.
Baking ceramic pieces in oven
The paints we provide on our online shop are special paints which can be baked in any domestic oven. For best results, let the pieces dry 24 hours after painting them. Next, bake the pieces in your oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 1/2 hour. Your items should be dishwasher safe; however, we recommend handwashing all pieces to make them last longer.
Air drying ceramic pieces
Let the ceramic pieces dry for 7 days. They will not be dishwasher safe. Also, do not soak the ceramic pieces in water.
Paint your pottery studio painting tips
In our paint your own pottery studio, you will paint with underglaze paints. After painting, we will glaze your ceramic pieces and then fire (bake) them in a kiln at extremely high temperatures.
Correcting Mistakes
If the paint is a lighter color, you may use a damp, clean sponge and then wipe off the mistake. However, darker colors may show shadows. If the mistake is very small, you can wait until the paint is completely dry and erase it with a pencil eraser.
Decide on the type of ceramic piece you will paint. Next, decide on the design you will paint on the piece. Wipe your pottery piece down with a damp sponge to remove any dust. Use a number two pencil to trace or draw designs on to your piece. The number two pencil marks will burn off in the kiln when we fire it. Lastly, begin painting.
Painting Tips and Techniques
Preparation
Wash your hands. Dirt, lotions or oils may prevent the paint from properly bonding to the painting surface.
Stencils
To avoid paint from bleeding underneath stencils, do not use with a paintbrush. Instead, trace the stencil design with a pencil, then paint inside the traced design. Or use a sponge lightly dipped in paint and lightly pat color onto stencil.
Stamps and sponges
Use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat of paint to the stamp or sponge. Or you can dip the sponge or stamp directly into the paint, and then blot one time on a paper towel before applying the sponge or stamp on to the pottery.
Transfer pattern
Trace Pattern onto transparent tracing paper. Tape pattern to your ceramic piece. Next, place Red Saral Graphite Paper under traced pattern. Lastly, trace over the design with your stylus.
Painting
Use a brush smaller than what you think you need for greater control. Remember, the brush gets bigger when it is loaded with paint.
To minimize appearance of brushstrokes, apply two-three generous coats of paint. (Let paint dry in between application of coats.) Again, to avoid the appearance of brushstrokes, do not water the paint down.
The first coat creates a transparent/watercolor look. Two-three coats create an opaque finish (allow the paint to dry between each coat). More than 3 coats may cause problems!
Paint in the same direction. (N-S and S-N, not N-S and E-W)
Begin painting with the lightest colors and work towards the darker colors. Save black for the end. Paint dark colors on a light background, but don’t paint light colors on a dark background.
Brush care
Don’t let brushes stand in water. Rinse all of the paint off of brushes. Clean brushes with a mild detergent. Reshape bristles and air-dry standing up.
Materials:
Brushes
#0 or #1 Liner Brush
#1, #6, #8, or #12 Flat Brush
#3, #4, #6, or #8 Round Brush
#4 Angle Brush
#2 Round Scrubber
#4 Angle Brush
Long Detail Brushes
Large Round # 7 Brush
Painting palette
Water container
Paper towels
Transfer paper
Tracing paper
Pencil
Scissors
Transparent tape
Stylus
Stencils
Stamps
Sponges
Have Fun! For more info visit www.CreativeArtsStudios.com
Monday, January 10, 2005
IE Bugs Now 'Extremely Critical' Don't Use Internet Explorer
IE Bugs Now 'Extremely Critical' Jan. 10, 2005
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE
Stop using Internet Explorer now!
Download FireFox here as a secure free browser!
http://www.spreadfirefox.com/?q=user/register&r=52689
An unpatched, months-old vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Explorer is now even more dangerous, security firms warn.
By Gregg Keizer
TechWeb News
An unpatched, months-old vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Explorer is now even more dangerous, security firms reported Monday.
Danish security vendor Secunia warned that new exploits of an earlier series of vulnerabilities in IE now let hackers compromise Windows computers without any more work than enticing users to malicious Web sites.
In August and then again in October 2004, Secunia broadcast warnings of similar threats to IE, but at the latter date posted proof-of-concept code which required the user to actually drag and drop a file within the browser to be at risk. The exploits now in the wild, said Secunia and the SAN Institute's Internet Storm Center, are automated and require no user action except visiting a hacker-constructed site.
In response, Secunia upped its assessment of the vulnerability to "extremely critical,' its most dire warning.
The three vulnerabilities noted by Secunia affect Internet Explorer 6.x, including the version bundled with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the massive update from last October which was touted by Microsoft as a major security upgrade.
SAN Institute's Internet Storm Center confirmed the vulnerabilities, which "will allow remote code execution on a victim's system just by visiting the [malicious] site."
The Center said it had received e-mail with a link to such a site -- users would still have to be drawn to the site -- and noted that "as of now, there is no patch available."
Secunia has posted an online test that users can run to determine if their browser is vulnerable.
Until a patch is available, IE users should consider switching browsers, said Secunia, or disabling the "Drag and Drop or copy and paste files option in Internet Explorer. Microsoft has posted a document on its support site that explains the process.
Stop using Internet Explorer now!
Download FireFox here as a secure free browser!
http://www.spreadfirefox.com/?q=user/register&r=52689
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=57700320
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE
Stop using Internet Explorer now!
Download FireFox here as a secure free browser!
http://www.spreadfirefox.com/?q=user/register&r=52689
An unpatched, months-old vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Explorer is now even more dangerous, security firms warn.
By Gregg Keizer
TechWeb News
An unpatched, months-old vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Explorer is now even more dangerous, security firms reported Monday.
Danish security vendor Secunia warned that new exploits of an earlier series of vulnerabilities in IE now let hackers compromise Windows computers without any more work than enticing users to malicious Web sites.
In August and then again in October 2004, Secunia broadcast warnings of similar threats to IE, but at the latter date posted proof-of-concept code which required the user to actually drag and drop a file within the browser to be at risk. The exploits now in the wild, said Secunia and the SAN Institute's Internet Storm Center, are automated and require no user action except visiting a hacker-constructed site.
In response, Secunia upped its assessment of the vulnerability to "extremely critical,' its most dire warning.
The three vulnerabilities noted by Secunia affect Internet Explorer 6.x, including the version bundled with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the massive update from last October which was touted by Microsoft as a major security upgrade.
SAN Institute's Internet Storm Center confirmed the vulnerabilities, which "will allow remote code execution on a victim's system just by visiting the [malicious] site."
The Center said it had received e-mail with a link to such a site -- users would still have to be drawn to the site -- and noted that "as of now, there is no patch available."
Secunia has posted an online test that users can run to determine if their browser is vulnerable.
Until a patch is available, IE users should consider switching browsers, said Secunia, or disabling the "Drag and Drop or copy and paste files option in Internet Explorer. Microsoft has posted a document on its support site that explains the process.
Stop using Internet Explorer now!
Download FireFox here as a secure free browser!
http://www.spreadfirefox.com/?q=user/register&r=52689
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=57700320
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Happy 2005 New Year Everybody!
Happy 2005 New Year Everybody!
I am using a neww posting tool!
Happy Blogging for the New Year!
I am using a neww posting tool!
Friday, December 03, 2004
Nicole's Ceramics - Sonoma
Friday, November 19, 2004
Lady Bug
