Oil Pastels

I first began with a pencil sketch. With simple strokes I started with dark colors and then blended in with lighter colors.  The two pictures I drew below are from a beginners tutorial on YouTube (Paint Academy channel). Here is the link.  ~ JM

Gingerbread Playdough

For Christmas presents for my kids and others, I made a recipe for Gingerbread playdough.  I found this idea on Pinterest.  It smells so good and I attached a cookie cutter so the children could pretend they were making cookies.

Visit to the Museum | Sculptures

My goal this month was to visit more museums. There is a wonderful exhibit at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. called "Power and Pathos".  Click on the link  for more information on the exhibit.  It presents 50 bronze sculptures and related works, dating from the fourth century BC to the first century AD.  I couldn't believe I was walking so close to works of art from thousands of years ago! 

 


This gave me an idea of sculpturing using modeling clay. I made a bird and an Easter Island-like sculpture (it kind of looks like one of the current presidential candidates).  - JM

Around The Home (Christmas Edition)

I used material around my home: 1.) green yarn +  bare wreath = winter wreath; 2.) old wooden sign + acrylic paint with holiday phrase + snowflake stickers = holiday sign;  and 3.)  cards  + pipe cleaner + shiny stickers = Christmas cards.    Happy Holidays! ~ JM

Cinnamon/Vanilla Candle

I made this candle by using a hot glue gun to attach cinnamon sticks all around a vanilla candle.  I tied a pretty ribbon on and added some scrabble letters.  With supplies only from the dollar store and a thrift store...this is a very inexpensive and good smelling gift!

Fall Painting Series

I painted a series of fall theme paintings and sent to my blogging buddy where she made a lovely display in her home!  Materials: small canvas boards and acrylic paint and with the middle picture I used paint, plastic color leaves, and glue dots. ~ JM (picture credit: Nancy)

Peg the penguin

I have found so many fun ideas on Pinterest for things to make with the simple wooden pegs you can buy at craft stores.  I thought this one was the cutest :)  I used only orange and black sharpie markers.