Hanging photo frame

I saw a similar frame at a store and thought this would be easy to make.  I used an old frame and mini clothes pins.  Nice and easy to switch out photos too!

Pictures Above the Sofa

What a great time flipping through the catalogs of Crate & Barrel and West Elm.  I tend to look at the decorative wall art above the sofa.  Here is my attempt:


My Version

Crate & Barrel

My Version

West Elm

 -- JM


Outdoor project

I have wanted to find a way of water proofing painted projects for outdoor use.  I made these signs for my kids to use in forts we made in the trees.  I used water proof modge podge, which dried nice and clear after 2 coats.

Fun With Tape

Using tape that does not have a strong adhesive is a wonderful way to create negative space with paint! 

   JM

Pipe cleaner flowers

I was looking for a fun project idea for the kids to make for Mother's day.  I came across some ideas on Pinterest such as this.  Flowers that never die :)

Pointillism Art

I remember this idea from an art theory class I took as an elementary education major student. Pointillism is a technique of painting in which small, distinct dots of pure color are applied in patterns to form an image. Supplies include: watercolor paper, watercolor, and cotton swabs.  Lightly outline with pencil a picture you want to fill in with the dotted colors of your choice.  Below is my sample.  (It's suppose to look like an apple, pear, and orange.)

Another example is A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat

~~ JM

Design Class

My goal for the longest time was to take a design class.  I just started an eight week course called "Understanding the Design Process".  It is basically a beginners class in graphic, web and multimedia design.  I am learning the theory and elements of design along with the type of computer applications that are in popular use, such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign.   These applications are expensive but it is nice to know there are other options, like using the student rate, rent by the month, or download a free 30 day trial.  This way you can practice and explore before investing in such a product.

Below is a logo I made in Adobe InDesign.  I highly recommend the 30 day trial.  Photoshop can be a lot of fun!   www.adobe.com/downloads

~ ~ JM