pages

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Black Art Journal Page

A black art journal page is something I've been wanting to do for a long time. Creating an art journal page with a black background can be counter intuitive at best or completely stupid at worst. After all black is a depressing color, there is not a lot you can add to it and it's not a really good choice for a background color. well..that's what I told myself for a long time but then I decided to challenge myself and do it!



I painted a spread in my art journal using the amazing Dylusions black paint. It only took a small amount of the paint to cover the entire spread and it dried really quickly. I wanted to keep it simple so I decided to doodle on the black background with a white Sharpie pen.


I chose a happy pattern of fields and funny houses and unlike myself I added journaling and not just a quote. Talk about challenging... Doodling with the Sharpie was so fun and relaxing I just kept going and going, adding more and more details. I had to stop at one point when I remembered this is supposed to be a short video tutorial :)



I really recommend trying this. A lot of you emailed me that I make doodling look so easy but it's actually is easy! You just start with something small and then add something else and you keep going until you cover the page. The striking effect you get is because of all the little shapes coming together and not fancy painting! And the most important thing to remember is that art journaling is not about being pretty it's about creating an art journal page that speaks to you!

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!

Friday, January 29, 2016

Saturday Mixtravaganza VIP Room

Remember that I promised you something new and exciting? Well...it's here!

Saturday Mixtravaganza VIP Room

You are already familiar with my YouTube weekly video tutorial every Saturday right? Saturday Mixtravaganza VIP Room is the upgraded, improved and exclusive version!

If you love the weekly step by step video tutorial
If you enjoy the versatility of project ideas
If you find the tips and inspiration usefull
If you like the easy directions and supplies used
If you wait for a new video every Saturday

Step into the VIP Room and get EVEN MORE!!

* Two workshop level, intensive video tutorials every month
    
* New product review and recommendation
    
* Private blog with creative tips and artistic techniques
    
* Exclusive kits and special offers
    
* Members-only contests and giveaways
    
* Guest designers tutorials
   
* Access to downloads and project templates

The VIP Room will be open only to members that will have their own user name and password. This new club will be exclusive in members and content. MORE techniques, MORE tips and ideas, MORE learning opportunities, MORE giveaways and special deals and MORE inspiration!

I have been sharing my crafts, ideas and projects with you for a long time and I feel really blessed I have been able to do this for free. However in order for me to continue to share my passion with you I need to generate a little income so I can attract the best sponsors, guest teachers and offer the best content, giveaways and products for you! The VIP Room will be a monthly subscription of ONLY $5 a month! A fair and affordable amount I think and I hope you'll agree with me and join!


Register by March 1st and get a downloadable coloring book kit!

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Frame Pin Cushion with Ann Butler Faux Quilting Stamps

What I love about Ann Butler's Faux Quilting stamps is that they work great on fabric as they do on paper. All you need is to use your heat tool to dry and set them. I'm not a sewer but I wanted to try creating a project with fabric so I'll be able to share their versatility.



I started with arranging 1" faux quilting stamps on my block and stamped a piece of cheesecloth. I used Ann Butler's Crafter's Ink by Clearsnap to stamp the fabric. I applied the ink randomly on the stamps so I'll get a blending colors effect.
After the ink was dry I cut a few pieces of filler to fit a small frame that I wanted to use. I placed the fabric with the pattern face down and pushed the filler through the frame, creating a raised cushion.



I added a few buttons and pins to finish the project. Now I will have a decent place for my pins, not that I have so many, but at least I won't have to stick them in the eraser...

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!

Friday, January 22, 2016

Organize Your Photos in 2016!

In the digital age we don't think twice before taking a photo so we end up with too many photos in our computer. The worse thing is that we just dump them there if we have the time but mostly they're on our phones. I don't know about you but I need my photos to be in an album if I want to look at them or enjoy them. Looking through them on the computer is just not the same...
So I decided enough is enough! I'm going to organize all my photos and start creating albums. Some digital and some traditional.


Organizing your printed photos is a completely different story that we'll address in another blog post. I thought I'd start from my digital photos, because there SO many of them.

Here's how I do it...

1. Gather all the photos in one place. Download the photos from all your phones, ipads etc to one folder. Move all the photos from your computer to that same folder. I have three drives on my computer and they all had photos in them... Name the folder: Family Photos.

2. Open a folder for each year. I went as far as the first photo and created a folder for each year, all inside the Family Photos folder.

3. Start grouping photos to events, people, trips etc. Go through the photos and create a folder for each "subject. For example: Jack's 8th birthday, day at the beach, riding a horse, visiting grandma...

4. Purge. Since we take photos almost without thinking we have many photos which are very similar, or not as good. You really don't need to keep all of them. Pick the beautiful photos that together tell the entire story.

5. Move. Once you have folders for all the "subjects" ready move them to the relevant year folder.

6. Repeat this process with all the new photos you'll take and you'll have an organized family's photos library!

7. I even have a folder for the photos that I have already pit in an album. This folder is also organized in yearly folders. After I create a page or a mini album for a certain event I take the folder and move it to DONE folder.

This is my system and it works for me. You might want to do it differently. Maybe organized the photos in theme folders like birthdays, vacations, holidays and in each folder organize the photos in yearly folders. The important thing is to find a system and organize your photos because otherwise you'll be drowning in photos if you don't!

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Maximize Your Supplies: How to Create a Star Mini Album from Three 8.5"x11" Papers?

When I go through my stash I sometimes find the most amazing things. When I started scrapbooking there was NOTHING here. No 12x12 papers, no embellishments and I had to create scrapbooks and mini albums from  8.5"x11" patterned papers, and there weren't many of those too. I found some of my old papers and decided to use them for a really cool and fast project: a Star Mini Album.






1. Fold the paper in half. Fold each side into half again. Open and fold in half in the other direction.








2. Cut the paper only on the center spreading on two of the horizontal squares.








3. Fold in half and the paper will open up on its own.









4. Close the paper to a + shape and glue the sides together. You can glue only the sides and create pockets.








5. Fold all the flaps to one direction to create a mini album.








6. Create two more mini albums. arrange them back to back and glue together. You can leave it as a closed mini album or present it in its open star shape!





This is a great idea for a kids craft in school or on a cold winter weekend. They can make it with or for their frinds. You can make it as little gifts or even use it as a brag book. The possibilities are endless! I was really happy I could use something old that I thought would be thrown away...

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Steampunk Hot-Air Balloon

The steampunk queen strikes again! FYI I didn't give myself this title...you did, or at least some of you Lol! I sure love steampunk and I'm happy to share with you another project. This one looks difficult but it's much easier than you think! It's because of all the tricks I'm using here to create faux metal and keep everything light weight.


I started with a plastic ball I got at the craft store, you can use an ornament or even a glass ball, although you will need to be a little bit more carefull with that. I covered the ball with pieces of gold Duck Tape and then painted it with black acrylic paint. I waited for about half a minute and then wiped the paint with a paper towel, creating a really pretty effect of blackened metal.

I added faux leather stripes with faux rivets and steampunk embellishments, including a propeller. I used an old cardboard box as the basket. I covered it with paper and embellished it a little. Remember you don't want the hot-air balloon to be too heavy so don't add a lot of metal pieces. Then I added four chains to the four corners of the basket and attached them to a wire ring I created to go around the balloon.



This was such a fun project. I love it so much I want to try to create an old zeppelin like they had in the 1940's. This might be slightly more difficult because it has an elliptic shape. I may use styrofoam shape or create it from newspapers and glue...I'll have to figure it out.

Since I've uploaded the video tutorial in advance and scheduled it (I'm at CHA, remember?)  I can't embed it here. So if you want to see the full video tutorial, it's on my YouTube channel.

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!

Friday, January 15, 2016

How to Step Out of Your Creative Comfort Zone?

"Never despise small beginnings, and don't belittle your own accomplishments. Remember them and use them as inspiration as you go on to the next thing. When you venture outside your comfort zone, wherever the starting point may be, it's kind of a big deal." ~ Chris Guillebeau


You've seen inspirational quotes that encourage you to get out and do something  new, something you wouldn't normally do. But getting out of your routine just takes so much work. There's actually a scientific explanation to why it's so hard to break out of your comfort zone, and why it's good for you when you do it.

Our comfort zone is a behavioral space where our activities and behaviors fit a routine and pattern that minimizes stress and risk. It provides a state of mental security. We benefit in obvious ways: regular happiness, low anxiety, and reduced stress. Our comfort zone is neither a good or bad thing. It's a natural state that most people trend towards. Leaving it means increased risk and anxiety, which can have positive and negative results. Don't think your comfort zone is something that's holding you back. We all need that place where we're least anxious and stressed so we can process the benefits we get when we leave it.


What do you really get when you're willing to step outside of your comfort zone?

* You'll be more productive: comfort kills productivity because without the sense of unease that comes from having deadlines and expectations, we tend to do the minimum required to get by. We lose the drive and ambition to do more and learn new things.

* You'll have an easier time dealing with new things. By taking risks in a controlled fashion and challenging yourself to things you normally wouldn't do, you can experience some of the uncertainty in a controlled, manageable environment, which will help you try new things.

* You'll find it easier to push your boundaries in the future. Once you start stepping out of your comfort zone, it gets easier over time.

So how do we do it?

Here are some ways to break out or expand your comfort zone without going too far:

* Do things differently: if you art journal with a pen try a marker, or if you create scrapbook pages with one photo try two or three. Make small changes that will be different but not outside your comfort zone.


* Do it in small steps: Don't start an entire 12x12 full scrapbook if you only did three 6x6 pages and don't buy 30 sprays if you haven't tried spraying even once. First identify your fear, what is the thing you want to try but afraid to and then face it step by step.


Break that something new into small bits. For example instead of creating a mixed media art journal page, start by stenciling on a piece of scrap paper. Practice it a few times and when you get comfortable with that add another step like using spray and/ or paint. Each time you feel comfortable with a step add another this way you'll stretch your comfort zone and before you know it art journaling will be inside the "zone" and not outside.


* Connect with people that inspire you. Join a group on FB or a class to get confidence and share
your journey with people like you.

From a personal point of view I can say breaking or stretching my comfort zone was not easy. When I started mixed media for example I had no idea what to do or how. I started looking at what other artists do, what supplies they use and what techniques and I started experimenting. I tried a different technique or material every time until I was comfortable enough to start creating full mixed media projects. And when I was comfortable with that I started sharing my projects.

Have you ever stepped outside of your comfort zone? Share in the comments how...

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!


Tuesday, January 12, 2016

4 Steps to Create a Vision Board

This is that time of year that I'm setting goals for the year ahead. I know I should do it earlier but better late than never right? Anyway...I'm very good at setting goals but not so good at actually making them happen. So this year I decided to create a vision board. A vision board is a visual representation of whatever goals, ideas, inspiration you have and for me it's easier to see my goals visually rather than just written on paper. It’s hard to run and hide from your goals and ignore what you really want when there’s such a strong visual reminder staring you in the face!


Since a vision board is a personal thing I will not share mine (plus it's not ready yet) but I will share everything else you need to know about it!

Step 1: Set your goals
Your vision board can represent the dreams for your future life, or it may focus on just one area. Understand what you want to achieve and highlight the specifics. Be selective as you begin to craft your vision, avoiding clutter and chaos by moving forward with a sense of clarity.

Step 2: Collect your supplies

To create a vision board, first gather up a few supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

First decide where you will hang your vision board, and then get a board sized to fit that area. You can use a bulletin board, old frame, poster or any other surface you can cover and then hang on a wall.


Then comes the fun part...images of your vision, goals and dreams. With your goals and dreams in mind, look through magazines and catalogs, looking for pictures, photographs and even words, that visually describe your hearts’ desires. If you can’t find the words you’re looking for, create some using your computer or handwrite it on paper. You can also use things like bumper stickers, fabric swatches and business cards. Your visuals don’t have to be direct representations of your goals. As long as you know why an item is there and what it represents to you, it will work!

Step 3: Hang it up
Hang it somewhere you'll be able to see it daily so it'll be a reminder of your dreams and goals!

Step 4: Let it evolve over time

As you complete a goal, remove the image. You can put it on a victory board or scrapbook. As you find new goals or new images that represent existing goals and visions, add them to your vision board. If you use a pin-board for your vision board it'll be really easy to change, move and edit images as you’re inspired to do so.


Most of all, take time to look at your board as much as possible, and really envision yourself living the beautiful life displayed there! Feel good about where you’re heading and you’ll get there faster than you think.

Have you created your vision board? Share your experience in the comments.

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Faux Wood Fairy House

I've been wanting to do this for awhile...build a fairy house that'll look like a real (as much as a fantasy can be real) forest fairytale hideaway. With a mossy roof and little door and windows. Finally I did it! This fairy house is part of my Designer Showcase presentation in the CHA Mega show 2016
(which I'm at right now!). It was so fun to make I thought I'd share it with you...


I started with an empty plastic flowerpot. To give it a faux wood effect you need to create all the ridges in the trunk. The way to do that is with a wet paper towel. Glue the paper towel on the flowerpot while sculpting it a little. After it's dry paint it with a few brown shades. I had only one brown paint so I added black and white to create more colors.


I created the roof from pieces of corrugated cardboard I painted first. I cut small triangles and squares and made them uneven. Then I created a little cone (like a witch's hat on Halloween) and covered it with the cardboard pieces. Before adding a little moss in between the gaps I sprayed the roof with some spray inks.


Finally I added the windows and door and the house was reay! I knew the house was good when my mom said she feels like playing with some dolls and the house Lol!

Since I've uploaded the video tutorial in advance and scheduled it (I'm at CHA, remember?)  I can't embed it here. So if you want to see the full video tutorial, it's on my YouTube channel.

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!

Friday, January 8, 2016

5-Minute Craft: Gift Bag

My niece's birthday is coming up soon and she's an amazing girl! So I got her a little gift which is very nicely wrapped but I want to give it to her in a really cool girly bag. Instead of buying one I'll show you how to create a gift bag in only 5 minutes!


You don't need any fancy scoring board for gift bags, you only need a paper and a box or a book. Match the size of box/book to the size of your gift and then you'll be sure it'll fit. If a 12x12 paper is too small then use a larger patterned paper or a kraft paper that you can embellish later.

Since this is a scheduled post (because I'm at CHA) I can't embed the video here...so check it out on my YouTube channel :)

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!


Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Year of Inspiration: 52 Art Journal Ideas

A new year is here and this is a great time to start new things! If you wanted to start art journaling but have been putting it off or making excuses...this is the time to start. If you are an art journal veteran then a new year is perfect for starting a new journal. No matter where you are in regards to your art journaling here are 52 ideas to fill your entire year with inspiration!


These ideas are meant to jumpstart your creativity, give you an idea on what to create a page about. You can use any material, medium or technique you like or take a chance and experiment with new thing.

1. It's all about me: things you like, or don't like.
2. Small things that make you happy.
3.What are you thankful for.
4. Your favorite quote right now.
5. What are you scared of.
6. Someone who inspires you.
7. The place you live in.
8. Your favorite childhood memory.
9. The best thing that happened to you this week.
10. Something you want to change about yourself.
11. Your favorite season.
12. Happiness is...
13. One thing you want to learn.
14. Something you could do right now to get you closer to where you want to be in life.
15. Someone you love.
16. Your favorite song.
17. I wish I was...
18. A word that actually describes your life or a word you wish described your life.
19. What you like the most about your art.
20. A challenge you've overcome.
21. What do you love about yourself.
22. Your favorite bible verse.
23. The last time you broke the rules.
24. Something to let go of.
25. What was the last new thing you tried.
26. The worst idea you've had.
27. Your bucket list.
28. The one dream you have that you just can't stop thinking about.
29. Write a letter to your younger self.
30. What do you say only to yourself.
31. What cheers you up.
32. The happiest moment in your week so far.
33. I feel...
34. The last bad day you had.
35. What is holding you back.
36. Your dream vacation.
37. What are you most proud of.
38. One thing you want to improve in yourself.
39. The best decision you ever made.
40. I need to tell myself that...
41. A list of your favorite books and why you love them.
42. Your bad habits.
43. Something you're really good at.
44. The hardest thing you ever did.
45. What do you miss the most.
46. Something you're stressed about.
47. Favorite color.
48. Words you can't say.
49. What I'm angry about.
50. Favorite shape.
51. I'm currently thinking/wanting/doing...
52. My goal for this/next year.

If that won't get you started I'll personally come to your house to put some sense into your head...

Please share your art journal ideas in the comments. I'm sure there so many I haven't thought about.

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Mixed Media Canvas: Wall of Inspiration OPEN

It has been a while since I created a canvas for my wall of inspiration. In case you missed it the wall of inspiration is a wall in my craft studio that I'm filling with little canvases of inspiration. Each canvas has a word or a quote to encourage, uplift and remind me that life is beautiful! Today's word is OPEN...open your mind, your eyes, your ears, open your heart. Open the door to the beauty of the world, to its possibilities and wonder!


I created the background with tissue paper and Gelatos. I kept the colors bright and happy. Then I created the letters. I used a blank white paper and added the same colors as the background. Then I cut the four letters and added zentangle patterns on them. I didn't plan the patterns ahead I just played with my pen and I was happy with whatever came out of it. The idea about this type of doodling is not to think too much...just doodle!



I glued the letters to the canvas and shaded them a little with Artist's Big Brush Pens. I also colored inside the letters, but just a little to add vibrant colors to compliment the background colors on the paper and the canvas.


Have you ever doodled? Are you planning to try? Please leave a comment telling me about it!

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!

Friday, January 1, 2016

The Grand Special December Daily Holiday Game - The WINNER

This was such a fun game! I like these games because it gives me a chance to get to know you better and then you become more than just a name on my Facebook page. Then I can really say you're my friend...


So many of you joined in the fun, tagged and shared the game and got more entries. I composed all your names with the extra entries to a very long list from 1 to 120. Then I ran it through the random Number generator.


Ok...I won't stall...roll drums please...Number 29 is...

Ellen Hamilton

Congratulations! Pm or email me your address.
Thank you all for playing!!

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!