Fiber Art Hearts

I've been working on my project line-up for my spring classes, and I always like to either have my own children try out my new ideas, or try them out myself. I really wanted to do something cute for Valentines Day, so I came up with the idea to do fiber art hearts. These will probably take two-one hour classes. I think the one I did turned out really cute. I used 100% muslin for the hearts, acrylic paint, sparkle Mod Podge and fabri-tac glue.

I cut out my heart shapes and secured them to the table with painters tape. Then I applied a heavy coat of gesso and let dry. This dries pretty quick.

Next, I painted both hearts with a red acrylic paint and let dry completely. Then I decorated my heart with a fun design and decoupaged on my verse. I downloaded this cute font from www.KevinandAmanda.com, to get yours for free chick here.

I decided I wanted to add a ruffle last minute so I primed another piece of fabric and painted up my ruffle. I outlined the edges in black sharpie.

Next I used my faithful ole Fabri-Tac to glue everything together, leaving a small hole so I could give it some stuffing. I glued the ribbon hanger in from the inside on the back side.

Then I stuffed it with a couple of plastic sacks-free and green.

I secured it with in little button at the top just to make sure the ribbon held tightly.

I be trying this with my advanced classes this semester so I'll post pics of their creations.

Is organization an art?

Trying to get ready for spring classes to start, so I've been busy cleaning up and getting organized. I'll be posting as I get things squared away, along with some tips on different product and tools that I use in my studio. Click here to see what I've been up to lately.

Sunflowers in Acrylic

It's so cold here, I had to think warm and sunny thoughts for awhile. Here's a great summer workshop painting project that introduces Van Gogh, still life and value. I let the students design their own vases for their sunflowers. I always have a vase of sunflowers for the students to view. We discuss lighting and shading. I premix the paints and have everyone work from the same color palate so I can demo the shading as we go along. These are always a favorite and the parents can't wait to frame them.