Posts

Posted on

History of tapestry

Tapestries are a rich tradition that has survived in many countries over long periods of time. Although intended to provide heat to maintain a comfortable room temperature, these wall hangings were also used to create Medieval decorations. The history of tapestry is fascinating. Here are five different types of tapestries that were used:

History of tapestry

Valleys

Valleys which appear to be a single image portrayed from a broader perspective were used primarily in Dutch tapestries. This is so on account of the fact that the dimensions chosen by the creator were not large enough to fit into a standard environment.

This creation consisted of an assembled wooden frame and hay cloth. It is believed that the design represented the land. The carvings established around the frame were sported by a charcoal sculpture that was dressed in gold. Another design resembles a shield in a detail repeated at the top and bottom of the piece. These tapestries had a distinctive look.

In the late medieval and the early renaissance periods, they were not depicting a religious doubt, rather a traditional fairy-tale story. A popular design etched in stone in the form of a knife that begun with the head and body of a lion.

The tapestry does not signify a certain belief system, rather it is a work of art that displays the expression of a wide range of beliefs and the unique artistic mindset of the creator.

Lady and the Unicorn

One of the most famous nineteenth-century creations was the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. The belief of the classic artists was that the wrought of the cloth was the feature that holds the Painting and the shape was determined by the hand weave of the fabric. This is a view that differs greatly from the view piece that is usually depicted on wall hangings.

 

Icelandic colors

Iceland tapestries hundreds of years ago were characterized more by the workmanship as well as the composition. For instance, the artists of the past combined vibrant colors with bright patterns which are quite eye-catching.

Cities and churches

Cities and churches have used the tapestry to create a stunning hand-crafted  style of the ages, which has restored its place in the European art forms including the tapestry.

It is because of some of the sections that are richly embellished and created in European tapestries from the medieval period for the use of the King and his court.

Fairies and dragons

Celtic is a series that displays the traditional belief of beings such as fairies and dragons. These mythology symbols have fascinated many collectors and have made the art form and tapestries even more popular. By selecting an era or mythological scene to sketch out and then, the tapestry makers create a thoughtful piece that covers that entire belief.

Tapestries produced in many countries across the world have been selected to represent different phases of mankind. These expressions are thereby brought to life on the wall hangings by making use of the dye as well as threads that are entwined within each other.

Various groups of art lovers have a tendency to acquire their own particular obsession or cultural ideal. It can be in the form of spiritualism, artistic style, political agitation.

Whatever the selection, the tapestries of that time are rich with expressions to express the personal views of the artist.

Posted on

Contemporary architecture

Contemporary architecture has helped produce some of today’s most popular building styles. Structures from single-family homes to downtown office buildings are built in contemporary styles, and most of these styles are determined by a combination of human and technical factors. The choice of materials and colors have a major impact on how the building is built and how it feels. A lot of architects practice modern architecture, which refers to styles that are built according to the latest technology.

 

Contemporary architecture

Contemporary architecture is hugely affected by marketing trends. One of the most popular contemporary styles is found in the Pacific Northwest. Here, buildings are built according to the aesthetics of the times, so there is generally an emphasis on functionality as well as functionality. There is also a progression from the simplistic brick and concrete buildings of the pre-war period to the more elaborate iron-and-glass buildings of the 1940s and 1950s. Of course, contemporary architecture depends greatly on the technology that is available.

During the 1950s, the international design boom inspired a new generation of architects interested in all cultures. The international movement heavily influenced the thinking of the generation, with its emphasis on the functional aspect of buildings. This grew out of the need for the architects to design buildings that were energy efficient and possible to construct in the rapidly growing cities. Architects need to specialize in many areas of technology. Computer-Aided Design (CADD) is one of the most popular technological trends in contemporary architecture. CADD is especially popular in satellite cities because it allows the construction of buildings from almost anywhere. A satellite city is considered to be a densely populated area that requires a major transportation system to serve the region.

Another trend that has become popular in contemporary architecture is landscape architecture. This involves planning the outdoor space before acquiring it. This means that the street plan includes aspects like sidewalks, driveways, and recreational areas, as well as public art. Of course, one of the major influences of contemporary architecture is modernist design. This design movement began in England and quickly spread to the United States, Canada, and Europe.

The choice of style for contemporary architecture is usually a combination of functionality and aesthetics. For example, the style of modernist architecture reflects the road-oriented style of the post-war period. This period was part of the “greatest” era of global design. The choice of style of contemporary architecture is usually a combination of functionality and aesthetics.

The distinction between functionality and aesthetics is a subject of much debate in contemporary architecture. Often, a function is described as being “frosted” in order to provide a visual equation with the building. Many people believe that buildings are called “exterior” or “visual” structures, but the fact is that building interiors are much more influential than the structure itself. Aesthetic styles are also important; contemporary architecture focuses on the human scale of the built environment more than the drab boxes of the traditional style.

Although there is much talk about the “forgotten subculture of the marginalized and disadvantaged” in contemporary architecture, there is also a lot of forgetfulness about marginalized communities. This is because the marginalized don’t typically seek out attention; instead, they operate below the radar of society. Radio Broadcast, as seen in the television show “The Wire,” is a master of depicts the lives of residents of city jails, minority and minority as profane, angry minorities, mostly figures whose poverty is apparent.

Beyond mere aesthetics, contemporary architecture holds lessons for many aspects of our society. For example, the arcades and slides in the playful multicultural city of New York City, are touchstones for the immigrant experience. The immigrant’s hopefulness for a better future is captured by the 1950’s classic “Pavedrank” (not a play, but a play about the immigrant’s experience in the U.S.). Assembled out of a group of individual singers, the cast of “Pavedrank” empowers the immigrant to speak for himself and to represent his unique point of view. This is part of the reason that New York has become such a welcoming place for so many immigrants.

Because not everyone is welcome in America, we should be careful to offer our hospitality to those who are. A rich mix of cultures is a Succeeding America. As the world becomes more and more globalized, we should be ready to welcome our neighbors as well. They come to our country because they know we are generous and open to their opportunities to learn, work, and earn. The arcades and slides of Japan are also a legacy of multicultural America.

These are the characteristics of the Japanese American experience. Japanese Americans have not forgotten their rich heritage and have strengthened the culture of their birthplace to create an identity as American as apple pie!

Posted on

Bedroom paint colors

bedroom paint colors

Bedroom painting ideas usually revolve around the wall color. There are a wide array of colors that can be used for effective bedroom wall paint. Colors have a different psychological effect on us. For that reason, many of us are not sure which color to use.

The first consideration is the color scheme of the room. This includes the style and design, color of the bedroom furniture if the bedroom is for the children and the entire color of the room. This should be determined to avoid certain colors.

 

Bedroom Colors

The color should be a good combination to have an effective bedroom. It should be together with the colors of the wall, for example, if the walls are painted with blue paint you should never use orange color.

The first choice is selecting the best paint. Commonly known as flat paint or enamel paint is the common choice for a bedroom. This is the paint for all overpainting of the bedroom. There are many bedrooms that are made to have a dark space near the ceiling including a spiral staircase.

This is predominantly used for Gothic or Gothic-style bedrooms. Accent rooms or a perfect example of this room is a vessel or vase that holds old silk flowers. The color being a light blue for the vase.

After planning the color, thoroughly cleaning the walls of the bedroom is the next step. Apart from your choice of an accent color, you have several room color ideas to choose from. For some additional options consider choosing wallpaper for the room. There are many design patterns and famous artists are famous for painting wall designs. Wallpaper offers you more creative room design by being affordable, with unlimited choices and high durability.

Room color ideas – most people love to be unique. As a result of this, some of them can spend abundant time looking for the right paint color combination or else purchased a set of bedroom wall paint.

There are wide color mixes and also accent color options. There are hormone relaxers, calming effects, sensuality, and romantic colors, that make you relax. When accenting a bedroom in the opposite color to the wall color adds an exotic touch and it also brings out the specks in your wall.

Another thing that you can do to your bedroom that adds a new dimension is lighting. Lighting in a bedroom can add an extra element to the room design, it is a soft, ambient light that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. Now if you have the option, you can change the lighting set up according to the season. For example, in winter you can take advantage, of the dark color or if you have tulips in your bedroom you can add blinds to make your room come alive with the colorful tulips.

There are special tiles that you can use to dress up your bedroom wall without spending a lot of money. These tiles can be used just like a printed wallpaper. There are so many ideas if you are very artistic with colors and creativity. When you build a house with good thoughts most of the time all it will lead you to one conclusion of a bedroom, like the room is the most important room in your house.

There are several breathing colors that by using interior paints of a room can come forwardly or slower, or create a drive-through reflection.

Too much white or: white with grey or: white with red, creates a plain atmosphere.

Too much black or: black with silver or: black which reflects light.

Neutrals are, making the process of color mixing easier and sustainable.

Using only one color more than the other can make a room look much darker because it would draw all other attention to the color of the walls. However, the beautiful and attractive bedroom will look like a dream because of the color combinations.

Posted on

Seattle Art Galleries

If you’re a fan of the arts, Seattle is a fantastic city with many galleries to visit. Seattle’s galleries cover a wide span of artistic and creative silos. You’ll need several days to explore and discover gems.

Here’s a list of some of the best art galleries in Seattle and a brief overview of the types of art they specialize in.

 

Seattle Art Galleries

A/NT Gallery

A/NT Gallery presents two and three-dimensional works of art to the public. Many artists display their work for the first time at A/NT Gallery, making it a uniquely welcoming venue.

Opening times: Noon to 8pm Tuesday to Sunday

Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.

G. Gibson Gallery

G. Gibson Gallery opened in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle in 1991. The Gallery exhibits contemporary painting, drawing + sculpture, with an emphasis on mid-20th century + contemporary photography.

Opening Times: 11:00am to 5:30pm Wed to Friday

Saturday 11:30am to 4pm

Address: 104 W Roy St, Seattle, WA 98119, USA

MadArt

MadAr supporta artists intheour community by bringing art into people’s lives in unexpected ways, and create community involvement in the arts.

Opening Times: Tuesday-Friday, 12-5pm

Address: 325 Westlake Ave N #101, Seattle, WA 98109, USA

Pottery Northwest

Founded in 1966, this non profit arts organization is a source of programming in the Seattle arts community.

Opening hours: 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday

Address: 226 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA

Winston Wachter Fine Art

Winston Wächter is a fine art gallery that provides art consulting for exhibition spaces in Seattle and New York City. The Gallery specializes in contemporary art.

Opening Times: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm

Address: 203 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA

Belltown Art Galleries

Belltown Artwalk was re-established by Sassafras Boutique in early 2013. Since then, the Belltown Artwalk has operated consistently with artists showing work every second Friday of each month, year-round.

Opening Times: 6pm to 9pm Friday

Address: Seattle, Washington 98121

Common Area Maintenance

Standard AREA maintenance is a gallery and open format generative studio designed to offer collaborative work and exhibition space in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood.

Opening Times: 24 hours Monday to Sunday

Address: 2125 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA

Form/Space Atelier

This Belltown space provides the infrastructure and curatorial support for artists who create site-specific installations. Find new media, experimental and contemporary art.

Opening Times: Wed – Sat: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Address: 2407 1st Ave Seattle, Washington 98121

Gallery Mack

Gallery Mack represents the most exquisite contemporary art from regional artists. This gallery has been operating for more than 30 years. Artworks include glass, wood, painting and bronze. Their gallery is part of the Pike Place Foundation.

Opening Times: Monday-Saturday 10:30am-6:00pm

Sunday 11 to 5pm.

Address: 2100 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA

Phylogeny Contemporary

Phylogeny Contemporary generates a creative dialogue between artists, Gallery and the public through solo and group shows of cutting-edge, forward-thinking art. Integral to the Gallery’s cultural program is its philanthropic community engagement.

Opening Times: Wed to Fri 11am to 5pm Sat 1pm to 5pm

Address: 2718 Elliott Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA

Seattle Glassblowing Studio

Seattle Glassblowing Studio is a creative studio where you can go to see glass art products in America. SGS represents works made with impressive glassmaking techniques.

Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 9am to 7pm Sunday 10am to 6pm

Address: 2227 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA

Steinbrueck Native Gallery

Steinbrueck Native Gallery’s goal is to cultivate the awareness of the cultural traditions of First Nations in the Northwest Coast. The Gallery is a hub for artists and anyone who appreciates First Nations art. 

Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm

Address: 2030 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA

A J Kollar Fine Paintings LLC

A.J. Kollar Fine Paintings, LLC specializes in American Paintings from 1840 to 1950. They source paintings and sculpture of aesthetic and historical significance. Gallery curators have advanced degrees in Art and Art History and work with private collectors and institutions.

Address: 1421 E Aloha St, Seattle, WA 98112, USA

Cloud Gallery

Cloud Gallery ascribes to forging a strong partnership between the artist and the public. The Gallery provides opportunities for emerging and mid-career artists to exhibit and experience responses to their work, and for the public to view contemporary art.

Address: 901 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122, USA

Kobo Shop & Gallery

KOBO which translates from Japanese as “artist’s workspace,” is an artisan gallery featuring Japanese and Northwest beautiful crafts. KOBO specializes in range of works, both traditional and contemporary. They display clay, fiber, metal, wood, textile, and paper. 

Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 11am to 6pm/ Sunday 12pm to 6pm

Address: 602 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Pikes Place Marketplace Art Galleries

Pike Place Market is a unique community within the heart of Seattle’s downtown. More than the city’s beloved public market, Pike Place Market is a vibrant neighborhood comprised of hundreds of farmers,

Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 9am to 6pm

Address: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Abmeyer + Wood

Abmeyer + Wood Fine Art ia specialist in contemporary painting and sculpture. The gallery is the place to go if you are interested in figurative ceramics and glass sculpture. There are monthly exhibitions and you will find them at art fairs. The gallery is across the street from the Seattle Art Museum. 

Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 11am to 6pm

Address: 1210 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Art Stall Gallery

Established in 1965, Art Stall Gallery is a gallery owned by artists and it has a central location in Pike Place Market. A dedicated group of thirteen professional artists brings new and original works to the Seattle fine arts community each month.

Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm

Address: 97 Pike Pl #2, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Brooke Westlund Studio & Gallery

“Seattle artist Brooke Westlund taps into a deep collective spirit in her abstract mixed media creations. Her paintings embrace something individual and unique and simultaneously connects to the pulse of the collective whole.”

Address: 1514 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Ed Newbold Wildlife Artist

Ed Newbold is a Wildlife Artist living n Seattle, with a store at the entrance of Pike Place Market. Ed paints in acrylic and also does gouache and his art is available as signed prints, signed posters, notecards and originals.

Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 8:30am to 6pm

Address: 93 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Harris Harvey Gallery

Harris Harvey Gallery is a leading Seattle fine art gallery where new and experienced collectors go to find paintings, prints, photography, and sculpture of the highest quality.

Opening Times: Tue to Sat 11am to 6pm

Address: 1915 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Northwest Tribal Art

Northwest Tribal Art (Northwest American Native Arts) is one of the leading Gallery showcasing museum-quality Northwest Native and Inuit artwork for collectors since 1981.

Opening Times: Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address: 1417 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Studio / Gallery Artist Jesse Link

Jesse Link is a Seattle based visual artist. Originally from the Pittsburgh area, Jesse graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a degree in Industrial Design.

Opening Times: Thu to Sun 11am to 5pm.

Address: 1501 Pike Pl #324, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Traver Gallery

Seattle-born painter and sculptor Traver Bennion has shown his work across the United States, Canada, and Europe since 1968. He lives on Vashon Island, near Seattle, Washington.

Opening Times: Tues to Sat 10am to 6pm

Address: 110 Union St #200, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Vetri Gallery

Since 1996, Vetri has showcased artists and designers, especially of the studio glass movement. They focus on the innovative contemporary work in glass as well as ceramic artists, independent jewelry designers, and exceptional objects in all media.

Opening Times: Tues to Sat 10am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm

Address: 1404 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Pioneer Square Area Art Galleries

A Gallery

Located in Seattle’s historic Occidental Park, A Gallery has dedicated its exhibitions to showcasing the work of new artists. Integrus Architecture receive proposals that address design, social spaces, and visual complements to real architectural practice. 

Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Address: 117 S Main St, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

METHOD Gallery

The mission of METHOD is to foster and exhibit sculpture and installation that regards process, material, and concept, while engaging the gallery space.

Opening Times: Friday and Saturday 12-5pm

Address: 106 3rd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Shift Gallery

Shift is an artist-run gallery that opened in December 2004 in the renovated Tashiro-Kaplan arts complex; an artist lives/work building in the Pioneer Square district of Seattle.

Opening Times: Friday & Saturday 12pm – 5pm

Address: 312 S Washington St, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

SOIL

Founded in 1995, SOIL is a collective and a nonprofit gallery established, supported, and managed by Seattle artists. SOIL is an experimental venue for artists and curators to exhibit, develop, and advance innovative art of diverse media and content.

Opening Times: Thursday to Sunday 12pm to 5pm

Address: 112 3rd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Stonington Gallery

Stonington Gallery has an exciting collection of contemporary masterworks from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Since 1979, the Gallery has been showcasing a collection, exceptional service and knowledgeable staff. For visitors wishing to understand the character of Seattle and the wider Northwest Coast, our Gallery is a rich cultural introduction, and proof of the vibrant, living indigenous cultures of our region.

Opening Times: Weekdays 10am – 6pm (PST) / Saturday 10am – 5:30pm / Sunday 12pm – 5pm

Address: 125 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Treason Gallery

Treason Gallery is sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts across the world.

Opening Times: THURSDAY – SATURDAY 12-5 PM

Address: 319 3rd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

ZINC contemporary

At ZINC, artists and creativity fuel inspiration, innovation and hope for humanity.

Opening Times: THURSDAY – SATURDAY 10am to 4pm

Address: 119 Prefontaine Pl S, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Georgetown Art Galleries

(The) Alice

The Alice is a contemporary art space in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. The Alice is run by a curatorial collective of seven artists and writers: Julia Freeman, Julia Heineccius, Bettina Judd, Natalie A. Martínez, Minh Nguyen, Thea Quiray Tagle, and Dan Paz.

Opening Times: 12-7PM on Saturdays

Address: 6007 12th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, USA

Bridge Productions

​Bridge Productions examines, supports, and helps sustain arts ecosystems thorough examination of the current state and conditions; as well as the art, artists, and producers of ; contemporary art and its various environments.

Opening Times: no found

Address: no found

Georgetown Arts & Cultural Center

Georgetown Arts and Cultural Center, located in an eclectic neighborhood of Seattle, aims to “foster a supportive environment for local artists to create, perform, and be active in the local arts and cultural community. In addition to hosting rotating exhibits, the GACC takes part in the Georgetown Every Second Saturday Art Attack.

Opening Times: no found

Address: 5809 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108, USA

Praxis Arts LLC

Their mission is to uphold inspiring space for art makers and educators, to strengthen the Seattle’s art community. Theoria is in the Art & Design District of Georgetown. The 1903 douglas fir ballroom offers a gorgeous up-scale antique platform to the artistic culture of Seattle.

Opening Times: no found

Address: 5511 1/2 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108, USA

Studio e Gallery

Studio e is a contemporary art space focused on exploring new territories in creative expression through a program of exhibitions, talks and temporary in-situ projects.

Opening Times: thursday, friday & saturday 1-6pm*

Address: 609 S Brandon St, Seattle, WA 98108, USA

Seattle Art Museums

(The) Art Institute of Seattle Gallery

The Arts Institutes International is now providing transcript services for the closed Ai Campuses. 

Opening Times: no found

Address: 2323 Elliott Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Dale Chihuly was introduced to glass while studying interior design at the University of Washington. 

Opening Times: Mon to Thurs 8:30am to 8:30pm / Friday to Sunday 8:30am to 9:30pm

Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, USA

Frye Art Museum

The Frye Art Museum is a catalyst for engagement with contemporary art and artists.

Opening Times: 11–5, Tuesday–Sunday 11–7, Thursday Closed Monday

Address: 704 Terry Avenue Seattle, Washington 98104 USA

M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery

The mission of M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery is to provide a venue for the Seattle Central community to experience the visual arts. The Gallery emphasizes the display of student works, and complements these with shows by local and regional artists. 

Opening Times: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (TWTh)

Address: Seattle, WA 98122, USA

Olympic Sculpture Park

This award-winning sculpture park on the waterfront is Seattle’s largest downtown green space. 

Address: 2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA

Seattle Art Museum

Located downtown, one block from Pike Place Market, global art collections, temporary installations, and special exhibitions from around the world bridge cultures and centuries.

The Seattle Art Museum acknowledges that we are located on the ancestral land of the Coast Salish people.

Opening Times: Monday 10am–5pm, Wednesday 10am–5pm, Thursday 10am–9pm, Friday to Sunday 10am–5pm

Address: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Wing Luke Museum

Wing Luke Museum believes that stories have the power to change the world and that our roots and the Asian Pacific American perspective matter. When you go on a tour, you’ll experience more than absorbing facts and history. Our Education Guides bring with them their narratives and passions, making each visit unique.

Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm

Address: 719 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Posted on

7 Tips On How To Organize Your Crafts Room

If you’ve been hard at your craft hobby for awhile, you’ll know all about getting things in a mess. I recently decided to turn our spare bedroom into arts an crafts room so that I could have a cubby hole away from the main living area. Dedicating a room to artistic pursuits was one of the best things I did.

I’ve been hard at work organizing things, and I’m finally getting on top of everything now. Even having a dedicated room for arts and crafts need some thought so that things don’t get out of hand. So, before your crafts space or room grows out of control, I’d suggest taking stock and getting yourself organized first.

After all, a clean space leaves a clear mind for more creativity.

Here are some suggestions:

#1 Get extra storage space

Getting an additional cabinet or other types of storage – if the size of your room or space allows – will free up your workspace from the clutter. Don’t allow your work table to become a dumping zone for junk.

#2 Get rid of anything you don’t need

Be ruthless when you go through your craft supplies and items. After a few years you’ll probably accumulate a ton of stuff, you’ll never use. Chuck everything out that you don’t need or donate it to your local school. You’ll feel a lot better for it.

#3 Take stock and be ruthless

Ask yourself what you need to store and think about the types of zones or areas do you need to create. A useful tip is to group your stuff into similar piles to store together. For example, craft supplies by type, fabric, and sewing, etc.

#4 Create work zones

Create work zones within the room dedicating one zone for each project. That way you’ll be able to leave them all set up on your workbench as I move through the steps. Sometimes, when you experience a creativity block on one project, moving to another one might free up the creative flow.

#5  Get what you need

Don’t skimp on organization tools like cupboards, bins and drawers. You’ll be surprised how good it makes you feel to be organized and how productive you’ll actually become.

#6 Put things away

My favorite organizers for my craft room are relatively inexpensive and easy to get. The problem is making sure you use them! I use cube organizers to create my work desk and to store fabrics.

#7 Have a chance of scenery

Sometimes, working somewhere else is great, such as moving to the dining room table for a change, or setting up a spare table in the garden can be good for the soul.

Posted on

7 Tips On How To Organize Your Home For A Clearer Mind

We’re all so busy these days. There’s so much to do and so little time to do it all. Especially if you have kids (honestly, it was such a shock going from not having kids to being a mom!) . If you’re finding it difficult to find the time to pursue your artistic passions, you need to sit back and think about why. We all have the same number of hours in the day, it’s just that some of us a better at organizing our time than others.

Believe me, I’m the worse when it comes to time organization but I’ve learned that you do need to pay attention to this area of your life. Here are some of my tips on how I got organized and was able to free up my time to pursue my artistic passions.

How to organize your home

#1 Technology is your friend

Don’t be afraid of trying new technologies that can save you time, especially if the item can be used to do chores that you dislike or find a waste of your precious hours. You don’t need to be a techno whizz to take advantage though. Yes, you can buy lots of new and shiny things like a Google Smart Speaker or a fridge that has more computing power that the first computer you ever had but you may not need that. There’s a ton of smart home devices you can use these days. But if you’re a techno klutz like I am, think about the simple things that take up your time. Do you spend hours vacuuming the house? There are new robotic vacuums now that will do the job for you. Do you have a pool that needs cleaning? How about investing in an automatic pool cleaner (take a tip: the best pool cleaner is one that can do the job without you having to lift a finer!). Using technology to work for you will enable you to spend more time on the things you love doing.

#2 Spring cleaning day

Put aside one day a month to spring clean your home, living and work spaces. You’d be surprised at how your stuff can pile up and your home can very quickly become untidy. Same with your work room or work space. Keeping on top of things is so important as once things get out of hand, you’ll feel overwhelmed and demotivated to do anything.

#3 Spring cleaning month

Besides a regular monthly cleaning, I try and allocate a whole month to getting my home (and self) in order. I usually find that December is a great month to do it. I start with a big spring clean of my wardrobe where I fold and put away any clothes I haven’t worn for a year. After a year, if I find that I haven’t used them again I take them to the charity bin! Then, I go through all my drawers and cupboards and organize  things ruthlessly. I feel so much better after doing that. It’s such great therapy.

#4 Keep a notebook of everything you need to do

If you’re like me and keep forgetting what needs to be done. It’s a great idea to keep a notebook by your bedside and write down all your thoughts. That way, you get everything that’s worrying you out of your mind. It’s also a great habit to get into when you travel, as creative ideas can occur randomly.

#5 Do what you don’t want to do first

It’s so easy to procrastinate and leave the undesirable tasks till last. Then, they often don’t get done. Make it a habit to do them first, that way, you can reward yourself for doing the things you hate with the things you love!

Posted on

Why Kids Photography is One of my Favorite Pastimes

Photography is one of my favorite artistic disciplines. We cling to memories forever with a photograph. Just as much as people love pictures, I love taking them even more. I especially love kids photography as it kills two birds with one stone. It’s a bit like scrap booking only better.

Everyone can be a photographer, whether it’s a mother who takes images at each of her kid’s moments in life, or perhaps it is the father who never forgets his camera for a football or basketball game. Or maybe it’s the young woman who loves nature hikes with her camera.

Photography is a people’s art

One thing’s for sure; photography is an art of the people. All of them have an eye for those special moments and that they all love the camera capacity to capture that moment and freeze it in time forever.

Once you get into photography, it can be expensive, (yes it’s more expensive than most crafts) and freelance photography is one way to make your hobby pay. Photography can be your primary career or it may begin as something you do in your free time, but start making money from it and you won’t look back.

The freedom of photography

It’s just like freelance writing and it can give you the freedom to work for themselves on their own time and make money doing something that they love doing anyway. And if you get good it could help fund your travels.

To begin getting jobs as a freelance photographer, you will need a portfolio. Even if you’ve never had photographs published or publicly exhibited, you should compile a portfolio of your very best work and after that add to it if that you win photography contests or begin receiving paid work.

As we mentioned, building a portfolio is the initial step in submitting your work for pay, but once it comes right down to it, it is the quality of the photograph which will determine if that you get paid for it.

Kids photography

kids photography

Some people have more of a natural talent for taking good images than others, but it’s a skill that everyone can learn. There are schools devoted to the art of photography and that you may also get a degree in it. Try your local community center or community college or look online. If you have kids, they can be challenging and fulfilling subjects to photograph. Kids photography is a great way for the family to bond and for you to do something worthwhile at the same time.

Some cities have photography groups that meet to share pictures and tips. There are also many groups on Facebook that are devoted to photography and freelance photography. You need to study the works of as many famous photographs as possible. Have a look at what’s getting published.

Of course, if you don’t want to take it that seriously, just start up an Instagram account and load your photos there. Focus on building a following and who knows what might happen!

Posted on

London Attractions for Artistic People

Looking for the best art gallery city? Well, you can’t go wrong with London. If you are a first-time visitor or you are undecided on how to spend your time in London, these ideas might help provide inspiration and help you save money.

What to see in London for free

There are lots of places to see in London that are free or might cost only a few pounds, but for a few unmissable sights such as the Tower of London, you’ll have to stretch your spending budget a little further.

Central London is a must see – Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and also the London Eye are possible to visit through a morning’s walk.

Of course, if you want to tour Westminster Abbey, go to Buckingham Palace or get on the London Eye, you’ll have to allocate more time and money.

London’s museums

british museum london

Most of London’s best museums are free to visit, but because of the large number of displays, it is not possible to see everything in one visit.

Invest some time at the British Museum and check out the Museum of London. The dinosaur displays, complete with lifetime-sized roaring T- Rex, at the Natural History Museum, is impressive too. But if you’re passionately artistic, then make sure to allocate a large chunk of time to see the world’s best museum of decorative arts, the Victoria and also Albert Museum.

Every one of those London Museums are free to enter. The great news is that these only scratch the surface of the ocean of free museums in London.

London Galleries

Did you know? You can see over 2, 300 masterpieces at no cost at the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square and also at the nearby, National Portrait Gallery you can explore over 160, 000 portraits from the 16th century to the present day.

A fantastic assortment of International modern and modern artwork can be seen at Tate Modern, Bankside, London while Tate Britain, Millbank, London houses British art from 1500 to the present day. There are many more galleries to visit in London, and several won’t charge you to enter.

Whenever you tire of walking around London and would like a break, London has many lovely parks such as Regent’s Park, where you might get inspired to create your own artistry.

 

Posted on

The Death of Traditional Crafts

They say women are the backbone of the arts and crafts movements. Well, most of my friends who are good at crafts are indeed women although I have lots of artistic friends who are men.

Arts and crafts exist anywhere, from the Americas to the Pacific and everywhere in between. India is well-known for its wide range of cultural exhibits. European art began to show the impact of the expanding culture in the 19th century.

Changing traditional art and craft forms

traditional crafts

Traditional art forms are changing due to technology, which has evolved in recent years. But “art” is still considered activities that involve some type of ability, or even a dedication to a certain object and heritage.

Although every culture on earth has a different idea of heritage, there’s a universal recognition of the meaning of art and crafts.

Are traditional crafts dead?

Traditional crafts were often passed down from mother to daughter. In the past, when men were considered the breadwinners, women would bury themselves in learning crafts and producing art.

How times have changed. These days, more women than ever are pursuing careers in a wide range of disciplines. So, the time to focus on artistic endeavors has greatly diminished.

While the development of traditional crafts might be under threat, I think there are lots of women (and men) who are still passionate about continuing the legacy of their forebears.

Also read:

Posted on

Digital Scrapbook Christmas Wallpaper

In recent times, digital scrapbooking has become quite a trend.  With new scanners, desktops publishing, and other digital imaging technologies, it’s no wonder digital scrapbooking is gaining popularity. Traditional scrapbooking can be a rewarding craft but the downside is it can be expensive and time-consuming.  If you choose the traditional scrapbooking method, there’s so much to learn, from heat embossing to layering to choosing a die-cutting machine.  If you don’t have the time or inclination to learn about the various traditional scrapbooking techniques then digital scrapbooking might be just the hobby for you!

Christmas may have come and gone but next Christmas will come around very quickly.  Here’s a neat project to try for when you have some spare time. Digital scrapbook Christmas wallpapers offer a simple way to help keep your vacation memories, whether you’re making one design for your own Christmas album or intending to send copies of your electronic scrapbook to family and friends.

 

Scrapbook patterns for Christmas

Downloadable collections of patterned papers such as these take the stress from scrapbooking by supplying you with numerous distinct options that may easily be combined and matched to make a distinctive look.

You need to utilize multiple wallpapers on the same scrapbook layout by linking them together to make a grid creation, or by layering different wallpapers to create a decorative mat for your focus photograph.

Since Christmas is among the most popular topics for scrapbookers of all ability levels, many gifted electronic designers have chosen to distribute free newspapers, embellishments, and page kits with this particular theme.

Free Digital Scrapbooking

Free Digital Scrapbooking provides an assortment of downloadable desktop papers that you enjoy. This kit contains background documents, ribbon bows, brads, Christmas tree clip art, members, and a word artwork title. Computer Scrapbook provides papers and antiques from its Winter Jubilee and Noel topics.

Remember, a lot of the websites offering free Christmas digital scrapbooking materials also have additional pages and embellishments you can purchase.

If you find free digital scrapbook wallpapers which you love, consider incorporating your favored graphics into other elements of your vacation decor.