brush and paint tote

I've recently invested in some new watercolor paint brushes. It is important to keep brushes separated by the medium they are intended for. As I was contemplating how to store my new brushes and paints, I knew I did not want to use a plastic bin or another ugly coffee mug. I decided to make my own custom tote. After an entire day of tedious sewing, I am pleased to share the results with you.

To the right, there is a brush storage pocket that is specifically measured to fit my brushes. On the left, a paint storage section that holds 15-26 tubes of watercolor paint. A striped flap folds over the top of the brushes to prevent them from slipping out. The interior is canvas and the pockets are Heather Ross fabrics. The outside is my favorite part: a found tea towel and hand stamped art nest label. The gray and cream stripes are so dreamy and complimented the light colors of the the interior. I used four D-rings and created canvas belts to keep the the tote snugly rolled. Creating this paint and brush tote was a very rewarding experience.  I know that it will accompany me in all my artistic endeavors!

On a side note: the background for these photographs is my painting table. Years ago I literally pulled the table out of a pile of clutter on the side of the road.  My father had it refinished as a surprise. I was so touched my his encouraging gesture!

pincushion rings

I make these pincushion rings using my favorite fabrics, lush colored wool felt and nickel free, silver plated adjustable rings. I've been using mine for nearly four months now. I don't think I can ever go back to storing my pins in a red tomato.Wearing my pincushion ring allows for more freedom while I sew at my machine. When not in use, I hang the pincushion on the bobbin winder. Wondering where you can find yours? Visit Art Nest's new Etsy shop!

www.artnestshop.etsy.com

homemade play dough

I enjoy making this homemade play dough.  My favorite part is creating the colors! The texture is wonderful. You can make several batches in different colors, package them in cute containers and use them for quick, handmade gifts for playmates or birthday parties.

This is a great opportunity to introduce measuring and the color wheel to your children - they can help add the food coloring to discover how colors mix!

Homemade Play Dough

makes about 2.5 Cups

1 1/2 cups of flour
3/4 cups of salt
1 1/2 cups water
1 TB vegetable oil
1/2 TB cream of tarter
food coloring - I use the liquid kind

Mix all of the ingredients into a saucepan. Add the food coloring to your liking. - Children can help with this step

Adults only -
Set your stove top to medium-low (about a 2.5 on a glass top stove). Stand by the pan and stir occasionally. When the batter look is gone and the ingredients start staying together when you stir (5-8 minutes), remove the pan from the heat. Lay out some wax paper and scoop play dough onto the wax paper. I can usually start kneading right away, but make sure that you check the dough for heat - you don't want to burn yourself!
Once the dough has been kneaded into a nice texture, place in an airtight container or zip lock. The snack sized zip locks work beautifully.

e age 2 - portrait

It has been awhile since I've posted my art work. I've been working on my technique and experimenting with different paints and mediums. The watercolors I've started using produce a much richer color. This is also my first time to use illustration board instead of watercolor paper. I am pleased with the results and am looking forward to further experimenting and artistic growth. This is E at age 2. R looks just like her...The reference photograph (not pictured) was taken on one of our vacations to St. George Island. I love painting from candid shots, they most always capture the life and emotions of the child.

a memory game

I spent a quiet Tuesday night at my art table cutting out tiny circles of fabric and modge- podging them onto wood nickels. I made 16 pairs for a total of 32 game pieces. My children LOVE playing this game. We all sat on the studio floor yesterday afternoon and played three full games. Everyone was laughing and cheering for each other as more and more matches were discovered. I felt such a sense of accomplishment, peace, and joy as I witnessed this tiny handmade game bring smiles, giggles, and memories to my family. It was an afternoon to remember!