Recycled Halloween

Recycling items we already have or saving items from the trash can open up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to creating.

For years I have always loved old frames. They are just so timeless. Whenever I head to a thrift store or rummage sale I go right for the frames. There are always so many of them left over, I usually take the whole lot of them and get a great price as well.

Last Spring I received a lot of 12 big wood frames w/o the glass for $2.00. Then 2 days after the sale there was Spring clean up week in my town. As I was walking I found a bunch of discarded frames waiting to head to the dumpster, so I rescued them. Now I had a bunch of open frames waiting to turn into some kind of art and this Fall they did.

A few weeks ago I mounted the open frames onto the wall and decided to create a Halloween scene in each of them using black paper owl cutouts from the dollar store. There are about 18 in a pack, just attach some scotch tape to the back of each owl cutout and attach inside the frames to create a scene.

This whole project cost about a $1.00 for the cutouts and the free frames from cleanup week. You could do this for any theme, holiday or family silhouettes. Fast and easy project with an artsy, vintage feel. Recycling is a great way to preserve our past and to bring discarded items back to life again.

Happy Recycled Halloween!
xoxo
Lisa

Toy Fair 2014, Highlights, My Studio Girl

Welcome back to day two of highlighting some of my favorite companies and products from the 112th Annual American International Toy Fair held at the Javits Center last week.

If you are not familiar with the Toy Fair, it is the show where imagination comes to life in various products from action figures and dolls, video games, electronics, educational, creative products, crafts and more.

In continuing to highlight the show, I'd like to introduce you to UGames and My Studio Girl.  A company with products that will appeal to children, teens and adults alike.  To spark creativity and unite families together with fun artsy, crafty interactive products.

After meeting the group at UGames and My Studio Girl, along with the fabulous Barbie Davalos of Grand Avenue PR, I'm now a huge fan of the My Studio Line of arts and crafts kits. These kits are  geared to spark the imagination and bring out the artist in your child or teen.

As an adult artist, my memories of childhood continue on in my work and my life. I'm an avid collector of children's novelties, artwork and storybooks. In 2005 I wrote and illustrated the children's book, "Star and the Milky Way Cafe". Star is a little girl who lives in all of us, she is you, she is me. This paved the way for my next book, "Altered Art Circus" published in 2009 by Quarry Books.  Altered Art Circus is an arts and crafts book with a colorful circus theme, with each project telling a story. Easy project for kids to do, and inspiring for adults. After seeing the selection of kits in the My Studio Girl line, I was transported back to the imaginary world which lives in my crafty book.

The themes of the kits, their style and quality instantly grabbed me. I really couldn't pick a favorite kit. The fox girl which is apart of  collage canvas art kits was beyond adorable. I could see kids creating a wall of fox art, each telling their own stories. I can't wait to create my storybook canvas using some of these fabulous kits. Then I can ask: "What did the fox say"?

After my excitement of this set of products I was introduced to the sketch portfolios series which combines various drawing and coloring techniques. This is perfect for enhancing a child's drawing and coloring skills. Its a great companion for rubber stampers and mixed media artists wanting to learn fun illustration. So easy to use and no drawing experience neccasary. I'd like to use these kits in my mixed media illustrative collages.

 For the doll maker and creative stitcher, this series of product kits will bring a smile to your face. The Best Friend Dolls and Hang Abouts. These are by far the cutest series of felt and fabric stitch kits I have seen, I especially love the doll and owl ones. I can't stand the cuteness here. You don't need to be a sewer to enjoy these. If you are an adult wanting to get into the art doll trend these kits could be the perfect beginner for you.


Now we all know how much I love clay and paper mache. So this set of products is no surprise, The Paper Mache and Artist Model Kits. Need I say anything more? I love the Japanese Girl, my favorite paper mache kit, followed by the owl and the dog. Just too, too cute for words. I can't wait to show you my version of the Japenese Girl with the help of some fabulous kids.

My Studio Girl is definitely a line you will want to know more about. Stay tuned for some product reviews, projects and creativity coming soon revolving around My Studio Girl.

xoxo
Lisa