A simple source for paint palettes, re-use old dishes. These are especially great for acrylic (or other water based paints) because you may cover the palette (plate) with plastic wrap and slide into the refrigerator for the next session. I found the plastic cover ups work perfect to cover my plate. These come in a box of assorted sizes and look very similar to shower caps (another source for covering paints). Where did I find the cover ups? Dollar Store.

Wax paper - endless possibilities.... I mainly use wax paper to cover slightly wet paintings for easier transport. I also use wax paper in between layering steps of mixed media or altered book pages. The wax paper doesn't stick to the adhesive and allows me to continue working.

Happy creating!

Try using Grafix Rubonz and transferring a watercolor. The results are quite nice with a light and translucent appearance. The artwork shown is a watercolor printed on Rubonz and then adhered to a piece of wood. The natural characteristics of the wood peek through the transfer, warming up the composition. The small image is mixed media using a book page, acrylic paint and pressed flowers on a piece of wood. The two panels were then mounted on (using Double Tack adhesive film) a panel covered in burlap that was painted and distressed. The combination of these pieces unite to form a pleasing composition.

This is a great way to use pieces of original art in multiple ways!

Try photo transfers with Grafix's Rubonz Sheets. Grafix has made it is simple to transfer photos and images (line art, watercolors etc.) onto different surfaces. Visit Creative Corner at Hodgepodge downtown Clarksville to view samples and pick up supplies. Also, see Grafix online video demos for inspiration and instruction - www.grafix.com

Mixed Media Workshop

Wednesday - November 30th 10:30 a.m. - noon

124 Strawberry Alley - Artifacts (Third Floor Workspace)

Cost: $25 per person (Payment required when you register. No refunds.)

Includes: step by step instructions, paint & brushes, Grafix Double tack paper adhesive, 8”x 8” wood panel and a lot of creativity.

Featured artwork: Two Turtle Doves

Register: at Hodgepodge, Artifacts in store or online www.artifactsemporium.com

www.artifactsemporium.blogspot.com

Please bring: Scissors + craft knife #11 blade

Information - kimberlysantiagoart.blogspot.com or ksantiago@bellsouth.net

Fall is upon us and the weather is holding its' own. As the days turn cooler think about doing something creative for your home. Drop in Creative Corner at Hodgepodge in downtown Clarksville and pickup an art kit.

Currently available:

Angel Kit - includes materials, instruction, vintage wood frame and hardware. Perfect for your home decor or winter holidays. $24.95

Still Life Fruit Kit -*shown in photo* includes materials, instruction, vintage wood frame and hardware. Perfect for your kitchen or holiday decor. $24.95

American Bird Series Kit - includes prepared collage paper, bird print and instruction. Perfect for any room in your home or office. $19.95

Novella Journals - eclectic handmade journals from book covers. Personalize or give as a gift.

$14.95

Blank Journals - 8 x 8 handmade journals with decorative paper . Personalize or give as a gift.

$3.95

Enhance your artwork or journals with any of the mixed media papers, rubber stamps, dried flowers or embellishments!

prices range from $1.95 - $4.95

Coming Soon!

Speciality Art Kits - fun & attractive ways to decorate your home or work space.

prices range from $3.95 - $14.95

We also stock art supplies!

Journals

With summer winding down and school starting Creative Corner @ Hodgepodge will be featuring Journals beginning September 1st (First Thursday Artwalk). Journaling is such a great way to introduce yourself to mixed media and other forms of art. Why? Because it is all about you and there is no editing!

Let's talk a little about journaling.... first of all journaling is not limited to writing, nope journaling can also be doodling, drawing, painting, pasting etc. See how easy it is to pull in mixed media?

What do you journal about? Well, it can be as simple as defining what color you feel like - and there you go, paint or paste in a color chip and you are journaling! More ideas to journal by:

numbers you heard in your day

wrappers from food you ate

favorite quotes

music

plants or flowers you saw in your day

"to do list"

opposites - here's one for you... draw, paint or describe the opposite of ice cream

See how easy to it is to get the mind working? Now, let's discuss where to put these lovely drawing, paintings, thoughts etc.

Traditional journals are good, but let's go outside the box for a minute. How about using a calendar - you know the ones with the month and a square to post your day. You could paste in some art, color, words and so on....

index cards are wonder - bind them together at the end of a week or month - makes a cool book

rolodex - another fun source

tags

alter an old book

Well now that you have the form and content all you need to do is get started. Looking for a little visual inspiration? Come by Creative Corner at Hodgepodge on September 1st, Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and see some examples. Also available for purchase will be "Novella Journals" (vintage book covers made into eclectic journals), journal supplies and journal kits.

Button Tree

It has been a crazy summer! The days just seem to fly by (although they are very hot) and I am wrapping up a few big projects. Closure is always slightly bittersweet, satisfaction arrives with each completed project, but remorse can linger around knowing that this creative process is over.

The beauty of creating is just that, you can continue to create. So as I hand these projects over, the thrill of new things to come takes hold. My sketchbook is full with designs for art kits, workshops and new products for the art shop.

The next piece in the Historic Clarksville series will be available August 4th (First Thursday). Remember this series is limited and will not be repeated. As of yesterday, there were only two kits available of Franklin Street. Hurry in Creative Corner @ Hodgepodge and pick one up before they are sold out.

"Button Tree" is the first piece in the tree series. It will also be available on August 4th. This kit will include instructions, pattern, paper and buttons. You provide the 11 x 14 canvas, paint and adhesive (available in Creative Corner). In addition to materials in the kit you may add more embellishments and personal touches. This kit is fun because of the flexibility it offers.

Drop by Creative Corner @ Hodgepodge and get creative!