Tips for Creating Beautiful Polymer Clay Beads
November 19, 2007
By Astrid Lee, http://www.eArtfair.com/blog - Copyright 2007 To create beautiful polymer clay beads for your fine art jewelry, there are a number of steps you should take to ensure that right from the beginning you’re able to make a rather professional, artistic product, in an economical way. Article from http://www.eArtfair.com/blog FIRST THE BASICS: TIPS FOR USING POLYMER CLAY 1. Be a clean worker. That maeans work on clean surfaces and ensure clean hands. This practice keeps your work looking smooth and bright. 2. Polymer clay is typically softened by the heat of hands. Just knead it... Read more »
How to Dye Your Own Yarn
November 11, 2007
Featured at http://www.eArtfair.com/blog By Emma Snow Dying your own yarn is not difficult and can be fun! Article from http://www.eArtfair.com/blog There are a lot of methods for dying, but the one I like best uses unsweetened drink mixes, such as Kool-Aid or Flavor-Aid and a microwave. You must use 100% wool yarn (or another protein fiber) for the color to take. I’ve used Fisherman’s Wool with good results. To prepare the wool, make bundles of about two ounces each, tied with a short string. (I use yarn to tie my bundles, and then keep the ties on index cards with details on the yarn and... Read more »
The Importance of Visual Arts in Schools
November 6, 2007
Visual arts are a class of art forms that include: painting, sculpture, photography, and other disciplines that focus on the creation of artworks which are primarily visual in nature. Visual arts are said to be important in schools since they tend to develop the intelligence, as well as the overall personality of students. In fact, studies have shown that students who are exposed to visual arts tend to display above average intelligence when it comes to mathematics and science. Likewise, students who are greatly exposed to visual arts have been observed to exhibit refined manners and develop... Read more »
For Self-promoting Artists: How to Write a Media Release
November 5, 2007
Did you know that publicity is supposedly seven times more effective than advertising? And it is free – that is if you do it yourself. If you know the elements of writing a good media release to capture the attention of journalists, you can cash in on no cost editorial coverage. Here’s a few tips to help you write a media release. The Beginning The first and most important thing is to have something interesting to say. Consider your USP – just like in sales. It’s your unique selling proposition. After all publicity is “selling”. You are selling a story idea to the media.... Read more »
Learn how to Draw 101
October 27, 2007
I have a friend, who has a strong sense of design and home decoration. However, when you talk to her, she would be most adamant about NOT being creative. So, one day, I’ve given her an art class, i.e. for 1/2 an hour I made her to sit still and draw from memory the million little lines of a crumbled ball of waste paper. A turning point, as it taught her how to look. It taught her how to relax and ‘just do it’. It was the start of her art development. She has thanked me since many times over. This article ‘Diving Into Drawing‘ reminds me of this little investment... Read more »
Books As Art 101
October 25, 2007
This article “Scrapbooking Ideas to Make a Wonderful Scrapbook” is a perfect start for Fine Art Book makers. Get over any ‘oh my goodness, it’s about craft not art’-feelings you may have as a fine art student, and read on to learn about mood boards. “Scrapbooking can be compared with a unique form of art. Each scrapbooker has his own scrapbooking ideas, taste and style while reflecting a personal image in the scrapbook. Knowing the right style can help a scrapbooker save valuable time, money and liveliness required for scrapbooking. One of the easiest ways... Read more »
Art Quilting Explained
October 24, 2007
Quilting is a popular craft, which made me decide to include it here. Author Linda Matthews just wrote this helpful article Art Quilting – What is it Exactly ? (2007). This informative article has a number of useful links for further research, as well as a general description of what this craft-fine art is all about. ** “These special art quilting techniques can be studied through books or in live workshops or on-line classes. They are fun to learn and provide the art quilter with their own unique art quilter’s palette of skills. There are also many on-line art quilt groups offering... Read more »
Indian Block Printing
October 21, 2007
The article “Indian Block Printing: Three Main Techniques” that Author Rajneesh Dubey wrote in 2007 is a great resource for this fine art technique. “Block printing, as name suggests, is the use of wooden blocks in the process of dyeing and printing. In India, block printing has been in practice since 12th century. Even before that in 6th century BC, there are references that India was maintaining trade relationship in cotton with Babylon. Thus we get the idea that India has very old heritage of cotton clothes. Block printing is so renowned for use of rich and vibrant colors.... Read more »
XMAS Art Shows — Tips for Selling Artists
October 20, 2007
Yesterday Belinda Stinson wrote an excellent article ‘7 Reasons Why Using Jewelry Display Stands Get You More Expo Trade Shows Sales’ , which I believe will really be of help to jewellers (and other artisans) who are planning to participate in the numerous upcoming XMAS art & craft gift shows. “The question of how to sell and display jewelry for the best results is one asked by all of us who attends trade shows, craft fairs, bridal expos, basically any retail or wholesale exhibition where we are selling jewelry. For me I have found that using creative jewelry display ideas... Read more »
Choosing an Art School for Interior Design
October 13, 2007
Interior design is one of the subbranches within the school of design. Choosing how to go into such a career warrants research. This interesting article provides an overview and some essential information for those interested in pursuing a career in interior design. Interior Design School - Overview and Essentials The field of interior design is always changing. Not so long ago, you had to go to a formal design or art school in order to learn the field. Today students can attend almost any college or university and major in interior design. Professional interior designers today must be licensed... Read more »
