Mulling, Mulling, Mulling
I'm getting antsy and excited that my line of handcrafted watercolor paint is getting closer to launching. It's an endeavor I've been quietly working on for awhile now. I've always been loyal to a few of the well known paint brands. But as my daughter started spending more time painting with me it peaked my curiosity about the ingredients, integrity, and economy of paints. The volume we use (we watercolor together pretty much every day!) started my interest in making my own paints. That way I could control the ingredients in a "kid's set" for her, and restock my own paints that I was flying thru. There are some lovely watercolor resources and paint makers online. Through that I started researching more about pigments, binders, the process, and then I began taking classes to get actual in depth learning from experts. There are wonderful paint makers that use primarily all natural earth pigments, and others that use mainly synthetics. For my paints, I decided that I wanted to be unlimited in the colors and textures I can create. I love soulful, natural, earthen hues, but I also work with bright, bold, wild colors that oftentimes can be best achieved thru synthetic pigment. I also was not keen on some of the non-pigment ingredients in "professional" paint. I thought about this equation at length, and resolved that it personally makes sense for my paints to use both organic earth as well as some synthetic pigments, but to exclusively use an all-natural binder, (and never any fillers, or drying agents whatsoever). Stay tuned and keep an eye on my shop, and Instagram for updates!
Sisterhood. Printable Wisdom
Sisterhood shall be more important than ever in the coming years. Here's a printable file with a favorite quote from a favorite feminist icon, Gloria Steinem. Measures 8 x 8, print one out and tack it up as a reminder that the future is female, and that we are stronger together. Regardless of the words of misogynistic cowards who think they are at the helm.
Mani Wishes! Printable Gift Tags
Now that the mega mass of holiday prep is done, I can finish a few mini projects. These little easy DIY "manicure wishes" gift bags are perfect for a quick stocking stuffer, New Years present, last minute hostess gift, or just a little token for female teachers or caregivers. I bought some mini nail files, bottles of fun polish colors, and some rainbow candy canes. For the New Year's ones I'm giving after Christmas, I'll swap a bag of rainbow Skittles or jelly beans for the candy canes. Here's a free printable version of the gift tags if you'd like to make some too. Happy Holidays!
Horse House
A quick horse & her foal sketch/watercolor collage. Made this for the lil' lady for her half birthday a few weeks ago. That pony is the best thing to gallop into our lucky triple Year of The Horse household!
Printable Match + Memory Game
Me and the mini had planned to do some gardening and plant new hydrangea plants today. Unfortunately the weather sogged up that plan. Once the warm days hit, Es turns into a fiend for fresh air. I've learned if there will be roadblocks that might keep us from playing and exploring outside- I sure better have an activity or trick up my short sleeves. When I'm zoned out binge watching Veep at night, or James has yet another chef documentary on in the background- I try to work on making a few easy and character free little games, coloring pages, or crafts to have ready to go for just such rainy days. Here's a free download for a printable matching & memory game. For younger toddlers, matching the colorful items with their grey version is a perfect activity. For older kids (I'd say from about 2 1/2ish to 5yrs ?), turn the cards over and shuffle them well to play a memory based matching game. They're best printed onto cardstock, and cut out with a paper cutter (or exacto & straight edge) if you want the precise yellow borders. Laminate the cards to make them extra durable. Let me know if your kids use and enjoy them!