WeeBitArtsy

Wee Bit Woven

2011-12-20T13:38:00.008-05:00

Recently, I picked up a new crafting hobby - weaving!

First project, woven placemats:

Next, a woven wall-hanging. I love how I can use this crafty wall-hanging to hang up business cards from other artists and shops that I enjoy.

Finally, a woven shawl:

Many More Scarf Necklaces

2011-06-22T21:20:00.006-04:00

I have been busy making lots and lots of new scarf necklaces! A sampling of the new ones are below. To see all of the scarf necklaces available, go to my website, and click on "Gallery". Or use this link to go straight to my flickr page.

All scarf necklaces are being sold for $20. Most of them also have matching earrings available for an extra $5.

If you'd like to see more photos, put in a special request, or make an order, please email me at: cunningham.jaimie@gmail.com

The pink, orange, and purple scarf above has a matching bracelet.

New Scarf Necklaces!

2011-06-12T22:14:00.004-04:00

I am really really excited about how these 2 new scarf necklaces turned out!

Fyi - All of the scarf necklaces that I have made so far are for sale. ;) $20 for the scarf. $25 for the scarf and matching earrings. Please email me for more info or for additional photos.

The photo below shows my unfinished scarves. Please let me know if you're interested in one of these. I'll finish it off to your liking.

New Items Coming Soon!

2011-06-08T18:48:00.002-04:00

Since my last post, I have taken up a new craft - weaving! Like I said... a wee bit of this and a wee bit of that. I am proud to announce, that I have just finished weaving my first set of placemats! I will post photos once I get them taken off the loom.

I also bought some new supplies for scarf necklaces. I think they're going to look great!

Check back soon for photos of the new items!

A Wee Bit of This, and A Wee Bit of That

2011-05-24T20:51:00.005-04:00

Lately, I've been dabbling in various artistic outlets. I sewed a dog bed for my pups, recovered the seat cushions on my kitchen bar stools, made pillows out of old t-shirts, and now I'm working on scarf necklaces. Yep, just a little bit of everything.. This has led me to my new slogan - "A wee bit of this, and a wee bit of that." I love finding new ways to create - whether its drawing, painting, sewing, or baking. I love it all.

Randy Glass - A Stipple Master

2011-05-10T13:56:00.006-04:00

I had a very humbling experience this morning... I decided to google search "stipple artist", just to see who/what came up. I clicked through a couple websites, then I came across Randy Glass's website. Wow... If you haven't seen his work, check it out now. His work is absolutely amazing.

The image on the right is one of his. (I chose this one since it goes along with my recently baking theme!)

I hope you find his work as impressive as I do!

Baking Stipple Update

2011-05-09T21:09:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I worked on this piece. I just pulled it out again and hopefully I can get it finished up soon. I've definitely made some progress on it since the last time I posted it on here!

Quick Sketch with Watercolor and Pen

2011-04-10T16:22:00.003-04:00

This is a quick sketch I did of my dog, Ajax. I was playing around with a pen and watercolor combination. I like how it turned out, but I definitely need to keep practicing!

Coffee/Tea Cup on Wrapped Canvas

2011-04-09T21:54:00.002-04:00

My order of the coffee cup stipple on wrapped canvas just came in! They turned out great!

8" x 14" with 3/4" black sides. If you're interesting in buying one - check out my store on Etsy.

20% off CanvasOnDemand.com

2011-04-01T22:17:00.004-04:00

I LOVE deals. So I had to share this link everyone...

Do you like the look of the wrapped canvas?? I highly recommend CanvasOnDemand.com They are a great company, wonderful customer service, and very helpful. If you're not sure how your image will turn out, you can email/call theml. You'll talk to one of their artists who will help you create your piece!

If you want to try 'em out, use this link to get 20% off!
Save 20% at CanvasOnDemand.com!

Coffee Cup Stipple

2011-03-23T21:10:00.001-04:00

"Be glad of life..."

2010-11-16T18:02:00.004-05:00

"Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars"
- Love this quote. It's a good reminder to just slow down and enjoy life. There are times when I get going so fast and I'm so stressed about everything, that I overlook the little joys of life. Sometimes I forget the things that are really important. And sometimes I suddenly find myself lost in something (usually something in nature)...maybe it's the sunset, a sunrise, a beautiful night sky, or the way the sun shines through the clouds. But these are the moments that stop me dead, and bring me back to reality. They slow me down and remind me that life isn't always about the everyday stresses...the class work, the grades, the lab report, the bills, the dirty dishes. Nope, there is a whole other world out there. It's always around us, we're just often blinded by the stresses of our lives. Sometimes we just need to slow down and look up at the stars.

This was a Saturday afternoon project I worked on this past weekend. I decided to play with some of the techniques I had learned in the Graffiti Class. I pulled out all of the materials from class and went to it with a scrap of watercolor paper left over from the class. Using the scrap piece of paper helped me to stay loose. I knew this was just a fun project, a learning experience...I was not going to create a masterpiece. So I just had fun with it and didn't worry about the finished project.

I had come across the quote recently, and it gave me inspiration for the piece. I wanted to use the graffiti techniques to create a night sky background. The colors that I used for this piece were much darker than the colors I had used in class, and because of this, things turned out differently than they had in class. The first layers I put down were almost completely covered by the top layers...they didn't peek through as much as I had expected. But I still really like how the piece turned out. It was fun to just pull out the paints, and splatter and sponge and splash and play for a couple hours!

Graffiti Art Class

2010-11-07T18:11:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I went to a Graffiti art class at the Swank Coffee Shop in Southern Pines (one of my favorite places!). Jodi Ohl taught the class, and she was wonderful! I had wanted to sign up for this class during the summer, but had missed it and was so glad that I had a chance to take it. And I had a blast! It was completely different than any art projects I had done before. It was all about being loose and free...you created layer upon layer, realizing that the initial layers would eventually be covered, but they guided you as you created your piece. Jodi encouraged us to let things go, not to get too attached to those first layers, and to just let the piece build upon itself. It was a wonderful learning experience, not only in encouraging me to be more free and forgiving in my art. But we also learned so many different techniques during the course of the class. We started with a collage using ModPodge, then used paints, stencils, sponges, any random object that would create a fun texture, and then we finished it off with spray paint! Tons of fun!

Another Stipple!?

2010-11-01T17:39:00.004-04:00

Yep, I've started another stipple. What can I say? I'm a stippling fool.. This time I chose a much simpler picture and made it much smaller. So it shouldn't take me nearly as long as the last one. I'm also working on some other ideas for art projects - not stipples. So maybe those will be up here soon too!
The current stipple is another piece where I combined my love of art and baking. I thought this would make a great piece to hang in a kitchen. Check out the progress I have already made...

Finished Stipple!

2010-10-20T21:17:00.005-04:00

I am excited to say that I have finally completed the 45-North wine bottle stipple that I began last year. Yep, over a year in the making, and it's finally done! I will have it posted on my Etsy page soon.

A Fellow Stippler

2010-07-12T09:09:00.003-04:00

I came across a fellow stippler's website this morning that I found quite fascinating. I was drawn in first by her eloquent description of the stippling technique and of what attracted her to stippling. She described the technique so beautifully, and as a stippler myself, I understood firsthand what she was describing....the required "precision, skill, and concentration" and "that progress is necessarily slow and steady". When she spoke of her love for deep shadows, I had to smile. I too am drawn in by shadows and drastic changes in light and dark. Her artwork is beautiful with an amazing attention to detail, as well as intriguing subject matter. Check out her site...Christine Farmer

CanvasOnDemand, printing on canvas

2010-07-08T11:33:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, I received this canvas in the mail and was excited to see how well it had turned out. Using Canvas On Demand, I had a photograph of my original Yuengling stipple enlarged and printed on a 15" x 20" canvas with 1.5" sides. I would HIGHLY recommend this company to anyone who is planning to have their photos or artwork printed on canvas. You can send in your photos and receive a free consultation before placing your order. They will look at your photos and offer advice on sizing, retouching, finishing, etc. I also chose them because they offered custom sizing on the canvases. My stipple had come out to an unusual size that did not fit into the typical frame/canvas size. I have also heard good things about Mpix - another company that will print your photos on canvas. Mpix also offers lots of other mounting options, as well as numerous different types of paper to have your photos printed on. I have not used this company yet, but I plan to use it in the future for photos I wish to frame.

Here is the original photo:
And here is the wrapped canvas from Canvas On Demand. (Notice, I chose to have the edges black. You can pick other colors for the edges, or you can choose to have the photo wrap around the edges.)

Seeing my Yuengling stipple printed on the canvas motivated me to work on my 45-North stipple. Below, you can see the progess I have made on it. Slow...but it's coming along. I am excited to finish this one up because I have some ideas for future stipples that I want to get started.

"Dance Like Nobody's Watching"

2010-06-07T13:19:00.005-04:00

This quote (one of my favorites) is all about living life to the fullest. So I decided to use bright colors and loose brush strokes to fit the free-spirited meaning of the quote.

The four paintings each measure 6"x8" on a gallery-style (1.5" deep) stretched canvas.

More Mod Podge Fun!!

2010-05-06T18:28:00.009-04:00

For my latest projects, I wanted to use the Mod Podge again - I had a blast making my last piece and loved the effect that the Mod Podge gave.

The words in the background of both pieces are a poem often read at weddings (mine included!) - "The Art of Marriage" by Wilferd A. Peterson. For the red painting, I used lines from traditional wedding vows. And for the blue one, I used the wedding vows from my own wedding. The pieces were made on 6"x8" and 8"x8" gallery-style stretched canvas. Gallery-style meaning that the edges are deeper than a standard canvas - they are 1 1/2" deep. It creates a neat looking piece that really pops out from the wall and allows the artist to incorporate the edges into their piece.

I really liked how these turned out and want to make some similar pieces with a different theme...maybe a tribute to a pet, a favorite song, a favorite saying. Not sure yet.

These are posted on my etsy store - check it out!

Art and Baking

2010-04-23T12:08:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite hobbies (besides art, of course) is baking. I love to make up my own crazy recipes. Pies are my specialty, but I like to dabble in other baked goodies also, like muffins, breads, and other desserts. Sometimes they turn out, sometimes they don't. It doesn't really matter...I always have fun in the process. I'm sure I'll post the recipe to one of my creations on here someday soon. Baking, especially when you're making up your own recipe, is a form of art too, right?? I think so!

So for my latest project, I brought together my interests in art and baking. I started by cutting up the bags of my flours and sugars, and peeling off the labels of my vanilla extract and baking powder. My pantry is now full of unlabeled baking ingredients! Oh well, I think it's worth it...I love how this piece turned out! I laid the labels out on a 14"x18" canvas. Then used Mod Podge to glue the labels down and to act as a sealant. There are lots of varieties of Mod Podge - I chose to use a variety with a glossy finish made specifically for paper. I then painted on the word 'bake' in black acrylic paint, and splattered it with white paint using a plastic fork. (I actually analyzed the splatters on some of my WeeBitTrashy paintings before deciding how I wanted to apply the splatter. I decided I liked how the plastic fork splattered best! haha) The white paint makes it look like flour was sprinkled over the painting. I love this effect since my kitchen always ends up covered in flour when I'm baking! To finish it off, I applied one coat of varnish to protect the paint and add a sheen to the entire piece.

I will be putting this piece up on my Etsy store soon. As much as I like the piece, I hope to share it with a fellow Betty Crocker. So if you're interested, check out my Etsy store. I'd also love feedback, so please post your comments!

Gloss Varnish

2010-04-22T17:43:00.002-04:00

I was a little disappointed that the black paint on my latest splatter painting turned out a little dull. I love working with acrylic paints because they dry quickly and are easy to clean up, but sometimes the colors aren't as vibrant or glossy as oil paints. So, I tried using a gloss varnish as a finish on the paintings, and was very happy with the results. It added a subtle sheen and should help protect the paintings. I will have to experiment, but I should be able to get an even glossier finish with additional coats. It also says that it can be added directly to the paints to increase their gloss levels. I will have to try this.

Here is what I used - Atelier Gloss Medium & Varnish

You can also buy it in other finishes...Satin, Matte, etc. I'm sure there are plenty of other brands and types out there. I found this one at my local craft and hobby store.

Happy painting everyone!

Most Recent Splatter Paintings

2010-04-18T20:08:00.005-04:00

This is a photo of my latest Splatter Paintings. The two smaller canvases measure 11"x14" and the larger one is 16"x20". To make the paintings, I used a plastic Easter egg, a plastic fork, and a pencil container.

I loved making these paintings. I threw down a tarp outside in the grass on a beautiful day and went to town painting. Soaked up the sun, relieved some stress, and made some artwork. That's hard to beat!

WeeBitTrashy

2010-04-14T10:31:00.008-04:00

In order to try to break away from the tedious nature of stippling, I have recently tried my hand at something new. I usually refer to them as "splatter paintings". Basically, I gather up whatever junk I can find around the apartment (hence the name "WeeBitTrashy"), and start throwing, splattering, stamping, or dripping paints onto the canvases using the objects that I find. You finish with an eye-catching, colorful piece of artwork, and it's a blast! I tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to my artwork, but these paintings force me to loosen up.

Here is a sampling of the paintings I have made so far:

The 5 paintings in the photos above are the first splatter paintings that I made (these were made with the help of my husband!) We used plastic forks and spoons, a tooth brush, a beer bottle, bubble wrap, and crumpled paper.

This grouping of paintings was made with the help of my sister-in-law using a shoe, a cat toy, crumpled paper, and a pie crust cutter.

Yesterday I finished up another set of paintings. Pictures of those will be posted soon.

I would love feedback about my new "WeeBitTrashy" paintings, so please post any ideas you have.

2010-01-17T18:54:00.003-05:00

August 28th?? Really, that was my last update?! The last several months have flown by. And I must admit, the 45-North stipple is still not complete. I know, I know...I said it would be done soon. And not to make excuses, but I have been a little busy since my last post. I got engaged, applied to graduate school, finished another art project as a Christmas gift (see photo below), got married (hurray!!), moved to North Carolina, and found a new job. Whew!! Unfortunately, I didn't have a whole lot of time to work on my dots. But enough of my excuses!

During my break from stippling, I learned something about my relationship with art...I hate deadlines. For me, deadlines take the fun out of art and turn it into work. It is no longer a fun and relaxing activity that I use to escape the stress and the pressures from other aspects of my life. If I have a deadline, the art just becomes another stressor. This is what happened with the 45-North stipple. I began to dread working on it, and it was just another thing on my to-do list each day. Without a deadline, it may take me a year or even more to finish a drawing, and I am okay with that. So no more deadlines. The 45-North stipple will get done...sometime.

Almost done

2009-08-28T20:47:00.003-04:00

Here's my progress so far. Hopefully have it done in another week or two!