Category — Arts and Crafts

Alexa Meade is a 23-year-old artist from Washington, D.C. with a unique method of painting. She has developed a technique in which she paints directly on top of her subject, making a 3 dimensional plane look 2 dimensional. The results are stunning. (All images copyright Alexa Meade.)

Read more…

At the beginning of each season, I make a to do list of things I’d like to make.  Here is what is currently at the top of my list:

Martha Stewart shows you how to make your own cement pots. Like in the picture below, these pots make the perfect tiny pot for planting your succulents. Read more…

Our church hosts a public art gallery/music venue, inviting talented artists and musicians from all over the country to share their gifts with our fair city.

This past Friday, though, was a project/opening put together by those talented individuals of our congregation’s Visual Arts team and was a reflection on Wisdom through the Psalms and Proverbs.

Read more…

Read more…

I recently read about needle felting in Martha Stewart Living, and I think I’d like to give it a try. Look at all the wonderful things you can make with just a needle and some wool! (Click on images for instructions/sources)

Read more…

I’m on the hunt for a nativity set to add to my Christmas decorations. Below are a few interesting ones that I came across on my great search across the interwebs. (As always, click on the images for sources.)

I sort of prefer the freestanding, realistic figures, because they remind of being a kid and reenacting the Christmas story with my mom’s nativity set (and who doesn’t like the old “Where did baby Jesus go?” game). But how cute are those nesting dolls? (And so practical for storing away!) How about you? What’s your creche preference? Any recommendations you can send my way?

Now that we’ve entered the Christmas season, I’d like to devote this post to the art of the Gingerbread House, which can range from simple and sweet to spectacular. I’ve never made one of these candy-covered casas, but if I did, I’d want it to look like one of these (click image for link). Read more…

As if the Female Art Collective weren’t awesome enough, they are giving a 10% off coupon code exclusively for MSB readers!!! The code is monkeysaidbear and it is good for 10% off your total purchase.

Thank you FAC!

My dear friend Carrie brought this wonderful site to my attention: Female Art Collective. Based out of the Southern Indiana/Louisville area, this group of lovely ladies sells handmade goods by female artists and entrepreneurs. Apparently you can catch one of their trunk shows at locally-owned businesses around town, which often include live music by local artists as well. I’m really digging:

Read more…

I’ve been working in Berea, KY since early September, but didn’t check out the local shopping scene until this past weekend, when my mother and sister came to visit. I was happy to discover that I’d been missing out. First we ate at the wonderful Boone Tavern (try the peach ice tea and the Historical Chicken Flakes in a Birds Nest for your entree), and then visited the shops along College Square and Old Town. Some of the goodies I really wanted to buy for myself (but abstained from, since Christmas is coming and all): Read more…