I am a self trained artist. Some day, I hope to do a fine arts degree but so far that hasn't worked it's way into my life. When I want to try something new, I usually search the technique on YouTube or if I want to go old school, I'll buy a book. YouTube taught me how to needle felt. I bought a crochet book last month to remind myself that's the next thing on my "learn to do list".
I have never felt overly confident in my painting skills. Most of the time I can hold my own brush but I believe I have a lot to learn. I decided I'd like to start with the basics. Starting a Fine Arts Degree isn't in the cards yet, so I checked out iTunes U. I found an art course called, Art 10: Introduction to Visual Studies, instructed by Anna Divinsky, a prof at Penn State. It is designed to teach you not only technique but also how to identify various art movements, artists, and their works. The course itself is free but there are resources and materials that you would need to purchase if you wanted to properly complete the course. I am just beginning it myself, but so far I am very pleased with it. She starts out by demonstrating some basic techniques and strategies with paints and other mediums. I've already learned a couple new tips and I've been painting for 20 years!
Check it out: #art10psu
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Monday, 26 November 2012
Neuneu Booboo
Last weekend I attended the first annual Waverly Art & Craft Show. It wasn't overly crowded but the price to be a vendor was extremely reasonable and once again, chatting with the other artisans was thoroughly enjoyable. I met one woman who is also creating art for children but her work is in the form of illustrations. Her vivid designs have a range of themes, here are a few:
See more of her work at www.facebook.com/neuneubooboo or in person this weekend at the East Coast Momma Christmas Fair!
Thursday, 8 November 2012
New Website
My new website has been launched! A good friend of mine was kind enough to put together a website for me several months ago. Unfortunately it wasn't functional. I couldn't add the amount of photos I wanted to, plus it was tricky o edit. So I ended up creating a website through VistaPrint. There's a small fee going this route but it is very user friendly. Editing and updating is a breeze. So far I am very happy with it. Check it out when you get a chance: www.madebylins.ca
Thursday, 1 November 2012
Acrylic on canvas by Adam Young
You gotta see this guy's work!
I love the playfulness in his paintings. His work is abstract yet an obvious depiction of Newfoundland's sublime landscape. His name is Adam Young and you can see more of his work at:
I love the playfulness in his paintings. His work is abstract yet an obvious depiction of Newfoundland's sublime landscape. His name is Adam Young and you can see more of his work at:
Friday, 26 October 2012
Back to Blog
It's been well over a month since my last post. I have been struggling a little the last few weeks with feeling discouraged that Made by Lins isn't taking off as quickly as I'd hoped. The custom orders keep coming, which is great, but it's the wholesale market I'd like to explode into.
I love to create and (many) people seem to enjoy what they see. My issue isn't with my product but how to properly market my product. As much as I hate to admit it, I tend to be a procrastinator... Especially when things aren't going my way :) My blog has suffered due to that fact. So really, I only have myself to blame. Which frustrates me even further!
When it comes down to it, I am very pleased with the reception my work has received. I need to put my head down and plug away. I know I haven't put my all into this yet. This is my pledge that from here on in I give Made by Lins everything I've got. Because if I do that and it still doesn't work out in the end, I'll know I gave it my best shot.
I love to create and (many) people seem to enjoy what they see. My issue isn't with my product but how to properly market my product. As much as I hate to admit it, I tend to be a procrastinator... Especially when things aren't going my way :) My blog has suffered due to that fact. So really, I only have myself to blame. Which frustrates me even further!
When it comes down to it, I am very pleased with the reception my work has received. I need to put my head down and plug away. I know I haven't put my all into this yet. This is my pledge that from here on in I give Made by Lins everything I've got. Because if I do that and it still doesn't work out in the end, I'll know I gave it my best shot.
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Balloon Fiesta
Last weekend I set up shop at the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta in Sussex, NB. Once again, my sales for the weekend were rather disappointing. I had added the flash cards to my inventory and had high hopes for them. But I don't think I had them displayed properly plus, I realized they should be laminated. (You would think I would have have thought of that since I have a toddler of my own!) The bright side to the weekend were the other vendors. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with my neighbors and learning some tricks of the trade from people that have been doing this for years. This lovely couple was a few booths down from me:
They are new(ish) to the crafting scene but seem to already be making a name for themselves with their distinctive creations. Terra Bijou means earthy jewelry which fits as many of his pieces include pebbles and stones from the Bay of Fundy, paired with sterling silver, copper, and brass. Check out their works at: http://terrabijoubypach.ca/
The balloon are really an art in themselves. They were spectacular to watch. Up up and away!
They are new(ish) to the crafting scene but seem to already be making a name for themselves with their distinctive creations. Terra Bijou means earthy jewelry which fits as many of his pieces include pebbles and stones from the Bay of Fundy, paired with sterling silver, copper, and brass. Check out their works at: http://terrabijoubypach.ca/
The balloon are really an art in themselves. They were spectacular to watch. Up up and away!
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
A New Product
I had decided several weeks ago that I needed to expand my product line before my next craft show. I need to have items that are a wider range of prices...
I decided to paint each letter of the alphabet on a small canvas along with a word representing each letter to make flash cards for babies. Here are all 26 paintings:
I decided to paint each letter of the alphabet on a small canvas along with a word representing each letter to make flash cards for babies. Here are all 26 paintings:
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