Decorative cover for folding Chair

 If only being an artist was creating artwork...............

Ok enough of that.  Currently, I am preparing for a fall outdoor art sale.  This may seem silly to some, but I want to sew up a decorative slip cover for my folding plastic chair; which I will use for the sale.  I really want the appearance of  my tent  to look more like a pop up shop.  So for me having a decorative slip cover is another element to my "brand" or "look".  

The words I think of when I think of my brand, are :  natural,  feminine, ethereal. etc.

 Here is the fabric I picked out from Fabric.com: 

Here is my folding chair:

To create the pattern, I pulled out my freezer paper and folded it along the chair edges. I use a ruler to straighten out the edges and then  I will add a 1/2 seam allowance. I will gather fabric along the seat seam and that will be full enough to cover the legs.  Once this is finished I will try to remember to post the finished result............but I will definitely post photos of my tent at the show.

Also, I am working on a new series of paintings.  The Swamp Series.  Living in  South Eastern Louisiana the swamps and bayous play a significant role in most of our lives.  It is not surprising that I would embrace the imagery. 

Check it out: 

"Gliding Through"

I am in the process of test prints for this watercolor.  I am hopeful to have this piece listed on Etsy for August...............along with other Swamp Series paintings.  You can always check out my work on Etsy/ Softly Painted Stories (shop name)

Happy creating,

Christin

Freestanding Wall for Outdoor Art Sale

 What an incredible two days.  I am referring to our Outdoor Art Sale.  The art sale was surprisingly successful and we had a lot of fun.

With any outdoor event, the weather is a major concern.  The forecasters predicted rain one day and then the next day they would change the forecast to no rain.  The forecast would continue back and forth like this, but there was not enough concern to change the date of the sale. The weather was pretty good for us; however, we had a little bit of rain from a few passing clouds but nothing serious.  The wind was pretty intense for both days and I learned some valuable lessons.....regarding the wind.

As soon as I finished displaying all my prints and framed pieces, a gust of wind blew everything face down.  The super cute clothesline idea did not work for me.  Yes, my prints took flight and a customer helped me pick them up.  When this happened, I laughed and immediately starting thinking how I could better display my pieces, and not lose them. 

Besides the wind, moving furniture out of my studio to the front yard is fine; however, we are now changing the location for the next sale and I don't see how I can lug my furniture without a moving van.  So portability is my next issue to conquer. 

Check out the look of my tent:

 As you can see the wind was blowing my sheer curtains all over the place.  Eventually, I pinned them to the table cloth.  On the left side of the photo my artwork is laying face up because the wind knocked them face forward.  In this photo I ditched the clothesline..........no need for hanging cording if there are no prints hanging from it.

Moving forward.   I went out of my comfort zone and looked on Craigslist for some old doors or screen doors to make freestanding walls.  Fortunately someone was offering two for $20.  And I did not hesitate.  My sister did come with me to make sure I stayed safe, and now I have two vintage screen doors that with a little bit of work will be my future portable displays.

Check them out:

I do plan on cutting off two inches from the bottom............they are pretty tall. 80" I believe. Also, they will be painted the same heirloom white color.   Of course...........the hardest part will be making feet for them so they will be standing upright.......even with the wind!

What a great find! 

My artist friends and myself are very grateful to all our friends and family members who came out and supported us.  We are truly lucky and thank everyone who stopped by.  We really appreciate ya'll. 

Keep creating.

Christin

Art Bazaar & Etsy

 Lots of updates:   At the end of March I launched my own ETSY shop.  This has been a goal of mine and has taken about year to figure out and plan.

Currently I am painting in watercolors.  Although oil painting is my absolute favorite.........it would have taken me a minimum of two years to get a body of work together for an Etsy shop.  Something I really did not want to do.   So watercolors it is.  Although, in my shop I decided to make giclee prints of the originals.  Eventually I will sell the originals, but for an art fair not Etsy.

Check it out:  Shop name is Softly Painted Stories

Other news:  My artist friends and I are having an Art Bazaar on April 23rd and 24th.  This was suppose to happen last fall but with Hurricane Ida.........we had to postpone it.

I am taking this art sale as an opportunity to reacquaint myself with outdoor markets.   It has been years since I have ventured in outdoor selling and with this small scale I will see if I am interested in pursuing large events.  We'll have to see.

Check it out: 

Keep creating!

Christin 

Ceiling for Studio

 So electricity in the studio has been a goal  for me, since commandeering the outdoor shed during Covid.  I have been happy with my little studio, but lighting has been an issue.  My ultimate goal is to have electricity in the studio so even when it rains I can paint. 

Logistically running electricity from our house to the studio isn't feasible.  Our main water line runs in between the studio and house and running wires above.........well it would be unsightly and in the way.  

Ultimately we decided on solar panels.  Yesterday we ordered a 400 solar watt kit from Renogy along with battery and accessories.  Mind you I have no idea what I am doing, but I have watched hours of  videos, and get the gist of  installation.  For sure there will be some yelling and possibly crying when installing but it will be worth it in the end.

Before I get too ahead of myself, I really need to finish putting up a ceiling in the studio before solar panels can be installed.  Right now all you see is the shiny silver insulation board.  (Ugly) So this past weekend, I installed 1/2 of a wood ceiling.

Check it out:

I love the exposed beams.  Of course all of this still needs to be caulked and painted.  (This is the same soffit I used for the walls.)  My studio is 10' x12' ..............so it took 3 pieces of soffit and 12 pieces of trim.  Unfortunately the trim only comes in a 10' sticks, so I ended up with a lot of small left overs. (Oh well) My goal for next weekend will be to install the other side of the ceiling. Humm.

Once the ceiling is complete............solar panels will go up on the outside. 

Wishing everyone a happy spring and keep creating,

Christin

Night Stand Drawer to Display Bin

Recently on my way to work, I saw a night stand sitting out for the garbage.  The drawer is what I was interested in.  So I pulled over and very quickly put the drawer in the back of my truck.  (I didn't want to be late for work.) 

Later on, I went through my studio and pulled out prints and artwork I wish to sell for our Art Bazaar.  Yes the Art Bazaar is rescheduled for April.  Sure enough the drawer was a perfect fit for using as a display bin.  

Supplies:  I ordered 4 wooden legs and the metal attachments, a small left over piece of wood, wood trim and glass knobs.

By no means am I an engineer, because the original legs I purchased were 28" tall.  Once I attached them to my drawer............the drawer became unstable and almost fell over.  Not something you want a customer to worry about.  LOL.  So back to Home Depot for shorter legs.  Yes, short squat legs came in handy and are perfect for my display bin. No wobbly here.

Check out the finished product:

The glass knobs are from the dollar tree.  Too cute.

Happy creating 

Christin

New Watercolor Paints

 As of late I have been trying out different brands of pan watercolors. The five dollar brand really isn't professional quality, and if I want to sell my artwork on the internet, I really need to get serious about my paints.  With that said.........I don't want to overspend on paints either. 

I think I found a good compromise with Vivart Watercolor Set.  Here is the low down on these wonderful paints:

The colors are high pigmented..........which means the colors show up bright.  Totally blend-able.  Love that there are 48 colors in the pan...........which means I spend less time mixing.  Well priced.  Looks like they will last for a good while.

Over all I am happy with the paints.  Check it out:

I hope everyone has a joyful holiday.

Keep creating

Christin

"Playing on the Surface of the Water"

Halloween glittered shoes please

 This is a silly post today.  Halloween is almost here and I really wanted some glittered shoes to go with my witch costume.  

Into the black hole of my closet..........where I reconnected with several lovely heels that I use to wear a few years ago and have not touched since.   I was happy to reacquaint myself with the shoes I didn't know I had........even though all have graced my feet.  

Anyway, I found a lovely pair that really should have been tossed, the heel was scuffed up on both shoes.  Lucky day for you.  I knew these were the right pair for Halloween night.

Check out before: 

Check out after: 

See a little glue, glitter and clear spray can make these old shoes spectacular!

Boo to you,

Christin