R. Chunn

I really admire painters who use oils as their medium. I wish I had the ability to be so realistic when rendering a jar, or an apple. R. Chunn has a way of making his quick draw paintings gorgeous. He paints each one in a single sitting. His collection of fun tins, bottles, jars and objet d'art make for great studies in his pieces! My favorite part of the paintings is the use of familiar objects, without all of the typography and labeling. Who doesn't know that the bottle in the top piece, the one on the left, is some kind of flavoring, like vanilla. And that the jar on the far right below . . . Grey Poupon!

You can see images of his painting process on his great blog Alla Prima Painting, And fun drawings and watercolor sketches at his other blog Freehand. Check 'em out! I find both very interesting and inspiring!

(All images courtesy of Alla Prima Painting)

decor8 contest!!!!!

Not too long ago I posted about being inspired by
Alicia Paulson's awesome studio space, and today I see that decor8, in conjunction with Fabulous Stationery, is holding a workspace contest!!!!! They want to see where you do all the things you do! Get ready!! There are fantastic prizes and I am sure all of the entries are going to be fun too see!


So get to tidying! Your entries have to be in by Sept. 29th. Click over to decor8 for more details!

(All images courtesy of decor8)

Artist, Emerging

As artists and creative thinkers, we tend to mostly want to concentrate on our crafts, rather than all of the technical and bureaucratic issues that can arise when we have to perform non-expressive tasks. Deanna Wood has created Artist, Emerging. This fairly new blog is designed to help give step-by-step guidance, moral support, and informative tidbits to all of us overwhelmed by the business aspects that we creative thinkers encounter while away from our respective easels, sewing machines, glue guns, etc.

Stumped on how to tackle writing your Artist Statement?

Need help writing your resume?

It is never easy to put yourself out into the competitive world, by this guide will help you to see the value in rejection.

And of course, at some point we will all need to write a resume.

There is even a stress free guide to hanging your artwork! For me, this in invaluable!

Occasionally there will be artist interviews, and I am more than excited to be the current artist featured.

Now go, read the wonderful guides, and reap the benfits of all Deannas hard work!

Pointy Kitty Pattern

I have had an itch lately to learn how to sew and this ADORABLE kitty isnt helping! Wee Wonderfuls has posted a free pattern to help you create your very own Pointy Kitty!! There is also a Flickr group showing a lot of the fun versions people have created. They make me want to purrrrrr!

(All images courtesy of Craftzine, via Melissa at Fehr Trade)

Chris Brindley

Also
Chris Brindley is an Illustrator and Fine Artist living in Maryland. His works are quirky and inventive. All of his subjects are just a little off. They are quick views into an upside down world.

Snowday
He began his shop on etsy because he "decided it was time to share my weird side with the world." Aren't you glad he did??

(Images courtesy of Chris Brindley )

Bags of Gold!!

I am a certified bag nut! I love them, and covet them, but I rarely ever use them! I love bright patterns, fresh designs, good construction and lots of pockets! Here are a few bag options that will ensure the bag doesn't end up on a hook on the back of the door!

These Plastic Baggie Sleeves clip directly onto your dogs leash! And although it wont pick up your pup's business for you, you'll never find yourself in a sticky situation.


I have been eyeing one of these Car Litter Bags from Allyson Hill for a certain someone who just traded in her car for a shiny new one. (If you are reading this-look away!) And you know I would need one too. Although Allyson's shop is all sold out of these lovelies right now, she does custom orders, so contact her through Etsy and pick your favorite fabric from her huge offering! **This just in: Allyson just wrote to let me know that she will be re-stocking here Car Litter Bags very shortly, so keep your eyes peeled before they are all snatched up!**


Bet you never thought you would covet something that even came close to resembling a fanny pack, but I can see how useful this Vanetti Hip Bag from Rubyzaar would be! I love the funkyness of it, and the green suede is certainly swoon worthy.


I love the idea of a knitting needle organizer specifically for the larger circular needles! This one from Granny's Chamber really does look like something that could have been passed down from your Grandmother!


And who doesn't have some clutter in their bag that needs catching?? This Clutter Catcher from Chic Boutique is so cute and retro! How can you resist??


Finally, these two totally different passport covers will make sure that you CANT forget to take it with you!! Pictured above is Tiny Meat's more traditional take is fun and colorful. The padded vinyl case has 2 additional pockets for extras like ID and cash. The inside is made from paint chips! How's that for recycling????


This Vintage Jersey Passport Pocket from InCraft We Trust is made from fabrics passed down from the designers 88 year old Grandmother, and serves many a purpose. I bought one and use it as a home for my iPod!

(Images from each individual seller)

Alicia Paulson Studio

I know that most of the crafty/design blog community is very familiar with Alicia Paulson and her blog, Posie Gets Cozy, but for some reason I have not caught on. I must have been in a coma! What a treausre trove of wonderful anecdotes, imagery and cooking pictures that will make your mouth water!


Alicia also has an online boutique called Rosy Little Things where she sells a wide variety of sweet handmade goods all created in her home studio, which brings me to my point! Is this NOT the most gorgeous studio you have every seen!!!?

I am so in awe of how perfectly lovely the environment is! So soothing and calm. I would never think to use such a bold color in my studio space, but this has changed my perspective! I think that the creative touches, like having the slippers on the wall for extra storage, really help to inspire. All of the beautiful papers, notions, bobbins and fabrics are such eye candy. It sure makes for a beautiful space! Well done!


I wanted to share the discovery of this space with you becasue I think that having an environment to work in that stimulates your creative juices is so important. Sometimes it is hard with all of the stuff we collect to create with, but Alicia proves that it can be done BEAUTIFULLY! (I am so jealous!)

To see more photos of the details of the space, click here!

(All images courtesy of Alicia Paulson)

Daniel Bejar

I just discovered an amazing Illustrator by the name of Daniel Bejar. His work is all very thought provoking and well executed. There aren't many designers who can make such important statements in such innovative and smart ways. The works are just all beautiful! The piece above, Identity Theft was awarded the silver medal from the Society of Publication Designers in June 2006. Well deserved nod if you ask me!

"The Summer of '04"
I really like seeing the fingerprints and smudges along the outside edges of each piece. It reminds me of how Rodin's fingerprints and nail marks can be seen in his sculptures because he liked to mold with his hands. There is something humanzing and beautiful about works that are created by artists who like to get dirty and use their hands as tools, instead of to hold tools, while they are creating.

"Are you responsible for your own weight?"
There is a link for a future shop on Daniel's website. I hope it comes soon!
found via Marbargarbo

(All images courtesy of Daniel Behar)

AUGUST FELT CLUB

Scary that my last post on CS was over a month ago! The Swoon will be back in action soon! I promise! In the meantime, Felt Club is this weekend bringing you LOTS of crafty surprises as only FC can! Be there or be square! Be sure to say hi if you make it there!

I will be posting lots of pictures, so be sure to check back!

Felt Club, Sat. July 8th

Felt Club is this weekend!!! For anyone who isn't in LA, or has been in a cave for the last few months, Felt Club is a mini craft fair held on the second Saturday of every month in the parking lot behind Meltdown Comics. There are just about 2 dozen crafters and every one of them had the coolest wares! I snapped a few photos of a handful of the vendors from last months event. Click on the links to their shops to check 'em out, and if you are in the area be sure to make it out tomorrow. Some of the vendors will be the same, and there will be a few new faces too!! I cant wait!

Love, Christine
Sweet and whimsical jewelry, art and hand drawn comics.

Twospace
Original designs handmade by 2 gals.

In Craft We Trust
Super cool t-shirts, accessories, pins, buttons . . . I could go on for days!

The Singing Librarian

For fun Felt Club news and updates, check out the new Felt Club Blog!

WEEKLY ETSY ARTIST

hotdogandbun.etsy.com

Hotdog N' Bun is an ecclectic mix of beautifully hand tooled leather items, t-shirts, and accessories. Akane and her husband have designed a whole line of items that are just gorgeous.


All of the leather items are hand tooled by Akanes mother, who lives in Japan! Akane creates the designs, and her mom applies them to drool-worthy wallets, organizers, handbags . . . you name it!If you have a special order, that can be done too!













A collaborative endeavor to be sure, you never know what kind of amazing items you will find in their shop!

(All images courtesy of hotdogandbun.etsy.com)

WEEKLY ETSY ARTIST

OutOfHands.etsy.com


I have been lusting after these ATC's for a while now, and am hoping that you will love 'em as much as I do! These are the handiwork of Albina over at OutOfHands.etsy.com. They are miniature pieces of art, each 2 ½ X 3 ½ inches, the size of a playing card, and just a few of the twenty in the series. Each one is an original acrylic and ink painting.


Albina's work can also been seen on her two blogs, The Empty Space Between and Out Of Hands.

***Creative Swoon readers will receive 20% off all purchases, and if you purchase 3 or more items, a surprise gift will be thrown in!! Can't beat that! Offer expires 6/30. As usual, purchase the pieces you are interested in and then wait for a revised invoice before paying!***

(All images courtesy of OutOfHands.etsy.com)

Salim Nourallah

I recently discovered a very talented musician living in Texas named Salim Nourallah. His sound is along the Beatles line, and I am addicted! Salim was recently awarded Song of the Year, Best Producer, and Best Album in the 2006 Dallas Observer Music Awards. I have had A Way To Your Heart on repeat for a few weeks now. He has a new alum, Pleasentry Lane, coming soon and will be touring in Germany in September. Check out his very cooll website for lots of photos, lyrics and news!

(Image from Salim Nourallah)

Copyright links from Whip Up

In March Whip Up posted a great resource for copyright questions for crafters and artists. The list is extensive. They have done a great job covering most situations and crafts. It is all very important, and very interesting! In case you missed it, as I did, here is a link.

(Image from the International Publishers Association)

WEEKLY ETSY ARTIST

aminyitray.etsy.com


Anyone who knows my work knows that I am an ephemera junky, so it will come as no surprise to hear how absolutely enamored I am with the fantastic stylings of Ms. Ami Nyitray! Her addiction to the vintage paper world seems to run just as deep as mine, and she is definitely using her powers for good! Her designs are all gorgeous! Rings, charms and all kinds of personal adornments that feature stamps, photos and cropped typography fill her shops pages.


She also has a series of items featuring actual mini starfish and shells. Amazing! Perfect for summer!


I love the charm bracelets! The combined imagery bring a smile to my face!

***ATTENTION CREATIVE SWOON READERS: For a limited time get Free shipping if you mention Creative Swoon in the Notes box at checkout! Wait for a revised invoice to be sent before paying! (offer expires 6/9/06)***
Free shipping if you mention Creative Swoon in the Notes box at checkout!

(All images courtesy of Ami Nyitray)

WEEKLY ETSY ARTIST

www.littleoddforest.etsy.com


Described as a home of forest inspired oddities the aptly named Little Odd Forest features brooches, bags, pillowcases and tank tops with all kinds of whimsical designs. All items are unique and made in limited edition batches.



I am loving all of the fun bags and pouches! The designs are all perfect for summer fun! And the sweet prices will make you smile!

(All images courtesy of Little Odd Forest)

Daily Paintings

Brown Egg On Plate
Justin Clayton made a New Years resolution to paint each and everyday, and voila, Daily Paintings was born! True to his promise, he has painted a small portrait each day since January 1, 2006. Each day one of these beautiful works is uploaded to his blog and available for purchase. You ca even sign up for email notifications so that you can be the first to see his daily postings! I am dying to get my hands on one! They are so wonderful in their simplicity!

Two Nectarines
Last week Justin posted a time lapsed video documenting the process of painting one of his works. For me the experience of watching him work is magical. You really get a sense of technique and scale. I was mesmerized watching the image unfold and am so glad that he thought to video the process!


Justins work is so very inspiring. I admire his commitment! You can read an excellent interview that Holly over at decor8 had with Justin back in April here.

(All images courtesy of Justin Clayton)

Blend Creations

Have you ever been to the online boutique Blend Creations?? No?? What are you waiting for??? This site is chock full of wonderful creations that will make you want to sing! I adore the prints on these sweet cards!! You can choose from the lucious trees and plants or the ever popular bird blank card sets. All designs come with matching envelopes! Can you stand it? They are just too cute!



Equally fetching for both men and women are the solid stainless steel pendants. You can personalize them to your hearts content with a variety of different chains and cords. They come in three different sizes and can be engraved with an initial so your best friend can't steal it!

(All images courtesy of Blend Creations)

WEEKLY ETSY ARTIST

crrysstall.etsy.com




Have you stumbled upon Crystal Robinsons Etsy shop yet??? No? Well you dont know what you are missing!! Once you click the link you will find her beautifully hand painted silks transformed into vibrant pillows, scarves, eyeglass cases and other accessories.




All the items are one of a kind and totally hand made! Rather have something personalized?? Crystal will be happy to work with your color schemes and pattern requests. She also customizes intitials on items so you can make your mark!



Crystals also got a fab blog where she announces all new lines, sales and upcoming shows. That way you can be the first to know!



***For a limited time only Creative Swoon readers will receive 15% off all purchases from Crystal! Just type in "Creative Swoon" in the Notes box upon purchase and wait for a revised invoice to be sent to you! It is that easy to save!! Now get out there a shop!!!! (offer expires 6/9/06)***

(All images courtesy of Crystal J. Robinson)

Jason Proudler

I stumbled upon Jason Proudlers work while checking out the Juxatpoz Magazine Reader Art section. His work is great. I really enjoyed cheking out his site, and am sure you will too!

Jason recently started a blog to keep us all up to date on his art triumphs. Be sure to check it for announcements and news.

(All images courtesy of Jason Proudler)