My Studio Helper

Zaidey loves doing art with me. I’ve been really into painting earrings lately, and she surprised me being such a big help with applying gesso! I’m so happy to share my hobby with her. Each of my earrings are a miniature painting. Right now I’m selling them for $15 a pair which is very inexpensive considering how unique each one is. But it’s worth it to move more merchandise now so that I can work out all the bugs in my system.

Cosmic Galaxy Earrings

These earrings are made using the same paint I’ve done on mugs previously. On a whim, I tried it one day, and the effects have been addicting. So far, enjoying the discoveries each piece brings me!

How I Stretch Canvas

A series of pictures showing how I put together stretcher bars and stretch my own canvas. My favorite part is at the end of the process when I soak the stretched canvas with water from my outside well spigot. The water gives the canvas a nice final stretch. I love doing my own canvases for oil painting, especially with larger pieces. I buy pre-cut stretcher bars from an online company, and they also offer wood supports that criss-cross the frame. Putting together my own stretcher bars gives better protection against warping, and I always have peace of mind that my painting bones are solidly constructed.

Canvas stretcher bars: https://www.stretcherbarwarehouse.com/best-canvas-stretcher-bar-p/1-1-4-stretcher-bars.htm

Canvas: Right now since I don’t go through a lot, I buy large pre-gessoed rolls from the local Hobby Lobby. Be sure to use your 40% coupon on the app!