Handmade for Kids: How to Make a Travel Art Box

by Bev Feldman of Linkouture

Between summer vacation and trips to the beach, perhaps more than any other time of the year people find themselves constantly on the go during the summer months. I have days where I feel like I have barely unpacked my bag before I have to pack it all over again, and I haven't even gone on vacation yet this summer!The wonderful thing about making art is it can be done anywhere. All you need is your imagination and a way to express yourself. You can help your children express their creativity on the go with these easy-to-assemble art boxes using items you probably already have laying around your house.

Suggested items:

• Some type of container (I recommend a shoebox if you have one that isn't being used, you can even have your child decorate it)
• Writing/coloring utensils, such as colored pencils, markers, and/or crayons (just be aware if you keeping this in your car the crayons might melt!)
• Something to write/color on (scrap paper, construction paper, a small notebook, or a journal)
• Glue sticks and/or tape
• Recycled materials, such as paper towel tubes, ribbon, tissues paper, and egg cartons
• Scissors (but not if you're planning on take this on an airplane or if it is going to be used in the car)
• Stickers
• Yarn
• Buttons
• Paper clips
• Any other items you or your children can think of

You and your child can work together to hunt around your house to see what kinds of items would be fun to include. Keep the box stashed in your car, ready for long trips, or have your child bring it with them the next time you fly somewhere (just be sure to remove any items that TSA doesn't allow you to bring on your carry-on) and let your child's imagination run! You can even join in on the fun. After every trip clean it out and replenish any supplies that have run low and throw out any items that have dried out.What would you include in a travel art box?

Summer Inspiration

By Stephanie Cave of Stephanie Cave Design Studio

One of the few artist shacks still in existence at the sand dunes of the National Seashore in Provincetown.

Over the past few years, some of my most inspiring moments as an artist have come from spending time in Provincetown on Cape Cod. This seaside beach town has so much to offer, from galleries, restaurants and shops, to the beautiful seascape, flowers and found objects. It has sparked creativity and happiness, as I’ve been able to spend seemingly timeless moments with friends and family.  

Some of the beautiful scenery that can be seen all over town

Last year I was also fortunate enough to be able to take a couple of art classes to expand my repertoire and this year, I’m doing the same. As an artist who primarily uses textiles to make quilts, home décor and apparel, I have enjoyed stepping outside of my comfort zone to explore wood blocking, printmaking and collage.

A hand printed piece from my printmaking class.

This summer I am excited to be dabbling in screen printing, bookmaking and drawing. The life of a seamstress is often be confined to strict dimensions and calculations, and so I have found it both enjoyable and challenging to work outside of these parameters. Often my subject matter remains closely tied into my sewing and I find it a refreshing way to approach something I love from a different perspective.  

Photographing Rouen, France

By Kerry Hawkins of Kerry Hawkins Photo

I have recently traveled to Normandy, France. We stayed in a small town near the city of Rouen. Rouen is the capital of upper Normandy and founded in 911. It is one of France's most ancient cities.

I was attracted to it's old and very beautiful cathedrals, streets and buildings. I did get a few shop window shots in. It is fun to see how people decorate their windows in other countries.

Rouen is compact and easy to walk around the old part of the city. There are many pedestrian ways to avoid traffic and explore the city. We found many good restaurants to eat and relax.

I loved to photograph this city. Every corner or street presented something new, unusual, quirky, beautiful and fun.

New Orleans Night

by Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography

Whew! I just returned from almost a week in New Orleans feeling refreshed, recharged, and inspired. When we got in around nine and headed straight to Bourbon Street. It was overwhelming after a long day of travel and I could see how it would get old fast but I loved all of the energy and craziness block after block.

No age discrimination on Bourbon St

Yes please.

Beads!

Art of the American Cowboy

by Nancy of nancyrosetta

Early this December, my father was honored to be the featured artist in a show in Las Vegas called Art of the American Cowboy. I was lucky enough to be able to go to the show and see all the amazing artwork. His artwork is featured in their banner and signs!

Here is Dad with his wife ChaCha and my husband Scott, along with a variety of his framed paintings. His booth looked amazing.

Along with all the artwork on display, there was a rodeo...right in the resort! It was the first rodeo I have ever been to that was inside a building. Pretty spectacular.

And this waiting/practicing area was also INSIDE the resort! My vantage point is from above looking down from a window. These people all looked very nervous getting ready for their chance at a portion of 4.2 million dollars in a roping contest. Of course the horses looked completely at ease. :)

Even though I went to this event to support my fathers artwork (and him), my favorite piece was from one of his horses that he had on display in his booth. A testament to his sense of humor and his horse's mighty tongue.

Click the image to see the title plate bigger. I love the humor.

I'm so glad that I could attend this event in support of my Dad. He and my step-mother were so glad that we could be there and that meant the world to me.

London & Paris Inspiration

By Arthur of Arthur Halvorsen Ceramics

I just got back from an AWESOME trip to London and Paris, and let me be the first to tell you that it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! While is was in London I had to go back to the Victoria & Albert Museum. Right now they are having a show all based on craft called The Power of Making. It was amazing! Everything in the show was a "craft" there was a Japanese artist that made a real bicycle out of mahogany, one of Lady Gaga's wigs and even a gown made out of straight pins! So cool!! Unfortunately I was not able to take photos in the show because it wasn't allowed... BUT there was a piece that was outside of the exhibition.

Can you tell what the gorilla is made out of?? Bent and welded together coat hangers! It was amazing and very tall, my guess standing about 7 feet tall!

So I wanted to share a few more photos that have really inspired me from the trip to Europe and it's totally working its way into my studio life. I'm in the process of figuring out how to make a tulip pyramid or a tulipiere. I can't wait to get laid off from my full time to, only to get rehired in March so I can concentrate on my life in the studio. ENJOY!

Whimsical Street Art - Belfast, Maine

by Sharon of Stray Notions

Every year I look forward to returning to Mid Coast Maine, and while many things don't change much from year to year and are a welcome routine, I look forward to the annual change in street art. I think it's been about 12 years since various cities and towns hosted installations of animal sculptures that were embellished by local artists and eventually auctioned off to the highest bidder to benefit a local charity. In Toronto it was Moose, Boston (and other cities) did cows, Rockland Maine - lobsters and Belfast did bears. However in Belfast, once the Bears were gone, the street art continued -- with a different theme each year. This year the installations provided both visual interest and unique opportunities to sit and enjoy the view. I've chosen a few favorites here:

Human Weathervane

Buoy-oh-Buoy

Tourist Trap

Knit 2 Gather

Exploring Local Wildlife Sanctuaries & Nature Trails with a Mass Audubon Membership

by Jen Parrish of Parrish Relics

My husband and I recently visited the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary on a whim, and were lucky enough to be offered a membership discount. A membership card gives you year round free entry to all of the Mass Audubon locations and other great perks. Highly recommended!

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

We have already also enjoyed visiting Plum Island's Joppa Flats earlier this year-

and more recently took advantage of a beautiful summer day to check out Drumlin Farm in Lincoln.

Drumlin Farm

There is much inspiration in Nature and the faces of the adorable animals you may meet. Wonderful for anyone who is an artist of any kind, or to just find a little peace and stillness to recharge and appreciate the beauty surrounding where we live.

Can't wait to pick the next one to visit before the summer is out!

Good Times in Maine

By Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design

Last month, I took a trip to Maine with my friend Shelley from my knitting group to visit our other knitting friend, Alice, who has a gorgeous lakefront cottage. I had such a great time being able to relax for a couple of days since my summer has been so hectic. Not only is Maine beautiful for it's landscape, but also there most notable yarn shop, Spunky Eclectic.

I have always wanted to go visit Amy's store and boy did I have a blast! Tons of fiber every where, spinning wheels, drop spindles and more fiber galore. Unfortunately I was so excited about what was in the store that I did not really take a picture of the goodies inside but I did make a purchase. This yarn shop is definitely a place for all those who love to spin yarn and weave. Here's a couple of pictures from my trip in Maine.

My purchase

The view from our lake front cottage where we stayed

The cottage

Red Nun Music Festival

by Allison of Fraske Designs

September 3 is the third annual Red Nun Music Festival at the Red Nun Bar and Grill in Chatham, MA. Above is the flyer I created for Sidewalk Driver, who participates in this event each year.

The Red Nun Music Festival benefits the Pals for Life Foundation is a response mechanism dedicated to providing emergency funds to families and/or individuals in need of immediate assistance.

Labor Day weekend is a popular time on Cape Cod, so if you are in the Chatham area on September 3, I encourage you go get out to this event to hear some great music and support a great cause!

Science & Art in Washington DC

By Jennifer T. of MaJenta Designs

I recently took a trip to Washington DC. The nation's capital definitely is beaming with art, from museums housing portraits and American history icons, to even the architecture of their monuments. However, I enjoyed finding artwork in unexpected locations...like the Air and Space Museum.



My favorite unexpected finding, was this stained glass piece that displays the electromagnetic spectrum in the earth's atmosphere



The different colors symbolize different light rays, as well as how deeply the rays from space penetrate the earth. Below is the placard that explains further about each of the different color.