creating in the space between

When working through sketches and doodles, never underestimade space, espcially the space in between your subject matter. My favorite way to work through a drawing (or doodle) is to make use of that in between space and fill it with colors and pattern.

I like to start with lines drawings. 

You could use any type of subject matter, even simple shapes will work!

Then I fill the space with all kinds of different colors and pattern (I love to use dots).

The color and the pattern in the space between the black and white flower drawings create a wonderful push and pull and immediately kicks up those simple line drawings!

Instead of putting your efforts into drawing your subject matter, try challenging yourself to instead focus your time and creativity on the space in between your subject matter.

Use you favorite supplies and colors and fill that space with areas of color, pattern, simple doodles, journaling, texture, etc.

If you use color in your line drawings, try selecting color that is contrasting from the colors that you use to fill the space.

Challenge yourself to fill all of the white space in between your subject matter.

galaxy rings

Lately I am loving the trend with galaxy designs! Galaxies are so easy to create and I thought it would be fun to take the process and create some fun statement rings. This is a fun project for kid and teens or even adults who are want to try painting.

All you are going to need to is acrylic paint (in blues and purples and pinks) and some wood slices.

Start by painting wood slices with a good coat of black paint.

Next, using a brush (any brush will work but I am using a stencil brush) start dabbing purple paint onto the surface. Then dab a little bit of white paint over the top. The two colors will begin to mix together. Embrace the brush marks, this is what will make that galaxy feel like a galaxy!

Continue this process with different colors layered over the top. Dabbing each color.

Once you are satisfied with your colors, let everything dry.

The next step is to add lots of white dots to represent stars!

 

Once those tiny galaxies are dry, use a thick layer of Mod Podge to seal that surface.

The last step is to glue those galaxies to ring backs. I used my favorite heavy duty glue E6000

The result is a super simple but colorful galaxy ring perfect for any age!

Looking for more handmade ring projects?

wood burned rings   shrink plastic rings   stone statement ring   faux turquoise ring   colorful clay statement rings   flower rings  shrink plastic eye ring  wooden bead ring   marbled statement ring  cardboard turquoise rings

statement jean jacket

A jean jacket has always been one of my wardrobe staples but lately I am loving the trend of statement jean jackets! I mean who doesn't love a unique, colorful and creative jacket?! So I decided to put my own twist on this trend.

So I started by purchasing a jean jacket- I found one at a local store for around $20 and I went for an oversized jacket, another trend that I am loving right now!

I started by drawing out my design. 

My goal at this stage was to get the basic outline of my design.

And then I started painting! In my experience acrylic paint works just as well as fabric paint but I always hand wash any wearables that I paint. 

After the color began to dry, I went back in and with lots of details and line work.

I kept adding color and details until the entire space was filled.

I love mashing up different patterns so I added a geometric pattern to the top of the jacket.

The result is a super colorful and creative jacket!

Business in the front...

party in the back!

hand painted hip pack

Call me crazy but I love (and have always loved) a hip pack (otherwise known as a waist pack or fanny pack). Growing up in the 80's, fanny packs were a must have accessory and like so many trends it came and went. But honestly, this was one of those trends I was sad to see go! There is something so practical about a hip pack which is why I was so happy to see them make a comeback! I've got myself a little collection of colorful and unique hip packs and I thought it would be fun to add a funky and creative pack to my collection!

I found a denim pack. In my opinion, denim is the next best thing to canvas if you want to paint on that surface. It behaves a lot like canvas and the best part is that you can layer and layer and layer all that color!

Then I got messy! I painted about 2-3 layers of colorful brushstrokes and drips and then I let it dry.

Then I got busy adding all that line work and detail that I love. I used Golden High Flow Acrylics it has nice flow (a lot like ink) but it is permanent.

I used white paint to "paint out" some space for more designs

The result is a SUPER unique and funky hip pack!

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creating with Jules: fabric sewn succulent

Sewn Fabric Succulent

I love having greenery in my house. Even better when I don’t have to water it! I wanted to come up with a quick craft project, one that you can complete in an afternoon, and have something pretty to brighten up a shelf. I love those crocheted plants I see around; but if you haven’t the patience for crochet, or don’t know how to do it, sewing one is a cute alternative.

You’ll need:

Wire

Stuffing (wool or acrylic)

Stretchy green jersey/ knit fabric- (the stuff t-shirts are made of)

Embroidery floss

Small pot

Small decorative stones

You’ll also need: pliers, sewing needle & cotton, scissors

Cut some lengths of wire double the length that you want your succulent leaves to be. I made mine 4”. Make 8 lengths then fold them over and twist them together using pliers.

Take your stuffing and wrap around the wire, bulking it up towards the bottom of the fronds. Repeat for all pieces of wire.

Cut 8 pieces of the green fabric big enough to cover the fronds. Start sewing them up with a contrasting embroidery floss, using 3 strands. I trimmed my fabric as I went to get a nice, firm fit. Sew all the way to the top then knot, and hide the end inside the frond. Repeat for the other 7 leaves.

Take a circle of fabric and fill it with stuffing and tie around the bottom to keep in place. Sew each frond firmly to this ball. 

*Here’s my environmental craft tip: I keep a basket of fabric/ wool scraps and offcuts that are too small for projects, which I sometimes use as stuffing where it suits. Saves me using new stuffing where I don’t need to, and sometimes projects really suit the nice firm stuffing that this method gives.*

Pop however much stuffing (or off-cuts!) you need into the bottom of your chosen pot and place the plant in the top, sprinkling some decorative stones around it’s base. Bend the fronds to your liking and display!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

Jules :)

You can find more of Jules here:

Blog http://julesmadden.blogspot.com.au

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/julesmadden/

Shop https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/artbyjulesmadden