cranberry inspiration

In my world, I often find that one idea or a spark of inspiration can often lead me down a path of exploration, more ideas and inspiration. This is what recently happened to me while grocery shopping- I couldn't resist buying a $2.00 bag of fresh cranberries. I decided right there in the produce aisle that they would make the perfect subject for some photos I was taking for handmade holiday cards.

While taking my photos I was so inspired by the color and shape

that I couldn't resist doing a little sketching and cranberry study in my sketchbook.

While sketching it struck me that I have never tried stringing cranberries into a garland and I wanted to give it a try!

Since we have some holiday entertaining coming up, I thought the garland would be pretty to use in the tablescape.

While stringing the garland I got curious about how a cranberry looks on the inside- believe it or not I am not too familiar with fresh cranberries. I cut one open and was excited to see that is was beautiful. Even prettier on the inside if I may say so!

I immediately knew that it would make a PERFECT stamp. So I pulled out some acrylic paint and a brush and tried it out. Homemade wrapping paper anyone?

As I was getting ready to pack up the extra berries into the fridge and throw out the bag they came in, I noticed a recipe for cranberry nut bread on the back of the bag (Ocean Spray) and again I just couldn't resist making it!

To make:

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 tablespoon grated orange peel

1 egg, well beaten

1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup of chopped nuts

Spread batter into a well greased loaf pan or even fill muffin tins.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 50 minutes

Let cool.

Quickly consume on a cozy weekend morning :)

And there you have it- me and my crazy brain! A trip to the grocery store and a $2.00 bag of cranberries to spark all kinds of creative ideas!

recycled paint brush wreath tutorial

This year I decided that instead of going with a typical holiday themed wreath I would just come up with something totally off the wall and unique!

I am notorious for treating my paint brushes bad, I typically end up forgetting to wash them and the paint dries onto the bristles. But for some reason I just can't manage to throw them out- I have tons of cans full of old brushes. Each brush represents a memory, a project, a painting and a moment in my creative process. I decided to put some of these brushes to good use!

I started by wrapping a wreath form with fabric.

And collected all of my favorite old brushes in a variety of sizes.

I layered and stacked the brushes onto the surface of the wreath, using glue to secure them as I layered.

I alternated color and size

until the entire surface was filled with brushes.

Just about the easiest wreath I have yet to make.

And this one will be staying up all year!

a drawing gift guide

Looking for simple gifts for someone who draws or is looking to incorporate drawing into their creative routine? Consider assembling a gift basket full of drawing supplies, give them a class or invest in a few great products that will inspire them. I have put together a handful of ideas get you thinking about giving drawing supplies for gifts.

Sketchbooks are a great gift. Gather a few different types, bundle together and give as gift. You can find a great variety here

This will always be my favorite gift to receive!

or give a handmade sketchbook like this one from Raspberrie Press

or this handmade leather sketchbook from To Boldly Fold

a set of micron drawing pens to go with the sketchbook from Sakura

a set of drawing pencils- Staedtler is my favorite brand

a complete drawing set from prismacolor for the beginner

a unique pencil sharpener from blick

or a fun robot pencil sharpener from boys to men

you can't go wrong with kneaded erasures- they would make a great stocking stuffer

or a unique novelty eraser from here

How about a handmade pencil case like this hand stitched leather one from Chii Designs

to keep all those pens and pencils.

or this pretty pencil case from pilo

or this one from pilli pilli- how cute is this?!?!

of course I have to recommend the Koi Watercolor Field Sketch Set from Sakura as you know it is one of my favorite products out there

and a Koi Water Brush

My friend Jane LaFazio teaches sketchbook and watercolor online and live classes here and here and they would make a great gift for those wanting to learn

or this fabulous online class from Carla Sonheim.

Carla also has a great drawing book that can be purchased here or here

(What a great pair the class and the book would make!)

Dawn Sokol's Doodle Diary would also make a fabulous gift!

Dawn also has a great doodling resources on her site

These are just a few of the THOUSANDS of drawing and sketching products out there! Think outside the box, look for unique and simple supplies and give the gift of drawing this holiday :)

updates from the studio

It's that time again, time for another update before the holiday madness begins and before I forget everything I need to share- I seem to be exceptionally forgetful lately!

But first you may be asking yourself, why is Alisa dressed like she is ready to head out into the snow- doesn't she live in California?! Lets, just say this Oregon girl who used to be tough and not mind the cold now thinks this cold spell that we are experiencing in Southern California (40-50 degrees) is FREEZING and our home and my studio seem to be colder than it is outside. I have been bundled up in hats, scarves, sweaters and boots everyday trying to stay warm while working. So I am dressed like a snow bunny because I am officially a wimp!

This weekend I donated my time and taught at Seaside Soiree a mixed media event that my dear friend Elena Lai Etcheverry put on to raise money for charity. I was in GOOD company at the event- Liz Hicks, Suzi Blu, Melody Ross, Michelle Cummings and thirty energetic, creative and wonderful women!

This is the manuscript for my book that I have been reading through- a long and tedious process but oh so exciting. I cannot tell you how proud and excited I am about this book. From the cover (hopefully I will be able to share soon) to the photography, to the content I AM OVER THE MOON with how it is all coming together. The Interweave team that I have been working with has been AMAZING and I cannot wait for the release in fall 2011!

I have been working on my teaching schedule for 2011 and I am excited to share that I will be teaching in the Colorado Rockies at Art Camp for Women. Lately I've been seeking more unique, more intimate venues and teaching opportunities and Art Camp for Women in exactly that! Teaching class in the mountains, going for hikes and walks, a private chef, time to hang out and relax together- I couldn't be more excited to teach!

Visit the website for all of the info

I am thrilled to have one of my fiber jewelry projects featured in the latest issue of Sew Somerset!

Later today I will be adding a some more new goodies to my Etsy shop which will include a variety of digital gift certificates that can be used for shop goodies or even online classes. I will have these available right up until Christmas for all those last minute shoppers :)

For a while I have been struggling with the decision to accept advertising on my blog- my biggest issue is that I personally don't enjoy visiting sites that bombard you with ads. After going back and forth with this topic and receiving lots of requests, I have decided that I will be selling ad space but doing it my own way. This online space has grown beyond my wildest dreams and evolved from a hobby into a business. My daily postings, projects and inspiration bring thousands of readers from all over the world and I think it is time to offer an affordable place to advertise. Advertising on my blog will be "passive" so readers won't feel bombarded and my rates reflect this decision. For those who are interested in stats and rates, please email me for more information at alisaburke@gmail.com

I am working on my next online class and because I have received so many requests, the class will be a drawing and sketching class. Look for more information at the start of the new year!

And last, with the beginning of a new year I will be updating, changing and streamlining my creative business. So look for website updates, new creations, art prints, tutorials, classes, events and more. It's out with the old and in with the new!

In the meantime check in everyday for the next few weeks for all kinds of holiday inspiration, recipes, gift guides and more!

Ok- time for a second cup of coffee.