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Writer's picture: KarenKaren

Updated: May 23, 2020


Charcoal Study

Have you used charcoal for drawing yet?

I must admit...I hadn't. All my portaits have been worked in graphite so far.

I had charcoal in my possession....but it had always been used for mixed media projects for that little bit of extra black smudginess when needed lol

But who knew how much easier charcoal is to work with!

A few hints on working portraits with charcoal

* Keep a piece of paper towel handy...not only can you use the towel for smudging but for erasing lighter marks too!

* Working on toned paper gives you a shortcut for your mid tones.

* Using a paper stump to smudge. you can create dark and lighter areas with the same piece of charcoal.

* Use white charcoal for highlights

* It's a good idea to protect your work and hands by resting your palm on a piece of paper.

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Writer's picture: KarenKaren

Updated: May 23, 2020


Wow....life has been so hectic, I haven't had time to take a breath!

Today, however, I set aside some time to make some Christmas goodies.

If you are signed up to the Whimsicans area, you can access the patterns and the songbook that I have created especially for you (well....I'm sure I'll get some use out of them too. Lol!)

First up....some Christmas baubles. So much fun to make and the kids can help as well.

Next up.....who doesn't love Christmas Carols and songs?

This year I'm hoping to get the whole family involved in a sing-a-long. No excuses that they don't know the words as I've created this cute little songbook.

(Graphics courtesy of that amazing site...The Graphics Fairy)

Lastly....one more Christmas card. Frosty is someone that I don't get to meet over her in Australia. (We do have snow in some areas...but not mine. :( ) So I just have to content myself with this little fella.

All patterns are in the form of SVG's, PNG's and PDF so everyone should be able to use them by cutting them out on your paper cutting maching or hand cut using a craft knife.

All my spare time has been taken up with my Christmas cards these past few weeks and learning how to use my new Brother Scan N' Cut (LOVE!) Hopefully, I'll be back into my art come the New Year.

To you all, I wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. All the best and love from the bottom of my heart. xxxxxxxx

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Writer's picture: KarenKaren

Updated: May 23, 2020


I'm trying to get back into my art. It's a little hard to feel motivated at the moment, so I thought I'd take a few online courses to get some inspiration. I love to watch other artists work..... Tam from Willowing is one of my favourites.

Recently she offered some discounted classes so I enrolled in "Winter Soul Flakes"

The 'Lollypop" girls she creates are so cute, I just had to give it a go.


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