Beach party

Surf's up baby!

The warm spring days of late have inspired the creation of a new line of beach related home and party decor. 

Hand painted dinner napkins:

Surfboard napkins in tropical colors.

These new napkin designs are handmade with re-usable, Eco-friendly, 100% cotton cloth. Each napkin is a little piece of art, hand drawn and hand painted with non-toxic, lead free acrylic paints.

 Vintage woodie with surfboard.

The napkins are perfect for beach decor, entertaining or for your everyday dining pleasure.

 Pink and green hibiscus flower

Sold in sets of four or customized to your number and color choices.

Handmade Pottery Surfboard Serving Platters:

Surf's Up Serving Platter and Palm Tree Knife

The 12 x 5 inch platters are hand cut from a slab of clay and fired in my kiln.  Designs are hand drawn on the form and painted with non-toxic, lead-free glazes then fired once again. 

 Palm Tree Serving Tray and Palm Tree Knife

A metal hanger is attached to the back of each platter so they can decorate a table or, when not in use, be hung on a wall as a little piece of surfboard art.

Mermaid Serving Platter and Surfboard Knife

Surfboard platters can also be personalized making them a great hostess or wedding gift.

More beach party ideas and designs are being created as warm spring air blows gently through the open windows of my studio.  If you are interested, this new line is now available in my Magic Markings Etsy shop

Summer Surf Session

Time to wax up the boards and hit the surf...

But, before heading down to the beach we have to design our own surfboards, after all this is art camp and any old board just won't make the wave cut.  And since artists like to work with different mediums our boards will be made from materials not normally used for creating wave riding vehicles.

SURFBOARD DESIGNS

 Foam core surfboards

Surfboards can be shaped with foam core board and painted with acrylic paints. Although not waterproof,  this type of board is perfect for the wall of a room.  In fact, with these light-weight and colorful boards, I foresee a new trend in surf and beach decor.

 Pottery Surf Boards - Glazed and Fired

 Surfboards can also be hand cut from slabs of pottery clay then, after air drying for a few days, kiln fired to a bisque consistency.

These pottery surfboards, although ~ once again ~ not water worthy, are very versatile within a home environment.

Painted with lead-free pottery glazes and fired in my kiln, these delightful surfboards can be hung on a wall, used in the kitchen, placed on a desk, or in a bathroom as a soap or toothbrush/toothpaste holder.  I'm sure I've only dipped my toe in the water with practical ideas - the artists will surely think of other ways to showcase their awesome surfboard designs!

   Surfer Boy and Girl Portraits on Canvas

 

Using bright acrylic paint, the surf artists moved onto creating surfing self portraits.  The room seemed to glow with talent as the artists sketched and painted images of themselves on the beach and in the surf.

 A colorful under painting makes a great base coat perfect for warm water surf portraits.

 The artists captured a fabulous replication of themselves with their unique styles and personalities.

End of Surf Session Hungries...

 

 

 

And surf art camp comes to a close with tasty "fish on a sandy beach" cupcakes - DELICIOUS!

See you in the water!   

Handmade Gifts for Babies

My brother and his wife are expecting their first child in about 4 weeks.  It's been a couple of years since we've welcomed a new baby into our family and we're all very excited.  In celebration of the babies arrival, this weeks "Cool Stuff for Saturday" post is all about creative gifts for babies - all for you to make, bake or decorate ~ Enjoy.

To cover a sweet babies head:

So much cuter than the hats the hospitals give a newborn!
Find the very simple directions here

To protect yourself:

Handmade cloth wee wee wigwams are perfect for those moments of surprise when changing a little boys diaper.  Find the directions for this little shield here

To cover itty biity feet:

Cozy little cloth shoes that you can make yourself - find the warm and colorful pattern here

To cover sweet little bodies:

 Learn how to make these cute, recycled applique onesies here

To decorate a wall:

How lovely would a wall be with silhouettes of a newborn and the family?!  Find the wall inspiring directions here

To help baby learn:

A felt counting book full of color and texture ~ get a mind learning early with this wonderful, handmade book found here

A gift I made for my brother and his wife:

A hand painted surfboard on canvas ~ to go along with their Hawaiian themed babies room.

And finally - to cheer on the new parents

A "mocktail" that even nursing mothers can drink.  Find the recipe here

Counting down the days!!!!