Bibliosophy Handmade

Now In!

My first new product in my line of paper goods; just in time for the holidays, a 2013 Desk Calendar!  I started painting again back in August, and my intention was only to create something pretty and useful as gifts for my friends for Christmas.  But it was so much fun, I thought I would try putting it out there in the wider world. 

More to come!

A New Direction

Whew!  It's been a while!  Our little baby #3 is now 16 months, and we are (somewhat) used to the chaos of a three year old, a two year old, and a one year old.  My work has taken some twists and turns, and led back to painting and drawing.  Here is a sneak peek:

A new line of paper goods, to launch sometime next year hopefully.  I may do some test runs in the near future so keep an eye on my Etsy shop! 

Glad to be back.

 

An art area of his own

 

My goal for the weekend was to finally set Little Guy up with an art studio.  Art has been such an important influence and joy in my life, and I've been looking forward to sharing it with my children for a long time now.  Since the boy is now moving and exporing, I thought it was time to offer him the opportunity to start drawing.  Last summer, I read Susan Striker's book Young At Art, and am going to try her very gradual method of introducing art experinces to children, alongside other fast and fun activities.  She advises introducing colors and materials slowly, so right now he only has a black crayon and white paper.  Once he's fully explored the black on white, we'll move to white on black, then slowly add the primary colors.  Its a fascinating book and talks about the important part that scribbling plays in a child's development.  I found the part about the connections between scribbling/drawing and reading readiness fascinating, and am looking forward to observing Little Guy through his next few years of art explorations.

We found this little old child's desk at an antique mall for a nice price, and it is perfect.  The cast iron legs can be adjusted to different heights, so it suits his diminuitve frame now, and can be adjusted as he grows and starts our homeschooling in a few years.  There is no chair presently, because I want him to stand so he can more easily manipulate the crayon on the paper.  This corner of our kitchen is perfect, and the window frame provides the perfect place to stick these on a rotating basis.  I want him to appreciate art, not just make it.  And the little postcards in the basket are just objects to play with now, but eventually I hope to engage him in talking about the subject matter.  He's still at the age where there's a fair amount of trying to eat the materials, but I can't wait to introduce him to new mediums over time:)

And the last picture there, well, that is his first scribble.  I am very proud. 

at the drawing board

I feel vulnerable posting this, as I haven't shared any artwork with others in so long....but...

I've been relaxing with my colored pencils lately....I always forget just how quieting I find the simple exercise of drawing, especially with all my favorite colors.

For years now I've struggled with subject matter, and deciding just what to draw.  Depicting my favorite things seemed natural, but just what were those things?  Color and pattern was always important, and what I am attracted to in other art, but how to recreate that in my work?

This little still life was a great first step on the path to discovering my drawing niche, I think.  Simple tools I use everyday that I have a fondness for, on a bright, patterned background to add some clashing color and interest.

I'm pretty pleased with this little piece and look forward to trying more!  I'm hoping to have a new crochet pattern finished by tomorrow to share, we'll see!