Artprize 2011

{Artprize at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Instagram for iPhone, 2011}

{Sand Artist at Artprize, Instagram for iPhone, 2011}

{News Anchor Susan Shaw Broadcasting from Artprize, Instagram for iPhone, 2011}

For the past three years, my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan has hosted a very unique art experience called Artprize. You can learn more about it here: Artprize.org (if you want to know the particulars or possibly participate.) I've serendipitously been able to attend each year so far and as it becomes more popular, the artists have come from further and further away. My favorite thing about Artprize is the way it brings lots of different types of art to self described "non-art-people". Its magnificent! Oh! And I have really been enjoying using my new iPhone! What took me so long?! Its great! I especially love the Instagram app because it makes photos look more like memories. If you are using Instagram, find me as candacecamling.

Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party Planning

{Sewn "Bride" Sash, 2011}

{Handmade Invitations, 2011}

My friend is getting married very soon and I am throwing her a Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party. She is having a traditional Indian wedding so I wanted to bring that flair into some of the decor. I just completed this sash for her to wear during the festivities. I'm happy with how it turned out. I also created these invitations using different papers, a craft punch, brads, and a little Adobe Illustrator design. Can't wait to get the party going!

Sketchbook - Daily Life

{Ballpoint Pen in Sketchbook, 2011}

{Copic and Ballpoint Pen in Sketchbook, 2011}

I have a confession: I can't stop drawing my cats! Their bodies are so sweet and at times they look like little contortionists. I also did a two minute sketch of Ken last night. I have to make it quick, because if he discovers that I am drawing him, he'll purposely move or make faces at me. Thankfully, he was Facebooking, so I had more than ten seconds.

Indian Elephant

{Watercolor, 2011}

I painted this for a friend who had a birthday recently. She is Indian and I wanted to do something that would go with the colorful decor in her house. I hope she likes it! I am obsessed with India and its culture. I love the colors, the people and all of the festivals. I hope to be able to visit there someday! Can you imagine being able to wander around with a sketchbook? Pure heaven!

Today's Special Delivery

{"Santa's Secret Story" Books, 2011}

{"Santa's Secret Story" Books, 2011}

{Binding Detail, 2011}

I was sitting on my front porch talking to my dad today when the UPS truck pulled up. Every time I see a UPS truck in the neighborhood, I am secretly hoping to receive a box of my books. Well, today was the day for "Santa's Secret Story" published by Pauline Books and Media. I immediately opened the box and held it up to show the delivery man (who was far less excited than I). He shrugged and managed a lackluster "wow" as he walked back to his truck. My neighbor pulled up a few seconds later and was a much better partner to share the excitement with! She and I leafed through the shiny new books. What an excellent day! Holding a book in your hands is a wonderful feeling. Holding a book that you helped to create is downright magical!

Busy Squirrel

{Graphite in Sketchbook, 2011}

The squirrels around here have been pretty busy the last few weeks. The acorns are falling off all the oak trees and the air is changing into that crispness that signifies fall. I love this time of year and I always look forward to all the sights, smells and festivities that it brings!

Illustration Friday - Mysterious

{Sketch with Digital Color, 2011}

{Sketchbook, 2011}

If a child shows you a picture they have drawn, don't ask, "What is it?" Instead, ask them to tell you about it. This piece of advice has come in handy as a kids art teacher. Especially when presented with the most mysterious of drawings! I drew this in my sketchbook and then colored it in Photoshop.

Simple Foodie Apron

{Apron Sewing Project, 2011}

{Apron Sewing Project, 2011}

I used Lotta Jansdotter's book, Simple Sewing, for the basic shape of this apron. I embellished it with a different pocket and used some really fun food fabric that I bought out of a remnant bin several years ago. I think this would be great as a hostess apron for a BBQ; its certainly a conversation starter! Oh, how I love anthropomorphic foods!