When we ran out of pages, I realized we could make our own! I got some paper, a permanent marker, and some regular markers. Stamp markers would be great for this project if you have them.

I drew a picture with the permanent marker (Frances requested a pig). Then we filled in the picture with stripes and dots using the regular markers (or stamp markers). Then we were ready to paint our very own paint with water picture!

First, think about techniques and materials. You can draw a simple contour line drawing with pencil or pen, a shaded drawing with pencil or charcoal, or a color drawing using any combination of colored pencil, markers, or pastels. Color can be flat for a more graphic effect, or layered with shading for a 3D effect. Experiment with materials and techniques to find one that you love.

Next, what to draw? Of course you can get ideas from your memory or imagination, but often it helps to start with a reference. Reference material can include drawings by others, photographs, and drawing from life (the actual objects or people). Copying a drawing is the easiest and best way to learn to draw something–artists have used this method for centuries. After practicing by copying, then you can move on to drawing from photos and from life and develop your own style.

Happy drawing!

Simply cut out a bird shape and two separate wing shapes. Punch holes and attach wings with brads (paper fasteners–they even have fancy shaped ones like flowers now). This allows your wings to flap so little birdy can fly! Add stick-on googly eyes for a little silliness. Spring is here!

I loved the way these adorable heart and bird bracelets for My Little Sweetheart by Sara Gillingham turned out. Paige combined watercolor hearts that had crayon resist messages from mom with felt birds. The bird shapes can be precut and your little one can help glue everything onto a paper towel cuff.

The cuff bracelet can be adapted for lots of crafts, and kids love them. Just split a paper towel roll vertically and them slice into 1″-2″ bands. Anything can be used to decorate them and turn them into bracelets. Just slip them on, or for a more secure bracelet, punch holes in each end and tie with yarn or ribbon.

Still, I didn’t really understand what SoulCollage® is until I took the workshop myself. The collages become personal tarot cards or postcards to yourself. Amy teaches you not only how to make them, but also how to use them to inspire yourself and to reflect. It really got me thinking about different parts of my life that I don’t get to spend much time on right now, but that are still a part of me.

Here are some of the cards I made. If you are interested in trying it yourself, check the calendar to see when we are offering the workshop again!

Zachary has been professionally cutting freehand silhouette portraits for the past eight years.  We are sure that you will be as delighted with your silhouette as we have been with his work in the past!

Zachary Murray will be in the store on Saturday, November 24 from 10am until 5pm.  Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!  Call the store at 919-419-0800, or e-mail us at Bull City Craft so that you can reserve a time to have Zachary cut silhouettes for you and your family!

Tomorrow night, Thursday November 15, we are celebrating teachers at Bull City Craft with a Teachers’ Stress Relief Party.  From 4-6pm, gather with your fellow teachers from around the Durham area to relax, share in the free refreshments, and relieve stress through conversation and crafting.

We are offering some budget relief as well – teachers will receive 20% off of all purchases made in our store from 4-6pm tomorrow evening.  That’s 20% off of crafting and art supplies, stationary, toys – everything! Your purchases don’t have to be for your students; they can be just for you, too!

So leave your planners at school – we have made all of the preparations!  At Bull City Craft, we are looking forward to taking care of you teachers for the evening, as a small token of thanks for all you do to take care of our city’s children all year long!

Next Friday, it’s the Matisse goldfish painting. I love this one! Matisse said he wanted to convey the happy feeling he had when he was painting to the people who viewed his paintings. I think he really succeeded with this one.

Friday, June 8th from 7 to 9: Paint and Pour

O'Keefe Flower Tote bag for Paint and Pour

Summer is here and the days are longer and lazier. Spend a relaxing evening with us, a glass of wine in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. We’ve expanded our Paint and Pour schedule to bring you classes every Friday and Saturday evening. Fridays will be dedicated to our newly introduced canvas paintings and Saturdays will be for our popular “Mastercraft” projects where we combine an art masterpiece with one of our crafts like the Starry Night Bird House.

Paint and Pour is from 7-9 on Fridays and 6:30-8:30 on Saturdays and is $30 per person. It’s easy to make a night of it with all the great neighboring restaurants just a few steps away like Nanataco, Thai Cafe, and the Q Shack. We’ll even give you a discount if you support local business–bring your receipt from Wine Authorities and we’ll give you $5 off the price of the Paint and Pour class! This is Friday we will be working on Georgia Okeefe’s Jimson Weed on a Tote.

Store Hours:

Sunday 12-5   •  Monday-Thursday 11-6   •   Friday 11-8   • Saturday 12-6

Summer Camp Registration is open! Brochure is posted on the Kids page. Discounts if you register in the store in Saturday, April 7 at our 1 Year Celebration event.