Mother's Day DIY | Sharpie Mug

Hola! Somewhere in my mind, I thought I would be doing several Mother's Day DIYs, but I don't think I realistically have the time to do so lol...but here's a cool, quick and easy one for now. A Sharpie mug!!!

My mom used to tell me and my brother "Y'all gonna drive me to drink!!" pretty often lol...we still get on her nerves sometimes. Anywho, mom's love to brag about their kids and how cool will you and your mom be when she gets to show off the fancy mug you made her to all her jealous coworkers/friends/relatives lol. You can be as simple or intricate as you like with this one. I bought the mug for like $2 from Target and I have Sharpies for days...from Michaels.


Materials

• Porcelain mug
• Sharpie(s)

Instructions

1. Draw/write whatever your heart desires. I personally would stay away from drawing wherever the mouth could potentially be on the mug when drinking.

2. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let it cool down before handling or using...and you're done. These mugs should be gently hand washed only.

This would be a great gift for anyone really. Give it a try.

Stay Inspired.

DIY | Chalkboard Labels

I love how these came out and it was super easy to do. Chalkboard labels are a cool way to...know what something is lol. Yes, I'm still stuck on this chalkboard spray paint. The can is getting low luckily, so I can move on soon. I really love this stuff lol.


Materials

• Mason jars (or whatever you want to add a label to)
• 2" Painter's tape
• Chalkboard spray paint
• Color spray paint in desired colors (optional)

Instructions

1. Place painter's tape on the mason jar in whatever shape you like. I made wacky rectangular shapes. Side note: You can also get/make some stencils to give your label a cool shape...visit The Creativity Exchange for examples.

2. Spray on chalkboard paint. Follow manufacturer's instructions on can for coats and dry times.

3. (Optional) Spray the rim of the mason jar lid in desired colors.

4. Once chalkboard paint has dried, remove painter's tape...and done!!! Now your goods are ready to be labeled. Give it a try.

Stay Inspired.

One day away from SPARK!

Hola!! Today is the last day to get pre-sale tickets for Spark!! This event is going down tomorrow, from 8pm to 12am, at Zeba Bar in DC. In case you missed the last post about it, Spark is a creative fundraiser for FIGMENT DC that will include a silent auction, raffles, sock puppet speed dating...lol, DJs and more!! In case you also missed all the greatness that FIGMENT DC is, it's a community-based, participatory art event that takes place annually in numerous cities. DC had it's first FIGMENT event last year, and they're bringing it back full force in 2013! I have an entire section on this here blog dedicated to FIGMENT. Click here to check it out.

Some of my personal artwork will be up for the silent auction at Spark, and I also donated pieces of my FIGMENT DC 2012 project, Envisage, for the raffle.

Envisage...

Bite size pieces...

To get a glimpse of some of the silent auction and raffle items, click here. For more information on the Spark event overall, visit the Facebook page. I'll be kinda late (have a class)...but I'll be there. Hopefully, I'll see you!! Get your tickets here!

Stay inspired. 

Mural Painting at Storage Village!!

This past Sunday, I got the opportunity to paint my first mural!!! It was a really great, frustrating, and fun learning experience. It was frustrating only because of all those darn ripples on the door lol. I knew those were going to be there beforehand, but they annoyed me more than I thought they would. Also, it was my first time painting something so big, but I know now I have to do more homework beforehand...stencil some things out, etc. I didn't finish it, but I think I stopped it at a good place where it looks finished enough lol. There were supposed to be hands reaching up from the bottom and some more stuff. My theme was "Reach for the Stars"...and I realize now that I didn't take a picture of it after adding the stars. Overall, It was a great learning experience and I'm glad I got the opportunity to do it. Random...but I got really hungry at one point while painting this, and I was one stroke away from painting the word "PEACH" instead of "PEACE". I snapped out of it right in time lol. I would've just went home if I did that.

The mural painting took place at Storage Village in Bethesda, MD. There were seven artists out there, including myself. Our murals were to be inspired by positive messages regarding the community. Here are some pictures of the other doors...

The man to my right, Jay Hudson, was doing graffiti (the one with the big heart above) and I was definitely inspired to learn how to do it myself. Using spray paint is definitely a win when it comes to doing art in a larger space...especially one with non-smooth surfaces. I was envious of his speed lol. The other graffiti artist, Eric Ricks, did the three hands with the plant. He showed me some of the other murals he has done and they're AWESOME! I plan on learning a thing or three from him. I already picked out my beginners kit and now I have to find a surface I can spray on lol.

Stay Inspired.

DIY | Chalkboard Coasters

Still on the chalkboard tip, I thought I'd combine it with my love for making coasters. I feel like everyone needs these in their life...they're fun. Make some!! It was pretty simple...even simpler if you just keep the bottom white but, I love color so no can do for me lol.

FIGMENT DC 2013!!!

HELLO! Just wanted to let you know that FIGMENT DC is back for the second time and they are accepting projects!! FIGMENT DC is a community-based participatory event full of cool, creative projects and ANYONE can join in and contribute. This year, the event will be for two days, September 28th & 29th. You still have plenty of time to enter and come up with a cool idea...solo or with a group of friends. To check out the project I submitted last year, as well as get more info on FIGMENT DC, you can click here.You can find a list of all the projects featured at FIGMENT DC 2012 here.

Stay Inspired.

Potteryyyy!!!

Earlier this week, I got an opportunity to go with a friend to a pottery class she takes at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in DC. I was really excited to try something new, as I like to see just how far my creative juices can take me lol. I've never done anything pottery related...unless Color Me Mine in Adams Morgan counts. I forgot most of the terms but there was some "throwing", "compressing of the rim"...that's all I remember lol. It was fun and pretty messy, which I was prepared for but not my clothes. Anywho, after I completely failed on my first two or three attempts, I started to get a little better. Still sucked lol...but better.

Here's one bowl I failed on and brought back to life lol...

Just gave it a little ripple effect around the rim...never know the difference *sarcasm*. Then, I made this little bowl here. Came out pretty decent...

It was fun!! No doubt the painting/designing will be my favorite part though lol.

We also walked around to some of the different exhibits at Corcoran before starting the pottery. Definitely some interesting works in there and I need to go back when I have more time to look around. I did take a few pics of the exhibits I saw...

The two people standing on the carpet were doing some kind of performance art. The part I saw entailed them walking around on the carpet sipping wine, never being on the same side of the carpet. No, I didn't get it lol. Then, I saw a picture on Instagram of this performance and somehow the guy ended up butt naked with lettuce covering his yeah and he was laying on the ground...then, I got it even less lol. Wish I could've seen the whole thing.

This one is called "Untitled Hole (for their sins)" lol...

She actually gave away some of the bread she made...

Old photos of GoGo bands and old flyers from the Pump Me Up: D.C. Subculture of the 1980s exhibit...

Saw the GoGo exhibit in passing, hence the lack of pictures.
Last is the Ill Street Blues exhibit. Floor to ceiling STREET ART!!! I love street art.

The Corcoran Gallery is really cool. Didn't get to take too many pics, but there was a lot of cool stuff in there. Plan a trip! You can get more info on their exhibits and whatever else your heart desires here.

Stay inspired.

Spark!!

Just an FYI!!!...  FIGMENT is a really cool community-based event and they're throwing a shindig to raise some funds. I participated in DC's first FIGMENT event last year, which you can read more about here. I donated a couple of pieces to silent auction which will take place at Spark. Seems like it will be a good time. Click here to check out their event on Facebook. Try to make it out there!!

Stay inspired.