Thursday, February 9, 2012

Art Class

My daughter has been asking to take an art class and she found one at Michael's Craft Store and she wanted to take it. Now this was an adult class, so I spoke to the teacher and explained she has been painting for years and would benfit from this more experienced class. The teacher agreed, but I felt bad sending her off into a class of adults alone, so I decided to take the class with her.

We were told to bring acrylic paints, brushes and canvas. I didn't know what we'd paint, but I was both excited and nervous. Turned out we'd be painting the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse. It's a lighthouse we see practically daily since that's where we go to the beach and for our walks. It's an odd shaped lighhouse. It's triangular and square.

I've photographed this lighthouse many times.





We had a great teacher and we both learned something new.

Here is my painting from class:



Sunday, February 5, 2012

Glimpse Into My Sketch Book

I always find it so interesting to get a glimpse into other artists sketch books. It fascinating to see how they try new techniques or colors. How a sketch starts as a simple idea before it's turned into a finished product.








I've been working on a book concept...it's far from full conceptualized, but I know it'll have pages full of beautiful artwork and color.  I've never really painted with watercolor before...besides the pitiful messes we made in elementary school. As this book idea came to me it was full of watercolor painting and I was floored. I was terrified of this idea so I spent days trying to create an image of this book full of acrlic and mixed media...the mixed media became a natural fit, but the watercolor images were too powerful. Feeling very overwhelmed I sat down with watercolor paper, paints, brushes and watched youtube videos. The first few paintings weren't as terrible as I expected. So I've not only undertaken this book, but also learning to use watercolor paints.











Watercolor I worked on last night.



Friday, February 3, 2012

DailyPT Logo Drawings

My personal trainer hubby has launched a new site called DailyPT.net and he asked me to draw fitness models for his logos and header. I was super excited!

Here are my drawings....










Here is how he ended up using them...





 

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Handmade Journals

Over the holidays I had some free time and I spent most of it making journals. I had a blast putting these together. I got to use an old "Good Literature" newspaper from 1898. I've had in my stash for 10 years and finally found something special to do with it.

I then sent them to my family and friends...but it was painful to see them go...I fell in love with each one.












Friday, November 25, 2011

A Very Merry Indie Christmas >> Link Party

I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday! And that today you are in the mood for shopping "INDIE" style.

Casey over at TheWiegands.com is hosting a shop indie link party so hop on over...after you've visited my shop first of course....and check out all the fabulous gift ideas.

Today I'm offering you, my fabulous blog followers, a coupon code to use when shopping in my Etsy shop. Just enter this code ShopIndie11 when checking out to save 20%!



Photobucket



(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Friday, November 18, 2011

Hip Chicks Shop Update

I've added "LaLa" and "Dreamer" to my Etsy shop!!






(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Hip Chicks Cook Too! Taco Soup

Today in Charleston the sun is shining and the sky is blue and temperature is very cold! The crisp fall like air reminds me of Oregon. So I put on my sweater and we light the fireplace. I love these days when we hunk in. My senses are always hightened on days like this. I love the sound of the dryer and the smell of the fireplace. I love the sun beaming in through the windows and the crisp air whisping in through the cracked window. I have a warm cup a tea next to my keyboard and a pot of Taco Soup simmering on the stove.

I am very blessed!

So I thought I'd share with you my recipe for taco soup. It's super easy and seriously yummy!

Ingredients:


Pound of ground beef or turkey
Package of taco seasoning
1 can of garbonzo beans
1 can of black beans
1 can of pinto beans
2 cans or 1 large can of tomato sauce

Instructions:

1) Brown your meat and then set aside.

2) Pour the tomato sauce in a large pot and mix in the taco seasoning.


3) Open the cans of beans and add to the tomato mixture.


4) Add the browned meat to the pot and stir.



That's it!! Seriously easy right?!

You can also add corn or any other goodies you'd like.

I then turn the burner down to simmer and let all the flavor get all warm and fuzzy together. I usually start this a few hours before dinner so the beans are nice and soft.






You can make corn bread or biscuits to go with...or we sometimes use scoop Freetos. Yum!!

I hope you enjoy this soup on a cool day! I know we will!!



(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I Adore This Shop >> InkBerry

Today I'd like to introduce you to a great artist and friend, Ann from InkBerry, in only photographs.

Her shop is full of the greatest seasonal decorations and vintage charms.


Ann partners with other companies on Themed Party Decorations

Halloween Garland (Ann makes the most amazing dress garlands)

Cake toppers

Christmas Garland

Spring Garland

Fairy Dust


Hanging Art

Don't forget to click over to Ann's blog and say HI! Also, if you love her stuff as much as I do...visit her shop or Facebook Page.






(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).