Pyrography: Fishers of Men

Wood burning, or pyrography, can be very fun and a bit addictive. I built a cryptex out of wood for a studio project in my last year at Ball State, and really enjoyed lettering the wheels during the project.  This little wood block received some of my creative energies when I got that tool back out in September, 2010. 

I didn't copy a font, just had fun making my own. If you want to try this craft, I got the tool at harbor freight for a low price. It comes with several different bits and can also be used for soldering.

Enjoy!

Monica

Indianapolis Sketchers: Zoo Sketch

Only two sketchers braved the cold this morning, including myself!  I have some nice sketches to show for it though.  Here they are.

Tundra the Polar Bear's Waterfall

Tundra, Head in the Snow

Child Watching Sharks in the Petting Pool

Indianapolis Sketchers: Moe & Johnny's

We met at Moe & Johnny's on January 22nd and got acquainted. It was a very nice time, just enjoying the restaurant and sketching. Here are my results! All of these were on the same page, sketch paper with a regular wooden #2 pencil.

Thumbnail Portrait

Railing Detail Behind Booths

New Meetup Group: The Indianapolis Sketchers!

Starting a new Meetup Group!
http://www.meetup.com/Indianapolis-Urban-Sketchers/

Let's start sketching! We'll have our first 'sketchy' outing near the end of this month. Join in and get creative! 

Please leave comments below for some location ideas!  I'd love to be outside, but it is still pretty cold yet.  Maybe a restaurant with awesome decor, or a museum with sculptures to sketch? All ideas and inspirations are welcome!

Model: Mini Golf

So, this is Christmas

and what do you miss?

The dimpled white play-things

and clubs to swing with.

Though the season is cold

and the snow so white,

the green still awaits.

Merry Christmas Mike!

This is the gift that I made for my sdad Mike :)  

It's mostly found materials like the cardboard. 

I made the trees with dried sedum flower heads

and painted them with acrylic paint.

The golf ball is a little opalescent bead.

The final model measures 4" x 12"

Bustle Dress: Buttons

Irene Adler's bodice has so many buttons down the front that I decided it would be ridiculous to have to do them all for Halloween. It is so much more pleasant and time-saving to just have a zipper down the back when it comes time to wear the bodice. I still added the buttons for effect, however.

The process begins with marking the center of the bodice. I used a length of drafting tape and marked the button spacing with a pen. This ensures that the buttons will be correctly aligned and properly spaced for a nice finish.

Tape down the bodice center.

The buttons are shank buttons, and the fabric is not reinforced. I used a flat button behind the shank ones for added support. The sturdiness of the flat button keeps the shank button from drooping or falling at strange angles. It also helps to prevent the fabric from ripping due to any unwanted stress on the shank buttons while wearing the bodice.  For example, if somebody comes in for a hug and something on his or her costume gets stuck on the button, the bodice fabric is less likely to rip.

Once all the buttons are attached, it is time for the sleeves!