Art Survey

Skimming Pinterest
Should be an official talent.  Like...who can find the ten best photos in ten minutes.  Speed-pinning.  It should be a thing.  Anyway...

So this is how this is going to work.  I have five categories for you (will show you in a minute) and you comment on the category that you love the most.  I.E. whatever category of art work you like the most, I will do that kind.  I also have the photos below that I will use as inspiration so you're not just blindly choosing.  Survey ends April 30th (the end of the moment).  Anyway the categories I'm using are:

1. Disney Fandom
2. Anime/Manga
3. Dragons/other Fiction
4. Nature
5. Other Regular Art Junk

And those are your choices.  I have a particular five Pinterest-found pieces of art/photos that I found that are going to be my inspiration for each of these categories.  Here they are.

Other Regular Art Junk

Nature

Disney Fandom (bonus points this is also Star Wars!!!)

Anime/Manga

Dragon/other Fiction

So that's the categories.  Make your decision what you want me to do.  By the way, I might just have to do one of these these anyway...must do artwork...must.....

Mystery Map

So you’ll never guess 

My most recent art project.  Actually, you never will guess, because I just got an idea, no internet, nothing.  Ok, never mind there was a little Pinterest involved in this, but ANYWAY let me actually get to the point.

I’m making a Hobbit Map!!!  *non-exsistant web-audience goes wild*

Its a 100% authentic, hobbit-rune, hobbit-style map.  This isn’t the completed map, but it’s getting there.  I finished all the drawing of it last night, writing the authentic hobbit runes (SQUEE!!!) for all the labels and the border, and finished making those cute little drawings of trees that all cool, old-style maps have.  Here’s a photo so you can see what the heck I’m talking about.

Hobbit Map!  :-)

So yes, that is my AWESOME Hobbit-y map…it’s scrumptious, juicy, AND crunchy!  I’m a huge Hobbit fan.  Who liked the new movie?  And who’s planning on getting it on disk the instant it comes out?  Actually, don’t do that, from all the rumors flying around its going to be super expensive so I would wait.

Getting back on subject, once I’m done it will be caligraphy-style inked, authentically tea-stained and weathered map.  I can’t wait to show you guys!

-N

P.S.

#GoingOnAdventure

Inklings?

Ok, so...
Today in history class I learned about how C.S. Lewis (author of the Chronicles of Narnia) and J.R.R. Tolkien (author of the Hobbit <3) had a writing club (yes, those two authors were friends!) at Oxford where authors could talk about their unfinished work and swap tips.  It was called the Inklings.  I was wondering if anyone would like to do something like that?

Not a huge deal, just you could post your stories/beginnings of a book/tips/writing stuff on International Bff's (for those of you who don't know what that is, I'll talk about it in a minute) and the rest of us (the Inklings 2) would comment.  If you wanted me to, I could proof-read and edit it, then re-post it.

This would be for everyone!  However, you obviously need to be a member of International Bff's to use it.  So what is International Bffs?  It's my second blog, which I share with anyone who wants to join.  Everybody is supposed to post about weekly making a constant feed of interesting blogposts for readers to enjoy.  However, no one has actually really joined.  I have four writers?  I think?  Maybe?  Anyway, if you want to join (no pressure...haha joking PLEASE JOIN) email me at skoshimom@gmail.com with your request.  You should get an email back soon after that from Blogger.com.  You MUST accept this invite to become an author.  After that, it's all yours!

Ok, peeps, I'm out of here.  Bye!

-N

Mom as Lady Vader

OMGoodness!
I can't believe it!  My costume was amazing this year and I FORGOT TO TAKE A PHOTO!!!  I'm going to do the whole thing again, just for the photo.  Right down to the nail polish that was so darn cheap it scratched off with a top coat within ten hours.

But, we did get photos of Mom's costume.  She was Lady Vader, which fit with her neck brace that she's still wearing from her surgery and her bone stimulator.

She had lights!  I was ready to die from coolness!

Feelings of Fall Intro

I'm going to be starting
Something called "Feelings of Fall".  I think you got that from the title, possibly.  Anyway, This Feelings of Fall will be a series of photo posts (I know, you're thinking...NOOOOOO!!!!  No more photos!!!!!!) of what fall means to me.  Remember, always click the "Here's the Rest of the Post" button if the post seems cut off or suspiciously short.  Here is the first set of photos.

Hangin' with friends

An Art Club Meeting

Today I'm going to
Walk you through what an average art club meeting would be like.  All the times, btw, are guestaments so don't plan for them.  Nothing is even close to set.  I italicized all the stuff that you would have to do as an average member.

• 2:15 pm, Saturday:  Members are starting to get dropped off by there parents.  They hang out, talk, and help set up.
• 2:30:  The club meeting is starting!  The teacher, one of the members, presents his or her project, which should be completable in about an hour (including drying time).  If they got the idea from a book, photo, magazine...they brought it.  They also should have brought at least some art supplies, cuz I'm not providing ALL of that.
• 2:40:  The class starts the project, while having fun and swapping tips.
• 3:45:  Parents start arriving and picking up their kids.  Anyone who wants to teach for the next meeting comes up now and talks to the leaders (which right now is me and Abbie) to ask if they can.
• 4:00:  Anyone can stay for about fifteen minutes afterwards to finish their project and help clean up.  By four, most people have left and the meeting is finished.

Art Club

I am considering putting together...
An art club.  Why?  Well, it would be a good chance to hang with friends and to be creative at the same time.  I will need at least one other friend to help me teach on a regular basis (other people can teach but I suspect that most people won't want to teach) one art project every week.  Comment the following items:

• Is this a good idea?
• Would you like to teach or have any good project ideas that one of the official teachers could do?
• What day of the week would be good for you?
• Would you come!!!???

However, before you comment, be sure to ask your parents.  This club is run by the kids (and probably will meet at my house) and does not need any parents to teach, but parents will need to drive.  Keep in mind that we probably won't feed your kids, so it will probably be in the afternoon.  I think a good time would probably be Saturday afternoons, say 2:30 to 4 or something like that.

Also keep in mind that there is no true decision at this point and that the times above are NOT set in the slightest.

I'll post soon more about this, more about what this really is, but my hand is tired so I'm going to stop typing now.  Bye (and don't forget to comment!!!)

UWant, take two!

I am going to attempt
To do a "TV" show on my blog.  Right here!  Um...Games UWant is a show for various video games.  I'll start a special account just for AFBratlife and video tape tips, tricks, and story lines.  Sound good?  Attempt No. 1 will be this coming Wednesday, and if it works it will be every Wednesday.

International BFF's

IF you happen to be...

• Military
• Homeschooled
• Awesome
• Single Child
• Tons of siblings
• A bit crazy

And have an email account, then you could join International BFF's, a fun, easy way to express yourself, find advice, and have a blast with your friends.  Join us!  We are a collection of crazy tween and teen girls who decided they were awesome enough to make a blog (and we are so darn right).  So have some fun!  Come join us (email me to join).

www.internationalbffs.blogspot.com

Dragon

Photos, sorry, not in the mood to talk.

Boat race complete

Have you ever had this really weird feeling...
Like when you were totally dreading something, and then you had a blast?  I mean, actually enjoyed it? Because that's just was happened to me.  Miss Tina signed me the four other friends up for the

Cardboard Boat Regatta

This was because she, other the three families, knew the least about it.  Before I go on, though, I'm surprised by how many people we have to explain this to.  We made a boat out of cardboard, water proofed it, the raced against other teams.  No, this was not an itty bitty boat, this was big enough to hold all five of us kids.  Ok, now that we got that covered....

We did excellent.  We were really worried that our boat would spring a leak or something, because, to be frank, we are not the best builders.  But no, we won 4th place...and the team we went against was the navy team.  >snicker snicker<  One of whom >giggle giggle< dropped his oar!  >lol!<  On video!  Unfortunately,  we won our heat, but only three teams could make it to the second heat.  So our, boat the Titanic, sadly, did not win anything (not even the prize for Most Titanic.  That went to the people who had such a bad design they were up to their knees in water)

BUT!

Our day was not over yet.  We took the Titanic back out, intending to get to the middle of the lake and sink it.  But, we never got the chance.  Somebody (no names, but I think I know who) messed with his/her duck tape sealant and his/her section sprung a leak.  Of course, it was only a trickle, but the he/she STOOD UP and screamed "Iceberg!  Abandon ship!" and jumped out  (we had life vests on.)  Of course, then it started poring in water so everybody started screaming Titanic-y stuff and jumping off (actually, two of the team got into a sword/paddle fight and one got shoved off)  Next thing I know, one last person is standing in the boat, up to there waist in water.  There are people video taping us from the shore too!  So we drag it back and find out the "water proof paint" peals when it gets wet and that the whole underside of out boat was peeled back.

We then spent two hours paddle boarding (it's really fun, we played water wars, you should try it some time), eating cookies, and just having a blast.

Funny how things turn out that way.

Stained Glass Long-Term Project

Another School Project -
A stained glass window.  Actually pretty easy, cheap, and of course, gorgeous room decor.  I've broken down the instructions into 6 easy parts - prepping, compute work, sizing, liquid leading, painting, and finalizing.

Home-made Stained Glass Window Instructions
Things Needed:

• Plexiglass (can be found at a hardware store and some arts&crafts stores)
• Liquid lead (can be found at Michaels or Online or at other art stores)
• Printer (black and white is ok)
• Lots of Paper
• Pencil
• X-acto Knife (Michaels and home depot/lowes)
• Frog Tape (or other easy removable tapes)
• Regular, clear scotch tape
• Scizzors or paper cutter
• Markers or colored pencils
• Internet access
• Toothpicks
• Lots of patience and time

Prepping:

• Make sure you have a lot of time.  Stained Glass paint takes AT LEAST a month to cure.  Also include how long it will take to do the other parts, like the liquid leading which will have to cure for a full 24 hours AT LEAST.
• Have a work space.  This is a place where you can keep your supplies out and also let the stained glass paint cure.  Make sure this isn't a very well needed place but somewhere somewhat comfortable to sit.  Also try to keep it out of reach of small fingers and paws.
• Read all the instructions BEFORE you start.  It's a pain to have to continually check to know that you are doing the right thing.
• Open up your paint bottles and make sure they work.  If it's not the right color, or gloopy (it's supposed to self-level) return it now.

Part 1 (Computer):

1. Go to Google Images to find your design.  Make sure it is something not too complicated, especially if you are a beginner.
2. Change to a word or pages document.  Print this and make sure it is the one you want.
3. If it is, color it with colored pencils or markers.  Once you get the right color combo, keep it on hand in case you need a reference while you are painting.
4. Change to a PDF file and make it as big as you want (it helps if you already know what size you want to make it)
5. Print.
6. Trim off extra paper and tape the pages together to make sure they are securely together.

Part 2 (Sizing):

1. Measure twice.  If you are doing a rose window (circle) measure it like a square.  Give at least an inch of "extra" space.
2. Cut your plexiglass.  Do not use scissors!  You only end up ruining the blades and the plexiglass.  Use the X-acto Knife!
3. Set plexiglass aside.  Also, keep a couple trimmings for future use.

Part 3 (Liquid Leading):

1. Wait!!!  Before you start leading, read the instructions on the company's website or on the back of the bottle.  Some paints don't mix!  Take the time to do your research now or possibly regret it later.
2. Prepare your workspace.  Use your frog tape to first tape down the paper design of your stained glass, then the plexiglass over it.  Use as much as needed...and then some.  Messing up is a big no-no.
3. Do a couple "practice leadings".  This you can do on a piece of paper or on a scrap of plexiglass.  DO NOT drag the bottle along the paper.  This isn't tooth paste on your tooth brush here!  Actually hold the bottle about a quarter of an inch to half of an inch above the paper/plexiglass.  To stop, bring down gently.
4. Start leading your stained glass!  Take your time.  Go left to right, top to bottom.  Make sure NOT to touch it.
5. Use a tooth pick to remove any drips before they start to dry.
6. If the lead becomes really hard to get out, bang it against the counter about ten times.  Try it now!
7. DO NOT touch the lead for AT LEAST twenty four hours after you did them.  It could ruin them. 
8. DO NOT remove frog tape.

Part 4 (Painting):

1. Begin by making a color tester.  Do this on one of those plexiglass scraps.  Make sure the leading is dry.  Practice.
2. Paint!  Don't use a paint brush, just squeeze it directly onto the plexiglass.  Refer to your color paler and marker "stained glass".
3. You can do patterns with the tip of the bottle!  Swirl your paint around and be creative.
4. Allow 72 hours for the paint to dry.

Finalizing:

1. Remove the frog tape once it has dried.
2. The paint calls for a month to fully cure but it can be ouched after 72 hours.  Wait till has fully cured to hang it up.
3. Punch two holes in the top of your stained glass and slip a chain through.
4. Hang up your beautiful stained glass and enjoy!

The Bubble Gum Balloon

For a frustrating but worth it...
...School project we bought and decorated a balloon.  Mine had a basket weighted down with bubble gum, alas the name "The Bubble Gum Balloon".  This is actually a really good project idea so I will  have to give you instructs on how to do it.
In the mean time, let me show you some pictures on how it turned out.  Here they are.  I found a photo editing app on Mom's laptop that is totally cool so I was messing with that for the photos.