Happy Spring, my friend! I can’t believe it’s finally here – and our weather even matches the occasion! I hope that you’re keeping well during this pandemic; enough can’t be said about staying home, staying healthy and staying calm. We all need to keep our ‘social distance’, in order to prevent, or at least slow, the spread of this virus. It’s important so that our medical system isn’t overwhelmed, which means everyone will receive the care they need, when they need it. To all of you first responders, front line workers, and essential service providers – WE LOVE YOU! ♥ Now, for those of us at home, let’s make use of this time, and learn something new! I thought I’d share some resources, place where you can find tutorials, videos, and tons of creative inspiration.
WHERE TO LOOK
It’s all very well to say ‘check out Pinterest, or Instagram or Youtube’ – those are indeed great places to look! I find, though, that unless I know what I’m looking for, it can be like falling down a rabbit hole. Next thing you know, it’s 3 hours later, and you’re still aimlessly scrolling! So, I thought I’d point you in a few specific directions, depending on what type of creative inspiration you’re wanting. I will note which resources are free, which ones have paid memberships or paid tutorials. I do not receive any compensation for any of the paid classes or memberships that I mention below.
ALCOHOL INK ART
If you’ve been following me for the past year or less, you know I’m currently having a ton of fun learning new techniques and projects with alcohol inks. One place for amazing inspiration is the Alcohol Ink Art Community. It’s free to join the Community, which has loads of free resources including video tutorials on everything from basic supplies, to step by step tutorials. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join the free Alcohol Ink Art Community Facebook page. It’s free to join – just fill out the request! On both the Community web group and Facebook group you’ll find a huge number of supportive, sharing, caring people. You know – just like the people you already know in the art & maker communities of which you’re already a part.
Right now, the Alcohol Ink Art Community is taking registrations for their Virtual Spring Conference. It’s a 3 day, online event filled with 12 live demonstrations, challenges (with prizes) and door prizes. Plus, you get lifetime online access to the Conference, and everything included in it. Early Bird registration is only $89 (USD), and ends on April 1st. After that, registration will be $129 (USD).
WATERCOLOURS, LETTERING & ART JOURNALING
I admit that I’m only into the watercolouring portion, but Let’s Make Art has this fabulous trifecta of tutorials! With Let’s Make Art, you can order kits individually or buy a subscription for any of the 3 arts that they offer. The amazing part about Let’s Make Art is that even if you don’t order one of their kits – you can watch their video tutorials FOR FREE! I confess that I don’t order their kits – but only because of the dreaded exchange rate (their in the U.S., I’m in Canada) and shipping. But I will support them any way I can – which includes letting you in on their amazing offerings. Please check them out if watercolours, lettering or art journaling is your thing.
ACRYLICS, DRAWING, PASTELS, COLOURED PENCILS, OILS & PASTELS
In other words – pretty much anything! Art Tutor offers tutorials on just about every type of art medium. Art Tutor has an incredible line up of artist tutors. One of my favourite artists, Joanne Boon Thomas has several of her watercolour and Brusho courses there! You can either purchase individual classes, or subscribe to an Art Tutor Membership, which gives you access to ALL of their current 490 classes! Right now they’re having a SALE ON CLASSES & MEMBERSHIP – 50% OFF! Just click the link (their name, in blue, above) and use Code HOME – for either individual classes, or the All Access Membership, at the checkout. What a great way to get started on learning something new!
VISIT YOUR FAVOURITE ART/STAMP COMPANY WEBSITE
Chances are pretty good that your favourite paint, or stamp, or supply company has their own website, blog or Youtube channel. After all, they want you to be successful & have fun using their products! The best way for them to do that, is to show you how. Here’s just two of my favourite Youtube sites: Penny Black Stamps; and Ranger Ink.
Well, I hope that I’ve inspired you to learn something new – also know as spending time while isolated! If you have any favourite sites with great tutorials that I missed, please feel free to share! Until next time – stay healthy, wash your hands, and be creative 🙂
