Here is a display thing I've made from one of my tree branch trimmings. I am using mini clothespins to hold things - like the note card in this picture.

I made another, smaller one for use as a jewelry display for the pieces I have in Sagebrush Cafe.

I am planning on making another as a coat rack (much bigger branch).

You'll see these if you come to my Art Open House in April.

Tree Branches

So, I've been really into tree branches lately. Obsessed? Mayyyybe.

It's nearly Spring. The trees are still barren but they are just starting to bud and send out their watershoots. Watershoots are those long, perfectly straight, new growth sprouting from the top branches in the rainy season. It's also the perfect time to do all our tree trimming - especially the apple tree!

So we have been climbing our trees a lot lately - with all manner of sharp objects including a chainsaw. Which means that we have a huge pile of tree limbs in various sizes in our backyard and on our driveway.

And I have been having so much fun with these! I have been getting so many ideas and inspiration from these tree branches. And I've been finding great pictures online of what other people have done with branches.

I'm surrounded by a heavy, philosophical discussion right now so I'm having a hard time writing this blog. I'm just really excited about what I've been working on and I have been thinking about updating for quite some time. Next I'll post pictures of something I've made from my branches...

Splatter Fairy

This is another painting project using watercolor and a straw. A fun way to spend some time on a summer afternoon in need of some whimsy. Just dab the paint on making sure it's rich and wet, then blow through a straw.

To get the more splattered look in her hair I blew the paint right off the brush - holding the brush just above the paper.



Found this and the Spring Tree idea on the "Crafty Crow" website.
http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/

Spring Tree

This is a pretty simple painting project I did with my nephew and niece today (ages five and three). It's super easy and the results were great, even for such little kids.

We taped the watercolor paper down to a piece of cardboard, then painted the whole paper with light blue. While the paint is still wet, use a paper towel to wipe off a bit to make clouds. Set it aside to dry (only about a minute on a hot summer day).

Next, apply the paint where you want the trunk to be. Make sure you have lots of water. Now you use a straw and blow upward to make the branches off your trunk. Add more paint as needed to keep the branches spreading out and full. You'll end up with natural looking, spindly branches and twigs. Dot some green around the branches for leaves. Lovely blossoms can be added for an even more spring-timey feel.