A client of mine went to Africa and brought back this beautiful Wedding Necklace (Masai).
Out on the Prairie – Children’s Book Review
by Donna M. Bateman & illustrated by Susan Swan
Why I love this book; the information about the subjects, and the illustrations are creatively made with depth and accuracy. As per usual it’s the illustrations that caught my eye, as well as the title of the book.
The story is well told with poetic charm, once you’ve counted all the Prairie animals (up to ten) the toads being ten, you reflect back to the animal and plant history. I love to learn about my environment as do children. This is a great outdoor hike garden book, read before and after a hike on Nose Hill, Calgary.
Susan Swan, has created the Prairie in digital collage paper images, you can see the shadow in some of the photography creating an illusion of 3D. The brilliant patterning and shapes of the paper create a life like image of the animals and plant life. Beautiful Book for my book collection. For ages 3 to 8.
Here’s an idea for you artists; http://www.collageart.org/links/
“A Treasure in My Garden” and “Water, Weed and Wait” – Two Children’s Book Reviews
Hello – Yes! it’s Spring 2013 and it about time! I just can’t wait to get into the garden, well as a matter of fact I didn’t wait, I’ve already planted eight pots of colourful Pansies.
The first book is French Canadian; delightful, with human -like surprises in the garden. The illustrations are watercolour images on a blank background, which correspond to the musical DVD that comes with the book. Up lifting and magical, for early childhood readers 3-5 years.
Stories and Songs by Gilles Vigneault & Illustrated by Stephane Jorisch
School teachers, this book will inspire a classroom to pool together to create a community of gardeners. To make a difference in your environment, and to be part of a better tomorrow, plant a garden.
The illustrations are bold and beautiful, they are full of rich colours and illustrate a global community of young people. A rewarding book for any classroom, ages 6-10.
by Edith Hope Fine and Angela Demos Halpin Illustrated by Colleen Madden
Make: simple lino stamps
These are great little stamps. I have a few in stock as well if you’re interested.
Posted in Art Education, Art Supplies
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Framing that Favorite Greeting Card
Mother & Child
This is a Christmas card I received in December, I love it. I receive few cards that are actually of the Christ child at Christmas time and this one really stood out for me, so I saved it. With Mother’s Day approaching I thought that I should do something special with it.
This ready-made frame, also called an easel back, or table top frame, allows you to instantly pop an image in from the back. Made with Roma moulding, high quality wood, its fancy design and antique finish help create that special presentation of the art or image.
Finally, finding the right colour of mat to surround the image will add to the sensitivity of the art and the beauty of the frame.
Mother & Child
Frame a photo
special greeting with custom cut mat
Easel back frame with greeting card of Mother & Child
Mother’s Day gift idea
Art and Framing – Tiles and Shadowbox Frame
Framing adds value to the art. This high lacquered shadowbox style frame is custom fit for these 4 1/4 inch square tiles. The tiles are still tangible and can be enjoyed as a sculptural piece or hang on the wall.
We love to frame unique works of art, it keeps our wheels turning.
BAILEY at the Museum – Children’s Book Review
Children always remind me to find a good story with great illustrations. I received this lovely work of art in my mailbox the other day and thought I’d share it with the world. Here in Calgary we get sun and snow all in a day and often at the same time, amazing how weather can stimulate a great work of art.
Speaking of great works of art, this weeks book review is BAILEY at the Museum by Harry Blisss
Not all art makes it to the Museum of Civilization like the one in the story, nor are dogs typically allowed in a museum but you know Harry Bliss can make anything happen especially when you’re a cartoonist. Bailey has many privileges; being part of a school, then to have such great instincts as to know when a great bone has been found, or nice place to take a snooze, but his greatest talent is his sense of smell.
I believe that a dog can bring a family together just as Bailey brings a class of students together. Dogs have many stories to tell, and we as humans can just imagine what they are thinking like Harry Bliss whom puts the word bubbles above the heads of people and Bailey in the story.
I don’t take my dog to the museum but he loves our Starbuck visits. Here is a photo of him enjoying his drink.
Tru Vue Glass – Why I use the product at work.
I’ve been in business for seventeen years and it’s wonderful when suppliers support their product with information and enthusiasm. There are many glass products out there but when you spend the investment of time and money to preserve your memories it’s important to me to use only the best products and to educate you on the materials I use.
Today I received new promotional material on Tru Vue Glass, my favourite is the museum glass, but also the most sensitive to handle. Here is a great little clip on why glass is important when picture framing Tru Vue Glass.
Would you like to replace glass in your existing picture frames? I can help. Please email me at info@thearttree.biz
When I First Came to this Land – Children’s Book Review
My dog Charlie and I are members of PALS. With our team of other dogs and their handlers we visit retirement homes and extended care homes. As much as I like to talk about my dog, this book is really about many seniors that need to have their story told to a younger generation.
This book “When I First Came to this Land” reminds me of the many immigrant seniors that are nestled away in these homes needing to have their story told. The book is based on a song by Oscar Brand, retold by Harriet Ziefert with illustrations by Simms Taback.
Between Ziefert passion for folk music and Taback’s folk art style the two of them came up with a wonderful book. The literal part of the book is of rhyme and repeated lyrics that are funny, but illustrations add a spark of ah ha to the story, especially for children. It’s a colourful history, like back in the day.
Speaking of “back in the day” Maud Lewis (1903-1970) is a historical Canadian artist with a similar folk art style of Taback. She too had a delightful way of making; playful & bold art.
I would like to encourage you and your children to paint your story. Art is a visual signature, tell us about you through your art. Use colour and shape to begin.
Reframing – reusing existing frames with old art
I consider myself a resourceful person, so when I found this antique image of Fredrick the Great by William Camphausen I thought, finally a purpose for this fancy high lacquered frame that I’ve had forever.
Framing with the regular conservation materials; AF foamcore, archival mat and museum glass. The layout is made so that the image reads well with the text; a double window with a v-groove to connect the two images.
In keeping with the theme “antique” but “important” at the same time, I kept the colour theme neutral so that the aged paper didn’t seem dirty and the mahogany lacquer radiates “chief executive”.
This art and framing project would go great in a formal office or family den. I would love to sell this image and frame, if you or if you know of anyone interested in “Frederick the Great” please have them call me at 403-247-3255 or email me at info@thearttree.biz.
