Excuse me? You want HOW MUCH for a canvas drying apparatus?!?

So... I've been working on multiple paintings at once and have found that there isn't a lot of room to stick them while they're drying. I did a lazy search for "canvas holders" (I guess you would call them) and of course, as with anything that is associated with a single use, they aren't cheap: http://www.dickblick.com/categories/dryingracks/details/. Now, I realize that they let you dry quite a few canvases at a time, but they're HUGE and I don't have that kind of room (or money!).

Enter Dollarama. I found a plastic desk organizer for $1.25. (Pay no attention to the newspaper... I enjoy using the singles ads in the back of the paper as a desk protector... every so often I will paint a mustache on a model.)

I realize the organizer will only hold three canvases at a time, but really, how many more can I work on simultaneously without going mad?

Now with a little twine I found lying around I anchor it to a shelf...

 

  

And TA-DA!

Perfect! I have room for one or two more. I'll probably install one more just in case I need the space. 

Anyway, I know it's not MENSA material, but I always love to share!

Operation Utilize Supplies (OUS) :: Project No. 1

I should get super duper multi points for this post! Because: (a) it's my second post for today; and (b) I've used multiple hoarded supplies!

Firstly, not very excitingly however, I primed a 6" x 8" canvas board and a 2" x 2" stretched canvas. I am hoping to work on the canvas board tonight.

Secondly, and this one is exciting, I've finally cracked into my Doodlebug Sugar Coating Gitter assortment! I've only had it since February and haven't opened it once! I've just stared at the pretty colors in the adorable little jars. The reason it hasn't been touched is because I was afraid that I'd go through the glitter too fast! But there is a deceivingly large amount of glitter in each of those jars! Check it out:

 So I'm over a couple of my little bumps. I shall be using more canvas in the future. I will most definitely be using more glitter in the future! (Probably to Husband's dismay. I'm pretty sure he'll be coming home to glittered cats one of these nights!)

*Deep exhale* So far so good... no crying or throwing things. Let's see if we can keep this up! What Supplies have you Utilized today?

Get Over It!

I have a problem. I think I've mentioned it before. I am a hoarder. I like to "save" my craft supplies: canvas, paper, embellishments... even paint! I'm afraid I'm going to waste them by making something ugly. I hate throwing things away.

I made this last night:

It didn't come out right. I hate it. I was experimenting with crackle medium. It doesn't work on canvas board and it makes it look like I don't know how to paint solid white lines! So what do I do with it? Throw it away?

I could tell within the first few minutes it wasn't going to be what I wanted. I was tempted to give up. But I'm trying something new. I'm trying to use my supplies. But it hurts...like physically. My mind screams, "You're wasting it!" "You'll never be able to find that *insert supply here* again!" "It's ugly...you'll just end up throwing it away!"

So. I'm starting Operation Utilize Supplies (OUS). And I'm going to post the projects whether I love them or not. I'm not going to commit to a daily thing... that's too much pressure. But I am going to post everything... even if it's hideous! However, I still have to figure out what to do with pieces that I abhor... any suggestions?