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Perspective Drawing

pyramid in two point persepctive

When a sketch looks 'a bit wrong' the problem is often incorrect perspective. Even when there are no straight lines, the forms are still governed by perspective, so you need to understand it. Start at the beginning with simple linear perspective.

Perspective Drawing Articles

Drawing / Sketching Spotlight10

Helen's Drawing / Sketching Blog

Make it Merry: Week 2

Thursday November 12, 2009
Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's. This week we've got some friendly characters and festive Thanksgiving crafts to create.

Create a Pumpkin Candle
What better to put in the middle of the feast. David Fisher will show you how to make this easy and impressive pumpkin tealight holder.
Make a Sesame Street Wreath
For 40 years, Sesame Street has been part of our lives and has encouraged us to accept all holiday traditions. Barbara Crews will show you how to create this wreath dedicated to some of our favorite Muppets.
Draw a Penguin Pilgrim
For Thanksgiving crafts like place mats and name cards, you'll need some festive art. How about a lesson from Shawn Encarnacion on drawing this cutie penguin.
Embroider a Gift Bag
Save cash for presents when you reuse gift bags or buy those inexpensive plain bags. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how to dress them up for the re-gifting process with a touch of delightful embroidery.
Stitch a Swedish Ornament
If you've got an ornament exchange to attend this year, a traditional Swedish ornament will really stand out in the crowd. Cheryl Fall will show you how to hand stitch this original piece.
Wax Resist Holiday Cards
Add a contemporary look to your holiday while saving some cash on Christmas Cards. This wax resist technique from Marion Boddy-Evans is just what you need.
Pumpkin Foam Sticker Earrings
For a quick Fall look in a pinch, try these pumpkin sticker earrings from Tammy Powley. She'll show you how to make them in five easy steps.
Paper Globe Ornament
This dimensional ornament has an intricate look, but is actually simple in design. Kate Pullen will show you how to cut and stamp this delightful addition to your decor.
Knit a Stocking Ornament
A mini stocking is a creative way to give a gift card, or hide a little treat on the tree. Sarah E. White shows us how to knit this cute little sock.
Christmas Tree Bunting
Decking the Halls has never been so fun, and this one is perfect for helpful kids to take part in. Use up those scraps of fabric with this decorative craft from the Sadie and Lance blog.
Make a Mini Hippo
Stuffed animals add a bit of fun and tenderness to any slew of presents. Stuff a stocking with a smile when you sew this little hippo from Lesley Shepherd.
Snowman Candy Jar
Top off your candy jar with a snowman face as sweet as the treats inside. Sherri Osborn will show you how to paint and assemble this wintry decoration that is appropriate to show off all season long.
Joy Ornament Crosstitch
Stitch a little bit of joy for someone this Christmas. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern for this jolly cross stitch project.
Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Colored Pencil Basics

Thursday November 12, 2009
colored pencil candleColored pencils are an excellent medium for drawing your own greeting cards. They are easy to control and can deliver plenty of color if you choose a good quality pencil. Make sure you keep them sharp and don't be afraid to lay down plenty of color - don't be tentative with them. This article on Colored Pencil Techniques shows you some basic pencil strokes for creating texture. To get the best results in your colored pencil drawings, check out these colored pencil drawing tips.
More Colored Pencil:
Draw a Candle Flame in colored pencil
Draw Shiny Metal in color.
Colored Pencil Rose

A Pilgrim Penguin for Thanksgiving

Tuesday November 10, 2009
pilgrim penguin cartoonHere's a fun Thanksgiving cartoon with a difference - a cute Pilgrim Penguin. Just the thing to impress a Linux geek with (the Linux mascot is Tux, the Fairy Penguin) or to keep your little Club Penguin fan occupied coloring-in. Check out the Pilgrim Penguin Cartoon Step by Step, created by our regular guest artist, Shawn Encarnacion.

Show and Tell

Friday November 6, 2009
It's show and tell time! We have a terrific new template that lets you share your drawings and stories without having to wait for your ever-disorganized guide to upload them to a gallery. She (ahem) just has to add a bit of text and hit 'approve'....

I've started a few topics so please jump in and have your say. Bear in mind, with the time difference in Australia, it may take a day or two before I approve it. When viewing Show-and-Tells, you can click on the image to see the full-size picture. Feel free to add topic suggestions to the blog post. I'll be adding some more soon, and we'll be able to use it to share projects, too!

Check out the show and tells

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