I first came across Happy Menocal's illustrations in the latest issue of Matchbook Magazine (it's digital and free, check it out!), but was even more interested in her work when I checked out her website. I am drawn to her watercolour-y paintings and illustrations. And custom heraldry? Are you kidding me? How cool is that? I think that would be the perfect way to start a new life with someone. ...
painting
DIY: Old “Wine and Canvas” Canvas Upcycle {Guest Post}
Last February, I attended my first "Wine and Canvas" event. Never heard of it? Basically, Art Uncorked puts on these gatherings in different restaurants and bars in the Bay Area where you can drink and be merry all whilst learning how to paint an iconic painting. (Sounds kinda cool, right?) Each session is three-and-a-half hours, which I thought to be ample time to create an acrylic painting. How hard could it be? Uhhhhh, actually super hard. My friend, Stefanie, and I found ourselves still ...
HGTV Summer Décor Ideas Thanks to Sarah 101
When people think of Canadian interior design, I'm sure their first thought is of Sarah Richardson. HGTV on television or online is the perfect way to spend those rainy summer days (and nights)—and those that are too hot to spend in the sun. I often feel the urge to change my décor seasonally, yet I don't want to pay a lot each time to do so. Sarah 101 is in its 2nd season, which started a few weeks ago, and has a ton of fresh ideas for sprucing up your décor. Each week, on Sarah 101, ...
Shur-Line Do It Yourself Line of Painting & Decorating Products
Having moved several times in my life, I'm no stranger to the longing desire to redecorate my surroundings and make my space feel more my own. One of the easiest ways to do this is to change the colour of the walls. Just about every place I've lived has been okay with letting us re-paint. I've used a variety of different types and qualities of paints over the years, as well as a variety of painting supplies to get the painting job done. Through experience I know that it's better to buy ...
March Break—Complete Painting and Drawing Handbook Review
There are a few books that every good writer has on their shelf-a dictionary to look stuff up, a thesaurus for when you're at a loss for words, and a style guide so that you can check your grammar. But what about for visual artists? Whether you want to learn how to prime canvas, or how to draw a great landscape-there are a couple of DK books that we think are a must for any shelf. The artists manual, and their new Complete Painting and Drawing Handbook. This march break, we'll be lugging the ...
Transforming the Living Room & Dining Room with Olympic Paint—Renovation Redecoration
In our quest to find the best no-VOC paint, Tazim and I have tried nearly every brand on the market. Our first experiences could be cautionary tales that eco-friendly products aren't always all they're cracked up to be—but we were pleasantly surprised by Olympics Premium line, which offers no-VOC options at a value for quality price point. Olympic is one of the only paint manufacturers to put their low/zero VOC-paint out there as their premium interior product—instead of ...
Pickle Palette Paint Colours from Yolo Eco-Friendly Paint
Fall 2011 - The Pickle Palette A few days ago I was in New York City, before that I was elsewhere in New England and all over Texas. I experienced hot weather and an extended summer for the month of September, but now in my new home in Calgary, Alberta—where the growing season is much shorter—fall is in full swing. The air is crisp and the skies are blue, and yellow leaves have been replacing green ones. This is my favourite time of year, and it is especially nice here in Calgary. I find myself ...
Mythic Non-Toxic Paint Review
Give Your Home an Instant Facelift with Mythic Paint—Safe for the Environment, Safe for Pets, and Safe for You. As someone who is house-proud, I always want to add a personal touch to my apartments. I haven't been able to paint my walls in the past, but luckily, I have been allowed to with this place. I was recently given the opportunity to test out some paint from Mythic Paint—who have agreed to offer some paint to one lucky winner, too. Winner will receive a fan deck to choose their own ...
Ugly Room Contest Entries Part 3- 10 Entries to Win Ultimate Paint Kit
Here is part three with all the rest of the entries for the Ugly Room Contest: Christine: This is our camouflage bedroom that I have been wanting to forever change!! Milly: Here is my lovely bathroom. There used to be a strip of wallpaper running through the middle of the wall that has been removed. So there is residue from that as well as a nasty looking yellowish paint. Also under where the wallpaper was are remains of other paint colors (sponged, ugh) that used to be on them. Then I ...
Ugly Room Contest Entries Part 2- 10 Entries to Win Ultimate Paint Kit
Here are some more entries for the Ultimate Paint Kit Contest: Amy: There are 4 photos of an ugly bedroom in my house. The first three photos show water damage on the ceiling and cracks in the wall. There is also smoke damage on the walls due to our wood furnace that is being replaced this year (almost every room in the house will need to be repainted due to the wood smoke damage!). The lavender wall color & border need to be changed to give the room a more contemporary look. The ...