The Art Stork

Studio Space

2013-04-28T09:27:00.001-04:00

One of my dreams have finally come true! I now have my very own studio space just a quick bike ride away from my house!!! I have been doing cartwheels in my head for the past month as I move into my new space + organize. I have been pinning like crazy on Pintrest too some fabulous ideas that will hopefully inspire me to create that perfect space I have been so longing for.

This old barn in located on the property of an historical home known as the "Stone River House" here in Muncy. It's is owned by one of my good friends who also runs her shop, The Port Penn Peddler, out of the barn. She hinted that she was going to be moving the shop around and there would be some unused space that would make a great studio! I read into that real fast and said, "I'll take it!"

I hope you enjoy the pictures and I will post more as soon as it's finished!

What does your studio space look like? I went from using every inch of our house's perimeter to a room in a barn! Kind of fun!

Artfully yours,
Chelsea

New Logo Design Research

2013-03-04T08:25:00.001-05:00

This year I plan to update my Art Stork logo and image and came across this great vintage photograph that I just had to share!

It's an image from this seller on Etsy. I can't help but laugh and wonder what was going on at this photo shoot! I think it needs some photo captions...what do you think this toddler is saying to the stuffed stork?

Leave your responses in the comments! I read every comment & love to reply back.

Chelsea

Limiting Toys For Your Children

2013-01-18T10:00:00.004-05:00

I wanted to share with you an article I came across recently, Why Fewer Toys Will Benefit Your Kids, on Becoming Minimalist Blog after searching "how long do children play with their toys". The title grabbed my attention and so did his 12 points--why less is more!!! The holiday shopping season is over but it will again be in full throttle in 10 or less months. This year I gave out handmade gifts (yes, lots of aprons!). Giving out what I sell was a way for me to continue sharing my passion with those close to me and stay up beat about my products. I wasn't really into the holiday gift giving season as I thought I would be this year. I thought with Ruby being a fun 3.5 year old and just starting to understand/experience gift giving that it would be loads of fun! But I was wrong. My post-Christmas poll with other moms unanimously voted that Christmas this year was an overloaded, miserable frenzy!!!

Now looking back, I discovered why. It was truly just too much stuff. We appreciate the "stuff" but when does it become too much? We had 4 Christmas celebrations between both sides of family (all equally fun in their own ways!). Ruby received a lot of educational toys this year that reflected the Montessori environment that we have set up in our home. But then the "sediment" filtered through and has settled on her bedroom floor or and is now buried in the bottom of her toy box. It saddens me. Really! It does. It's like the Island of Misfit Toys now lives in our home. I think there is a bigger issue at hand here that will not be solved within this post. I think it has to do with consumerism and it's a problem we have as a nation. I am guilty of it!!!

So, I started to really think about the items in my shop on Etsy: art aprons, burp cloths, tool belts. Am I adding to that craziness in playrooms or children's bedroom? Hmmm. Or am I trying to spread some creativeness from my family to yours by way of art aprons, play aprons and tool belts to foster imaginations and innovation?! The latter I hope.

Have you noticed that the items in my Etsy shop are not plastic toys that may get a few plays out of them before your child is bored? Have you also noticed that my items have more than one use? Take the My First Canvas Art Apron for example. This apron is made out of canvas to protect a child's clothing while creating artistic messes! Then when they out grow the apron you can in 3 simple steps--CUT-STRETCH-HANG-- create some fun wall art for all to enjoy.
How is that for recycling and extended the life on a product?

So if you haven't read the 12 tips on Becoming Minimalist read it now! It's a great way to jump start your New Year!!!

What is your child's favorite (non-plastic) toy?

I would love to hear from you! I read all the comments you leave and I thank you for sharing!!!

Chelsea

Valentine's Day Art Aprons

2013-01-17T15:29:00.001-05:00

Treat your sweet to something with a little pink this February 14th!
My First Canvas Art Aprons are the perfect gift for this Valentine's Day for toddlers and kids! Available at my Etsy Shop, The Art Stork.

Capture your sweet little valentine's masterpieces in the making! Wear this canvas art smock until it’s covered in artistic messes or until they outgrow it. Then simply cut the canvas smock, stretch onto a frame & hang! Enjoy your original wall art that all will love.

Step-by step instructions on how to make your canvas art smock into wall art comes with each purchase.

The colorful pink and red ruffle with hearts is designed to keep paint on the art smock and off of clothes!

Terrific gift for Valentine's Day or for a toddler's birthday!

Size: 3T+

Artfully yours,
Chelsea

January 2013 Desktop Calendar

2013-01-03T08:55:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!

For my readers this year, I created a winter time calendar you can

easily save to your desktop.

Just right click and save it to your desktop!

Lots of new and exciting things happening for The Art Stork in 2013! New baby products, new apron designs and ingenious tools for keeping you organized. If you haven't subscribed to my blog yet, do it now! It's easy, fun and FREE!

Artfully yours,

Chelsea

Holiday Open House 2012!

2012-11-13T11:00:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to announce the HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE 2012!!!

Come celebrate this holiday season with local artists show casing their handmade items perfect for everyone on your shopping list.

I will be there selling play aprons for children, baby shower gifts and other fun holiday treats! Hope to see you there.

Buy Local.

Shop Local.

Halloween 2012!

2012-11-01T14:10:00.000-04:00

Here is a look into my world of Halloween for 2012!

It was filled with pumpkin farms, face painting, calavaras (skulls!),

pink skirts, knights in shining armor and DIY Trick-or-Treat banners!

Halloween Table Display

Pumpkin Farm Fun!

Halloween Face Painting in NY

Ruby's Costume--"A Knight Princess"!

Sugar Skulls & Toy Costumes for Rosie the Seal

Happy candy sorting and tasting!

Chelsea O.

Ohh la la! Adventures in Face Painting

2012-09-20T08:16:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday I offered face painting at the Muncy Corvette & Art Show to change things up a little bit. The previous year I displayed my artsy aprons and sold some silhouette portraits. Sales were low even though people seemed to love my art work. I decided that an art and car show would again be a tough crowd for my type of art and sewing and that I needed something that children and parents would enjoy--FACE PAINTING! Needless to say my booth was a hit. I had my first costumer at about 10:15 am and painted right up to the closing of the event. My friend Lara from Port Penn Peddler had to come over 30 minutes before the end to remind me of the time and she kindly helped take down my signs to hint to people in line and walking by that this was the last call for pirates, tigers, and tiaras! I thought it was only noon at that time and was totally surprised how fast the day flew by. I didn't take one break the entire day for food, the bathroom or even a sip of water. I guess I was in my zone!

So here are some pictures of kids who had their faces painted by artfully yours! Next year I will need an assistant to take more pictures (I did some awesome neon mustaches that I didn't photograph) and maybe help with the cheek art which takes almost as long as a mask.

I had a blast and I think I found my niche for future art festivals! I loved talking with the kids, walking them through the steps and most of all their surprised faces when they first saw their make up finished. Face painting will be added to my Art Parties list of ideas...stay tuned for that new adventure next!

Chelsea
Avatar Art Faces

Chore Chart Adventures!

2012-07-04T11:50:00.000-04:00

This is what I came home to the other day! Ruby's favorite stuffed animal named "Rosie" was shoved into her mini terra cotta pot adorned with her flowers she earned for completing her chores. I laughed out loud and had to show and tell! I wonder what was going on her little creative brain when she decided to put her BFF into it...I wonder what Rosie is thinking?

Ruby: Come on Rosie! You can play in my garden.
Rosie: I'm not sure I'll fit?
Ruby: Shhh. Stop talking Rosie and get in here. You'll love it! (Squish squish squish!)
Rosie: Is this going to be an experiment in water displacement theory minus the water?
Ruby: No. There's no water out here. But it's going to be an experiment in squishment theory! See!? you fit!
Rosie: (Sigh.) I guess. What are BFF's for?

It might be time to read some old Calvin and Hobbes books & laugh an afternoon away!

Ciao for now,
Chelsea

Chore Chart Tutorial

2012-07-02T19:38:00.000-04:00

Posted as promised!

Here is what you need to make your child a chore chart or responsibility board:

1 ugly peg rack
1 piece of scrapbook paper
1 can of glossy spray paint
1 bottle of modge podge or clear gel medium
1 paintbrush
scrap paper
pencil
hole punch
ribbon
Chore Board

Step 1: Say good bye to ugly peg rack (sorry bunnies & bears from the 80's just don't stand a chance in our home decor!) and unscrew pegs and set them aside.

Step 2: Spray paint peg rack. Use long, slow, even sprays to cover the rack. I used 3 coats of red spray paint to make sure the background was completely gone. I waited maybe 20 in between each layer to be sure the paint wasn't tacky to the touch.

Step 3: Measure & cut scrapbook paper. I layed the board on top of my scrapbook paper, centered and traced the shape. Then cut out carefully!

Step 4: Apply a layer of modge podge or any clear gel medium to the top of peg board with a paintbrush. Carefully line up your scrapbook paper and press out any air bubbles (use a thick scrap piece of cardboard to get out bubbles). Add another layer of gel medium ontop of scrapbook paper to secure it down. Let dry.

Step 5: Screw pegs back onto board.

Chore Tags--decide what are the most important chores for your child. For us, it wasn't so much the "chores" but instead setting up 3 simple personal tasks for Ruby to get her to cooperate in the morning and evening. We wanted her to start to understand that we have daily chores and it can be fun doing them! What's great about this chore board is that you can easily change the chores to align with what they can actually do. Plus you can make the chore cards double sided to get 6 tasks to complete each morning and night. So in a few weeks we'll swap out the basics for bigger responsibilities that may include more household chores (sweeping, garbage,etc.) The first day she wanted to hang up her chore cards repeatedly to earn her flowers! It was hard not to laugh each time she asked to brush her teeth which was about every 15 minutes! She was beyond enthusiastic and still is!

Step 1: Decide your 3 chores (brush teeth, make bed/put on pj's, get dressed/pick out tomorrow's clothes.

Step 2: Decide on your chore card shape (I picked raindrops!).

Step 3: Draw out each chore onto the card shape (Google search your chores if you get stuck--you'll find lots of great ideas but keep it simple!).

Step 4: Artify your chore cards! I stood in the kitchen for less than an hour one night just before I went to bed and used watercolors. I used the watercolors in a thick manner to make them really vivid and brilliant! Watercolors don't have to be washed out and light.

Step 5: Hole punch at the top of your chore card and tie a small piece of ribbon. Double check that it is easy for little hands and fingers to put the card on and off the pegs. I had to make my first ribbon longer and I'm glad I did because Ruby fumbled at first and definitely needed a long ribbon to successfully hang her cards.

Step 6: Show your little one their new chore chart!

Explaination of my Rainbow themed chore chart...I had this ugly peg rack for at least 2 months and kept putting if off until one night I was able to put together a comprensive idea that involved science and nature. The idea is that for each chore Ruby completes she can hang one of her raindrops. Once she has finished all three she then gets to pick out a flower to clip onto her tiny terra cotta pot. So, she gets her rain which then waters her pot which then "grows" her flower! It continues our conversations we have about gardening and how things grow. I was inspired by this book, "What Makes a Rainbow" that has these fun ribbons that add to the rainbow each time you turn the page.

So, there you have it! Ruby's Rainbow of Responsibilities!!!

What is your chore chart theme?

Mother's Day Gift Certificates!

2012-05-11T13:04:00.001-04:00

Looking for a last minute Mother's Day gift?! Fear not, The Art Stork is here!

Purchase a gift certificate in any amount and let her go shopping!

Or if you know what you want to order from my Etsy Shop,

I can easily fill out this personalized gift certificate.

I will then send it to your email and you can print it from home.

Viola! Mother's Day gift can now be crossed off your list. Easy peasy!

Click here to purchase your gift certificate today!

Me & You Mosaics Art Class!

2012-05-05T08:03:00.000-04:00

Art Walk! Muncy Main Street

2012-04-27T11:38:00.003-04:00

Tonight is Muncy's kick off to Last Friday season starting with an Art Walk. Come down this Friday, April 27th, from 5-8pm to enjoy a walking tour of 9 different locations featuring local public art, local artists and refreshments!

Just look for these flags (Yes! I made them) around Main Street. Stop in at the Sewing B (PSP Embroidery) at 13 South Main Street to purchase your tickets ($5 adults, $3 children, under 5 yrs FREE).

Here is the line up:

1 FORT BRADY HOTEL
2 THE OPERA HOUSE
3 PROVIDENCE ENGINEERING
4 LAZY MEADOW ALPACAS
5 MUNCY PUBLIC LIBRARY
6 MUNCY POST OFFICE
7 MUNCY FIRE HALL
8 VICTORIA THOMPSON HESS' HOME
9 MICHAEL COPPES PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

Each location will have volunteers giving the history of the art work and answering questions.

See you all tonight!

Chelsea

Little Picasso Art Classes

2012-02-25T12:15:00.000-05:00

I've been teaching art lessons at the local YMCA since last fall and wanted to share with you Winter Session I project. I call this "Pop Goes the Masters" project in which students selected a painting from a master artist then gave it Pop Art qualities with bright colors, basic shapes and patterns. We studied famous painters like Frida Khalo, Picasso, Van Gogh, & Vermeer. Students learned how to create grids for drawing large scale portraits, discussed color theory, and how to use patterns to make designs. My students really enjoyed this project & I hope you do too!

Art Stork featured in an Etsy Treasury!!!

2012-02-22T20:20:00.000-05:00

A Butterfly Sky

I am honored to be part of this Treasury curated by Ilse Keverling Buisman. She did an amazing job at this treasury with it's consistant butterfly and color scheme. Enjoy!

Insect art - insect photography - Home decor - Papillon - Fine art pho...

JKphotography

$28.57 USD

SALE Two butterflies small hand painted porcelain box

PaintMyName
$25.00 USD

The Butterfly Effect White Pillow Cover. Enchanting Dreamy Wonderland....

RaineStyleHome

$29.00 USD

Jewelry travel roll organizer with transparent big and small organza p...

BusyBusyResi

$26.00 USD

Butterfly Ornament Paper Garland Shabby Chic handmade party whimsical ...

gufobardo

$24.49 USD

Little blue - delicate butterfly earrings with a dangling chalcedony d...

missbabacilu

$45.10 USD

Butterfly & Dragonfly Whimsy of the Sky Series - Set of 4 Art Tiles / ...

NatureHeartStudio

$39.00 USD

Butterfly Felted Bag - Handmade from Blue Hand Dyed Wool wet felted pu...

crafts2love

$69.90 USD

SALE Butterflies newborn baby girls shoes purple & turquoise, romantic...

LaLaShoes

$34.00 USD

3Dpaper butterfly, monarch butterfly, new cut, wall sticker, room dec...

weiweidecorations

$26.00 USD

Butterfly silver titanium ring - Butterfly - blue matte silver women r...

largentolab

$38.00 USD

Turquoise Earrings - Butterfly earrings - Gift for her

PRINTZESA

$13.61 USD

Frame set collection gallery wall, My Other Butterfly

TRWpainted

$58.00 USD

Blue Butterfly Kids Play Apron

ArtStork

light blue and purple butterfly

metamorphosing

$32.19 USD

Purple & Aqua Nursery Butterfly Mobile

LoveBugLullabies

$40.00 USD

Spring Skirts Preview!

2012-02-19T12:29:00.000-05:00

It is officially birthday season in our family here in Pennsylvania. Ruby has a few cousins with birthdays right around the corner so in anticipation of the party I made a sweet little yellow skirt from a fat quarter and lined it with buttery yellow satin. I have been sketching in my journal this winter for a line of spring toddler skirts.Today I had some "alone" time in my studio and was able to make this little skirt with no interruptions and no goof ups! I'm hoping to have more of them available by April 2012 on Etsy and ready for my shows this spring. Again, no pattern just a vision, beautiful fabric and a sweet little girl turning one next week! Oh, I love Sewing Sundays!

~Chelsea O.

Pre-Valentine's Day Painting!

2012-02-05T15:08:00.001-05:00

9 days until the big XOXO day! I'm really excited this year to celebrate this holiday with Ruby. I think it's a wonderful time to teach her how to be kind & thoughtful of others by making sweet little cards to give to her classmates and family. So, to be sure I actually follow through with my ideas, we started our Valentine's Day crafting early.

Instead of copping out and buying some pre-made valentines we gathered up some supplies we had in storage.

Materials:

Purple & pink paint

card stock

pencils

*heart stencil

(*salvaged from the Hello Kitty Matching Game...I knew it would come in handy!)

I talked to Ruby about Valentine's Day and why we make cards as I put out all the supplies & she picked out her art apron. I didn't want to tell her what to make so instead after I set up our art station I asked her what she wanted to do. She was very curious about the heart stencil so I showed her on scrap paper how to trace the hearts. She was super excited and asked me to trace them in a row on the card stock. She picked out her paint colors (bright fuschia and electric pink) and used the tiniest brush available to paint in her hearts. I was impressed with her process and ideas! She painted ever so slowly, reloading her brush often and really taking the time to paint, not just scribble!

Valentine No. 1


Valentine No. 2

Abstract Valentine No. 3


Pink School House with Polka Dots

Artist Ruby Laine in her Zen!

Eventually she asked me to fold some paper into cards and then begin naming who each valentine was for. We probably spent 45 minutes on this project and could have gone longer but we got distracted by a cup of hot cocoa and painting a pink & purple school with polka dots! Love this girl!

Chelsea & Ruby XOXO

A New Direction for 2012

2012-01-27T11:53:00.000-05:00

My 2012 New Year's Resolution was to reevaluate The Art Stork and to focus on my mission & purpose...

Things have changed for me in terms of my daily life. I am happily working full time in an educational outreach office at a local college (yeah--set hours and a steady paycheck!). It's not teaching which is my background but it is still within the education industry. My colleagues have acknowledged my artistic and creative abilities and allow me to use them in many formats for the office (creating awesome event flyers, event organizing, and curriculum writing are some of my favs!). They have also helped me network within the art circles here in the community to help satisfy some of my creative and entrepreneurial desires that involve The Art Stork, teaching art to children and adults, and pushing my innovative ideas to fruition.

So let's talk about my blog. There are some really great blogs and bloggers out there that I love to visit, recommend and take inspiration from. At this point I'm going to go "AD FREE" and just fill my posts with what is going on with me & The Art Stork. I'm not ready to host GIVEAWAYS from The Art Stork but instead will maybe post about giveaways I'm entering. I will eventually post REAL tutorials but I'm figuring out the best format for that because we all know that a great tutorial does take time and effort for it to be seamless. That's one of my biggest pet peeve is to find a tutorial and realize it's incorrect or missing parts--ugh!

Social Media...I'm on the fence about using Facebook. I find it difficult to stay on top of it. I find it VERY distracting to even go post something quickly about The Art Stork and sucking up way too much of my time! I know it's the most used forum but it's really just not me. So, I'm not making a decision just yet about whether I will keep my presence there until I research it some more. What I don't like is that they keep changing their rules and format just when I get the hang of it. FB=to be continued!

So with all that said, the New Year is bringing a new Art Stork! Look for new images/logos, new products (library tote bags, tea party accessories, children's clothing), art classes & DIY workshops, art birthday parties, and finally launching my website that has been in the works for a year now (I wanted it perfect before it was live but that can't happen because perfection is something that must "simmer" until it's just right!).

Cheers to 2012!

Chelsea

Easy Mini Tree Skirt!

2011-12-23T10:15:00.000-05:00

I've been bookmarking tons of tree skirts that I have come across for the past 2 months and today I finally made one! I decided to go with the natural and neutral tree skirt look so that it matches what ever is placed under the tree this year. Also, I love all shades of white...something simple, Victorian, and elegant in this color scheme! I used only materials I had on hand to help slim down my fabric stash that looks like the Tower of Pisa. *** And yes, my 2 year old, Ruby, happily decorated the tree! You'll notice all the decoration are only on one side of the tree and many of them share the same tree limb! Designer is training!

This is a quick Visual Tutorial (with simple directions) that will help inspire you to make one in under 90 minutes:

Materials:
muslin
ribbon
lace trim
pencil
yardstick
straight pins
fabric scissors

Steps:
1) Measure from the trunk of your mini tree using a yardstick to the edge of your imagined skirt

2) Double fold muslin (this will give it substance and bulk)

3) Create a square based on your measurements (mine was 35 inches)

4) Fold muslin into triangles

5) Use a pencil with string tied to end and create a homemade compass to draw your circle

6) Cut the circle edge

7) Find a small circle and center on the skirt circle for your skirt neck (I used a pickle jar! It was lying next to me & I didn't have to get up!)

8) Cut up the circle to the skirt neck and carefully cut out the small neck

9) Pin the lace ruffle trim to the top edge of the skirt going slowly and smoothing as you go

10) Zig Zag stitch the lace ruffle trim

11) Repeat with the lace ruffle trim to the skirt neck BUT also now add the ribbon ties. These are sandwiched inbetween the layers of muslin to hide and secure the ties.

12) TRIAL FIT!!! before you make you last stitches double check this skirt fits well and the ties are how you want them.

13) Zig Zag stitch the inside edges (this stitch will quickly keep your edges from unraveling and the white thread I used adds a nice detail to the overall look!)

14) Tie you new Easy Mini Tree Skirt to you lovely Christmas tree and add presents!

Merry Christmas!
Chelsea Elf

Ruffle Host Apron!

2011-12-22T15:31:00.000-05:00

I finally got to my DIY pile of projects today and whipped up this little hostess apron. Yes, it is an inspiration from Anthropologie's line of fabulous aprons! Over the summer I treated myself to a "visual tour" through the Anthropologie store in Boston. I drooled the entire time as I checked out every single rack but I am proud to say that I left without buying anything! I wanted to prove to myself that I could too make something fabulous & flirty with my stash fabric. So what do you think? Was I successful!?!

Ruffle skirt from Old Navy

Ruffle Apron Detail

Ruffle Hostess Apron

By the way, I'm addicted to ruffles! There's is something so fun, flirty, feminine, and romantic about them.

~Chelsea O.

December Desktop Calendar!

2011-12-06T13:40:00.001-05:00

I was in the process of making my own desktop calendar to share with everyone but came across this one from Geninne's Art Blog. This was too perfect! I loved it as soon as I saw it--very cheery & bright. So go to her blog and download it. While you're there subscribe to her blog for beautiful and inspirational postings. Her work is BEAUTIFUL!

New Item!

2011-12-03T21:23:00.000-05:00

Just returned from the 2011 Artist Holiday Showcase and had a blast! This was my best show yet, lots of sales, custom orders and people really excited about my line of aprons. I'm looking forward to this event next year and others like this.

So, to kickoff December I'm announcing a new item...(drum roll please)

Custom Silhouette Aprons!

This makes for a perfect gift for parents and grandparents this holiday season!

A classic white kitchen apron adorned with your little one's portrait--too perfect! Wear it as a hostess apron while cooking up your holiday dinner and showcase the latest editon to your family! All will love it!

Choose from 2 different portrait frame styles:

1-Vine Oval

2-Scalloped Oval

Click here to order yours now!

2011 Artist Holiday Showcase!

2011-12-02T12:50:00.000-05:00

Come visit me at my next show in Williampsort, PA!

2011 Artist Holiday Showcase

Shop local handmade art for this holiday season or treat yourself to something special!

See you tomorrow!

~Chelsea

TODAY! Victorian Christmas Art Mart

2011-11-19T08:10:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to tour some of the beautiful homes today in Williamsport during the Victorian Christmas Home Tour. Come visit me at the CASABELLA house for holiday shopping at the Art Mart (located in their 6 car garage!yes, 6!) and see a selection of homemade gifts from local artists (glass, jewelery, purses, ceramics, wood, fiber, etc).

Here is the 20% off coupon code to use at my booth

"CASABELLA2011"

See you today!

Chelsea

Victorian Christmas ART MART!

2011-11-14T22:38:00.000-05:00

This Saturday, 10-5pm, I will be hosting a table full of Art Stork goodies! Stop by the Casabella Home located at 1414 Wynwood Lane in Williamsport, PA to start your holiday shopping of local, handmade items. I will have Kid Play Aprons, Mommy & Me Apron Sets, Book Wreaths, Baby Shower Gift Sets, Silhouettes & more.

Leave a comment below and use this coupon code "Casabella2011" at this event to receive 20% off your total purchase!

(*excludes Mix & Match Silhouette Portrait Bogo Sale)

See you Saturday!

~Chelsea O.