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My mom loved crafts. She was a professional cake decorator by trade but also loved floral crafts, knitting, crochet, wreath making, and anything she saw that looked FUN to make. Our basement area shelves were stacked full of boxes of yarn, candle wax, needles, and ribbon; you get the picture.


I know, I know...it's hard to buy for someone else's wish list, especially if they have tools that they love. That's when a few questions to the artist/crafter in your life might be helpful. The products below are some of my favorites and I think universal in the art field.



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I earn a small commission from links to products with no extra cost to you, the buyer. Most of the items are similar to those that I use or that I am familiar with as quality suggestions. Thank you.



 




 




 




 




 



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If you love spring flowers, these painting tutorials might get you started with trying some of your own.



A magnolia white bloom and green leaves
Magnolia pen & ink, and watercolor by Annie Mason

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1. Simple Flowers

Materials: (links are my favorites)









Simple flowers. It doesn't have to be that hard. MY MOST POPULAR Idea Pin on Pinterest:

click here ⬇️



This IDEA PIN currently has 1,011 Saves, has 13,678 clicks, and has 525, 620 Impressions

What does that tell you? It tells me that people like easy, and "I can do this" art.


Simple Flowers samples



2. Zinnia

Work in simple shapes. Find a real zinnia or a zinnia photo (check copyright) and have it handy to use while you are painting. This flower has a big circle, a stem, and big leaves. Remember, it doesn't need to be "perfect." Have fun.





Zinnia flower by Annie Mason Winsor & Newton travel kit


3. Poppies



It is more detailed than the zinnia, but in this case, I start with a light pencil drawing and then trace over the lines with a black ink pen. You must let the ink fully dry before starting the watercolor paint. Add the bright reds and greens, and it's like adult coloring books.






Bright red poppies flowers green leaves
Poppies by Annie Mason. Pen, ink, and watercolor

4. Stencil flowers

You can always use stencil shapes for flowers. I used a template of petal shapes in this video.


Supplies: Pencil, Watercolor paints, brush, stencils.




Stencil flowers (0:24 sec)




Why...it's a butterfly. Stencil watercolor by Annie Mason Pen and ink, watercolor.



5. Go Abstract


A flower is a flower. The shapes change, colors change. Parts stay the same.

Nature is a teacher whose wisdom we can learn, without which any human life is vain and incomplete." ~ William Wordsworth

Once you recognize this...pick up your paintbrush, sing, and dance:





6. Translucent Flowers

This last sample lets you see how wonderful watercolor's translucent quality can be. It will take a little more practice, and the most important factor is to let the watercolor DRY COMPLETELY before adding another layer. The result is a visual delight.


Waiting between layers is the key. (0:36 sec)










Experiment...have fun.

transluscent flowers by Annie Mason






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Skillshare has great teachers and watercolor classes to follow. Join here:








A New Year, a new look. Whether it's a whole new makeover or adding a vase to a tabletop, I love giving a room that extra touch, Some "pizzazz" (an attractive combination of vitality and glamour).


We have recently moved and it is so much fun to take an object and find a new spot for it. The links below will help you do just that.


* As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from the links below, at no extra cost to the buyer. I have listed products that are stylish and would perk up any room. Thank you for your purchase as the commissions help with website maintenance.


For the living area:




 

For the Bath





 

For the Bedroom



 

For the Nursery




 

For the Rec Room




 

For the Garage / Exercise Room




 



Thank you for visiting!



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