Category: Art

Reenie Sue custom watercolor portraits

10/30/2017

When I first saw this artwork, I broke out into a huge grin. Then I imagined how it must feel for the mom and their child that the painting is actually of, and I totally got why people want Reenie Sue to do a custom watercolor of them.

So who is Reenie Sue?
It's SoDu mom and watercolor illustrator Maureen Bales. She specializes in custom whimsical, colorful portraits of families, pets, couples, children and childhood.

Maureen has such a fun, unique style, which she says was influenced by "playing with my daughter and watching her imagination grow. I love creating custom illustrations for my clients. These make great gifts and keepsakes for families, pet owners, newly weds, grandparents, teachers... you name it! The best way to get started on your commission is to contact me through email. From there we can discuss ideas and come up with a plan that works for you! If you have an idea, let me know, and I'm sure we can make it happen!"

So how do you have a custom portrait done? Well thankfully you don't have to sit humorlessly for hours like the Mona Lisa. Reenie Sue portraits specialize in capturing the "true" you, so reference is key. When you contact Maureen, the first thing she'll need is reference photos and details you'd like me to include. Then you'll discuss what you're envisioning - the size of the painting, what setting or background, the colors, and more. I like that she says your reference photos don't need to be perfect, but they do need to be true to the person. You wouldn't want a portrait of your hippie cousin Frannie done from that photo of the one time he wore a suit, right? You can see how even though the photo on the left is necessarily frameable but it does give you a feeling of who they are. So pick some out that display the spirit of the subject (plus a full body pic would be helpful) and once you move forward she sends you a sketch and if you're happy with it, the painting starts!

Reenie Sue clients really love the paintings she's created, and sing their praises over on her facebook page:

"Maureen captures the essence of everything she paints. Just delightful." - Evelina

"Maureen's whimsical style perfectly captured our daughter's personality and her attention to detail left nothing wanting of these precious moments."
- Brianne

"I am fortunate enough to have two pieces by Maureen and just cannot overstate how treasured they are! She was a dream to work with designing a portrait to use for my family's holiday card, showcasing our new home. I have never had so much feedback from a holiday card! I gladly recommended working with Maureen to everyone who asked where I had the card designed. I was also gifted a beautiful illustration of myself, my daughter, my mother and grandmother. Again using photographs, Maureen was able to combine four generations who were sadly unable to meet in real life. I can hardly look at it without smiling and crying simultaneously! I honestly cannot recommend working with Maureen enough and think her portraits are a perfect, unique gift for anyone for any occasion." - Krystyn

So if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind gift
this holiday season,
Reenie Sue is your gal
to capture that moment in time.
Whose unique spark do you want to see
distilled in a beautiful watercolor painting?

FTC required disclosure: In exchange for a blog post, I was paid. Some of the content, such as the images, are provided by the pardner for my use. I give permission for this blog post to be used in perpetuity by the pardner as they wish. May seem silly, but legally I gotta say it. Congrats for reading the fine print!

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Handcrafted wearables at Boopity Boop and Textile Creative

12/9/2016

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Go handcrafted for the holidays with local artisan and SoDu mom Diana Cathart's shop Boopity Boop. Her store is full of of houghtfully made children's clothing and accessories, exemplified by these incredibly soft hand-knitted infant leg warmers, with little hearts made of 100% alpaca, NC grown and sewn.

Diana's philosophy is simple, "to design items that are fashionable, thoughtful, and creative. I use an array of materials in my work- vintage fabric, repurposed materials, organic textiles, and authentic fabrics from around our beautiful earth. To me, fabric is the fruit of life!"

You can see below how Diana's mission is is to create one-of-a-kind keepsakes that people connect to, "things they want to hold on to long after their little ones have outgrown them. I love to look at my mom's baby clothes and think of how cute she must have been wearing them, and how the only saved and cherished items didn't come from mass retailers, but instead were handmade by someone who truly cared."

The items on her etsy store are all so precious and carefully crafted, so I couldn't even choose what to showcase below. Plus they're all limited edition since they're handcrafted, so the selection changes often - you have to add her as a favorite shop on etsy so you know when she's added new items.

I also love her little shoes, the racoon purse, pants, and of course, the adorable tiny tarheel booties, see the heel? So cute.

But that's not all, Diana also has another business focused on handicrafts, called Textile Creative, where "it’s not simply about the finished product, but rather the journey it takes from sourcing to placing the very last stitch.”

Here they not only make thoughtful products by hand but they also "focus on educating people about the art of hand-craft and about the good and bad processes that are used to create the textiles we come into contact with every day of our lives."

I personally love the softness of this chunky knit infinity scarf, made of undyed ivory alpaca. Can't you almost feel the softness through the screen?

Textile Creative creates clothing for adults and children, textiles for the home, dyestuffs and seeds, and hand-dyed yarns. In addition they offer original patterns and DIY kits so that you can explore the art of hand-craft in your own time, in your own space.

That's the beauty of a locally owned business, where the owner takes the time to make each work of art unique, and crafted with love.

Here are some of her yarns to the left. Love these gorgeous purple threads of NC-grown 100% alpaca, n aturally dyed with cochineal. Diana didn't use any chemicals in the dyeing process, so you know the simple and natural quality of what you're getting instead of something out of a big box store, of unknown origin. Each skein is approximately 100 yards in length so you can make something yourself that's one of a kind too!

And if you're just starting out Diana teaches classes and workshops in and around Durham, sharing her skills with others. Textile Creative's events and workshops page has all you need to know about current offerings.

Textile Creative is also flexible to your needs, offering in-home tailoring for women and children, school-based workshops, and custom textile work.

Diana is happy to offer SoDu members a 10% discount at Boopity Boop, redeemable at her etsy store with coupon code SODU10.

There is no better time to shop Diana's amazing wares than the holidays and you can do just that today at the Holiday Patchwork Market TODAY! She's honoring the SoDu discount there as well! Head there now: https://www.facebook.com/events/599513093569981/

Cherish what you buy by celebrating the handiwork of local artist Diana Cathart, knowing you've got something hand grown, sewn, and made just for you.

FCC Disclosure for bloggers: I received payment in exchange for this blog post. The post is written by me, and contains my own opinions.

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David Cobb Murals

6/9/2016

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Walls bare? What if there wasn't a limit to your imagination and all you needed was a talented artist to bring your dreams to life? What would you transform? What about your bare school walls being painted into a friendly jungle, with ceilings morphing into the green tops of towering trees, the florescent lights now seeming to be sun peeking through leaves in the Amazon? Or perhaps your bold logo would look amazing painted on the side of your tech firm's entrance, the eye catching first impression you need for new clients? And do you know the area in your doc's office where you do the blood draws and you have to force yourself to focus on something other than the pain? What if instead you could zone out on the island scene painted above you? Or how about that outdoor wall next to your patio, what if it could remind you of that vacation in Tuscany by being painted with grapevines in an Italian sunset? Maybe your astronaut crazy daughter would love to have her room painted like the moon! The possibilities are endless. For a decade, David Cobb Murals has enjoyed collaborating with clients to bring imaginative ideas to life, transforming everyday space into something unique and spectacular. David relocated to Durham and brings with him a real eye for detail and a focus on quality in all his work, so you can be sure your project will be long lasting and unique. To see all the time he puts into each piece check out this amazing timelapse video below of an ocean mural he designed and painted!

David started painting murals shortly after completing a degree in fine arts from the University of Houston and gaining some illustration experience at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. He enjoys the large scope of mural projects, how each space is unique and challenging in its own way, and that the paintings are out in the world to be lived in and enjoyed by the public. David still creates fine art outside the building walls - with photorealistic paintings of graffiti covered railyards and pet portraits he stays busy! Visit here for more information on his other artistic arenas: dscobb.com and petmugz.com.

Check out some samples of past mural work below!

As you can see, he's created a variety of works, from the forest with added 3D tree trunks at top left to the international themed peaceful mural at top right. My personal favorite is the one on bottom left, of a riverside scene, where you almost feel like you could jump right off the hallway and into the cooling waters. The Dr. Seuss inspired mural on bottom right is simply adorable and you can imagine how it makes kiddos in that school happy.

To keep up to date with all of David's new work, including local work like these fun touches he did at Green Kids in Durham, head to his facebook page.

And here's the best part - for SoDu members only, David is offering a discount of 30% on residential projects and 20% on commercial projects until August 31st! So click here to find out more about David Cobb Murals and arrange for a time to discuss your project ideas or to schedule a no obligation site visit.

David is amazing at taking your idea and using his artistic vision and skill to create a one of a kind work of art, so contact him today!

FCC Disclosure for bloggers: I received payment in exchange for this blog post. The post is written by me, and contains my own opinions.

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Scrap Exchange camps

5/11/2016

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Did you know that Scrap Exchange offers summer camps for the older set, just at that age when they're impossible to figure out how to keep happy and occupied in the summertime? What exactly do they do you might ask? Well you can expect plenty of cooperation, celebration, and FUN in their variety of signature Scrap Exchange creative arts activities — including Make-N-Take, Build It!, and Junk Jams -- along with themed activities developed exclusively for the camps. Camps will also feature visits from local artists and artisans who will offer special sessions in sewing, music, storytelling, and more.

Important info:
Camp Hours: 9am to Noon (bring a morning snack)
Tuition: $125/week
Lunch Bunch: Noon to 1pm (bring your own packed lunch)
Fee: additional $25/week
Ages: 9 to 12 (children should have completed 3rd grade)

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!
Click on the camp dates below to be taken to Eventbrite, where you can complete your online registration.
You can also see more info at: scrapexchange.org/programs/summer-camps/

Scrap Circus
June 13 – 17
You don’t have to run away to join the circus! Come to The Scrap Exchange instead!
Join camp leader Elyse Mrache as we create our very own circus, to be presented at a sideshow at the end of the week. We will construct dance and performance props then learn how to move with them, build instruments for Junk Jams, and design our own unique costumes. Enjoy cool tricks by local guest performers!
In addition to the dance, movement, and circus-themed fun, we will also explore outside, in the new Community Garden and surrounding outdoor areas, as we learn about local food, composting, and more.

Build Your World 1
June 20 – 24
Imagine time and space… inside and out!
In this camp led by Juliet Jensen, we will imagine, design, build, and decorate our own model dream parks, play spaces, and fun houses.
Inside, we will create miniature architecture and landscaping along with collage, drawing, and textiles. Outside, we will build and learn about sculpture while being inspired by famous environmental artists. We will also explore the Community Garden where we will create art installations using found objects. Throughout the week, we will have time to work on independent projects chosen by the campers.

Puppet Power
July 11 – 15
Did you know we all have puppet power?!?
Julia Gartrell will guide campers in making scrap-tastic puppets, as they write and perform an original puppet show, to be presented at the end of the week.
Using papier mache, wood, simple sewing, and other hands-on materials and tools, we will work with a wide range of techniques in one fabulously creative week. From tiny finger puppets to larger-than-life parade-style creatures, we will cover the gamut of puppet styles. In addition to the puppets, we will make a fanciful and interactive set, design posters, and put on a great show!

Build Your World 2
July 18 – 22
Imagine time and space… inside and out!
In this camp led by Juliet Jensen, we will imagine, design, build, and decorate our own model dream parks, play spaces, and fun houses.
Inside, we will create miniature architecture and landscaping along with collage, drawing, and textiles. Outside, we will build and learn about sculpture while being inspired by famous environmental artists. We will also explore the Community Garden where we will create art installations using found objects. Throughout the week, we will have time to work on independent projects chosen by the campers.
- See more at: http://scrapexchange.org/programs/summer-camps/#sthash.TSdEJQsa.dpuf

BONUS DISCOUNT TIME!!! Scrap Exchange is happy to offer 20% off one week of camp to the first five children that are registered by mentioning that they learned about our camps from either SoDu Parents Posse or Stir Crazy Mom's Guide.
In order to register with this discount, you will need to contact Wendy Ziegler, TSE's Education Coordinator at outreach@scrapexchange.org directly, as the online registration (Eventbrite) will charge full price.

What's that? You've never been to The Scrap Exchange before??? You gotta go! Here are the details on everyone's favorite non-profit creative reuse arts center for the newbies:
TSE at Shoppes at Lakewood
2050 Chapel Hill Rd
Durham, NC 27707
Outreach & Education: (919) 213-1278
We collect, you create!
Visit us online - scrapexchange.org
Get creative & take a class - scrapexchange.eventbrite.com

FCC Disclosure for bloggers: I was paid in exchange for writing this blog post. The opinions contained herein are my own.

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Amy Arcos Pop Art

4/28/2016

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Want a fun twist on a portrait? Check out SoDu mom artist Amy Arcos's pop art! She creates custom pop art portraits of kids, couples, babies, pets, families, you name it! How does it work? Send in your favorite photo and you will receive a digital file of your custom design within 48 hours. Then you can have it printed in the format of your choice wherever you'd like!

This is Amy and her husband in one of her fun portraits. She says she began creating these portraits for her wedding stationary and moved on to creating them for loved ones as gifts. "These designs are so versatile - I have put them on tote bags, decoupage, magnets, coffee mugs, you name it. Sometimes the best gift is just one of my portraits in a simple mat frame."

Amy asked me who I'd like to make pop, and I immediately thought of my kids' godfather who is getting married this summer. He and his fiance are fun and their personalities really lend themselves to this style. Their wedding colors are royal blue and yellow, so she used that and transformed this lovely candid shot of them into a gift I'll be having printed on wood. She also did it in less than a day, it was crazy! She even adjusted the hair color and face tones slightly when asked. It's so unique and something they'll adore.

The sky really is the limit! She has a lot of adorable portraits of pets, which you could have printed on their food bowls, or a keychain for yourself. It would also be a touching gift for someone grieving the loss of a pet as a reminder of their late furry friend.

Her prices are also super reasonable!
$20 - One person or pet portrait
$25 - Two people
$30 - 3-4 people

Amy also offers digital downloads of her own pop art. From kitschy pinups to fan art, they would be awesome to put on a phone case or tee shirt before comic-con. Just $8 for 2 large digital print files!

If you want a pop portrait of Amy's in time for Mother's Day, just use the coupon code in the image above before May 6th at her Etsy store at checkout. That gives you time to get the image printed how you want before the big day!

But she has a long running Special discount just for SoDu Posse members...
20% off all custom portrait orders through the end of 2016!
Promo code: SODU2016 (Enter it in checkout at her Etsy store)

So, send Amy Arcos your photos! Pics of you, your partner, your babies, your pets! She does fan art too if you want to send her a celebrity or character. Amy can turn most anything into a quirky and unique gift, made with love, and you'll be supporting a local SoDu mom.

Shop here:
www.etsy.com/shop/AmyMayPopArt

Keep up to speed on the newest pop portraits and specials on her FB page:
www.facebook.com/amymaypopshop

FCC Disclosure for bloggers: In exchange for a blog post here, I received free artwork in order for me to experience her services and review them firsthand. However, the opinions contained here are my own.

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Reenie Sue custom watercolor portraits

Handcrafted wearables at Boopity Boop and Textile Creative

David Cobb Murals

Scrap Exchange camps

Amy Arcos Pop Art

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