cards and Notebooks by Sarnia

What an adorable gift or stocking filler for all ages and tastes. I really love this design, and guess what, I just put it on cushion covers and other homeware.
Spiral Notebook
£11.59



Greeting Card
£2.54



Art Board Print
£10.49



Poster
£12.19



New releases in the Organic Wall Art Collection by Sarnia de la Maré

I am obsessed with these beautiful canvases in earthy hues.
I created a section especially for them on my new Redbubble site.
Black and orange, black and green....so divine. Expect a few more especially for Christmas.

flora design nature leaves black orange acorn
Orange Blush by iServalan Homotech 23 Illustration Art by Tale Teller Club Orchestrations Art Print
From £16.16



pink heart scrolls pendant 3D
Pale Heart by iServalan Homotech 23 Illustration Art by Tale Teller Club Orchestrations Art Print
From £16.16



black dark art hearts
Black Hearts by iServalan Homotech 23 Illustration Art by Tale Teller Club Orchestrations Art Print
From £16.16




Fantastic Peony by iServalan Homotech 23 Illustration Art by Tale Teller Club Orchestrations Art Print
From £16.16





Floral Crest by iServalan Homotech 23 Illustration Art by Tale Teller Club Orchestrations Art Print
From £16.16




Blue and Gold Bouquet by iServalan Homotech 23 Illustration Art by Tale Teller Club Orchestrations Art Print
From £16.16




Lush Rose Pink Hearts by iServalan Homotech 23 Illustration Art by Tale Teller Club Orchestrations Art Print
From £16.16




Blue Bouquet by iServalan Homotech 23 Illustration Art by Tale Teller Club Orchestrations Art Print
From £16.16



Goddamn Gorgeous Acrylic on Canvas by Sarnia de la Mare #fineart #acrylic

female stockings Porsche sports car graphic novel cartoonblond corset

SOLD

Setting Up an Artist's Studio in a Small Space: Maximizing Creativity in Minimal Areas


artist's studio paintings canvas art artworks

Creating an inspiring and functional artist's studio doesn’t require a large room or an expansive loft with high ceilings. In fact, a small space can offer unique opportunities for creativity, as it challenges you to get organized and make the most of every inch. Whether you're working in a cozy corner of your home, a tiny apartment, or even a shared space, this blog will help you design a compact artist's studio that fuels your creative process.


Step 1: Define Your Artistic Needs

Before you begin setting up your small space studio, it’s important to consider what kind of art you create and what tools or materials you need. Are you a painter with canvases and paints, a digital artist working from a laptop, or a mixed-media creator with various supplies?

By defining your artistic needs, you’ll have a clear understanding of the tools and supplies that need to be accommodated. Focus on the essentials, eliminating unnecessary clutter that might overwhelm the limited space.

Step 2: Choose the Right Location

Finding the perfect spot for your studio is crucial when space is limited. Look around your home for underutilized areas—think about alcoves, corners, or even closets that can be transformed into a productive space. Some potential studio spots include:

  • A Corner of a Room: You don’t need a separate room for your studio; a quiet corner of your living room or bedroom can work just as well. Use dividers, screens, or shelving to create a sense of separation between your workspace and living area.

  • A Sunlit Window: If natural light is important for your work, position your studio near a window to take advantage of the light. Not only will this make your workspace more inviting, but it will also save you the need for excessive lighting during the day.

  • Closet Transformation: A spare or unused closet can make a fantastic mini-studio. By removing doors and using vertical storage, you can turn a small closet into a functional creative space that’s tucked out of the way when not in use.

Step 3: Maximize Vertical Space

In a small studio, it’s essential to think vertically. Walls are your best friend when it comes to organization and storage. Here are some tips for utilizing vertical space effectively:

  • Wall Shelves: Install wall-mounted shelves to store supplies like paints, brushes, sketchbooks, or small tools. Floating shelves take up no floor space and can hold a surprising amount of materials. Keep frequently used items within arm’s reach and store lesser-used supplies on higher shelves.

  • Pegboards: A pegboard is a fantastic solution for keeping tools and materials organized in a small space. You can hang brushes, scissors, measuring tools, and more on hooks, while still leaving your desk or table free for working. Pegboards are highly customizable, so you can adapt them to suit your specific needs.

  • Hanging Storage: If you’re working with textiles, fabrics, or paper rolls, install hooks or bars on the wall to hang them. This keeps them off the floor and prevents them from getting wrinkled or damaged.

Step 4: Compact and Multi-Purpose Furniture

In small spaces, furniture needs to work hard and serve multiple purposes. Look for compact furniture that can be easily moved or repurposed:

  • Folding or Wall-Mounted Desks: If floor space is at a premium, consider a folding desk that can be tucked away when not in use, or a wall-mounted desk that pulls down only when you’re working.

  • Storage Ottomans or Benches: These can double as seating and storage. Use them to store bulky materials while also providing a place to sit when working or for guests.

  • Multi-Tiered Trolleys or Carts: A rolling cart with multiple tiers is perfect for organizing supplies. It can be wheeled in and out of your studio area when needed and provides easy access to your materials while keeping your workspace tidy.

Step 5: Lighting Matters

Good lighting is critical for an artist's studio, and in small spaces, you’ll want to use lighting to create a bright, focused work area. If your studio is not near a window or natural light is limited, here are some lighting solutions:

  • Task Lighting: Invest in a good task lamp with adjustable arms that allows you to direct light precisely where you need it. This is especially useful for detailed work like drawing, painting, or crafting.

  • LED Strip Lights: LED strips can be mounted under shelves or along walls to provide even lighting without taking up space. They are an inexpensive way to add more light to your workspace without cluttering the area with lamps.

  • Floor Lamps: If you have limited surface space for lamps, use tall floor lamps to light your space. Position them behind or next to your work area for good overall lighting.

Step 6: Stay Organized

The key to working efficiently in a small space is organization. A clutter-free environment promotes creativity and reduces frustration. Here are a few tips to keep things tidy:

  • Label Everything: Use clear containers or jars for storing small items like buttons, beads, or fasteners and label them clearly. This will save you time searching for supplies and help keep your studio organized.

  • Desk Organizers: A tidy desk is essential for small space work. Use drawer dividers, small bins, or compartment trays to keep pens, brushes, and other tools in their designated places.

  • Regular Decluttering: Every so often, take time to review what you have in your studio and clear out anything you no longer use. This helps free up space and makes room for new projects and materials.

Step 7: Personalize Your Space

Even in a small space, it’s important that your studio feels like your own. Add some personal touches to make it an inspiring environment:

  • Art Displays: Hang up your work or inspirational pieces to keep your creative energy flowing. A rotating display of your projects or artwork you admire can keep the space feeling fresh.

  • Plants: Incorporate small plants to bring some greenery and life into your space. Plants can help improve air quality and create a more inviting atmosphere.

  • Mood Board: Create a small mood board or inspiration wall with images, color palettes, and ideas that inspire you. This can serve as a daily reminder of your artistic goals.

Conclusion

Setting up an artist’s studio in a small space doesn’t have to be limiting—in fact, it can inspire resourcefulness and creativity. With smart organization, clever furniture choices, and a focus on maximizing your space, you can create a functional and inspiring studio, no matter how small. Remember, the most important thing is that your space supports your creative flow and helps you produce the art you love.

Now, it’s time to carve out your little corner of the world and turn it into a haven for your creativity!

Exploring Creative Art Rubbing: A Journey Through Time and Technique


stone, stone wall, stone for rubbings

Art rubbing, an ancient yet accessible art form, has been cherished by artists and collectors alike for centuries. By capturing textures from natural and man-made surfaces, art rubbing brings forth beautiful, often intricate designs, offering a unique way to explore the world around us. In this post, we’ll delve into the history of art rubbing, popular techniques, and some tips on sourcing incredible materials for your own rubbings.


The History of Art Rubbing

The origins of art rubbing can be traced back to ancient China, where it was used as a method of preserving important inscriptions carved into stone. Rubbings were made by laying thin paper over stone carvings and carefully rubbing charcoal, ink, or chalk across the surface, leaving a faithful impression of the text or design beneath. These rubbings allowed scholars to replicate important documents and spread knowledge throughout the empire.

Over time, art rubbing spread to other cultures. In Europe during the Middle Ages, it became a popular method for recording the intricate designs of brass plaques and gravestones. The technique was commonly used in England for brass rubbings, where artists and historians sought to capture the fine details of memorials in churches and cathedrals.

Today, art rubbing has evolved into a creative practice embraced by artists of all ages, used to explore texture, design, and patterns found in everyday objects and nature.

Techniques for Creating Art Rubbings

Creating a rubbing is both simple and versatile, making it a great project for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Here are some common techniques you can try:

  1. Traditional Rubbing: Start by selecting your material—this could be anything from a gravestone to a textured leaf. Place a sheet of thin, durable paper over the surface and use a soft pencil, charcoal, or crayon to gently rub over the paper. The textured details underneath will begin to emerge, revealing the intricate patterns.

  2. Layered Rubbings: To add depth to your artwork, try layering different textures on top of one another. Start with a base texture, like the bark of a tree, and create a rubbing. Then, move the paper to a new object—perhaps a textured fabric or a man-made surface like a brick wall—and repeat the process. This technique allows you to blend multiple textures into one cohesive piece of art.

  3. Colored Rubs: Experiment with different colored pencils or crayons to highlight different areas of your rubbing. Use light, subtle colors to enhance delicate textures and brighter colors to emphasize bold patterns. Combining colors creates a dynamic, more visually engaging piece.

  4. Alternative Tools: While crayons and charcoal are the most common tools for rubbings, try experimenting with other mediums like oil pastels, wax crayons, or even soft graphite sticks. Each tool will bring out different aspects of the texture and create unique effects on the paper.

Sourcing Materials for Rubbings

The world is filled with incredible surfaces just waiting to be discovered, and one of the joys of art rubbing is the exploration of textures in your surroundings. Here are some ideas on where to find great materials for your rubbings:

  1. Nature: Nature offers an abundance of textured surfaces. Explore leaves, tree bark, stones, and seashells for intricate and organic designs. Each season brings new textures—autumn leaves, for example, provide a stunning range of delicate details.

  2. Historical Sites: If you’re interested in capturing the essence of history, visiting old churches, cemeteries, or monuments can provide amazing opportunities. Brass rubbings, for example, can capture the fine details of historical plaques and carvings, helping preserve their beauty.

  3. Urban Exploration: Don’t overlook the cityscape! Man-made surfaces such as bricks, architectural details, grates, and manhole covers all provide unique textures. Urban rubbings can capture the geometric patterns and designs that are often overlooked in everyday life.

  4. Household Objects: Look around your home for hidden textures. Fabrics, lace, wood grain, coins, and even kitchen utensils can provide interesting surfaces for rubbings. You’ll be surprised at what you can find by simply walking around and running your fingers over different objects.

Creative Ideas for Art Rubbing Projects

Art rubbing opens up limitless possibilities for creative projects. Here are some fun ideas to inspire you:

  • Nature Journals: Combine rubbings of leaves, bark, and flowers into a nature journal that captures the textures of your favorite outdoor spaces. You can add notes about the location and time of year, creating a tactile record of your experiences.

  • Mixed Media Art: Use rubbings as part of a mixed media project. Combine them with paints, inks, and other materials to create layered, textured art pieces that tell a visual story.

  • Personalized Cards: Create unique, handmade greeting cards by rubbing textures from meaningful objects or locations, such as a special tree or place that holds sentimental value.

  • Textile Designs: If you’re into fabric arts, consider using your rubbings as inspiration for textile patterns or embroidery. The textures you capture can be transformed into beautiful fabric designs that bring a tactile element to your work.

Conclusion

Art rubbing is a versatile and engaging practice that connects us to the world in a deeply tactile way. Whether you’re seeking to document history, explore nature, or simply create beautiful art, rubbings offer an exciting avenue for creative expression. Armed with simple tools, an eye for texture, and a sense of adventure, you can uncover beauty in the everyday and transform it into lasting art.

So, grab some paper, step outside, and start discovering the textured world around you. You never know what you’ll find—or create—next!

Art by Sarnia: Cultivating Wellness Through Creative Expression



In today's fast-paced world, many of us long for moments of quiet, personal growth, and meaningful connection. The act of creating art can be a doorway into these experiences—helping us access deep inner peace, reflection, and a sense of purpose. At Art by Sarnia, we believe that art is not merely a form of expression but a pathway to higher living, deeply intertwined with wellness, meditation, and the appreciation of nature and life itself.



The Intersection of Art and Wellness

Creating art engages the mind in a way that fosters mindfulness and relaxation. Whether painting, drawing, or crafting, the rhythmic movements and focus required can induce a meditative state, allowing for introspection and relief from stress. Art becomes a space where we can explore our emotions, process our thoughts, and release tension.

Incorporating art into your daily wellness routine can elevate your mental health in ways similar to yoga or meditation. It taps into your creative energy, promoting flow and encouraging self-awareness. Each stroke of the brush, each detail in a sculpture, allows you to reconnect with yourself, helping you navigate life's challenges with clarity and calm.

Meditation and Higher Living Through Art

Art, when paired with meditation, becomes a powerful tool for transformation. At Art by Sarnia, we emphasize the importance of slowing down and becoming fully present in the moment. By combining meditation practices with art, you can enhance your creative experience. This could mean meditating before starting an art project to clear your mind or reflecting afterward on the emotional or spiritual journey you experienced while creating.

Through this mindful engagement, art transcends its physical form and becomes an avenue for existential exploration. It allows you to tap into higher realms of consciousness and discover new dimensions of yourself and the world around you. This holistic approach—art as meditation—can lead to profound insights and a sense of purpose.

Natural Eco Arts: Honoring the Earth

In the Elderescence Living Project, we honor the beauty of nature through the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials. Our Natural Eco Arts initiatives celebrate the earth by utilizing found objects, recycled materials, and natural elements in our art practices. This not only reduces waste but fosters a deeper connection with our environment.

Art becomes a tribute to nature, as we explore the textures, colors, and forms of the natural world. Whether weaving grasses into baskets, creating natural pigments from plants, or upcycling materials into beautiful works of art, we focus on sustainability and respect for the planet. Our eco-friendly approach to art encourages us to live in harmony with nature, reminding us of the delicate balance between human creativity and environmental stewardship.

Art and Existentialism: The Quest for Meaning

At the core of our work lies an exploration of existentialism—the belief that each person must find their own path and meaning in life. Art is one of the purest expressions of this journey, enabling us to question, reflect, and understand our place in the world. It is through art that we can confront life’s big questions: Who are we? What is our purpose? How do we connect with others and the universe?

In our workshops, we encourage participants to delve into these existential themes, using art as a tool for deep self-exploration. By creating something from nothing, we engage in a personal dialogue about our existence, offering a tangible representation of our thoughts and emotions. The art we create often reflects our search for meaning, resilience, and understanding in a complex and ever-changing world.

Art Therapies: Healing Through Creation

Art therapy is at the heart of Art by Sarnia. Art allows us to access parts of ourselves that are difficult to express in words. Whether it's working through trauma, anxiety, or simply navigating the ups and downs of life, art can offer a safe, therapeutic outlet for healing.

In our Art Therapies program, we provide guided art-making sessions that focus on emotional expression and recovery. Through techniques such as journaling, painting, collage-making, and more, participants can release suppressed emotions and gain insights into their mental and emotional well-being. These sessions are designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic experience.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Art is more than a product; it is an evolving process of self-discovery, wellness, and intellectual engagement. Through Art by Sarnia, we invite you to embark on this journey with us. Whether you are looking to meditate through the creative process, express yourself in new ways, or simply appreciate the beauty of handmade, eco-conscious art, our community is here to support you.

Join us as we explore art as a tool for well-being, existential growth, and sustainability, all while celebrating the joy of creative expression. By engaging in the process of creation, we cultivate not just art, but a lifestyle of mindfulness, balance, and meaningful connection.


Are you ready to embrace the power of art in your life? Discover more about our workshops, therapies, and creative experiences at Art by Sarnia, part of the Elderescence Living Project. Let art lead you toward wellness, peace, and a deeper understanding of yourself and the world.

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