Homemade Window Clings For Any Season!

I just added this new gift idea to The Best Homemade Gift Ideas website. Here are some directions on how to make homemade window clings using fabric paint. This is a fun activity for winter, but you can use it for any holiday or season you like. Check it out!

Glitter Fabric Paint

Window Clings Holidays & Celebrations!

Children's Book Illustrator Interview with Becky Driscoll

September Crafter/Artist Interview of the Month

Crafter/Artist Interview of the Month Since school is starting I thought it would be fun to interview a children’s book illustrator for the month of September. Becky Driscoll is a very talented and published illustrator. She not only illustrates for children’s books but she also has illustrated for magazines and greeting card companies. She has a fun colorful style to her illustrations. So it is my pleasure to introduce you to Becky Driscoll.

1) Could you describe your journey to becoming an artist? What were your original inspirations?

I have always known I wanted to be an artist. When I was two, I was drawing and creating. I think Disney inspired me as I remember going to see Bambi in the theater and just going WOW as the illustrations were so wonderful. I was 5 at the time. You just can't beat those Disney movies like Bambi and Lady and the Tramp.

2) How did you become interested in illustrating literature for children?

I love children's books and love looking at the illustrations. I also would like to tell a story with my art.

3) Who are some of your favorite children's illustrators? Were any of them particularly inspirational? If so, whom and why?

I think Beatrice Potter is one of my favorites. I love the way she illustrated and the stories she wrote.

4) Do you remember which illustrated children's books were your favorites back when you were a young reader and why?

Probably Bambi and Beatrice Potter. I liked Bambi as I love animals and I guess with Beatrice Potter too.

5) Could you please describe how you became a published illustrator?

A lot of hard work and getting your name out there and not giving up. It was pretty exciting getting my first greeting cards published.

6) Could you tell us a little about your illustration style? What's the medium you use to do you illustrations?

I illustrate in watercolor and then I use colored pencil to make highlights or detail in the work. I love using the traditional medium and having the painting in front of you when you are done. It is very satisfying.

7) Could you please go through the steps you use to submitting your work to publishers?

I usually research publishers first and find out if their style is suitable to mine. That is important as you don't want to send your work if it is not what the publisher wants. It is a waste of their time and yours. I will either send them colored copies or sometimes they want work via email. It just depends on the publisher. I will then send them updated post cards every 6 months or so to let them know I am still breathing. You can find a lot of publishers on line or an artist should buy the "Artists & Graphics Designers Market" They have oodles of publishers in there.

8) What has been your favorite project you have worked on so far?

I really don't have a favorite. I love doing all my art.

9) Do you have any big projects coming up in the near future? What are you currently working on now?

No big projects at this moment. I just finished up some greeting cards for Gallant Greetings so that was my last big project.

10) Do you have any advice for anyone interested in breaking into the illustration business? I guess to be persistent and never give up. You are always trying to sell yourself and getting a foot in the door. Also, keep drawing. Every day if you can. Even if it is doodling.

Crayon Batik

Crayons aren't just for kids anymore! Here is a fun homemade gift that anyone can do. Yes, I mean anyone. I have done this project with kids as young as 6 or 7. Crayon Batiks are a lot of fun and much less complicated than a regular batik. But they are just as beautiful and frame worthy.

Batik a technique used to dye cloth using a wax resist. Back in December I interviewed Beth McCoy, a well known batik artist for my newsletter.

So the next time you sit down to color with your youngster, think about trying something different! They will love you for it!

Polar fleece tie blanket

It's never too late to start thinking about Christmas and to get going on those homemade gifts. Here's a simple polar fleece blanket that is easy to make and inexpensive. With so many fleece pattern choices you will be able to personalize a blanket for everyone on your list!

Polar Fleece







Sew What! Fleece crafts book