Tutorial

Adult Coloring Books: Mixing Copics & Colored Pencils

| Christina Lorraine Young (a.k.a. seena)

Have you tried mixing markers with colored pencils when you color in your favourite adult coloring books? It’s a technique I love not only because I get to use more of my stash, but also because markers can ensure a more even color base for adding depth & dimension with shading. Shading is half the fun! Here’s a quick video where I show you what I’m talking about.

Did you know that I’m giving away FREE stuff?! Subscribe to my monthly newsletter and get your first prezzie, a free coloring page from The Art Journal Coloring Book! Subscribe here and stay tuned for more fun, prompts, freebies and more!no bird soars too high colored page

And when you color a page from my book, please share it on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #theartjournalcoloringbook so I can see how your pages look – can’t wait!

How to Make Your Own Light Box

| Christina Lorraine Young (a.k.a. seena)

Do you take pictures and post them online? If you have a blog or website or online store you probably already know that it’s a good idea to make your pictures look as professional as possible. That’s not always easy, however, for amateur photographers or folks on a budget.

My husband is what I call “Ikea handy” – good natured about the whole DIY thing, but don’t make it too time consuming. With that in mind, I wanted to find a cheap, effective and simple light box design we (and by that I mean HE) could make. And I believe I’ve found it. With nothing more than foam core board, bristol board, some heavy duty tape, a ruler and a sharp exacto you can have yourself a light box. Presto, professional pics for less than $50.

Here’s the link to the video I found. Let me know if you make one and we can compare notes!

Junk Journaling, Part 2

| Christina Lorraine Young (a.k.a. seena)

Holy smokes this has been a busy week! Where does the time go?

I wanted to show you something fun I added to my junk journal. Check out these tabs:

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Can you guess where I got them? I’ll give you a hint… they were free! I found them in my recycling bin…

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Yes indeedy friends, it’s the weird box top thingy from the kleenex box. Just turn over, fold, stick, and paint. Couldn’t be easier! And in terms of functionality, they’re sturdy and a great canvas for paint or ink. Love it!!

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Just another reason to love junk journalling – upcycling! If you’ve repurposed anything for your art or junk journal I’d love to hear about it. Please tell me about it in the comments section!

CLICK HERE for a list of the materials I used in today’s project.

xo, seena

Art Journal Video: Distress Ink Background Tutorial

| Christina Lorraine Young (a.k.a. seena)

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Hi everyone! Today I’m sharing a new video featuring a quick and easy way to make backgrounds for your art journaling pages. This technique is easily applied to other art projects including card making, canvas creations, ATCs and tags. If you enjoy the video I’d love it if you’d leave me a comment and share it with a friend!

CLICK HERE for a list of the materials I used.

xo, seena

 

 

My Bargain Premium Art Supplies: Where to Buy and Save!

| Christina Lorraine Young (a.k.a. seena)

I admit it. I am an art supply junkie. Linda knows what I’m talking about (I LOVE Linda!). And while I love getting new supplies, I don’t like to pay full price. I bet you don’t, either. Because any money you save can just go towards more art supplies, am I right? Love that! I want to share with you some premium art supplies I’ve scored over the last few weeks that I am so glad I found at bargain prices! Happy shopping!

A large Moleskine sketch book for 20% off at Dick Blick’s!

(Double discount with a preferred customer card. Did you know this works online as well as in-store and that it’s free to sign up? It’s so worth the few seconds for this awesome extra discount!)

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3 sets of Zig pens from Marker Supply:

set of12 for $19.99 (the set of 12 alone is discounted to $33 at amazon.com)

2 sets of 4 for $9.98 each (reg. price is $19)

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I put the Zig pens in this clear case from Target. Only .29!

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Precision scissors for $3.99 at Marshalls:

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Clear Glaze pens for $4 for 2 (Jet Pens) and a tiny journal for $2 on clearance (Dick Blick)

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Do you have any tips, tricks or stores that you can recommend for getting high-end art supplies at a discount? If so, please share by leaving a comment below… we thank you in advance!

If these deals are no longer active, click HERE for a list of these supplies from other sources.

xo, seena