Ever wonder how many spots a cheetah has? I wish I could tell you, but I lost count during this week’s project. a painted wooden cheetah.
Inspirations: Resting in the Shade
Look at that gorgeous coat! It’s beautiful but also serves as camouflage. The black tear-like markings help these stealthy predators by cutting the sun’s glare.
Mother & Cubs
Their long muscular legs and bodies make cheetahs the fastest land animals. They often stand on trees and rocks for better views of their hunting grounds.
Keeping a Lookout
It’s important to stay alert. You never know when the next meal might come along.
Supplies: Raw Wood Cheetah
Closeup – Raw Wood Cheetah’s Feet
Do you notice the problem with his front feet? If you are familiar with music from the 1970’s, you’ll know the rock group Kiss. Their costumes always included platform boots and apparently this cheetah is a fan! lol This odd design choice will be corrected in a later step.
Acrylic Paints
How to Paint a Wooden Cheetah: Paint Base Coats on Cheetah & Stand – Front View
Be sure to paint all surfaces, including the edges.
Paint Base Coats on Cheetah & Stand – Back View
Draw Details on the Body and Face
Defining the legs on the front and back is a bit of a challenge. You’ll notice there is extra wood at the edges, which should have been trimmed off. Instead, we will paint it brown in a later step so that it is less noticeable. Add the facial details too.
Paint the Details – Front View
The tail, belly, inner side of each leg, and areas on chest and face are white with black spots. The rest of the coat is tan or golden with black spots. The facial details bring this figure to life.
Closeup – Legs
As noted previously, the excess wood on the legs is painted brown to blend into the background.
Paint the Details – Back View
Paint the Spotted Coat – Front View
The tip of the tail is solid black with a few stripes above it. Spots cover the remainder of the body.
Paint the Spotted Coat – Back View
Completed Cheetah – Front View
Glue stones to the base, beneath the front feet, to correct the issue noted in the sixth photo and to create the illusion the cheetah is scoping out his surroundings.
Completed Cheetah – Back View
I hope you enjoyed this post and are inspired to begin your next creative project.
Several countries around the world celebrate the pre-Lenten festival of Carnival/Mardi Gras. In fact, many people travel internationally every year to participate in the festivities. One thing all these festivals have in common is a very colorful assortment of costumes and masks. Forget about the office or that seemingly endless “To-Do” list. Toss aside any worries or concerns and enjoy living in the moment. As the musical artist, Prince, said, “Tonight I’m gonna party like it’s nineteen ninety-nine!”
Carnival Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The crowd goes wild during this high energy, tropical themed extravaganza led by sexy samba dancers, stepping to the beat, arrayed in flamboyantly colored feathers, beads and sequins.
Mardi Gras New Orleans, U.S.A.
Collecting the signature purple, green and gold beads becomes an almost obsessive mission for revelers at Mardi Gras as they enjoy the parades, sample spicy Cajun food, indulge in a cocktail or two, and dance until dawn.
Carnival Germany
Wooden masks scare away the ghosts and darkness of winter, while bright colors welcome the coming of spring. And of course it wouldn’t be a German celebration without plenty of beer.
Carnival Venice, Italy
The Carnival in Venice is one of the oldest celebrations, featuring elaborate costumes made from lavish fabrics, porcelain masks, and gold leaf accents. This beautiful purple and gold costume has an air of royalty about it. It’s incredibly detailed and is a feast for the eyes.
A great mask is the key to these celebrations. As with Halloween, masks invite the wearers to step out of their comfort zones. When the parties are over, masks become beautiful wall art, decorated with feathers, rhinestones, braided trim, and hand applied designs.
The bold feathers and black trim on this half mask focus the viewer’s attention upon the eyes of the wearer, drawing you in to discover more.
The sheer volume of taupe feathers creates an impressive headdress, accented by the delicate gold lace and embossed details. From a distance this appears to be a half mask, but upon closer inspection, it’s actually a full-face porcelain mask, and the lips have been painted a complementary shade of gold.
Venetian masks are among the most ornate. While meant to be worn, many have become prized collector’s items in the world of art.
If you’re going to wear a mask, why not make a costume to go with it? And don’t forget to accessorize! As an extravagant touch of luxury, many Venetian masks are decorated with genuine gold leaf.
This bride & groom have gone above and beyond in honoring their wedding vows –“Til death do us part…” (lol)
Wearing a full-face mask can get a little uncomfortable. Having a coordinating half mask, as a back up, is a great idea.
This beautiful jester mask is a crafter’s dream, incorporating beading, painting, fabric, braided trim, glitter, and decoupage.
Half masks are readily available and comfortable to wear without the need for special makeup or accessories. They also happen to be very easy to decorate yourself. For step-by-step instructions, please read a previous post, “Who’s Behind the Mask?”
Carnival just might be the adult equivalent of recess on the playground – Come outside and play! Make new friends. Have the time of your life and let’s do it all again next year!
Happy Carnival, Happy Mardi Gras and Happy Crafting!
February 17th marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year celebrating the Year of the Horse. All creatures have something to teach us. Please continue reading as we explore how horses can motivate and inspire…
Competitive & Powerful
Horse and rider become one, navigating obstacles to win the day. As they say, teamwork makes the dream work.
Faithful & Courageous
Life’s challenges are easier when faced together with a loyal friend.
Sociable & Cooperative
Instinctively drawn together, horses eat, play and share each other’s company.
Nurturing & Protective
When I was a kid, I saw a sweet mare and her foal happily resting in a barn. The newborn had not stood up, which concerned the staff. The mother was led out of the stall while two staff members dashed in and stood the baby up. The mare broke free, charged into the stall and blocked the entrance to keep her baby safe. Lesson for the day: never come between a mother and her child.
Watchful & Intelligent
Always be aware of your surroundings and make decisions accordingly.
Wild & Free Spirited
Stretch your legs, get some sunshine and set your soul free.
It’s that time of year again when we look back at the highest-ranking posts of last year, as voted by you, the readers. Below is a list of the Top Six posts of 2025, in ascending order:
Number 6: Gift Wrap – Thinking Outside the Box
Wrapping gifts can be fun or stressful depending upon how many presents and how much time you have. I thought it would be nice to see several “outside the box” ideas. To read more, please click here.
Number 5: Celebrating Spring with Wreaths
Nothing says spring has arrived like colorful buds, blooms and leaves. Why not bring nature indoors by making a new wreath. You will have a few decisions to make before you begin…To read more, please click here.
Number 4: Recovering at the Art Studio – Blog Paws
Those of you who follow my blog will recognize one of our art studio mascots, Smokey. Two weeks ago, he had to be rushed to the veterinary clinic for emergency surgery. As you can imagine, it was such a shock. To read more, please click here.
Number 3: The Art of Cupcake Decorating II
In part 1, we reviewed cupcake flavors and decoration options. Now we have arrived at the fun part, decorating. Each cupcake is a blank canvas, ready for your creativity to come to life. Let your inner artist come out to play. To read more, please click here.
Number 2: The Art of Cupcake Decorating I
Cupcakes are the perfect choice to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re quick to make, fun to decorate, easily portable, and the quantity allows experimentation with multiple designs. We will begin with flavors, followed by decorating options. To read more, please click here.
Number 1: Forest Dragon
The mysterious legends of dragons have been a fascination for centuries. appearing in ancient and modern texts, maps, as well as artwork and architecture around the world. Some may say dragons are pure fantasy but … To read more, please click here.
And there we have it – the top 6 posts of 2025. We have a new year to explore the world of creativity. There are always new ideas, and I’ll be sure to include more of your favorites. Your opinions are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to so much more this year. If you have any suggestions for future posts, please let me know.
Thanks for Reading, Happy New Year & Happy Crafting!
As another year closes, we look to the future for new opportunities, experiences, and infinite possibilities.
Be bold. Be confident. Try something new. Surprise yourself.
Thank you to all my wonderful visitors for reading, following, liking, and commenting! You inspire me every day to create new works of art and to share ideas with so many of you with a passion for art and the beautiful world in which we live.
Christmas Day has come and gone. It’s time for all those year-end sales. As you browse, you may find some decorations for next year. I like to find ways to get two holidays for the price of one.
Big Dog – Halloween
Big dogs have been trending for the last two years. I bought this masked Halloween skeleton dog and added a Witch’s hat as a bit of whimsy. In a few easy steps you can transform him into a Christmas dog.
How to Transform Halloween to Christmas: Add a Cardigan Sweater
Cover the skeleton costume with a cardigan sweater. Pin the sleeves to align with the front paws so it looks like he is wearing it.
Add a Winter Scarf
This scarf looks cute and covers the neckline of the black sweater beneath.
Add a Pair of Ski Goggles
Believe it or not, they do make goggles for dogs! There are two straps, one around the head and the other around the muzzle. This dog’s head is quite large, so rather than exchange for a larger size, I cut off the muzzle strap and set the goggles in place.
Big Dog – Christmas
The adorable Santa hat completes the transformation, while holding the goggles in position. If you want to keep him out all winter, you could easily swap out the hat and he’s ready for the ski slopes. I hope you enjoyed this project and a wonderful holiday season.
Thanks for Reading, Happy Holidays & Happy Crafting!
Wrapping gifts can be fun or stressful depending upon how many presents and how much time you have. I have posted previous articles on the typical gift-wrapping options, but this time I thought it would be nice to see several “outside the box” ideas. Let’s go….
Bottle & Jar Wrapping
Bird’s Nest Bottle Topper
Homemade Chocolate Box for Candy
Homemade Chocolate Box for an Engagement Ring
Hinged Ornament for Gift Inside
Decorative Cigar Box
Cloisonne Box
Hand Crafted Baskets
Specialty Flower Envelope
Hat Box
Ice Cream Waffle Cone for Homemade Candy
Kwanza Holiday Fabric Wrap
Novelty Lingerie Bag
Mug for Baked Goods or Candy
Multi-Compartment Container for Serving Baked Goods or Candy
Nested Dolls
Origami Box
Puzzle Box
Santa Sack
Stuffed Animal with Zippered Compartment
Set the Stage – (e.g. Gnome on a Wall)
Decorative Take-Out Container with Edible Roses
Tissue Paper Wrap & Flower Topper
Mini Travel Trunk
Trinket Box
Umbrella Raining Money
This concludes our exploration of unusual gift wrapping/presentation ideas. Many of these can be reused, which is great for the environment. Please let me know your favorites. Have you come up with interesting ways to wrap gifts? Please share them in the comments.
Thanks for Reading, Happy Holidays & Happy Crafting!
What I miss the most during the colder months are the beautiful colors in nature. The winter sky is so gray, the trees are dormant, and the flowers temporarily disappear for a long winter’s nap. Evergreens defiantly retain their glorious shades of green regardless of the weather. To brighten your home decor, you can add a little evergreen and it will never need to be watered.
How to Paint Wooden Pine Trees
This painted craft is very easy to complete in a short amount of time and it’s great for beginners too!
Raw Wood Trees
As with all raw wood, a little sanding may be required, especially along the edges. The pre-drilled holes are for lights in a later step.
Supplies Supplies:
Wooden Pine Tree (17” high x 9” wide x 1/2” thick) (Base is 9” wide x 2” deep)
Acrylic Paints – green, white
Paintbrushes
Sandpaper
String of 20 lights
Apply Green Paint
Paint each tree green, ensuring both sides, all the edges and the base are painted.
Define the Branches with Snow
In nature, snow gathers on the branches. To give these trees a more three-dimensional appearance, add patches of white paint to imitate Mother Nature.
Tree Lighting
Those pre-drilled holes were made to hold a strand of twenty white lights. The lights can only be pushed through from one side of the wood frame. You may need to secure the last light at the bottom with a piece of tape to keep it from pulling out from the weight of the electrical cord.
Finished Trees (with and without camera flash)
All you need to do now is choose a spot to display your handiwork and plug in those lights. I place my trees in the living room windows to enhance the rest of the outdoor decorations. When the holidays are over, they can remain on display throughout the winter.
Pom Pom Alternative
As an alternative to lights, you can turn a simple pine tree into a Christmas tree by gluing on multi-color pom poms as ornaments.
I hope you enjoy this project and have fun decorating your home for the holidays.
Thanksgiving Day is upon us. People travel far and wide to visit and dine with family and friends. The beauty of autumn inspires the color palette and flavors of this vibrant and entertaining holiday. Let’s look at ideas for décor and food for Thanksgiving Day.
Seasonal Home Décor: Welcome Flag
Pumpkins & Chrysanthemums
Pumpkin & Gourd Wreath
Fabric Pumpkins
Hand Blown Glass Pumpkin
Create bold contrasts to all the oranges & reds by using blues and greens.
Pumpkin Place Setting
Use a Sharpie marker to turn tiny pumpkins into seasonal place cards.
Pumpkin Paper Napkins
Besides using these for appetizers and dining, decorative paper napkins can be placed in bathrooms as disposable hand towels.
Cornucopia Centerpiece
Candles create a welcoming atmosphere, warm light and fragrance.
Seasonal Flavors: Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Cranberry is a great option for beverages, baked goods and of course cranberry sauce.
Spicy Mulled Wine
Butternut Squash Soup
Turkey & Stuffing
Sweet Potatoes
Although these are usually served as a side dish, sweet potato pie is a delicious dessert.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Cinnamon Apple Pie
Pecan Pie
After Dinner Activities: Relaxation
If you ever felt a turkey “coma,” you know a comfortable recliner can be your best friend. Of course, a wide-screen television for watching football is also a must.
Family Challenge – Let the Games Begin
If you have leftover pumpkins from Halloween, you could start a new tradition competing for prizes in creative pumpkin design and/or carving.
Thanks for Reading, Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Crafting!
Did you know that many of your favorite candies can be made at home? Recipes for those shown below can be easily found online, and I have included tips for making these delicious treats. Let’s get started!
The Basics of Candy Making:
Milk Chocolate Candy Melts
Homemade candy usually begins with candy melts, which come in many flavors, including milk, white and dark chocolate, strawberry, mint, and caramel. Melting can be done on the stove or in a microwave.
Hand Dipping Chocolate
Question – What can you dip in chocolate? Answer – Everything from marshmallows and strawberries to Oreos, potato chips and Twinkies. Many candy confections require dipping as the final step.
Candy Molds
Simply pour melted candy into the mold and refrigerate. Candy molds are available in an extraordinary variety, including those for making solid chocolates, truffles, candy bars, hard candies, and lollipops.
Solid Chocolates:
Halloween Candy
Solid chocolate candy is the best place to start for beginners. Seasonal candy molds are available for every holiday. You can change the color and flavor by choosing different candy melts.
Chocolate Lollipops
Colorful accents can be added to chocolate in two ways: Prior to pouring the melted chocolate, place small candies in the bottom of the mold, or hand-paint mold details with candy melts in alternate colors.
Filled Chocolates:
Rolos
To make Rolos, melt chocolate, and pour it into the mold, coating all sides and the bottom. Pour out the excess chocolate, add the caramel center, and top with more chocolate. Refrigerate, and enjoy.
Andes Mints
Andes Mints are made in shallow molds by alternating layers of dark chocolate and creamy mint filling.
Malted Balls
Malted milk powder is the key ingredient in these poppable candies, which can be shaped by hand or with piping bag and then dip in melted chocolate
Peppermint Patty
Dark chocolate and peppermint extract are perfectly balanced. Shape the mint filling into balls, flatten them like coins, and then dip in chocolate.
Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut butter cups are made by coating the bottom and sides of the mold with chocolate. Add the peanut butter filling and seal the top with more chocolate. Refrigerate and enjoy this delicious combo.
Chocolate Pralines
Chocolate pralines are a mixture of chocolate and cream with hazelnuts, almonds or pecans. Depending upon the recipe, you can drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper, or use candy molds.
Popular Candy Bars:
Hershey’s Chocolate Bar
Hershey bars have been favorites for ages. They are also the number one choice for making S’mores. Simply melt chocolate, pour into the mold and refrigerate.
Nestle Crunch
Mix melted chocolate with Rice Krispies, pour into mold and refrigerate. Yum!
Milk Way Bars
These candy bars can be made using molds, or a parchment lined pan. In a mold, layer chocolate, caramel, and chocolate marshmallow. Top it off with more chocolate and refrigerate. If using a lined pan, layer caramel and chocolate marshmallow. Refrigerate, cut into bars, and dip in melted chocolate.
Three Musketeers Bars
Pour melted chocolate into a mold to coat bottom and sides. Mix chocolate marshmallow filling, press it into a mold and then top it off with a layer of chocolate. Refrigerate, release from mold and dip in melted chocolate. These can also be made in an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper.
Butterfinger
Believe it or not, most recipes for homemade Butterfingers are made by melting candy corn and mixing it with peanut butter, which is pressed into a mold, and refrigerated. Dip in melted chocolate.
Twix Bars
For Twix bars, follow a shortbread cookie recipe and bake in a square pan. Allow it to cool and then cut into individual bars. Spread caramel over the top of each cookie and dip in melted chocolate.
Kit Kat Bars
Are Kit Kat bars your favorite? Dip crème filled vanilla sugar wafer cookies in melted chocolate. It’s easy and delicious!
Hard Candy & Lollipops:
Hard Candies
For homemade hard candies, most people use a cookie sheet instead of a mold. Change the flavor or color as desired. Flavors include various fruits, mints, and caramel.
Rock Candy
Rock Candy requires sugar, a jar, sticks, and lots of patience – it takes 1 to 2 weeks for crystals to form.
Swirled Lollipops
To make swirled lollipops, the warm candy mixture is worked by pulling and folding, creating ropes, which are twined together, and wrapped into spirals. Add sticks & enjoy.
Gummies:
Gummy Bears
Gummy bears appeal to kids and adults. They can be easily made at home with a gummy candy mold, and you can use fruit juice instead of sugar.
Presentation is Everything:
Chocolate Tulips
Just like bunches of fresh cut tulips, these multicolor chocolate blooms are haphazardly stacked in an eye-catching display to tempt your willpower.
Chocolate Tools
Creative chocolate molds, such as the ones used to make these tools, have strikingly realistic details, and the rectangular display resembles a toolbox. The chocolatiers have done an incredible job making these life-size “metal” tools, but I think the realism has been taken a bit too far. Although I know they have been dusted with cocoa powder for a well-worn appearance, rusty items do not appeal to my sweet tooth.
Chocolate Cell Phone
Want to know a stress reduction secret? Less technology and More chocolate! Remember, “stressed” spelled backwards is desserts! Enjoy!
Crafts Inspire Me 