Category Archives: Crafts

Psychology of Color: Brown

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Choosing a color is a very personal decision. This article is one in a series to explore our connection to and meanings behind various colors, and their uses in arts and crafts.

Field of Hay Bales

“Back to Basics” brown is present in the landscapes of all climate zones around the world, from polar ice to tropical islands. Brown is associated with everyday expressions, such as being “down-to-earth” and “having your feet firmly planted on the ground.” It engenders warmth, calm, and relaxation, while enabling us to reconnect with nature to reset our internal clocks. As creatures of the land, brown anchors us as we explore, knowing we can always return to home base.

Tigerseye Jewelry

In fashion, brown is considered a neutral, coordinating with all other colors, but it can also lend an air of drama. For centuries, jewelry has been worn as personal adornments, a means of self-expression. In the above photo, Tigerseye, Black Onyx and silver beads create an edgy, statement piece of jewelry. In the necklace on the right, Tigerseye and Natural Mother of Pearl combine with gold accents, for a softer, more refined appearance.

Chocolate Candy Assortment

Surely chocolate is one of life’s pleasures. Candy makers start with selections of rich milk chocolate or decadent dark, and fillings to satisfy any sweet tooth. Colorful candy coatings provide a visually appealing rainbow of choices. When it comes to chocolate, any excuse will do: Happy Tuesday!

Grapevine Wreath

Grapevine is a natural, renewable resource. Variations in the vine thickness, texture, and growth patterns make each completed project a unique creation. Simulating nature, this wreath features tiny leaves and colorful blooms springing forth from the grapevine, essentially bringing the outdoors inside. Hidden among the foliage, the soft pastel eggs, in shades of green and yellow, are reminders of the coming spring.

Knitted Scarf

Novelty tan and white yarn provides texture, shimmer and extra softness in this knitted winter scarf, which spices up an otherwise boring jacket with a little feminine luxury.

Pyrography - Wood Burning Art

What could be more earthy than a nice piece of wood? The words on this plaque were created using a technique called wood burning or pyrography. Specialized pens are used to burn designs onto wood plaques, furniture, decorative pieces, and can also be used on leather. Different pen tips allow the artist to create fine, detailed lines, stippling effects, and shading. Stencils can be used to transfer patterns and designs onto the wood. Due to the high temperatures of the tools, adult supervision is advised for all wood burning projects.

Happy Crafting!

Coloring – It’s Not Just For Kids Anymore

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A wide variety of coloring book subjects

Do you remember how much fun you had coloring as a child? The box of 64 Crayola Crayons, with the built-in sharpener, was like the Holy Grail. Not to worry – those days of fun and creativity can be yours once again. Adult Coloring has arrived.

Adult coloring display

Coloring groups are forming across the country and around the world. A few times a month, many local libraries and community centers host Adult Coloring Nights, and the materials are provided free of charge. Participants share drawing tips and a few laughs, as well as the occasional homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Can’t find an Adult Coloring group in your area? Start your own. Coloring is a great activity for all generations, so invite your friends, and family. Bring new meaning to “Happy Hour” by inviting your co-workers to join in on the fun. A quick online search provides free downloadable pictures. Your local craft store has a wide selection of colored pencils, gel pens, magic markers, and crayons, which are all frequently on sale.

Abstract Spiral Design

There’s more to coloring than meets the eye. Having fun is obviously the first benefit, but it’s also therapeutic – reducing stress, stimulating the brain through decision making, and socializing for people who may not otherwise have opportunities to make new friends and enjoy time away from their hectic, everyday routines. World-renowned rehabilitation facilities have adopted adult coloring as a standard part of their therapy programs.

Coloring is easy, providing instant gratification for beginners, while presenting significant challenges for the more advanced. For many people, this is their first introduction to the world of art, and can lead to an interest in pursuing arts and crafts classes.

Even on a coloring book page, there's nothing quite like a Ferrari.

Publishers and art supply companies have begun catering to this new adult market, creating more complex designs in a wide-variety of genres, such as history, geography, nature, sports, and fantasy. Digital galleries have been popping up online to display the finished works.

Coloring in progress.

There was a time when some well-meaning adults might have uttered the words, “Aren’t you a little too old to be coloring?” Today we’re more likely to hear, “Scoot over and pass me the red and blue pencils.” Make room on the refrigerator! The big kids are here to color!