Question for the Artsy Moms

If you have a smart phone, download the Michael's application, and also sign up for texts through them. Then you will always have a 40% off coupon with you.

I have never tried a paint by number, so I am not sure what to tell you regarding the colors and blending. I do draw or paint almost every day, and here is what I suggest:

The products you use will often make or break the final product. For instance, I bought a clearance pack of crappy watercolor paper from Michaels for $2.50. Keep in mind, I have always loved art, but after having kids it has been on the back burner for many years, so I have been re-learning the last few months. I was trying my hand at watercolors again, and I could not blend the colors to save my life. Turns out, it is the paper. I started reading reviews on Amazon.com (which, by the way, you can buy pretty much any art supply through and have it shipped right to you; the prices are very low AND there are customer reviews and tips for each product!) and I went out and bought good quality paper this time with my 40% off coupon, and the results have been amazing. Also, you can buy canvas paper packs at Michaels. The paper is heavy and textured like a canvas and great for acrylic paint. I would suggest that over regular canvas to start out so you can practice. I like the Liquitex acrylic paints.

May I also suggest sites like Etsy and Pinterest. I find that by looking through them, my creative juices start flowing and I have lots of ideas on things I would like to create.

Lastly, you might find coloring to be a fun hobby. You can buy adult coloring books at Michaels, Barnes and Noble, or off Amazon. I have a bunch of really neat ones: Japanese kimonos, fairies, Indian mandala designs, Art posters, stained glass... it is an easy way to feel artsy without investing too much money. Many of the coloring pages are quite intricate, so it can take a few hours even to complete one. It is super fun and you can do it while you watch tv even. Good luck

You know what you'd probably like? They sell those 'design' books in craft stores... they're full of geometrical designs. I love nothing more than having some time to myself and making patterns in the shapes, blowing through a fresh box of colored pencils. The books are about $10 each, but they last forEVER!! My SIL got me turned onto these; it's soooo soothing to sit and color like a kid ;)

at craft stores you can find all hair or natural hair brushes for less than ten dollars if you take care of them. wash them after use in shampooh and conditioner and re form them to shape dry them always store them bristles up they will last YEARS. its really not that much effort as it sounds. i like the acrylic paint in the little jars with white lids. they are about a dollar each. find great sales on canvases and wooden things at hobby lobby.

kudos to you for finding a fun interest!

The trick to any painting...is to blend, blend, blend. That's how you make it natural looking! Even if you bought tubes of oil/acrylics/watercolor paint - you really need to blend the colors. You do this before you put the paint on the canvas/ceramic/etc.

I use foam plates for my palette. To save the paint/to keep it from drying out, just cover it with a piece of Saran wrap. It can go for days with being covered!

Also to clean your brushes: rinse thoro'ly. Put a dab of dish soap in the palm of your hand, & then rub the brush into the soap. Alternate rubbing/rinsing until the water runs clear. This helps keep the brushes supple. & that's what you want....good, loose-flowing bristles. No stiffies, please!

So here's my disclaimer: When I was a teenager, I did ceramics for my gma. She loved them, I hated them....but she was physically unable to continue her hobby - so I continued it for her. From there, I moved onto oils- loved them! I use acrylics all the time...& I've dabbled in watercolors. & here's the insane part: I am happiest when I have a paintbrush in hand! That's "why" my living room was painted 3 times in ?13 years....& I'm ready to change it again.....drives my family nuts!

Have fun....oh, & I just buy from Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc. When I need a really good quality product, I use ArtMart or Dick Blick. Just color my world, please!

Michaels has the pottery houses for Christmas. My kids painted those one year and we made a village. They are pretty detailed. I have not gotten into the paint by numbers, too small of an area for me to paint.
There is also some cool bird houses that you can get and then put the gloss on them for your back yard. Have a fun time !

I don't have any suggestions for the creative side of your endeavor, but I wanted to mention that if you check the MIchael's website before you go out, they often have great coupons online. Most are for 40% off an item, but I have also gotten 50% off and last week I got 25% off my entire purchase. Happy Hobbying!

Im not too terribly talented in drawing or painting, but made some really neat things years ago. First I found a hobby shop that sold paster stuff. Poured in molds and dried all ready to paint. I bought a set of 4 puppys to hang in my sons room. They were about 8 inches tall, 5 inches wide, stuck out about 2 inches so they had some decent dimention to them. I painted them each a dog color, gave their eyes a little white spot as I was shown by a much better painter than I, to look more real, and painted the collar a bright color. It looked really amaturish and I wasnt too happy. BUT, then after they had dried well, they showed me how to brush on a coat of brown stain, and wipe off with a cloth!(dont let it dry) It filled in all the cracks,spaces, tones it down, and sort of tied it all together and gave it real depth and character! It was amazing how instantly my amature status jumped a few notches. Then I sprayed them with a clear sealer. Shiny, or matte finish,, whatever I wanted. They were gorgeous and hung on the bedroom wall for several years. I went on to paint a lot of bird houses, ornaments, and other decorations. It always made me worry to see my painted work, but the minute I stained them, they came alive and looked wonderful! I know Michaels has a variety of small ceramic, or plaster items to paint. You might try a few and see how it goes. If you have any talent at all they should turn out terrific. Buy a small can of medium brown stain and see what happens! Have fun. (o:

I do a lot of crafty stuff, not painting, though. I buy most of my stuff at Joanns, you can sign up to get their coupons in the mail an in your email, plus they always have them in the sunday paper. I end up getting good deals that way, like when I got velvet fabric for my husband's pirate coat last year for half off, ended up saving over 50 dollars.

I do not do the paint by number...I do paint though.

So my technique on my painted art work is i never clean my brush. It sounds odd. but in the end...wow wow wow.

I would suggest, getting some acrylics and canvas and just go at it.

I hit up Jo ann's. They have a great paint area. I also go to this art store called Blick's...Spelling maybe wrong on that.

At Jo anns they have decent price's. Canvas is a bit expensive anywhere you get it.

I take any type of cardboard and use that.

My family has learned to keep anything that looks like I could paint on, and I go and pick it up once or twice a month.

I do not think art is something that SHOULD be taught. You have it in you...It is just a matter of letting it flow out your fingers. It is a great way to find out what is inside your heart.

There are days I am cranking out master piece's and then other days you would not believe I am amazing.

The fun thing with the free style painting, it teaches your kids to think outside the box. My oldest has grown up watching me paint.....on anything and everything. He now has the biggest passion for drawing. And there is no limit to what he can do now. It is only because i did not give myself limits.

no, this does not mean he is color on furniture and stuff, either:P He knows better;)

Continue the paint by numbers!! I would love to see them when you are done!!!

The time will find you to get it done...and you will find yourself making time:)

Have fun!! This is something I have a huge passion for!! So it is exciting when someone else loves it too!!

I paint in mixed medium. I do it simply for the fun of it. Paint by numbers is a great way to start. Once you get comfortable, start painting the pictures using your own color ideas and blends. Watch the Micheals emails, they often have great deals on canvass. I love to experiment with different mediums on the same canvas.One of my favorite paintings I used mosaic cement, glass, tissue paper, and paint (both water color and oils). Art is all about having fun and expressing yourself, there are no limits!