Book Give-Away!!

I'm heading off to my first ever book signing in Indianapolis, IN in the morning. I'm not sure what to expect. But at very least, it will be a fun day trip!

To celebrate, I'm giving away a signed copy of our book (inside pics here)!! Just leave a comment on this post and let me know where you'd like to go on a day trip! (Then pack a lunch and go there!) I'll randomly select a comment and let you know who the winner is on Saturday!

It's HERE!!

We just got our advance copies of the book and it looks great!! They will be ready to ship in just a couple weeks so, if you're interested, you can pre-order a copy for a discounted price here.

Man, looking through this book reminded me how HARD we worked on this over the past year! Seriously, it is jam PACKED with how-to's, illustrations, photos, funny stories...the most efficient $12.92 you'll ever spend ; )


And pretty much every thing you learn in this book can be used at home, not just when staging theatrical productions or shows-- paint tricks, lighting tips, DIY projects, drawing lessons, decorating ideas, organizing inspiration...




And, like I mentioned before, this was such a family affair-- a fitting tribute to Granny and the creativity, hard work, and resourcefulness she poured into her kids, grand kids, and great-grand kids.
I hope you'll grab a copy and be inspired!!

Arian

Finishing Up!!

Just finishing up an illustration and logo design job with the lovely folks at Aeolidia Design (check out their new website!)

Aaaand we're wrapping up the book---WOOHOO!! It's been nearly a year-long project--- fun, challenging, loooots of work!!



As I was putting together the "About The Authors" page and the "Dedication" page it hit me again just how special this project has been. It's truly been a family endeavor-- mom and I writing it, me taking photos and laying out the design, Daniel doing illustrations, my sister modeling and helping with all the thrift store shopping we had to do, my brother-in-law contributing to the chapter on sound design, my cousin helping me with revisions, and my aunt doing all the editing. AND, most of the old papers, fabric swatches, textures, and old photos I used on all the pages came from Granny who passed away half-way through the process.

What a fitting tribute to her, her creativity, her work ethic, her thriftiness, her love for family, and her love for the arts!!!

Still have several unfinished projects on my plate and new ones coming in. They are all fun and good so I'm excited!

You know what else is exciting??--- WAAAAARM WEATHER!! Yay for being able to wear short sleeves today! We're gonna celebrate by WALKING to dinner. And this video makes me want to wear flip flops, flowy skirts, tank tops, and drink something made with ice and coconut milk.

Hope you're getting to enjoy the weather in your neck of the woods!

Arian : )

Book Preview!

Here's a little preview of a project from the book! It's a trick I learned in college working on props for one of the musicals. A dozen galvanized steel buckets were to be used in a dance number with lots of tossing and spinning . . . and the possibility of clanging, denting, crashing in mid-air—not to mention possible concussions.

So we snagged a bunch of Kentucky Fried Chicken buckets and followed the following steps to turn them into galvanized steel-looking pails. This works on cardboard, foam core, or heavy paper. I just made this big "a" out of foam core for above the mantle in our bedroom.





You’ll need:

- black acrylic paint
- paint brush
- natural sea sponge (natural is more expensive than plastic or foam, but
there’s a world of difference in the final effect. They’re available at craft, art, or hardware stores)
- oil-based silver enamel metallic paint
- paint thinner
- cleaning rags
- newspaper.

How To:
Do a test piece first. Paint with black acrylic. Let dry. Dip the sponge into the silver paint and work it into the sponge a bit. Dab the piece completely.

Enamel takes a while to dry and is more trouble than water-based, but the finish lasts longer and is generally shinier. Clean out the sponge with paint thinner after every use. Natural sponges—like good brushes—can be used for years if thoroughly cleaned.

When the first coat is dry, sponge on another coat. Step back and compare your work with the actual look you want to achieve. Continue adding layers until the black is covered.

..........................

Have fun! And make sure to send me a link if you try this project for yourself!

Arian : )

In Good Hands

You moms know that few things throw your daily to-do list for a loop like a sick child. Today's long to-do list got scratched for a whole lotta cuddling and Sesame Street watching.


(Grammy love)

But we DID get one more stage make-up demo done for the book.

(mom before--isn't she cute : )
(mom's character after)

Speaking of, I hear said sick baby crying from bed now. Duty calls..quite loudly.