Just dropping back in for a quick post on Gracie's party invites. She's having a small gathering this year for a sleepover... wish me luck. They have to do it at least once right!? I know, not more owls, but because it's a sleepover we decided night owls would be just the ticket. Gracie and I had such a good time making these together she wanted to share them.
The cards are just half an A4 card (A5) and folded once. A4 is nearly the same as letter size.
It ended up being very good practice using different brushes to vary paint effects. We used three brushes, one flat brush a round brush and a tiny round brush for details like the point of the nose. Making more than one owl gave Gracie a chance to practice the brush techniques.
I've uploaded a very simple sketched template if anyone wants to use it. Simply draw the owl on the fold and cut it out. Sketch in the circles with pencil as a guide for the paint. We used acrylic because they blend easily and dry well. To make the paint more opaque on the darker papers paint a base colour first mixed with some titanium white.
To paint the feathery details we dipped the flat brush in whites and browns without blending them and painted from the eye outward. We used the unblended paint the same way on the body feathers.
Easy and effective and quick to do too.
I'll soon be back to check out what I've been missing with friends around blogland and share a sewing project I've been working on for quite a while, it incorporates some new, simple embroidery patterns.
Oak leaf on a linen/cotton blend
I'm very excited about this one. The project started as many do, making something I needed then deciding other people might just need or want one too.
And BTW, I'm still looking for the floor of Gracie's room, but to be fair, I haven't bothered to look very hard yet. We've been enjoying many sunny autumn days and new projects far too much to bother with indoor challenges. Besides, I've always found just closing her door very effective anyway ;)
Back soon.
Jx
P.S. The template (sans the feet) would also work well for owl softies and acrylic or fabric paint would work just as well painting on fabric instead of paper.
love the theme and cards for the party
i am quite a night owl myself:)
Posted by: margie oomen | October 19, 2010 at 05:47 PM
Yup, owls are perfect. Good luck with the party!
Posted by: Lisa at Lil Fish Studios | October 19, 2010 at 06:41 PM
Those owls are just fab! Hope the sleepover goes well :)
Posted by: teawagontales | October 20, 2010 at 12:24 AM
Ooh! Love the owls, and your stitcheries are so neat and beautifully simple!
Posted by: Manda | October 21, 2010 at 01:07 PM
Can't wait to see your new project when you're back. And I use the same closed door trick on my daughter's room. My friend says a messy room is a sign of a creative mind, and I can definitely say the creative part is true for Gracie--I love her owls!
Posted by: Patricia | October 23, 2010 at 06:03 AM
Well done Gracie! Well done Joanie! What do you mean not another owl? Are there too many owls?? Where?
Posted by: pam | October 26, 2010 at 04:22 AM
Oh, the owl cards are great!
Posted by: Plain and Joyful Living | October 28, 2010 at 08:28 PM
What wonderful owls! I want to make some of them with the children right now! Lucy x
Posted by: lucy locket | October 29, 2010 at 10:43 AM
love the owls
Posted by: kaylovesvintage | October 29, 2010 at 10:46 PM
Very cool - love the handpainted owls!
Posted by: linda | January 05, 2011 at 03:15 PM