Arts + Crafts

A Peek into an Artist’s Sketchbook

| Allison

Hello friends!

As a freelance artist and Etsy seller, my personal sketchbook usually takes a backseat. Most of my best pieces are the ones I sell or paint as custom commissions. The rough sketches and pieces I’m least proud of are in a notepad dedicated to art planning.

My personal sketchbook falls somewhere in between. It’s full of failed experiments as well as successful new ideas, unexpected masterpieces plus some… interesting random doodles. It’s a place for play. But you know what? Whether art is your job or your hobby, “playing” is an important part of improving your skills while keeping it fresh and fun.

So today I want to show you all the sketchbook spreads I’ve completed this year – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Check out my art Instagram account @thecolorboxstudio and my Etsy shop for pieces I’m proud of, but I thought it might be interesting to share a “behind the scenes” view here. 🙂 Enjoy!

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Cute DIY Cottagecore Gift Ideas

| Allison

Hello friends!

I’ve been collecting homemade gift ideas for a while and wanted to share a few cute ones with you in today’s post. A homemade goodie adds a touch of thoughtfulness and meaning to a celebration. These ideas will be a joy to create as well as give if you’re into gardening, cooking, painting, or writing.

Enjoy these 8 special gift ideas with a cottagecore aesthetic.

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An Updated House Tour + Cottagecore DIYs

| Allison

Hello friends!

In the months since my first house tour, I’ve been slowly changing and updating the decorations. These past two months especially I’ve made a lot of cottagecore crafts and DIYs that I wanted to show you guys. Think clay mushrooms, painted furniture, and lots of plants and books. I hope you enjoy this updated house tour!

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Bible Journaling {the Finale}

| Allison

Hello friends!

If you’ve been following me for a while, you may know I’ve been slowly working my way through the Bible, a chapter at a time, and writing out my favorite verse from each day’s reading in a little sketchbook. Well, I finally reached the end of the Bible and filled up my 17th sketchbook! I wanted to show you guys a few of my favorite lettering pieces from the last journal or two.

Enjoy!

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A Sketchbook Portrait Collection

| Allison

Hello friends!

I have an art post for you today: a peek into the sketchbook I use for drawing portraits. I’m very slowly tackling the 100 Heads Challenge, which is basically a Pinterest board of people’s faces to draw. (Check out the original challenge video here for more details.) Drawing people is not my forte, so some of these pieces turned out… less than beautiful. :’D I’ve still found this challenge really useful for practicing my skills though. I’ve made it to 31 faces so far and thought this was a good time to show you what I’ve accomplished!

Enjoy my attempts at portraiture. 🙂

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A Cozy Christmas {Decor Ideas}

| Allison

Hello friends!

Get ready for a cozy and aesthetic post! I went all out for Sully’s and my first “married” Christmas: lots of handmade decorations to make our house feel extra pretty and special. I filled it with fresh greenery, twinkly lights, dried orange slices, and a Christmas tree that might be my favorite yet.

Come in and take a tour, will you?

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5 Simple Christmas Cards to Draw

| Allison

Hello friends!

I love receiving pretty printed Christmas cards in the mail, but it’s always extra special to receive a handmade Christmas card. Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, here are a few simple card ideas you can create yourself! Send them to friends or attach them to Christmas gifts as gift tags.

Break out your pens and colored pencils and let’s make some festive artwork.

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Hand Lettering & Typography {New Online Course Release!}

| Allison

Hello friends!

I am THRILLED to finally launch a project I’ve been working on for many months: an online art course just for you guys, accessible right from my blog. You might remember the blogging tips mini course I released last year, which you can access here. Since then I’ve been creating video lessons for a full course: over 1.5 hrs. of lessons about hand lettering & typography.

Today I’m going to explain a bit about the course, show you a sneak peek of what’s inside, and give the details on how you can join. Let’s jump right in!

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These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

| Allison

Hello friends!

This post is a result of requests from my readers, the holiday season approaching, and a post idea I’ve had for literally years. Today I wanted to share a few of my favorite things – stuff I use and love – for you guys to browse through. Maybe it will help you find gifts for loved ones or a few ideas for yourself. 🙂 I divided everything into categories with links for easy access. Enjoy!

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