Heads up

Hello again!  I have been unavoidably detained in recent times with all manner of things, expected and unexpected (yes, the usual suspects:  work and over-work, life, and whatnot...). But I wanted to pop in briefly today and share a new discovery.

Pratica l'Arte is blog dedicated to the creation of art. From practical tips and tricks to inspiring thoughts, to tutorials and announcements for art shows and workshops, it seems to have it all!

I have only just dipped my toes in a little, but it does come highly recommended, from  Le Figure dei Libri, the wonderful blog on children's books by the illustrator and author and teacher, Anna Castagnoli. 

Both are in Italian...

Coqué Azcona

I am charmed and startled by the work of Barcelona artist Coqué Azcona.  Feast your eyes!

One more

I like this one—

From the very interesting Pit i cuixa, by Joan Casaramona.

Jumping Jack Flash

Is it just me, or do we see more of these paper puppets (aka "jumping jacks"—or, in French, "pantins") around this time of year?  Here are some that have caught my eye lately:

from Karolin Schnoor

A recent favourite, seen at the fabulous Kickcans & Conkers

from Renaud Perrin

from Cornelia O'Donovan

From Herzensart (includes a tutorial and image to download)

maude's shop, via slow progress

Another big favourite, originally found here 

Gifted, part 2

More inspiration for wrapping your presents...

from Design Sponge

from natasha

from a bit of this, a bit of that

from papernstitch

Merry Christmas!

Gifted

Are you in the spirit yet?  If you are like me, wrapping gifts happens at the very last moment.  Here are a few fresh approaches to wrapping your packages— 

Bottle-swirly!  I love this playful idea from taet-tat

found on tea for joy

forgot where I saw this but I love the branch idea!

Christina Heaston's lovely idea..

what possessed me!

from martha stewart, via billy kids

And finally, a tutorial from design sponge— featuring recycled paper....

Invent

From marvellous Maira Kalman.