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Drawing Inspiration From Proper Pens and Fanciful Technique

The way you draw can be as fun and individual as you are. The styles used in creating a pen sketch are as limitless as your own imagination. But, if you’re looking for inspiration there are several techniques that can be achieved with a little study and the proper pen.

With a frenzy of cross hatches, random lines, ink washes, or stippling and the proper pen, you can make anything come to life against bright white paper. So grab your pen and paper and have fun exploring the world of pen sketching. You never know what you may end up creating.

Here are some of the most popular techniques to send you on your way to a ink drawing that is full of depth and contrast, whether you’re drawing the detailed wings of a butterfly or the soft feathers of a magical bird in flight.

image credit

Stippling

This one takes a little patience and a lot of dots. Stippling is achieved by making an infinite amount of dots along your drawing to add value and depth. The heavier the value, the more dots you’ll need to place closely to each other. To achieve a lighter value apply less dots to the page with more space between each dot.

Hatching

Instead of dots, this technique is all about parallel lines. Draw lines in the same direction to achieve the proper affect. Like stippling, lines placed closely together will create heavier value. Lines that are placed with more distance in between create lighter value.

Cross Hatching

Cross Hatching is similar to hatching except that lines are allowed to cross each other. Create more hatches for greater value and less hatches for lighter value. Hatches can be accomplished with tight straight lines, or with loosely defined hatches.

Random Lines

You can get crazy with your drawing by becoming completely random in the way your lines flow to add value. As long as you stay true to the principle of more in areas that need heavy value, and less and further apart in areas with lighter value, you’ll achieve the desired effect.

Ink Wash

Ink wash is similar to watercolor techniques, but with ink instead of paint. The value is determined by the amount of water you add to the ink. The ink is applied to the surface by a brush, just like in watercolor.

Pre-Drawing

Especially helpful for those new to ink-drawing, sketching out your idea in pencil first will allow you to go over only the lines you want to keep in pen. Once the ink is dry, you can erase your pencil lines and enjoy your final product — graphite free.

Loose Pen Hold

If you’re looking to make your drawings a little more whimsical, try loosening the hold on your pen, or holding it closer to the end. You should notice a more fluid nature in your lines that adds movement to your overall sketch.

Smudging

To make areas within the drawing softer, try smudging fresh ink with a little water on your fingertip. You may be able to create the softness and shadowing you’re looking for while creating a fun and unique effect to your sketch.

Using Dried Out Pens

Don’t get frustrated anymore when the lids get left off the markers. You can use pens and markers that are almost dried out to create beautiful, soft effects on your picture.

Changing Up The Pen

Different pens and markers can be used in a variety of ways to create a fun, creative drawing. Choose the finest tip pens for the most detail. Try using washable markers for heavier value regions. And, add punches of color in just the right spot with colored gel or ink pens.

There are no rules in creating satisfying ink sketches. They can be as detailed or abstract as you want them to be. Follow recommended techniques or explore for yourself. Just remember to have fun while doing so.

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What are Vinyl Wall Art Stickers?

One of the most inexpensive house decorations now is vinyl wall stickers and wallpapers. However, do you know much about this kind of stickers?

In chemistry, vinyl is one of the alkenyl functional groups. An industrially important example is vinyl chloride, precursor to PVC, a plastic commonly known as vinyl. So it can be widely used in our daily stuff and you don’t worry if it it harmful to our bodies.

The vinyl wall stickers are harmless, beautiful. Innovative and easy to apply. Nowadays, they are not any longer just used in our home. People have most public places or commercial areas pasted on some wall stickers to attract people’s attention or just play as a warning. It is even a special and joyful way for people to get information from the wall.

Mostly, buyers apply this easy wall stickers in the house decoration. Since there are plenty of patterns of this rising decor way, pasting some wallpapers can show your individualities to your guests and even make your life more interesting and beautiful. For instance, one of our top sales are the nursery decal series for kids. It includes some styles like cartoon animals and plants, growth chart, black chalkboard and alphabet. Your kids will be very delightful if their growth will be accompanied with such cute animals that can only be seen in the zoo. And the growth chart wall decals can make you witness your son  growing taller and taller.

Since its special texture, it can be used not only on the walls, but also in the windows or furniture. We have a lot of holiday-related wall decals that will make your family full of the holiday atmosphere, especially the Christmas theme decals pasted on the windows.

Don’t bother with the complex tools of pasting, our wall decals are very very easy for you to apply. You just need to peel of its cover and paste it. Your fingers can finish all the process. What are you still waiting for? Buying this easy wall stickers is definitely your best choice for decoration your house.

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Wall Art Prints from Minted.com

I am a very simple person. I am not into a lot of "stuff" all over my home. As a matter of fact, although I have owned my house for many years, I still have a lot of empty walls that could use some sprucing up. One place in particular is my office. The only thing I have hanging up is a calendar and some random sticky notes. I have been browsing  wall art prints from Minted.com and came across a few pieces that caught my eye. This one called, "Museum" is my favorite:

What's neat about this particular print is that you can choose from 3 color schemes. It has such a feminine and sophisticated feel. You can choose from a variety of sizes and frames. You can also go with an unframed piece if you want to personalize it with a frame of your own.
The Minted site gives some great suggestions for grouping wall art prints for a contemporary and unique look. I saw some fun pieces that are all kitchen or food related that would make a cool clustered look for my dining area. 
With the amount of time I spend in my office, my wall needs to be treated to a lovely piece of art. My eyes could use the treat as well! 

Be sure to connect with Minted.com on Facebook and Twitter for the latest products updates and promotions.

I received a gift code as a thank you for sharing this article to promote Minted.com's wall art prints. All opinions are my own as always. 
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More good stuff from our talented teen

I just had to share Brie's latest art project that she is working on for school. She is currently in an advanced class and has been given some challenging assignments. This particular one is a large sketch/drawing of an elderly lady with a scarf on her head. If you saw the original photo she is using to do this project, you would be amazed how close it is to the real thing. Her project is not done and she still has add her final touches. So far, it looks amazing!
She is such a talented young lady and we are so very proud of her! Brie attended a conference for high school students in journalism yesterday and her yearbook teacher submitted a layout she did for the yearbook for a contest. It turns out, she won! My girl has so much talent and she continues to amaze us. I always tell people that she is the girl I dreamed I could have been. Way to go, Brie!

Shelly, Mom Files
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Printcopia Canvas Print Review & Giveaway

**CLOSED** 
 Winner is Lynsie!

I recently ordered a canvas print courtesy of Printcopia. It was my first time using them so I did not know what to expect during the ordering process.  My first step was to figure out what photo I wanted to use for my canvas print. I decided to go with my ad shot I did for Cool Whip earlier this year. I figured it would be a great piece to have as a memory that I can hang in my office. I have to say that when I first went into the Printcopia site, I was very impressed with the gorgeous layout. It is pleasing to the eye and not too busy. I was surprised to see that besides the option of uploading an image from your computer, you could also upload from Instagram or Facebook. Living in a social media world, I know most of us have a ton of photos in those places! From start to finish the ordering process took about 3 minutes. The only reason it even took that long was because I wanted to double and triple check that I was doing it correctly. I received my order confirmation email and soon after a message from the print department to make sure that everything was done to my specifications. Their customer service is fast and very efficient! Once everything was approved, my order was being printed. The shipping time was fast and came packaged carefully to ensure my print could not be damaged. Here is the final product:
I love it! The colors are so rich and true to the original ad print. I did not realize that it was going to be mounted onto a frame with a hook. It was ready to hang! Printcopia has impressed me and offers a wide range of print products perfect for your business or personal use. They also offer things like banners and cheap signs. If you are in search of high-quality prints, I recommend Printcopia.

How would you like to win your very own 11x14 canvas print from Printcopia? (One winner) Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on November 20, 2012. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Be sure to follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter. Good luck!

Printcopia provided me with a FREE item to review and all thoughts/opinions are 100% my own. 
Shelly, Mom Files
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The artist of the house, Brie

Our daughter Brie is such an outstanding artist. She had to draw a horse's eye for an art assignment and it blew us all away with how realistic it looks! She is in an advanced art class that she was recommended to be in from her teacher last year. She wasn't going to take the class at first, but decided to keep it. I am glad she did! There is no need to waste pure talent like that. Great job Brie!


Shelly, Mom Files
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Wordless Wednesday {Art}

I just had to share Brie's work that she created in her art class at school. Brie says that this is a girl who is depressed because her secrets got out. This is a really big piece so I might have to end up getting it custom framed. We love it!

Those are locks and keys in the tree. Cool huh?
Shelly, Mom Files
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HUGE Klutz Books Holiday Giveaway {closed}

**Winner is #68 Pascha Dudley~ Congratulations!

Hey guys! I am so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to review a couple of the Klutz Books for kids. They are truly fun and entertaining and I love the fact that they allow kids to use their imaginations and creativity through art. I received the Window Art Classic and Capsters books and they are amazing! The Window Art Classic book features the neatest ready-to-trace designs using window paint. When your artwork is complete they can be displayed on windows, mirrors, glass surfaces and more. I know my teenagers would love to create their own mirror art to decorate their rooms and bathrooms.


The Capsters book turns bottle caps into great works of coolness! All you do is add one of the over 300 punch-outs (included) and any gem, charms or knick-knacks you can find that will fit in bottle caps and add the gooey glaze. The result is cute little pieces of art that kids can give to friends and family by personalizing it! I am truly loving this idea for kids instead of video games or traditional toys. I know this will bring hours of creative fun and makes a fantastic holiday gift!

A couple other Klutz books include the Headband and Hairstyles (make your own hair accessories) and also the Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes. Right now through December 17, 2010 Momfiles readers can get 25% off a $50 or more purchase at Klutz.com by using coupon code KZ25. Offers cannot be combined. Code expires December 17th.




How would you like to win ALL 4 of these awesome books?
One (1) winner will receive a HUGE KLUTZ prize pack featuring:

* Window Art
* Capsters
* Headbands & Hairstyles
* Paper Airplanes

Prize Pack Valued at $75.99
__________________________________________
Here is how to enter: *Mandatory: Let us know which one of these books you would love to have and why or share who you would give this prize to.

For additional entries (leave a separate comment for each entry to count):
~ "like" Momfiles and Klutz books on Facebook
~ Follow Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once per day)- Win a HUGE Klutz Books Holiday prize pack #giveaway @momfiles valued at $75! http://tinyurl.com/357m4e6 Perfect for gift giving!
~ Mention this giveaway on Facebook (once per day)
~ Sport the Momfiles button on your blog
~ Follow Momfiles through Google Friend Connect

This contest is open to US residents only and will end on December 3, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST. Please leave a visible email address if you do not have a Blogger profile. Winner will be chosen via random.org and will be emailed. Good luck to everyone!

Disclosure: I received products only as compensation for my post and hosting giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own.
Shelly, Mom Files
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