Character Craft : Peep Party

Don't know what to do with all that old Easter candy still in your fridge? If you have leftover Peep marshmallows...it's super easy to entertain the kids for an hour or so. 

Cut a little bit off the bottom of each Peep and they will stick like magic to any sort of table service.  Add a couple miniatures into the mix like a small tea set or mini bubble 

teas like the ones pictured above from Kid Robot. 

This idea also makes a fun and funky idea for adults to use as a centerpiece at a spring party!

Cute Stuff in My Apartment : Episode 1

stay tuned for more 'cute stuff' posted once a month on the blog!!

Cupcakes & Owls : The Video

Check out the latest Lady Lucas video and let me know what you think! Staring my two favorites ;)

Murals Inspired by Kids

I recently finished a mural for a very special little boy and enjoyed the process so much that I have begun offering my 'mural services' on a regular basis. Here's the gist.. your child has an idea for something they'd like on their wall. The child sits down and draws an idea with me. I translate their idea into something the whole family enjoys. I paint it on the wall!!  Affordable, special and one of a kind!

Free consultation for any mural project in the NYC metro area! Email me @ ashley@ladylucas.com. 

Great Advice for Greeting Card Designers

I've been lucky enough to get a peek into the greeting card industry the last few years, and recently came across a great blog which has amazing information for designers.  Kate Harper's Blog of Greeting Card Design contains a wealth of information as well as features Kate's own bright and wonderful designs. Check it out today! Here is a little more about Kate below:

I combine witty words, vibrant colors, and curious textures to communicate edgy and uplifting messages in order to remind us all to not take things too seriously. 

I have designed over 800 gift items including greeting cards, magnets, t-shirts, coasters, placemats, rubber stamps, coffee mugs, paper pads, towels, and embroidery kits. In my spare time I write a design blog, collect "mail art", volunteer at the local Theology School, and have a special interest in bringing gift design into mobile device world, such as for cellphones, tablets, and e-readers. I am also energized by my collaboration with other artists in the San Francisco bay area, in our continual exploration of ways to bring an independent vision into the marketplace. 

Artists... Check this Out!

I usually post strictly for parents and kids... but this is a special note for all those artists out there.  My art rep Laura Greb-Anand has just launched a great offering on her website to artists and I want to spread the word on her behalf! 

Check out the page on her site Sell and Market Work More Effectively for a list of offerings ranging from rewriting your artist resume to tweaking your bio. There is a complimentary 20 minute chat that comes with any of Laura's services. A great way to take your art and portfolio to the next level. 

Laura recently rewrote my personal business and bio and I'm happily adding both to my websites this week!

Art From Around the World : Ages 3-6 Years

Parents, I'm very excited about the new semester of art classes I'll be teaching at three little birds! Here's the info below for your little ones.

Japanese Dolls

Art From Around the World

Taught by Ashley Lucas @ three little birds

Erie Street, Jersey City

Wednesdays 3:30 - 4:15pm

Ages 3-6 years old

come explore art techniques and traditons

from around the world!

Sign Up Info

Featured Artist : Julie Bull

I came across Julie's work this year and love her style!  Here's a little more about her below:

Welcome to the unique collection of hand embroidered textile art, illustration and accessories designed and handmade by Julie Bull. Julie works from her home studio in Lancashire, using recycled fabrics to create multi-appliquéd and embroidered illustrations that explore childhood memories and narratives. Patchwork, appliqué, kantha stitching and hand embroidery are blended into a quilt like cloth rich in imagery, colour and texture.

Materials used in the work predominately come from her large collection of fabrics collected over the years with cherished scraps often being incorporated into the designs. Recycled fragments of commercial and vintage fabrics are over dyed by hand to create a soft, faded, and comfortable to touch fabric with a sense of nostalgia. The look is endearingly charming with a fairy tale quality.

“I see my work as a narrative art form that satisfies my creative desire for storytelling. Since childhood I have been fascinated by the Welsh storytelling tradition, legends, tales of old magic and stories of Merlin and King Arthur. My aim is to be a storyteller in the best tradition of Folk Artists”. Julie's illustrations are becoming increasing sought after with many of her original works now in private collections.

www.juliebulltextileartist.co.uk

Shop in Judy's etsy shop! http://www.etsy.com/shop/thewelshwood

Use Code ALApr10 for 10% Off!

Character Craft : Bunny Puppet

This adorable Bunny will keep the little ones occupied this Easter...

Materials:

1 paper lunch bag, white & black construction paper, white paint,

1 pink fuzz ball, crayons & glue

How To:

1) Paint the front of a brown lunch bag white. 

Let dry 5 minutes.

2) Cut out two ears, two arms, and some circles for eyes.

3) Glue arms, eyes and ears on.  Curl the little ears and add 

some crayon color if you wish.

4) Glue a cute, pink fuzz ball on for the nose.  If you

happen to have a white cotton ball... you can use

it as a little tail and glue it on the back.

5) Put your hand inside and use as a puppet!!