Arts Entwine

12/10/2022

I’ll be there! Come by to say “hi”!

11/08/2022

10/07/2022

On behalf of the Arts Barn Resident Artists group (Jeanne Sullivan Art, Ma-Chi Jewelry Designs, and Arts Entwine), I will hosting an open house for the studio during Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 9 from 12 - 5 p.m at the Arts Barn (311 Kent Square Rd, Gaithersburg). Come on by to say "hi"!

I'll be working in the studio all afternoon and you may browse through our artwork that is available to acquire.

Ma-Chi Jewelry Designs Gaithersburg Arts on the Green Gaithersburg Special Events Gaithersburg Parks & Recreation

08/24/2022

Photos from Artists on Market's post

08/16/2022

Cannot wait to start back to teaching art to those adorable preschoolers!!

Yippee!!! We are so excited that Mrs. D is back to teaching for us! Come join us for Artful Saturdays, starting Saturday, September 17. Only a couple spots left for this popular preschool class.

04/19/2022

The beautiful artwork of my clients that I have photographed for their portfolios.

02/01/2022

Artists ... we are taking a little hiatus from photographing your artwork for portfolios. We have some long overdue painting commission work to do and our photography studio space is going to be getting a spruce up. Hurray!

We will let you know when we are taking in work again. Thanks for your patience, we will look forward to having your beautiful work with us again later this year ...

01/15/2022

These five florals are part of the brand new Art from the Heart ♥️ exhibit at Artists on Market starting today! Open Thursday thru Saturday from 12-7:15 pm.

Pssst … they look awesome as a set going down a wall. Message me if you want all five.

01/01/2022

12/25/2021

12/08/2021

"Foggy Shore" is now on display and available for purchase at . It is acrylic on canvas in a simple silver metal frame and is $400. It is about 38x38 framed.

12/07/2021

I brought in two new paintings, Foggy Shore and Golden Light, a Cranberry Vanilla hand-poured soy candle and a hand-painted ceramic ornament ... hope you will drop by to check them out, along with all the other fantastic artwork ...

We have brought in a whole bunch of new, gorgeous, orginal artwork, just in time for holiday shopping! Come on by Wednesday through Sunday from 12 - 7:15 p.m. this week to check it out and snag the unique gifts you want to give and they will love getting.

12/04/2021

I can't get candles done for Christmas, but what do you think about having them available for Valentine's Day?

11/28/2021

Happy ARTISTS SUNDAY! You can see our work at the Holiday Artisan Bazaar at the Arts Barn or Artists on Market this afternoon! Photography, jewelry and paintings.

11/28/2021

IT IS ARTISTS SUNDAY! We are THE PLACE to be today!! Come on by between 12 and 7:15 p.m. to see all of our one of a kind creations and talk with our artists.

11/26/2021

Are we on your list to visit on Black Friday? Be sure to add us! We will be open from 12 - 7:15 PM and are chock full of great one of a kind gifts for those you love! Find us at 130 Crown Park Avenue in Downtown Crown.

11/25/2021

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!

08/12/2021

07/02/2021

Light Painting Demonstration

Check out the fun little video we did for the City of Gaithersburg ... https://youtu.be/obFvlmdIM5E

Get out your camera & learn techniques for creating light painting photography with this virtual online demonstration. You will have so much fun in the dark ...

05/31/2021

03/24/2021

Did you know that we are happy to do portraits and headshots, especially for artists?

I try to keep it affordable ... $100 if you come to me, $125 if I come to you ... plus $25 each to prepare the final images selected. I usually provide around a dozen images from which to choose.

Here are a few examples of work I have done ...

01/10/2021

Paper Plate Snowflake Yarn Art

For all my cutie students ... this one looks fun!

This paper plate snowflake yarn art is a perfect activity for the winter months and is great for beginning sewing and fine motor skills.

12/31/2020

11/26/2020

11/25/2020

Photos from Kentlands Community Foundation's post

11/24/2020

Have you been by the Holiday Art Market at the Arts Barn yet? We have plenty of appointment times available to sign up to see the work and shop! signup.com/go/pbUOdDx. You may also call 301-258-6394 or email [email protected] to make your personal shopping appointment. We are limiting visitors to three at a time to help keep everyone safe. Masks are required.

Two of my favorite photos are available ... "Lost Your Marbles" and "Evening at Ha Ha Tonka #1". "Lost Your Marbles" was actually taken for a photography class using a lightbox as the background. I love how the light plays through and on the glass and the texture of the round shapes. "Evening at Ha Ha Tonka #1" came from just a crazy idea ... I don't think you could do it now because they are protecting the castle structure further, but I envisioned an evening picnic at the castle and set it up as the sun was going down. A lot of my photos come from crazy ideas!

In addition to these prints, I also have notecards and hand poured soy candles. Only a few this year, so grab them up fast.

Hope you will drop by soon!

11/14/2020

I have two pieces currently hanging at the Kentlands Mansion. "Seeing Stars" (this is a terrible photo, but all I could find) and "Silver Horizon". They are part of the "Holiday-Inspired" exhibit. I had actually not planned on putting any of my art up in this exhibit, but when I got all the other pieces in from the other artists, we needed some big pieces for balance and I had a couple tucked away that went well. You won't see my name or photos anywhere else but here ... I want the exhibit to be about the other artists. But I thought I would share just in case you were interested.

"Seeing Stars" is a really deep, dark blue with white stars surrounded by a blue glow. The really cool thing about this painting that I discovered is if you drop the intensity of the light in the room way down, it really does look like the stars are glowing in the dark. This is a bigger painting ... the width is 48" and is in a white float frame. I have not exhibited this one for many, many years. It actually hung in my house for quite a while and then in the studio at the Arts Barn.

"Silver Horizon" has real silver leaf creating the horizon line. This is a technique where I apply the leaf using acrylic paint as the adhesive. I also used a really cool glass bead medium that creates the textured snow in the foreground. Another big painting ... 36" square. The colors are so soft ... blues, grays, whites, and just a little tiny hint of warmth hidden in the sky.

Enjoy!

11/12/2020

A favorite photo of the little treasures that sit on my dresser. The light was just so lovely. It is available at the Holiday Art Market at the Arts Barn - November 13 through December 30.

11/12/2020

We are part of this wonderful Holiday Art Market at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn (and you can pop in the resident artist studio and the Holiday Inspired Invitational Exhibit all at the same time). Opens tomorrow, Friday, November 13 and runs through the end of the year. Make an appointment to safely shop.

11/09/2020

I have two pieces in the virtual ALOG exhibit at BlackRock Center for the Arts. Check them out at https://www.blackrockcenter.org/a-fresh-perspective-virtual-show-sale/.

07/04/2020

06/29/2020

Mrs. D's Home Studio #5 - Fireworks Three Ways

Check out my new video 👇

I wanted to share with you some ideas for how to create artwork inspired by fireworks, especially since there may not be the chance to see a display in perso...

06/29/2020

Mrs. D's Home Studio #5 - Fireworks Three Ways

From Mrs. D’s Home Studio #5 –
Fireworks Three Different Ways

You Tube Video is here: https://youtu.be/qZ3R8yAUdY4

Happy Independence Day to all you artists out there! I wanted to share with you all some ideas for how to create artwork inspired by fireworks, especially since there may not be the chance to see displays in person this year. But luckily, we can make our own! Hopefully, you will have some of these materials at home already, but if not, it is easy to pick it up curbside or order it online.

Did you know fireworks (or pyrotechnics) started in China during the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279)? Much like today, they were used for festivals. Here in America, the very first celebration of Independence Day was in 1777 and fireworks were part of the festivities. So, we have a long history with enjoying the night sky lit up with beautiful color.

I have three different versions of fireworks art projects for you to try … here is what you will need:

Supplies:

For all projects: You can use black art paper, construction paper, cardstock … whatever you can easily find. Dark blue or dark purple would work great, too. You just want it to be dark, like the night sky.

Project #1 – Glitter Fireworks
- White Glue (any kind)
- Loose glitter (any colors you like, I used multicolored)
- Paper plate or paper towels to catch the glitter

Project #2 – Soft/Chalk Pastels Fireworks
- Soft/chalk pastels (sticks or pencils)
- Cheap hairspray (to help prevent smudges and smears).

Project #3 – Painted Fireworks
- Non-traditional painting tool(s) – you can use one or all, up to you!
o Cardboard toilet paper roll (and scissors to cut fringe)
o “Bendy” plastic straws and rubber band
o Chenille stems/pipe cleaners
- Washable, tempera or fluid acrylic paint
- Paper towels
- Paint brush
- Paper plates to use as palette

Instructions:

Project #1 – Glitter Fireworks
On your dark paper, you will want to use your white glue to “paint” the light rays of the fireworks from a center point. The lines of glue can be slightly curved as they radiate out like spokes from the center of a wheel. To create a nice composition, I like to make three different fireworks, all different sizes. I then take my glue and create little polka dots of glue all around the explosions, with more towards the bottom. These are the “sparkles” we often see with fireworks. Let the glue set for just a minute or two, so it can get a little tacky and then sprinkle glitter lightly all over the paper. I always like to say, “sprinkle like salt, don’t dump it on like sugar” … in other words, a little goes a long way! Over your plate, pick up the paper and shift the glitter around, so that all of the glue gets covered with the glitter. Then shake off the excess glitter on the plate. Let it dry and you have a beautiful, sparkly piece of art!

Project #2 – Soft/Chalk Pastel Fireworks
If you like to draw, this is the perfect project for you! Soft/chalk pastels are a beautiful medium to use on dark surfaces, as the pigment stays on top of the paper. Choose bright colors for this project and you will also need a white pastel. Again, it is nice to create a set of three, with each firework a different size, to create a pretty composition. If it helps, you can sketch lightly with a regular pencil on the paper where you want your fireworks to go. You will want to use two colors for each firework, drawing slightly curved lines, radiating out from a center. On top of each, add a few more lines using white pastel to create that ‘fire’ and brightness. Around the fireworks, create dots of white … this creates that ‘sparkle’ we think of with fireworks displays. Be careful as you are drawing to rotate your paper so your hand does not brush or rest on an area of the paper with pastel already on it, as it is easy to smudge. Or place another paper on top to rest your hand on. When you have it the way you like, spray the paper very lightly with cheap hairspray. This will help set the pastel and keep it from smudging.

Project #3 – Painted Fireworks
This is a favorite way for little hands to create fireworks, but really any age will have fun. We will use non-traditional tools to paint with and make creating the rays of light easier. You can use one tool or try all three, whatever you have on hand and sounds fun. And you can still use a paintbrush, too, if you like.

Tool 1 – Cardboard toilet paper rolls … art teachers never throw these away, they are the foundation for tons of projects! For this one, we are going to take a pair of scissors and create cuts all the way around the roll going up about 1/3 to ½ up the length of the roll. This will create a fringe. Once cut, press the roll gently down on the table to splay out the little fringes, and you have a tool to make a lot of rays at one time.

Tool 2 – Plastic Bendy Straws. If you have this type of straw at home, grab a handful and rubber band them together, with the bendy parts all at one end. Bend the straws outward to create rays.

Tool 3 – Chenille Stems/Pipe Cleaners. Grab a handful, bend them in half and twist them together where bent in the middle. Spread the loose ends out to create rays.

Put a small amount of paint out on a paper plate, one plate for each color you are going to use. Dip your tool in the paint, making sure to coat each “spoke” well with paint. And then press it gently on the paper. For each firework, you will want to use 2 -3 colors. If you would like, you can then use a paint brush to drag through the colors in rays, creating a marble effect. Also, you can use your brush and white paint to place dots around each firework, creating sparkles. Let the paint dry and enjoy!

We hope you have a great time trying out these projects! We would love to see what you do, please share your pieces with us on social media and hashtag them with “ ” or post them in the comments at .

Wishing you a great, happy and safe 4th of July!

I wanted to share with you some ideas for how to create artwork inspired by fireworks, especially since there may not be the chance to see a display in perso...

06/10/2020

The New White House Fence Is Getting Covered In Protest Art | DCist

Excellent use.

Demonstrators are turning the nearly 2 miles of new fencing around the White House into a crowdsourced memorial.

05/21/2020

Can’t do them all this summer due to the virus, but boy, we have a lot we still can do and stay safe!!

04/11/2020

Mrs Ds Home Studio #4 - Dyeing Eggs

Check out my new video 👇

Happy Spring to all you artists out there! Today we are going to be in the kitchen, dyeing eggs ... just in time to celebrate spring (and Easter, if you happ...

04/11/2020

From Mrs. D's Home Studio #4 - Dyeing Eggs

*** Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/DkjQAk-fbz8 ***

Happy Spring to all you artists out there! Today we are going to be in the kitchen, dyeing eggs ... just in time to celebrate spring (and Easter, if you happen to celebrate, that too). Here is what you are going to need ...

- Eggs (if they are actually a few days old, that is better ... they will peel easier when it is time to eat them)
- Food coloring - any kind will do. Liquid will require more, gel will require less.
- White vinegar
- Whipped cream (or shaving cream)

1. Hard boil your eggs. Put the eggs in a pot, cover them with water adding an inch or so of water on top and put them on the stove to boil. When the water comes to a boil, turn off the heat and let them sit in the hot water for about 10 - 15 minutes. Rinse them gently under cold water and put them back in the fridge to fully cool.
2. Dye your eggs. For each color you would like to use, you will need 1/2 cup boiling water, 1 tsp. vinegar and around 15 - 20 drops of dye gently mixed in a heatproof cup or bowl. If you are using gel dyes, you will need less color, if you are using natural dyes, you may need more. Gently put your egg into the dye, so it doesn't splash all over and leave it for at least 5 minutes. It may take longer to get the intensity of color you would like. You can mix your food coloring to get a rainbow of colors. Remove the eggs and let them dry on a plate covered with a paper towel.
3. Marble your eggs. On a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil, spray out whipped cream (or shaving cream). Spread it around with spatula. Add drops of dye to the cream and use a toothpick to swirl it around. Then roll your eggs around in the colored cream. Set them on plate for at least 10 - 15 minutes to let the dye work. Rinse off the cream and set them aside to dry.

Hint: If too much color rinses off after the first round, no worries! Just run them through the dyeing process again ... you can add more drops of color if you think you need it and/or let them sit longer in the dye.

Hope you have fun with this spring project! And enjoy eating those eggs afterwards.

Stay home ... stay safe, save lives and make art! See you next time ...

04/07/2020

From Mrs. D’s Home Studio #3 - Homemade Foaming Hand Soap

**Watch the YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/w1VEqzQ1kJs **

Since we are all washing our hands many, many, MANY times a day, I thought it would be fun to make homemade foaming hand soap. Any age can do this project, it is really easy to make soap and a container that is totally your own choosing!

What you need:
- A container with a foaming hand soap pump. You can use one you bought and used up the soap, use a mason jar and buy a pump that fits, or get a brand new container online. Whatever works for you! Just be sure the pump is the wider one that creates the foam.
- Materials to decorate the container - paint pens, permanent markers, acrylic paint, paper with Modpodge. Create something fun that makes you happy to use it! If you have clear acrylic spray or paint, it will help preserve the container longer. You can also add ribbon, beads, bells, etc.
- Liquid soap - I like unscented Castile soap best, but it is fine to use any regular liquid hand soap you like. Just don't use soap that is foaming already ... you'll water it down too much.
- Distilled water - if you can't find a jug of this in the store, you can just boil your water to help rid it of any impurities.
- Essential oil (Optional) - any scent you like, just be sure that it is safe for use on skin.

1. Decorate your soap container. Paint it, modpodge it, create something special that is unique to you! Let it completely dry. If you want to seal it, you can use a clear acrylic spray or paint to protect it. It is also fun to add ribbons with beads, bells, or charms.
2. Fill your container a bit less than 3/4 of the way up with distilled or boiled water. You want about 3 parts water to 1 part soap. Make sure you are leaving some room. Always do the water first, or you will have tons of bubbles!
3. Slowly add liquid soap for about 1/4 of the volume. Again, leave a little room at the top or you will overflow when you put the pump in.
4. Add about 5 drops of essential oil. If you like things really scented, add more. If you like things lightly scented, use less.
5. Put the pump in, screw it down and shake the bottle gently to combine the soap and water.

Ta-Da! You have made your very own soap and container! That should make it much more fun to keep your hands clean and germ-free!

Be well, stay home and make art ... we will see you again soon!

04/03/2020

Nikon is offering free online photography classes for all of April

Good time to learn to use your camera!

All 10 photography classes in the Nikon School are free until April 30th.