Craft Night #2: drawing mandalas

Craft night number two was much more successful than our kick off night.  While there was some hesitance, drawing mandalas is easy, and there is not dry time.  

Xman drew a picture and write a welcome note (about as close as we have gotten to home work).  

There were no supplies to bring because I already had a ton of pens and paper.

I lightly sketched templates onto papers the night before.  I had actually planned on going over the pencil with sharpie and everyone would leave with a template, but I simply didn't make it that far.  

We all started drawing together.  To draw a mandala you start in the center then add layers of petals and leaves and designs or patterns within them.

I tend do only use black pens and figure I can make copies to color if I want to..  And I like to use different thicknesses of lines by going back over the lines and making sure lines meet and don't cross by thickening lines as needed.

Everyone did a great job but I really need a bigger table or we need lap desks so we can spread out into the living room.

We also had lots of yummy food and lots of laughs.  And everyone walked away with beautiful mandalas.

When will I learn?

Ever wondered if your vacuum is strong enough to suck up a phone cord?

Mine is ...

Craft Night #1: Screen Printing

As a quest to be more creative, learn new crafts, and most importantly create opportunities to be social, we decided on having a weekly craft night.  Last night was the first night, and we set the bar high with screen printing which no one had ever attempted.

I got the idea from Calico Skies, and it seemed easy enough.  Take panty hose and an embroidery hoop, draw your design fill white space with Modge Podge, let it dry, scrape paint across.

Where it all went wrong: we didn't get the nylon taut enough, so when we pulled the paint across the design moved.  The only other thing that might have caused problems is not getting a thick enough layer of modge podge. 

Despite the fail, we had a great time.  My 5 year old told us to turn the laughter down.  We also had lots of tasty treats.

Chonte' made Pesto Pasta Salad, I made salsa and jalapeño-cilantro dip, I bought chicken salad, Jamie brought pinwheels, and Jill brought cake and scones.

I had a blast and I am lucky to have such great friends.