Wednesday, November 28, 2012

pucci please...

I have always loved Pucci.  The colors, the movement, the large scale prints.  His prints from the 60's and 70's are my absolute favorite!  These two dress prints inspire me to paint - a HUGE painting that is bright and big!  Hmmmmm......





Tuesday, November 27, 2012

new shipment of holiday cheer!

A new shipment of Christmas magnets have just arrived!  And don't forget...

Type HOLIDAYCHEER15 at checkout and recieve 15% off your order!

Folk Holiday
 Hungarian Holiday - My number 1 seller last year!
 A new design - Indian Summer!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

painting or computer?


I have been painting lots more lately.  And experimenting with putting them into illustrator and trying to keep the painterly feel.  It has been a bit challenging but I think I got it.  Half of the about paintings and real and half are computer printouts.  Can you tell which is which?

Also, I started using Instagram.  Follow me if you want more regular updates.  I am finding it much easy to update Instagram and Facebook everyday than it is my blog.  The blog feels like a bigger commitment. You know what I mean?

facebook:  www.facebook.com/dianekappadesigns
instagram: dianekappa

PS.  I have a sale in my Etsy shop!!  Type HOLIDAYCHEER15 at checkout and recieve 15% off your order!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

a bali batik class

While in Bali, Steven and I took a batik class.  I was so excited for 2 reasons.  First, taking the class and learning a new technique while in BALI!  Second, my husband (who appreciates arts and crafts but does not enjoy participating in making art) took the all day class with me!

We had a fantastic time and I hope to return to Widya in a few years to take a week long class.  In case your interested the class we took was Widya's Batik.  It is near Ubud.  He picked us up at our hotel and drove us to his house and studio where we worked outside painting and laughing. He picked us up at around 10 and we were back at the hotel by 4. He walked us through the whole process giving as much information and detail as we were interested in. My husband was less interested in the details of what the dyes are made of and why we paint with bamboo.  I wanted to know everything and Widya was more than willing to share all his information with me. A thumbs up class that I look forward to taking again!

Sketching out my design.
hot wax
The drawing tool.  I took the class with expectations that I would be a master...I am a silk painter after all!  Boy, was I wrong.  This tool made me feel like I was learning to draw all over again.
Widya's assistant double checking my lines to make sure the wax went through.

You can't think of a design, or have no desire to try drawing one? No worries, there are plenty of stamps to use...

stamps in hot wax
Steven practicing with the stamps before working on his final piece.
Dyes-very interesting that the color you paint changes when it is exposed to heat. My dark greens were chocolate brown until they reacted with the heat of the sun and water.
I am so use to silk dyes that I expected the paints to work the same.  We painted on cotton and the dyes react very differently. It is not like watercolor painting which feels similar to silk painting.  This you really had to paint on - and with a bamboo stick or a stick with a sponge at the end!
Widya teaching me how to blend two colors with the bamboo. Our new friend Wayan encouraging from the side lines:)
Steven very focused with the painting.
A break for lunch.  Fish, rice and young coconut milk.
a few observers
Widya adding a bit of detail to my design. And making sure the wax is covering the design before we dye the background.
Wayan and Steven. Wayan was great. We met him at the Widya's and spent the next 2 days with him.
Putting final touches on the design.
Cooking the design in boiling water to remove the wax.
Tada!
Final designs. Diane's on left and Steven's on the right.
A fantastic day!  I was so excited and felt so inspired learning from Widya.  One of my favorite things he said over and over...."There are no mistakes, only happy accidents!" Words to live by, would't you agree?






Friday, November 9, 2012

it was magical...

Bali was magical. An amazing 3 weeks traveling around Bali and the Gili Islands.  It is funny to write this post as I sit next to a fire sipping hot cider.  Bali was only 2 weeks ago and although my suntan is fading the impression Bali made on me is still strong.  

Here are some of my memories...
admiring nature
enjoying Balinese food
watching breathtaking sunsets
taking a Batik class
watching my husband paint a batik!
the generous and wonderful Balinese people
being invited to a special ceremony
riding a horse cart on an island with no cars.
watching the sunset with the feeling of complete inner peace
the beautiful statues
the amazing salt water pools
the market in Ubud
the offerings
the ladies who balance the world on their heads
the decorations everywhere (this was for a wedding)
being in love
the island of Gili Air...my favorite place
the mohito's with chili peppers!
the dance
Some things you can not capture on film:  
The smell of incense outside, everywhere.
The feeling of absolute calm.
Hearing a little voice from behind a gate yell at us, "Hello, I love you." (this really happened!)
The inspiration I brought back in my head and in my heart.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

BIG Deals in Etsy Shop!!

HELLO! I am back from Bali - an amazing trip.  Magical really.  I will be posting a few photos on Friday so be sure to stop back here.  But for now I have to share with you some exciting news in the Etsy shop!  I have NEW merchandise and NEW prices! Check it out!  (more photos and information are available by clicking on the links)

for $15!


The pad is 12" x 12" and includes 24 different designs (48pages). The patterns mix and match for a variety of layouts and ideas.  Perfect for card making, scrapbooking or creating any paper craft for your home.








Indian Summer Collection
Nostalgia Collection
Anna Collection

(more fabric colors available in the shop)

(more designs available in the shop)

(more designs available in the shop)

(more designs available in the shop)

AND, another new item coming soon!  Screen Prints!