Thursday, September 18, 2014

New Things

I've been doing some tweaking here and there around my website, my shops, and my social outlets, and I wanted to share two new things I've finally found time to get rolling. I have an ages-old, neglected Pinterest account where I'm finally actively pinning. I'm finding and sharing some awesome inspiration there, and as someone who likes to feel she's maximizing every moment, pinning is an awesome way to fill time while I stand in line, wait for an appointment, etc. Find my boards, and what's inspiring me here:


The other new outlet is my sketch blog, which can be found on my website in the drop down menu under "blog". There, I will be sharing some of my (often cryptic and crazy) sketches, some of which will become finished projects. If you've ever wanted an inside look at my work, this is one place to find it. Check out the first few posts here.

I hope you'll take a look, and connect with me there, if you have a Pinterest account!

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

One Tip Tuesday: Can Do


Okay, I know I haven't done a "One Tip Tuesday" in ages, but it's not because I don't love you, dear reader.
Anyway, I wanted to share a ridiculously obvious tip for studio and beyond. You may even already employ this. But I know that I personally sometimes discover a good thing, then eventually forget it and stop using it. Today I'm talking about cans. Or tins, depending on what part of the world you're in. If you are at all familiar with my work, you know I like to recycle. A guilty conscience about landfills and a love of the potential of empty vessels and forms drives me.
created Renee Parker
various sizes around my studio
Metal cans are no exception. I clean out empty cans of all sizes, and use them throughout my studio to neatly contain things and create a sense of order.  I often see fancy organizer collections at my favorite retailers (they come up with new ones EVERY season!). But if I bought every pretty container I admired, I'd have more storage than stuff to put in it. And that would defeat my ideal of less is more. So I skip the "store-bought", and slap some paint onto some classic cans.
created by Renee Parker
supplies corralled into cans
                  I love the end result: pretty, organized sanity. BUT today's tip is really more about something else I do with cans, that is a little like having an extra hand.
Objects that I paint are often various shapes and sizes, and therefore tricky to work with. By accident one day I realized that most things I paint, glaze, whatever, sit nicely on cans and do not roll, slide, or fall. So I started saving extra cans just for propping things. It's so simple, I can't believe it never occurred to me before.
created by Renee Parkercreated by Renee Parkerbowl on a can by Renee Parker

For heavier or more cumbersome items, I simply place rocks in the can for stability. Cans make great paint/glaze/detailing stands that help me be productive without losing it because my subject won't sit still. You could probably use this trick for other things, too. And that's the tip.

Find more  painted can inspiration on my creative reuse board on Pinterest: Click here.