It's been awhile. Happy 9th day of 2012 all. Here are some newsbites coming from your Canvas:

• Canvas Coa(rt)lition  (online arts community will be up this friday.) Arts challenges, monthly newsletter, artist networking,  blogs, videos, links studio, homepage & journal submissions open to members first....
• Read the three most recent Canvas Poetry p'articles (poetry & articles): Breadcrumbs, Word Collection, Inquisition. 
• new page Features, is a concise list of the three main "branches" of the canvas platform, if you will and what each offers.
• look out for cards from the canvas "deck": about 52 will be made but given and scattered about individually; consisting of canvas musings and artwork in a wallet-sized card; version 1.0 will be scattered about soon.
• new sites discovered find them in our bookmark'ds!

Sometimes a new notebook or sketchbook just isn’t in the budget. The computer is a nice option but isn’t as intimate as an artist’s notebook. And sometimes it’s much easier to lug around then the laptop. Though I enjoy creating my artwork and poetry on my computer a new book always seems to possess an aura of inspiration. I often find myself excited over the possibilities my new book will give me and how it may take on a character of its own; whether it’s store bought or hand crafted. Below is a cheap and effective way to create your own notebook or sketchbook. I have used both methods. However, I often use a duo-tang because of the pockets.

Materials:
Cover: duo-tang folder or (manilla) file folder

3 hole punch

Binding: brads, or staples

Paper: stationary/specialty, filler, or plain (sketchbook)

Computer

Printer

Steps

1.)Choose cover (e.g duo-tang folder or manilla folder), binding and stationary/paper template.

2.) punch holes in paper with 3-hole punch

3.)assemble notebook or sketchbook by fastening pages with brads or staples. Or putting the pages in the center of a duo-tang folder. (NOTE: if you choose to use a file folder be sure to fold the front cover back, other wise it doesn’t see to cooperate well.

4. DECORATE!!!!

(Any questions?! What's in your artistic "arsenal"?! Share it with the Canvas by e-mailing it to: onecanvas_onesoul@yahoo.com or comment on this post.) More crafts, techniques and tools for your arsenal coming soon!

Well since this is the first post in this category I'll supply a brief introduction. Whenever the canvas finds new outlets and tools for expression you can expect to find them in our Artist "Arsenal". This is our collection and supply area where we keep all our "weapons of mass creation"(tools). 

Artist Trading Cards

This is my first drawing from my ATC (Artist Trading Card) "deck". I found these at my local Michael's store and the concept intrigued me. A great compact way to share our work with others and promotion tool. They run 12-20 in a pack and have recently gone up in price, which isn't surprising. But there are always alternatives a clipped coupon or make your own. They are exactly 2.5x 3.5, in case you wanted to make your own "deck". 

What began as an exhibit by artist M. Vanci Stirnemann has become a movement if you will. Most cards are traded not sold but there are always exceptions. Either way they serve as a non-traditional business card in a sense because the artist can include their contact info and or brief info about the piece. These blank card decks come in an array of packages: assorted, vellum, canvas, bristol, illustration board, water color, etc.

                           For more information  visit: ATC Cards! 

   I carry a little book of ideas with me to help my creativity. It began as a creative writing assignment about 7 years ago and I've continued to utilize the tool and the practice. About 3.5 volumes later they still manage to stimulate my creativity in sketch and verse. Moleskine is my favorite brand but quite expensive. Actually all you need is a simple little book to write down your ideas in their rawest forms and then polish them at a later time. It's convient when you are always on the go cause you can write the idea/concept or verse/stanza however it comes. I've also used it as a "calling card".

For more of the story behind my favorite store hub for ideas visit: B.I.O!                                                             

Love Write,

 j.ajabad

WHAT: TOLERANCE Art showcase/Gallery

WHERE: Caroline Kennedy Library (Dearborn Heights)

WHEN: Sept. 10-Oct. 31

HOW: Student artists from middle school-College. Any medium of art: drawing/sketch, painting, photograpghy, poetry as long as it depicts what Tolerance means to you.

WHY: Well it's a brand new school year and I think TOLERANCE needs much more emphasis than ever. Let's celebrate and embrace differences shall we!?

If you guys have any questions, suggestions, concerns or are interested: e-mail me at: onecanvas_onesoul@yahoo.com