be creative daily!

17/09/2020
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Surfaces & Mediums and which to choose by Murray Marvel

Surfaces, where do we start? I have been asked to write a blog on what different surfaces do for all mediums. Hopefully, I will break down each surface. I have used a lot of different papers and different mediums as an artist but I am always still learning. Experimenting and finding my own journey through art. As a multi-media artist, I use a vast array of different surfaces, some for multiple different mediums. Not just to suit the medium I may be using, but also it depends on what effects... Read More

10/09/2020
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Introducing The Docrafts Artiste Acrylic Paint 100ml set

The 100ml Acrylic Paint set from Artiste by Docrafts is a smart choice for those new to art and the more experienced alike. This range is a firm favourite with artists and crafters everywhere. This acrylic paint set contains 6 vibrant colours. yellow, white, red, blue, green and black. The 100ml tubes are perfect for larger work and offer great value. For best results use with acrylic pads and canvas. The acrylic paint colours have a high level of pigmentation these paints provide good coverage and once dried are permanent... Read More

14/08/2020
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Introducing the new Crafty Arts Essentials Hard back Sketch Books

Crafty Arts Essentials is here! Last year we at Crafty Arts decided that we wanted to embark upon creating an essentials range. We love the brands that we have promoted and sold over the last 29 year years and will continue to proudly do so, but felt that it was just as important to create some products of our own from materials that we know and love. So today we are proud to introduce you to our Crafty Arts Essentials Hardback Sketch Books. We wanted to produce a quality range... Read More

07/08/2020

This could be the best compost for your plants: Introducing Bord na Mona Compost

We are constantly looking at new brands and ranges that catches the eye and Bord na Mona Compost is definitely one of them. Like many of you, since lock down I have found myself spending a lot of time in the garden, with my vegetable patch and spending more time on my house plants. I can’t believe how much I have enjoyed it and have found it to be quite therapeutic. I have created a nice little habit where I go home after work and go straight into the garden... Read More

31/07/2020
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Top 10 Handmade Card Pins

Handmade cards, everyone loves to receive a card, I do especially if it’s a birthday. There is nothing like getting a card through the post and it is even more special if it is a handmade card. The concept of a handmade card is so much more meaningful to the receiver and it is just as attractive as any card that you would buy in a shop. Handmade are generally one offs however they are unique, and personal. When I think of picking a card I always try to make... Read More

17/07/2020

Vegan Art Supplies (and Cruelty Free)

Vegan and Cruelty-Free art supplies – where do you start? Shopping online has never been easier, but it is still hard to find clarity on Vegan and Cruelty Free products. We thought we could offer more information on art materials that are vegan and cruelty-free. Old ways of creating art supplies often involved animal products. Artists are demanding more art supplies that don’t contain animal parts and are cruelty-free. Companies have been listening and things are changing. More importantly, there is a constant need for clarification as to which art... Read More

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11 Summer Crafts Ideas For The Whole Family

Well let’s be honest, we don’t really know what this summer has in store for us, some children’s summer holidays started in March! So we thought it may be nice to bring you some ideas that you can do this summer, whatever the weather. Fill your summer with rainbows We will never forget what the NHS has done for us during Covid-19. Pictures and paintings have popped up all over Britain and the world. So here are just a few ideas with how to create a few rainbows in and... Read More

03/07/2020
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DIY Face Mask

Face Masks are now compulsory on public transport in the UK. If you are leaving the house or returning to work, you may prefer to wear one. When September hits and schools open things are going to change. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, we have been amazed to see the amount of creativity that has come from all people of all walks of life, and it warms us to see people using a creative outlet to deal with a very strange and stressful time. Talking of creativity, these DIY Face masks... Read More

25/06/2020
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How To Use Marbling Inks in 9 Steps

Marbling is a trend that never seems to go away. Here in 9 steps, we show you how to create unique and beautiful marble art, using our favourite Pebeo Marbling Inks. What is Marbling? Marbling is a method of decorating paper or fabric to imitate marble and other stone where colour is suspended in a thickened liquid and manipulated into various patterns. Paper or fabric is then laid upon the mixture and the pattern prints onto the surface. This technique requires patience and attention, as well as a little practice.... Read More

12/03/2020

A Green Easter – is it possible?

Having a green Easter is it possible? Well, we have a few suggestions on making minor changes to help impact the environment. Making tiny changes is all that matters. You shouldn’t feel guilty about decisions you have to make based on time availability or budget. Sometimes we splurge when we don’t need to but as long as we reuse and recycle then you are doing your bit. The Egg Okay, so if you are lucky you will get an easter egg or lots of small little ones wrapped in foil.... Read More

12/03/2020

Thank You to All Our Mums

I think being a parent is such hard work. It’s a constant part of your life that never stops, even when you are away from them, you are constantly thinking about them. This post is just a little thank you to all our mums out there, whatever shape or title they fall under. Thank you. Mums or the role of mum is a hard one. You are teacher, carer, hug giver, disciplinarian, nurse, cook, cleaner, organiser, driver, nightmare chaser, bodyguard, costume maker and personal shopper. The list is never-ending. Every... Read More

05/03/2020

A Homemade Easter

It doesn’t take long for the Christmas decorations to be whipped away and the easter eggs come out. Don’t get us wrong, we love chocolate and any excuse to eat a chocolate-covered anything. However, we are thinking a wee bit greener and a wee bit more sustainable. We don’t want to encourage everyone to go crazy and buy lots of props for this holiday. Although we do love seeing pictures of everyone’s home all decorated up. We just want to encourage everyone to reuse and recycle where you can. Homemade... Read More

29/02/2020

Murray Marvels’ Travel Art Materials

Travel art materials are of a certain interest to me as I am off on my honeymoon soon and I am taking limited art supplies in order to draw whilst I am out there. I have also challenged myself to 12 drawings and painting that I would be proud enough to sell. Limiting yourself to a few art supplies can be a challenge in itself. Finding the perfect sketchbook has been by far the trickiest thing so far and I am still not sure that I have the right size.... Read More

21/02/2020
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Gouache: What It Is and How to Use it

You have probably heard of Gouache before but may not know any more about it (other than it’s strange name!). We were the same when we first found it, but now we know what is and how to use it, we thought we would share our knowledge on all things Gouache. What is Gouache? Gouache is a type of watercolour. It falls between acrylic and watercolour, which is probably why I haven’t mastered it yet. I am so used to building my layers up that working with flat opaque colours... Read More

14/02/2020

Save the Bees and get garden savvy

Oh, I love bees I really do. I think they are so clever and helpful and their pollinating and hard works help us breathe! Having a small garden or even no garden isn’t really an excuse. You can help the bees in lots of ways here are a few that we love… Start by planting Paris and London have award-winning honey and the reason isn’t because of their botanical gardens, it’s actually because of window boxes and roof-top gardens. That fancy orchid you bought may just be the cream of... Read More

06/02/2020

A Very Romantic Homemade Valentine’s Day

Okay, I am going to be mushy here and we all know I don’t really do mushy but here goes. For this Valentine’s day, I am going to make an effort. I still don’t believe in spending lots of money or going out to a restaurant that costs a fortune on this one day. No, this Valentine’s, as my first married valentines I am going all out, you name it, I’m doing it. Reds and Pinks ( a colour combo I really appreciate) is the theme I’m going with In... Read More

Valentine's Day card 30/01/2020

Valentine’s Day: Gifting our hearts to the Earth

Its time to think a little greener when it comes to spending your money. We all know when it comes to Valentine’s Day I am not a fan. So the idea of gifting it to the Earth or just making small changes to help our environmental impact pleases me immensely. So below is just a few ideas to help you gift our hearts to the Earth. Make an edible Valentine’s Day gift When it comes to food I am all in and I love an edible valentine. Biscuits, yes please!... Read More

23/01/2020
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Pantone Colour of the Year: Classic Blue

Pantone Colour Of the Year is ‘Classic Blue’ and it feels right especially for January. Classic blues has been creeping into our homes for the last few years. It is wonderful to see it in pride of place as the Official Pantone Colour of 2020. We can look forward to seeing it more in our homes, fashion and design work. But how much will it affect our arts and crafts? Only time will tell. January Blues is a real thing Its winter, Christmas is gone, the buildup has been replaced... Read More

16/01/2020
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Origami – The Art For All Ages

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding and is suitable for all ages. You can buy papers or start with a little kit. Normal printer paper can work but can be a little thick. You don’t need anything but papers and instructions. I learnt origami at school. A man came in to teach us how to make an origami lily and I picked it up fairly easily. When it comes to art and crafts I do find it easier to watch someone create something rather than follow instructions. When... Read More

09/01/2020

Look ahead to a Greener 2020

Our main goal for 2020 is to make it a greener year. Hopefully, by making these positive, sustainable changes, we can make this infiltrate every part of our business from packing to our offices and our own recycling. By taking care of our business, it in turn helps us take care of you. How to be Greener: Reuse Recycle We really want to make this year greener; with the use of recycled boxes (literally) and the go green climate initiative from DHL for our overseas parcels put into place. We... Read More