New Blog

Hi all! I decided to make a new website for some of my DIY projects. Please visit this link:

www.autumnmakes.com

Custom Toms

Here's a few pairs of Custom Toms that I have painted over the past few months. See my Etsy Shop for your own! I've experimented with all types of paint, and still find myself going back to Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint for the best results.

Custom Order - Business Logo Coasters

These custom coasters were created for a local business. After a busy holiday craft season, most Michael's stores sold out of the birch base coasters that I have been buying for the past three years -  I probably bought them all (haha). Fortunately for me, I stumbled upon an awesome Etsy called "The Shindiggity Shoppe" where I purchased 25 birch wood disks that ended up being WAY nicer than the wood pieces I used originally - better quality overall and quick delivery. I highly recommend this shop for anyone who is interested in creating something similar!

In the picture below, I sketched a hair salon's logo onto the surfaces, placed a calligraphy metal tip on my Walnut Hollow Creative Versa Tool, and used the highest heat setting to permanently burn the logo onto the coasters. To finish the set, I stained the pieces with a coating of Minwax Wood Finish and sealed them with Minwax Polycrylic Finish to protect them from water marks, scratches, and other potential damage. 

Gift Tags

Just got this brand new "leaf punch" from Michael's Craft Store for gift tags to send out with my Etsy items - I'm loving it!

Summer Crafts

This summer, I experimented with new materials; such as Martha Stewart's Glass Paints, as well as Liquitex Acrylic Paint Markers. The glass paints are AWESOME - to make your work dishwasher safe, all you have to do is wait 21 days for the glassware to cure, or you could bake them in your oven to speed up the process. Martha Stewart's Multi Surface Paints work the same way. 

The Liquitex marker was cool for about 5 minutes. For what I used it for (the shoes below), the nib wore out very quickly. Although the nibs are replaceable, I definitely won't be buying this product again. For the same amount of money, I always have better luck with the Micron Pigma Brush for the small details that I do on shoes/ other products. I love micron pens because of the archival ink that doesn't bleed or fade over time.

Woodburner Kit- Creative Versa Tool

Old TOMs shoes painted with Tulip Brand Soft Fabric Paint, then detailed with the Liquitex marker discussed above.

All glassware above was painted with Martha Stewart's Glass Paints & Multi Surface paints discussed earlier.

PA Craft Show Ready!

Etsy Shop Listing - "Home"

Baseball Season

In honor of baseball season, GO PHILLIES! 

Visit my "Art by Aut" Etsy Shop to purchase your own handmade baseball bracelet! 

Baseball Bracelet Listing

Ben Franklin High School

I cannot believe how quickly the past 5 months have gone. To promote our art class at BFHS, I decided to make a class blog to show off the work of my students! Click this link to see students work http://benfranklinart.blogspot.com/

BFHS Art Final Project inspired by American artist, Chuck Close:

Elephant TOMs!

To buy:
Elephant Etsy Listing

Anchor TOMS

Spent my Easter morning painting shoes!

High School Art!

Geez, a lot happens within a year. After my LTS ended at Saucon, I landed a full-time permanent position in the School District of Philadelphia. It was definitely a transition switching from elementary to high school, but I think I love it just as much! Here are just a few pictures I have taken over the past few weeks. I will be making a separate art blog just for them! See below for student examples!

Elementary Lesson Plans

Check out what I've been working on with students in Saucon Valley Elementary's Art Room! I am blessed to be given the opportunity to fill in as the Long Term Art Sub from Sept-January. 

http://sauconvalleyartroom.blogspot.com/

Here are some examples of my students' work (grades 1-5)

1st Grade Mondrian Inspired Collages

4th Grade Name Symmetry

3rd Grade Wax Resist / Patterned Hot Air Balloons

2nd Grade Mexican Serape Inspired "Blankets"

5th Grade Name Mandalas

1-3rd Grade Hand Mural

1st & 2nd grade "Wild Things"

 4th Grade Nature "close-ups" inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe

4th Grade Nature "close-ups" inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe

 3rd Grade Mosaics Inspired by Isaiah Zagar

 3rd Grade Mosaics Inspired by Isaiah Zagar

Wooden / Hand Painted Mandala

This wooden wall hanging was originally designed and painted by me with black and white acrylic paint. In Sanskrit, the word "mandala" symbolizes both the visible world around us, as well as the world we have in our own minds. 

Mandalas are also symbols for meditation, protection and healing 

- which is exactly why I made it! 

Woodurn Snowflake Ornaments

Just because the holidays are near and I really wanted to test out my new wood burner!

12x16 Acrylic on Canvas

More Painted Toms

Pottery