I like coffee... I like to draw... Let's combine the two...

Dino Disco Boogie Clutch-$75.00

     Recently, I've been thinking of other ways I can use my love of designing and creating on different mediums besides embroidering on leather. As much as I enjoy that, it's nice to change things up a bit.


    The requirements I made for myself for these new projects: I need the items to be affordable and desirable to both men and women.  I also want the new items to still fall under the "eco-friendly" category, like my wallets do with their mostly upcycled leather composition. What to do... what to do...

    Then I had remembered back to when I used to work paint on ceramics, both at work and for my own personal amusement. It was enjoyable, but the past products had mixed results because I have little patience for painting, and the glazes aren't true to color until they are fired in a kiln. This lead to some interesting color combos in finished products. (damn, I wish I had a picture of what I've made in the past to insert here. It would definitely be the punchline.)

So I did a little research and discovered a product that I LOVE!!! Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Paint Markers. 

Alfonzo approves of my choices

    They can be a little tricky to use since they have a tendency to clog. I've read this complaint over and over again, so I kinda wish they'd look into a better delivery system to the head of the marker. When they do work correctly, they are a joy to use. 

After much experimenting and research to make sure they are durable and safe, I looked for a product I could use as the vehicle for my drawings. I settled on a double wall insulated ceramic travel mug with silicone lid. 

Artemis looks like she NEEDS coffee, but I'm pretty sure that's not good for kitties

Diving into things the way I normally do, I just started drawing. I hate carbon paper, and I'm not a huge fan of tracing, so I usually draw everything by hand directly onto the surface of whatever it is I'm working on. Hours later, I was covered in paint and very satisfied with the results of my work. Here's the first batch of mugs I've made. 

                      

Ahoy!-front of mug

Ahoy!- back of mug

Reveille- back of mug

Reveille- front of mug

     

Sweet Cheeks- front of mug

Sweet Cheeks- back of mug

As you can see, I drew a lot of inspiration from old sailor and circus tattoos. I find the line work of tattoo flash very conducive to drawing with these paints, but I'll be pulling from other sources for more designs on ceramics in the future. I need to do a few that are a bit more manly as well. 

So that's my new drawing endeavor--- What do you think? I still have a lot to learn, but I think it's going to be a fun journey. There is always opportunity to personalize these mugs, just ask me through the convo link on the left in my Etsy shop and I'd be happy to customize one for you! Or shoot me an email at sew.zinski (at) gmail (dot) com.

I'm thinking they'd be great gifts for the coffee loving man or woman you love.  Also a great disguise for the closet alcoholics in your life. 

"What's that Aunt Bessie? Yes, I'd LOVE to spend the Holidays listening to you be passive-aggressive about my cooking. Let me just grab my eco-friendly "coffee" mug."

Christmas shopping, done. 

Let me also take this moment to plug my most favoritest yummiest coffees in the world:

Seattle Coffee Works! Their single origin whole bean coffee is so outstanding, you'll wonder why you ever spent money on chain house coffee swill. If you don't know where to begin, I suggest my favorite guatemala-antigua-finca-aurelio-y-lorena. I don't know how to pronounce it, but I love to drink it. Plus only $5 flat rate delivery. Try it. I keep hoping they'll sponsor my crafting, but alas, it hasn't happened yet. 

I also have friend, Calee Himes, that paints lovely ceramics, be sure to check out her hand-painted goodies here. She's located in Des Moines, IA and can usually be found at Market Day.

Here' a How to from Louchelab on painting ceramics yourself if you'd like to give it a go. 

Thanks for checking out my new goodies!