http://blog.fineartstore.com RSS feeds for FineArtStore.com Blog 60 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9/NEW-Stretcher-Bar-Pairs-Cross-Brace-Kits-from-Masterpiece.aspx#Comments 0 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1642&ModuleID=3561&ArticleID=9 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9&PortalID=25&TabID=1642 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9/NEW-Stretcher-Bar-Pairs-Cross-Brace-Kits-from-Masterpiece.aspx Masterpiece’s new patent pending technology reinvented how stretcher bars are made and marketed by selling them in pairs and by including a keyable cross brace. Yes, every size is cross-braced; in fact, they make your canvas stay tighter, because they resist the stretcher bars from bowing inward after the canvas is stretched. This kit includes 2 Bars, a cross brace, two brace keys, and a screw used to join to another cross brace. Each stretcher bar has a unique groove on the inside perimeter of the Bar. When the frame is built, and the cross brace is put into position, a key, or wedge, is inserted into the slot between the Bar and the Brace, that holds the cross brace into position, and also allows the frame to be expanded by forcing the key deeper in the slot, thereby increasing canvas tension in the middle of the frame, where it is needed the most.  The precision machined, kilndried Bars are milled with lumber harvested from the sustainable forests of Oregon and California. Bars and braces are made only using solid-wood; no finger joints. Available in two lines and a variety of sizes! Monet Pro Bar Pair and Brace Kit features 1-1/2” deep stretcher bars, offering very strong support, and yields a full ½” relief to the canvas, thereby preventing those unsightly lines created when the canvas touches the Bar underneath.  Vincent Pro Bar Pair and Brace Kit features 7/8” deep stretcher bars that are taller, stronger, and yield a full 5/16” relief to the canvas, thereby preventing those unsightly lines created when the canvas touches the Bar underneath. RAS Blogger Tue, 27 Aug 2013 18:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8/Create-Custom-Chalk-Lettering-Signs.aspx#Comments 0 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1642&ModuleID=3561&ArticleID=8 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8&PortalID=25&TabID=1642 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8/Create-Custom-Chalk-Lettering-Signs.aspx Use Chalk Ink Markers and Americana Chalkboard Paint to create custom signs and more! You will need: Americana Chalkboard Paint* Chalk Ink Markers - we used Chalk White and Granny Bird Blue Foam paint brush Hardboard Panels or other surfaces Tape Pencil Chalk for seasoning painted panels & transferring design Q-Tips or a small paint brush (for touchups!) Paper towels Small dish of water Print out of type design *If you're painting your own surfaces, make sure you allow for an extra day for the paint to cure. If you're pressed for time, you can buy pre-made chalk boards! How to Create Custom Chalkboards: Paint two coats of Americana Chalkboard Paint on your panel or surface using a sponge brush or large craft brush. One coat should be painted horizontally, and the second coat vertically. Let paint dry for an hour between coats. Allow 24 hours for paint to cure.  Season chalkboard by rubbing the flat side of a pice of chalk all over the board. Wipe clean. You're now ready to start lettering! Basic Lettering: Design your text or image to the actual size you want on your sign. Print out on regular copy paper. On reverse side of the print out, completely cover the lettering/design with chalk.  Place paper, chalk side down, on your chalkboard. Lightly tape to keep in place. Using a pencil, trace your design by filling in the letters. Once completely traced, remove paper. You should see a faint version of your design. Keep print out for reference. Go over design with Chalk Ink markers. If you make a mistake, you can easily erase the chalk with a little bit of water and a Q-tip. Don't fret if your work isn't absolutely perfect - a little imperfection for signs like these add character! Let dry and then proudly display!  Chalk Ink doesn't smear or smudge off like regular chalk. To erase a design, simply use water and a paper towel or rag to wipe off the ink!  This chalk lettering technique was adapted from the Indie Craft Parade blog.  RAS Blogger Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7/Golden-Grounds-Mediums--Make-Any-Surface-Ready-for-Drawing.aspx#Comments 0 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1642&ModuleID=3561&ArticleID=7 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7&PortalID=25&TabID=1642 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7/Golden-Grounds-Mediums--Make-Any-Surface-Ready-for-Drawing.aspx Beginners to professionals, 67% of all artists draw. GOLDEN Acrylic Grounds and Mediums are a proven catalyst for taking drawing beyond sketchbooks and paper, expanding creativity through larger formats, found objects, and wherever else your imagination takes you. Creating a surface suitable for pencil, pastel, charcoal, marker or watercolor brings new flexibility to your creative process and potential. For your next project, try one of these acrylic products as a starting point for something bolder, bigger or different: RAS Blogger Wed, 29 May 2013 16:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6/Luxurious-Roma-Lussa-Journals-by-Cavallini.aspx#Comments 0 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1642&ModuleID=3561&ArticleID=6 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6&PortalID=25&TabID=1642 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6/Luxurious-Roma-Lussa-Journals-by-Cavallini.aspx Just added! These Roma Lussa journals by Cavallini are hand-made in Florence, Italy. Each journal is a unique work of art with a buttery leather cover and hand marbled edges. No two journals are the same! RAS Blogger Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5/New-from-Enkaustikos--Hot-Stick-Sets.aspx#Comments 0 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1642&ModuleID=3561&ArticleID=5 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5&PortalID=25&TabID=1642 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5/New-from-Enkaustikos--Hot-Stick-Sets.aspx Enkaustikos has just introduced four & five pack Hot Stick sets. These sets come in resealable plastic packaging that makes for easy storage, as well as, convenient viewing of their highly pigmented, professional-grade colors. There are nine different sets in a wide range of colors. These sets are perfect for getting started in encaustic painting or printmaking. They're also a great way to expand your color palette. All of the colors included in the sets are also available in Hot Cakes sizes and refill sizes. As with all of the Enkaustikos products, they are artist-quality paints made right here in the USA! We love these sets for mono-printing and mixed media and are very excited to have them available for our customers. View the entire line of sets here! RAS Blogger Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4/Waste-Not-Paper--Whimsical-and-Eco-Friendly.aspx#Comments 0 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1642&ModuleID=3561&ArticleID=4 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4&PortalID=25&TabID=1642 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4/Waste-Not-Paper--Whimsical-and-Eco-Friendly.aspx These gorgeous papers are made from recycled paper products and printed with environmentally friendly inks. Beautiful, eye catching prints and patterns grab your attention. RAS Blogger Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/3/Prismacolor-Has-New-Packaging-for-Scholar-Pencil-Line.aspx#Comments 0 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1642&ModuleID=3561&ArticleID=3 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3&PortalID=25&TabID=1642 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/3/Prismacolor-Has-New-Packaging-for-Scholar-Pencil-Line.aspx The same, strong pencils you remember,  but with a bold, new look! RAS Blogger Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2/New-Item-Alert-Eco-Totes.aspx#Comments 0 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1642&ModuleID=3561&ArticleID=2 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2&PortalID=25&TabID=1642 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2/New-Item-Alert-Eco-Totes.aspx We just added these great Eco-totes to our site! Made from 100% recycled polypropylene - plastic water bottles! • Reinforced stitching, shoulder-length handle, secure zipper, plus a reinforced bottom panel for standing upright • A portion from each sale of this Eco Tote is being donated to The National Art Materials Trade Association (NAMTA) Foundation Roomy, sturdy, and water-resistant. RAS Blogger Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1/Nitram-Charcoals-We-Got-Em.aspx#Comments 0 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1642&ModuleID=3561&ArticleID=1 http://blog.fineartstore.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1&PortalID=25&TabID=1642 http://blog.fineartstore.com/Blog/tabid/1642/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1/Nitram-Charcoals-We-Got-Em.aspx Nitram Fine Art Charcoals have been known as one of the best charcoal products in the world but when Daniel Nitram decided to pursue other interests, the line practically disappeared.  It wasn't until artist and entrepreneur, Jerzy Niedojadlo heard about the famous brand and decided to track down Mr. Nitram himself.  After many long conversations, Niedojadlo had the idea to take on the tradition of Nitram.  Niedojadlo headed to France and purchased the process, trademark and equipment.  He learned the techniques, honed the master's process, and ensured that the traditions of Nitram stood strong.  Niedojadlo relocated the factory to Canada and reintroduced the exquisite charcoals to market as of January.  From what we hear, artists couldn't be happier!  We now offer Nitram Charcoals in B (soft), H (hard), and HB (medium).  We've already had many excited customers stop in just to buy them...so be sure to visit us or shop online for Nitram!  You will truly enjoy what this line has to offer. RAS Blogger Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1