Scribble Town (ST): With us is Joel Garten, an artist, composer, writer, and entrepreneur.  Joel says, “I have so many different things that I do, and the thing that unites them all is a sense of flow and creative energy.  I use that sense of flow and intuition in everything I create, and try to have a sense of flow in my path through life.”  Yes, you do Joel and it is seen in your colorful, vibrant, and musical paintings.

Joel, where are you and what are you up to these days?

Joel Garten (JG): I am working on a series of large scale paintings. These paintings are 4 feet by 8 feet, really long scrolls of paper that I paint with many different type of media.  I also compose music on the piano regularly.

ST: When did music enter your life and was there somebody that encouraged you to compose?  I wonder what came first- music or painting?  I say this because I can see the music in your paintings!

JG: The music certainly came first in my life.  It came very early, I started playing piano when I was eight or nine, and I began composing music very soon thereafter.  It is something I took to very naturally, and I have been composing for more than 20 years.  Interestingly, I have a lot of difficulty reading music – almost like music notation dyslexia – which meant that I devoted most of my musical output to improvising music.  This means I write the music as I play, it is all one artistic creation of the moment.  My music is very personal, and an expression of my sense of intuition and rhythym.  My music has also always been influenced and inspired by visual art, such artists as Jackson Pollock, Giorgio Morandi, and Richard Diebenkorn.  It is meditative, soulful, dissonant, and repetitive; but repetitive in a good way – the way that repetition can unearth deeper truths in the music as it unfolds.

Here is an improvisation from a recent concert I did in Toronto: joel-garten-live-in-concert

"Untitled" 22x30 inches, mixed media on paper by Joel Garten

ST: And with painting- how do you feel the two artistic elements support each other?

JG: Creating visual art myself is something that happened only recently, and has really increased in intensity in the past few months.  I was inspired to create art by seeing works by Jean-Michel Basquiat.  Just like Basquiat, my work has a lot of bright, joyful colors, but also works at deeper level, what the Abstract Expressionist called “the sublime”.  Abstract expressionism is an influence on my art, as is the work of Cy Twombley.  Yes, there is a lot of music in my artwork, and a lot of people say they can really see music in my paintings.  It is because there is a lot of energy, vibration, and that sense of flow that I talked about earlier in the paintings.  The artworks have rhythm.

ST: When did you start composing, playing the piano and painting?  You play improvisational music- do you ever paint in that manner?

JG: The artwork is definitely improvisational.  I start with no preconceived plan or sketch, I simply start in, and follow my intuition.  I let the painting tell me what to do.  And recently I have been starting to use acrylic paints to do essentially finger painting – except using my whole hand, and sometimes my whole arm.  I also use both hands to paint, sometimes at the same time, just like using my right and left hand to play piano.

ST: What have you been listening to when you paint?  What kind of music do you like?

JG: I have a number of different things on when I paint, sometimes it is Stevie Wonder, sometimes it is jazz by Keith Jarrett (a big influence in my music) or Bobo Stenson.  I like classical music, jazz and Motown, as well as new music.

ST: Where do you find yourself feeling really inspired to create?  If there’s a process you go through to spark the creativity, please let us know.

JG: I usually get most inspired at night.  I don’t really need daylight to paint, I like to paint under incandescent lighting. I put on some music, take some supplies and start painting.

"Untitled" 22×30 inches, oil pastel and oil stick on paper by Joel Garten

ST: What are some other forms of art you practice? Do you ever mix other mediums with your oil pastels?

JG: Well, I have a plan to do a number of other types of art.  The next thing I would like to do is use my artwork to create fashion.  Yes, I use oil pastels, oil stick (oil paint in stick form), and acrylic paint.

ST: I can’t wait to wear a piece of your art!  Do you ever play with other musicians?  Please let us know of your next show.

JG: I improvise music on my own, it is a very personal, and maybe even spiritual experience.  I do have interactions with other musician though.  When I was younger I was invited by the rock musician Bryan Adams to play a concert at his studio in Vancouver.  I am also doing a series of artist profiles of musicians, which is being published on the Huffington Post.  Right now I am focusing on doing small scale studio sessions-concerts of my music, and I want to turn those into a CD.

"Untitled" 22x30 inches, mixed media on paper by Joel Garten

ST: You are up to all sort of creative happenings. Definitely keep Scribble Town posted on all your adventures! Just hearing about how energetic, active, and open you are is encouraging in itself.

JG: A lot of children are natural artists, and famous painters like Basquiat and Jean Dubuffet were inspired by children’s paintings.  It is hard for people to hold onto to their child-like talents as the get older, and marry those instincts with experience.

ST: Thank you Joel for all your insight and inspiration!  Joel has also given parents and teachers tips on how to talk about art with young artists.  To read more about that please go to the Scribble Shop Inspirations page: http://www.scribbleshop.com/content/artist-joel-garten-shares-how-create-and-talk-about-art-your-child

Check out Joel Garten’s website www.joelgarten.com!

"Untitled" 22x30 inches, mixed media on paper by Joel Garten

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Scribble Town (ST): Clark Sorensen is a man of his heart, many trades and talents! He grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Sculpture from the University of Utah.  Before settling in California he lived in France for a couple of years.  Clark has been a costume designer, illustrator, and computer animator, working primarily on video games.  He probably has had a hand in one of your favorite video games!  Clark’s playful attitude has led him back to sculpting and painting where for the past 10 years he has devoted his full attention to creating art.  His unique series of urinal sculptures has given him worldwide recognition and now he has caught Scribble Blog’s eye!

Clark, where are you and what are you up to these days?

Clark Sorensen (CS): I am living and working in San Francisco.  I’ve been a full time artist for about 10 years working primarily in porcelain.

Portrait of Clark Sorensen

ST: How did you discover working with ceramic and was there somebody that encouraged you?

CS: My first try at clay was a wheel throwing class when I was a youth, maybe 8 or 10 years old. There was a small art center near my house and I took some kind of art class every summer. In college I pursued a fine art degree in sculpture and ended up gravitating to ceramic sculpture, largely because I liked the teaching style of a professor named David Pendell. He wasn’t one of those teachers who wants you to copy his style or ideas but encouraged individuality.

Urinal Group by Clark Sorensen

ST: I hope everybody gets the opportunity to find such an encouraging teacher such as David Pendell!  When did you start creating handcrafted urinals and sinks?

CS: About 13 years ago I was hit with the idea to try to make a urinal. The more I thought the more I liked the notion. My first pieces were duds and it took me several years of trying to produce a successful, working urinal.

ST: The best ideas really do just hit you on the head!  I love on your website where it says, “Answering Nature’s Call!”  Please tell us more about your motivation and technique.

Venus Fly Trap Urinal by Clark Sorensen goes for $11,500. "It is the most recent addition to Sorensen's line up of whimsical urinal. This carnivorous plant comes with a full set of spikes. They look dangerous but are made of friendly silicone rubber. Pedestal is included." Read more about it on http://www.clarkmade.com/urinals.htm.

CS: I have always loved making things – anything. As a child I remember wishing I could be marooned on Gilligan’s Island because they got to make everything from scratch. I like to think I harness that spirit as I’ve had to experiment with my clay and glaze techniques in order to succeed. Some problems have taken me many years to solve. Even though I am an artist, part of the time I feel more like a scientist. I’m often glad that I learned algebra and geometry and chemistry.

ST: One may not think, but math and science really does come in handy when making art.  Where do you find yourself feeling really inspired to create?

CS: I am always thinking and evaluating. I have many sketchbooks full of future ideas. If you’ve ever been to a great art exhibit, concert or museum and found yourself looking at even a garbage can as if it were art then you know the mind-set I try to have all the time.

ST: I wonder what is the last forest or place of nature you walked through and thought, “this would make a great urinal.”  If you have a story, please share.

CS: I am thinking that all the time. Whether it’s in a garden, the hardware store or the grocery store. I don’t only think of urinals really. I have lots of ideas for sculptures and projects but only so much time. If I could only clone myself I think I could realize all these ideas.

ST: What are some tools you like to use?

CS: I always say that if you can’t find the tool you need then make it. I have a growing array of tools that help me make more tools. I am always carving a stick into the tool I need.

These 2 orange poppy sinks by Clark Sorensen were installed in a software company bathroom in Alameda California in 2008

ST: What kind of music do you like? Is there something you are listening to at the moment while you make art?

CS: I listen to music all day long. When I tire of my music then I turn to Pandora and mix it up. Sometimes I’m in the mood for old 80’s tunes and sometimes I need a little jazz or classical. I’m all over the map and love to have new music introduced to me.

ST: Clark, what is a good piece of advice for our Scribblers?  Coming from somebody who really thinks out of the box I think you are big inspiration to many!

CS: I would say that there are so many more careers out there than the traditional ones, especially in the arts. Don’t be afraid to encourage yourself or your kids to dream outside the box. You will be surprised at the opportunities out there to animate, design parties, make monster movies, design flowers for famous weddings, carve ice sculptures for Oscar parties, design dresses for celebrities, on and on and on. not everyone will or should be a doctor or a lawyer. Dream dream dream!

I would recommend your readers seek out a film called: “Between the folds” a documentary about working with paper made for PBS. I have never seen a more exciting view of creativity and what some people are doing with paper. I also love to watch modern dance because it often makes me stay up all night thinking about art and expression.

ST: Keep on dreaming!  You heard him!  Let’s all continue on that path!  Thanks Clark for being with us today

Calla Lily Top View Urinal by Clark Sorensen. Calla lily water free urinal using the URIMAT insert for a garden center in Germany.

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Scribble Town (ST): With us on the Scribble Blog is Timothy Young! Timothy has a long, creative career as an illustrator, graphic designer, toy designer, animator, puppet builder and sculptor and continues to surprise us with his imagination.

Timothy Young with Barney!

Timothy Young (TY): Hi! I live in Maryland with my family on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. My first book, I’m Looking For A Monster!, came out in 2008 and my 4th book, I Hate Picture Books!, has just come out from Schiffer Publishing.

ST: Where are you and what are you up to these days? I’m sure very excited about your book ‘I Hate Picture Books!’ reaching people everywhere! Please tell us a bit about your book. A little sneak peak please

TY: I Hate Picture Books! is about a boy named Max who is having a bit of a temper tantrum and is throwing away his picture books. Throughout the book Max describes how picture books have gotten him in trouble and all the while we see him either pictured in these books or showing what he is describing in the style of many classic children’s books that the reader will recognize. I really enjoyed poking fun at many of the books I have loved through the years.

I Hate Picture Books by Timothy Young

ST: Throughout your years of experience have you found a favorite place to write and draw?

TY: I have a home office where I do most of my drawing. I write in many places, including when I’m mowing the lawn or driving in my car. That is, I think up a lot of ideas and write them down later on.

ST: I think writing while mowing the lawn is it’s own art form! What other kinds of art do you practice?

TY: I have done a lot of different types of art. I draw, I sculpt, I use the computer to design graphics and advertising. I use Photoshop to finish most of my illustrations.

A few character designs by Timothy Young

I design toys and I have a new toy line coming out soon called HEDZZ™. I designed them and sculpted the prototypes. I’ll let you know more soon about where to get them. You can see more of my artwork at http://www.creaturesandcharacters.com.

ST: All of your characters whether they are in books or in the shape of a toy have such different personalities. What do you hope to communicate with your stories?

Timothy Young's Books

TY: I don’t start out with any specific message, I usually think of a character and a situation they find themselves in. If some kind of lesson sneaks in there, that’s a plus. Mostly I write books for myself and I hope other people like them too.

ST:What was your favorite storybook growing up? Or is there a character that you connected with especially?

Max Eating Green Ham by Timothy Young

TY: I loved Dr Seuss and P. D. Eastman’s books along with many others. Two of my favorites are no longer in print. I especially liked The Ice-Cream Cone Coot by Arnold Lobel and GWOT! Horribly Funny Hairticklers by Steven Kellogg.

ST: I can see your love for Dr. Seuss in your picture of Max eating green ham (look to your right). Dr. Seuss would have loved that! Your designs and inventions inspire us to go to adventure lands! Where do you get your inspiration from?

TY: Everywhere! I can’t stop these characters and ideas from running around in my brain.

Often times I just doodle things until they become a creature or a character who’s story needs to be told. These days I like drawing on really cheap tracing pads I buy at the supermarket. The paper is rough and I like the line quality I get with my drawing pencils. My favorite pencils are Creatacolor Nero extra soft #1s. Once I have a sketch I like I take another piece of paper and trace over my first to get cleaner lines. Then I scan it into my MacBook Pro and do all of my color work in Photoshop.

I wanted to let everyone know about my contest. If you can name 40 books of the over 250 that are referred to in I Hate Picture Books!, you can enter to win over a dozen autographed books by authors whose books are in my book. You can find all of the details at http://www.ihatepicturebooks.com/contest.html.

ST: Thanks Tim for the challenge! I’m up for it. On your mark, get set, go!

The cover of I Hate Picture Books by Timothy Young

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Scribble Town (ST): The first time I spotted Adrienne Moumin’s photo collages I was stunned by their design and beauty.  And then curiosity hit!  How did she do that?  Where are these images coming from and how is it so that from one concrete image it is perfectly cut and spliced and then re-contextualized all to have it’s meaning turned upside down.  Adrienne is here with us to share with us her creative story!

Adrienne Moumin (AM): I was born in 1961 in Brooklyn, NY. I work in film-based, hand-printed, B&W photography, and hand-cut-and-assembled, mixed-media photo collage.

Sculpture Garden Hirshhorn; 33” x 33” Hand-Cut-and- Assembled Gelatin Silver Photo Collage; 2009 by Adrienne Moumin

I am best known for my Architextures series of handmade photo collages.  My favorite photographic subjects are NYC architecture and urban landscapes, and store window mannequins.

This is me (with a selection of my Architextures photo collages) in my booth at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, Pier 94 in NYC, March 21-24, 2013. I made a great many contacts in the architecture and interior design fields, as well as directly with people who buy art for their homes and offices.

My photography and collage have been exhibited in New York, and nationwide, for over fifteen years.  My work is in private collections in the US and internationally.

ST: Your photographs and collages have been on the move for quite a while now!  Where are you and what are you up to these days?

AM: I am based in New York, NY and Silver Spring, MD. I split my time between the two cities: showroom in NYC, and studio and darkroom in MD. I am continuing to work on my Architextures series, as well as coming back to the surrealist mixed-media collage style that I have dabbled in for years. I recently sold one of those pieces to someone who is wildly enthusiastic, and has encouraged me to produce more work in that genre.

ST: I like the name of your series, Architextures.  It gives a tangible feeling to the photo collages, but also a sense of having a strong structure to the series.  When did you start making collages and taking photographs? Was there somebody that encouraged you?

AM: I began working in cut-paper collage starting at about 8 years of age, using magazines and catalogs that would come to the house, to decorate whatever I could find.  A major project in childhood was decorating the top of a castoff bookcase with hand-cut magazine pictures. I began photographing seriously, and studying film and darkroom processes, in my ‘20’s. I have been completely self-propelled in my artistic endeavors.

Snippetree; 19" x 13 ¼" x 1 ½” Deep Hand-Cut-and- Assembled 3-D Gelatin Silver Photo Collage; Made from over 300 pieces cut from 10 duplicate prints; 2011 by Adrienne Moumin

ST: That’s great to hear that you have been making collages since your were 8 years old!  Where do you find yourself feeling really inspired to create?  I really like your stories on your website especially the one under Architectural Detail.  You write, “Someone told me once that I was an architect in another life. I love the curves and the lines, the reflections and the tonalities, the solidity and transparency, and the man-made striving for esthetic and functional perfection, of architectural forms.”  To read more of Adrienne’s stories please go to http://www.picturexhibit.com/index.html.

AM: So many things inspire me!: Walking around the city, looking at architecture and urban landscapes; fashions worn by passersby; and store window displays.  And, of course, looking at the art of others, in galleries, museums, and online.

ST: Inspiration is one thing, but skill is another.  How do you hand print silver gelatin photographs?  What is the process?  I’m sure we are all interested in the magic of the dark room.

AM: I use an enlarger, which is a device that shines a light through the photographic negative, and projects it below onto the light-sensitive paper that I place there.  Then I put the paper through a series of chemicals in trays, to develop and fix that latent image. This is all done under a reddish-orange “safelight,” which provides just enough light for me to see what I am doing, yet does not affect the paper.

ST: What forms of art do you include in your mixed media photo collages?  What are some tools you like to use?

AM: I always start with the photograph, and what it suggests to me in terms of feeling and mood.  There is no limit to what I will attach to the surface of a photograph. Paper cutouts, glass or plastic beads, sequins, Swarovski crystals, metal stampings…the list never ends!

ST: What kind of music do you like?  Is there something you are listening to at the moment while you make art?

AM: Music is very important to me when I am printing in the darkroom.  In keeping with the analog nature of my work (and my refusal to replace a perfectly functioning technology simply because something new comes out), I have a little boombox in there which plays cassettes and CDs! Two of the CDs I nearly always listen to during printing sessions are the first album from Counting Crows, “August and Everything After,” and The Band’s “Greatest Hits.”

The Victory Arpeggios; 25½” x 25¾” x 3/8” deep Hand-Cut-and- Assembled 3-D Gelatin Silver Photo Collage; 2012 by Adrienne Moumin

ST: Adrienne, you have given us a great start to create and how to look at things differently!  What is a piece of advice for parents and their little scribblers?

AM: For the parents: Look at some collage sites on the internet, and google different search terms, to find age-approriate project ideas for children; many require little or no money.  Talk to your children about what they would enjoy; you never know when an idea will spark a fire that lasts a lifetime.

For scribblers: Just do what you feel. Because art has no rules.

I found this on Pinterest, and followed the link to this ingenious project, posted by art teacher Sherri Schultz.  It is simply using our imaginations to expand on an image.
http://artmommie.blogspot.com/2012/03/young-explorers-class_10.html

ST: You are right- art has no rules and now is the time to explore and create!  Thank you, Adrienne!

To find the tools to get started on your own collage please have a look at Adrienne’s suggested art activity that expands your image  http://www.scribbleshop.com/content/exploring-expansion-your-image-and-imagination

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Scribble Town (ST): Hi Elisa! I can’t wait to show everybody your artwork that is based on videogames!  But first can you please let us know a bit about yourself.

Okamiden by Elisa Di Fiore

Elisa Di Fiore (EDF): My name is Elisa and I’m originally from Italy. I moved to the US in 2006, then recently moved back to Europe. I live in Finland now, but I’m always visiting new places. I can do this because I work from home –I work in videogame localization, translating games from English into Italian.

ST: When did you start getting into the game industry and how has that made an impact on your knits?

EDF: I’ve always liked videogames, but being a child in Italy I was supposed to play with dolls. My grandma wanted me to be a “proper” young lady, so she tought me to cross-stitch when I was about ten years old. I loved it, but I eventually grew tired of stitching endless flowers and kittens, which were the only patterns I could find at the time. A few years ago, when I was already working in the videogame industry, I had the brilliant idea of cross-stitching Super Mario characters from the old 8-bit games. After all, pixels look a lot like stitches, right? Well, the result was amazing and I haven’t stopped since.

Baby Peach Bib by Elisa Di Fiore

ST:  I bet you were always really talented when it comes to working with your hands!  Is there a certain place you like to be in when you are creating?

EDF: Home is the best place, of course, especially when it’s snowing outside and I can cozy up with a cup of tea and Doctor Who on TV. But I also enjoy meeting up with fellow knitters at one of the quaint cafés here in Helsinki –there’s an entire community of Americans knitting all over the city!

ST: What other forms of art do you practice?  What are your favorite tools you use to create?

EDF: I started knitting a couple of years ago and I’m enjoying it immensely here in Finland, where I can actually wear what I make. Before, when I lived in California, it was too warm to wear any wool! I also like sewing, quilting and perler beading, but really the best thing for me is just using my needle and embroidery floss anywhere I am. They’re practical and don’t take up any space.

ST: It does make a difference when you can use the art you make! That’s one motivation to create.  Are there any others?

Mario Bookmark by Elisa Di Fiore

EDF: I’m an active member of an online community called SpriteStitch.com. There’s a blog with inspiring craft ideas and a forum where we share patterns, tips and accomplishments. We also collaborate every year to put together a videogame-themed quilt that gets auctioned to fund Child’s Play, a charity that helps kids in hospitals all over the world.

I’ve included a simple cross-stitch pattern I designed some time ago, based on the cat Jiji from the animated movie Kiki’s Delivery Service. It should be easy enough to try for any wannabe cross-stitcher!

ST: Thanks Elisa!  From games to knits you really know how to make things come alive.  Already you have given so many pieces of inspiration- from bookmarks to bibs, anything is possible! For more information on Elisa’s Jiji cross-stitch pattern please go to

Mario Sampler by Elisa Di Fiore

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Scribble Town (ST): Let’s move to the New Year with Kristine Marsh’s animations! Thanks Kristine for being with us today!

Kristine Marsh (KM): Hello! I’m a full time illustrator and designer who specializes in creating original artwork for children’s media using a variety of styles. I graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 2010 with a BFA in Cartooning. Afterwards, I started my own business called Knightingale Studio. We are a small design group that does animation, illustration and graphic design work in addition to creating original content. My work has appeared across a range of commercial platforms including books, games and apps. In my down time I enjoy cooking and relaxing with my loving fiancé, Eric and our adorable corgi, Colonel.

Munch Friends by Kristine Marsh

ST: It sounds like you are surrounded by love I can see that in your super cute illustrations and animations. Where are you and what are you up to these days? Is there a particular animation you are working on?

KM: I currently live in NJ and aside from freelance I’m developing two animated series concepts titled, “Samurai Chinchilla” and “What’s for Lunch, Munch?” You can find out more about the first at www.facebook.com/samuraichinchillaseries. I hope to launch a Kickstarter campaign within the next month in order to fund a short animation showcasing the world and characters. Keep in eye out!

Samurai Chinchilla Poster by Kristine Marsh

ST:  There are many things for all of us to look forward to! With all of these current goodies in the works can you tell us how has your art practice changed over time? What kind of animation or art did you start out doing and where has that taken you?

KM: I actually entered SVA as a traditional animation major. It has actually been my dream since the 6th grade to be the creator of an animated television series. When I was really young, I did what most kids do: Draw my favorite characters from my favorite cartoons! I drew Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Cardcaptors, a lots more (I actually really loved Kids WB!). To this day I still say that I developed a knack for adapting to different styles by do so. Once I got to art school, it really pushed me out of my comfort zone in a lot of ways, but it taught me to experiment with different techniques and forced me to look at elements of design in a new way.

ST: Kristine, you just proved that dreams do come true! That in itself is such an inspiration for us to all just continue with what we have fun doing. Are there any other artistic mediums you work with?

KM: For mediums, I do a lot digitally these days, for the sake of time and efficiency. I use Adobe Illustrator almost exclusively, with a little bit of Photoshop. When I work traditionally I like to experiment and I often mix media, like pen, ink, brush, marker, colored pencil and watercolor.

Pirate by Kristine Marsh

ST: Is there a particular animation technique you like to create with? Does the story follow the technique or vice versa?

KM: My goal with my art is actually quite simple. To me, I see art as a very powerful medium and I always strive to create artwork and stories that makes a positive impact in peoples lives. Hope, Unity and Love are actually the core believes of my studio as well. I believe firmly in the aspect of family and friends, taking care of and giving to those you care about and who need your help. For me, art of course is a form of self-expression, but more important I see it as an opportunity to speak into people’s lives and leave them with something encouraging and I hope that that same perseverance will spill over in the life of another and so on.

ST: We all have mentors, who are some of your favorite artists? If so, how have they inspired you? It’s always nice to be aware of what about their artwork touches you.

KM: Some of my favorite artists and directors include: Makoto Shinkai, Hayao Miyazaki, Bill Presing, Peter McCarty, Anne Pätzke, Sean Galloway, Luigi Lucarelli, Jen Corace, Mary Blair, MEOMI honestly there’s just too many to name! And I discover new favorites online all the time! But the things that always catch my attention: Color, Composition, and Character! I’m a big fan of a really simplistic style, but I’m also a big fan of beautiful line quality and color. These are all things that inspire me and challenge me in my own art as well.

Ashby by Kristine Marsh

ST: I know what you mean when you say there are just too many to name!  It’s the same with crafts and art projects. But out of all of them do you have one craft, piece of art, or art technique you can share with our Scribblers for them to make at home? Perhaps give advice on how our Scribblers can start making their own animation at home.

KM: A quick bit of advice: I love looking at kid’s drawings and hearing them talk so passionately about their ideas. Never let go of that enthusiasm for creating new things! As you get older, it’s easy to get bogged down, you start comparing yourself to others and not everyone may like your ideas. It can easily become more about technique (which is still very important) and less about the concept. But keep plugging forward, learn, absorb and experiment, don’t let go of that boundless creativity! May you stay inspired all your life and always keep drawing by hand!

ST: That’s amazing advice, Kristine!  In short- let’s keep our ears, eyes, and heart always open for the creativity to flow. To learn more about Kristine Marsh please go to www.kristinemarsh.com or email her at Kristine@knightingalestudio.com. Thank you for being with us!

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Hi Scribblers,

The holiday season is here!  It’s a favorite time of the year for me, crafting, baking, decorating, holiday parties and shopping, shopping, shopping!!

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!!!

Tomorrow evening is the beginning of Hanukkah. It’s the Festival of Lights and one of the most fun festivals of the year for kids! Even if your family isn’t Jewish, your young Scribbler can enjoy learning about this major winter holiday.

Hanukkah lasts for 8 nights. For each night of Hanukkah, families light one candle in the menorah. The ninth candle in the middle is used to light the other candles.

Build a Menorah

With our downloadable craft page, your Scribblers can make their own Menorahs! Click on the picture for a printout. Color and glue on a new candle for every night of Hanukkah!

For the perfect gifts for your little Scribblers, please visit Scribbleshop.com.  We’ve got a large selection of toys, games and crafts by your favorite brands, like Melissa & Doug, Alex toys, Klutz, Crayola and so much more!!  All at great prices and FREE shipping too!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season. Happy Scribbling!!!

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Hi Scribblers!

We wanted to give a big thank you for all the scribblers who joined us at our crafting table at the City of Water Day this weekend! We had a wonderful time!

Last Saturday, July 14th, Scribble Town headed to Governor’s Island for the City of Water Day festival! We had a blast! We were so happy to see the many smiling scribblers join us at our table.

You can see more pictures from the event by visiting our Flickr page! Check back here tomorrow for the downloadable activity sheets for the crafts we made at the event!

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