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Friday, July 20, 2012

Doodling in French

Yesterday I shared my re-purposed vintage ironing board that I did some chalkboard style art on.  I can't draw at all so I have to use a projector or transfer paper and other materials to transfer images onto my projects.  At a recent stop at Dick Blick art store in Pasadena, I came across this book called "Doodling in French."  It practically jumped off the shelf at me.  Don't you just love the title?  And what a perfect title it is too.  BTW, Dick Blick has a website you can order off of.

The book was authored by Anna Corba and it retails at 16.95.  Worth every penny for the amount of inspiration she offers.  I think the book cover says it all.


I have photographed just a few pages so you can see the way she presents her concepts.  Anna includes beautiful French graphics and typography.
 She offers a sketch page and then a scrap booking style format on the opposite page.
I have spent a lot of time studying and enjoying this book. 
 Her sketches are so easy to follow.  Even a child could do it (or an inner child if you are an adult like myself.)
 I love Victorian circus art.  I have saved a lot of it to my computer from the Graphics Fairy.  I bet I could do something wonderful with this little tent.
Here is my chalkboard style art I shared yesterday.  What I did was copy the sketches to the size I wanted and then used white transfer paper to transfer the image.  I used the shoe in the upper left, the dress in the lower left, the dress form in the upper right and then the garland that is surrounding it.   I love the way the project turned out and it was so easy and inspiring to use this new book as a guide to my re-purposed project.
I love your visits.  Thanks again for dropping in.  I hope you have found this book as inspiring as I have.  The website on the back of the book is www.chroniclebooks.com.



I'm partying at...


Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs       The Graphics Fairy    
                                      Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
Tuesdays          Knick of Time       Tutus and Tea Parties       Coastal Charm  
                                      Boogie Board Cottage    A Stroll Thru Life
Wednesdays     Savvy Southern Style         Ivy and Elephants
                                     Faded Charm Cottage       Fine Craft Guild      
Thursdays        Embracing Change     The Shabby Creek Cottage    No Minimalist Here 
                                     Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday    Fishtail Cottage
                                     Rustic Restorations Homespun Happenings
Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed
                                    At the Picket Fence     Potpourri Friday     Common Ground
                                    The Charm of Home    Decorating Insanity   Rooted in Thyme
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

Sundays           It's Overflowing

12 comments:

Tina said...

That is so cute! The things I could do with that book.

Diane said...

Thanks for the heads up on the book. I will be on the lookout for that one Ÿ Thanks for getting back to me about the clipart. That ironing board is adorable. I think I will look for one on my next trip to Canton Ü

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Wow, I love how she shows you the step by step in the sketch, Maggie. I'm going to check and see if Amazon has it.

Maureen said...

You did an awesome job! It certainly looks like you can draw.

Cathy said...

You are so creative. I love reading your posts as they never disappoint.

Pat C. said...

What a wonderful book! I bet even I could doodle something cute using the author's techniques!

Kathy, Amazon has the book for $11.53, plus $3.99 shipping.

I somehow ended up on Chronicle Books' email list and they have a promo ending *today*--35% off any order, plus free shipping. The book would be $11.02 (assuming my math is correct, which is a tenuous assumption!). The discount code is FRIENDS.

Thanks again, Maggie, for sharing your beautiful project with us!

miss flibbertigibbet said...

The book looks great! Pretty soon you'll be doodling all your own artwork!

NanaDiana said...

What a cute book. I love that it shows you HOW to doodle. I am a doodler...my homework was always full of flowers and houses and hearts and funny little people...nothing like the ones shown in your sweet little book though- xo Diana

Laurel@ChippingwithCharm said...

Love it!! That book was a great find...thanks!! Laurel

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

How fun! I just love all the chalkboard art out there, and yours is one of the cutest on the block. :@

HeARTworks said...

I love all things French too and I know I would enjoy pouring through Anna Corba's book. I have one of her books and it's been with me for some time already. I know I'll never tire of oggling it! Thanks for sharing! Patsy from
HeARTworks and
papemelroti

karen@somewhatquirky said...

How fun is that??? I LOVE this book!