Flat Shelfies

I'm not sure how you are about experimenting with new styles of art, food, or clothing but I'm a big fan of stretching myself. I've long loved the look of what I'm calling "flat shelfies." Basically a shelf or image that has very little shading or little attempt to look realistic. It is a more illustrative style of art. It is basic yet delightful. It reminds me of something I would paint in my travel journals or a children's book illustration. Whatever you want to call it, it is simple, light and playful. 

We experimented with these as a project in my advanced art class. While the ladies were a little unenthused at first, they became big fans. We began by drawing things on shelves that we loved. Some people drew items that belonged to relatives who had passed on. Treasured heirlooms that they had in their homes and filled their shelves. One student who loved to sew filled hers with knitting needles, yarn, stacked quilts, and a sewing machine. By the time we had inked them in, we were all so happy to be able to document items we love in this whimsical way.

After we penned them in with a permanent ink marker, it was time to add the watercolors. We all found that it was hard not to shade and give too much detail. It was actually challenging to just lay on the color without over working it. Still we found it relaxing. If you like to draw and keep a journal, his method is one to explore. Often called,  "pen and wash" is a great way to document your experiences without worrying to much about your sketches. It's freeing!

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The little coffee maker above is one of two that I have of my grandma's. It's called a makineta. Basically, it is a tiny Italian-made, coffee maker that has been with us through our fair share of ridiculously small kitchens. Apparently they are making a come back.  All they require is a little boiling hot water and some espresso style coffee grinds. Simple.

​I filled my flat shelf with things that remind me of my family, of being Italian and of things I enjoy looking at. Some of these items are currently sitting on my kitchen shelves, others are around my kitchen. You can sketch your own fun shelves if you are inclined to that sort of thing, or of course tell me what you want on them : ) Either way, it's fun just to think about what are some of your favorite treasures ...

Above are my actual kitchen shelves, complete with tacky fake grapes that I refuse to get rid of. 

What are a few favorite items you have lying around?