Spring Projects Ahead with CELESTIAL WATERCOLOR.

CELESTIAL WATERCOLOR
LEARN TO PAINT THE ZODIAC CONSTELLATIONS AND SEASONAL NIGHT SKIES

CELESTIAL WATERCOLOR
By Elise Mahan and D. R. McElroy
On-Sale Date: April 2, 2019
$19.99 US · $25.99 CAN · 128 pages · Hardcover
ISBN: 9781631065880
Rock Point, an imprint of The Quarto Group

Celestial Watercolor takes visionary artists on a dreamlike journey – complete with an overview of the tools and techniques of watercolor painting, this instructional guide will teach you how to paint the beautiful night sky throughout the seasons and introduce the signs of astrology.

The zodiac has been used for a millennia to bridge the gap between the mysteries of the universe and mankind’s understanding of the world. Travel to the heavens with this collection of ethereal artwork and let your passion for creativity soar while learning about legends and myths of the night sky.

Featuring instructions on how to illustrate the constellations through the yearly cycle of four seasons, Celestial Watercolor also includes exquisitely detailed information about sun and moon signs, simple directions on how to paint the 12 moons from the Native American and spiritual traditions, and easy-to-follow steps for using the correct watercolor wash techniques. With this book, every aspiring artist and imaginative dreamer will have the opportunity to use elements of the environment, such as trees, lakes, and mountains, to design each painting with their own personal style and flair.

The topics of astronomy and natural history gave artist Elise Mahan the inspiration to begin creating open-ended mixed media art projects, from which she can educate children of all ages.  She believes every painting provides a chance for artists to draw upon ethereal elements that explore texture and pattern.

Co-author and professional writer D.R. McElroy has a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture as well as a Master of Science in Environmental Resources. She has been pursuing work in the field of English for ten years and now lives in Michigan.

 My Thoughts:

Two of my favorite interests are wrapped up into this book by Elise Mahan and D.R McElroy, constellations and watercolor! As an art teacher, I knew I needed to add this book into my collection. Firstly, the art is so incredible. Gorgeous soft colors that just jump off of the page with every turn. It's relaxing to look at. I loved the information shared about each astrological sign, moon phases, along with the constellation shapes. It is perfect for anyone that is interested in learning more about the zodiac or an avid reader on all things astrology.

My favorite part though was certainly the projects. Each step was easy to understand and produced a beautiful outcome. They share the ideal colors to make to match their project, something I have not seen in other books I've had. It also shared the types of tools you may need to produce it.

Ultimately, this is a wonderful book that I highly recommend for any artist in your life and/or anyone you know interested in the constellations and moon phases. This book is going to be in my collection for a long time for my own projects and for my students.

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Chamilia Zodiac Charm Review

This season, Chamilia announced that it is releasing 12 new zodiac charms. The collection is separated into categories representing the four classic elements of water, earth, air and fire. The double-sided charms are highly crafted in sterling silver and feature a symbol of the zodiac sign represented on one side and the image of an artistic interpretation of that symbol along with a banner bearing the name of the sign on the reverse. Each charm comes with messaging that offers Chamilia’s version on the charm’s meaning and is available for $40 MSRP.


WATER
Scorpio—This charm features a detailed image of a scorpion taking aim, and its packaging includes the message: “Still waters run deep.” This insightful motto is Scorpio’s own. Intense and independent, you have a magnetic pull that is impossible to resist.
Pisces—This charm shows the traditional fish playfully swimming in opposite directions, and its packaging includes the message: Pisces is the essence of quietude, taking it all in. Perceptive, sensitive, receptive, and intuitive, you are known for compassion and selflessness too.
Cancer—This charm reveals a delightful crab, and its packaging includes the message: There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to Cancer. Even though you are full of contradictions and mystery, your loyalty, dependability, and caring shine through.

EARTH
Capricorn—The artistic representation on this charm combines the symbols of the goat and the cornucopia, and its packaging includes the message: Hardworking Capricorns embody the most rock-solid Earth-sign qualities. Your responsibility, patience, resourcefulness, and devotion will see you through.
Taurus—This charm reveals a playful bull dancing with the stars, and its packing includes the message: What some call determined, others call dependable and persistent. Taurus’s generosity is exceeded only by loyalty, and those are very bullish traits, indeed.
Virgo—This charm features a braided maiden glancing at a garden, and its packaging includes the message: Virgos are known for remarkable intuition. You are also prized for practicality, reliability, and your uncanny ability to mine the depths of human nature.

AIR
Gemini—This charm reveals a silhouette of twins under the sun and moon, and its packaging includes the message: As a multifaceted Gemini, you skillfully size up situations and often take positive action. Energetic, clever, imaginative, witty and adaptable—you are a joy to know.
Libra—This charm gives a representation of the traditional scales under delicate floral blossoms, and its packaging includes the message: Your balance and stability help you shine as a master negotiator, diplomatic connector and good partner. Add in an understanding nature and a love of peace—that’s compassionate Libra.
Aquarius—This charm offers an artistic representation of the water bowls associated with this sign, and its packaging includes the message: You are among the visionaries of the zodiac. By turns inventive, original, unconventional, and contemplative, your humanitarian nature and loyalty help forge lasting friendships.

FIRE
Leo—This charm sports a mighty lion’s head with crown, and its packaging includes the message: Leos are confident and brave, with a zest for life and a flair for the dramatic. You are a natural-born leader yet possess a warmth of spirit. Through it all, you never settle for second best.
Aries—This charm shows a close-up image of a ram’s head with regal horns, and its packaging includes the message: Always ready for a challenge, you are courageous, commanding and full of life, as a leader with energy and dynamism to spare.
Sagittarius—This symbol offers a representation of an archer’s bow against the night sky, and its packing includes the message: Sagittarius’s arrow points toward hope, freedom, and truth. Ruled by Jupiter, you can be outspoken, jovial in spirit, with an adventurous, wide-open nature.

Our Thoughts

I love anything to do with the Zodiac and elements. I use my Cancer symbol quite often in drawings and quirky online names (even in my personal email) so I was very pleased to have the opportunity to review this charm. It's not heavy at all but it looks as sturdy as a heavy piece of iron. In the picture above it shows the charm on different necklace chains and I like how Chamilia shows that because this piece really does fit multiple styles. It can even be hung on a black cord and look nice (if you're using it as a necklace).

My Cancer charm came with a cute card in a clear envelope that has the corresponding elemental saying on it. I am very close to my zodiac sign and I whole heartedly believe I fit the bill for what the water element depicts as well. It's nice to have a reminder that I can look at and see what this charm represents and the personal meanings it has to me as well.

The zodiac charm can be kept safe and secure in the little box it came in. It's oval shaped and bright green, matches well with the card and the whole ensemble is just put together in a very fashionable way. All of Chamilia's items are beautifully made, see below some other amazing items they offer.

This Flex Bangle is stunning, looks like some high dollar item you would see a celebrity wearing to the Oscars, but this is completely affordable. This is just one of many amazing bracelets they have.

I have recently fallen in love with all things feather and as I was browsing through the Chamilia website I stumbled upon this beauty. Absolutely stunning, I just love the elegance of this necklace!

 And look at the earrings to match!!!

Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

Reviewed by Jackie