Featured Artist | Leaca Young
Now more than ever, it’s important to stay connected at a safe distance. So we (digitally) invited Alaska-based, mixed media artist Leaca Young to share her Happy Mail Flowers project with us, which is guaranteed to make those who receive it smile and feel loved.
As an extra treat, Leaca was kind enough to create a printable artwork for Chalkola that you can download for free. Enjoy the tutorial she’s written for us below, and we hope this brings you joy and inspires you to create a Happy Mail Flowers project of your own.
Right now is the perfect time to send a friend or a family member a little joy, so I created a printable artwork to use with Chalkola Watercolor Brush Pens.
Materials used:
- Printable artwork
- Chalkola Watercolor Brush Pens
- Paint brushes or use the brushes included with the pens
- Scissors
- Sewing machine, glue, or stapler
- 4X6 envelope
Steps:
- Color the printable artwork with Chalkola Watercolor Brush Pens, letting each layer dry before adding another. I like to add the color in two ways–either add water to the area I want to paint or go right in with the pen.
- Cut the pieces out. I tend to leave space around the art but you can cut directly on the line. I have included three separate words/phrases; choose the salutation you would like to use.
- Sew or glue the word on the face of the flower pot.
- Sew or glue the front and back of the flower pot around the edge of the sides and bottom. Leave the top open.
- Add the botanicals to the flower pot.
- Now it is ready to be placed in an envelope and sent off to someone you love.
Excited to send out your own Happy Mail Flowers? Let's get to it!
Just click on the printable below to download:
Get to know Leaca Young
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a mixed media artist living in Alaska with my husband and dog.
How long have you been an artist? Do you have a story behind it?
When I was young my mom would take us on road trips and forget the trip treats but always remember the art supplies. I don’t remember a time that I was not creating.
What’s your favorite art technique and medium?
I love to draw. It takes dedication and practice but it always pays off. Anyone can do it with a little practice. I have stashes of doodles and sketches. I save them and use them later in art journals or happy mail. Favorite medium is tough. It would be easier to say I never use oil paints.
What inspires you as an artist?
Nature and graffiti artists. It’s weird because my art isn’t graffiti-like. I’m surrounded by mountains and they remind me of Basquiat’s crowns. He lived in New York City but I see his work and others in the nature around me. Botanicals are my greatest inspiration though. If I’m stuck and can’t create I walk in the wilderness around me and I find my inspiration there.
What advice can you give on how to find inspiration for art and creating?
Create everyday. Daily practice is going to unlock your gifts. I try to create something everyday. I never leave home without a small journal with me.
What’s your preferred Chalkola product to work with and why?
The watercolor pens. They are perfect for layering over my drawings.
Find more of Leaca's beautiful and inspiring artworks here:
Instagram: @leacayoungart
Website: leacayoungart.com
