by Kathy Gulrich
 

I often bump into things that I think are really cool, but not necessarily related to a class I'm teaching, or an article I'm writing. 

Halloween seemed the perfect excuse to toss them into the mix, and share.

The tricks and treats are not in any particular order.  Which, again, seems pretty appropriate for Halloween.  I do love this holiday!

Hope you'll find at least a couple of things that tickle your fancy. 
 

TREAT:  Your Artwork on Holiday Cards

You know those holiday cards with mom, pop, the kids (and the dog) and the Christmas tree?  How about the same card, but with a great photo of your artwork, instead? 

You can order these cards fairly inexpensively (about $13 for a box of 20; less if you order more) - and get some free prints, to boot - at snapfish.
 

TRICK or TREAT for UNICEF

Kids in the US have been collecting change in the orange UNICEF Halloween boxes for more than 50 years..  But you don't have to be a kid to support children in need through UNICEF.  And it doesn't have to be Halloween!

Check out the UNICEF website, where you can make a donation, or purchase one of their products, any time of year.
 

TRICK - Save Money on Framing

If your artwork is often on paper, you can save quite a lot on framing by using frame-friendly paper sizes.

First, check out which standard, ready-made frame sizes are closest to your usual work.  Then choose paper that fits that size when you DO your work.  When your work is finished, you can just pop it into the standard, less expensive frame.  (It'll be faster, too!)
 

TREAT Your Artist Soul

When's not a good time to treat your artist soul to something fabulous?!? 

If you're looking for some inspiration, I recommend The Art Spirit, by Robert Henri. 

Although written for visual artists, I think it speaks to all artists and creative people. Open to any page, and you'll find something that seems to be written just to you. 

For a quick link to the book at amazon.com, click here.
 

TREAT Someone Special to an Artwork Gift

This holiday season, think about giving your artwork as gifts to some very special people on your gift list.

They'll love it.  You'll love having your work appreciated.  And it's a great way to get your work out there, for other people to see.
 

TREAT Yourself to Some smART Stuff

Have you wandered around the smART Learning Center website lately?  A lot of cool things have been added:

    * Did you know I've written a book?  Yep.  It's called "187 Tips for Artists: How to Create a Successful Art Career - and Have Fun in the Process!"  Here's where you can read more about it. 

    * smART Resources has links to helpful websites, art and business suppliers, books, and more - often with discounts or FREE offers for artists.  Check it out here. 
 

TRICK:  Do Something Scary.  Often.

If you really want to be successful, it's a great idea to get in the habit of stretching out of your comfort zone - regularly.

How?  Well, you could introduce yourself to a gallery owner, or an artist you've never met. 

You could make today the day you tell someone (for the first time?) that you're an artist. 

Ask a question in an art class.  Double the price of one of your pieces just for the heck of it.  Ask a friend to critique your work.  Do a watercolor painting on your most expensive paper.

Just decide what you're going to do - and do it.

If it scares you a little, that's good sign (it is Halloween, after all...).