Things are heating up for our summer 2022 issue, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you next month! But until then, let’s get excited about the month of May. Even before we get to the double digits this month, there are so many fun things to celebrate: International Scrapbooking Day, of course, but also May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Derby Day, and Mother’s Day! I am here for ALL of it.
For my post today I want to focus on Cinco de Mayo. Many Americans think of the day as an excuse to consume tacos and tequila. While I’m not opposed to that, I have a different outlook entirely. Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is such an inspiration to me, and in 2019 I had the great fortune to visit her Blue House in Mexico City with my brother and sister.
When they say La Casa Azul (The Blue House), they are NOT kidding. It is so, so blue, and I absolutely LOVE bright colors. Here you can see photos I took of the entrance. Which leads me to my first card!
In honor of this brilliant artist, I recreated the entrance (in a simplified way) and put together this super fun paper doll version of Frida with Hero Arts Lifestyle dies, watercolor paper, and Copic markers.
Frida contracted polio at six and later was the victim of a terrible bus accident that fractured her pelvis (among other things) leading to a long convalescence. And it was then that she used art to soothe her maladies. She drew and painted fantastical things on her body cast to pass the time. Standing in her house seeing her paints and paintings was quite simply monumental!
In searching for Frida Kahlo craft products, I found this fun stamp from Stamping Bella, and I used Polychromos colored pencils from Faber Castell to color her. Like Frida, I like to spend time doing things that feed my soul. Crafting has definitely done that for me, and I bet you feel the same way!.
Before I go, I wanted to share one more photo from the Frida Kahlo Museum—I didn’t fool with the saturation one bit. It is THAT blue. And I highly recommend you visit there some day!
Happy May, and Happy Cinco de Mayo!
I hope to visit there some day.
I recently read a biography of her which was a picture book. She chose such vibrant colors.
Wonderful photos and blog post! Thank you! Love the card also, adorable! Happy Cinco De Mayo to you and yours as well!
Love that you got to visit her house. Great cards.
Happy Cinco De Mayo! thanks for sharing those photos and card. Great inspirations!