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Creative Costume Ideas

Creative and Fun Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. As a kid, I loved dressing up and getting free candy. As an adult, I love dressing up and giving free candy. The best part has always been the costume. Who doesn’t love having the opportunity…
Pencil Crafts

Pencil Crafts Just in Time for the Holidays

If creativity was a play, the pencil would be the assistant director. The pencil works behind the scenes as a vehicle for creativity to move from the mind to the page. It brings sketches, drawings, stories, and poetry to life and watches them…
Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes: My Soul Grows Deep Like the Rivers

Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri on February 1st 1902. Most prominently known for his exemplary writing and contributions to the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes has left a lasting impression on American Literature. Hughes was…

Pencil Artist of the Week: Greg Stout

This week's featured pencil artist is Greg Stout, a penciler and graphic designer (and much, much more) living in Sunnyvale, California. Greg was born in Lewiston, Idaho where his interest in art began when he was eight years old. He studied…
Poetry writing tips

Writing Tips and Techniques for Poets

Writing is not a formulaic activity, and that is precisely what makes it such a valuable activity. It's an act that requires more imagination than rigid doctrine, and this flexibility is what makes possible the potential for poets to innovate…
Writing TIps

Writing Tips: Always Bring Two Pencils On a Plane

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On Saturday, The Atlantic Monthly posted a list of ten rules for writing by renowned author Margaret Atwood. As a die-hard pencil fanatic, I was of course glad to see my favorite writing utensil take the top two spots in this list of writing…
Books for Teens

The Perks of Being a Teenager: Our Must-Read Books for Teens

I am not a Twi-hard. While I applaud Stephanie Meyer for her creative re-imagining of vampires, that's about all I can applaud her for. I mean, come on - the sparkly bad boy who took off without a word gets the girl while the supportive good…

Drawing Lessons: It All Starts With A Mark

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In this entry into Diane Wright's drawing lessons, Diane explores the different types of marks you can make using a pencil. The anticipation of making that first mark on a blank sheet of paper for me is exciting.  Each mark builds upon the…

Comic Book Writers and Artists to Follow

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So much goes into the creation of a great comic book. From developing a great storyline, to creating memorable characters, to the meticulous work of penciling and inking each frame, comic book publishers have their hands full producing artwork…
Native American Folktales

Keeping Up with the Coyote: Native American Folktales

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What Are Folktales For? Even if you’re not very familiar with Native American folktales, you’ve probably heard of Coyote. He’s the sly, cunning trickster figure who outwits the other characters in Navajo mythology. Crow is his usual victim,…