michelle ward

pinch me: punches!

I'm a sucker for punches.  I won't even tell you how many drawers I have filled with them.  Both Judi and Lisa picked up this Martha Stewart Graveyard punch for me....I have been waiting for it to come out but my store doesn't have them yet.   How cool to have friends that look out for you *wink* (You can find them at Michaels.)  It is a new format - still a border punch with the extended image there so you can line it up, but the extension folds up for easier storage.  Speaking of that - the new EK punches have a fancy little button underneath so you can clip the top to lay flat.  Makes it easier to get more in my drawer!

 

And can I get a *swoon* for those crosses?  Especially that tiny one!  (Found via ebay) They are going to be perfect for my Stairway to Heaven class in October.   

I am inspired by this shirt I got for Fallon.  The colors are glorious, and the random copper crosses really got my attention. 

I'm off the Channel and Filter.  (What's that?  Channel the inspiration, then run through my Filters to Make It My Own on a journal page.) 

more xoxo

How cool is Robin?  She sent this keychain....just because.  XOXO back atcha Robin.

 

Earlier this summer I ordered these new images from Stampotique.  I don't draw people...but if I did I would want to be Daniel Torrente when I grow up.  The XOXO (by artist Amy Wilson Wellenstein) is FAB don't you think?   

 

I don't like this time of year.  Summer is winding down.  The school season is about to begin.  Long days with everyone around will become weekends only.  I've been enjoying Just Being.  Time with friends, time with family.  Trying to wrap up some new designs for fall release but since I'm my own boss I'm not stressing over it, Just Enjoying It.  Pre-production is always the funnest time.  It's when you get all your ideas.  Some become reality, some go in the journal for future use.  It's all good.  You'll be the first to know when I'm done.

playful and illusive

 

I love when a friend surprises me with a book, especially when it's one I haven't seen.  Recently, Judi gave me this one  - Playful Type, which is soon to come out in paperback.  If you enjoy lettering of all kinds then you might want to give this one a peek. 

Also about to launch:  Illusive 3.  I loved 1 & 2 so I will totally get 3.  I really enjoy these publications from Gestalten.com as they are simply full of art, no wordy explanations.  They give us views of artists who we might not otherwise meet, and leaves it up to us to further investigate, if interested, through the resource page.