michelle ward

happy leap day

I borrowed these images from my post four years ago....love the leap theme quotes.  Makes me want to get on a trampoline.  And spend the day in the studio.  So that's what I'll do.  The studio I mean...we took down our tramp a few years ago.

 

 

I heart cardboard

While we are talking about things we love for Crusade No. 60, I have to declare my love for cardboard.  I got to thinking about it the other day when I saw this dumpster outside the pizza place we go to every Friday.  I must see it every week but for some reason it got my attention - Cardboard Only.  I was so tempted to poke my head in to see what might be in there.  I wasn't interested in the pizza boxes, I wanted to see if there were those divider things you get in a case of soda or beer.  I love the circle indents - they make great pages.

EDIT:  I forgot to include the last spread...now I have to finish the back cover and add some type of closure device.

I've started a new photo album - see sidebar on right - for my cardboard page journals. 

 

I {heart} cardboard!

 

 

debris from tuscan horizons

I was watching Letters to Juliet recently and loved being transported to Italy.  Part of my journey took me beyond Verona to the hills of Tuscany, speckled with rows of trees that hold down the horizon.  I had to cut new shapes - stencils and stamps - so I could investigate how to incorporate the trees in my work.  Here is some of the debris from my table left behind after painting a few new pieces for an article...

Want to start a debris journal of your own?  Join me at CREATE in July!

Registration for Create NJ - TODAY!

Beginning today (2/16) at 2:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time, registration will begin for the first CREATE event in New Jersey.  It's been a long time since we have had a creative gathering of this magnitude here.  Looks to be alot of fun.  Hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE for details.

happy valentine's day

I spent some time this morning clearing the debris from my work table.  Lots of remnants to scoop up and throw away....or wait, put in my journal! 

 

And because it's Tuesday...one more page.  This took three minutes as I saved the lovely details from a Linda Warlyn package - she always adds the most special embellishments and I treasure them by saving on a page. 

My friends *get* me, don't they?  I have a beautiful stack of cards today...AND A DOZEN RED ROSES.  What a terrific surprise!  Back in college my friend Anne used to give me the same card every year..."hope your Valentine's Day is less pathetic than mine".   It wasn't meant to be serious, just a statement about the unreasonable pressure this day can bring.  Take the pressure off - share your love.  It will come back to you.

Sending my love to you.  Happy Valentine's Day.

lots of love

I first found the scribbler site in 2007 (see post here).  Had alot of fun messing around over there and it revived my interest sketching off screen.  I just learned they have an updated version, equally as fun and addictive.  Visit HERE to give it a go.

Have you made your Valentine's yet?  I'm still finishing mine.  Love the new LOVE stamp, don't you?  Designed by Louise Fili, see site HERE.  Imagine your design on a postage stamp?  Very cool.

 

 

And before today is over.....

 

 

ruby tuesday and crusade no. 60

It's been a while since I've posted Ruby Tuesday journal pages.  I still work on them....sometimes working out ideas for art, and sometimes just collecting debris from my studio table and even the kitchen counter.  These spreads are to support the latest crusade, No. 60 ~ I HEART (fill in the blank).  You know I love stencils and masks.  I sometimes forget you can simply use them with pens or pencils (right)...not always necessary to get them wet.  However, when you do use paint be sure to flip over for a monoprint (left). 

 

And after much taste-testing I'm finding that I really <3 Dark Magic....no, not the sinister kind, the K-cup kind.  There are others I do enjoy, but this one is my favorite this week so it went in my journal.  That's why we do pages like this...so we can recall and reflect on things we love/loved.

 

To learn more about the current crusade, click on over and come play with us.  HERE.

 

rolling out another bit of news

In addition to my workshop at Valley Ridge, and the two in New Jersey, I am coming to Colorado in April!  My friend Nancy Brill, has made the arrangements for a three day event in Lafayette, just north of Denver.  I love extended workshops - it's a time to devote yourself completely to the process with a community of like-minded artists.  We learn as much from each other as we do from the class agenda because that's what happens when there is a gathering of eager, enthusiastic, curious beings.  To learn more about the workshop, the venue, and the registration details, visit my page HERE.  EDIT:  this class has been cancelled. 

Have a fun Superbowl Sunday.  Graham's Eagles and my Saints aren't in so we have to go with the home town boys.  Go Giants!

 

good news, more news, and nests

Guess what arrived today?  The new rubber!  I am packing with wild energy - so fun to see the new images, love sealing up the envelopes, and checking off the pre-order list.  Thank you for your patience dear customers.  Packages will depart first thing in the morning.

For locals, or those willing to travel, the CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in New Jersey site went live today!  Wow - lots of terrific classes and instructors.  There will be a vendor night too.  I'm teaching Friday (7/20)and Saturday (7/21).  There is alot to scroll through on the Create site.  If you want a quick look at my classes you click over HERE. 

Registration begins Thursday, February 16th at 2pm Eastern Time.  Hope to see you there!  For all the details, click HERE.

 

The current Somerset Studio issue is January/February 2012.  My column, Make It Your Own, is about altering items we find in a craft store becuase we can, and because we feel like being creative.  The supply lists and brief project descriptions were omitted so I am posting here. 

If you look at the magazine it appears the red egg nest is larger or the same size as the turquoise egg nest but actually it is way way smaller.  Looks super cool next to my crows and ravens that are set out at Halloween.

The next crusade was going to be posted today but I'm busy packing rubber so I will get it up tomorrow.