michelle ward

done!

The final report card came in.  Fallon's highest marks ever.  Pretty good considering some seniors tend to slack off as the year winds down.  At college orientation we learned that parents aren't given access to grades.  ???  You'd think that signing your name on tuition checks might give you some privileges but it's time to let them fly, and trust that they'll continue to do well and communicate with you.  I'll be filing away this last report, with some of the other remarkable items I've saved over the years.  Onward we go!

 

 

 

We are so proud of you Fallon - bravo!  

Had a great time with family last weekend.  Mom and Dad, John and Renee, and my nieces Morgan, Mackenzie, and Meg joined us to celebrate Fallon's graduation.  We spent a day at the shore, rode some terrifying rides, got in the ocean, and enjoyed walking the refurbished boardwalk.  As the slogan on the airwaves keeps reminding and reassuring us:  We are stronger than the storm.  There's still alot of work to be done following superstorm Sandy but it was wonderful to see the crowds filling up the beach.

Summer is here!  Be well and behave ;) 

cut and peel

I'm pre-programming this post because this week we have family visiting and tonight is Fallon's graduation.  I will be back with photographic evidence of that in a few days, but for now here is more cardboard manipulation.  If you are in Jersey, or nearby, you might be interested to come take my Debris Journal workshop at CREATE - NJ either Thursday, July 18th or Saturday, July 20th.  That's one month away - can't wait!!  I will be teaching four days plus vending on the Friday night.  Hope you'll join us.

 

 

some stuff from my table

I'm still playing with cardboard.  Here's something I tried this weekend.  I traced the stencil onto the cardboard panel, then cut and lifted out the negative.  I was so excited by the concept that I wasn't so careful about the cuts and used a chunky blade.  I may have done better with a finer knife but who has time to look for one when you're ready to try something?  Don't forget that stencils aren't just for paint and spackle - they are cool with pencils and knives too.

As I've mentioned, when I'm behaving, I store my stencils in page protectors in 3-ring binders.  When I'm not behaving I toss them all into a large clear rubber bin.  But as John Shaw once said, some of my stencil designs do not play well with others (lots of parts that can get tangled) so I do try to separate.  At Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago I found this presentation portfolio.  Couldn't be more perfect for my new Gothic Collections stencils and masks!  Come on, HCIT?

 

Speaking of the new collection, I've had new customers who are asking what to do with unmounted rubber sheets.  There are lots of ways to use them - temporarily mount on acrylic blocks, or if you are a grab-and-go girl, then you might like my method.  I use thick foam as a mount as it provides the cushion necessary for a good impression, and it is grab-able, similar to a wood mount.  Just pay attention when you are cutting the foam so you have a nice straight line where the rubber ends for aligning on your stamped surface.  Here's a quick tutorial:

 

Gothic Collection stencils, masks, stencil/mask sets, and rubber stamps available at GreenPepperPress.com

cool tools

I've been enjoying the slow collection of vintage tools.  So many of our devices are plastic, that it's really nice to come across an old once-loved and well-used tool for my studio.  The tracing wheels are terrific for rolling in paint and then frolic up a page, or better yet, poking through a corrugated cardboard surface.  The newer ones aren't as pokey, with much smoother edges on the wheel.  The old ones may not be safe but they can assist you to do cool stuff.  The awls are so nice to hold, and they force nice holes.  I am so happy to have a toolbox that is filling up with these treasures.

 

Inspired by Louise Nevelson's monochromatic assemblages with emphasis on shadows, I have been manipulating surfaces in cardboard as part of demo sample for the Debris Journal workshop in July.  Similar to working in altered books, where I believe it is much more interesting to alter the text and minimally modify the page with subtle markings versus full-on coverage with paint and collage material, I think that starting a cardboard journal should be all about how to respect the material and then determine methods of achieving interest with clever cuts, folds, and punctures.  Below you can see some examples I'm preparing - the die-cut circles and the bull-nose corners were part of a cardboard package.  I can never resist unusual findings when it comes to cardboard as they make for great pages in the journal. 

 

 

 

Below is another vintage tool - a man-made protractor for determining angles.  Some person scored in these lines with precision.  Amazing, don't you think?  Found on ebay about ten years ago!

I love that these tools belonged to someone.  I love that there must be stories about how they were used.  I really wish I could rub the wood and learn the history.  Since I can't do that I will just carry the artisan in my heart when I'm working with their tools.

Summer Games 2013

It was an action-packed weekend!  The rain shut down the opening ceremonies Friday night for the Special Olympic Summer Games, but the remainder of the weekend was perfect for the event.  Many athletes and their families enjoyed two full days of competition and awards.  Thank you to our Piscataway Chiefs coaches, and the hundreds of volunteers who make this such an amazing experience.

 

Prom 2013

It rained heavily all day, but there was a radiant glow coming from her.....she wanted old school Hollywood glamour....pretty, right?

in the bag....

It's been quiet here on the blog.  I've been active in the studio wrapping up the last phase of an overhaul by clearing up piles, putting things back into drawers or on shelves, and bagging lots of old stuff - unused supplies that will be donated, unwanted clutter that is clogging up the space, and unfinished projects I'm releasing by discarding.  It feels good to see the bags fill up by the back door.  I've accumulated a small stash of debris that will go in my journal - clippings that I can't part with because they are part of a narrative of my creative journey.  While I dislike blocking off time to devote to getting organized, I love the results.  More space opens up on my table and in my mind.  The process allows me to experience closure.  A re-evaluation takes place, and I am clear about the direction I'm heading.  I can part with materials that used to hold value because they no longer fit with what I'm interested in doing. 

As we wind down the final weeks of school, I'm feeling a mixture of nostalgia, completion, and pride.  There are lots of activities - like tonight, where I accompanied Fallon to the Art Show at the high school.  She had several pieces hanging up from her Graphic Design class and her Photographic Design class.  The exhibit was amazing - I love seeing the efforts of all the students, and got to thank the teachers for encouraging my daughter's creativity.  This Friday is prom, then graduation on the 20th.  This precious little thing, who arrived last to complete our family, is gliding right into this milestone with grace and charm and old-soul-wisdom. 

 

 

The bags below are holding the dresses she'll be wearing to the two events.  It's a very special time, made even more exciting as she has registered for her first semester of college classes.  I'll be back with prom pics in a few days.