michelle ward

boo!

 

I was looking through some old Halloween files, and found these...from 2006 when these GPP stamps first came out.  It's been a while since I've stamped....when was the last time you did?  

Have a fun Halloween - love that it's a Friday!!

 

make mine fake please

This photo is proof of what happens to our pumpkins in this neighborhood.  Some years we carve elaborate faces and the warm days encourage mold growth and shriveling before Halloween even arrives.  We will also notice that a grin is altered by little creatures - sometimes adding to the grimacing appeal, but often ruining a perfect composition of eyes and teeth.  This year we hadn't even sharpened the knives, and our prize pumpkins became a meal for a furry intruder.  Each day they became scarier and scarier in appearance as you can see.  

We've been collecting faux pumpkins, and have invested a few afternoons for adding marks with Sharpies and paint pens.  This year's crop isn't ready for a photo shoot so I will revisit a few from previous Halloweens - still looking smart.....no bitemarks in these!  Maybe you'll try painting the fakes...there is still time!

 

 

 

 

no-bake gingerbread house....yep, cardboard!

For several years I've been infatuated with cardboard.  The truth about any supply or substrate: the more you use it, the more you learn.  Since cardboard is a plentiful supply, it is always within reach, and you can try all kinds of things with it.  There's nothing precious about it....trial and error is a good thing.  The only thing you need is a fresh set of blades and some imagination.  After writing articles about using cardboard, including matchboxes and small kraft boxes, for more than a year in my column for Somerset Studio, I thought the year end finale would be the perfect place to show off my Gingerbread House.  

I've been wanting to make one like this for a while, and finally got around to it.  As I say in the article, it doesn't take any less time to make versus bake, but it will last alot longer.  I planned ahead, and have hinged openings in the back, with little shelves behind each window, to accommodate a battery operated votive.  HCIT!

 

 

My scallop and stone stencils were the perfect tool to create shingles and a brick fireplace.  I have to admit I kinda knew that when I was designing them.  I know, it's early for thinking about Christmas decorations....I'm just putting out Halloween stuff....but it's the time of year when days fly by.  Let me know if you make one of your own!

 

 

 

recycling at its best!

I had the pleasure of teaching two workshops in New York City last weekend.  Hosted by The Ink Pad, and the terrific Anna and Barbara, we met at the fabulous community center, and spread out our piles of collected cardboard then made some really cool relief sculptures and journals.  Sadly, I didn't get any "under construction" photos of Sunday, but I witnessed some really awesome pages.  It's so fun to work on projects in a real-life class as the group environment is so inspiring - you get to see the discoveries each individual makes because they are at-work, and in-the-moment, where the magic happens.  We all get motivated and encouraged as we progress through the process, each of us in our own way.

 

First up, What A Relief.  The title is two-fold, we were building dimensional corrugated sculptures, with deliberate cuts, peeling, and piercing to create relief with shadow and texture....but it was likely a relief to only have to bring a minimal collection of supplies.  A knife, cutting mat, pencil, glue....that is all you need to churn out some really cool stuff.  After the pieces were nearly completed, we placed them under glass.  Nothing is more validating than to see your efforts elevated with a frame.  Well done girls!!

 

 

 

 

Next was DeComposition Journal.  I've taught variations of this class before - one of my favorites, as each artist takes on their own specific direction.  Because of the location, we were able to do some fun stuff that I usually only do at home - not easy to replicate in a classroom.  We poured scented wax into the corrugated grooves - with the assistance of a candle, we burned edges of pages - thanks to access to a sink, and we stepped outside to do some super fun spray painting with stencils.  Swoon!  Thanks for joining me - I can't tell you how much fun it was to see all of you crank out such great stuff.  

I've got more ideas of how to use this non-precious and plentiful supply.  Stay tuned for more cardboard art classes next year!

 

 

Up next:  the grand finale to A Year of Cardboard,  with my column for Somerset Studio.

it's good to get out

How about these lovely fall days?  Just beautiful.  Last weekend we were at the shore for a wedding.  Perfect!  It's good to get out....change your view, see some things.  Inspiration is all around us, especially when we step away from routine and allow for a day "off".  Last month I was in San Diego for a workshop, then visited with a dear friend who treated me to all kinds of visual delights.  Earlier this summer I met with good friends at the Grounds for Sculpture in NJ, another feast for my eyes.  I will be going back to see the Michael Graves exhibit soon.  Feeling stuck, unmotivated, need some juice to get back on the creative train?  Get out!

I'm getting out this weekend....teaching two cardboard workshops in New York.  There's still room for you if you need an outing :)