michelle ward

more B&K

More pages from my Black&Kraft journal.  I've prepared a tutorial on Constructing and DeConstructing cardboard as a journal for Stampington's blog.  See that HERE.  It's a companion to my column in the recent Somerset Studio.  In the right sidebar albums you can see more of my cardboard journal pages.  (If you're reading through a feed, click HERE for the album).  I need to get it updated, but there is alot to see there.  Sneak peek below of some stencils that will debut soon ;)

Thanks for all the birthday wishes!  I had a terrific week of celebrating - a good start to a year of being 50!  And the roses are now in full bloom - hundreds of them came out this week.  I'm a lucky girl. 

Only six weeks until CREATE NJ kicks off!  I'm preparing lots of stuff for the workshops and vendor night.  Hope to see you there!!

 

 

more Crowning Glories

Last weekend was the second edition of our Crowning Glories workshop.  It was another spectacular event.  I can't wait to show you the evidence of creativity, for now here is the fabulous group of women who joined us in Connecticut.  Lynne and I are already conjuring up plans for next year, with the same weekends booked at the Inn.  Can't wait!  Thanks to all the artists who attended and immersed themselves in art-making for three full days (and some even played long into the evening) in the most wonderful studio.  We hope to see you again!

 

 

firsts....for 2014

It's May!  One of my favorite months.  In addition to all the special dates that mark up the calendar, it is when things really start to bloom in the yard.  Today the lilacs opened up, and I found my first batch of four leaf clovers!  Next week I may see a rose!

May also means the start of Workshop Season, beginning with the second annual event with my friend and teaching partner Lynne Perrella. Last weekend we hosted Crowning Glories and it was an outstanding class, with remarkable women.  We met with lots of familiar faces and made a handful of new friends.  I love the ripple effect that occurs, and the positive energy that grows, as we march forward on a project, picking up new tricks and techniques along the way because we are invested in learning, sharing, and elevating our process of creating.  The enthusiasm was apparent, with each final outcome so personal and unique, as we set up an impromptu photoshoot to celebrate both the artist and their work.  I will share at a later date as we want to keep it a surprise until we've completed the encore class next weekend.  Thank you ladies for a memorable three days.  Looking forward to more Crowning Glories on Friday.

new article - old favorite

As you know, I've been playing with cardboard for quite a while.  If you're a regular here you've seen my cardboard journals (right sidebar photo album has some archived pages).  I think it's such a fabulous material to work with and I continually find new ways to push it's usefulness.  My May/June Somerset Studio column is about the journals, in particular a new Black & Kraft one.  Scroll down for previous sneak peeks, or if you're reading through a feed, click HERE.  Magazine on shelves May 1st.

I will be teaching two cardboard classes in NYC in October.  Visit www.TheInkPadNYC.com for details.  All my upcoming classes are posted in the left sidebar or you can click on WORKSHOPS at the navigation bar on top.  I will be teaching three classes in NJ in July, and I'm coming to San Diego for the first time in September, for San Diego Book Arts.

My apologies to visitors who got frustrated during the week as Typepad had issues on and off for several days.  I wasn't able to connect either!  Hopefully all is fixed and we won't experience outages again.  Happy to see things back up!

EDIT:  In late May, I was a guest blogger on Stampington's site.  I offered a tutorial on making your own cardboard journal.  In case you missed it I'm posting here, as well as in my Cardboard Journal album in the right sidebar.

 

one thing leads to another

I've been a fan of M.C. Escher for a long time....like before high school.  I added another book to the collection - a super fun flipbook, HERE.  I love how a familiar piece of work takes on a new form.  It got me thinking about a poster I've had rolled up for a while.  Metamorphosis II - it comes as 4 panels, 8.5" x 41" each.  I thought I would install around the ceiling line of my studio, but I never did it, and now my shelves go up so high it would hardly be visible.  The little flipbook gave me an idea, and the motivation, to alter the present state of the poster, and turn it into a book that I could hold in my hand. 

 

It took some manuevering to flatten out the rolls, match up the pattern and make the attachments so it was one loooooong panel, then measure and do a little math to arrive at a suitable division.  I left an extra flap at the leading edge so it could be tucked under a paper strip to hold in place within a cardboard portfolio.  The whole thing can be pulled out and still viewed in its full panoramic glory, but within the covers I'm enjoying savoring the details page by page.  One thing always leads to another!  This accordion generated more ideas....still in progress, I'll report in later :)

 

black and kraft

I'm knee deep in three different projects, and I haven't even started our taxes.  Yikes!  I handcut some new stencils today to test out before I send into production - can't wait to show you!!  For now, since I've been an absent blogger, I will give you a peek into my latest Debris Journal - I call this one Black & Kraft.  You can see more from this one in an upcoming article for Somerset Studio (May/June).  You can also take a class with me and make your own Debris Journal at the Ink Pad in New York City, October 19.  We'll be doing some fun stuff on the pages, like you see below - using stencils to make marks, and to peel away the top surface. 

Cardboard classes in NY

I'm excited to announce that I will be teaching two classes in October at The Ink Pad in New York City.  The subject:  cardboard, of course!  The first is What A Relief - thought it was a clever title since we will be building dimensional relief sculptures, but won't it be a relief to only have to bring a few tools to class?!  The second is DeComposition Journal.  If you've taken my Debris Journal you'll recognize that it is similar, but I have some new tricks to share, plus the added bonus is that the location of the workshop allows us to go outside and spray paint, and even light the page edges on fire.  Can't wait!  Hope you'll join me.

Registration is open today!

Cardboard Compositions

I've shown you some of the cardboard I've been collecting and hoarding, but I've been using it too!  In my recent column in Somerset Studio (March/April) you can see some of my relief sculptures.  The article opens with a sampler I created using all kinds of cardboard clippings and natural materials.  Similar to my "me first" style of journaling, this printer's tray makes me so happy to look at, plus it frees me up to use the remaining stash since I've saved a little piece of each offering for myself.  The article continues with some examples of my assemblages of dimensional, deliberate cuttings and piercings.  Influenced by the monochromatic works of Louise Nevelson, which she fashioned from found objects, then painted to let the shadows tell the story, I found a way to use my favorite supply, and made it my own.

I will be presenting workshops that focus on cardboard later this year.  If you're interested, stay tuned!

 

CREATE NJ - site is live!

The website for CREATE NJ went live today and registration begins TOMORROW!  I'm teaching three classes.  There are lots of fabulous offerings from twenty instructors.  Check it all out HERE.

On Wednesday, July 9th - the return of a class I've taught many times beginning ten years ago.  Roll With It is a painting class where many techniques get covered, and a 25 foot roll of paper is completed then assembled into a journal.  It's super fun because we review some techniques that either revive your love for painting or get you to become comfortable with it if you haven't gotten there yet.  The added bonus is how cool the page compositions turn out as we create the journal. 

Here are some of the rolls from a few years ago at Valley Ridge. 

On Thursday, July 10th I will be introducing a new class:  Color Collision.  Using just two colors of paint + black and white, we will build a palette of scales then put them to use with stencils to guide application.  Choice of placement can be random or deliberate, with subtle or contrasting transitions.  I love that you can generate so many options with just a few simple supplies.

Then Friday, July 11th - Compose Yourself.  This class evolved from an experience at last years event.  I began a workshop (Less is More...More or Less) with a quick composition lesson, using black and white images, scissors and a glue stick, meant to inform and motivate, but the exercise took on a life of its own and we spent way more time on it than I planned.  It was really cool to observe how everyone was engaged - so I built off that concept and developed this class.  In the ten years I've been teaching I have come to learn that artists still have questions about composition, so this is my answer.  Plus, won't it be nice to have a minimal supply list?  I can't wait for this one!

Hope to see you in Jersey!

olympic graphics

I'm fully into Olympic-watching mode....assuming you are too.  The opening ceremonies were theatrical, colorful, and fabulous.  Those dancing onion domes that became balloons were my favorite.  I love that in recent years both film and lighting have enhanced the performance. As I observe the various venues for skiing, skating, snowboarding, and other winter sports, I am amazed by the immense planning and building of each, and how graphic design is present and prevelant.  The  screenprinted banners are everywhere - on location, in town, on transport vehicles, jackets, athlete's numerical vests - it's a visual feast.  I had to do some research to find out the history of the emblem and the "look of the games".

The emblem, Sochi.ru, is by Christoph Marti, a Swiss member of the design team at Interbrand Agency.  I love that it is so simple, that it directs you to a comprehensive website, and that the "4" is a rotation of the "H".  Clever.  Read more about it HERE.  Below is the philosophy behind the graphics we are seeing everywhere.  You can see for yourself HERE.  More HERE.  I love that Bosco is honoring the tradition of folk arts and crafts with this quilt-like design. 

 

 

I found this amazing video clip.  There was no sound, and the text is Russian, but you are treated to a look through previous Olympic graphic details, then it goes on to WOW you with the evolution toward 2014.  Very cool. 

 

 

 

I'm looking forward to watching more of the competitions, plus all the sidebar pieces that will highlight all things Russian.  My friend Anne told me Mary Carillo has an upcoming feature on Faberge eggs, and I read there will be additional features on Vodka, and the TransSiberian Railway!  Loving this visit to Sochi.  Go team USA!

new stencils, a giveaway, and a hop

In 2011, it was a thrill and honor to be invited by Mary Beth Shaw to join her Stencil Girl team of designers.  Today, I am equally honored to introduce a new collection!  This series of stencils was inspired by contemporary and traditional stained glass windows.  The openings provide opportunity to fill with color or additional pattern.  Use as a stencil with your favorite medium or as a template to guide layouts for collage and journaling.  Scroll down to see some of the stuff I did with the large ones, then hop along to the SGP Design Team blogs to see their work with the smaller ones.  I can't wait to see what they came up with, and thank them for participating!

SPECIAL DEAL: There is a promotional special available TODAY ONLY for all eight of the new stencils - $67 (savings of $17).  Go to www.StencilGirlProducts.com

GIVEAWAY:  There is a giveaway on StencilGirlTalk (the SGP blog, click HERE) for some of the new stencils. All comments on the hop are eligible for the giveaway. The more blogs you comment on, the more chances you have to win. Leave a comment here to be eligible, then visit the hop links and leave a comment there too. 

EDIT:  Giveaway will close on Friday, January 31st Sunday, February 2nd at 11:59PM Central Time. 

CONGRATS to winners:  Sue Chesley (large stencils), Beth Figiel (Small stencils).  Thank you to everyone who came by to visit, leaving your comments, and for sharing the enthusiasm for the new series.  Also, a special thanks to Maria for organizing the hop.  That was fun!

 

Blog Hop Order  (each link opens a new window)

 

StencilGirl Talk

Michelle Ward YOU ARE HERE

Mary Beth Shaw

Linda Kittmer

Julie Snidle

Judy Shea

Leslie Tucker Jenison

Carolyn Dube

Mary C. Nasser

Janet Joehlin

Kirsten Reed

Maria McGuire

 

 

I really wanted to do more spraypainting but it's too cold outside and the paint didn't behave very well.  However, I did fall in love with the Dylusions Spray Ink by Ranger - so nice and opaque on black.  I am looking forward to Spring so I can go back outside with all these circles - they are awesome to layer, especially with spray paint.  I didn't even get out my Gelli Plate - I will try these stencils with that this week!

 

Visit StencilGirlProducts to see all the fabulous designs they sell, and to take advantage of the Special Deal 1/27 only.  These 8 will be available on GreenPepperPress.com later today. 

 

Thanks for stopping by!!  Don't forget to leave your comment for the giveaway!

 

 

monumental

Watching morning tv, I learned of some new books and of some movies being made from books.  There is so much I want to read, and so much to see!  (By the way, did you see Frozen?  I loved it!)  One that caught my attention is The Monuments Men.  Did you read this one?  Men and women risking their lives to save art during the war.  I clicked around and found the movie trailer.  It comes out in February.   Check your theaters for this one.  I'm looking forward to it.  I think I will send out for the book too.  Speaking of books....that's a little clue for my campaign you are invited to join in.  Might even call it a crusade.  Details later this week :) 

Links:  MonumentsMen.com, MonumentsMenFoundation.org  Lots of fascinating stuff, I was caught up on these sites for quite a while.

 

 

new reads and more crowning glories

It was a terrific Christmas and a nice few days of just enjoying family time.  Today I'm catching up on loose ends, wrapping up a few deadlines, and planning to do some reading.  A fabulous graphic book from Lynne looks amazing,  a cool book of architect's libraries from Santa, and a handful of magazines are piled on the table.  I've been hearing about Flow magazine (for paper lovers) from Lisa and Julie so I ordered from the Netherlands and they arrived in two days!

 

The Jan/Feb Somerset Studio arrived and like last year, Lynne and I collaborated on an article.  The title of our workshop Crowning Glories is not meant to be literal or limiting, and we each presented different ways you could interpret the title.  Lynne describes and illustrates how impressed she was at seeing pages on exhibit from The Persian Book of Kings.  For my part of the article I took on a self-imposed challenge to incorporate faces, something I rarely do, and found inspiration from playing iPad Solitaire!  Whether you're traveling to see something unique at a museum or gallery, or you're procrastinating on the couch while playing games, you can find new directions to influence your work.

 

I decided to leave my panels in black and white for the article, but I've been working additional pieces in color, which I will show you another time.  This design style has become addicting and I can't stop making them.  Here are the original four colorized in Photoshop.

 

And a reminder about our workshop, which is filling up!  I think there is only one spot left in the first weekend before we start the waiting list, and a handful of spots left in the second weekend.  If you are interested, email Lynne, lkperrella (at) aol (dot) com for the packet of details.

more windows

This year Bergdorf Goodman took on ICE as their running theme throughout the holiday windows.  The fabricated icicles look real, and even slightly wet, and must have been a huge project.  Frosty finishes might have been easier, but BG always goes the extra mile with amazing detail.  Their icy items are clear - amazing.  Halloween was my favorite - with the actual BG building as the main star, formerly a Vanderbilt mansion.  If you visit their blog, you can read more about the festivities of opening night, where they actually had a 'reveal' celebration of pulling back the curtain, with aerial acrobats descending the facade of the building.  Finally!  I love to see that they've claimed the event as an EVENT. 

The large and perfect photos I'm presenting here have been borrowed from the BG blog - credits to Ricky Zehavi.  I always wondered how she was able to get non-glare, non-skewed, stellar photos of the full windows.  Details about how she does it are shared HERE. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October arrivals

New arrivals this week - the latest Somerset Studio - Nov/Dec 2013, and Mary Beth Shaw's new book, Stencil Girl:  Mixed Media Techniques for Making and Using Stencils.  I'm very impressed with the book publisher - I got the book and the return of my art one day after the book release.  It's usually weeks before we get a copy! 

Thanks to all the new visitors to Green Pepper Press who ordered stencils and stamps after the exposure on the GelliArts blog.  Wasn't that an awesome video?  I've been filling and sending orders, and preparing packages to go out as soon as I get restock on my inventory.  After teaching and vending in Connecticut, then this promotion, my merchandise has been cleared out.  Crossing fingers that I get a nice big box from my manufacturer early next week so I can fulfill all the remaining orders and send them on their merry way.  Again, my thanks to Joan at Gelli for this opportunity.  I have been making lots of prints of my own - will post soon.  So here's the peek at the latest ink:

 

 

 

 

Giveaway - Gelli Style

Are you on trend and making prints with the Gelli plate?  It is a genius invention and superb product.  If you've been out of the loop you can catch up quick with a visit to GelliArts.com.  Joan's videos are so nicely done that you'll see how easy it is to pull cool prints from the plate, and the many many ways it can be used with stencils and with texture for your art-making. 

They are just launching a 8" round plate - swoon!  AND it can be won by entering their giveaway.  Pop over to the blog HERE, and leave a comment to be in the drawing.  Be sure to get in by October 22.  I am honored to have three of my Green Pepper Press frond stencil/mask sets included.  You gotta see what Joan did with them in her video demonstration and photos.  I've grabbed one to show you, below.  Don't you just want to lick it?  It's that delicious. 

I still think facebook should have a "lick" button alongside the "like" button *grin*.

 

Back from Art-Is-You

Last week my mom flew into town and we headed up to Stamford for our first Art-Is-You.  We had a great time together and loved meeting many new friends, and getting to connect with old ones.  It was also fun to finally attach real people to names and faces I've gotten to know online.  There is always something special about these artful gatherings - because we are there for art-making but the friendships forged over a shared experience end up being way more valuable than anything you could offer in the goodie bag or class kit.  I'm sure you'll agree, if you've attended a similar retreat, that while you might return home wiped out from all the activity, you are filled with a refreshed verve to keep the momentum and creative energy going.

I'm bummed that my camera remained in my apron pocket for most of the three days I taught...I don't even have one photo from Parlor Tricks.  I also missed getting the whole group for Linear Equations.  I've got all but one for Recess.  The day flies by and before you know it the supplies are being packed up, we hug goodbye, and I smack my head that the photos didn't get taken.  It should be a rule that you have to take a class photo before you break for lunch.  I'm writing that into my itineraries from now on.

 

Art-Is-You will be returning next year at four locations.  My next gig is at The Ink Pad in November for a two-day workshop with the teaching team of Mary Beth Shaw, Andrew Borloz, and Pam Carriker.  Then I have a break in the schedule until the two workshops I'm cohosting with Lynne Perrella in May.  You can read more about Crowning Glories HERE.

Thanks to all the wonderful artists who joined me in class last weekend.  It truly was a privilege to spend time with you. 

interview....and french toast

I've had the pleasure of being interviewed at Sissy Sparrows, a lovely site hosted by sister who are artists, and designers.  Read their About page, you'll instantly like them.  So envious - I wish I lived a street away from my sister, and could enjoy the same daily fun they get to share.  I love that they work together to create cool stuff, neat digital products, and a site that is full of encouragement and inspiration with their tutorials and challenges.  Hop over for a look, and bookmark them!  Thanks for having me ladies.

 

This just arrived today, (very early xmas) and I had to plug it in for morning toast.  Julie knows I'm a Saints fan....says 'Toast Your Team' right on the box.  She suggested BLT's this Sunday.  I'm thinking French Toast :)  Isn't this the coolest?  Thanks friend!

 

countdown to art-is-you

In one month I will be on the road to Connecticut to teach at my first Art-Is-You event.  I'm looking forward to attending this event - have heard great things about it.  I've met Sallianne, one of the co-hosts, and she is a doll.  This was news to me - they actually close registration in two weeks.  I love their philosophy that this will allow teachers to prepare their class materials, knowing the number of attendees.  I also love that they have shared the names of the students, and provided their email addresses so that we may begin communication.  Isn't that terrific?  I think that makes for a much more intimate experience, and gets everyone into event-mode.  So if you've signed up to take a workshop with me in October you will be hearing from me soon.  And if you've been on the fence about getting registered it's time to jump off and join the fun.  My mom is coming too!

Link:  Art-IsYou.com

Reminder: Crowning Glories

Just a reminder that if you are interested in registering for the Perrella/Ward Crowning Glories workshop, we will begin taking deposits September 1st.  Both classes filled up quickly last year.  The dates are May 2-4 or May 9-11, 2014.  Scroll down to see the full announcement, or if you're reading through a feed click HERE.

I've been sorting through files and finally moved some over onto the tutorial page which is still under construction.  I've completed carving stamps, cutting stencils, digital tricks, and mounting stamps.  More to follow at a later date.

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

sun dried paper

Before the sunny summer days are over, and the evening darkness starts to creep into the afternoons, I have a suggested project:  Paper Casting.  I've written an article about it for my column in Somerset Studio - the September/October 2013 issue should be arriving to your home, or your local bookstore soon.  It's not required to utilize the sun to dry your casts, but it certainly makes it more fun to have them dry quickly, so you can 'harvest' them and refill for more.

 

 

Since I took alot of photos to support this article I chose to edit and leave out a few - the embossing folder casts were cool, but they were fabricated in a different manner than all the other casts so I didn't include for the article.  I've been making and using paper casts for years, and have talked about them on this blog several times, but if you are new to the concept, perhaps the article will be useful....you know I love to advocate for Making It Your Own :)

 

 

gifted

Today is my friend Linda Warlyn's birthday.  It was exactly one year ago that I gifted her with the beginnings of a website.  Thanks to many of her friends, who answered the call to share their photos, I was able to launch the site in secret.  Across many years, several of us have been lucky recipients of Linda's precious work.  Believe me, these gems are keepers.  On the site you'll see evidence of her charming cards, generous gifts, figures and assemblages, and lovely items for swaps or collaborative projects - each meticulously detailed, full of magic, and recognizable to those who love and admire her work, as so very Linda.  She is a clever one - not only with her inventive compositions, and handsome displays, but in the manner in which she demonstrates that she gets you.  Her choice of color, her selection of subject matter, her insertion of little secrets, prove that she observes, listens, and never forgets.  And you should see how she wraps the offereings!  She is a master of details so I gave her website the tiny title "it's the little things". 

I had the best of intentions to keep up with additions to the site, as I have alot more images to share of Linda's work.  I thought I would roll out a big announcement last year once I was completed - but it's still a work-in-progess, and as I turned the calendar page over to today, I realized I never publicly shared the link here.  Please visit, and see why we think she is so gifted.  You've seen her work in Somerset Studio many times, and she appears in books too.  Perhaps you've sat near her in a workshop and marveled at her intricate handling of the artful process....or maybe you're just meeting her today.  Let me formally introduce you - here is the birthday girl,  Linda Warlyn.

 

A recent gift, from Linda to me, is the newest update....I told you, she's gets you.  The colors - black and white and red, all those fabulous patterns - diamond, dot, stripe, and check, a Top Hat, those wings!, pleated paper and fabulous little dangles and tucked-in treats, and then (gasp) that tiny toy theater.  She's got my number, don't you agree?  OMG.  Right? 

 

 

Happy Birthday sweet friend, and many many more!  xoxo

Announcing - Crowning Glories

Lynne and I are excited to announce our workshop taking place in May 2014 in Connecticut.  We had an amazing experience last year with two stellar groups of artists, and we look forward to presenting another two weekends with Crowning Glories.  An information dossier is available upon request from Lynne, LKPerrella (at) aol (dot) com beginning today.  Registration will begin September 1st.  Hope to see you there!

Here is a sneak peek at our studio tables as we prepare the materials and samples.  We love sharing our favorite techniques and we love digging into the art-making process, and have conjured up a multi-layered project that we will build upon across the three-day event.  The beautiful thing that happens in a real-life workshop is the connections we make with other artists, and the many peripheral learning opportunities that occur as we interpret the assignments with our individual perspective. 

We are happy to answer any questions you have about the workshop or the venue.  Just ask!

LINKS:  Lynne Perrella's site:  LKPerrella.com, and the Interlaken Inn.

THAT was fun

I am such a lucky girl - CREATE Mixed Media Art Retreats hosts one of its events practically in my back yard.  For four days I got to teach an amazing collection of women just down the road, then had dinner with my family and slept in my own bed each night.  The students were awesome - some were in more than one class, and a handful took three.  Some were repeat students, and some were new-to-me, and some totally new to this kind of venue.  It was so rewarding to see how each artist interpreted the assignments and projects, bringing their own personal flair to the table.  I thoroughly understand that it can be difficult to create-on-demand and often a student may experience performance anxiety but while we may be there to learn technique or make a specific project, I think the most important thing is to come away with the momentum to keep going.  I've said this before, sharing your enthusiasm for creativity is more important than what you create.  I hope I did that last weekend.  The other beautiful thing that happens at these events is we get to widen our circle of friends - making connections with fellow artists through a shared experience can be life-long.  I know because I've done it.

Here are most of the students I was privileged to spend time with - some got away before we took pictures.

I will never forget this event and some of the very cool things that happened in the workshops.  I witnessed big break-throughs and many subtle a-ha's.  Lots of eager girls who tried lots of new things and shared freely their discoveries so that we all could learn even more.  That's what happens when you are in the classroom - the energy is so positive, so thick, it's nearly as visible as the hanging humidity outside.  I always depart feeling motivated to do it all over again, with a notebook of scribbled ideas for next year.  In one class I presented a little start-up assignment that became its own thing, took on a life of its own, and we ran with it because it was constructive, productive, and a really useful tool to review and remark on the results as a group.  I think that assignment could become a whole class and I can't wait to start planning it.

A special thanks to all my students, the event planners, and the entire community of artists who were present to make this such a remarkable retreat.  There was an Artist's Faire Friday night and it was a great success for my little GPP table.  Fallon was a terrific helper - thank you to our customers for your patience as we got you through the line.  Here are some more of my displays - these were spray painted with all the stencils I sell, in the extreme heat we suffered through recently.  A few of the shots of paint never made it to the surface as it actually dried mid-air.  Crazy.

 

Doesn't it look like the stencil sheets are hanging there?  I love how the edges show so you can see exactly what the sheet looks like.

Next big teaching gig for me is Art-Is-You in Connecticut on October.  Hope to see some of you there!  For details on my classes click on the WORKSHOPS button in the toolbar on top. 

 

like 7" from the midday sun....

This heatwave is awful!  In about ten minutes I'll be packing up the van with supplies for the first of four workshops just down the road for CREATE NJ.  It's such a treat to be so close to the venue!  I visited the hotel yesterday and the classroom was nice and cool, whew!  I ran into some old friends (waves to Sylvie) and met some new ones.  I am so looking forward to this event - there was a creative energy in the lobby as artists were arriving and checking in, it's going to be fun!  I will report on everything when I can - until then, stay cool!

Prepping for vendor night....some of the displays:

 

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

Far Away Places ~ Second Edition

Above:  two happy instructors following another wonderful weekend as we took on Far Away Places.  Another enthusiastic group of artists met us in the generous studio space where we sprawled out and got messy for three full days of numerous creative projects.  Some stellar work and special memories forged at our lovely venue.  Oh, if we could just bottle up that energy and feed off it every day!  We extend our thanks all the courageous voyagers and hope to meet you again, here or anywhere!  Lynne and I had an utter blast and are already looking forward to next year, with lots of ideas for what that will entail.  Stay tuned to our websites if you are interested in joining us - annoucement likely in just a few months.  We need to catch our breath and soak in all the good vibes generated over these past two weekends.

 

Unfortunately, I never did the rounds with my camera on the first weekend, my apologies to the artists.  Below are just some of the art pieces being made in the second weekend.  Most students created three or more works of art - so fun to revisit the work spaces and busy hands through these photos!

Winner for the book giveaway:  Diana Wilson! 

Thanks to all who entered, and thanks to Julie for the generous offering. 

Far Away Places ~ First Edition

Just back from Connecticut where Lynne and I hosted an enthusiastic and talented group of artists for the first edition of our workshop.  This is the only evidence photo I have - so you'll have to believe me when I say it was an utterly delightful crew of travelers, a fantastic venue, and a very special experience to teach, learn, create, and explore together for three full days.

 

It was such a pleasure to meet new friends and reconnect with returning students.  Thank you ladies, for a memorable weekend.  It was such a treat to see each of you express yourself so beautifully with individual flare and finesse.  Keep the momentum going!

We are looking forward to a repeat adventure next weekend!  Plus, Lynne and I have already been conjuring up our agenda for next year!  The question is:  how do we top this?  Ha!  I'm cracking myself up because that statement might be hint for our preliminary plans.  I will keep you posted as we flesh out the concept and prepare to announce the workshops for 2014. 

Happy May Day

The day is almost over, but the month has just begun.  A very full schedule ahead.  My lilacs are fragrant, bursting open yesterday.  I found my first four leaf clover of the season.  I didn't get a ding-dong and flower basket (like we did as kids on May Day) but the mailman did ring the bell to deliver a big package of merchandise with the new HIM cd!!!  Mini-tour has started, I get to see them soon after a very long dry spell.  Bags and bins are packed and ready for my departure tomorrow morning - to Far Away Places - a workshop with my friend Lynne.  Looking forward to riding in the van with my band, not literally of course.  A road trip is the perfect way to become immersed with a new album.  I will report in on the weekend after I get back.  The first batch of pre-orders from The Gothic Collection will go out tomorrow too.  Thank you so much for the enthusiastic response.   My manufacturers pulled off a fast turn around.  Life is good!

 

 

The first video....

 

 

 

*waves, and blows kisses*

p.s.  Gabriele, I got your lovely envelope, and clipping on the collection.  I ordered it...should be here anyday.  Thanks for thinking of me.  It was a super fun thing to get in the mail.  <3