michelle ward

The Unexpected Rosarian

I've been nurturing a rose garden for ten years in honor of my sister.  I love that the latest Somerset Studio arrives in May as it's the month I share a birthday with Shannon.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my visual journal that chronicles the past ten seasons of growth.  I never thought I would ever be a successful gardener, so it was unexpected that I have become a rosarian.  

(My mom even makes an appearance in my article....do you spy her?)

Two seasons ago my original rose bush passed 10 ft. tall.  

Here's a view from the side yard in 2014.

In March we had a terrible snow storm (several actually) that brought down many trees in the neighborhood.  On the left you'll see it didn't look promising for the roses, but then by the end of April, with some assistance of propping agents, they appear to be recovering.

And then this morning....I spied the first bud.  The promise of another season.  I'm so excited.

"Show me a garden that's bursting into life" from Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol.

Are you a gardener?  Have you started a garden journal?  It's a fun process, especially during Winter as you wait for Spring.

 

 

MindFULLness OR MindLESSness?

Happy Monday.  I'm the guest over at StencilGirlTalk - the blog for StencilGirlProducts.  I think one of the hidden secrets of stencils is to use them as templates to help you draw.  We all LOVE using stencils with paint, but how about relying on them to use with pen only?

 

Go see my tutorial!  Disclaimer:  once you start, it's hard to stop!  Visit HERE.

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's been a fun two weeks of February so far.  First, the Eagles win the Super Bowl - my husband's favorite team!!!  It was a great game and I'm so excited my favorite Eagles fan got to experience the big win.  It was a sight to behold, and so fun to share as a family (with lots of delicious food!)  

Then the Olympics!  Love the figure skating....but watching snowboarding is the best!!!  Shaun White taking the gold last night was so thrilling.  Big congrats to him.

I've been slowly working through a "frozen shoulder" with physical therapy appointments twice a week (thanks Jaime) and at-home exercises.  I can tell my movement is improving but it's a long process.  Makes you grateful that all your other parts are working fine. Luckily it hasn't hindered my time in the studio.  So many silver linings.

Wishing you a Valentine's day filled with many good things - whether flowers, chocolate, cards and calls, or just a simple text that warms your heart.  Don't forget to GIVE more than you get <3

 

*tosses confetti*

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2018!!  xo

Article: Chromabridge Revisited

One of my favorite classes from college was Color Theory.  Not only did we learn a lot about hue perception and color relationships in conceptual form, but we also had to mix paint on swatches (hundreds of them), then cut and manipulate into compositions. There were many projects that had to adhere to strict format of presentation. Even with all the rules there was enough room for personal choices, thereby yielding unique expressions of creativity amongst my fellow students.   The lessons learned from that course still resonate with me today and it was so much fun to revisit – this time with less rules and no grading rubric.  The article appears in the January/February issue of Somerset Studio.

 

 

Below are pieces from 1984 - I still have the zippered leather three-ring binder filled with the assignments that gave me great angst at the time.  It was a pleasure to take artistic liberty as I reinvented using the Chromabridge to build new work.

 

As I was preparing for this article I reached out to the current instructor of the same class at the University of Minnesota.  Turns out she was also a student of Lee Fargo, and we may have passed one another in the halls.  I was disappointed to learn that students are no longer required to mix paints, and instead prepare all their assignments digitally, as most of the class is online.  While I think there is merit in learning how to build similar compositions with the aid of a computer, I also think the students are missing out on a huge element of discovery - using their hands to mix paint and apply to paper, using their eyes to discern equal steps of a gradation, and then carefully measure, cut and assemble a collage with tangible moving parts.  However, I got the sense that she is enthusiastic about the subject and the students are in good hands, regardless of the format.

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Don't forget!!!  Creative JumpStart starts January 1st!!  Have you signed up? Early registration discount ends 12/31 ($45) so get in on this deal!!! You will be treated to 31 days of inspiration to start the year with motivation to stay creative.

I'm excited to be playing along. Come join us!! More details here:
http://nathaliesstudio.com/learn/online-workshops/creative-jumpstart-2018/?wpam_id=15

 

 

Special Announcement - Creative JumpStart 2018

I'm excited to announce that I'll be participating as an artist in Creative JumpStart (CJS) 2018, run for the 7^th time by Nathalie Kalbach. If you're not familiar with CJS, it's a one-of-a-kind online event to kick your creativity into high gear in January 2018. 

Learn techniques, discover new materials, and connect with other artists and crafters. 

Throughout January participants get access to 31 downloadable videos from 31 featured artists. I'm proud to be one of those artists, called “JumpStarters.” See for yourself:

Announcing Creative JumpStart 2018 - CJS18 from Nathalie Kalbach on Vimeo.

 

Head on over to Nathalie's site to sign up and for more details: HERE

You get 31 Downloadable videos - over 6 hours of unique content -  for just $40 (USD) if you sign up by November 29 11:59 pm EST, 2017. Afterwards it will be $45 (USD) until December 31st, 2017 before it goes to its normal sale price of $50 (USD). 

So what are you waiting for? Sign up here at CJS: HERE

 

Happy Halloween - and Thank You

Hope you had a wonderful Halloween.  It was cold here so Sam and I went out early this year.  It was actually more fun to be out in the daylight because we got to see all the young crowds of kids and parents in our neighborhood.  We stayed out just long enough to get the benefit from Sam's new pumpkin candy bucket with light-up handle and downlights that lit the sidewalk.  Pretty cool, especially in the dark.  He loves anything flashlight related so this was a big score (from Target earlier this afternoon).  He went in his default costume:  Uncle Sam.

 

Thank you again for the tremendous support of our fundraiser.  Friends, family, and friends-we've-never-met, joined in from around the globe, to link elbows with us in a big circle of positivity to say that "artist's matter" as we ventured to make a difference.  In less than a month we sold out our Art Print cards and raised our goal of $4000.  With a match from Etsy, we completed a total donation of $8000 to CERF+.

Thanks to you, and to my colleagues, who answered the call to participate with their art, their heart, and the hard work of spreading the word.  To be honest, I've never spent so much time on "social media" promoting a cause, and appreciate all the likes, shares, and comments that helped us along and contributed to a successful campaign - and of course, your orders!  We couldn't have done it without the orders!  I've definitely learned a lot thru this process - about people, about platforms, and I have a full page of notes should we launch another event in the future.  It was hard work, but we did it!!!  It means so much to us that so many of YOU gathered as a community and made this happen.  ** tosses confetti **  

 

almost there.....

 

The + Artists For Artists + fundraiser is nearly complete - we are at the finish line!  There are a handful of sets left and I'd really like to sell out to maximize our total donation.  If you've been meaning to jump in, now is your chance!  We really appreciate all the support - it's such a great cause. UPDATE:  ONLY 20 LEFT OF THIS LIMITED EDITION OFFERING.  EDIT:  SOLD OUT!!!!

SHOP HERE:  ETSY - GRNPEP

In a few days all the funds will transfer from Etsy to my bank, then I will turn around and submit back to them on the Etsy Advocacy page, where they will match us dollar for dollar, to benefit Cerf+, making the safety net for artists a little bit bigger.  With a total sell out we will contribute, with Etsy, $8000+.  HOW COOL IS THAT?

This is by far the biggest project I've ever embarked on - a real learning experience.  It's not a comfortable place for me - asking for donations.  I never even did well selling Girl Scout cookies, but this project has become really important to me.  Thank you again for hearing and responding to the promotions by the whole team, and for helping to spread the word.  WE ARE NEARLY DONE!

 

 

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Just about five years ago we were getting prepared for SuperStorm Sandy to arrive in New Jersey.  Who knew that hurricanes, or their remnants could affect us in the middle of the state?  We have had a flooded basement more than once due to hurricanes!  Luckily, with Sandy, our home and yard were spared any damage but we were without power for nine days.  It was dark and cold - the day being even shorter because candles and flashlights don't make a big difference in November.  We had filled our gas tanks, which was a blessing as there were issues with getting some after the storm.  Our only warmth came from sitting in the car, motor running in the driveway, so we could listen to the radio to get caught up on news, and recharge our phones.  One of us would run down to the corner store for hot coffee - never tasted so good.  Once the power was back on, and the refrigerator restocked, life was nearly back to normal.  

I simply couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose everything like so many have in recent tragedies.  Hurricane, flood, fire, earthquake.  At a time when one might want to turn to creativity to process the loss and escape from reality, or to continue making stuff because that's how you support your family, and all your resources are gone, Cerf+ is a resource that can help.

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Spreading Positivity

Have you seen our fundraiser to assist artists?  Our LIMITED EDITION Artists For Artists packets are selling fast.  We've received glowing responses and it's been a thrill to see the orders come in from all around the globe as fellow artists believe in the cause.  In addition to the prints of original art, you get a stencil of my favorite shape, the plus sign (or square cross).  We included this as a fun tool for you to use in your studio to continue spreading positivity - we could all use more of that.  With all that's been happening around us it can be a challenge to maintain a positive attitude, don't you think?  Putting more + + + + + is a good thing.

SHOP HERE: Etsy - GRNPEP

 

If you are new to using stencils....where have you been?  I'm only kidding.  When you join our fundraiser you get the stencil/mask set all in one piece.  The masks are tabbed in, and need to be sliced carefully with a sharp tool.  See below.  Also illustrated are the stencils and masks being used in a simple way - with paint directly on a surface, or with gesso as a base.  My favorite method is to apply paint, then lift it back out.  It's sort of a pull/push as you wipe away the paint, and reveals a nice line with less medium around it.  I like the "keeps then guessing" effect.

 

 

Some of the artists in the project used the "+" stencil - see how they incorporated in into their original art.

 

Here I've used the stencil with silver leaf for the cover of my Silver Linings Journal. 

And a spread from my Cardboard Journal, marking and cutting + + + + + + + +

I've framed my print...sits by the front door to wash positivity over all who come and go.

 

 

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE AMAZING SUPPORT.  

WE ARE NEARING THE FINISH LINE.  

IF YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE, IT'S TIME TO JOIN US NOW!!!  

How about one for you and one for a friend?  It's all good ++++

www.etsy.com/shop/GRNPEP

Making a Difference

This time last year I launched Manhole Madness Month. I fully intended to make it an annual event and have been collecting content all year for another month of manhole coolness but then I got sidetracked by something way more important - making a difference. It's been heartbreaking to observe all the devastation following the hurricanes...so I launched a fundraiser to benefit artists affected by these tragedies. You can join us - see my previous post HERE or my Etsy (GRNPEP) to make a $20 purchase of Art Cards + Stencil. The proceeds will be donated to CerfPlus.org thru Etsy who will match $ for $, making our collective contribution over $8000.

Let's sell out!!!

Before the month is over I will likely post something about manhole covers because I can't resist, but I will definitely update you on the fundraiser.  In the meantime, spread the word!  Thanks to all who have participated so far - much much appreciated!

 

Artists for Artists - FUNDRAISER

I'm excited to finally announce this!  

Together with my treasured friends, we cordially invite you to join our fundraiser to benefit artists who need help getting back on their feet after so many natural disasters.  

We are selling a product package that includes eight (8) super cool Art Print cards and a stencil/mask set so you can keep the momentum of positivity moving forward with your own creations.  ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT ARTISTS IN NEED.

EDIT:  SOLD OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!   To purchase, visit my Etsy shop HERE:  GRNPEP/Etsy.com

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The idea began following the heartbreak and destruction we witnessed in Houston and surrounding areas because of Hurricane Harvey, but then came Irma, Maria, and earthquakes, and fires.  Making donations for recovery is necessary and essential to get people and families back in their homes, and there is an enormous amount of clean up and rebuilding to be done so we applaud the generous contributions this nation has made to the cause.  But in addition to giving, it feels good to actually DO something.  Since I'm not in a position to drop everything to drive south to help clear debris, I thought I could still offer time and talent, so I created a fundraiser, using art for good.

As I was researching places to give, I came across Craft Emergency Relief Fund, also known as CerfPlus.org, which is a national non-profit foundation that provides assistance, specifically for artists.  For artists!  The path of destruction not only ruined neighborhoods, schools, churches, and businesses, it crushed spirits.  We want to lift up artists who have been affected, and Cerf+ will do that. Then I learned that Etsy is matching donations to Cerf+, dollar for dollar. (It was a sign that I made the right choice!)  So if you join in our efforts, they will be doubled when we make the donation!  You can imagine that resources like Cerf+ are greatly appreciated by fellow artists who benefit from the assistance, and that additional donations are even more necessary today.

Please spread the word and share the link and let's get this fundraiser sold out!  GRNPEP/Etsy.com 

Come on!  Groovy art plus a chance to make a difference.  It's win-win!

#artists4artists2017 

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In addition to the ArtistsForArtists Art Print cards + Stencil/Mask package, Sam and I have been working on cards for the shop that will be included in the total donation.  Usually for sale in his Etsy shop (ForYourSpecialNeeds), we've moved these special edition cards to my shop for the fundraiser.  Cards are sold in sets of four (4) warm OR four (4) cool colors with lots of positivity included.

 

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Why Art Print cards?  Over the years I've been involved in a number of artist-based fundraisers that were auctions of original art.  While these were worthy endeavors and raised respectable sums, the platform catered to bidders with big wallets.  I recall thinking that in addition to the original art, it was too bad that time didn't allow for the production of affordable prints of the same art, making it an available option for everyone, therefore casting a wider net of potential donors.  With that in mind I determined that affordable packages of really wonderful art could be just the thing to collectively contribute to the cause.  My friends rose to the occasion, contributing their art under a short deadline, and we are on our way! 

Thanks to these artists for donating their work for this project:

Julie Prichard, JuliePrichard.com

Michelle Ward, MichelleWard.typepad.com

Lynne Perrella, LKPerrella.com

Judi Riesch

Laurie Mika, MikaArts.com

Lisa Hoffman, LisaHoffman.typepad.com

Mary Beth Shaw, MBShaw.com

Andrew Borloz, AndrewBorloz.blogspot.com

 

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Visit CerfPlus.org for more information on their program assisting artists.  They are also a terrific resource for preparation and recovery.

If you want to make an additional donation to be matched by Etsy, go HERE.
 

 

 

5.17.17

I caught this photo Tuesday afternoon.  With the heat expected today, there is no doubt this will open up for a birthday sign from Shannon.  There are a few dozen that look ready to follow, and by the end of the week it will be a glorious show.  The first rose bush planted in honor of my sister in 2008 is well over ten feet high.  At one point I had over twenty bushes, but get this....all the non-pink roses have perished.  Pink has taken over.  You can't even see where the non-pink bushes were since the pink ones have filled in the vacant spaces.  Love that.  More photos soon.

Miss you sweet Shannon.  *blows kisses*

Happy Easter!

 

I've become enamored with wood burning.  Using my heated tip stencil cutter, I have tried several of the replaceable nibs in the kit on all kinds of wood shapes.  Here are some of my eggs.  My next post will show more pieces that were included in my upcoming article for the May/June Somerset Studio.  

Have a Happy Easter!

Maker's Day NJ

This weekend there are hundreds of Maker's Day events taking place in communities throughout New Jersey.  Check the website NJMakersDay.org to find an event near you on Friday and Saturday.  Initially launched from my own local library, we are proud be included as a vendor on Sunday, March 26 for their Maker's Market at Piscataway Kennedy Library.  Sam will have his painted cards, and our Special Olympic teammate Keith will be there too, with his birdhouses.  We hope you'll stop by!!

 

 

Creative JumpStart 2017 - registration discount today! Plus Stencil sale Monday!

 

I'm excited to announce that I'll be a participating artist for Creative JumpStart (CJS) 2017, hosted for the 6^th year by Nathalie Kalbach. If you're not familiar with CJS, it's a one-of-a-kind online event to kick your creativity into high gear in January 2017. 

Learn techniques, discover new materials, and connect with other artists and crafters. 

Throughout January participants get access to 27 downloadable videos from 27 featured artists. I'm proud to be one of those artists, called “JumpStarters.” See for yourself:

Announcing Creative JumpStart 2017 - CJS17 from Nathalie Kalbach on Vimeo.

 

Head on over to Nathalie's site to sign up and to learn more details:

Nathalie's Studio - Creative Jumpstart 2017

If you sign up before November 30th (11:59 pm EST 2016) the cost is only $40.

Afterwards it will be $45 until December 31st, 2016 before it goes to its regular price of $50.  

Treat yourself and jumpstart your creativity for the new year - a full month of inspiring posts to get you plugged in to making art!

I participated last year - with my first video!  It was super fun to see how each jumpstart artist interpreted the prompt of the theme, and I learned a lot of really fun techniques (from artists I knew and artists who were knew-to-me) and it definitely got me motivated for the new year.  This will be my second year, and only my second video - I know!  I'm a dinosaur....eventually video-making will become more of a habit...I hope!  I am grateful to my friend Nathalie who pushed me out of my comfort zone to make these videos.  

I love the theme for 2017 - MIX, MATCH, & MASTER and I have translated it with a quick and easy project that everyone should try!

So what are you waiting for? Sign up here at: 

Nathalie's Studio - Creative Jumpstart 2017

Chime in below if you are coming along for the ride and we will get excited together!

 

AND..........if you're a cyber shopper (who isn't?)  Stencil Girl Products has deals all day long TODAY. 

Stencil savings up to 35% on my SGP designs!

Official shopping details: www.stencilgirlproducts.com

Save 25% off all* stencils  Use code: cyber25 
Monday, November 28, 2016 from midnight until 11:59 a.m. CST (Central Standard Time)
PLUS 10% discount when you buy 6 stencils of the same size!
AND orders over $100 get a FREE large stencil of Mary Beth's choice!
SHOP for my designs HERE.

Save 20% off all* stencils Use code: cyber20 Monday, November 28, 2016
from noon until 11:59 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time)
PLUS 10% discount when you buy 6 stencils of the same size!
AND orders over $100 get a FREE large stencil of Mary Beth's choice!
SHOP for my designs HERE.

Lots of really amazing designs at Stencil Girl Products - stock up for yourself, and double up to get some gifts!

 

come together

draw the line

Just in - newest Somerset Studio.  My Make It Your Own column for this issue is Draw The Line - got the title from a sign that hangs over my desk.  We get so jazzed about stencils with paint, ink, gelli plates, spray paint....we often forget to just use with pencil or pen. Into the coloring book trend?  Make some pages of your own with the assistance of stencils, and some freehand mark-making.  Love the stencils you already have?  Pump up the contrast by adding outlines - draw the line!  Magazine hits the stands this week.

 

 

 

 

NYC - upper East side

Day 3:  Earlier this summer Fallon and I went to The Met for the Manus X Machina exhibit.  We took the subway to 59th so we could have a quick peek at the Bergdorf Goodman windows, then walked into Central Park, passing the zoo and Conservatory Pond (where they float the little sail boats) then swung back to 5th Ave to arrive at the museum.  Here are the covers found along the way.  Some shadows couldn't be avoided.  One sidewalk vendor parked right over a sewer cover so my view was blocked.  Not all photos are to scale - some of these are HUGE.  I even jumped into the street as a bus was approaching to get the ConEdison.  So here you go - a tiny collection from a 20 minute walk.  Making the point that there are a lot of finds - even on a twenty minute walk.

 

It's amazing what you see when you're looking down.  I have many more NYC sightings as last year I began a collaboration with The Ink Pad NYC and my first idea was to design manhole cover stencils and stamps.  More on that soon.

COVERage from the post office to home

Day 2:  Today we are going to view some local covers.  Because I have an online business I'm at the post office on a regular basis. This summer, I stepped out of the van right onto this beauty.  Never noticed it before.  Clearly it's been there for years.  Perhaps I missed it as the parking lot is usually full and I have to park along the curb.  

 

After 18 years of only noticing covers in the big city or while traveling, I became inspired to start photographing my local sightings. There was the epiphany at the post office, then as I drove home through the neighborhood I captured nearly every cover along my path. The postman caught me standing in the street with my phone. He swerved over to inquire whether I was playing Pokemon Go.  NOT. Love the rusty patina on the one below - it's 40 feet from my driveway.  The one in front of my house is covered in tar and gravel, boo.  

 

 

Lots of duplicates so I won't show every one.  Some only vary by the date stamp.  They are a bit like coins, don't you think?  Trying to make the point that even the most pedestrian of covers can be cool, especially when you look at them all together.  Here they are, from the post office to home, Piscataway, NJ.

 

Then there's this storm grate....

 

And just yesterday morning...heading up my street, there was this.  A sign.  Ha!

 

As we make our way through the month we will be looking at some really fascinating covers.  Friends have shared varieties from their hometowns and while abroad.  Some really unique and interesting stuff ahead.

Have a manhole story or want to share your enthusiasm?  Chime in below.

See you tomorrow!

sacred earth

The current issue of Somerset Studio has arrived.  If you've been following me for a long time you'll be familiar with the subject of my article - collecting dirt, which evolved from collecting sand.  See the magazine for the full story.  They left out the final photo of a tip I offer of how to secure a cork on a bottle to keep the contents safe, so I've included it here.  Thank you to everyone who wrote me about the previous article highlighting Sam's new venture.  I really appreciate hearing from you and that you took the time to reach out and share your enthusiasm. We've had a lot of orders recently so I'm going to be refilling the shop this weekend. 

 

classes

Oh my...it's been a while since I blogged.  A sign that's it has been a busy and fun summer! Can't believe it's September already. Fallon will be starting at Rutgers next week.  I love the beginning of a school year, even it if doesn't have a direct impact on my personal daily life anymore (packing lunches, driving carpool, monitoring homework....)  However, I always regard this time period as a chance to start anew.  Three quarters of 2016 is over but we still can view this month as returning students do, with sharpened pencils and fresh perspective. Shake off unfinished projects, clear off the table, open your mind, and begin learning something new.  Change of season, change of routine.  That's what September means to me - although I do try to hang on to the last pleasures of summer a little longer.

My next two classes will be at Pratt in NYC.  See my WORKSHOPS page for the particulars.  Hope you'll come!!

 

I had two terrific classes at The Ink Pad last month.  It's always such a treat to see how the artists interpret the projects.  I always leave feeling so energized and motivated when I see the magic of creativity at work.  Thanks for joining me!

 

I'm off to float around the pool again while catching up on my reading.  Have a great holiday weekend!

it's HOT, but he's COOL

Oh my, the temps have been very red recently.  This very second it is 95 degrees here and the heat index is even higher.  It's going to be a very warm week.  So it was a pleasant surprise when Sam shifted his color palette from warm to cool.  The previous batch of cards were reds and oranges, and last week he chose blue, purple, and teal.  I love seeing all the cards together.  This is the stage where he labels the backs and packages into sets of four.  Typically we have selected cards that are similar to be in a set but I'm thinking this time we may offer a variety of colors.  New offerings will be posted this week.

As always, thanks for your support and your enthusiasm for Sam's new enterprise.  We've received many lovely emails about the article in Somerset Studio.  I've been printing out all the comments, notes, and Etsy reviews to put in a binder and we read them together.  It's been a beautiful experience.

 

Check us out on Etsy later this week for these new cards.

ETSY:  ForYourSpecialNeeds

 

Mom! I'm published!

Last week the new Somerset Studio arrived.  My column in this issue features our son Sam and his new venture:  Painting with Purpose. Look at this face - it says it all.  He was so excited to see his work on the pages of the magazine that regularly arrives here. Our thanks to Stampington who recognized it was a worthwhile story - art making a difference. 

 

 

We've already gotten some lovely emails about the article, and a handful of orders from new customers!  We are adding more selections this week.  

Thanks for sharing your kind words and enthusiasm for our story and our project to create purpose for our special guy.

Link to our store: ETSY: ForYourSpecialNeeds

If you missed the post about our shop, see HERE.

 

Come play in NYC - August classes

A new class for August 13 - FLIP OVER NYC.  Get it?  It's a flip-style book you will flip over.  Ha!  Super fun to work on this one. Come take the class with me at The Ink Pad.  Call (212) 463-9876 to register.  Then on August 14 we will be making a Frond Chronicle Journal.  Learn how to make your own stencil/mask sets (from four different materials), then use them as tools with paint.  This one is a favorite and often requested. See samples below.  Hope to see you in class!

 

 

giveaway

Stampington is offering a copy of the May/June Somerset Studio, and I am combining that with supplies I used for my article in the issue. You can win both the magazine and the fabric journal + embellishments.  Leave a comment below to be eligible, drawing will be noon on Friday (EDT - east coast time).  NOW CLOSED - We have a winner!  Scroll to bottom.  

In the latest issue of Somerset Studio: explore the Artist Portfolio of Jeanne Oliver, art inspired by the movie “Amelie,” and quirky vintage photos adorned with colorful handmade hats. Find tutorials for altered birdhouses that are perfect for spring, experimenting with encaustics, and weathered collages by Amy Wilcutt, see some fun washi tape ideas with Mary Beth Shaw, learn how Lynne Perrella interprets the Ballet Russe with alphabet letters, and my own article - Simple Stitch + Stash (using studio scraps, in peril of being discarded, to build collages on canvas pages).  

Sneak preview of my article in previous blog post HERE.

 

With scraps of lace, miniature starfish, and bits of mica, I began using my stash on the pages of a pre-made fabric journal.  I had so much fun stitching that I carried on playing with thread in different ways.  I found the practice to be very relaxing and addictive and before I knew it I was moving on to a second book.  I have quite a stash of these - maybe we could meet somewhere and have a class? Would be fun!  

 

Enter a comment just below to be entered for the drawing.  Good luck!

We have a winner!  Ozge Basagac!!  

Thanks to all who came over here to enter.  I appreciate all your kind words.  

Hope you'll stop by again!  I also hope if you take up simple stitching you will

share your work - would love to see.

mandala making

 

 

Full disclosure:  I was given a copy of this book to review.  To be perfectly honest, I probably would never have seen the book if it didn't arrive in my mailbox.  As you know, last year I went on a massive studio purge and since then I not only don't buy new books, but I don't even shop for them.  I do admit that I love books and I'm not opposed to adding to my library, but there is no longer a book store convenient to home - in addition, it seems that my last few out-of-the-way trips to look at books left me frustrated that there were less and less actual books in the store.  You gotta love that as an alternative you can visit Amazon, who offers you a preview of contents, a nice deal, and great shipping options.  For more on the book I'm going to talk about, or to order, click here: The Mandala Guidebook:  How to Paint, Draw, and Color Expressive Mandalas by Kathryn Costa.

I'm not sure of the exact date that I "met" Kathryn online, but I know it was through the Creativity Crusades I hosted back in the day. Kathryn participated in many of the challenges with her own personal flair and was always a generous and thoughtful commentor to other crusaders.  For my review, I've decided to interpret this book as a prompt, as though she is hosting a challenge, and see what happens when I run the information through my own filters, and make it my own.  You can scroll down and see the results.

I love that in the bio section of her book she describes her passion in three words "create and connect".  That's a perfect summary of her creative journey as she's been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration through several blog platforms - CollageDiva, True North Arts, and most recently 100 Mandalas.  She intentionally creates from the heart and deliberately and genuinely makes connections within the art community. My impression of Kathryn is that she would feel like an instant friend should we ever get to meet in real life.  It did not surprise me to learn she had authored a book on making mandalas - sharing her verve for the unique topic, with user-friendly teaching methods, vibrant illustrations, and authentic encouragement to discover personal style and ultimately, joy, from plugging in and applying the process in your own way.  

I've always been intrigued by beautiful and intricately drawn mandalas.  I also resonate with mandala-like structures created from natural materials, and have been mesmerized by watching videos of mandalas formed by patterns of colored sand.  As a person who had never tried drawing or designing one of my own I decided to read through the book, gather all the step-by-step instructions into my mental vault, then have a go myself.  Kathryn breaks down the process with clear illustrations and offers many wonderful examples of her own, plus a gallery of mandalas created by guest artists.  She has a gentle yet enthusiastic voice that walks you through options for designing, embellishing, and adding color to mandalas with many demonstrations, and invites you to dig even deeper moving from decorative to meditative.

Before committing to paper, I had an opportunity one afternoon to mess around with temporary mandalas.  I filled a basin with sand and sprayed with water so the surface would hold designs I marked with sticks and embellished with stones.  It was really a pleasant practice to try something, then wipe away all evidence, and try again.  Eventually I grabbed a few more tools - circle cookie cutters, a stencil, and other mark-making devices.  I documented compositions made in minutes - such a quick and easy introduction to building off a circle.  Next, I went from nature basics to high tech - and manipulated some of my artwork into digital mandalas.  It was addictive to work on an axis and move elements around then experiment with color.  The results are also below. I always have a takeaway from play on the computer - this time I recognized that I'm not into the coloring part.  I'm more interested in the fine lines of design.  So I moved forward with pens and paper.

I had to laugh - in chapter one, page 13, Kathryn admits to being a "recovering perfectionist".  I can relate.  Since I'm educated as an architect, my initial approach was to get out the templates, protractor, compass, ruler and triangles, with the intention of creating precise, perfect circles and segments on graph paper.  I did use these tools with pencil for a preliminary layout, then set aside and free-handed everything with black and white pens.  I didn't even use the graph paper!  I love the results on kraft and the imperfection proves that they were conjured up by hand, not machine.  The wonky black lines kinda bugged me until I started highlighting with the white pen and then the tension washed away and I finally began to enjoy myself.  Not only that, but I also couldn't stop!  I will definitely be carrying on with this simple interpretation.  

If you have considered jumping into mandala making then I recommend seeking out Kathryn's book.  It's a wonderful introduction to the unique art form.  Thank you Kathryn, for prompting me to try something new.  I can't wait to get back to discovering additional ways to work with black and white starting from a circle and a few basic shapes.  Maybe I'll even venture into color!

Visit Kathryn's site:  100 Mandalas  and again, the link at Amazon:

The Mandala Guidebook: How to Draw, Paint, and Color Expressive Mandala Art by Kathryn Costa

 

 

workshop updates

 

 

I will be at Pratt in June with one of my favorite classes:  Roll With It.  You can see a great evidence shot from this class below the announcement.  I will also be teaching at Pratt this Fall.  October 8:  What a Relief, and November 19:  Compose Yourself.  See all current postings on the workshop page HERE.

In August I will be returning to The Ink Pad.  Classes still to be determined.  I have a few new ideas....working them out this week!

 

happy mother's day!

and just like that, April is over

As April approached I had a grand plan to blog each week under theme of autism awareness.  Turns out the month got away from me. Here we are on the last day already.  It's been busy, but oh so fulfilling.  Thank you to our friends who have supported our new shop.  73 sales is pretty good for our launch month.  We also had two commissions - just mailed the second one off today.  I had a meeting with our DVR counselor this week.  That's a state appointed person who tracks your progress in securing a job - she had referred us to two different agencies to assist with the process.  As you know, after three years with no prospects we decided to go out on our own and build a business.  She was very kind and went to bat for us with her supervisor to see if they could support us in any way - thanks, but we don't need anything.  We got this.  While I appreciated her effort, it ended up being a frustrating experience.  Because I couldn't supply her with a tax ID and financial reports they regard our enterprise as a hobby, not employment,and have earmarked his file as a non-success.  I left the meeting feeling deflated because they don't get it.  Profit is not a goal.  It's Purpose we are after.  And Purpose we created.  And Purpose fills our days and brings satisfaction and happiness.  Who cares what the files say, we are doing it our way.

 

On launch day Sam received a bouquet of roses from our friend Janet - a sweet lady I only know through this blog and our email conversations.  Thank you Janet - not only for making April 1st a very special day, but you've introduced us to a really fabulous enterprise: Roses for Autism.  If you ever want to send roses, this is the place.  Visit the site to learn more about their exceptional staff, HERE.

 

 

Just after Sam's birthday, he participated in a talent/fashion show at our high school with his peers.  It was the most amazing evening seeing these special kids parade across the stage, and sing, and dance.  Sam had a display of his cards with two other entrepreneurs; a friend who makes candles and air fresheners, and another artist who paints and illustrates.  Super fun night and utterly heartwarming.

 

 

As I mentioned, in addition to painting cards, we were commissioned by friends to create special packages.  Veering from our usual routine was something Sam took in stride but he can't wait to get back to painting next week.  He whizzes through the labeling and packaging because he knows that once that is done he can get back to the easel.  

 

 

 

Tomorrow is May.  I remember making May Day offerings out of construction paper and filling with leftover Easter grass and a handful of treats to leave at the door of friends.  Ring the bell, hang a surprise on the doorknob, and run!  It was a tradition in my neighborhood that we continued with our kids.  Anyone else do May Day cones or baskets?  

new article

The May/June Somerset Studio has arrived!  If you subscribe you may have it by now - hits the shelves around May 1st.  My column is about using up items from my stash, and venturing into stitching.  I really loved working on this fabric book and have finished additional pages which I will show you sometime soon.  You'll recognize that my topographical interest made its way onto a spread, of course! My friends Lynne and Mary Beth have colorful fun articles for their columns - be sure to get a copy.