michelle ward

HandCrafted Part 1 - new article

The May issue of Somerset Studio has arrived in my mailbox and it's ready on your local bookstore shelves as well.  I've had the unique privilege to be able to address this subject in two parts.  I've been studying, then playing with arm reliquaries.  Part 1 explains how I often begin with paper, and how that exploration became its own thing.  In addition to the article there is a template page and an artist paper page.  My intention was always to work dimensionally...so you'll see a sneak peek and then those results will appearing in the August issue.  

New article: Novelty Badges

The Spring issue of Somerset Studio is on the shelves now.  The theme is TAGS...one of my favorite materials to create with but I didn't go that route.  While spending some time reorganizing in my studio I focused on a ribbon storage system that really worked for me - see at the bottom.  Wrapping around cardboard slats keeps things visible, tidy, and condensed.  Removing lengths of ribbon from the paper spools they arrive on, then rewinding onto these panels was a mindless and swift task....but it also inspired the project below.  Loved making these and have so many more than are shown.  One of my favorites mimics The Order of the Garter - the most senior order of knighthood in the Bristish system.  Here's a sneak peek of the article:

 

New article - Sweet Dreams

Somerset Studio's new issue should be arriving soon if you subscribe...and will be on the stands by November 1st.  The theme this quarter is monochromatic.  As I discovered when working with gray - it's actually achromatic.  Here's a sneak peek of my article:

Happy Fall!!

New article - Gridlocked

Revisiting a favorite theme....prompted by having leftovers from a previous project, and the fact that I finally started actually playing the game.  Not long after I sent off my photos/text for "Opening Moves" late last year, my husband and I began the evening ritual of setting up the board and playing a few rounds.  I got all kinds of ideas for projects, and this is one of them.  Here's a sneak peek of the article - went on bookstore shelves August 1st.

 

New article...and a cover!!

Coming to bookstores May 1st is the summer issue of Somerset Studio.  The theme for this edition is Paper Personas.  You'll see I did use some paper but was more focused on textiles and fibers.  Making these three guys was such a blast....one of those "can't stop" kind of projects.  Here's a sneak peek at the article, as well as the COVER (yes, I'm shouting!), and a close up of the box framed assemblage.  It's always a thrill to see yourself in print....but truly an honor to get the cover.  Thank you to my editor Christen, to my publisher Kellene, to Somerset Studio, and Stampington & Co.

New article - Lost & Found

February brought a new article for my column in Somerset Studio.  The theme was "Dressed to the Nines" and while the idea of fashion didn't resonate with me I did enjoy writing about mannequins, and my family connection to the business. Here's a sneak peek:

In the issue is a tip-in of one color chart I designed for my project. In future issues you may see another.  Besides continuing my research on the mannequin business, I really loved inventing a portfolio for my Uncle Jerry, and had a blast stepping into his shoes...imagining what his studio, pin boards, sketchbooks, files, might have looked.  I also stepped into the roles of inventing drawings and poses for his girls...not all the pages were shown in the article so here a few:

Special thanks to my cousin Patrick for sharing so much information about his connection with his mannequin experience.  

I've been behind keeping up with this blog...my apologies.  I didn't even wish you Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, or Happy Valentine's Day.  Bad girl.  Hope all has been well...and let me take a minute to say Happy St. Patrick's Day in case I'm not back here before then.

 

 

Portrait of a Lady: Remembering Linda Warlyn

My second article in the new Somerset Studio is a tribute to my dear friend Linda Warlyn.  What on honor to present, but it was one of the hardest pieces I've ever written....I could have used way more words and pages to describe her wonderfulness, and to share the very many personal connections I have with this gem of a girl.  The world lost a beautiful soul when she left for heaven.  I feel so lucky to have been touched by her...one of those rare gifts that makes you forever grateful.  <3

new article - Opening Moves...a chess book

On the newsstands Nov. 1 is the new Somerset Studio.  I have two articles.  Will post about the second one later this week.  The first illustrates two accordion books - one was a prototype, the other is larger with many more details.  When I wrote the article I admitted I rarely played chess, and actually hadn't made a move in years.  Then, seemingly within days of writing my article, my husband and I began playing.  He is quite a master from playing so much in his youth against my father-in-law.  I have been beat many times - but that is all part of the learning process.  I'm actually pretty good now.  We have played several matches a day for the last three months.  I'm addicted.

Look for new chess stencils and stamps coming to my product line soon!  I'm so excited!!

See an older post with lots of references to my past work with chess images HERE.

New article: Cultivating Creativity

Last month the newest issue of Somerset Studio arrived.  The theme was "nature", and I showed a canvas made earlier in the year.  In addition to the article, Stampington included two of my photos for their "artist pages".  I had a love/hate experience working on this large piece, and recognized how uncomfortable I am working big.  I'm getting it figured out though and have actually tried a few more since then.

In my next post I will show a few more details, and show you all the stencils I used.

Spooling Around

The Summer issue of Somerset Studio hit bookstore shelves in May.  I just recently got my copy (thank you Christen), and now I can share my column about transforming wooden spools.  Previously hosts for ribbon, these finds have been turned (pun intended!) into interactive image covered discs.  I now use them as book ends.

Hope you had a safe and happy 4th!  We saw fireworks this year from the beach of Ocean City, NJ.  A perfect day/evening.  Love summer.  

New article - Dialed Up

And it's March!  While it seemed like days slowly passed as we endured the restrictions due to the pandemic, suddenly we are approaching a year since the first lockdowns.  All I can say is this:  I'm happy it's almost Spring.  Days are longer, sunnier, warmer...and best of all, there is hope on the horizon as shots reach arms.  

Here's a recent article I did for my column in Somerset Studio.  I talk about dialing up the scale and working on larger canvases.  I'm made several since, and still use my little trick to help me move along.  Sneak peek below.  This issue (Spring - Feb/Mar/Apr 2021) is on the newsstands now or available at Stampington.com.

 

New article: Buttonhole Books

The Winter issue of Somerset Studio arrived this week.  My column features Buttonhole Books - named for the style of binding.  It was a really easy method to stitch together pages with an exposed spine.  I loved it.  There's something really satisfying about working on a project that just fits into the palm of your hand.  Here's a sneak peek from Nov/Dec/Jan, out soon at your local bookstore or it can be ordered online at Stampington.com.  

 

For the article I made three books, wrote my text, and took 20+ photos.  Since the magazine was a little skimpy on what was shown I have decided to share many more views here, because I can!  You'll see the completed books, as well as the full sheet painted papers used as a foundation.  It's always fun to start a journal with paint + stencil backgrounds....great jumping off platform, and plenty of opportunities to enhance, elaborate, and unify a spread with more color, pattern, or repetitive motif.  

 

Stencils in these books are from StencilGirlProducts.com and GreenPepperPress.com, as well as some hand cut designs.  Rubber stamps used are from ShopTheInkPad.com and GreenPepperPress.com.  

Home Work - new article

I just got my copy of the new Somerset Studio - Aug/Sep/Oct 2020.  My column is usually featured in "departments", and you'll see my name listed, but the article and art is actually by Kim Collister.  My article is there, but found in the Table of Contents under "special features".  Turn to page 122 (thanks Sharon for the heads up).  The theme for this issue: Home is Where the Heart Is.  Always a favorite subject for me, I made some art to hang in our home.  I've been doing a lot of that lately and it makes me so happy to be safe at home and working in my new studio.  Using up lots of painted papers on the work table, and a few special cuts of Italian marbled paper, along with the ever-faithful black cardstock, I made three pieces, driven in size by the frames I had available.  Such a blast!  

It's a terrific issue, grab a copy at your local bookstore or order online.  You can even get a digital download HERE.

New article - I'm a Believer

The newest Somerset Studio has arrived.  The theme for this issue was using words in art.  I literally used just one word, in many different ways. It's a little game I play with myself from time to time, to try something familiar in a new way.  The first time I worked with Believer is explained HERE, a blog post from 12 years ago.  You can read more about it all in the May/June/July issue - it's a very handsome magazine, filled with beautiful articles.  If you don't have a subscription you could always start one, since shopping seems to be out of the question right now.  Single copies also available on Stampington.com

 

In the article I mention that Fallon and I exchange "believer" items annually.  We've had jewelry engraved, and in a pinch we will take a pre-made "believe" and dangle on an "r".  Here's some of them....

And I also tell the story of how Fallon was deciding on which college to accept....when she saw the "sign" on my studio wall....the red R we placed behind our word years before ended up being the logo for the school she chose:  Rutgers.  Love when that kind of synchronicity reveals the right answer. 

I'm off to look for the Super Moon.  Last one of 2020.  Hope you're staying well.

Happy Easter

This is likely the first time in my life that I haven't dyed eggs for the holiday.  In these unusual circumstances, where buying eggs is limited at our store, it seems wasteful to use only to color, leave for the Easter bunny to hide, then toss before they start smelling bad. 

Late 2011 I made these felted eggs, along with some collaged wood eggs for an article (Somerset Studio Jan/Feb 2012). I also made some wood burned eggs (HERE) which inspired an article I did on pyrography.  (Woodburning article Somerset Studio May/June 2017). These collections come out every year, and remind me that Easter eggs don't have to be brightly colored and temporary.  In fact, we don't even need eggs to celebrate Easter....because the real gift of the holy day is not something you set out on a table, but something you hold in your heart.  

Wishing you a blessed day, whatever your faith.  

Penny Candy - new article

Getting caught up with you, I will start with some of my recent articles.  Somerset Studio is now quarterly so the Spring issue is February/March/April, and was available on store shelves 2/1/2020.  Stitching was this theme this time around and since I'm not much of a machine girl, I thought I'd so some more hand-stitching.  I LOVED working in my fabric book a few years ago - you can see some of that HERE.  An old technique (Civil War era), became new-to-me as I learned more about Penny Rugs.  Gave it a try for this article, and a handful of the results helped me complete one of my fabric books from 2016.  Here's a sneak peek of the article, and below are additional photos of the work I did - some are in the article, some aren't.  Please don't go out and get a copy if you don't already have one - order online....and stay safe.  

 

 

 

I will wager you have all the supplies you need to jump on the penny bandwagon.  Felt, floss or thread, needle, scissors.  Fun and easy to do.  Addictive.  Satisfying.  Once they start stacking up you can decide what to do with them.  Google "penny rugs" and you'll see both historical and contemporary compositions for inspiration and motivation.  Great to have a distraction, that is a portable project - doesn't take up a lot of space and isn't messy.  Let me know if you give it a try.

 

new article - nov/dec somerset studio

It's a beautiful Fall day and it's hard to imagine that two months from today it will be Christmas.  In July I felt like I was in a time warp as my mornings in the studio were spent making these ornaments, then by afternoon I was floating around the in pool. It was weird to channel the holidays while wearing my flip flops.  That's the nature of working for a publication.  This week I'm in the middle of a project that you won't see until February.  In case you haven't heard, Somerset Studio is moving to quarterly for 2019.  In a time where we've learned that Stampington has retired a number of publications, and that Cloth, Paper, Scissors has closed it's doors, I am grateful to still have this creative platform.  I've been a fan and reader of Somerset since the inaugural issue in 1997.

 

 

With a handful of inexpensive supplies, you are poised to make a host of ornaments.  Spend and afternoon with a friend, sharing your materials, and you'll have plenty of glittering globes to give away.  

Here's a sneak peek of my article that appears in the November/December Somerset Studio: 

 

Do you remember making similar pinned-sequin-ornaments as a kid?  Chime in and tell us about it.

We Three Kings - new article

The September/October issue of Somerset Studio just arrived, which means it will be at your favorite retail store soon (also available online at Stampington.com). When they announced the theme of Art Doll Extravaganza I had no idea that I would actually heed the call. But I've always wanted to investigate the Three Kings and so what started as a plan to work flat with layers of paper turned into polymer clay sculpture.  I love PC as a medium, but definitely stepped out of my comfort zone when I embarked on these pieces. There were many casualties in the process, which led to better solutions and improvising on the fly.  Don't you love when that happens?  In the previous post I showed you my stencil on clay - that became the garment on Caspar.

You can read more about these guys in the issue - here's a peek at the article for my column, Make It Your Own.

If you're a regular reader you have seen my Nativity set, complete with the Wise Men.  Even though I love the collection, I've been interested in making my own Three Kings ever since seeing The Little Drummer Boy when I was a kid.  I'm so thrilled to finally have these guys completed and have so many new ideas for polymer clay!  

sneak peek

Back in May I began what became an ambitious project.  Starting with much different plans, the thing took on a life of its own and eventually morphed into using a familiar medium in a new way.  I will show you the results tomorrow.  Below is a sneak peek where I used my Damask stencil, rolled across it for an impression, then dusted with gold powder.  LOVE how the powder sticks to the clay and stays there after baking.  

New-to-me:  using clay to mimic hands and faces.  Here's a peek at the hand process.  Stay tuned for the update on the finished pieces tomorrow.

stencils + stencils!

So how cool is this?  A few months ago Lorna from Martha Stewart Living inquired about my Frond Collection stencils.  I've been waiting to hear about the results of the upcoming feature and found a copy of the magazine this week. (July/August issue).  It was such a thrill to see my own stencil line (GreenPepperPress.com) along with Mary Beth's (StencilGirlProducts.com) in the article.  The spread is also featured on the Martha Stewart website under DIY, see HERE.  It's so nice that on the site, and in the magazine, all sources are listed WITH the project - unlike the old days where you had to read the fine print in the back pages to find contact info.  

Thanks Lorna + Martha!  Cool projects!

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

And in more stencil news - it's Mary Beth Shaw's birthday and she's throwing a party where you get to enjoy 14% off your stencil purchases today through Sunday (July 6, 7 8).  

All designs are on sale - you can find my designs HERE.

Receive 14% OFF all StencilGirl stencil designs - Use code:  MBS14

$100+ orders** CHOOSE 1 FREE Large STENCIL***
***You MUST put the L### in the comment box at checkout. Sorry, no exceptions.

**6 of the same size 10% discount is applied first! $100+ orders post-discount.
*Sale does not apply to wholesale accounts or StencilClub membership.

The stencil sale begins July 6th and ends July 8th at 11:59 p.m. CST 

Time for Tea

The July/August issue of Somerset Studio is on shelves at your local bookstore now!  In my column I show some of the Tea Books I've been making.  It was 2001 when I made my first one, and have made several over the years - enough to fill a tea caddy.  In May we had out all the tea fixings for an early morning viewing of the Royal Wedding....including scones with clotted cream and jam.  I think I need to make a mini book for all the weddings I've risen early to watch.  Back in April my two sister-in-laws treated me to a fun cream tea in England, so I made a little book about that event.  There's always a good reason to make tea, and there's always a good excuse to make a sweet little tea book.  Here's a sneak peek at the article:

Some images that got mentioned in the text didn't show up in the published piece - like the tea caddy I found to hold my collection of books.  I scored this one at the Container Store - perfect fit!  

And I mentioned in the article that the tea party book was shown in a cup I inherited from my Grandma Campbell.  Here it is.

I love coffee every morning, but for special occasions we break out the tea.  These little books are the size of a tea packet, and some have a string and tag like a tea bag.  It's a nice departure to work on a small scale, and it's such an addictive process.  Great for a gift, and a fun format for an invitation.

P.S.  I spy my own work on pages 56 + 57 too as artist Edan Ruthan Miller makes a ring bound journal to remind her of ideas....clippings from one of my articles (HERE, May/June 2012) appear on her pages. 

 

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.

 

new article: shadow play

The latest Somerset Studio has arrived - March/April 2018.  My column features recent experiments with paper cutting to create shadows.  The first photo is a close-up I took of one piece - derived from my Rose Window stencil.  I've always been intrigued by illuminated dimensional art, and while I didn't take mine that far, it was a fun self-imposed assignment to create pattern and depth with paper and just a few tools.  As I was turning the pages of the new issue, it was a nice surprise to land on Mary Beth Shaw's interesting article on pigments - there's a full page of my Maltese Mix stencil.  Very cool.

 

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.

***********************************************************************************************************************

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

 

 

Got spoons?

Many of you already know this - I collect souvenir spoons. Gathered from places we've visited, it's a fun ritual to pull out each year and reminisce as we hang on our Christmas tree.  One of my self-imposed assignments, on a long list of things I've been wanting to do, was to start journaling Christmas.  I've been wanting to capture the stories, the traditions, and document the history of our decorations and ornaments.  The easiest way to begin was to document the spoon collection.  There are so many, nearly 70, that they get their own journal.  The pages are a hybrid of handwriting and digital compositions.  There's still a long way to go before I'm finished, but it feels good to have finally launched the project.  You can read more about it in the current Somerset Studio - November/December 2017.

 

Telling the stories behind our spoons makes the collection even more special.  It's an untraditional practice that has become a tradition for us.  

What unusual thing do you do during the holidays?  They are approaching quickly!  Ack!!!

Grand Illusion

In the September/October issue of Somerset Studio, I've presented recent work on an unfinished wood castle.  You'll see I have a guest in my column - my friend Andrew Borloz shares his design treatment on the same item.  It's really terrific example of how there is always a means to "make it your own", the name of my column ;)   Be sure to click through to Andrew's blog post that further illustrates his colorful process and inspiration: HERE. 

This was such a fun project - working on the surfaces, then creating chess characters to inhabit the fortress.  My first impression, upon opening the structure on the store shelf:  Escher.  Scroll down for samples of his black and white work, with dizzying staircases.  You can see why he inspired my design direction.  Lots of stenciling on the outside, and collage on the inside - not as easy to paint in there so I relied on some favorite old engravings and copies of my own previous work.  Had to add in a few dollhouse ladders too - definitely a fun-house for adults.  This castle is still available at Michael's in the event you want to give a try.  (Don't forget to use your coupon).

Magazine is available now, thru Stampington.com or at your favorite bookstore.

 Sending positive vibes to our friends in Texas and Florida.  I'm working a fundraiser with some friends - you can help!  Stay tuned.

Old Faithful - TAGS

The July/August issue of Somerset Studio just arrived.  Below is a sneak peek of my article. Who doesn't love tags?  I consider them to be perfect platform for all kinds of creativity and have been using them for over twenty-five years, therefore I call tags "Old Faithful". The entire magazine is full of them as that was their selected theme.  Lots of good stuff.

 

In May/June I was lucky to be featured in Cloth Paper Scissors with my new Grid Iron stamps.  More tags!  Thanks Jeannine for the opportunity to show off the new rubber.

 

And speaking of faithful....you know I'm a die-hard HIM fan.  They have announced their farewell tour. *sad face*  Just got my tickets today - to two shows.  *happy face*  Wouldn't it be nice if the threat of a farewell tour was similar to other bands who have claimed the same, but continue to hit the road?  If not, we can always hope for solo projects from the beloved members.  

Playing with Fire

The new Somerset Studio just arrived.  Here is a sneak peek of my article.  You know you're onto something good when you can't stop. At some point you have to put down the tool, quiet the inner voice that keeps coming up with additional ways to push the technique, then document the body of work with the camera, and start writing about the experience.  When you're in the groove you fear that hitting pause may become a permanent hold.  However, as I showed you last weekend with the tattooed eggs, it was not hard to get back my mojo a few weeks after the premier voyage into pryography.  I think this one will keep my attention for some time.

 

 

How cool is this?  Two weeks ago the new Uppercase magazine arrived.  A writer named Brendan Harrison wrote an article about pyrography too, also called Playing with Fire.  I loved hearing his take on it.  

 

Thanks to all my friends who have stepped up swiftly and lovingly to support another friend.  And to those of you I've never met, how cool that you joined in too and have trusted me to pass along your positive messages of healing and cheer.  I know it's going to be powerful as I can feel the spirited energy within each piece.

silver linings seeker

On the newsstands now or very soon, the Jan/Feb Somerset Studio - with my article: Silver Linings.  Made with gelli prints that were painted back in October 2013, I decided to finally USE THEM as they were in peril of being pitched.  Pages are stitched together - a tip I got from my friend Julie Prichard in one of her online classes.  I'm a Silver Lining seeker - trying to see the good in every situation, no matter how difficult.  Quotes of affirmation, collected over time, now reside in this new journal.  See the article for more about the process.

 

 

 

Don't miss out on the early registration discount for CreativeJumpStart2017.  Offer good through the ball drop on Saturday night.  Join in for a full month of creativity videos and giveaways - from 27 artists.  Last year was so much fun - my first time as a presenter. Happy to be back again.  Come along!!