michelle ward

1.6.21

Now that the Wise Men have arrived, we can start disassembling the holiday decorations.  We always wait until Epiphany before it all comes down.  I will miss the lights, the colors, the coziness of having favorite things in view.  The annual tradition of hauling out the storage bins, unwrapping ornaments and other decorations from well-worn, re-used tissue paper, carefully placing around the home, enjoying the fleeting visit, then lovingly packing away is part of what makes the Christmas treasures so special.  Memories of past holidays swirl in the air, as we anticipate making new ones.  The Nativity is always the first thing I set up for the season, and it is always the last thing I put away.  I am happy to have has another day to savor the visions, then the work begins in the morning.

Hope you had a wonderful time ushering the New Year.  Here's to all the blank calendar pages ahead - may they be filled with good energy, good health, and good connections. 

Merry Christmas!!

The last few years our annual photo card has been composed of individual snapshots that are spliced together.  I find it an easier format than wrangling everyone into a group photo.  The plus side is that you get a close view of each family member too.  This year I cracked myself up with our theme....timely don't you think?

Wishing you the very best, whatever you honor and celebrate at this time of year.  Lots to be thankful for.....starting with 2020 is nearly over.  It can only get better, right?

XOXO

Happy Thanksgiving

Sure, it's been a crazy year....but there are many reasons to be grateful and to give thanks.  Sending warm wishes your way for a blessed holiday.  xo

Best of Creative JumpStart Vol. 2!!

My friend Nathalie is at it again - presenting a bundle of creative mini workshops, revisiting some projects that were revealed in 2016.  Here's a chance to "jump" back in with her special offer.  Best of Creative JumpStart Vol. 2 is another great collection of CJS video lessons from the archives. You will receive links to 12 downloadable video lessons from Creative JumpStart 2016. This collection includes project and technique based lessons from 12 different talented mixed media artists. Download the lessons to your library and enjoy learning at your own pace from a diverse group of Creative JumpStart classics. This collection is just $9.99 and available immediately. Get ready to JumpStart YOUR Creativity!

My assignment was Matisse + Spray Paint.  Twist my arm, right?  Had a blast making my first ever video.  Learn more, read a description of the lessons, and sign up HERE

 

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.  

It's been a year....and it's been a year!

Literally, it has been a year since I blogged.  But what a year it's been.  I'm pleased to be finally set up in my studio. In the previous house I had all my books, my business, my computer, and my art supplies all in one space.  In this house I have an office for my computer and business, a library for all our books, and a studio that is just a studio.  Took a while to get everything organized but I'M WORKING IN THERE!!!  I'm a lucky girl.

Whether there was an imposed quarantine or not, being home it just the ticket for me on any given day.  My plan for 2020 was to get back on here and become a regular poster.  It's mid-March and I've finally carved out a few minutes.  At least it's still Winter, though only for a couple more days.  You'd never guess it....our flowering trees are blooming, the sunny days are gorgeous.  It's 50-something now and will be in the 70s this week.  

Wishing you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!  

I always like to say:  Be Well and Behave.  Now I really really mean it....behave so you can be well.

See you again soon.  XOXO

Happy St. Patrick's Day

We have our green on...and are getting the green food ready.  Some salad, some pesto on pasta, green jello (jigglers), and of course, some mint chocolate chip ice cream.  Sam always remind me of the menu.  Just making a quick run to the liquor store for some Guinness and Baileys.  

Things are coming along in the new house.  Lots of little projects completed and a few more big ones in the works.  Soon my studio contents will be released from storage.  Can't wait to get set up.  I miss my stuff!

Hope you have a great day!  Be well and behave.

 

 

H.H.!!!

Feels funny to post about Halloween since my last entry was about Christmas ornaments.  We had a gorgeous day here so it was surprising that we had less trick-or-treaters than usual.  Perhaps the dumpster in our driveway scared them off.  I'm sad that this will be the last Halloween in this neighborhood and in this house.  You know what's really frightening?  Packing up a home you've lived in for twenty years.  OnWARD to new adventures!

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!

 

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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 

Happy 4th!

Summer catch-up

I can't believe it's officially summer!  I guess I've been on a little blog vacation.  I meant to chime in on my birthday, to show you the first blossom, definitely a sign from Shannon who would have been 50 on our special day.  By the following week in May the garden was in full bloom.  I also meant to post photos of our Fallon, who graduated from Rutgers.  So I will do that now.

Here are two of the four walls of roses.  The last photo shows how tall they've become - wanting to show off to the neighborhood.

And here's our girl graduating on Mother's Day from Rutgers University with honors.  As we looked back at photos of my college graduation we noticed that both Fallon and I wore a black dress with white polka dots.  Love that one of her baby photos has her dressed in red scarlet.

  

Here's a wonderful story of Synchronicity.  Ten years ago I posted this story: HERE. If you don't click through to read I'll summarize.  I was in a Self-Portrait round robin journal project and I was working on a page where I had typed up tiny strips of repeated words that described me.  Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter, Friend, Artist....you get it.  So I had Fallon read them and tell me if I was missing anything.  She said: Believer.  So Believer became significant between us.  Every year since then I have gotten her a gift with Believer as an engraving or marking.  I have a wood sign in my studio that says Believe, so I found an R to add to it.  For some reason I painted it red.  See photo.  That was 2008.  Then a few years ago, when Fallon was deciding where to finish college, we were having a family discussion at the dinner table, reviewing the options.  She happens to look up from her placet at the table, and saw I had moved the Believer sign + R to a spot in the studio within view....and it was a "sign".  Literally.  Rutgers logo is a red R.  So she accepted Rutgers, and has graduated as a Scarlet Knight.

 

I've had a fun time working on a project for the last two weeks - something totally new for me.  There was a bit of a learning curve but that is what happens when you try to educate yourself on the properties of a material.  You'll see more about it in September. Meanwhile, here's some of my worktable:

 

So that's a quick catch-up from May....had some issues uploading photos but it appears to be working now so I will have another post going up later today.

Happy Mother's Day!

To my mom, who is here with my dad for Fallon's college graduation today.  Lots to celebrate!

And to all my mom friends, have a lovely day!

Happy Easter

Photo from 1996.  Peter was 5, Sam was 4, and Fallon was 8 months.  Wearing jelly bean shirts from L.L. Bean, and bunny ears.....Easter decals on the window above in our home when we lived in Michigan.  As usual, at least one egg was missing from the hunt.  We still dye eggs the same way, and still use the baskets from those early days, but now we use paper grass instead of that green plastic stuff because we have a cat.  We've traded in some of the old plastic eggs for the ones that are hinged - so much easier to fill when you don't have to find the matching top or bottom.  Wake up time is a little different so the "Easter Bunny" doesn't have to scramble in the wee hours to hide eggs and put out the baskets.  I can no longer dress Fallon with ruffles and a hat ....because she's 22!  And while the boys are 26 and 27, all three kids + mom + dad colored eggs Friday night.

Happy memories, and Happy Easter. 

3.17.18

Be well and behave ;)

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

 

Epiphany

I've always wanted to make my own set of three kings - something I've done digitally for years, but haven't made in 3-D yet.  After I worked on my castle earlier this year I thought maybe I would create a set from the wooden pegs like I used HERE.  Then I came across this Nativity from Target and I had to have it.  If you can believe it I'm actually starting on ideas for next Christmas....maybe I will get those kings made by summer...wouldn't that be great?

 

Happy Epiphany.  Now we can officially start putting away all the decorations.  Gosh it goes by fast.

*tosses confetti*

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

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a blessed holiday, whatever you celebrate.  Here's our annual photo card, and evidence of the family at a HIM concert. Theme this year honors our favorite band as we followed them on their farewell tour.  Toasting many fun years seeing them live (x22).  We will always have the music, and the memories.

 

 

 

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

 

Save on STENCILS on Cyber Monday!!

My SGP stencils are on sale!  (And ALL StencilGirlProduct Stencils!)

Cyber Monday: Save 25% off all* stencils
Use code: cyber25 
Monday, November 27, 2017
from midnight until 11:59 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time) USA

PLUS 10% discount when you buy 6 stencils of the same size!

NEW THIS YEAR! Choose 1 FREE large stencil for every $100 spent (after discounts are applied). You MUST specify your choice(s) by L### code in the comments section of the cart when you check out or it will be StencilGirl's choice. Sorry, no exceptions.

BONUS! Spend $500+ (after discounts are applied) and StencilGirl will send you an original work of art by Mary Beth Shaw.

SHOP Michelle Ward Stencils: HERE

After Cyber Monday, you can get 20% off all stencils on Tuesday & Wednesday
Use code: cyber20 
Tuesday, November 28, 2017, & Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Sale ends at 11:59 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time) USA
10% off 6 stencils of the same size discount, FREE stencil(s), and Bonus still apply.

*Stencils only. Does not apply to DVDs, books, tools, wholesale orders, StencilClub, or gift certificates. The StencilClub exclusive monthly member discount does not apply.

Here is a link in case you need to check your time zone against St.Louis, MO: 
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/personal.html

Happy Thanksgiving!

Had a full table of family and friends....great day!  Hoping you had the same!

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 **  

 

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.
 

 

 

*fireworks*

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 Mother's Day

This is a rose from last year, my blooms are not quite ready to show off yet, see below.  

Hope you have a glorious day.

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!!

 

 

3.17.17

Yesterday was the four year anniversary of adopting our sweet black cat Lucky.  They told us she was likely about a year old so we claim today as her birthday.  We sure got lucky with her.  She is precious.  I think that luck is all in perspective, but it's been said that those who work the hardest, are the luckiest.  Often attributed to Thomas Jefferson:  I am a great believer in luck. The harder I work, the more of it I seem to have.  Hope you find yourself lucky not just today, but always.