michelle ward

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!!

just arrived

Last week I received the new book by Joan Bess:  Gelli Plate Printing:  Mixed-Media Monoprinting Without a Press.  It is fabulous, with easy-to-follow processes - I already have some new ideas for making textures on the gelli plate.  As I wrote to Joan, I applaud the force she has become by infusing creative energy into this community with her genius invention, and the classy and stylish manner in which she presents many ideas on the blog, with the photos and video tutorials, and now this book!  I recently scored the new small size gelli and can't wait to break it in - Joan makes it look so effortless, and it really is!  Visit GelliArts.com and GelliArts.blogspot.com, and pick up the book at your local store or an Amazon.  In addition to many techniques you'll want to try, the book has a guest gallery that displays how other artists are using the addictive printing process.  

 

 

 

Also, just arrived is the newest issue of Somerset Studio.  In my column, Make It Your Own, I write about taking some travel souvenirs and moving them from the keepsake box to the wall, so that they may be enjoyed every day.  Are there any treasures you have tucked away that should move to your wall!  What are you waiting for?

 

 

 

I'm prepping and packing to teach in San Diego next weekend.  It's been ten years since I've visited California - looking forward to it!!

pulling (out) the gelli prints

As I'm sure you know, if you're a Gelli Plate fan, you can't pull just one print.  In an hour you're likely to have run out of paper while still filled with enthusiasm to keep at it.  Here are some prints I worked on with some stencils last fall.  In two days I had boxes of prints - lots of experiments that taught me valuable lessons, and lots of papers that will be fashioned into a journal.  I pulled out the pile today to start making selections and sort what will become part of the journal and what will get put in the collage files.  So much to choose from - can't wait!  I think I will start with the turquoise + taupe + leaf motif shown further down.

Be sure to check out the upcoming book by Joan Bess, Gelli Plate Printing:  Mixed Mono-Printing with a Press, due in September.  We already know she delivers when it comes to demonstrating the gelli plate - her blog and videos are terrific.  The preview of the book looks grand!  I'm honored to be in the guest gallery.

 

 

 

Giveaway - Gelli Style

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

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

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