michelle ward

New article - Banking Scents

The Autumn issue of Somerset Studio just arrived.  My column is an article about scent/fragrance/smells and how I use them to create associations with creativity.  Here's a sneak peek, which includes a workshop page I offer with labels for your scents.  I also show below a snippet with a collection of wax with a label from a favorite candle gifted from my dear friend Lisa Hoffman.  It's a treasure to have a friend who gets you, which she does...and we have similar taste in what we like to smell.  Hope you've been enjoying the summer!

 

New year + new article: In the Shadows

Happy New Year!  Hope your holidays were grand.

This just arrived - the Spring issue of Somerset Studio. Feels like I've waited a long time to see these boxes in print since I worked on them in July and August last year.  They were so much fun.  I began with the idea of making just one, but soon it morphed into a series of four.  Totally inspired by one of my faves: Louise Nevelson.  As I write in the article, my first exposure to her work was more than fifty years ago when I was not even ten years old.  She clearly has had a lasting impression on my and often influences my work.  I will plug in a few older pieces, from 2001 and 2013.  You'll also see me standing in front of one of her immense sculptures in the Newark Museum of Art.  That photo gives you the idea of the scale she worked at - filling entire walls.  

Here's a sneak peek at the article - soon to be in bookstores on February 1st, and always available to order at Stampington.com  

After I made my first cardboard sculpture I went to make many more, then segued into cardboard journals, and taught many classes for both.  Just love making use of readily available and non-precious materials.  Making something from nothing.  That's what I'm doing today - you'll see what I'm up to in the next article.

Thanks for stopping by!  Again, have a happy 2024!

HandCrafted Part 2 - new article

As a follow up to my last article, this one illustrates my dimensional explorations with arm reliquaries.  The issue just arrived and should be on the store shelves by August 1st, or already in your mailbox if you're a subscriber.  This was SO much fun - definitely a case where you just can't stop.  In addition to the twenty-something shown in the article, I have handfuls more.  Below you'll see the sneak peek of the article, plus details of the tallest one I made, and another filled with sea glass that is part of my summer tablescape.  I feel so lucky to have an editor that allowed me to really investigate this subject, and present across two of my columns.

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...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 - 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.

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.

 

SALE at StencilGirlProducts.com

A huge stencil sale begins tomorrow (Sunday, November 29) at SGP, and you'll have three days to make some terrific choices for yourself or for gifts!  HERE are my designs, but there are SO SO SO many amazing patterns and images, so look around.  Sale ends Monday, December 1st.  Take advantage of the deal....you deserve a treat this year.  

Go visit HERE.  Use code joy25

 

 

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.  

Best of Creative JumpStart Vol. 4

Another terrific bundle of creative videos from Nathalie's Creative JumpStart.  The theme for Vol. 4 from 2018 is Now We’re Cooking: Mixed Media Art Recipes.  My particular segment is titled:  Let's Have TakeOut.  Ha!  Clever of me, right?  It's about subtractive stenciling.  Loved making the video, some samples from it are shown above.  

Best of Creative JumpStart Vol. 4 is the fourth collection of CJS video lessons from the archives. You will receive links to 12 downloadable video lessons from Creative JumpStart 2018. This collection includes project and technique based lessons from 12 unique and super 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! Learn more and read a description of the lessons HERE

It's a good time to scoop up this deal, especially if you missed it back in 2018.  

Here is a list of the 12 artists and their lesson included in this collection:

• Nat Kalbach: The Secret Ingredient
• Mystele Kirkeeng: A Recipe for Play
• Catherine Scanlon: Traced Flower Painting
• Marsha Valk: Sole Picasso
• Diana Trout: Spice of Life
• Sandra Evertson: Hot Glue Cooking
• Pam Carriker: Mixed Media Angels
• Birgit Koopsen: A Delicious Little Hors D’oeuvre
• Rae Missigman: A Recipe for Color and Resist
• Michelle Ward: Let’s Have Take Out!
• Gwen Lafleur: Collage Papers
• Jen Crossley: Metal Etched Book

And here is a peek at the projects included in this bundle:

 

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.

Best of Creative JumpStart Vol. 3!

Another bundle bargain from Nathalie's Studio:  Best of Creative JumpStart Vol. 3 is the third collection of CJS video lessons from the archives. You will receive links to 12 downloadable video lessons from Creative JumpStart 2017. This collection includes project and technique based lessons from 12 unique and super 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.

The theme for 2017 was Mix/Match/Master and I enjoyed the assignment - sneak peek above.  

This collection is just $9.99 and available immediately. Get ready to JumpStart YOUR Creativity!

Learn more, read a description of the lessons, and sign up HERE

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

 

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.

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

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.

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!

 

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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 

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.

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.

 

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.

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

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Colors

Do you follow the annual Pantone Color of the Year?  This year is Ultra Violet.  You can read more about it HERE.  It's very close to the color they announced earlier this year in collaboration with Prince's estate.  Read about that HERE.

While waiting for the unveiling of 2018, we were speculating which direction it might go.  I was hoping for something in the yellow family - like a handsome rich mustard. Below is a chart of selections from 2000 to 2018.  Out of curiosity I created an approximate color wheel placement of past colors and confirmed that there have been several similar shades, and yellow is under-represented.

 

 

If you had to pick a color for the upcoming year, what would you choose?

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