michelle ward

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

 

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

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!!!

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!

 

 

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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.
 

 

 

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.

SGP sale - Friday and Saturday

ALL stencils at StencilGirlProducts.com are on sale this Friday and Saturday - July 7th + July 8th.  It is Mary Beth Shaw's birthday and there are treats for everyone!  14% off your entire order!  So many great designs to choose from - now is the time to stock up!

You can find my designs here:  Michelle Ward for StencilGirlProducts.  Be sure to browse around and prepare your wishlist so you're ready to place an order during the sale.  

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.  

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*

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.

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!!

 

 

NEW NY stamps

As you know, last year we released a series of stencils with a New York City theme - designed by me, manufactured and sold by The Ink Pad NYC.  Earlier this month they started selling stamp sets that coordinate with the stencils.  There are unmounted sets, trimmed, on cling foam, as well as several images available on wood mounts.  They are not yet listed in their online shop but you can pick up in the store (37 Seventh Avenue at the corner of 13th Street) or call to order anytime.  212.463.9876 

EDIT:  Stamps NOW available online! Click HERE to transport to ShopTheInkPad.com

 

 

 

EDIT:  Stamps NOW available online! Click HERE to transport to ShopTheInkPad.com 

 

3 years = 12,000+ pins

Last week I was privileged to teach to an AP Art class at our local high school.  We had a great time pulling prints from the Gelli Arts printing plate, as well as plain old paper to paper printing of hand-cut collagraphs.  After amassing a pile a papers, they created a small journal or a grid collage, or both.  I will show photos from the event next week.  Below is a practice print I made to get warmed up for class - using a stencil that is having it's three year anniversary today!  

 

 

Not long ago I started paying attention to the changes at Pinterest.  They seem to continually change their format - just when I think I get how it works, it changes.  It's likely they don't actually change it that regularly, but seems like it since I don't visit very often.  One new feature seems to be that they have figured out how to compile close-to-accurate numbers for how often a photo/graphic is pinned. It used to be that you would see an item pinned from your blog with a quantity of 10 or 20 next to it, then see the same item further down the page with a 15, 30, or 50.  There was a photo montage from my blog that had registered over a 1000 pins and I thought that was pretty cool, until I visited it this week and discovered, because of the new calculating wizardry, that the pin is now on over 12,200 boards.  (see HERE if you're on Pinterest) HCIT?

I can't believe it's been three years TODAY since these stencils came out.  Designed in October 2013, they were released with Stencil Girl Products on January 27, 2014.  Here's an abbreviated posting of my original.  

 

 

 

These stencils are available at STENCILGIRLPRODUCTS.COM and GREENPEPPERPRESS.COM

 

 

I'm up!

Today it's my turn to share a video lesson for Nathalie's Creative JumpStart.  Have you joined in?  It's been a fun month of learning all kinds of tricks and techniques.  You can sign up anytime, click HERE.

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!!

CLS 2017 sneak peek

Have you signed up for Creative JumpStart yet?  You can still get an early registration discount of $45 until the end of December. (Regular pricing of $50 on 1/1/17) Why not get enrolled now, before the ramped up activities of the holidays?  Sign up and and sit back, knowing that throughout January you can re-motivate your creativity on a daily basis with videos by 27 artists.  Treat yourself!  Click HERE.

Here's a sneak peek of the supplies I use for my project video.  Debris from your table will work!