michelle ward

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

 

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!

 

 

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

 

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.