michelle ward

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 - Gridlocked

Revisiting a favorite theme....prompted by having leftovers from a previous project, and the fact that I finally started actually playing the game.  Not long after I sent off my photos/text for "Opening Moves" late last year, my husband and I began the evening ritual of setting up the board and playing a few rounds.  I got all kinds of ideas for projects, and this is one of them.  Here's a sneak peek of the article - went on bookstore shelves August 1st.

 

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 - Lost & Found

February brought a new article for my column in Somerset Studio.  The theme was "Dressed to the Nines" and while the idea of fashion didn't resonate with me I did enjoy writing about mannequins, and my family connection to the business. Here's a sneak peek:

In the issue is a tip-in of one color chart I designed for my project. In future issues you may see another.  Besides continuing my research on the mannequin business, I really loved inventing a portfolio for my Uncle Jerry, and had a blast stepping into his shoes...imagining what his studio, pin boards, sketchbooks, files, might have looked.  I also stepped into the roles of inventing drawings and poses for his girls...not all the pages were shown in the article so here a few:

Special thanks to my cousin Patrick for sharing so much information about his connection with his mannequin experience.  

I've been behind keeping up with this blog...my apologies.  I didn't even wish you Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, or Happy Valentine's Day.  Bad girl.  Hope all has been well...and let me take a minute to say Happy St. Patrick's Day in case I'm not back here before then.

 

 

StencilGirlProducts.com annual sale!!

Get the stencils on your wishlist, or get a duplicate of your favorite for a friend - through Monday at midnight CST.

Visit StencilGirlProducts.com  Woohoo!

Portrait of a Lady: Remembering Linda Warlyn

My second article in the new Somerset Studio is a tribute to my dear friend Linda Warlyn.  What on honor to present, but it was one of the hardest pieces I've ever written....I could have used way more words and pages to describe her wonderfulness, and to share the very many personal connections I have with this gem of a girl.  The world lost a beautiful soul when she left for heaven.  I feel so lucky to have been touched by her...one of those rare gifts that makes you forever grateful.  <3

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.

New article: Cultivating Creativity

Last month the newest issue of Somerset Studio arrived.  The theme was "nature", and I showed a canvas made earlier in the year.  In addition to the article, Stampington included two of my photos for their "artist pages".  I had a love/hate experience working on this large piece, and recognized how uncomfortable I am working big.  I'm getting it figured out though and have actually tried a few more since then.

In my next post I will show a few more details, and show you all the stencils I used.

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.

 

1.6.21

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

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

Merry Christmas!!

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

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

XOXO

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

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

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

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.