tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001983083275718832024-02-17T13:49:55.731-05:00texterialadventures in texture and materialsJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.comBlogger238125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-3454849595658668302013-11-08T01:00:00.000-05:002013-11-08T06:12:56.291-05:00For the Love of LaFazio: Creating With My Jane LaFazio Stencil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've had a crafty crush on <a href="http://janelafazio.com/">Jane LaFazio's </a>work for a long time, so imagine my delight when I was selected to participate in a blog hop featuring one of her beautiful <a href="http://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/category-s/1824.htm">Stencil Girl stencils</a>! Speaking of StencilGirl... they've got a great give-away on their blog, <a href="http://www.stencilgirltalk.com/">StencilGirlTalk</a>. To enter, just leave a comment here or on any of the blogs in the hop (see the list below.) The more blogs you visit and leave comments... the more chances to win! <br />
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For my blog hop post, I chose Jane's Sweet Gum Balls stencil because it reminded me of fall, my family, and our blog hop theme: grateful. I am extremely grateful for my family and so many wonderful times with them. My grandparents had a sweet gum tree in their backyard and I have so many memories of collecting (and stepping on) those sweet gum balls during happy visits. These memories and the gratitude I have for them inspired me to create a patchwork paper cloth that incorporates these images and feelings.<br />
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<u>Supplies I Used:</u><br />
Freezer paper<br />
Masking Tape <br />
Roll of Rice Paper<br />
Niji Splash Ink, magenta and yellow<br />
Paintbrush, medium<br />
Drying rack covered with plastic wrap<br />
Scissors<br />
Stencil<br />
Pan Pastel (black) and applicator sponge <br />
Deli Paper<br />
Acrylic craft paint, hot pink<br />
Spray fixative<br />
Black Pitt Pen <br />
Scissors<br />
Liquid matte medium<br />
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<u>Paint and Stencil Rice Paper</u><br />
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Step 1: Prepare your surface by taping down a piece of freezer paper, shiny side up.<br />
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Step 2: Cut a 2' sheet of rice paper<br />
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Step 3: Mix Splash Inks and water to create color washes.<br />
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Step 4: Cover the entire sheet of rice paper with color washes. The paper will be very wet and delicate.<br />
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Step 5: Carefully lift the sheet of painted rice paper. Place it on the drying rack and allow it to dry completely.<br />
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Step 6: Repeat steps 1-6 to create another sheet of painted rice paper. <br />
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Step 7: Once dry, take one sheet from the drying rack. Randomly stencil the sweet gum ball images using black pan pastel. Take the sheet outside and spray it with fixative. Allow it to dry completely.<br />
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<u>Stencil and Paint Deli Paper</u> <br />
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Step 1: Randomly stencil the sweet gum ball images onto the deli paper using black pan pastel. Take
the sheet outside and spray it with fixative. Allow it to dry
completely. <br />
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Step 2: Paint a thin coat of acrylic craft paint onto the<b> <i>non-stenciled</i> </b>side of the deli paper. Allow it to dry completely. <br />
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<u>Create Journaled Rice Paper</u><br />
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Step 1: Cut a 1-2' piece of rice paper. Using a black pitt pen, write a poem, journal entry, or random words to cover the entire sheet of paper.<br />
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Step 2: Follow steps 1-6 above in the <i>Stencil and Paint Rice Paper</i> section. <br />
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<u>Put the Pieces Together</u><br />
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Step 1: Cut random rectangles from each paper: stenciled rice paper, painted rice paper, journaled rice paper, and stenciled deli paper.<br />
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Step 2: Use liquid matte medium to adhere the rectangles to a long sheet of rice paper. Arrange the rectangles in a random pattern. Coat the front and back of each piece as you adhere it to the rice paper. <br />
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Step 3: Cut smaller pieces of each paper and use these pieces as tiny "patches" to bring the piece together.<br />
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The final result is a long sheet of beautifully patterned paper.<br />
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This paper can be used in a variety of ways. It can be hung, placed on a table, or sewn like fabric to create three dimensional pieces.<br />
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com67tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-77892957342890160772013-11-04T18:05:00.005-05:002013-11-04T18:05:56.736-05:00In the Midst of Chaos, Make BraceletsOctober whizzed by. My house and studio make that quite obvious to me.<br />
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We've got interseason wardrobe pile-up (tank tops and sweaters wedged into crowded drawers, winter storage boxes left mid-raid on cold mornings, flip-flops and fuzzy boots jumbling up by the back door.) <br />
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My studio is also in complete disarray. As the staging area for Halloween costuming and decorating, it's been polluted with feathers, glitter, felt, and zombie blood. <br />
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Way too much pizza has been eaten in the last two weeks.<br />
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But in the midst of the chaos, I found time to sneak in a few experimental bracelets. I found these easy-to-braid leather bracelets for around $3 at Hobby Lobby.<br />
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I created this charm by riveting a brass star to a flat brass disc. Next, I embossed the piece with Ice Enamel powder. I put a layer of Ranger Melt Art UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel) on top and melted the metal piece in my Melt Art melting pot. The Ice Enamel and UTEE are not designed to work together, but I wanted to see what would happen. The result was a really neat frosty effect.<br />
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For this one, I used a brass bezel. I painted the background with Vintaj patina paint in turquoise. After sanding it, I added some Ice Enamel powder around the edges. I crinkled hot pink wire into a heart shape and placed it into the bezel. Finally I put UTEE into the bezel and heated it in my melting pot.<br />
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Isn't it funny how random craft projects manage to sneak into our busy lives?! <br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-10129699950306470522013-10-05T07:22:00.003-04:002013-10-05T07:22:48.624-04:00My Favorite Month is Here!I love October! The weather is amazing in Georgia, the chocolate treats are abundant, and the smell of plastic Halloween decor fills the air.<br />
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I hope you'll take a moment to check out my fun paper doll project over at the <a href="http://yasutomoarts.wordpress.com/2013/10/04/purrfectly-paper-doll/">Niji Creative Collective</a>. <br />
I had so much fun with this one!<br />
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Meanwhile... when you get a minute, visit the <a href="http://craftdaily.com/home.aspx">CraftDaily</a> website. This website is filled with how-to video workshops covering just about every crafty topic you can imagine! My <a href="http://craftdaily.com/p-801-collage-in-the-round.aspx">Collage in the Round</a> workshop was just added, so you can visit and see a little blurb just for fun. <br />
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And now... off to the Crabapple Art Festival. It is going to be a beautiful day. I've gleaned my studio for anything that can possibly be sold. My booth is packed! My daughter is coming to be my helper and I'm sharing a booth with a very sweet friend. Happy all around!<br />
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Have a great weekend!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-71114167939003914892013-10-01T18:42:00.000-04:002013-10-01T18:44:35.746-04:00Collage: Up Close & Personal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few posts ago, I told you all about a collage I was creating. I thought you might like to see how it turned out. This collage was a commission from a friend. Her sister turned 50 and she wanted to give her a unique gift. I asked her to give me some details that I could use to make it as personal as possible.<br />
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She is a homemaker and loves the color red. This chair is made from a piece of cereal box cardboard. I made a chair shape, covered it with old text, painted, and stitched it.<br />
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We've got to have a girly dress in there... she has two daughters and a sister. This skirt is made from stamped, gathered, and painted deli paper.<br />
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So lucky to find a little birthday-related text!<br />
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This house is another cereal box cardboard piece. I've used stitch, paint, ink, gel pens, watercolor crayons, and found text to give it tons of texture.<br />
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I found these two lines in an old typing manual. If you ever see an old typing manual at a book sale or garage sale... buy it! You will find so many word treasures inside! <br />
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As I delivered the finished piece, I was really nervous. What if I took it in the wrong direction? Thankfully, my friend loved it and I hear her sister did too. What a privilege to be part of someone's special day. Yet another way that art connects us!<br />
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-38623523777889164962013-09-21T11:21:00.000-04:002013-09-21T11:21:55.141-04:00Oh Goodness, This is Some Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I treated myself to a little shopping trip and splurge at Hobby Lobby last week. I found myself in front of an entire end-cap of Ice Resin products and a free project sheet by Jen Cushman, one of the Queens of Ice Resin. I'm such a kid about art supplies...the sparkly packaging was just more than I could resist.<br />
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I bought a variety of bezels and filled them with small pieces from my stitched paper stash.<br />
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I coated the cut papers with paper sealer, placed them into the bezels, filled them with Ice Resin, and waited overnight for them to dry. The result... a handful of sparkly smooth objects, just begging to be made into funky adornments!<br />
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These pendants would be cute on a charm bracelet, necklace, <br />
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or earrings on simple hooks.</div>
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I used a variety of brass blanks along with more bezels to create this chunky charm bracelet. To create the enamel look on the blanks, I coated each piece with Iced Enamels medium, added a sprinkling of the Iced Enamels Relique powder, and heated the pieces with my heat gun. Once dry, I sealed each piece with Ice Resin. <br />
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Once you get rolling with these products, you will see so many ways to use them. I love the ability to make an inexpensive and personalized piece of jewelry that looks so unique!<br />
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I could include a detailed tutorial here, but if you want to try your hand at creating some Ice Resin jewelry, your best bet is to check in with the experts ... visit<a href="http://www.iceresin.com/"> iceresin.com </a>or <a href="http://jencushman.wordpress.com/">Jen Cushman</a>.<br />
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Hope your weekend is a happy and craft-filled adventure!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-25713160116877181322013-09-17T16:23:00.000-04:002013-09-17T16:23:13.875-04:00Summer is Fluttering AwayFinally we've got a day under 80 degrees! I feel the last few days of summer slipping away and I am so ready... ready to be rid of mosquitoes, ready wear bulky sweaters, and ready to quit shaving my legs so often! <br />
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I hope you'll take a moment to head over to the <a href="http://yasutomoarts.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/the-last-fruit-of-summer-2/">Yasutomo Niji Creative Collective blog</a> and check out my Yasutomo Creative Team post for today. Here's the project I'm writing about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61BApK1zghpnMLomxVfvdkiuVbcQP6rZMfnerU9bVGXFTsz5YTo6-rSsZETtwbGGPzm4GoAldy-RxL-S2lAyrr05MEhTz-iUu5tmpMcjfVGQeD3ErVhKPSaTA2CNRr2Hy86Qd5EsH60kW/s1600/last+fruit+of+the+season.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61BApK1zghpnMLomxVfvdkiuVbcQP6rZMfnerU9bVGXFTsz5YTo6-rSsZETtwbGGPzm4GoAldy-RxL-S2lAyrr05MEhTz-iUu5tmpMcjfVGQeD3ErVhKPSaTA2CNRr2Hy86Qd5EsH60kW/s640/last+fruit+of+the+season.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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Yasutomo Creative Team members will share new project tutorials every day, so sign up to follow and be inspired!<br />
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-79779735689581751682013-09-14T10:35:00.001-04:002013-09-14T10:35:20.578-04:00Saturday Experiment: Ruffled Gelli-Printed Deli Paper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I could not decide where to begin this morning, so I just started stitching paper. Simply touching the papers in my scrap bin got my creative juices flowing. I decided I wanted to work with my gelli-printed deli paper scrap pile. I started by ripping all the pieces into strips.<br />
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When I make gelli prints, I always use deli paper to clean off my gelli plate between colors. I also use the deli paper to experiment with an idea before using the "good" paper. As a result, I've got quite a stash!<br />
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I stitched each strip side by side onto a plain sheet of deli paper. Once the sheet was filled, I cut it in half and stitched the two halves together to form one long piece. I then crumpled and un-crumpled the piece several times. The result reminded me of a wonderful ruffly skirt.<br />
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I am excited about how I might use this technique in my work. I see more experimenting in my future. I also see more Gelli printing... my stash is now running low!<br />
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Gelli printers...How do you use your printed deli paper stash?Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-53382169522159475342013-09-08T17:36:00.000-04:002013-09-08T17:36:16.692-04:00ReWork Your Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpox2zxyDb6HjRvQnRKvgjhhfFzNYB7-DfT-Q2UlZ1SThtPWhfp7gykLF-xRGrX3rdwn2sYkx5g6p6Ir4Tq-6RUlnGYpDxIhLtKgID7IxyaXSkwIoIzSgeWxBbc3yujGGIdWX1YOflFzw/s1600/old+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpox2zxyDb6HjRvQnRKvgjhhfFzNYB7-DfT-Q2UlZ1SThtPWhfp7gykLF-xRGrX3rdwn2sYkx5g6p6Ir4Tq-6RUlnGYpDxIhLtKgID7IxyaXSkwIoIzSgeWxBbc3yujGGIdWX1YOflFzw/s320/old+collage.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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Sometimes I make something that just doesn't work for me. Like this collage. I like it, but never really want to hang it anywhere. I think it might be a bit gloomy. It's been in my studio closet, waiting for a transformation.<br />
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Last week, a friend asked me to make a collage for her sister, who is turning 50 this year. I decided to use this old collage as a base for something new and more cheerful. I started by adding layers of paper.<br />
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I added some personal information by typing family names and other details onto scrapbook paper. I love this old typewriter. It belonged to my grandfather!<br />
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The collage seemed rather cold, so I scrubbed in some quinacridone and raw umber with a dry brush. I then used acrylic glazing medium to thin and smudge the brown tones into the crevices of the collage.<br />
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I'm still layering and thinking about the final result, but so far I like what is happening.<br />
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The old collage is quickly disappearing, but the green tones and funky shapes peek out here and there. <br />
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How about you? Do you keep your old "ho-hum" pieces? What do you do with them?<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-43202789374068320852013-09-02T14:02:00.000-04:002013-09-02T14:02:02.454-04:00Create Was GREAT! And other news...<br />
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Life has been a bit crazy lately. After a year of staying home and focusing on art, I realized something important about myself. I don't like being home alone. I found myself getting lonely and sad. So... back to work. I just started a new day job as a Kindergarten assistant at the elementary school only a half mile from my house. I was a little nervous about taking the job. I knew I'd love the crafts, story-telling, and those great school hours and vacations. But... would I lose my mind with 20 five-year-olds? I've never worked with that many children. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try.<br />
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I have not lost my mind yet. And to my very happy surprise... I absolutely love it! The experience has been so encouraging. Already, I've learned three things.<br />
1) I need routine. It gives my creative side permission to be free.<br />
2) Never quit trying to find the right path. Keep tweaking and trying new opportunities. Keep what sticks.<br />
3) My creative path will be unique. What works for other artists might not work for me. <br />
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After starting my new job, I got to take a quick break and head to Chicago to teach two classes at CREATE!<br />
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I was so pumped to find this fabulous suitcase (on clearance at Marshall's!) for all my art supplies. Although I forgot to pack underwear (and had to make a skivvy run to Target), I did manage to fit all my supplies into this big boy.<br />
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CREATE was a wonderful experience! I met such creative, interesting, and fun women who loved getting messy as much as I do! <br />
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I was also very lucky to have two sorority sisters from my University of Illinois days in one of my classes and a very special helper along for the ride - my husband, Chris.<br />
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After a few days at CREATE, we headed into the city for one more day of fun before heading back to reality.<br />
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We walked to Navy Pier and rode the Ferris wheel. </div>
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We stayed the night in a boutique hotel downtown, <i>The Monaco</i>. Such a cute room!</div>
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When we got home, I was delighted to be greeted with a big box from Yasutomo! I was recently honored to be included in their first design team. As a member of the team, I received a bounty of beautiful art supplies. I am charged with creating projects with these supplies for the next six months. How lucky can a crafty girl get?! </div>
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Happy fall to all! </div>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-61345320473847465342013-07-08T11:50:00.000-04:002013-07-08T11:52:10.147-04:00How is it July Already?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I think I have taken my longest blog break ever. I didn't plan to take a break, but wonderful distractions took over... those distractions being my two children home from school and lots of time with my family! <br />
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I also enjoyed an amazing week with my sister, Julie. She came to visit for an entire week. We painted nails, shopped, watched rated R movies while we crafted late into the night ("dirty movie crafting"), laughed, shopped, and laughed some more. It was a week I will always cherish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_cEIo7WL74BuYZzICJEh_pDTLBaDkpNvnhpUzrx7PZYCmwO3JHJL5cekD_OLGDF4ULfDSXy1toqLSmTZDR44gRca2IR4-8K7l24flRN4WSm3H9V0PamrQ7qv1ppLVS7a8C5tru1psflD/s1600/julie+and+jenny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_cEIo7WL74BuYZzICJEh_pDTLBaDkpNvnhpUzrx7PZYCmwO3JHJL5cekD_OLGDF4ULfDSXy1toqLSmTZDR44gRca2IR4-8K7l24flRN4WSm3H9V0PamrQ7qv1ppLVS7a8C5tru1psflD/s320/julie+and+jenny.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are sweating it out at a swim meet. Notice the fab peacock earrings - one of our drug store clearance bin finds!</td></tr>
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Last week was dreamy too - a week on my parents' farm in Missouri. We had the luck of a cold front. The temps (normally sweltering at this time) hovered around 80 degrees and we needed jackets at night!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmDnBnpbbe2c4kgbJsiQWmPD2l6HGioCSnPPJ652SuZYcr8V1D-7CF28UcWOXemyeqSNVqMe7i3ATXM13Er2-J_5sTbfPES-LE8nNvZ_PG-HyTbJ3gf797Vd9Z2bYXlvKQd1Twb1iVxx6/s1600/red+barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmDnBnpbbe2c4kgbJsiQWmPD2l6HGioCSnPPJ652SuZYcr8V1D-7CF28UcWOXemyeqSNVqMe7i3ATXM13Er2-J_5sTbfPES-LE8nNvZ_PG-HyTbJ3gf797Vd9Z2bYXlvKQd1Twb1iVxx6/s1600/red+barn.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandparents' barn. Many cows milked here!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v8NNgS_LZh0tGxW1eti63JUP8S0hzyr2WUIkI774Dts1Flzq01k5AikUWMFm9p5fR9fzt1ErLo-AoJ1UW7ohyphenhyphengBQp8NIb3DuAVAvB5FQtrlYlfwl6pA_6ItdFLSq6WYxw2CWAiTdkpEO/s1600/fireworks+and+flip+flops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v8NNgS_LZh0tGxW1eti63JUP8S0hzyr2WUIkI774Dts1Flzq01k5AikUWMFm9p5fR9fzt1ErLo-AoJ1UW7ohyphenhyphengBQp8NIb3DuAVAvB5FQtrlYlfwl6pA_6ItdFLSq6WYxw2CWAiTdkpEO/s1600/fireworks+and+flip+flops.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No summer trip to the farm would be complete without a fireworks show. We can't do these in the burbs!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAUy4ws3vGjErtD-llXVXlQVp2miT6fVOIpHj0X6IPVCyz0vHlfWbn0Zrz4_mwfXdUaD2aNfJoC2vtj4xM6oDplAw618XgLEMi-WSr6iPHdHY8q0WDJobFocMQRRZsXbu5aIn2nNPgzIr/s1600/oscar+driving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAUy4ws3vGjErtD-llXVXlQVp2miT6fVOIpHj0X6IPVCyz0vHlfWbn0Zrz4_mwfXdUaD2aNfJoC2vtj4xM6oDplAw618XgLEMi-WSr6iPHdHY8q0WDJobFocMQRRZsXbu5aIn2nNPgzIr/s1600/oscar+driving.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son taking his first driving lesson in Old Blue.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEz5AKqsXRyvhmtz4QjZodYn5fSq4MNYCzCcC9h95Uh4_rh8xdhsWeB0JWgKJU8p1roQZoeREntmZeFsxpteCiXqYNsKztGY-__tnd0bKWTUA6xp9i0Wt8s2nls5dIRLACI7xTzF8XsT2/s1600/jenny+driving+tractor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEz5AKqsXRyvhmtz4QjZodYn5fSq4MNYCzCcC9h95Uh4_rh8xdhsWeB0JWgKJU8p1roQZoeREntmZeFsxpteCiXqYNsKztGY-__tnd0bKWTUA6xp9i0Wt8s2nls5dIRLACI7xTzF8XsT2/s1600/jenny+driving+tractor.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I rode on this one with my grandpa when I was a little girl. So many happy memories attached to this old tractor.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpDbmjUvpQdZWRrLNezXaLL_yUdRYww9787ZUx-XwDz1953q1ZHRVwow1ThG2qPIrmPiR2xZdA3UUtYlRcg9dtWtk9m7OHfhbkKAO6FXBA8D-kdDlAWMTGFi_DdEPGWbn4GNPHWSQO2L4/s1600/hayride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpDbmjUvpQdZWRrLNezXaLL_yUdRYww9787ZUx-XwDz1953q1ZHRVwow1ThG2qPIrmPiR2xZdA3UUtYlRcg9dtWtk9m7OHfhbkKAO6FXBA8D-kdDlAWMTGFi_DdEPGWbn4GNPHWSQO2L4/s1600/hayride.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last night on the farm. A hayride in the cool night air. </td></tr>
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Now that we are back home for the rest of the summer, I'm ready to get back into my crafty groove. I'm excited about a new creative adventure that will take place later this week. On Thursday, I will be hosting my first <span id="goog_1042810964"></span>Cloth Pap<span id="goog_1042810969"></span><span id="goog_1042810970"></span>er Scissors Webinar.<span id="goog_1042810965"></span> I'll show you some fun ways to create mixed media faces, clothes, and accessories to use as collage elements. </div>
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For more information or to sign up for the webinar, just click the link on the right.<br /><span id="goog_1042810966"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1042810967"></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-16113579790720780172013-05-13T13:00:00.001-04:002013-05-13T13:00:42.294-04:00Singing into SpringThe pollen has finally blown away and things are looking so beautiful here in Atlanta. I want to move all my furniture outside and just live there for a few weeks. The mosquito season is right around the corner and I will soon need to bathe in deet and wear flea collars just to take my trash out. But for now... perfection.<br />
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In celebration of this beautiful spring, I decided to make some fun little birds. I got the instructions for these in an article by Renee Rogers in the <a href="http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/blogs/clothpaperscissors/archive/2013/04/18/cloth-paper-scissors-may-june-2013.aspx">May / June issue of Cloth Paper Scissors</a>. Renee attaches her birds to springy wire. I wanted my birds to hang, so I just adjusted the directions slightly and used some beading wire and crimping beads.<br />
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To begin, you use plaster gauze to fashion bird shapes.<br />
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Next, you can add strips of tissue, paint, and mod podge or other varnish.<br />
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You can't really tell from the photos, but I also added some cheerful phrases to my birds.<br />
Sing for the beauty of this day...<br />
Good morning beautiful life...<br />
Each day is a new song...<br />
Not sure what I'll do with these, but think they might make nice little gifties for some special people I know. They were so much fun to make and have inspired me to think of more (and bigger) creations that I'd like to try this summer. This is also a great project to do with your kids! <br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-78616861098327673322013-05-08T10:11:00.000-04:002013-05-08T10:11:36.755-04:00It Smells Like Art Again<br />
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As you may have noticed, I've been taking a small break from blogland. The school year is about to wrap up and it seems like every day I've got some sort of concert to attend, party to plan, play-off game to watch, or check to write. My brain has been taxed. The studio has been collecting dust.<br />
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But enough of that... I'm back down here, cracking the paints open, spraying inks, making messes. As my son said one day when he came down here, "it smells like art in here" again.<br />
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After an hour or so of painting this morning, I opened up my email and was so delighted to see a wonderful <a href="http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/blogs/clothpaperscissorstoday/archive/2013/05/08/make-feathers-for-assemblage-and-other-3-d-art.aspx">blog post by Cate Prato</a> with Cloth Paper Scissors featuring one of my techniques and a plug for my second video workshop with Cloth Paper Scissors. This one is called <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Mixed-Media/DVDs/Collage-in-the-Round-Building-wire-and-rice-paper-sculptures.html?SessionThemeID=21">Collage in the Round</a> and features wire and rice-paper structure techniques.<br />
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I can't say enough good things about the wonderful folks over at Cloth Paper Scissors. From my first challenge entry until now, every contact has been so warm, friendly, and supportive. If you are interested in having your work published, give Cloth Paper Scissors a try. If you have questions or want advice, feel free to shoot me an email or leave a comment here. I'd love to share any of my experiences with you.<br />
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Now off to get artsy. Hope your day is filled with happy, colorful messes!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-44772259556766806192013-04-24T11:30:00.003-04:002013-04-24T12:27:04.017-04:00Journaling to Be Still<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Although I'm not a dedicated art journaler, there are times when I feel the call of the blank pages. Usually I come back to my journal when I am feeling overwhelmed. And with recent events, well... I think we've all been pretty overwhelmed. Journaling gives me a chance to write and make art just for me. I'm not a big storyteller, but more of a note-taker, so journal pages often include snippets of thought, hidden in pockets and folds of paper.<br />
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This entry was created using papers from my scrap pile, paint, printed tapes, and deli paper. I stitched a few pieces together and wrote this message to myself.<br />
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So I begin this day with a prayer for peace.<br />
Silence within my mind.<br />
Quiet within my soul.<br />
A look at my place here on earth as if seen from miles into space.<br />
A mere fleck of energy swirling around other bits of energy.<br />
And all is well.<br />
There is time, there is goodness, there is love and patience and all that I need.<br />
It's all here and planned in a way that I don't know nor will I ever really know. (I'm not supposed to know.)<br />
And so I breathe,<br />
And sit still.<br />
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Sometimes I feel like I'm standing on the shore of an ocean. The tides and the waves rush up. I become too busy. I'm flooded with ideas, projects, goals, and worries. I'm bombarded with the latest frightening news, trends, and social media. I can't finish anything. I become overwhelmed. I feel like I'm running out of room. There is no beach left. I am forced to return to the dock, safely anchored above the rushing waters. I sit down on the edge of the dock and look out to sea. I watch from a distance. I see the sun sparkling on the water, dolphins playing in the distance, and fish glittering beneath my toes. In time, the tide rolls back out. It's safe to go back to the beach. <br />
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Journaling forces me to sit still, to walk away from the roar of life and see things from a different perspective.<br />
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If you've never tried art journaling or if you need some new ideas, you might want to check out this new e-mag from Cloth Paper Scissors, <i><a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Mixed-Media/Magazines/Art-Journaling-EXPOSED-vol-2-for-PC-and-MAC.html">Art Journaling Exposed, Vol. 2</a>.</i><br />
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It's filled with fun ideas and short instructional videos. The "Caught on Tape" article features <a href="http://jencushman.wordpress.com/">Jen Cushman</a> showing us how to use Ice Resin to create slick journal accents, <a href="http://kristenrobinson.typepad.com/">Kristen Robinson</a> showing us how to use cereal bags for journal pages, and yours truly demonstrating a sewn paper technique. I got to meet Jen and Kristen when we filmed our video workshops last fall. If you have a moment, stop by their blogs and check out their amazing work! <br />
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-23800693265222277852013-04-18T08:57:00.000-04:002013-04-18T08:57:20.791-04:00Technicolor Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago, I was thinking about the farm. My parents live on a farm and I grew up visiting my grandparents' farm every summer. So many happy memories and images rise to the surface of my brain when I think about those summers. I decided to make some farm-inspired art. I initially wanted to use a delicate, muted color palette, one that would evoke the worn-away, dreamy, wheat-colored landscape. But... well, I just couldn't do it. Those neon bright colors kept making their way into my hands. So, I gave up and created some technicolor farm life instead.<br />
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I used layers of water-soluble crayons, an oil paintstick, and gold acrylic paint. The textures were created by scratching through the layers with a pencil.<br />
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<br />The gold acrylic paint looks a lot like gold leaf on top of the water-soluble pencil.<br />
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Notice... no drawing skills here... I decided not to focus on accurate depiction, just quick movements and lots of color!<br />
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How about you? How does your personal history influence your art? What themes come up? How do you put your own spin on those images?<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-14975409346493231012013-04-17T09:02:00.001-04:002013-04-17T09:29:02.032-04:00Digging Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago, my family, friends, and I took off for a spring break in Asheville, North Carolina. We were set to rent a cabin, see a few sights, soak in the hot tub, and eat too much. We did those things, but midway through the week, we received some horrible news. We learned that Jamie, a boy from my son's lacrosse team, was tragically struck by a car and killed while on spring break with friends.<br />
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Upon returning, we had to say good-bye. The visitation and funeral truly honored our friend's life.<br />
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The boys played their first game since their teammate's death on Sunday. They played
beautifully, almost magically and beat a team they were not expected to
beat. It felt good to see them out there, moving through their sadness,
digging out of their grief, honoring Jamie by joyfully playing what he loved to play. <br />
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I've been a little slow to action over the last few weeks. Grief has pulled me down. I just haven't had the heart to create. But as I watched the boys play on Sunday, I knew what I had to do. Dig out. Work. Do my best. Keep on moving. Honor Jamie's life by joyfully living. And so it is with everything that is happening in the news right now. In time, we've got to dig ourselves out of the sadness. Work. Love. Live joyfully so that we honor those we lost.<br />
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-36276996853529625992013-03-29T10:24:00.001-04:002013-03-29T10:33:06.886-04:00Geliciously Happy!Last night, I held my first Gelicious Printmaking workshop at the Art Coop at<a href="http://www.425marketplaceantiques.com/"> 425 Market Place Antiques</a>. It was so much fun. I had seven students, including friends, their friends, and (drumroll please) my Delta Zeta sorority sister, Christy. We last saw each other in 1992 when we both graduated from the University of Illinois. She lives in New York, but was in town visiting her sister and she heard about my workshop through Facebook. (Even though FB drives me crazy at times, it <b><i>does</i></b> have its moments!)<br />
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Here we are doing our cheesiest sorority girl pose.<br />
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I couldn't have asked for a sweeter and more fun group of students. I only had to do a few quick demos on the <a href="http://www.gelliarts.com/collections/gel-printing-plates">Gelli printing plate</a> and they were all grabbing paints, experimenting with pattern tools, and rolling those brayers like the wind.<br />
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What a great way to end the week, making art with friends. I feel so grateful. </div>
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Next week is our Spring Break. I think I will do just that, take a break. My plans? Read, have a glass of wine (or two), and simply breathe in the people I love. </div>
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-47368729928025044462013-03-26T13:51:00.000-04:002013-03-26T13:51:51.018-04:00How To: Rice Paper Flags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In a few days, I will be holding my first Gelli printmaking workshop. I'm calling it Gelicious because, as most of you know, Gelli printing is truly a delicious activity! One of our activities will be to make a fun little flag banner using rice paper. I've already sewn a little packet of flags for each student.<br />
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Here's the how-to if you'd like to give it a try at home. (Of course, I'd much rather show you in person!)<br />
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<h3>
Supplies you'll need:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Rice paper (you can buy it in rolls at Hobby Lobby)</li>
<li>Sewing machine </li>
<li>Gelli printing plate </li>
<li>Acrylic paints</li>
<li>Stamps</li>
<li>Ink</li>
<li>Glue Stick </li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Twine or other stiff ribbon</li>
</ul>
<b>Step 1: </b> Cut a sheet of rice paper about a yard long (you can adjust this depending upon how many flags you'd like to make.)<br />
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<b>Step 2: </b> Cut the long sheet in half lengthwise. Don't worry if it is not perfect. (As you can see from my cut, I'm an eye-baller, no ruler necessary!)<br />
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<b>Step 3:</b> Fold over about one inch along the long edge of the sheet. <br />
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<b>Step 4: </b>Sew the flap down staying close to raw edge. You want to create a pocket about 1/2 inch deep.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEKL-B5uBu1CvuSgNs8rkqLIlSCDnHlZ2ThCltAeJ1SFDPtqYrvnCreUW0HtDOGaXRZ4ieg0E_dbVrP3AeyuWSRdTy-Idw4Izoy9SQnOQ1ILqKtcc4yi-X22e1OvP-T7PjoAgvToCqiI6/s1600/sew+rice+paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEKL-B5uBu1CvuSgNs8rkqLIlSCDnHlZ2ThCltAeJ1SFDPtqYrvnCreUW0HtDOGaXRZ4ieg0E_dbVrP3AeyuWSRdTy-Idw4Izoy9SQnOQ1ILqKtcc4yi-X22e1OvP-T7PjoAgvToCqiI6/s640/sew+rice+paper.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 5:</b> Cut the long sheet into rectangles. Don't worry about cutting through the seams.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaGRfuX5XlxoyS9Jgcc635zV7YIBn9HXKqZ8iZqMh0WwrtD53We7iYuFGYXljo9cXRkpI81BRuNlIKrm5cw5CO3zJjeAgAbJZQJnrH_sXHtU8UcV0hv-B_EJ2XAoysKuJ6VBvdq3c06LJ/s1600/cut+into+flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaGRfuX5XlxoyS9Jgcc635zV7YIBn9HXKqZ8iZqMh0WwrtD53We7iYuFGYXljo9cXRkpI81BRuNlIKrm5cw5CO3zJjeAgAbJZQJnrH_sXHtU8UcV0hv-B_EJ2XAoysKuJ6VBvdq3c06LJ/s640/cut+into+flags.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 6:</b> Use your Gelli plate to create some beautiful prints. Then choose a phrase and stamp it out onto small strips of rice paper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yxjrsU5_ED0x3zgopFyMnsF4u4TfdDJAi3juFFw_DbPrwauTmxVK7Kzf-2EzloNECB1vzeSM9gQrhNR1dj8E044C8UPFGVCGVRbPJcN3tQLeN9bwVTjkVmk66A215YYUR5zZpxLWZ59W/s1600/stamp+a+message.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yxjrsU5_ED0x3zgopFyMnsF4u4TfdDJAi3juFFw_DbPrwauTmxVK7Kzf-2EzloNECB1vzeSM9gQrhNR1dj8E044C8UPFGVCGVRbPJcN3tQLeN9bwVTjkVmk66A215YYUR5zZpxLWZ59W/s640/stamp+a+message.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 7:</b> Glue the message onto each flag with a glue stick.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pawF0xw010V6Xk5_MRf5lwTazmTJXBqYBMJsl2HVC8yu9-EkpUbPxOzCRRlp1DZ-UZThsHQoniPxVQCp5Ro_mYKxn93W-C9q4r_5iK8Aawu_NQ_R_CUAQrFik6EqBcDSHZ5RjLL7ZEf9/s1600/glue+the+message.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pawF0xw010V6Xk5_MRf5lwTazmTJXBqYBMJsl2HVC8yu9-EkpUbPxOzCRRlp1DZ-UZThsHQoniPxVQCp5Ro_mYKxn93W-C9q4r_5iK8Aawu_NQ_R_CUAQrFik6EqBcDSHZ5RjLL7ZEf9/s640/glue+the+message.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 8:</b> String it up!<br />
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Once I finished the flag banner, I decided to go back and trim the bottom edges to create fun accents.<br />
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My message to my students and to you, my bloggy friends:<br />
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How thankful I am we are here together!</div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-36006729218078104432013-03-25T11:04:00.000-04:002013-03-25T11:04:45.370-04:00Top 10 Studio FavoritesNeed a little mix up in your creative life? Try playing around with your studio top ten. Pick ten of your favorite supplies. Pick a crafty book that makes you happy. Use the book to inspire some new art using your top ten supplies.<br />
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My inspiration book: <i>Painted Pages</i>, by <a href="http://sarahearn.blogspot.com/">Sarah Ahearn Bellemare</a>. I have <a href="http://texterial.blogspot.com/2012/08/book-veggies-inspiration.html">blogged</a> about this book before, but I can't help it... I just love it. Perhaps it is spring's refusal to start around here, but Sarah's sunny and delicate style looked so enticing. She uses a lot of white and pastel colors to create such dreamy images. I decided to use my supplies to work toward this warmth.<br />
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My Top Ten Supplies:<br />
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1) Acrylic paints<br />
2) Gouache paints<br />
3) Pan pastels<br />
4) Stencils<br />
5) Carved stamps<br />
6) StazOn ink<br />
7) Caran d'ache water soluble wax pastels<br />
8) Deli paper<br />
9) Graphite pencil<br />
10) Painted papers to collage (using matte gel medium)<br />
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I started by cutting 4 pieces of watercolor paper and tracing a 5" x 7" rectangle on each. I started each piece with an outline of acrylic color. Turquoise is my new favorite color.<br />
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I kept layering paint, pencil, pastels, stencils, stamps and collage to create these summery pieces.<br />
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It was fun working with the same set of supplies to create four different pieces. I tried to use a lot of the same colors, images and marks, just moving the composition around as I worked. I'm not sure what I will do with these pieces, but it was a great exercise and a fun way to push myself in a different direction - always a good thing creatively. <br />
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I enjoyed this exercise so much, I might make it a regular practice. How about you? Do you have a regular practice that moves you into a new direction creatively?<br />
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-4413226277807937192013-03-23T08:56:00.002-04:002013-03-23T08:56:29.030-04:00What I'm Learning About Dream Chasing <br />
A little over two years ago, I made a decision that changed my life. It was my 40th birthday. I decided to give this art thing a go. No more excuses (and I had a long list of very good ones that had worked for over 20 years.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wP5BGNNBdATR4OYdUHj9b-H-gmBJLmjHOitalnGPnu1bAGzoHT9sQgTTdd67Vb4wss_7yNIkll06x0x7-2S7yx3E9rUTBB60GwDPoL9eod4PrkJrp9wWbD2WJddVdeAJ-YHQTlSZxWOh/s1600/crinkled+birthday+paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wP5BGNNBdATR4OYdUHj9b-H-gmBJLmjHOitalnGPnu1bAGzoHT9sQgTTdd67Vb4wss_7yNIkll06x0x7-2S7yx3E9rUTBB60GwDPoL9eod4PrkJrp9wWbD2WJddVdeAJ-YHQTlSZxWOh/s640/crinkled+birthday+paper.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the first picture I put on this blog. The paper from a 40th birthday present.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I started blogging and trying all kinds of new things to get involved in any kind of art world that might welcome me. I soon found all kinds of supportive voices from all over the world. It was quite a magical feeling, a sense that the world was saying, "Where have you been, girl? We've been waiting for you."<br />
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As many of you know, I will be teaching at the CREATE mixed media retreat in the Chicago area this fall. This afternoon I was taking a look at the CREATE mixed media retreat<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1300198308327571883"> </a>website. I saw my picture there and thought, "I cannot believe I am really getting to do this!"<br />
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These two years have been wonderfully encouraging and I've had so many surprising successes along the way. But along with the creative highs, there have been some painful moments of rejection too. I still struggle regularly with so many creative cringes, wrong turns, humbling moments, and doubtful days when I eat too many cookies and wander in a forlorn funk. It can get downright ugly.<br />
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But overall, I am on the path I have longed for all my life. I was just too scared to get on it. I don't know what my future holds or if success will be a part of it. I also don't know if I will always have the opportunity to pursue this life. But I've decided...while I do, I will do it with all my might. For the first time in my life, what I want is not coming quickly or easily. I'm finally chasing a dream.<br />
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Here are some of the biggest things I've learned about dream chasing so far. <br />
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<b>1) I Must Fight the Urge to Give Up EVERY SINGLE DAY</b><br />
I used to think that people who talked about never giving up on their
dreams were just lucky people. Now I know that all this talk about "never giving up" is a result of the constant temptation to do just that. Every day, I flirt with the idea of just giving up. On rough days, I fantasize about bagging up all my supplies and donating them. On really bad days, I dream about an enormous art bonfire on my parents' farm. See... I told you it was ugly. <b> </b><br />
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<b>2) Going After Your Dreams Will Put You Face to Face with Your Ugly Self</b><br />
I hate to admit this, but earlier in my life I was quite critical. I didn't give much respect to vendors I saw at a craft show (unless I liked their stuff), artists that expressed themselves in unusual ways, or new artists who hadn't quite perfected their skills. Going after your dreams means exposing your most vulnerable self. I've never felt so humiliated, hurt, and embarrassed in my life. Seeing shoppers pick through and make rude comments about my wares at a craft show, not being selected for inclusion in a contest, and having to remind a gallery owner of my name (when my art is hanging on the wall), well...hello humble pie. This bit of knowledge leads to discovery number 3.<br />
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<b>3) Being a Dream Chaser Makes You a Kinder Person</b> <br />
Now that I've had a taste of dream chasing, I have so much respect and flat-out love for the dreamers in this world. My heart has changed. I see those kooky mimes in a whole new light.<br />
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<b>4) Dream Chasing Leads to More Dream Chasing</b><br />
It's like riding a bicycle. Once you get the hang of it, you want to keep riding. You fall off the bike, get your skirt wound up in the chain, and flip over the handle bars every now and then. But the feel of wind in your hair brings you back.<br />
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How about you? Are you chasing a dream? What have you learned? <br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-7346921787648734572013-03-22T06:47:00.000-04:002013-03-22T06:47:44.241-04:00Make Art With a Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was a treat. My friend, Crystal, came over to create a scrappy collage. She had watched my DVD and decided she wanted to give the process a whirl. It was so much fun to walk her through the process. She's a talented concept cake designer and can do amazing things with frosting, so I knew she'd have no problem experimenting and getting covered in paint and matte gel medium. I made my own collage as we walked through the steps. As usual, the end result looked nothing like what I had planned, but still made me very happy. <br />
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Along the way, I was able to share some fun supplies with Crystal. She did not know about the wonders of embossing powder or carving rubber stamps. Of course, she looks at every technique and thinks, "How can I do this on a cake?" and "Could this be edible?" It is fun to see how her mind works.<br />
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We laughed at how differently we create. She is a planner and uses skills that require a high level of precision and dexterity. Her creations must be perfect. I am more of a sloppy, let's-see-what-happens-when-I-do-this kind of worker. At one point during the process, I like to semi-destroy the collage with a heavy sandpaper scrubbing.<br />
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This was a difficult moment for Crystal. I think I saw real pain in her face. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76WMtVllAt6T6QmvB08kEwdnZWhMw20eF-9_OrLTEbNkcaMqduHXrCOQ1tReDJCsYOORyoddX5cbIwUckqB84ArMXTiYvMjUC47jwOtdBZLJAiK1ruu9gMWwcbh4yTyESzGMUwMA-5NIT/s1600/IMG_3519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76WMtVllAt6T6QmvB08kEwdnZWhMw20eF-9_OrLTEbNkcaMqduHXrCOQ1tReDJCsYOORyoddX5cbIwUckqB84ArMXTiYvMjUC47jwOtdBZLJAiK1ruu9gMWwcbh4yTyESzGMUwMA-5NIT/s320/IMG_3519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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But she did it. She was determined to push herself out of her comfort zone. I assured her that I would have that same pained look if I was trying to create a perfect replica of a karate uniform out of cake (yes, she has done that.)<br />
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Throughout the day, we shared stories as they came to mind. I learned some amazing things about my so-called "mild mannered" friend. Art-making can be a little bit like wine-drinking. Some interesting tidbits come out.<br />
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The whole day left me feeling so thankful for the gift of artistic expression and a sweet friend who loves to create just as much as I do.<br />
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What did I learn from this experience? Find people who will create with you and make time to create together. If you don't have a crafty collaborator, offer to teach your craft to a friend. You never know how sharing your gift might impact your friend's life or your own. Making art is more than just paint and glue. There's a little bit of magic in it too.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-17029520876695188912013-03-20T17:43:00.000-04:002013-03-20T17:43:28.092-04:00Don't Question It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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An old friend of mine did me a huge favor the other day. He sent me the quote I needed to hear. I believe he read it in a George Carlin book, but the quote is from modern dance legend, Martha Graham.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">There
is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into
action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is
unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and
be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how
good it is, nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel
open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to
keep yourself open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the
channel open."</span></span></h4>
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If I was ever going to get a full torso tattoo, this would have to be it. In fact, I think I would have it tattooed upside-down, so that I could look down and read it back to myself. Every single day.<br />
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Although every word of this message hits home for me, one sentence really stands out. "It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions." I like to imagine my mother saying this to me in what we always called her "white eye" voice. This meant that she was speaking quite sternly and her eyes were open widely, thus the "white eyes." We always heeded the message of the white eyes. She meant business when she used it. (And I am proud to say, I think I inherited the magic of the "white eyes." You can ask my kids about it.)<br />
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Somehow reading this quote makes me let out a huge sigh of relief.<br />
I don't have to explain myself. To myself. Or anyone else.<br />
I am not even allowed to question any of it. <br />
My job is simply to be open and keep moving.<br />
I can do that.<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-2729612176092458472013-03-19T18:27:00.000-04:002013-03-19T18:27:52.705-04:00Another Paper to HoardMy sweet friend, Tamara (aka <a href="http://texterial.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-queen-of-fun.html">"The Queen of Fun"</a>,) just returned from an amazing trip to Egypt. While she was there, she bought some papyrus and brought it all the way back just for me. She thought I'd have fun with it. I felt the love.<br />
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I really wanted to tuck my special paper away and save it for something amazing, but I also started thinking about all the fun things I could try with it. I definitely want to paint something on a good-sized hunk of it, but I also wanted to cut some of it and experiment a little bit too. I started by testing it in a circle cutter.<br />
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It popped out into perfect discs.<br />
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Next, I tried some Gelli printmaking. I just used craft acrylics and a foam stamp to create a layered design. The paint did not pick up in all areas, but I liked the worn look anyway. I wonder if a thicker layer of paint might work better... next time.<br />
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Finally, I decided to see how well it would work in my sewing machine. It sewed beautifully. I made a small garland and thought about how beautiful a big garland would be hanging in a sunny window.<br />
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For now, I am not ready to cut into any more of my prized papyrus. I wonder how long I will hoard the rest of it. About a month ago, I found a piece of lacy purple paper that I bought in 1992. I remember this because I was still in college when I bought it! I was amazed that I had hoarded it for the last 20 years. I finally tore into it and put it into a collage. It felt good. Enjoying hoarded art supplies feels a bit like having a glass of the wine you've been saving for a special occasion. You enjoy it, but you kinda wonder... why didn't I do this sooner?<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-18303111521426657512013-03-15T18:28:00.000-04:002013-03-15T18:28:58.392-04:00Painting My HeartSuddenly I am the mother of a new child. One who is almost 13. One who is so very different from the little boy I knew only 6 months ago. And it is tearing me up inside. Suddenly motherhood is tricky again. I don't say the right things. Ice cream isn't the magic bullet it once was. I have become a bit of an embarrassment.<br />
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The last few years of golden happy moments of 8-11 years old... well, the magic is gone.<br />
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Everything is still very good. It is just so different. And so confusing.<br />
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So I am painting. And crying a little too. Happy for the great kid I've got, but sad for the little boy I will never get back. Oh, I know it is good for him to grow up and to pull away. But wow... this hurts.<br />
So I am painting my heart and all the confusion, the mixture of emotions, and the sense of loss I feel. <br />
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I think I will keep painting it out. I need to get ready for child number 2. She's only one year younger, so she'll be tearing my heart out within the year.<br />
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I see a lot of paint in my future. And maybe another puppy.<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-57844664934966215642013-03-07T10:03:00.001-05:002013-03-07T10:03:20.768-05:00Stamp-Carving, Painting, & Book Binding, Oh My!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you ever wake up thinking, "today I must (insert craft or art project.)" The other day I woke up thinking about carving rubber stamps. As soon as I had a free moment, I started digging through my supplies to find my lino cutter and anything to carve. If you've never tried cutting your own stamps, you've got to give it a whirl. You only need a lino cutting set (I buy the cheap<a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/speedball-linoleum-cutters/"> Speedball version)</a> and a piece of rubber (you can even use pink school erasers.) I find the process to be extremely soothing. There is just something about the feel of cutting into the rubber and then seeing your idea stamped out in black ink. Like so many creative techniques... I don't know why, it just feels good.<br />
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I happened to have a few erasers and one block of pink rubber, so I sat down and let the carving begin. <br />
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I started by making some facial feature stamps. I thought it might be nice to stamp out some faces. I drew each shape onto the rubber with a pencil, then carved out the negative spaces.<br />
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New nose and mouth choices...</div>
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It is fun to see how many expressions you can make with only a few facial feature stamps.</div>
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Next I moved into what I call free-style carving. I just started carving some marks in the rubber without thinking about the end design. Some lines turned into easy-to-recognize designs, while other lines turned into interesting abstract shapes.</div>
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I used the free-style set to make some new papers. I started by coating old dictionary pages with gesso and a watery layer of acrylic paint. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji53UHE8gbnSqMA1Mbwlt_7ZrYde09zu_bzirKofqBu2yq0EotBfEtr_VpBS78BSrVuGRofC3SivK74z4A5RWxPqebBA6740ejFKFXDL07DdU4ZsB3-zbsK2ohCKH-ldMqwUNetEoRSBT9/s1600/IMG_3411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji53UHE8gbnSqMA1Mbwlt_7ZrYde09zu_bzirKofqBu2yq0EotBfEtr_VpBS78BSrVuGRofC3SivK74z4A5RWxPqebBA6740ejFKFXDL07DdU4ZsB3-zbsK2ohCKH-ldMqwUNetEoRSBT9/s400/IMG_3411.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once dry, I added a layer of deli paper to each side using matte liquid medium as the adhesive.</div>
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Next, I stamped away using Staz-on ink to prevent any kind of smudging or smearing. I coated the stamped layer with another layer of matte medium. </div>
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I ended up having a lovely stack of papers. </div>
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I decided to bind them together into a little book. I bound my book using the detailed method I learned through an online course called The Mixed Media Variety Hour through <a href="http://thelandoflostluggage.com/mixed-media-workshops/">The Land of Lost Luggage with Julie Prichard.</a> In Julie's lesson, she shows you how to create signatures (smaller bound booklets) that you sew together to create a fully bound book. I started by creating three signatures using about 6 papers each.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3IsAkXvFNQdeisNaC8-GQmvAn7DEohPi5ENKpFXTFKKyE3l306VbIWQ0ZHOEbyi1EFkWHQFEHIUV7MyXw5e7vFd44g6Kdylgh9XhOiHww_L7f__bAEi45eN0g-NUAeeMxCT6N4XHXX_i/s1600/IMG_3422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3IsAkXvFNQdeisNaC8-GQmvAn7DEohPi5ENKpFXTFKKyE3l306VbIWQ0ZHOEbyi1EFkWHQFEHIUV7MyXw5e7vFd44g6Kdylgh9XhOiHww_L7f__bAEi45eN0g-NUAeeMxCT6N4XHXX_i/s640/IMG_3422.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I then sewed the signatures together and bound the edge with a scrap from an old canvas painting disaster. </div>
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I made a few alterations with my version, mainly because I did not follow the instructions carefully (shocker.)</div>
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Now I want to make more books. The book-binding experience is actually much easier than I thought it would be. And even if you mess up a little... well, it is a "hand-bound" book, so the imperfections are somewhat endearing. </div>
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Are you a stamp carver? What do you like to carve?</div>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1300198308327571883.post-45341195515575975782013-03-04T14:20:00.000-05:002013-03-04T14:20:36.245-05:00Self-Portrait, Kahlo Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdo7xuM-XblO1pihIiMS1ewpRE7IW6lEI4JkrzJwj0y3hmqZSQ89bQ9Ij65kWhrMLOUu5KBW4JJAdroJsH2LDNxorx5yORgxFxqBXK_sZM-ATyAffulcz8RZsvH_DpGHer9kty0iEN37Ve/s1600/IMG_3381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdo7xuM-XblO1pihIiMS1ewpRE7IW6lEI4JkrzJwj0y3hmqZSQ89bQ9Ij65kWhrMLOUu5KBW4JJAdroJsH2LDNxorx5yORgxFxqBXK_sZM-ATyAffulcz8RZsvH_DpGHer9kty0iEN37Ve/s320/IMG_3381.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Sometime this month, I will be making a trek downtown to see <i><a href="http://www.high.org/Frida-Diego">Frida & Diego: Passion, Politics, and Painting</a> </i>at the High Museum here in Atlanta. I am a huge Friday Kahlo fan, so I am really excited to go. I am waiting for the crowd to go down a little before I visit, but I don't think I can hold out much longer. I received this beautiful postcard from the High a few weeks ago.<br />
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She has been staring at me here in my studio.<br />
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Today I wanted to do some graphic design practice and add a new page to my art journal. So... I decided to "Kahlo" myself using Corel Painter and my Bamboo tablet.<br />
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I started by taking a serious self portrait. As you can see from this... I was nothin' but glamma this morning.<br />
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I downloaded this gorgeous photo of myself into Corel Painter and started playing around. </div>
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Here I am, Kahlo style.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkVTjHNGJwnH7YtNKwxNdMRbOBkNqfKGBteQfJIWtTf4a-ZX_amelOcedW-oPwAy4gnzuIdl2uF0z5TdMcZslFeddvl97uGpXvDMR4alJG0suk3XflE-BJW6rokzqt6aD0RsuySwHOIvp/s1600/IMG_3377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkVTjHNGJwnH7YtNKwxNdMRbOBkNqfKGBteQfJIWtTf4a-ZX_amelOcedW-oPwAy4gnzuIdl2uF0z5TdMcZslFeddvl97uGpXvDMR4alJG0suk3XflE-BJW6rokzqt6aD0RsuySwHOIvp/s640/IMG_3377.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I love that Kahlo painted her self-portraits to look as she did, hair and all. There is something empowering about that. She was obviously very beautiful, but in today's air-brushed world, well... some plucking and waxing would be taking place. I also love the fact that she is so honest about her love for Diego - she even paints him on her self-portrait's forehead. (I wasn't good enough with Corel to paint a small image of Chris on my forehead.)<br />
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I decided this image would be a fun starting page for my new art journal. In keeping with my Frida theme, I painted vibrant green vines in the front pages.<br />
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I had so much fun with this little project. The experience opened up questions in my mind. I wondered... could I do an authentic self-portrait? The experience also made me feel empowered somehow. Kind of like... this is me world, wrinkles and gray hair and all. Maybe Frida's boldness rubbed off on me. <br />
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How about you? Have you ever created a self-portrait? What did you learn from your experience?Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473407676400346271noreply@blogger.com12