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Showing posts from June, 2010

Book review: Fabric Art Workshop

Fabric Art Workshop: Exploring techniques and materials for fabric artists and quilters by Susan Stein. There you have it! If you would like to learn about different surface treatments that you can add to your quilting or other fabric projects, this is an excellently written book to get you started. Not all of Susan’s techniques are easy-peasy beginner stuff either. This is a book that you can grow with. While I did not find a lot that was really new to me, I was impressed by how well it was written and illustrated. There are more than two dozen techniques taught with variations on each and LOTS of pictures. Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Book arts techniques

We're crazy about books here...we love everything from altered books to handmade journals. We love making them, decorating them, filling them, and even reading them! I have gathered up a load of links from our archives that cover every aspect of books that we've examined over the years. And I'll be adding more to this list as we go on, and the lastest version will always be over in the sidebar under The Basics .  Altered books: waiting for the lightning to strike! How do I get started? Who can I talk with about altered books? Other book arts groups Books on collage, altered and handmade books, and mixed media Mixed media arts magazines Paper and string: the stuff you'll need for book arts Some fabulous book artists Assemblage and sculptural books Sorted books project Brian Sawyer's bookbinding links Design ideas for page layouts Online publishers for your artist books More book arts resources for your surfing pleasure Making a croche

Mixed media art education

Whether you can make it to a physical class or not, you'll no doubt want to keep learning and growing as an artist.  Here is a round-up of my art education posts.  The most up-to-date list will always be in the sidebar, under The Basics .    Mixed media art classes and retreats Copyright and images Foundations of design and typography  Online training in the design elements  Online color training and tools Online mixed media art tutorials Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

More artsy links!

  Beading Arts Cyndi has finished her Bead Journal Project piece for June, using a very cool faux leather technique. Creative Dreamer Another recipe from my Grandmother's yummies...EASY potato gnocci!   Handmade chunky beads for a teething necklace Noreen's grandbaby is teething, so she has been making over size beads from arbutus wood to make 'teething necklaces' for his mamma to wear. Noreen had a bit of a mis-adventure making one set of beads, so this is more of a 'how not to' than a 'how to'... The Artful Crafter How to decorate a canvas tote bag with Quick Fuse fabric sheets.     Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Artsy blogging round-up!

  Beading Arts Cyndi has a copy of "Metalworking 101 for Beaders" to give away!   Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi uses the sweetest bird embellishments to make a card set. Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside's got a chance to win a copy of Jennifer Worick's Simple Gifts and how-to's on making a silhouette, a homemade flea collar for your dog, stringing rings onto a ribbon necklace and a fun video interview with Drew Brophy the author of How to Draw with Drew Brophy.   Crafty Princess Diaries Tammy is hitting the school books again but takes a moment to review her summer crafting and other accomplishments.   Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter Have you ever felt like the 'red headed step child?'   Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Green Ring and wire earrings inspired by the book 101 Wire Earrings by Denise Peck The Artful Crafter How to make a wooden country critter wall plaque. 

Jennifer Collier's paper and plastic clothing

I love paper clothing...not to wear, but to admire.  Remember the toilet paper wedding dresses? I totally fell in love when I found Jennifer Collier's site.  She makes all sorts of gorgeous paper and plastic garments: shoes, baby shoes, ballet slippers (see a trend here?), dresses, men's ties, and other accessories. Recycled materials have never looked so stylish.  The pieces are not meant to be functional, but are just a delight to behold. Jennifer writes: Through methods of weaving, waxing, trapping, embedding and stitching I create unusual materials, which are then developed into garments and accessories. I often utilise plastics, papers and fabrics into my pieces. The works have the power to communicate ideas about recycling, as well as themes exploring the body. Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Recent publications: June 2010

Masters: Collage: Major Works by Leading Artists (Masters: Major Works by Leading Artists) by Lark Books Creative Wildfire: An Introduction to Art Journaling - Basics and Beyond by LK Ludwig Art with Anything: 52 Weeks of Fun Using Everyday Stuff by MaryAnn F. Kohl How to Cheat in Photoshop CS5: The art of creating realistic photomontages by Steve Caplin The Complete Photo Guide to Textile Art: *All You Need to Know to Alter and Embellish Fabric *The Essential Reference for Novice and Expert Fabric Artists ... Instructions for More Than 40 Techniques by Susan Stein Applique Workshop: Mix and Match 10 Techniques to Unlock Your Creativity by Laurel Anderson Exploring Embellishments: More Artful Quilts With Fast-Piece Applique by Rose Hughes Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Collage and quilt techniques

We've explored lots and lots of fun collage techniques over the years. I figured it was past time to compile some of the methods. This post doesn't include all the techniques like image transfers and creating background papers ...those posts have been compiled elsewhere!  You can always find the most up-to-date list in the sidebar under the heading The Basics . A photographic collage   Paper quilting Collage embellished with embroidery Paper clay collage Frottage collage Digital collage with scanned background Encased collage Small art quilt with fish Digital mixed media collage Simple collage with an image transfer Packing tape transfer collage Monochromatic art quilt Mixed media collage with embroidery A geometric collage An organic collage A layered digital collage Abstract collages Waxed paper transfer collage More on abstract collages Mixed media piece with watercolor background Fabric collage with digital images  Another fa

Digital effects techniques

Another topic we visit pretty frequently here is different digital effects tips and tutorials (including those that mix physical and digital work). So I thought that they should get compiled for future reference too!  You'll always be able to find the link in the sidebar under The Basics . Transparent digital backgrounds A photographic collage Gaussian blur Adding an embossed layer to your photos Digital collage using scanned background papers Multiplying your color options Encased tissue paper Using a gradient fill Creating a digital mixed media collage How to create a peaceful landscape Making a digital stamp How to digitally create "fuzzy memories" How to make a digital Polaroid image transfer Infrared with Photoshop Cyanotypes with Photoshop "Match color" in Photoshop Black and white conversion methods with Photoshop Pop art with Photoshop Making a layered digital collage Mixing digital and physical art Digital mani

More artsy links!

  Beach Cupcake Wrap Here's a fun sand bucket cupcake idea for your beach party.   Creative Dreamer The birth of a new baby is always something to celebrate. Here's a simple, easy, and fun birth announcement to create or inspire you to make one too! Gadabout Media Wedding season is almost upon us. Chloe shares some great ideas for DIY wedding favours   Hurrah for upcycling! Noreen treated herself to a really frumpy skirt and a too small dress at the thrift store. WHY? So she could upcycle and re-fashion them, of course! The Artful Crafter Join Eileen in June’s June “Let Them Eat Cake” creativity challenge and get a free cupcake. Sweet!  Beading Arts Do you like Chinese food? Do you like jewelry...? Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Artsy blogging round-up!

  Aileen's Musings Need a new recipe for all the zucchini your growing? Download Aileen's printable recipe card, and baking some yummy Zucchini Cheddar Cheese Bread Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi takes a Twilight cotton bag up a notch! Cathie Filian You can dye stripes and it is easy! Cathie shows you how. Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside has a chance to win one of 50 "Bulking Dummies" and a "Lab" book, a new Look, Learn and Create Video with Tracie Lyn Huskamp showing us how to make a Nature Inspired Mixed Media card, some pencil drawing and illuminated art techniques and an interview with Nancy Langdon. Crafty Princess Diaries Tammy has listed the first few kits in her jewelry making kit collection, some awesome Raku earrings. Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter Tell Dad how much he rocks this Father's Day or on his birthday with this fun and easy to make card from Madge f

Chainmaille genius

I know that chainmaille isn't just for jewelry.  In fact, it originally wasn't for jewelry at all; it was for...wait for it...protective clothing!  But Chainmailbasket has brought this artform to places that I never envisioned it would go.   Baskets, wraps, a wall hanging, sculptures, and a chess set.  Yes, a chess set.  And another chess set on the way if you'd like to watching the pieces being added.   Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Book review: 1000 Artist Journal Pages

1000 Artist Journal Pages by Dawn DeVries Sokol This is a beautiful and inspirational book, full of the most glorious examples of modern artistic journaling you’ll ever see…and it’s got lots of newcomers, not just the same well-known faces. The reviews are unanimous: gorgeous, with large, well-spaced images. The journal entries are actually readable, if they’re meant to be! Why would anyone need a book on journaling? Well, you don’t really: not anymore than you need art of any type. This book will inspire your own journaling, but even more than that practical reason, it will just fill your soul with beauty and poignancy. Is that enough? Oh yeah. Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Background paper techniques

Here are some of my favorite methods for creating background papers to use in mixed media art, both physical and digital! I like to update this list from time to time so that you will always have the information right at your fingertips...the lastest version is always available in the sidebar under The Basics .  A photographic collage Multi-stamped background papers Freezer paper background papers Frottage background papers Paper towel transfers Mixed paper collage backgrounds Leaf silhouette papers - part one Leaf silhouette papers - part one Leaf silhouette papers - part two Gesso resist papers Textured tissue paper backgrounds - part one Textured tissue paper backgrounds - part two Tissue paper inclusions Making a mixed text background Textured collage papers - part one Textured collage papers - part two Stamping and overstamping Multiply your color options Painted foil backgrounds Watercolor background Salad Spinner backgrounds Making m

Publishing your art book

What happened to the music industry a few years ago is now happening to publishing. Have you noticed that there are a lot more people selling e-books these days?  As readers get better (like the lightweight Kindle from Amazon), and book prices continue to climb, many folks have taken the plunge into digital books. The flip side of the coin is that many writers are also by-passing the traditional path of publishing.  Just recently, I released the first two chapters of my new e-book, Every Bead Has a Story , on mixed media bead embroidery.  After mucking about and trying to figure out how to print such a photo-intensive book at a reasonable price, I decided that the best way to do it was to not print it at all!  As a test, I have made my first chapter available for free.  It covers the basic stitches, materials and tools, and a beginner project to get someone going.  After 2000 downloads (and counting), I decided to go forward.  The second chapter (72 pages long and full of step-b

Image transfer methods

We've gone over a LOT of different methods for doing image transfers over the several years that I've been with you, and I like to recompile the list every so often. I'll be keeping it updated as we add more!  You can always find the latest list in the sidebar under the heading The Basics . Polymer medium transfer film Paper image transfers - plain paper Paper image transfers - photo paper Fabric image transfers - t-shirt transfers Fabric image transfers - transparency transfers Contact paper transfers (aka Packing tape transfers) Caulk image transfers Polaroid image transfers Digital Polaroid image transfer Contact printing New digital ground products from Golden's Waxed paper transfer  Tilano Transfer Kit Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

More artsy links!

  Father's Day Cupcake Ideas For Kids Here are some fun cupcake ideas the kids can help make for dad. Tottie Talks Crafts When Noreen was a little girl, she gave her mother a special gift, and now it has come home to Noreen...   The Artful Crafter How to sew felted wool boxes to organize odds and ends. Beading Arts Shhh...don't tell Cyndi's Mom! Cyndi made her a necklace from some wonderful lampwork beads from Artbeads.com! Creative Dreamer Creating "new" , maybe a bit irreverent, but FUN, family portraits from old family photos...   Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Artsy blogging round-up!

  About Family Crafts Check out this collection of free printable projects for Father's Day. Print and make Father's Day cards, coupon books, tags, and much more. Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi turns wood curtain pulls into pretty dolls.   Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside's got a tutorial on how to print on tissue paper from the book Creative Wildfire and a chance to win a copy of it, a super cute tutorial on how to needle felt a hedgehog, making a tole painted message block, and the latest Look, Learn, & Create video with Lisa Kettell.   Crafty Princess Diaries Tammy is spilling some of the beans concerning a new project she's working on - jewelry making kits!   Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter Madge has a new DIY Website! Come read all about it and check it out!   Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Silver French knot sunburst embellished tote using the pattern in Martha Stewart's Ency

Online forums for bead art

Great places to talk with other people with beady eyes… Jewelry Making Beadwork All About Beads Bead&Button Wet Canvas Wearable Art Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Book review: Craft Corps

Vickie Howell has written a gem of a book here!  Craft Corps celebrates the creative community through stories and profiles.  She has included a wonderful interview with craft pioneer and all-around creative guru Carol Duvall.  I was so happy to see this, because really, what would a book that documents the craft revolution be if it didn't pay homage to those who made it all possible to live this creative life we love?   Some of my other favorite people are included as well: Margot Potter, Jennifer Perkins, and Cathie Filian...30 craft celebrities in all.  There are also sidebar stories by many other people.  Disclaimer: I'm one of them!     Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Fabric painting techniques

Here's a round-up of many of the fabric techniques we've covered here. Many of the techniques covered in Creating backgrounds for artwork , although they were designed with paper arts in mind, can be used for fabric painting too, so don't forget to check them out as well!  You can always find the latest lists in the sidebar under the heading The Basics . T-shirt transfers Transparency transfers Painted fabric trim Leather-look felt Rusted fabrics Painting fabric in a bag Twisted fabric painting Wiped and striped fabrics Shibori fabric Snow painting Custom printed fabric with Spoonflower Gel glue resist Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

What's new...

My son, fetching fuel and food the old fashioned way! Mudslides in the Guatemalan village (Panabaj) next to his orphanage made the roads impassible. I think they still are. Everyone was safe, but food supplies are a bit low. He doesn't think there's anything to worry about though ;-) Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Can You Keep a Secret?

Shame on me...I didn't take any process shots of this one.  I think it's pretty straightforward, though.  It's hard to see the little girl well in this photo: she is lying with her head on a pillow, looking straight on at you.  There's a moon overhead, and the look on her face is so solemn (as in most vintage photos).  The phrase "Can you keep a secret?" came to me as I was looking at her. Here are the layers of this small quilt: 1. A piece of sun printed fabric.  I used circles and stars to make the pattern, along with night sky colors of paint and some spattered silver.  Some of the shapes are outlined in silver-lined beads. 2. Commercial plaid fabric. 3. Vintage sheet music. This gives the answer to the question of what the girl is thinking about.  "Why did you make me care?...sweethearts should never part..." 4. Vintage photo image transferred onto muslin with text written on by hand afterwards. 5. Assembly was done with beads, but

More artsy links!

  Creative Dreamer The first Creativity Invitation prompt is up! We're celebrating with cake...come on over and join in, EVERYONE can play! How to make tarn or t shirt yarn Here's a video tutorial from Noreen Crone-Findlay on how to make tarn by re-using, reclaiming, recycling, upcycling, re-fashioning, re-purposing old t shirts by cutting them into the most wonderful yarn! Madeline Scrapbook Page How to commemorate an author event and a love of books in your scrapbooking.   The Artful Crafter Advice on selling large lots of craft supplies.   Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Question of the month: What are your art goals this summer?

It's reassessment time for me!  Time to look back at the goals I set back in January and to decide which ones to chew on this summer :-)  Want to join me in planning? So far this year, I have taken a class and acquired a light box for photography.  I've been working on improving my jewelry photos, making a piece each month for the Bead Journal Project , and I've been continuing on my quest for a good balance between making and writing.  It's all been going pretty well. Oops, I forgot about this goal: Work on a book proposal. If you don't know this already, I've written and released the first chapter (FREE!) of an e-book that has been in my mind for forever: Every Bead Has a Story .  So what happened to the book proposal?  I guess that has gone by the wayside.  Here's the thing...I don't want to end up becoming a slave to my goals, so I allow myself to rethink them as the year progresses.  That doesn't mean that I ignore them or forget abou

Artsy blogging round-up!

  The Artful Crafter How to sew felted wool boxes to organize odds and ends. About Family Crafts Father's Day is just around the corner. What will you do for all the other special dads you know? This year, why not make a special, home-made gift for all of the guys in your life!   Aileen's Musings Aileen shows you how to make vivacious vivid shipping tags to use on your gifts and in your art!   Beading Arts Chapter two of Cyndi's e-book is available for download! "Altered Surfaces" begins the exploration of the exchange between mixed media and bead embroidery!   Cathie Filian It is fashion time for dad! Check out Cathie's father's day ideas.   Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside's got a recycled book page mobile from the book-Playing With Books and a chance to win a free copy of it, a new Look, Learn, and Create video on how to make a box stitch ribbon bracelet with Elaine Schmidt, tips o

The Museum of Bad Art

Mama and Babe Acrylic on canvas by Sarah Irani, 1995 Donated to MOBA by the artist The Museum Of Bad Art (MOBA) is the world's only museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and celebration of bad art in all its forms.  I fully expect to see one of my own pieces in it anyday now, because by golly, we all have THOSE days, right? Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Calls for entries and submissions

Still we rise again: quilts for New Orleans Deadline: 07/01/10 Blurred Boundaries Deadline: 07/12/10 Sew Somerset Deadline: 07/15/10 Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Hedgehog pin cushions

You know how much we love hedgehogs around our house, or at least how much we love Thistle !  So how could we resist these adorable hedgehog pin cushions from BurdaStyle featured member SKG?  The pattern is simple, and even better, she is making it available free!  We all like that ;-) via Craftzine Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals