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Showing posts from May, 2010

Sunflowers - part two

The rest of the sunflower fiber piece was just a matter of embellishment!  I started by intensifying the color.  It would have been easier to do that before stitching on the flowers, but no, I couldn't think of that!  No big deal...that's why they make small paint brushes.  After that, there were three main tasks to accomplish: 1. Couch down variegated fibers in swirling patterns to help bridge the painted colors. 2. Bead along the written words with a running stitch.  The written letters may make it look like back stitch in this photo, but it's not. 3. Add clusters of beads to the background and sprinkle some beads around the flower centers.    See part one Copyright 2010 Cyndi Lavin. Not to be reprinted, resold, or redistributed for profit. May be printed out for personal use or distributed electronically provided that entire file, including this notice, remains intact.   Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , alte

More artsy links!

  The Artful Crafter Make a travel art journal for when you want to jot or sketch ideas on the go.   Tottie Talks Crafts Vogue Knitting's new Stitchionary 5 - Lace knitting, is sublime, and you can win a copy of this luscious book! Creative Dreamer The first attempt was an absolute fiasco, but the second turned out a shade better for the peeling paint technique...check out this post to see, and the follow up to find how the piece has finished!   Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Artsy blogging round-up!

  Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery How to make a recycled sweater gearhead hot pad inspired by the book- The Journal Junkies Workshop   The Artful Crafter Eileen has gathered advice on selling large lots of craft supplies.   About Family Crafts Is getting to be that time of year when people get out more whether it be day trips, camping trips, or gathering with friends and family and having picnics and barbecues! Find out how you can incorporate crafting into your camping and picnic fun.   Aileen's Musings Aileen's excited to share her first how to video called Ribbon's & Lace. Take a quiet moment, grab a cuppa and stop by and see what its all about. Beading Arts How many people out there are participating in the Bead Journal Project this year?   Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside's got a hot new Look. Learn, and Create video featuring Barbe Saint John showing us how to make a Steampunk hair pin,

Some interactive online toys

Collage maker Celebrity paperdolls Mr Picasso Head Snowflake Maker Kaleidoscope Painter Mondrian Designs Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Recent publications: May 2010

Collage, Colour and Texture in Painting by Mike Bernard and Robin Capon Digital Expressions: Creating Digital Art with Adobe Photoshop Elements by Susan Tuttle Mixed Media and Found Materials (Textiles Handbooks) by Lucy Renshaw Bronze Metal Clay: Explore a New Material with 35 Projects by Yvonne M. Padilla Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Sunflowers...getting ready for summer!

I am a sucker for sunflowers. Last week I used a bead embroidered fiber piece to illustrate the need for plenty of material.  Folks commented on it, so I thought it might be good to show you the very few in process shots that I have.  This is how it started out: I used someone else's pattern to make the flowers, probably back in the early 90s.  I'm ashamed to say that I've got no idea whose pattern they are, so if you know, please leave the info in the comments for me and I'll update this post.  I originally appliqued them to a white men's style shirt which I wore over leggings.  Ooo ick.  Except that back then I actually looked pretty good in them! Anyway, once I was absolutely sure that I would NEVER again ask that much from spandex, I painstakingly removed the appliques from the shirt and stitched them onto a painted piece of muslin.  I was working on doing graduated colors, as you can see.  Using a fabric marker, I wrote on the words and thought that I mig

More artsy links!

Beading Arts The new Rubber Glass silicone has inspired Cyndi to create some beginner projects! Creative Dreamer Sometimes a first attempt at a new technique works...sometimes not so much. This is one of the not so much times...   Gadabout Media DIY Sew your own wedding dress? Why not! Chloe shares some tips and tricks for creating a magical dress for your special day.   New video tutorial from Noreen Crone-Findlay How to weave a bias square on the potholder loom with Tarn- This is totally outside the box, and is also a great example of upcycling, recycling, re-purposing, reclaiming and re-using, as she uses Tarn (t shirt yarn) to weave the squares.   The Artful Crafter Ideas for decorating canvas tote bags.   Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Artsy blogging round-up!

Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style And it's one, two, three strikes you're out... check out Linda's baseball quilt. Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter Turn a vintage tie into a stylish tampon case with Madge in this week's Teen Craft project for ILoveToCreate!   Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Enter to win a copy of Sweater Surgery!   The Artful Crafter Make a travel art journal for when you want to jot or sketch ideas on the go.   About Family Crafts I know at this time of year many people are trying to think of ideas for graduation gifts, but how about making a special end-of-the-year gift for a special teacher?   Aileen's Musings Aileen's offering some fabulous fractal freebie backgrounds for you to download and use! Cathie Filian Seed packets are the inspiration for sprucing up your garden. Pop by Cathie's to see how.   Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside's got a chanc

Corinne Stubson's new journal

My friend Corinne Stubson , artist extraordinaire who has shared an artist profile with us here, has taken a video of the beginning work on a new journal she is making.  The video gives you a fascinating look into some of the variety of ways you can add tabs to an art journal or altered book.  Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Book Review: Mixed Media Collage

Mixed-Media Collage by Holly Harrison Starting with in-depth interviews and explorations of the work of five collage artists, this book brings you deep into their creative processes. I found Laurinda Bedingfield’s work especially interesting, and immediately went to the internet to see if she has a website. Lucky us! Studio 61 is full of Laurinda’s artwork. Each profiled artist shares techniques as well, so this is not just a book for inspiration. The steps that the artist goes through to create their signature work is quite abbreviated, though, so this is not the book for you if you’re really looking for a how-to book on collage techniques. The second half of this book is a gallery, full of beautiful examples of the work on many well-known mixed media artists. Holly also managed to introduce me to some artists that I was not familiar with. I appreciated seeing more than the artists I already know and love. Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art

Adding to your fabric stash…

Just what you need, more fabric…right? Of course! Contemporary Cloth Fabrics from all over the world! Marbled Arts Hand-dyed marbled cottons. Dharma Trading All the raw materials ~ cotton, silk, dyes, paints, marbling supplies, etc. Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Some more birdy inspiration

Once I started checking in with The Owl Box every once in awhile, it was only a matter of time before I started looking around for more cool bird cams.  How about a Hummingbird Nest Cam and an Eagle Cam too?  Just to be clear, I want you to know that I've not yet left any of those little messages that you see scrolling by!        Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

A bit more embroidery

 The linen is not ironed yet, obviously!  I haven't quite decided how to finish it off. I experimented a bit more with embroidery after finishing my monochromatic postcard last month.  The class with Sharon Boggon called Sumptuous Surfaces has drawn to a close, but I know I'll be incorporating a lot of what I learned into future projects. Using the same basic shape as a beginning, I added color to this one.  It's really very similar to the first in many ways, but I did layer a few more stitches this time.  If you'd like a list of the stitches used, that information is available in the series on the other postcard that is linked above.  Take a look at parts one and two for a list of the flat stitches and the high relief stitches, respectively.      Copyright 2010 Cyndi Lavin. Not to be reprinted, resold, or redistributed for profit. May be printed out for personal use or distributed electronically provided that entire file, including this notice, remains intact. 

More artsy links!

  An easy Celtic Interlace Necklace Lion Brand yarns asked Noreen to design a project for them. She suggested a Celtic Interlace medallion necklace and they said, 'Yes!' Beading Arts Rubber glass? Rubber glass?!? What the heck is rubber glass?   Creative Dreamer This week I'm sharing a favorite recipe for a southern tradition...spoon bread!   Gadabout Media DIY Chloe shares tips for creating your own wedding bouquet. Create something one of a kind and save money!   Guitar Hero Cake For all the Guitar Hero and Rock Band video game fans out there.  The Artful Crafter How to navigate the sea of digital file extensions.     Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Artsy blogging round-up!

Cross Stitch at About.com Create a stitching-themed sampler with a saying from Ellen Birdseye Wheaton. All back stitch and a single color of your choice. Challenging but quick stitch. Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter Madge has sold her seventh book! Read all about it and about negotiating a contract in the fourth installment in her How to Write and Publish a Craft Book series Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Embroidered scissors from the book Redwork from the Workbasket The Artful Crafter Ideas for decorating canvas tote bags.   About Family Crafts Learn how you can make your own personalized garden stepping stones. Aileen's Musings Aileen's offering a Blog Giveaway! See what she's giving away and the many ways you can enter to win!   Beading Arts Cyndi has launched the first installment of her brand new e-book on bead embroidery...and it's free! Hurry over for your copy!   Cathie Filian Cathie shows you how to p

Artist Profile: Diane Salter

Artist: Diane Salter Business name: Keepsakes by Diane Location: Pennsylvania, USA Blog: My Art Journal Diane, how do you describe your work? I'm a mixed media artist. I like a lot of color and texture. I'm always experimenting with different techniques and styles--right now I'm into whimsy. Last year it was more Victorian, so I'm always changing, which is why I love mixed media. I like the idea of my business name because that's how I want people to feel when they have my art--a keepsake--whatever the piece may be. What is your creative process like? I try to be intuitive about it, but I usually have an idea of what I want to do. As I get more into what I'm making is when it becomes more organic for me--I love this part. I'll work on a piece and then leave it for a few hours, and then come back with a fresh eye, and I'll find or see things that I never even thought of before--it's like the piece is taking over and telling me

Calls for entries and submissions

2010 National Small Art Quilt Works Deadline: 06/12/10    Altered Couture Deadline: 06/15/10   Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

A new, very cool material to try

My daughter recently introduced me to a new product called rubber glass.  It's a silicone formula which dries completely clear and then can be fractured into fragments that look like glass or ice, depending upon how you break them up.  They retain a soft edge, so there are no cuts to deal with!  I finished up a large embroidered necklace using the stuff, and I thought some of you might be interested in the material.  I do not sell it or profit by it in any way...I just think it's cool.  And you can sew right through it! :-) You can read more about it on Beading Arts .   Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Ira Glass on developing your creative work

Ira Glass is has done a series on storytelling which surprisingly has everything to do with improving your artwork.  Everyone needs to hear this, especially when they're in the beginning stage of developing their style and their work.  Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Cheese cloth background paper

I found this image of a background paper that I made a long time ago.  Since that time, I've used it for a piece that I didn't end up liking very much!  Oh well, that's just how it goes sometimes :-) I think maybe I'll start making a few more of these to have hanging around for when inspiration strikes.  Honestly, I sometimes think that I like making the background papers and fabrics more than the finished pieces! 1. Gather up the acrylic paints that you want to use, a big piece of watercolor paper, sea sponges, paper towels, water, and a layer of cheese cloth.  Take the time to spread the cheese cloth out and unwrinkle it. 2. Add a few layers of acrylics, sponging and scraping as you please. 3. Add the cheese cloth to a wet layer of paint, scrunching it as needed to fit the paper.  Allow the paint to dry.  Add more layers around the edges and randomly across the cloth to anchor it well to the paper. 4. Acrylic paint is adhesive, so this is probably going

More artsy links!

Creative Dreamer June is setting up a montly creativity prompt, and would LOVE having you play along...come see how it works and join in the fun! Cricut Cake Have you seen the latest machine from Cricut? It's not for scrapbooking, it's for cake decorating!   Digital collage art Katelyn talks about what goes into a digital collage.   Gadabout Media DIY The DIY wedding series continues with tips and tricks for making your own wedding favors.   Menopause Fairy and a tute on adapting a spool knitter Hmmm... the tooth fairy takes teeth and leaves money, so what does the Menopause fairy take and what does she leave behind? Well... hopefully a sense of humour and delight. Noreen has designed a fun homage to the Menopause Fairy, and has also uploaded a very neat new video tutorial on how to adapt a 4 peg spool knitter into a 5 peg spool knitter. So cool!   The Artful Crafter How to make your own puzzles.   Tips for Making an Inexpensive Comfor

Artsy blogging round-up!

Crafty Princess Diaries Tammy is celebrating about her summer vacation, but at the same time, she's trying to focus on the long "to do" list! Cross Stitch at About.com One of Connie's friends says the free When This You See pattern looks like a brain. Connie was inspired by the pocketbook plant. No matter what you see, the abstract design with traditional saying will be a fun stitch.   Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style Linda cut out the pieces for another of her Grandma Paper Doll quilts. Check out Violet's design. Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter Madge reviews Jean Campbell's gorgeous new book Steampunk Style Jewelry.   Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Paper Jewelry inspired by The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques by Vannetta Seecharran   The Artful Crafter How to navigate the sea of digital file extensions.   The Crochet Dude Drew has just released the names and addies of the Michael

Question of the month: What designers or artists have had the most influence on you?

I always wonder about what artists other folks find to be inspiring.  Since I am primarily a mixed media jewelry artist, I am obviously inspired by the work of dozens of other jewelry artists.  But I try not to copy their style.  One of the best ways for me to avoid that is to fill my head with the beautiful and challenging works of art of people who work in different media!  So I ask you: What designers or artists have had the most influence on you?  You're welcome to point to any artists that you love, and please feel free to share with us about artists who don't work with the same materials that you do!  You can leave your comment here, or email me at cyndi @ mazeltovjewelry.com (remove the spaces) if you'd like to share a piece of your work that is a good example of being inspired by another. My favorite brain break is to visit art museums of any type.  Like many people, I find painters to be extremely inspiring, and I've used several pieces over the years to

Mixed media artist: Lynne Lewis

Lynne Lewis , aka Liniecat at Large , likes to do a whole lot of things, and she does them all well!  She writes about the ATCs shown above: "The ATCs are definitely more my normal sense of humour and the faces are from a pack of Danish cards I bought years ago whilst in Denmark. I don’t play cards but just loved the picture cards!!" I really love all the different fibers and beads that Lyn has worked into the hanging shown above. About this felted piece, Lyn writes: "The beach felted hanging is my own, with small holey stones from an East Yorkshire beach, which I view as little portals into another world...silly, but they have to be more than just sea etched travellers...lol!"   I don't think it's silly at all  ;-) Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Toilet paper wedding dress contest

I love seeing the results of this contest each year...and this year is the sixth annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest !  The deadline is May 15, 2010 to get your entry in ;-)    I really love last year's winner, pictured above: Ann Kagawa Lee of Honolulu, Hawaii made this gorgeous Gone with the Wind inspired gown from nothing but toilet paper, tape, and glue.  Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Call for entries and submissions

Fabric 2010 - Handmade Designs in Fabric for Quiltmaking Deadline: 05/15/10     Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Online forums for mixed media art

So, you want to talk with a bunch of like-minded looney tunes artists? Here are my favorite online communities: Delphi Mixed Media Art Wet Canvas Mixed Media There are a number of Yahoo Groups that I enjoy as well. These can be read online, or you can elect to get the messages as emails. Check some of these out. I don’t belong to all of them anymore, but have visited all of them over a number of years: Altered Books Assemblage Artists Bookbinding Collage CollageCats Handmade Books Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals

Canvas board assemblage

You only love God as much as you love the person that you love the least. ~ Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement I made this piece quite a few years ago, but recently I unearthed it from a pile that was waiting to be "written up". I believe that the photo was a class picture, and the little boy in the front row has his arms folded in disgust at being surrounded by giiiiirrrrls...yuck! 1. Sponge a small canvas board with the background colors that you want.  I used dark, medium, and light turquoise shades of acrylic paints. 2. Scan and print out your focal image if you don't want to use the original.  Spray it with some sealer or varnish to protect it.  Print out any text you want to use, or hand write it. 3. From the hardware store, I used some assorted do-dads, a rubber gasket, and a piece of screen.  From the junk pile, I plucked a rusted picture hanger.  From an antique shop, I acquired a skeleton key, and in a craft store I found some decor

More artsy links!

  A contest to win a yummy book 60 Quick Knits is just wonderful, and, you can win a copy of it! Just leave a comment. Beading Arts Here's a quick little tutorial on how to create a barnacle texture with seed beads! Creative Dreamer Yummies...my version of strawberry tiramisu...come see!    Cross Cake Step by step instructions and photos for making a cross cake for a First Communion, Easter, or Baptism.   Scrapbooking Gift Ideas Love scrapbooking? Here are some homemade gift ideas to make using scrapbook supplies and techniques. The Artful Crafter Do companies offer free craft products to the general public for testing?   Technorati Tags: mixed media , collage , assemblage , digital art , photography , altered books , art journals