If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, there is a short introduction here. All of the previous posts can be found archived here. There is a flickr group for sharing right here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. If you've done some art journaling this week and you've blogged about it, or put it on flickr, please leave a link in the linky list at the end of this post. Thanks! As you know, I am always looking for new techniques and ideas to... Read more →

On Thursday I taught my Composition for Collage class. It was my first time teaching this particular class and it went really well! (Phew!) I've taught various mixed media collage classes, but never with such a strong focus on composition. Definitely going to have to do this one again! I was blown away by the talented artists in this class and the amazing mixed media collages they created! Absolutely amazing and spectacular, don't you think? Everyone has their own unique style and it's so wonderful to see! I feel inspired to go into my studio and make some colorful art.... Read more →

I had a fabulous time at CREATE in New Jersey! I taught six classes over five days and it was exciting and exhausting and fun and just totally crazy! I'm going to share some photos this week and some photos next week. If you came to my class and we took a photo together, please send it to me! Thank you! On Wednesday I taught my Painted & Printed Papers class. I like this class for so many reasons but mostly because everyone walks out with a huge arsenal of new techniques and ways to use the stuff they already... Read more →

I'm delighted to bring you another episode of the Adventures in Arting Podcast! If you do not see the podcast player above, please click on this link. You can listen to a podcast anywhere and at any time. It is a recording that is available to you whenever you'd like to listen. If you'd like to download it to your iTunes library, click here. You can also pause and rewind or fast forward as you desire. I like to listen to podcasts while I'm making art. It's a little like hanging out with friends while you art. Today we're talking... Read more →

I continue to work on the large piece of embroidery I shared back in 2013. It goes on most trips with me. I work in the airport... ...on airplanes... ...at the beach... ...at my Mom's house... ...on the train... ...on the ferry... ...and I swear to you, sometimes in my sleep! I'm currently working back into the face. I've become a better embroider-er over time and there's stuff in there that I want to fix and update. In any case, here's a peek at the current state of things: Thanks for stopping by! Read more →

If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, there is a short introduction here. All of the previous posts can be found archived here. There is a flickr group for sharing right here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. If you've done some art journaling this week and you've blogged about it, or put it on flickr, please leave a link in the linky list at the end of this post. Thanks! I always bring an art project with me. One of my favorite things... Read more →

I'm starting a new blog series today. You can guess from the title that it's all about keeping your garbage. I use tons of stuff that I've rescued from the trash. Today I'm using an Altoid tin and Dentyne gum packaging... ...to create a portable miniature watercolor palette. The first step is to eat the Altoids and chew the gum. Once your packaging is empty, you need to clean it out and remove any food residue. You should be left with a clean empty tin and two little plastic trays. Be sure you've picked all of the plastic off of... Read more →

I'm so totally delighted and thrilled to share that after many hours of google searches, a ton of Diet Coke, and some serious swear words, I have created a brand new online classroom site for Balzer Designs!! Yay! I'm not much of computer programmer, but I have two huge art journaling classes that I want to offer this year. (I've already recorded the videos, I just need to edit all of it and get the class put together.) But I really wanted to offer the new classes in a smooth and social environment. So, I started reading and reading and... Read more →

While in Boston last week, I stopped by the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). I have to confess that I'm more of a modern art person than a contemporary art person, but it's always good to push yourself beyond your comfortability, right? We saw three exhibits while we were there. The first was Jim Hodges: Give More Than You Take. For the most part, I didn't like his art. It was too much concept without any emotion. His work also seemed very museum-ified -- interesting because of who he is and not based on its own aesthetic merits. That said,... Read more →

Instagram recently changed their "explore" tab. It used to be simply the most popular photos on instagram -- mostly celebrity stuff. Now, they've changed it into something that is amazing and delightful and customized for each user. Instagram now suggests photos you might like based on the fact that it's popular in your area, someone you followed liked it, etc. Through this tab I have found so much inspiration! I've followed a whole bunch of new people, and even if I don't follow the person, I often fall in love with an image they've shared. In the spirit of sharing,... Read more →