Today Jan is going to show you how to make polymer clay pendants using Balzer Bits! Balzer Bits are small (under 4") masks. You can see all the Balzer Bits designs here. I'm thinking of using Jan's technique to make some embellishments for the cover of my art journal. You could also make some pretty cool scrapbook page embellishments using this technique! What are you going to use Jan's technique for? When Julie posted a request for her readers to share a stenciling technique, I challenged myself to try something I had not done before with stencils. The end of... Read more →

Today I'm sharing a ScanNCut video tutorial with you. In this video I share a fun Matisse-inspired method for creating a stencil. Then we use that stencil to create a background for a scrapbook page. Here's the page we created in the video: I feel like there's a perception that using an electronic cutter can make your layout look very cookie cutter. But as you can see, the ScanNCut allows you to create super artsy layouts that reflect your individuality! By the way, did you notice that I snuck two of my toilet paper tube stamped tags onto this layout?... 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! Happy Friday to all! Today I am sharing a process video with you.... Read more →

Hello, hello! Ashli Oliver (aka soapHOUSEmama) here with you today to share a fun stenciling technique. I love making the most of my favorite stencils and really challenging myself to stretch their potential. So, please take a look as I use one of my all-time favorite stencils to create a custom embellishment for my scrapbook page: That was fun, wasn’t it? The next time you reach for your favorite stencil, I would encourage you to give this a try! And, if you like what you saw here today and enjoyed this process video, please be sure to sign up for... Read more →

Today we have another stencil technique guest post! Woot! But before we get to it, a bit of housekeeping from me: I have finally updated the Tutorial Archive and the Art Journal Every Day Archive. Yay! Take a spin through either (or both) to gather some inspiration and get making! Some spaces have opened up at the last minute in my classes in New Hampshire. Classes are October 10 & 11. We're going to have lots of fun. If you're in the area, you're not going to want to miss them. And if you're not in the area, it's prime... 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 →

Wow! You guys are amazing! I've been blown away by your awesome response to my request for stencil technique guest posts. As a result, you are going to see so many awesome stenciling techniques being shared over the next few months. That's right, I said, "months!" (It's not too late to submit your idea for a stenciling technique guest post! Keep the awesome ideas coming!) First up is Boo Giannini Martin with a post all about being the boss of your stencils! Remember, it's up to you to determine how to customize your stenciled images! Think Positive an art journal... Read more →

Who needs color?! Well, I do. But, looking at these gorgeous black & white portraits, I'm reconsidering my love of color. These are amazing! source source source source source They're all so graphic and interesting and full of character! Which one is your favorite? 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! You guys, I've discovered a new-to-me product that I love! It's super fun... Read more →

I've been playing with my PanPastels again! I made these two tags mixing PanPastels, stencils, and stamps together: After I made the one on the left, I thought you might might want to see the process, so I made a little video for you! You can watch the one on the right come together in this video: Supplies Used: Avery Tag 6.25 x 3.125 Pan Pastels Sofft Tools Palette Paper Liquitex Matte Medium Cosmetic Sponges Polka Dot Stamp Spray Bottle for Water Ranger Heat Gun Versamark Ink Pad Winsor & Newton Watercolor Brush Pack Indian Leaves Stencil 12x12 Art Deco... Read more →