Hey there! I've got a bunch of new ScanNCut technique videos for you! One of the questions I get the most is about scanning applique patterns, which makes sense because the ScanNCut is really perfect for cutting applique designs. This is a simple applique pattern that I designed (find it in the Balzer Designs Downloads): As you can see, it isn't easy to scan because of all the overlapping bits, as well as the logo. In the video I share my workaround. I And here's the finished applique design: -- Next up, is a video all about the ScanNCut rolling... Read more →

If you listened to our most recent podcast, you know that I spent twelve days with my Mom for her cataract surgery. You can see my level of helpfulness in this photo from the hospital waiting room: In my defense it was super early. We watched the sun rise from that waiting room. Still...not that helpful, I guess. ;) Despite the surgery we managed to have a really good time! We ate a lot of fabulous food. The town I grew up in (where my Mom still lives) has a large Middle Eastern population. As a result there is so... 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! Lately I've been doing a lot of pages without any journaling. Pages that... 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. We have two... Read more →

My Mom is the best cook in the world. Well, that might be hyperbole, but she's pretty awesome at it. If I create art from paint and paper, she does it with food. I've been visiting my Mom for the past ten days and she has made some seriously amazing summer meals during that time, always taking advantage of what's fresh and in season. The best way to eat, don't you think? Last night she made a quick and easy dessert that I had to pass on to you because...well, it's just so easy and delicious! There are a couple... Read more →

You guys! I'm so super duper extremely excited to share that at long last I am coming to Australia to teach! It has long been a goal of mine to spend a week on every single continent in the world. Over the years I've ticked off North America, South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Now I will finally get to add Australia to the list of been there, done that! Wheeeee! (Just need to figure out how to get to Antarctica to complete the list....hmmmmm.) My friend Nat and I will be teaching a class together. You can watch this... Read more →

Hey there! Today I thought I'd share a project I filmed for Scrapbook Soup TV. You can catch the show on PBS or online at the Scrapbook Soup website. As you know, I love drawing patterns, so this was super duper fun to do! Watch the video below: Here are the cards from the video: And a Project Life spread using them: I hope you'll try making some of your own! 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! Lately I've been pushing myself towards creating more abstract art. So, I've been... Read more →

Today I thought I'd share some images of art that I love that I've recently pinned on Pinterest. I hope you'll love the pieces too! link In some ways it's such a simple painting of a face and yet there's emotion and personality in it, which I really respond to. link This is another face that seems simple and perhaps even badly drawn, but I love the personality of the figure and the personal style of the artist. link Can pillows be art? I've always loved kilim rugs (I have two small ones in my home) and these pillows made... Read more →

You may remember that about a month ago I posted about my current obsession with molas. Well, I gathered together the supplies to make one of my own! I've only just started and I can tell you two things: (a) it's harder than I thought it would be, and (b) It's a perfect travel art project. To begin, I sketched out my basic image: If I had known how difficult points were, I wouldn't have had so many in my design. Oy. But let no one ever say that I'm not ambitious! I always enjoy tackling a difficult project. I... Read more →