Six years ago I made a video about how to create simple, but gorgeous masked gelatin printed hearts. And now I'm taking that idea and creating some Valentine's Day wrapping paper! I didn't use the exact same technique (I mean, what's the fun in that?) but it is very similar. One important new skill I teach in the video is how to use a small plate for a (fairly) seamless pattern on large piece of paper. You can watch the video for the how-to: Supplies: Paper Bag Scissors Copy Paper Gelatin Plate Brayer Baren Acrylic Paint Tape Scrap Paper/Deli Paper... Read more →

I'll be frank, this year has been a tough start for my little family. There isn't a single day of 2023 that someone hasn't been sick. But, at least we have each other! So, without any further ado, here's the round-up for January 2023 -- I have changed up the format, as I usually do at the beginning of each year. Notable Family Event Obviously, the trip to California is the most notable thing we've done this month. In particular, we made our first trip to Disney as a family. I should say that I am not a Disney person,... Read more →

I've really been enjoying using a larger gelatin plate lately. My 12x14 plate seems to be in constant use around here. Perhaps because I use a lot of 12x12 stencils, I really like the bigger size. This past week I made two new layered monotypes -- unique composed prints -- during a 30-minute printing session. Here they are: And if you wish to watch the process, here's a video: Some Notes: Monthly Members have access to the real-time version of this video in the Balzer Designs Online Classroom. I designed and cut some new stencils for these pieces, out of... Read more →

I wrote this post in May of 2007 -- more than FIFTEEN years ago. Wow! I have been blogging for a loooong time. I was a different person 15 years ago. Childless. Married to a different man. Living in NYC. Working in the theatre. Art as a hobby. And yet, I was the same person I am now -- inquisitive, thoughtful, approaching art through an intellectual lens, and always striving to improve. Despite the cringe-worthy reference to the New York Times article about a generation of sore losers, I feel like this blog post gets at so many things I... Read more →

While I was on vacation in California, I posted a photo of what I was working on: The caption says: I’m on vacation with a bag full of paint pens and a tiny #artjournal. 🙌 When my little guy takes a nap, I use the time as an opportunity to muck around in my little hand made book. Most days I don’t have a goal in mind. I simply sit down and respond to whatever is there. A few doodles. A little bit of collage. It’s all part of maintaining an art practice — no matter what. 😁 And in... Read more →

In case you missed the Design Boot Camp Taster session and you're curious about what it's all about, here's the replay: In this "taster" video, I am sharing how an understanding of VALUE can help you bring your artwork together and understand HOW to make changes to your artwork that make an IMPACT. If you have trouble making decisions, you will be very interested in how VALUE can help you! Things to know about Design Boot Camp: Boot Camp runs February 7, 2023 - March 7, 2023. We will meet twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays 7pm-9pm EST) over Zoom.... Read more →

While we were in Los Angeles, we attended a magical event called "Enchanted Forest of Light" at Descanso Gardens. Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience, featuring a one-mile walk through a variety of lighting experiences in Descanso Gardens. Given the time difference between East Coast and West Coast, I wasn't sure if my little guy was going to make it, but he was a trooper and danced through the whole thing, deigning to ride in the stroller only at the end. (And fell asleep in the car almost immediately.) Here's a peek at some of the beautiful... Read more →

On today's episode of The Adventures in Arting Podcast, Mom and I are discussing Planning and Organizing. They are two separate things, in case you're wondering. During the podcast Mom and I go into detail with our tips for planning and organizing as well as our own struggles in those areas. I hope you enjoy the conversation. As always, you can listen to the podcast above, subscribe to it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch the video version on YouTube. Here is the podcast transcript: Julie Hello and welcome to the Adventures in Arting podcast. My name is Julie... Read more →

I've just come home from my first vacation in three years. It was lovely to unplug and reset for a week, to get out of my house, and to see my brother and his family. Here are the seven of us at The Getty in Los Angeles. The Getty is FREE, but you do have to make a timed reservation. And you do have to pay for parking. The grounds are extensive and include multiple water features, gardens, sculptures, and lots of outdoor dining spaces. With two three-year-olds in our party, we spent almost no time looking at the art... Read more →

As promised, here is a flip through of my Carve December Work Book: Some student feedback from class: “The Workbook Class is one of the best classes I ever invested in….This class is a great too for helping you think things through. Watching Julie go through the process has helped me ask similar questions that I hadn’t thought of. It’s making the process so much easier than I thought it would. I can’t imagine going back to just making it up on the fly. I love thinking it through!” – Joanne “One of the most valuable teaching moments you provide,... Read more →