October's #PrintInktober2023 manifesto was to see how many different ways I could use the Bauhaus Set I designed for Art Foamies. I had a lot of fun over the month and learned a few things along the way, but more on that later. Here are days 23-31: All of these original one-of-a-kind artworks on paper are for sale. So if you want one, send me an email letting me know which one and I'll get it matted and in the mail to you. For Day 31, I printed directly on a t-shirt for my three-year-old: If you want to see... Read more →

I have finally found the words for what I'm doing this month: improvisational printmaking. In case you don't know, this month's #PrintInktober2023 manifesto is to see how many different ways I can use the Bauhaus Set I designed for Art Foamies. Normally, printmaking involves a lot of planning and set up. But these prints I'm making are built layer-by-layer without envisioning a final outcome. Instead, I'm very much in the moment, making decisions as the print develops. Usually I come to the table with a single idea such as: use triangles. And then I respond to the piece as it... Read more →

My current #PrintInktober project is to use my Art Foamies Bauhaus Set... ...for all 31 of my prints. I've set some parameters for myself, such as: I don't have to use all the Bauhaus stamps in every print. I can use other stamps/stencils in the prints. I will use 9x12 paper for all the prints. I will use acrylic paint for all of the prints. I will put all of the prints up for sale. I'm not using any prompts for my prints. I will share a process video for every single print on instagram. Here are days 9-15: Something... Read more →

My current #PrintInktober project is a riff on my unfinished 2020 #PrintInktober project. Back in 2020, I wanted to use the same set of hand carved stamps for all 31 of my prints. So this year, I'm trying it again (going to finish this time!), but with my Art Foamies Bauhaus Set... ...as the stamps I'm using. Here are my first eight prints: A few notes: You can see that I allowed some additional stamps (and one stencil) to enter into the prints. Each of the original one-of-a-kind prints I make this month is available for purchase! $65 (free shipping... Read more →

I'm so pleased to share that I have designed some new Art Foamies foam stamps! You can watch the video for more: There is a discount code you can use to get 25% of my designs: JULIESWEEK. Valid through Thursday, 11/4/2021. If you've never used Art Foamies before, here's the 411: Big bold beautiful designs made from high quality foam. The details in the designs are amazing (check out the little tiny details on the stamp I'm holding in the photo). Art Foamies foam stamps are easy to use, easy to clean (or not to clean in my case). They're... Read more →

Happy Monday! I wanted to share the three demo projects I did during Friday night's #PrintInktober class. The topic was printing on fabric (you can watch the replay now in the online classroom). We covered 4 different fabric mediums for printing and used all kinds of stamps -- hand carved, commercial rubber stamps, silicone stamps, and foam stamps (handmade and commercial). We printed on light fabric, dark fabric, and a t-shirt. Take a peek: Printing on fabric is one of my favorite things to do. It has a lot of impact and printed t-shirts, aprons, and tote bags make fabulous... Read more →

This is a post that I have been meaning to write for a long time and I finally sat down and filmed the tutorial for you. Yay! These are pouches made from laminating sheets. The stamping goes on the inside of the laminating pouch so that it doesn't chip or rub off. This is a super fun and easy project. You can watch the short (4 min) video for the full tutorial: LINKS: laminating sheets laminator Art Foamies A Year of Gelatin Printing Plastic Snap kit Here are some supply substitutions that you might find useful: No laminator: I think... Read more →

I've got seven more abstract mixed media collages for you! I constructed all of these pieces using a grid design, and following my "Art Parts" theory of construction. I'm in the middle of this series and I can feel that I'm entering into a more experimental -- and slightly more uncomfortable -- phase of creating. It's a good (and scary) feeling. Do you have a favorite among these mixed media collages? I have a few, for different reasons. :) Thanks for stopping by! Read more →

Today I've got a quick and easy step-by-step tutorial for you. It's all about creating beautiful watercolor prints using foam stamps. As I shared in Friday's weekly newsletter, I have two new Art Foamies designs. There's a 3-inch and a 6-inch version of each. These are the 3-inch ones: In the video I'm using one of the larger 6-inch stamps: Aren't these prints gorgeous? Links: Art Foamies Inktense Blocks Live Online Tag Class This is a quick and easy technique and I love that Inktense blocks are permanent when dry! It's the look of watercolor but it allows me to... Read more →

Happy Thursday! When I was teaching in NYC, Faigie asked me if she could do a guest post on my blog and I said, "Of course!" I am always happy to showcase talented people's ideas -- especially when they're showing off some of the products I've designed! I hope you enjoy this tutorial from Faigie! Hi, my name is Faigie Kobre and I’m really excited to be guest posting on Julie's blog. I became a mixed media addict a number of years ago and one of my main sources of information on mixed media has been Julie. It was so... Read more →