Today I asked Michelle LaPoint Rydell to share a favorite post from the past. Here's what she said: I first discovered Julie's blog back in late 2007, when I was just getting involved in the world of mixed media. Her art was so inspiring, and she had tons of helpful tutorials that made it all seem possible for me too! Now, almost ten years later, I still look forward to her posts. Her writing style is fun to read, and she is so generous with her knowledge, that it keeps me coming back for more. I love that she lets... Read more →

When Julie asked me to help celebrate her blogiversary, I was super excited. A chance to trawl through the archives and find a fun project to redo – sign me up for that! But let me tell you, settling on just one post was not easy. So I cheated, and chose two! I’ve combined Julie’s gorgeous file folder project Tutorial: Upcycling Blank Newsprint and her great use of recycled newsprint Sometimes You Just Have to Create to create this fun & funky journal. A quick and easy project, this took under an hour to complete, with very few supplies. Supplies:... Read more →

This is it. The last batch of sweet sweet testimonials and stories. I know I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but I'm so grateful for all these comments that let me know that you're out there and you're listening and that we're on this journey together! Karenliz Henderson: Happy Anniversary Julie! I can't believe it's been only 10 years. It seems like I've been reading your blog for longer. I think in 2008 or 2009 I found your blog. It was a scrapbook you made using your own pages. You bound them together. I thought that was... Read more →

Everyone loves a process video, right? I don't know what it is, but I get mesmerized just watching the paint fly and shapes emerge. It's magical. As you have noticed from the past month of sharing, the Balzer Designs archives are deep. So, I've chosen just six videos -- one from each year I've been posting them. 2010: 2011: 2012: 2013: 2014: /p> 2015: 2016: It's fascinating to see the evolution of not only my art style, but my video skills! Some things that are definitely consistent over time: lots of color lots of layers lots of stamping lots of... Read more →

No doubt you know that I am a stamp carving addict. I love it! I've been trying to figure out when or how I learned how to carve stamps. And you know what, I absolutely cannot remember. I recall carving a linoleum tile in high school, but when did I first pick up a soft block? I don't know?! Poking through my blog archives, I can't seem to find the moment, so it must have been ages ago. It's as if I always knew how to do it. Perhaps I was simply born with the knowledge. ;) Today I'm sharing... Read more →

Today I asked my assistant Suzanne to share her favorites from the archives. She put together a wonderful list of posts not to miss! Thank you, Suzanne! Over the past few months I've been collecting some of the posts from the past 10 years of Julie's blog. I went page by page (which is no small feat considering posts are almost daily) and have the list below to share with you today. They are in order from oldest to newest. Some of these are even ones other folks have highlighted or redone for the Blogiversary, because great minds think alike!... Read more →

I asked the super duper talented Gwen Lafleur (You should follow her on instagram. I do!) to choose a tutorial from my blog archives to put her own spin on. Check out what she did: I’ve been super inspired by all of the tutorials Julie has posted over the years, but while I was trying to choose one to put my own spin on, the Colorful Garbage ATCs from back in May 2011 really jumped out at me. Like Julie, I’m pretty good about throwing things away, but I can’t let go of my under-paper. (You know, the stuff where... Read more →

Can you believe that the month is almost over? January has been flying by and while a month seems like a long time, it has been really hard to narrow ten years of posting into less than 20 posts. But it has been an excellent opportunity for some self reflection and your e-mail testimonials have helped me with that. Whether reading about your own journeys or your recaps of my journey, I've been reminded that this blog is a space for all of us to grow -- artistically -- and as it turns out -- personally too! Laura Miller: Julie,... Read more →

I'm getting in on the tutorial redo fun this week! I played with a variation on this Gelli Masked Heart tutorial from February 2016. Now we're creating double masked prints! It's a pretty cool and super easy technique that you can use with your gelatin printing plate. Watch the video for the how to: And here are the prints from the video: Super fun and easy! Sakura Oil Pastels Winsor & Newton Brush Packs Gelli Plate Speedball Gel Printing Plate 12x12 Gel Press 12x12 Plate Speedball Soft Rubber Brayer Liquitex Gesso Golden Fluid Acrylics Canson XL Watercolor Pad Deli Paper... Read more →

Happy Weekend! It's time for another peek into the Balzer Designs "guest book" so to speak. Thank you for all your kind words and well wishes! I love hearing your stories! Jane T. Owel: Hi Julie, I'm a long time reader/lurker/subscriber to your blog. Watching you and reading your blog has inspired me to make art. I'm a veterinarian by trade, but I always loved crafting. I guess I am a bit of a perfectionist (understatement) and felt that if I wasn't good enough to do art professionally, I shouldn't do it at all. But I love color, and I... Read more →