If you're hoping to gift yourself some art supplies this month (or leave a hint for someone else), here are a 15 of my most-used art supplies: Artist-Tac This is a dry adhesive that is ideal for anything with cut-outs or holes because the adhesive only sticks where there is paper, as you can see in this project: So you can easily take a die cut or stencil and quickly apply adhesive to just it. No mess and very little fuss. I use it all the time. Scor-Tape Sheets This is an adhesive sheet that is super strong. It's perfect... Read more →

To all who celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope it's a good one! To make it even a little bit sweeter, I'm offering a this-weekend-only discount code for my self-paced online classes: 20% off any self-paced class other than my two newest classes, The Artful Holiday and The Carve December Workbook. Use the code THANKFUL at checkout to get the discount. This code is good until Monday, November 28 at midnight EST. Happy Thanksgiving! Read more →

In the video below, I'm working on two ideas at the same time in my studio notebook, aka my sketchbook. My studio notebook is a place for me to visually think aloud. For this particular exercise, I decided to create the same image using two different methods. On the left side I painted and on the right side, I used painted paper collage. My whole goal for this experiment/exploration was to figure out which methodology I preferred -- both in terms of enjoying the process and appreciating the result. There are a lot of things that I might go back... Read more →

It has been another wonderful week of projects and techniques and ideas in The Artful Holiday class! Here's a recap of what we did: On Monday, I shared how to make a beaded bracelet that can also be worn as a necklace or watch band! Robin said, "Julie I have always loved these bracelets but never knew how to make them. You are really an extraordinary teacher. You make it so clear and easy to follow. Thank you for that." On Tuesday, Laura Kemshall shared how to make this mixed media book wrap: Kim said, "Loved this lesson! I used... Read more →

It has been another wonderful week of projects and techniques and ideas in The Artful Holiday class! Here's a recap of what we did: On Monday, I shared how to make a beaded bracelet that can also be worn as a necklace or watch band! Robin said, "Julie I have always loved these bracelets but never knew how to make them. You are really an extraordinary teacher. You make it so clear and easy to follow. Thank you for that." On Tuesday, Laura Kemshall shared how to make this mixed media book wrap: Kim said, "Loved this lesson! I used... Read more →

The Artful Holiday class has just wrapped up week three of fantastic art projects, art techniques, and art ideas for you! On Monday, I demonstrated how pochoir printing works: Julie said, "Cool project! Thanks for showing the many different suggestions for framing and backgrounds." On Tuesday, Tori Weyers demonstrated how she takes ordinary sticks she finds in a park near her home and elevates them to art. Stephanie said, "Thank you for the great class! I love sticks and have fabric wrapped them, but have never painted them… yet!!!" On Wednesday I, once again, shared TWO mash-up projects! Every Wednesday,... Read more →

The Artful Holiday class is going strong with lots of fabulous projects, techniques, and ideas for you! On Monday, I shared how to print and construct this paper vase: Kim said, "Such an adorable project, at first I didn’t think I’d love it….BUT I DO!!!! The cork one was quite stunning!" On Tuesday, Sarah Matthews shared how to make your own stamp, print your custom patterned paper, and then turn it into this fabulous ornament: Vicki said, "I loved this class and made one with 3/4 in squares! Addicted ❤️" On Wednesday, I shared TWO mash-up projects. Every Wednesday, I... Read more →

Raise your hand if you're an art supply hoarder. I hope you find this post from November 21, 2018 useful. ---- I took a class this past weekend. The instructor had us do an exercise that focused on speed. When we were done she said, "Even if you don't like it, what have you lost? 5 minutes?!" The woman in front of me turned to her friend and said, "And wasted your fabric." That comment hit me like a silver bullet. I am an unabashed hoarder. I get how hard it is to let go of supplies you paid lots... Read more →

This is a re-post of a blog from October 14, 2020. It's two years old, but these are absolutely my ride-or-die go-to supplies still. Enjoy! ---- Here is a quick guide to some of my favorite art supplies. I limited myself to just a few choices in each category. My true "can't live withouts." You can find a much longer list HERE. Art Journaling No string China Marker/Grease Pencil Catalyst Brushes Liquitex Gesso Pilot Multiball Pen Stamp Carving Speedy Carve Speedball Carving Tools Permapaque Markers (for marking the block) Black Archival Ink Pad & Reinker Carve Stamp Play Book Mixed... Read more →

The Artful Holiday class is off to a fabulous start! On Monday, I shared how to make these super fun fabric earrings: Sharyn said, "Easy to follow and thorough instructions. I BELIEVE I can do this. I like that I can use my own stuff or paint a new design. Beautiful result! Great start to this series. Thanks." And I was thrilled when Laura posted her version of the earrings in the Balzer Designs Students Facebook Group: And Marybeth posted hers on instagram: As a teacher, there's nothing better than seeing the work you inspire! On Tuesday, Carolyn Dube taught... Read more →