I was poking around the internet looking for information on creating fine art collograph prints without a press. During that research, I stumbled across a video that has me **obsessed** and looking around my studio for stray pieces of mat board. Watch the video and see if you're not keen to give this technique a try:
Isn't that so cool?! It combines so many things I like: monoprinting, carving/hand cutting, and drawing.
Definitely on my to do list! Thanks for stopping by!
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I went to a conservation event at the Museum of Fine Arts here in Boston (MFA Boston). Professional conservators were in one of the exhibits sharing how they restore and preserve the art on display.
Do you see what I see?!
I spy art supplies that I use all the time! Golden Fluid Acrylics:
And Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylics:
I thought it was super duper cool to know that professional conservators are fixing up ancient art with the same supplies I use to create my art! I chatted with some of the conservators and they said that these supplies were chosen because of their quality, consistency, and ability to be removed if needed. Those first two reasons -- quality and consistency -- are the reasons I choose these art supplies too!
Thanks for stopping by!
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In case you don't know what #CarveDecember is, here's the gist:
WHAT: Every day in December we carve a stamp and post it online.
WHO: Everyone is welcome to join. New stamp carvers will develop their skills quickly and experienced stamp carvers will sharpen those skills. Everyone will connect with new friends!
HOW: Post a photo of the stamp you've carved to your instagram account. Use the hashtag #CarveDecember so that everyone in the group can find what you've done. In my experience, the #CarveDecember crew is warm and generous.
Here's a quick list of things you can do to have a great #CarveDecember experience:
Gather Your Supplies
When working on a daily project, I find it easiest if I have all the supplies I need right at hand so I can sit down and get to work. Even if you don't have a dedicated art space, you can quite easily fit a stamp carving kit into a shoebox or a tote bag. I take my stamp carving supplies all over the world with me -- just remember to pack your blades in your checked luggage. Even if you're traveling during December, you *can* carve a stamp every single day! All you need is your kit and a table.
Here's what's in my carving kit (links to brands I use):
Plan for Success
I like to make a plan. But I also like to remember that it's okay to deviate from the plan. The plan should be helpful, and not feel like it's strangling or constricting you.
Some things to plan:
No Experience Necessary
If you want some help with stamp carving, these are resources I offer:
You can also visit YouTube for tons of FREE video tutorials on stamp carving!
I really hope you'll join us for #CarveDecember! It's fun and easy and you end the month with an amazing collection of unique hand carved stamps, whether you carved every day or just a few days!
Are you planning to join in this year? Let me know!
REMEMBER: You do NOT have to carve every single day to participate. Even if you just get in 1 or 2 stamps, you are most welcome!
My goal with this project is not to put anybody through a painful bootcamp. Rather, I want to show people how easy and fun and quick stamp carving really is! In fact, I've been wavering back and forth on whether or not #CarveDecember is a plausible exercise this year. After some discussion with my family and some personal introspection, I've decided to give it a go. Personally, I'm going to keep the parameters super tight for myself: tiny simple stamps only. I want to be able to carve and print and post in less than 30 minutes a day. I think it's the only plausible way to do this project with a brand new baby. I think it's possible?
During last week's YouTube Members Livestream, I talked about it a bit and then I demo carved and printed this stamp:
Took me about 10 minutes to carve and print. So, I think my goal is do-able and I'll end up with a collection of very simple but functional stamps. What do you think? Am I crazy for thinking of attempting #CarveDecember with a new baby in the house?
Thanks for stopping by!
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Hello, friends! Here's a little bit about life right now:
Maternity leggings plus anything in my closet that will still fit me.
The good news is that I've always liked flowy clothing and empire waists, so I have a surprising amount of non-maternity tops that work for maternity!
On a side note, this pregnancy has brought about a surprising body image depression. Considering the fact that I was much heavier in my 20s than I am now, nine months pregnant, you'd think I'd be fine with the weight gain and the body changes. But it has been a real struggle. I work every day to maintain a positive attitude about it and I have a wonderful mother and partner who are always encouraging, but the changes are tough to take.
I just bought a bath mat from my own Society 6 Shop...
...to match the rug I already put in the bathroom. The design is based on this table I painted a few years ago:
What are you reading?
I have a book on baby sign language that I'm starting, but mostly I've been listening to podcasts. Current faves are: Only a Game, Stuff You Should Know, and the Dragnet podcast.
Current art crush?
Sarah Shoot or sarahshootmixed on instagram. She's a jewelry artist with a very funky and colorful style. I love that she sells mixed pairs of earrings (i.e. both earrings are not the same). Check out her work:
In case anyone is wondering what to get me -- or themselves -- for Christmas, I'll leave a link to her etsy shop page. ;)
So, there you have it! That's the scoop on life around here at the moment.
Thanks for stopping by!
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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. 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, use the hashtag #artjournaleveryday so that we can all take a peek. Even if you're not on social media, you can see everything (from twitter, pinterest, instagram, and facebook) that uses that hashtag here.
I decided to put together a video of an art journal/junque journal page coming together. Remember, I leave a ton of blank space on my journal pages because I do a lot of journaling. If that's not your thing, make your art bigger or create super cool backgrounds for your artwork! Here's the video:
As I mentioned in the video, the pencil drawing that you see me painting was not done by me. Many years ago -- and I do mean many, many, many years ago, I was teaching in Colorado. The woman who owned the space was throwing away a big stack of watercolor paper that had paintings and drawings on it. I threw myself between her and the garbage can and dragged that big stack home with me. Over the years it has found its way into lots of journals, as a first layer in plenty of paintings, and as the reverse side of art I've made. Nothing is garbage when it comes to art making!
Here's a peek at the page from the video:
Supplies Used:
Thanks for stopping by!
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