As prolific as I am, I find it shocking that I'm only up to canvas #43 in this 100 canvas project of mine. I guess I do a lot of work in my art journal and on other surfaces? In any case, I really like this new piece:
This painting has a kind of simplicity that I really love. It doesn't feel overworked or poked at.
I don't often name my pieces, but after I finished this one, the name just hit me in the face: I Still Believe in America. I think it's the red and white-ish stripes in the background -- very flag-like.
Today is voting day here in America. I can think of no better day to post this painting and to say: go out and vote. It's your right. It's your choice. Your vote makes a difference.
2018 marks my FIVE-YEAR anniversary with the ScanNCut. Over time, people have asked me how I got started with the ScanNCut?
Through a series of happy accidents, back in 2013, I ended up at a focus group for a yet-to-be-released product called the ScanNCut. The folks at Brother pretty much pointed us at the machines and let us play. I was blown away. It was so easy to create cut files from my drawings! I could create custom stencils with just a scan and some cutting! I was also unhappy with some things and I stood up and said them. A lot of them. And then the most shocking thing happened, they called me and wanted to know more. It's one of the things that I really appreciate about Brother -- as a company. They are always interested in feedback and making their products better and more user friendly with every iteration.
Over the years, I've made cards...
Home Decor:
Creative Patchwork:
Silicone Stamps:
3-D Objects:
Stickers:
Stencils:
Decorations:
Cookie Stenciling:
Easter Eggs:
Candle "Holders":
Baby Gifts:
Scrapbook Pages:
T-Shirts:
Pencil Cases:
Foam Stamps:
Flowers (that's felt):
And even an umbrella:
Believe it or not, these are just a few of the hundreds of projects I've made with my ScanNCut over the years. I hope that you've enjoyed learning about your ScanNCut as I've learned and explored with my own! While it's true that I get paid to create videos and share posts about the ScanNCut, it is a machine that I love and use. I can hardly imagine my crafty life without my ScanNCut! One of the reasons that I've been able to spend five years talking about my love for the ScanNCut is because that love is genuine and true. I look forward to sharing more ScanNCut projects and ideas and techniques in the coming years too!
I will be on HSN tomorrow (11/6/18) with the ScanNCut DX and the PTouch Embellish at 7am and 6pm EST!
Thanks for stopping by!
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P.S. I am a paid spokesperson for the Brother ScanNCut. It is a machine that I love and use. All projects and opinions are my own.
I am just bursting with joy over the fact that I have NEW online classes to offer you!!
You have been asking for more online classes and more frequent online classes, so I've been a busy bee making that happen. Going forward, you can expect new classes every quarter:
Winter Quarter is December, January, February
Spring Quarter isMarch, April, May
Summer Quarter isJune, July, August
Fall Quarter isSeptember, October, November
I am planning to offer FOUR new online classes every quarter. Classes will follow a basic format:
Intensive Workshop: This is a workshop that has 20+ tutorial videos and will probably take you 1-3 months to complete, depending on how quickly you work.
Mini Intensive Workshop: This is a workshop that is a little bit less of a time commitment. Working intensely, you could complete the coursework in 2-6 weeks, depending on how quickly you work.
Project Class: This is a class that teaches you how to create a specific project. There are video instructions AND a downloadable .pdf with instructions.
Technique Class: This is a class that teaches you a specific technique through 1-2 video lessons.
ALL classes include lifetime access. Buy it once and you always have it!
Drum roll, please...
The classes for Winter 2018/2019 are as follows:
Intensive Workshop: Gelli Journal
This is a class that has been in the works for four years. Seriously. I filmed the first four videos in this workshop four years ago. For the past five years, this has been one of my favorite art projects to take with me when I travel. In class you will learn how to print directly into your journal -- including into that crack...
...and then transform those printed pages into colorful picture pages!
Here's what to expect from class:
There are more than 30 HD instructional videos.
What you see in these photos is just a tiny taste of what awaits in the classroom!
The online classroom is packed with written tips and take aways.
You can leave comments and questions and interact with other students, just as you would on a blog.
The first half of the class is all about gelatin printing directly into a sketchbook -- how to make sure you get the crack, how to fix problems that occur, how to create layers of color and pattern, how to keep pages from sticking together, etc.
Whether you're an experienced gelatin printer or you've never ever tried it before, this class is for you. Experienced printers will proceed through the gelatin printing section quickly and less experienced or brand new printers will take their time going lesson-by-lesson.
The second half of the class is all about creating pictures in your printed journal.
You do not have to know how to draw. I share methods for creating pictures by stamping and stenciling -- there's even a video on creating a stencil from a photograph!
If you want to try drawing, I share how to combine simple shapes to create wonderful pictures.
I share my tips on embellishing your pictures with gel pens, paint markers, and more.
I focus in on correcting "mistakes" (aka happy accidents) and getting the results that you want.
Take as much time as you want or need to complete the course. Once you purchase "Gelli Journals," you have lifetime access.
PLEASE NOTE: The first four videos of this class have some auto-focus issues and so they go in and out of focus, as you can see in this YouTube video. If the bouncing bothers you, do not sign up for class. No refunds will be given.
Class begins December 1, 2018.
$200 Early Bird Pricing (Nov 1, 2018 - Nov 30, 2018) $125 To get the $75 discount, use this code: EarlyGelli
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Mini Intensive Workshop: Notan or Expanded Square
Notan or Expanded Square is a process of creating an entire work of art from a small piece of paper. Essentially, you take a square of black paper and cut it with scissors and a craft knife. Then you flip the pieces you've cut so that they mirror the empty holes.
It's a simple idea, but the possibilities are enormous! In class I will show you the basics of the technique (of course) and discuss the philosophy of Notan. I will also show you how to create pictoral Notan, as demonstrated in this video:
Here's what to expect from class:
Instruction is delivered through more than 15 HD videos.
Lessons cover all the basics: cutting with scissors, cutting with a craft knife, and there's even a video on how to use the ScanNCut to create Notan.
I will also show you how to create amazing pictures featuring animals, plants, and even people!
We will discuss how to use Notan in your other work and the kinds of design skills that it builds and reinforces.
You have lifetime access to the online classroom.
$100 Early Bird Pricing (Nov 1, 2018 - Nov 30, 2018) $75 To get the $25 discount, use this code: NOV2018
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Project Class: Book of Color
This is the kind of class I would normally offer as a full day in-person class and I'm so pleased to be offering it to you as an online class instead! It's no surprise that I loooooove color. But, I love using all of the colors on top of each other. I decided to challenge myself and create a reference book containing monochromatic spreads. In class I show you how to create the book from a single piece of paper. It's super easy! I show you how to create each colored spread. And most importantly, I show you how to use the book as a reference tool.
Class includes:
Instruction via HD video.
Videos include: how to create the book, how to color in the book, how to use the book.
A downloadable .pdf of written instructions on creating the book.
You can leave comments and questions and interact with other students, just as you would on a blog.
You have lifetime access to class.
$20 Use the code: JULIEBLOG to get 20% discount (valid through Nov 7, 2018)
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Technique Class: Marker Monoprints
This is a technique that I discovered in April when I was looking for something cool and new to do on Make It Artsy. Since April I have refined my technique and tried out lots of different brands and types of markers, plus lots of different techniques for printing. If you've ever watched my "Exploring Art Products" videos on YouTube, this is in that style, but instead of investigating a product, I'm showing you all the ways to approach the technique of creating monoprints with markers.
Class includes:
Instruction via HD videos.
Tips and take aways in written form.
You can leave comments and questions and interact with other students, just as you would on a blog.
You have lifetime access to class.
$20 Use the code: JULIEBLOG to get 20% discount (valid through Nov 7, 2018)
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All classes open for registration TODAY and classes begin December 1, 2018.
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HOWEVER, I am so super excited about this new online class programming that I am offering a NEW Project Class that is available right NOW.
This is a fun and easy project with fabulous results! Turn a simple piece of paper into a paper house with two windows and a door. Slide an LED tea light into the house and you've got magic! These little houses are perfect for a Thanksgiving or Christmas centerpieces. Watch the video to see the magical flickering:
In class I show you how I like to layer collage, painting, stenciling, and stamping to create a colorful house. But you can also use scrapbook paper, gelli prints, plain paper -- whatever you like!
Class includes:
3 instructional videos: Color & Collage, Cutting (by hand), and Construction.
There is a downloadable .pdf with the house template.
There is also a zip file containing both an .svg and .fcm file in case you'd like to do your cutting on an electronic cutter.
There is a downloadable .pdf with written directions.
You can leave comments and questions and interact with other students, just as you would on a blog.
You have lifetime access to class.
$20 - grab and go! Use the code: JULIEBLOG to get 20% discount (valid through Nov 7, 2018)
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And if you want it all, with the early bird special, look how it breaks down:
Gelli Journal: $200 $125
Notan: $100 $75
Book of Color: $20 $16
Marker Monoprints: $20 $16
Lantern Houses: $20 $16
TOTAL: $360 $248 - a savings of more than $100!
But remember, you have to purchase before December 1, 2018 to get the discounts on Gelli Journal and Notan! And before November 7 to get the Book of Color, Marker Monoprints, and Lantern Houses discount!
HOWEVER, if you want it all, I am extending all of those early bird discounts for you. You pay just $248 for all FIVE classes until December 1, 2018. Click here to get the deal.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope to see you in the classroom!
You know, I titled this post "Cupcakes for Halloween" but really it should be called "An Excuse to Try Russian Piping Tips." When I was doing some research about cookie decorating, I ran into lots of super cool information about Russian Piping Tips.
A regular piping tip has a single hole at the end. Russian Piping Tips are kind of like Play Doh Extruders, but way fancier. In essentials, with a single squeeze and flick you can create a frosting flower. Watch the video:
Well, I just *had* to try it for myself. Definitely not as super easy as the video makes it seem, but surprisingly easy nonetheless. Without any further ado, here are my purple and black and orange and white Halloween flower cupcakes:
Some things I'm taking away from the experience:
The two-color flowers look a lot cooler than the single color flowers.
I used a way too complicated method of getting two colors. Next time (and there will be a next time) I am going to use the saran wrap method in the video above.
I was trying to keep it spooky with dark colors, but I really think these flowers would look a lot better in light pastels.
The buttercream was so soft. Next time I want to try an egg white based frosting recipe. I think it will hold the shape better. My flowers got droopy fast.
I piped on a hot day and I think the heat was a factor in the droopiness. I kept having to put the piping bag in the fridge.
Leaves are the best. They fill all the gaps. But I need to get better at ending them. Mine are very ragged in many cases.
The cupcake to frosting ratio was ridiculous. Next time I think I would go with a cake. The cake to frosting ratio would be better.
Overall this was a super fun experiment. The Russian Piping Tips make it stupid simple to get great results. This was my first attempt. With a little bit of practice, I can imagine that you could make magic!
Hello, friends! Here's a little bit about life right now:
What are you listening to?
I have Buddy Guy & Junior Wells on repeat at the moment. You can get a taste in this YouTube video:
What are you wearing?
Winter has come.
And yes, my mittens are attached to my sleeves with clips like a five-year-old.
What have you bought?
I'm actually trying very hard NOT to buy things. In fact, I'm in the process of throwing things away, donating things, and trying to clean out some of the clutter. That said, I did buy a set of Russian Piping Tips.
But, more on that tomorrow!
What are you reading?
Steve and I are taking turns reading chapters of What On Earth Evolved out loud to each other. Reading feels like it must be a solitary experience. But, most of us are lucky enough to start out being read to. And then that experience stops. But there's no reason it has to. Reading out loud is a slower process but I find it very enjoyable. And I find being read to to be quite a treat! In my twenties, my Mom read one chapter of Away to me -- over the phone -- every night. I have remembered that book -- and that experience -- for many years. It has stayed with me in a way that other books haven't.
Who are you stalking...er, admiring from afar?
The whimsical pictoral collages of clover_robin make me happy!
She has a book called Cut Paper Pictures, which I haven't bought yet. But, it's on my wishlist for sure!
So, there you have it! That's the scoop on life around here at the moment. If you'd like more behind-the-scenes real life fun, you can always check out my vlog. I post a new vlog to my YouTube channel every Wednesday! This is the most recent vlog:
Please note that some links on this blog contain affiliate links and I receive a small percentage of those sales. Rest assured, I never recommend a product that I don't believe in. :)
