Kathleen Green - Create your life

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Customer Inspiration... and a half! Sue Knibbs

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:47:00 +0000

Sue with her stunning canvas

When Sue Knibbs, one of our dear customers (and past participant of some of my workshops) came to visit the store on Saturday with a black wrapped parcel under her arm she exclaimed some nerves on showing me. Nerves of what I'm not quite sure since what she presented could be described as masterpiece!

What I adore about this beautiful piece of art work is it is every bit Sue, handcrafted with care and thought and truly made with love.

Detail of the crackle finish, stamping and serviette design

Sue and I spent some time discussing the method and details in the creation of this artwork. Here is some of the techniques and thoughts of note:

Sue started out with a sketch and an idea stemming from an idea to use the beautiful SevenGypsies Victoria bird stamps. As her artwork developed the only idea that resulted in the finished piece was the use of the stamps as her ideas evolved so much.
Background colours were brushed and sponged with acrylic paint.
The colours she chose were a new combination for Sue. They work together brilliantly!
The vine images are from serviettes. It is worth noting that she painstakingly cut each vine out buy hand to get a perfect result. Edges of the serviette were pushed inwards as she glued to get a slight bit of edge texture.
Each of the stamped images (birds, text, doll images) were stamped onto tissue rather than directly to the canvas with Stazon ink. By stamping onto tissue, miss-stamping was avoided. Stazon ink doesn't run when adhesive is added and produces a nice black sharp image.
Each stamped image was carefully cut out before adding to the canvas. The white parts of the tissue turn clear when adhesive is added but cutting out produces better clarity in the background colours.
Sue's glue of choice is Mod Podge.
Some of the background texture was created by applying acrylic in her various colours directly to fiberglass mesh (Magic Mesh) and then using that as a stamp to apply a grid texture.
The ornate classic image was from a $2 shop frame.
If any lines or areas didn't stamp dark enough or wasn't defined enough she would go back over them with her pen/acrylics to get the result she wanted.
The crackle medium Sue used is our favourite Helmars Brand (available at NZ Scrapbook).
Sue completed her art with one of our other favourite products - Bullseye Spray Shellac. So easy, so yum! 12 light coats to finish.

I liked how Sue also commented that she would say to herself "How am I going to fix this?" So often that is the case. Its persisting and problem solving that art evolves. Much like life! hehe

So wouldn't you agree - WOW! Sue has done a beautiful job.

Thank you Sue for bringing it in to show me, and letting me show my Blog readers. Enjoy it in your home, I am happy you are proud of what you have created - you should be! Yay you!!

~Kathleen x

Beautiful!

Gorgeous Glitter Pens!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:03:00 +0000

Close up of the glitter pen writing

I posted this over at my NZ Scrapbook Company Blog but I really wanted to post it here.. had some Blog issues though - all seems to be sorted now.

I am loving doing as many handwritten titles as possible in my journal at the moment. Of course, combined in with my standard date titles (I like the uniformity). In particular I like font styles that give you space to colour in. Enter the glittery of glittery gel markers I discovered we sell at NZ Scrapbook! I had never tried them as they were previously sold in sets and well I have a bunch of pens so wasnt really looking for more beyond recommendations. But once we started selling them as open stock and I gave them a try... and well they are not going to last long - I got one of every colour! Super cheap too!

This mornings journal page beginnings

I used a waterproof black pen for the out line before colouring with the glitter gel pens Best described as thick and painterly! The fine tip gives great control and they are super glittery and blend beautifully together. I'm hooked, and I've got my staff hooked too!

Available in 13 gorgeous colours at just $1.99 each.

Available at New Zealand Scrapbook Company (North Shore, Auckland) and via their website

Speaking of pens, stay tuned for more pen madness. I have my eyes on a new range for the store because I SO love them. Can anybody say COPIC? Yuss!!

~Kathleen

Today's teeny technique

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:15:00 +0000

..cos it's in the details...

Hey journally friends!

Challenge yourself to do something different in your next journal entry... this one is so small but it's fun to make intentional accents on your page backgrounds.

Simple circular marks (profound huh? hehe)

All you need is:

White or coloured acrylic paint or gesso. I used gesso in this example.
Something circular with a hollow center. I suggest NOT an Easter egg :) - the lid of my glue bottle worked dandy.
A sponge

Sponge paint directly onto the circular edge of your chosen item. I apply it fairly generously because I like the goopy look. Press onto your page background prior to writing and allow to dry. That's it!

Yes it's simple. Yes you know how to do it. But have you done it in your journal recently??

A stamped circle accent on a page background

Tips

Vary your circle sizes
Vary your paint colours
Test first on a scrap of paper if you like
Wash your sponge straight away - acrylic and gesso once dry will ruin your sponge if not removed.

Journal page from 12th February - featuring white circles!

About this page

I was fortunate to go see my friend Monique Rhodes play at Artworks Theatre on Waiheke Island just recently. I hadn't seen her play live before and WOWS! I knew she was a talented singer but I was completely blown away. She recently produced the Merry Christmas Baby Plunket benefit album featuring the talent of Shona Lang, Opshop, Jordan Luck, Hollie Smith, Annie Crummer (and herself!)... and was nominated for the 2010 New Zealander of the Year Award - how cool is that.

The night was fantastic, clear evening, fitting venue, good chit chat and laughs (hi Lara!). More than once I was moved by Monique's strong yet soulful performance. I especially liked the inspiration for 'Blue Skies' where she spoke of how the sky is always blue above the clouds (stresses of life) ... an insightful reminder on rainy days. She was touring with Jane Siberry and I'm ashamed to say I wasn't familiar with well all I can say was I felt like I was part of something really special. Jane's narrative expression was intimate, intuitive and profound.

Monique:

and Jane:

I will let you know next time Monique is touring here!
~Kathleen... makin white circles :)

Post-trip Journal Pages

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:41:00 +0000

A business card, bumper sticker, journaling and spaces left (and pencil notes) left for photos

Hi friends!

I'm back in New Zealand actually I've been back two weeks already. Time goes so fast back at work and in every day routine!

I thought I would share with you what my journal pages look like post-trip. They aren't pretty but the bones are there...

Glued down serviette, business card, tickets , clothing tag and journaling. Again photos left for photos.

I get a lot of questions about how my pages come together and there are some past blog posts that talk about a general page process. Here and here.

While travelling my journal pages come together a little differently:

I don't get my photos printed while I am away so I guesstimate space needed. This can be tricky. Sometimes I will look at my camera and see what photos I took and then space out exact spots, other times (especially if I took a lot of photos in one location) I will leave half or whole pages free. I like the challenge of working with the space I've got - sometimes I will not have allowed enough space so I have to get creative with foldout extra pages glued in, flaps and insertions. Other times I allow too much space and which is also fine because then I can add extra research, quotes or found images from books/internet and larger embellishments/designs such as rub-ons to add to the space.
I like to write as much as I can at the time so it is fresh in my mind. Also a great way to spend my time waiting for transportation, on planes etc.
Sticking cut up brochures, postcards and ticket stubs into your journal as you holiday/travel allows you to cull the memorabilia you collect. For example I was able to cut up the Mystery Spot brochure for the bits I wanted and then throw the rest away knowing it wasn't needed - less to carry!

A couple of quick sketches, a souvenir and journaling - there's a method to this madness! :)

Lessons for me (in regards to journaling!) from this latest trip:

Next time I will leave the additional embellishments at home - I didn't have the time or inclination to do anything more than cut, stick, draw and write. On a more static holidays in the past I have used the embellishments/tapes/ribbons.
On this trip where I made extra effort to stick items as I went I didn't need daily plastic bags for bits. One bag held the rest of the memorabilia and it wasn't that much as most was already included into my journal. Daily bags have come out though at home to sort that small additional items and my photos.

Now I am going through the process of going back and gluing/attaching in the photographs and adding additional journalling, information and items as needed. Also the fun part of prettying the pages up with items that make me happy!

So you don't all think I'm superwomen keeping up the whole time - there ARE some days that are just plain blank. Those dates I either didn't have items to stick in or I didn't have the time to work out space and write there and then. But there are not that many so playing catch up isn't too daunting. Just remember - work on today first, then go back and fill in the gaps.

Any tips that you have found work well for journalling while travelling? I would love to hear them!

Oh and here is a pic of that crazzzzy hotcake (pancake) mentioned in my last post - check out its size in relation to the coffee cup!!

I thought I was safe ordering the 'half size' serve!

tata for now!
~Kathleen

PS: Post for Kim :)

Overseas check in :)

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:24:00 +0000

Helloww from Kingsman Arizona (of Route 66 fame!)...
Google Arizona weather right now and you will see what I am in the thick of out here. A little hairy weather wise. In fact I'm holed up in a hotel hoping flooding will have cleared some for the trip to Phoenix tomorrow. Apparently 60-70% of the total YEAR'S average rainfall has fallen in the last two days. Today's trip we just took it easy, visibility was very poor, some side roads were unpassable, we saw a power transformer explode, a off road vehicle taken out by a flooded road, power cut while we took a starbucks break and apparently everything east of our immediate area is being hit by snow. So rather wild! Safe sound and warm so all good.

In brief, I've been keeping up with my journal - will have lots to show when I get home! So far done SanFrancisco including Alcatraz, caught up with sis and BIL, then here in Arizona been to a couple of concerts and yesterday Las Vegas!

Must go, just thought I would check in and say hi. Fingers crossed for me that the airport is open again and on schedule for my trip to LA.

ttfn!
Kathleen
PS: Today I had served to me a 'hotcake' that was so big it hung over the edges of the large dinner plate and was at least an inch (yes you read right) thick... and it was a half serve! Apparently I ordered not realising it was a kinda speciality - a full serve, if you eat it all you get it free. I made it not quite through half (of the half serve) ..lolol

Traveling art materials

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:12:00 +0000

oooh I must be organized if I have time for a quick blog post before running off to the airport!

I know I'm always interested in peoples art materials and kits. So I thought I would show you what I'm taking with me on my trip.

From left - down then right down:

Selection of journalling pens. I prob should streamline more but what if I need a particular colour? hehe
3 Sharpie Markers. Mainly for the edges of cut items. Black, Maroon, Turquiose.
Small portable watercolour set. I love the antique tin its in.
Eraser. I never use it but I like having it
A small bulldog clip or two
Tiny scissors. Not in carryon luggage... I forgot one time..
Thin tape. Handy if I journal on the plane.
Scotch Quick Dry Tacky adhesive. My fav.
Pitt Brush markers. For sketching in 3 shades of grey.
3 Sketching pens Black. In case 2 (!) die.
2 sketching pens red and sepia and two sketching brush markers also in red and sepia.
Regular pencil H. Would normally have a mechanical pencil but they appear to have walked.
Funny cutting tool. For carry on purposes.

Plastic Bags. Enough for one a day.
Dates. Ready for journal entries.
Tape reappeared in this photo.
Post it notes. Why? cos they're cool.
Journalling notebook. Handy for quick notes.
A sampler pack of cardstock from a older product release.
My current journal/s
A few prepared cut out images I think I may use.
Printed gaffer tape. To tape hinges and extentions.
A few pieces of black ribbon and twine.
A rubber band
Small selection of appropriate rub-ons and stickers.

All fits in a plastic bag and pencil case!

Oh and of course my camera, awareness and sense of adventure :)

Now I really must fly... for reals!
ttfn!
Kathleen

Printers Tray finished - workshop next week!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:51:00 +0000

Hi friends!
I finished the 7Gypsies Printers Tray, Birthday Reminder Board that I started last week and thought you might like to see the finished product.

Boy I adore this colour combination

I would LOVE to be teaching this class but hey I will be in Arizona! :) If you want to make your own Birthday reminder board and you are in the Auckland (New Zealand) region then book in quick smart. I think there are only 30 spaces for this so don't miss out.

I have pasted the NZ Scrapbook blog post for you - class is held at New Zealand Scrapbook Company on Wednesday 20th January. Hope you can make it!

_______________________________________________

There is so much to love about 7Gypsies products. From the subtle colours to their original products. 7Gypsies love to do something different. So it makes sense for this Product Preview event that we do something different too.

Introducing the 7Gypsies printers tray. With 12 ATC sized compartments it makes the perfect, wall hangable Birthday Reminder board.

At this Product Preview event you will be making this useful and lovely project, get to see the new 7Gypsies Venice collection, enjoy a light supper and be in to win some 7Gypsies prizes!

Cost to attend this event is the special price of $49 (kits may be available after the event for $59) which includes the materials/project pack to make this special keepsake.

Product Preview: 7Gypsies Venice Collection
Date: Wednesday 20th January
Time: 7pm
Event fee: $49
Please Bring:

Basic kit (Paper trimmer, pencil, fine tip scissors, ruler)
Adhesives (I used Scotch Quick Dry Tacky Adhesive and Selley's Glue dots)
Tiny photos of friends and family members.
Brown stamping ink and sponge.
Black felt tip pen.

Phone 09 912 0665 to book. Limited spaces available so book in quick!

~Kathleen, Linda and the team at NZ Scrapbook

Musical Interlude

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:44:00 +0000

Three sleeps till trip... want to do blog posts! Starting the day with a theme song. By the way, I'm not familiar with snowboarding as such but check out the air that dude gets!!

ttfn!
~Kathleen

Chit chat on Journals

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:55:00 +0000

This is photo from a few months ago - our meeting was smaller last night but just as chatty!

Had a good night at Altered Book Club last night. Pretty much no topic of conversation is safe and once we get talking journals there is no stopping! Tidbits that came out of it:

The question of what wordy content to include in your journal. Obviously a journal can be a thought dumping ground however from the group last night it seems many of us like to avoid to much of the 'woe is me' entries (unless you really need it!). Looking back on pages show growth, challenges, illness, frustration but also equally or overly balanced by achievements, productivity, outings, people we love (including ourselves) and experiences.
How the journal pages and entries evolve. This is where journals easily fall into the Unique As Your Personality category. Preferences included planning pages, a page a day style or what I like to call an organic development of a page. Main thing to remember is there is no right or wrong way - just what works for you.

We also discussed how we decide when a page is finished, sketching in our journals and covering text.

If you don't have an Altered Book Club, Journal Club or something similar in your area grab a friend, and start working on your projects on a regular basis. Talking and sharing your art with people (who become friends!) is very enriching.

Thanks girls!!

EDIT: Oh I meant to add - Next Altered Book Club at NZ Scrapbook is Thursday 11th February at 6.30pm. All welcome, FREE, bring something crafty to work on - I bring cake! :)

On my work desk today

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:37:00 +0000

Happy New Year arty friends!

Technology doesn't seem to want to work with me lately but looks like I can upload pics again to my blog and fingers crossed the problems with our work website will be resolved soon!

Quote from today's journal page:

"Currently at Eastern Beach, an incredibly stunning day. I don't think the sky could be bluer or the sun brighter."

This weather has been amazing. I love that I get to record it all in my journal. While laying about on the beach I did a wee watercolour of a broken shell in front of me. Bliss.

Small watercolour sketch in today's journal entry.

And on my desk tonight I'm working on a class that I hope to sneak in at NZ Scrapbook before my trip away next week. This is a Product Preview event by the way - so uses all new product from 7Gypsies. Boy I am digging the tray! Stay tuned for more info on that event.

This is going to be a birthday reminder tray - in process.

So many things on my mind for 2010. Lots of hopes and personal goals as usual. 2009's focus was travel and happily that is overlapping into 2010. I find having an intention/focus really helps me stay on track with where I want to be. That's not to say I don't wander from time to time but it does help me regroup when needed. 2010 is art. So many of my art goals are unrealised, recent times some of the art I love to do has been pushed aside by other things. Having art as a focus for the year for me doesn't mean pushing it as a top priority but instead being conscious of making time to create, learn, experiment and record.

Exciting art includes sketching more (pure joy!), journal art (lurrrve), art while I travel (which I do anyways but yum!), art with my kids (both spend a lot of time creating so good to do together), art supports my business (I get to teach more), art to give away (I love making personalised gifts/cards for my friends) .. even just organizing my studio is fun. I have bigger art goals too but more on that at another time :)

Scotland August 2009 - The Highlands even! Scotland made a huge impression on me.

If you haven't set a focus for the year I would whole heart-idly recommend it. 2009's travel year included: lots of short trips within New Zealand - Thames, Coromandle, Taupo, Rotorua, Waihi and Wellington, trip to Melbourne and 5 1/2 weeks in San Fransisco, Florida, England, Scotland and Wales! Next week is 3 1/2 weeks - San Fransisco, Arizona, Vegas, LA and Chicago. The focus carries over ... I hope to add Melbourne, Bali, Adeliade and New York also for 2010... how will I pay for this all? Perhaps by doing lots of art!

Create your life :)

Journal Page - Complete

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:18:00 +0000

Hi all!
In my last post I was showing how simple it is to build a journal page by working piece by piece and filling it up.
I meant to take more progress pics but got carried away and next thing my page was complete!

I missed writing on Wed & Thur so they were written in on Friday. Friday was done in two parts - some in the afternoon and some at the end of the evening. So as you can see if you don't let too many days pass it is easy to keep up to date.

The page:

Monday 28th Sept - Friday 2nd Oct

Photo added that I had allowed space for with very thin cardstock mat
A note I wrote myself and attached so I could lift it up and read both sides.
Photos of my workdesk.
A quote I cut out of a scrapbook catalog
Business card from restaurant
Photo of daughter
Journaling! with colour changes each time I write.

Today's Tip:

Use an image you like as a colour swatch guide

For a cohesive (settled feeling) to your page try to limit and be thoughtful with your colour selections. My background wash always jump starts the way the page colours are going to go. From there I often will choose a image I have on hand such as a picture I like from a magazine, or a rub-on that works with those background colours. I like to then use that image as a colour swatch for the rest of the page.

The fun thing about this technique is it often gets you out of your comfort zone of favourite colour combinations and because its a image you like it is not so drastically removed from your preferences.

In short, a pleasing picture that you like often has a great colour scheme. Stick to that scheme and your golden!

~Kathleen

Journal page progression 30th Sept

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:39:00 +0000

Hi all!
I thought I would post a few progress photos of how my journal pages come together. When I show my journals, sometimes people get a bit overawed by the busy-ness of them all which is then followed by a kind exclamation "I couldnt do that". Let me assure you, if you want to keep art journals like this - you CAN!

Three simple tricks.

Start at the top
Include stuff that interests you
Fill in the gaps

Easy peasy!

That third trick is a funny one as I have no aversion to empty space. My artwork and scrapbook pages show that. But in my journal art, my preference is: More is More! A full to bursting page is interesting, compelling and it takes less emphasis off the writing (this will come up in future posts) My journals tend to be pretty public (ya think?..lol) and if viewers are distracted by sketches, photos, memrobilia they are less likely to witness the inner workings of my brain! Plus I love how exciting an overflowing page looks.

Journal page progress
So... If you look at a previous post Monday's entry looked like this:

The date coloured and glued in, a paragraph and a rub-on.

Yesterday's (Tuesday) : The date, a recipe (recommended!!!) cut out including its picture from a magazine/website, snippets from an article I was reading cut out and glued in, a stamped image of a bird over the text, number stickers added to the recipe to create interest.

Today: The date coloured and glued in (I like keeping to the same format at the moment, though that may change). And since its only 5pm that's as far as I've got!

TIP:
I have a photo I may want to add once its developed. I know the sizes I like to print so to work my writing around I keep cards or old photos handy to work as placeholders as I write.

In this photo the red card is just sitting there so I know how much space to leave. Sometimes I make decorative placeholders and attach them with ribbon to the spine of my journal so I always have a placeholder card on hand. Plus they look cool if its a funky image or photo.

Ok that's my page in progress so far. Its now 5.06pm I have stuff from my day to write and a class to teach! Catch you later :)

~Kathleen

Workdesk art

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:25:00 +0000

Contained mess of ideas!

Perhaps you can relate... do you see the art in your mid-creation workspace?

Mid-art project all the bits and bobs, tools and ideas accumulate and form a colour co-ordinated little piece of work desk happiness. The above photo of my desk (exactly as it as I write) may to most people seem like a bit of a shambles but I see creative possibilities, problem solving and ephemera from my day (just waiting to be added into my journal!).

Photos just like these sometimes find their way in my journals. They remind me of the joy in creating rather than just the achievement of result. Plus, as with my other activities they show how I have spent my time.

One of my favourite things to do is let these items to a bit of double duty at the completion of a project by creating a greeting card or an Artist Trading Card from the little bits left over. The colours and elements almost always work together beautifully, all the tools are out already anyway and nothing is wasted.

Pretty pinks and greens in this 7Gypsies styled stuffed bird charm

So this is my desk today - how about yours? I'd love to see!

~Kathleen

Journal Art Tip of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:46:00 +0000

It's only a couple of sentences but enough for a Monday!

"Work on Today first"

I make a rule for myself to always work on today's journal page first. Occasionally 'today' might mean a sentence for yesterday or a day before if I've missed a day or two. Trying to play catch up from weeks past is a recipe for journalling despondency!

By working on today and today first gives you instant gratification. Its fresh in your mind and the writing and images will portray that freshness and authenticity that can be harder to relate weeks later. Being up to date makes filling in those past dates (even weeks worth of days) much more satisfying rather than that ominous feeling of always being behind.

Tips on today's tip!

Not every day needs a journal entry when you are catching up. Complete what you have photos, sketches, memorabilia and comments on. If you have weeks unaccounted for - so be it. Catch up for me usually means holiday entries where I havent been able to fully complete at the time.
Monthly calenders that are filled in with the basics: work, school, xyz restaurant etc are invaluable for filling in those gaps. It can be surprisingly hard to even remember what you did a week ago at times.
Guesstimate the space for catch up when you work on today first. If you leave too much space it can be filled in with photos, inspiring images, quote or articles later. Too little space? This is your chance to get creative by creating fold out pages, lift up flaps or page pockets to fit all the info and images in.

What are your tips for keeping your journals up to date? I'd love to hear them!
~ Kathleen

Iconic Song No.1

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:50:00 +0000

So many blog posts on the horizon, so much to tell! Alas all in draft... in the meantime a musical interlude... (turn up loud!)

Hugs friends.

Collage Recipe Stand Workshop this Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Collaged Recipe Stand example

As part of New Zealand Scrapbook's Festival of Paper Arts I will be teaching how to create your own Collaged Recipe Stand.

In this hands on creative collage class you will learn collage techniques and leave with a beautiful stand to display and use. As part of the class you will receive a huge collage pack of goodies which includes a lovely selection of images and papers - you can also bring your own images if you wish.

Collage Recipe Stand Workshop
Date: Saturday 18th July
Time: 10am - 12pm
Class fee: $75 Includes all materials and collage pack

Venue: New Zealand Scrapbook Company
Unit D, 6 Link Drive, Wairau Park
North Shore City

Phone 09 912 0665 to book

Collage Tip: Brayer your first layer

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:55:00 +0000

Collage Tip for the day...

Brayer your first layer

Brayer: A small hand roller used to spread ink thinly and evenly.

Using a brayer to smooth old book pages onto a board book ready to add images.

A friend recently told me that if your statement rhymes people are more likely to take it as truth... so did it work?? hehehee

Brayer your first layer... or in non-rhyming terms: Use a roller on your collage backgrounds to make them crisp, smooth and touch ably smooth. Because lets face it warpy gluey background papers just isn't pretty!

Sounds obvious doesn't it? Yet it's an easy step missed especially when your papers have adhered a'ok. However if you roller over the surface they sharpen into life! Firmly rolling the surface ensures complete and even adhesion pushing out air bubbles or glue pools.

Tips on this tip :)

Keep a brayer just for glueing. Any glue that gets stuck onto your lovely clean ink brayers will ruin them for future ink application.
If you are going to be appling ink, dye or paint washes over your background be aware that any transference of glue to your background surface will act as a resist - this may or may not be desirable for your art outcome.
Brayer from the center of your work outwards so any airbubbles are pushed to the edge.

Edit to add: Brayer while your glue is still wet.

~Kathleen

New feature: Art On Demand!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:31:00 +0000

Hi arty friends,
Introducing a new feature on my Blog: Art on Demand

I get a lot of requests on how to use materials. Sometimes a product will sound interesting but you find yourself unsure of how to use it or what the results will be, so it sits there unused - potential in a jar. You may find yourself wanting to break out of your norm and use your materials in new and interesting ways and combinations but are unsure where to start.

Well that is what Art on Demand is all about! Techniques and combinations that will encourage you to try different art techniques and materials.

Lets get started!

Art materials ~ What do you have unopened waiting to use?

Exhibit A: a lucky dip box. All items unused, many unfamiliar in brand or method. So diving in I went. Three items I was digging for and came up with:

Cornish Heritage Farms unmounted stamp - Trees Backgrounder
Pan Pastel Sofft Art Sponge - Flat Angle Slice
Ranger Adirondack Ink - Pitch Black

and since these all seemed a little safe, decided to dig for one more...

Claudine Hellmuth Studio Acrylic - Sable Brown

Today's lucky dip selection.

Initial thoughts

Stamp: Quite taken with the size and detail of the unmounted stamp so I wanted to use a technique that would show up its potential texture.

Sponge: Hmm I could cut it, paint with it, burnish. Nice dense sponge would result in smooth application.

Ink pad: Black ink. Well a core item in any crafters arsenol. Note to consider - Pigment ink so would only dry on absorbant surfaces or would require heat embossing.

Paint: Acrylic paint, dries on most everything. Brown - a stepping off point for my colour scheme.

So not exactly a scary combination for this tutorial but hey, want to see where I ended up?...

RESULT

Forrest scene on an album cover (click for larger image)

I wanted to highlight the texture in the stamp and create a peering in effect. So keeping lighter colours towards the middle and a frame style layer adds the effect of depth. Detail is in bead tendrils and tiny clear micro beads on the interior edges of the frame.

Tricky to see in the photo but the stamp image carries over the background and continues through the frame.

Process

Kathleen's Hot Glue frame technique

Materials:

Cornish Heritage Farms unmounted stamp - Trees Backgrounder
Pan Pastel Sofft Art Sponge - Flat Angle Slice
Ranger Adirondack Ink - Pitch Black
Claudine Hellmuth Studio Acrylic - Sable Brown
White, blue and black cardstock
Hot glue gun and glue
Tattered Angels Glimmermist - Black Gold and Old Lace
Black Gesso
American Crafts Zing Black Embossing Powder
Metallic Rub-ons
Golden brand Glass Bead Gel
Embellishments: clear seed beads, lock charm, ball chain, iridescent thread, blue metallic thread, machine stitching.

1. Assemble your materials and turn your hot glue gun on.

2. While your hot glue gun is heating up, cut a piece of white cardstock slightly larger than the dimensions of the rubber stamp. I chose a cardstock that has a linen finish.
3. Spray the surface of your card with Glimmermist shimmer spray keeping the light colours to the middle of your card.

4. Force dry with a heat gun. You could let it dry naturally if you wish.

5. Ink up your stamp with the black pigment ink and stamp directly onto your now shimmery white card.

6. Emboss immediately with the black embossing powder. The technique for embossing is to sprinkle the still wet ink with powder. Shake off the excess powder onto a clean piece off paper and return the excess to its jar for re-use. Heat the embossing powder that is now stuck to your stamped image with a heat gun or over a toaster so that the powder melts into a glossy enamel sheen. Set embossed image aside.

7. Apply hot melted glue directly to your rubber stamp (do not use on acrylic stamps - I havent tested them yet!). Rubber stamps are made of vocanized rubber and are not harmed by the hot glue.

8. Apply the hot glue around the entire edge of the rubber stamp to create a frame and then trail the glue inwards to build up width to the frame. Vary the thickness of the hot glue and allow small threads to snake across the image. Set aside to cool.

9. Using the sponge, apply black ink to the edges of the cardstock image blending lightly.

10. Layer the embossed inked image onto a piece of blue and black cardstock. Each piece slightly larger than the last to add a mat border then zig-zag machine stitch to hold the pieces together and create a decorative edge. Leave the threads hanging free for additional interest.

11. Once the hot glue is well cool (it will be cloudy looking), peel it up off the surface of the stamp.

12. Paint the hot glue frame with black gesso making sure to get paint in all the detail and crevices.

13. While the gesso is still wet, burnish back over the frame with the sponge to remove the gesso from the top peaks of the texture. This will add back a subtle translucent look.

14. Sponge some colour into the frame using the sponge. Burnish back again lightly to reveal the translucent peaks.

15. Apply the glass bead gel to the interior edges of the frame. Once it is dry it will give a crystal frost like detail to the piece.

16. Using your fingertip, rub some shimmery white metallic rub-ons near the glass bead gel to blend out the icy effect.

17. Attach the frame over the stamped image (the images will line up) by piercing holes either side of glue bands in the frame then thread a large needle with metallic threads and tie the frame onto the embossed image. I tied mine in three places leaving the thread excess hanging free.

18. Add final detail by attaching a small charm to the frame with ball chain. Thread tiny crystal seed beads onto the ends of the free threads.

19. Adhere your textured image to the front of a journal, book, album or box and your project is complete.

This is such a easy and effective technique. I challenge you to give it a try! If you do, please post a link to your creation back here in the comments section. Every person who links back will recieve a FREE original Artist Trading Card and an word or image sheet for use in your artwork.

Feedback and requests for specific materials or techniques to be featured welcome.

Happy creating!
~Kathleen

Net Picks this week

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Wed, 27 May 2009 07:24:00 +0000

On my computer this week...

Journal good enough to eat. Simply HAVE to link to Ro Bruhn's Blog... apart from her lovely jewelery and journal art she recently celebrated her birthday and her husband had a JOURNAL CAKE made. Very cool!!
Check out her Amazing Cake HERE

Renowned marketing author Seth Godin has a great blog, this week he includes a post on the importance of keeping a notebook, journal or a scrapbook.

Rebecca Sower has such a stunning eye for detail.

Tim Holtz has a new technique video:

David Byrne's Blog is an interesting read.

...and some musical accompaniment

I love crazy stuff like this:

~Kathleen

The Brave Don't Run - Music Review

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:28:00 +0000

Hi folks,
I have a new review up on Amplifier. Continuing on from my recent gig review of Midnight Youth, I was able to check out their new album The Brave Don't Run. Check it out HERE

Another great song from the album:
Calvary - no video graphics but good for a listen!

ttfn!
~Kathleen

Scroungers Hot Rod Blowout

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Tue, 12 May 2009 07:29:00 +0000

Journal Pages from Sunday 29th March:

Journal spread

My morning at the Scroungers Hot Rod meet, Rosebank Road was set to the soundtrack of crackling country music and car exhaust. A good morning too - sketching, taking photos and looking at the hundred (s?) of cars with Dad. Apparently if you hang around till 3pm they start up all the cars and you can feel the air pulse.

I especially liked the girls in 50's garb and had hoped to catch their beauty contest, but the starting time came and went without any indication that it would start soon. The girls looked fantastic, so 'Marilyn' and playing the style in their personalities. Chatting with a couple of girls it seems some adopt this look in every day wear. I did buy myself a very gorgeous spider brooch and was very tempted by some cateye glasses! I love it when people capture an identity and go at it no holds barred regardless of the current norm.

"Collaged bumpers, shiny chrome, pounding exhausts, hot sun, polished and proud."

Details about the page:

Pre-washed coloured backgrounds
Photos and business cards
Pen sketch
Flip addition
Stitched trim, eyelets and specialty paper

Flip photo additions allow for extra photos and notes without adding extra pages. Fold out photo extension is held closed with a swiveling page flip and paper fastener.

Featured Technique - method for adding trim:

Adding decorative trim can be tricky to get it to lie flat and neat.

Trim can't be stitched directly onto the page unless you mind messy stitching on the back of your page (not usually ideal) and difficult to get your machine close to the spiral binding. Gluing can work with light trims but with heavier trims it can be difficult to hold in place and get a tidy result.

To attach trim neatly to a page first create a pattern with a scrap of cardstock. Cut exactly how you wish it to lie and slightly narrower than the trim so it can't be seen when attached.
Adhere double sided tape to the back of the pattern.
Using your sewing machine, stitch the trim onto the pattern following its shape.
Peel off the double sided backing of the tape (it will tear through the stitching) and attach the trim/pattern/adhesive combo to your page. Simple and neat!

Links:

A nice set of Flickr photos of the event can be found here
Rita Sue vintage clothing and accessories
Devel clothing
Teaser Lounge retro up-dos
Making Memories attachment sets (including page flips) from NZ Scrapbook

Gig Review: Midnight Youth Album Release Party

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:08:00 +0000

My latest Gig Review is up on Amplifier!

Midnight Youth at The Studio last night in Auckland

Midnight Youth rocked the stage at their Album Release Party in Auckland last night - Tuesday 28th April. Check out my review HERE

...two fab songs for your listening and viewing pleasure:

Midnight Youth - All On Our Own from Midnight Youth on Vimeo.

The Letter from Midnight Youth on Vimeo.

Collage Clock workshop pics and new date added

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:26:00 +0000

Hi all,
Its been a fun week at New Zealand Scrapbook. Monday night I taught a Creative Clock workshop. Check out the class and lovely art clocks produced...

Busy at work

Applying the two step crackle medium

Clinton drying his second coat

...and now with his completed 'boy' clock!

Beautiful vintage floral

French inspired

Jemima's clock is funky vintage

Jennifer goes with an Elephant theme

Beautiful crackle detail

Fantastic clocks and workshop participants

This workshop was such fun! If you would like to create your own collaged clock I have booked another date for Wednesday 27th May at 7pm. Limited numbers available so book in quick on 09 912 0665

~Kathleen

Creative Clock Workshop
Wednesday 27th May at 7pm
Class fee is $55 and includes materials
New Zealand Scrapbook Company, Wairau Park, North Shore City
Phone 09 912 0665

Rosy Tin Teacaddy - music review

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:04:00 +0000

New music review up on Amplifier!

Rosy Tin Teacaddy - The Homeward Stretch

Check out my review HERE

And for your listening pleasure...