Michelle Ward/GreenPepperPress Blog

New article – Lost & Found

February 24, 2022

February brought a new article for my column in Somerset Studio. The theme was "Dressed to the Nines" and while the idea of fashion didn't resonate with me I did enjoy writing about mannequins, and my family connection to the business. Here's a sneak peek:

In the issue is a tip-in of one color chart I designed for my project. In future issues you may see another. Besides continuing my research on the mannequin business, I really loved inventing a portfolio for my Uncle Jerry, and had a blast stepping into his shoes…imagining what his studio, pin boards, sketchbooks, files, might have looked. I also stepped into the roles of inventing drawings and poses for his girls…not all the pages were shown in the article so here a few:

Special thanks to my cousin Patrick for sharing so much information about his connection with his mannequin experience.

I've been behind keeping up with this blog…my apologies. I didn't even wish you Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, or Happy Valentine's Day. Bad girl. Hope all has been well…and let me take a minute to say Happy St. Patrick's Day in case I'm not back here before then.
StencilGirlProducts.com annual sale!!

November 29, 2021

Get the stencils on your wishlist, or get a duplicate of your favorite for a friend – through Monday at midnight CST.

Visit StencilGirlProducts.com Woohoo!
Portrait of a Lady: Remembering Linda Warlyn

November 15, 2021

My second article in the new Somerset Studio is a tribute to my dear friend Linda Warlyn. What on honor to present, but it was one of the hardest pieces I've ever written….I could have used way more words and pages to describe her wonderfulness, and to share the very many personal connections I have with this gem of a girl. The world lost a beautiful soul when she left for heaven. I feel so lucky to have been touched by her…one of those rare gifts that makes you forever grateful. <3
new article – Opening Moves…a chess book

November 8, 2021

On the newsstands Nov. 1 is the new Somerset Studio. I have two articles. Will post about the second one later this week. The first illustrates two accordion books – one was a prototype, the other is larger with many more details. When I wrote the article I admitted I rarely played chess, and actually hadn't made a move in years. Then, seemingly within days of writing my article, my husband and I began playing. He is quite a master from playing so much in his youth against my father-in-law. I have been beat many times – but that is all part of the learning process. I'm actually pretty good now. We have played several matches a day for the last three months. I'm addicted.

Look for new chess stencils and stamps coming to my product line soon! I'm so excited!!

See an older post with lots of references to my past work with chess images HERE.
New article: Cultivating Creativity

September 20, 2021

Last month the newest issue of Somerset Studio arrived. The theme was "nature", and I showed a canvas made earlier in the year. In addition to the article, Stampington included two of my photos for their "artist pages". I had a love/hate experience working on this large piece, and recognized how uncomfortable I am working big. I'm getting it figured out though and have actually tried a few more since then.

In my next post I will show a few more details, and show you all the stencils I used.
Spooling Around

July 5, 2021

The Summer issue of Somerset Studio hit bookstore shelves in May. I just recently got my copy (thank you Christen), and now I can share my column about transforming wooden spools. Previously hosts for ribbon, these finds have been turned (pun intended!) into interactive image covered discs. I now use them as book ends.

Hope you had a safe and happy 4th! We saw fireworks this year from the beach of Ocean City, NJ. A perfect day/evening. Love summer.
New article – Dialed Up

March 2, 2021

And it's March! While it seemed like days slowly passed as we endured the restrictions due to the pandemic, suddenly we are approaching a year since the first lockdowns. All I can say is this: I'm happy it's almost Spring. Days are longer, sunnier, warmer…and best of all, there is hope on the horizon as shots reach arms.

Here's a recent article I did for my column in Somerset Studio. I talk about dialing up the scale and working on larger canvases. I'm made several since, and still use my little trick to help me move along. Sneak peek below. This issue (Spring – Feb/Mar/Apr 2021) is on the newsstands now or available at Stampington.com.
1.6.21

January 6, 2021

Now that the Wise Men have arrived, we can start disassembling the holiday decorations. We always wait until Epiphany before it all comes down. I will miss the lights, the colors, the coziness of having favorite things in view. The annual tradition of hauling out the storage bins, unwrapping ornaments and other decorations from well-worn, re-used tissue paper, carefully placing around the home, enjoying the fleeting visit, then lovingly packing away is part of what makes the Christmas treasures so special. Memories of past holidays swirl in the air, as we anticipate making new ones. The Nativity is always the first thing I set up for the season, and it is always the last thing I put away. I am happy to have has another day to savor the visions, then the work begins in the morning.

Hope you had a wonderful time ushering the New Year. Here's to all the blank calendar pages ahead – may they be filled with good energy, good health, and good connections.
Merry Christmas!!

December 23, 2020

The last few years our annual photo card has been composed of individual snapshots that are spliced together. I find it an easier format than wrangling everyone into a group photo. The plus side is that you get a close view of each family member too. This year I cracked myself up with our theme….timely don't you think?

Wishing you the very best, whatever you honor and celebrate at this time of year. Lots to be thankful for…..starting with 2020 is nearly over. It can only get better, right?

XOXO
SALE at StencilGirlProducts.com

November 28, 2020

A huge stencil sale begins tomorrow (Sunday, November 29) at SGP, and you'll have three days to make some terrific choices for yourself or for gifts! HERE are my designs, but there are SO SO SO many amazing patterns and images, so look around. Sale ends Monday, December 1st. Take advantage of the deal….you deserve a treat this year.

Go visit HERE. Use code joy25