Tag: cool stuff

  • black and kraft

    I'm knee deep in three different projects, and I haven't even started our taxes.  Yikes!  I handcut some new stencils today to test out before I send into production - can't wait to show you!!  For now, since I've been an absent blogger, I will give you a peek into my latest Debris Journal – I call this one Black & Kraft.  You can see more from this one in an upcoming article for Somerset Studio (May/June).  You can also take a class with me and make your own Debris Journal at the Ink Pad in New York City, October 19.  We'll be doing some fun stuff on the pages, like you see below – using stencils to make marks, and to peel away the top surface. 

    MW BlackandCraftJournal

  • get out your awl!

    If you don't have an awl, you can use a pushpin, or needle….and these can be used with pen, pencil, and paint….I am thrilled to announce two new half sheet stencils as part of my Cardboard Collective!  Available at GreenPepperPress.com.  Notice the word placements, and how you can use the phrase "OPEN THIS END" or "THE END".  And you can combine "PROPERTY OF:" with the alphabet to pierce your name.  Love these. 

    More new stencils on the horizon.  Estimated time of arrival:  April. 

     

    MW new piercing stencils

    MW new piercing stencils 2

  • get out your awl!

    If you don't have an awl, you can use a pushpin, or needle….and these can be used with pen, pencil, and paint….I am thrilled to announce two new half sheet stencils as part of my Cardboard Collective!  Available at GreenPepperPress.com.  Notice the word placements, and how you can use the phrase "OPEN THIS END" or "THE END".  And you can combine "PROPERTY OF:" with the alphabet to pierce your name.  Love these. 

    More new stencils on the horizon.  Estimated time of arrival:  April. 

     

    MW new piercing stencils

    MW new piercing stencils 2

  • Cardboard classes in NY

    I'm excited to announce that I will be teaching two classes in October at The Ink Pad in New York City.  The subject:  cardboard, of course!  The first is What A Relief – thought it was a clever title since we will be building dimensional relief sculptures, but won't it be a relief to only have to bring a few tools to class?!  The second is DeComposition Journal.  If you've taken my Debris Journal you'll recognize that it is similar, but I have some new tricks to share, plus the added bonus is that the location of the workshop allows us to go outside and spray paint, and even light the page edges on fire.  Can't wait!  Hope you'll join me.

    Registration is open today!

    MW What A Relief

    MW DeComposition Journal

  • Cardboard classes in NY

    I'm excited to announce that I will be teaching two classes in October at The Ink Pad in New York City.  The subject:  cardboard, of course!  The first is What A Relief – thought it was a clever title since we will be building dimensional relief sculptures, but won't it be a relief to only have to bring a few tools to class?!  The second is DeComposition Journal.  If you've taken my Debris Journal you'll recognize that it is similar, but I have some new tricks to share, plus the added bonus is that the location of the workshop allows us to go outside and spray paint, and even light the page edges on fire.  Can't wait!  Hope you'll join me.

    Registration is open today!

    MW What A Relief

    MW DeComposition Journal

  • CREATE NJ – site is live!

    The website for CREATE NJ went live today and registration begins TOMORROW!  I'm teaching three classes.  There are lots of fabulous offerings from twenty instructors.  Check it all out HERE.

    On Wednesday, July 9th - the return of a class I've taught many times beginning ten years ago.  Roll With It is a painting class where many techniques get covered, and a 25 foot roll of paper is completed then assembled into a journal.  It's super fun because we review some techniques that either revive your love for painting or get you to become comfortable with it if you haven't gotten there yet.  The added bonus is how cool the page compositions turn out as we create the journal. 

    MW CREATE NJ Roll With It

    Here are some of the rolls from a few years ago at Valley Ridge. 

    MW RWIVR

    On Thursday, July 10th I will be introducing a new class:  Color Collision.  Using just two colors of paint + black and white, we will build a palette of scales then put them to use with stencils to guide application.  Choice of placement can be random or deliberate, with subtle or contrasting transitions.  I love that you can generate so many options with just a few simple supplies.

    MW CREATE NJ Color Collision

    MW CREATE NJ Color Collision2

    Then Friday, July 11th – Compose Yourself.  This class evolved from an experience at last years event.  I began a workshop (Less is More…More or Less) with a quick composition lesson, using black and white images, scissors and a glue stick, meant to inform and motivate, but the exercise took on a life of its own and we spent way more time on it than I planned.  It was really cool to observe how everyone was engaged – so I built off that concept and developed this class.  In the ten years I've been teaching I have come to learn that artists still have questions about composition, so this is my answer.  Plus, won't it be nice to have a minimal supply list?  I can't wait for this one!

    MW CREATE NJ Compose Yourself

    Hope to see you in Jersey!

  • CREATE NJ – site is live!

    The website for CREATE NJ went live today and registration begins TOMORROW!  I'm teaching three classes.  There are lots of fabulous offerings from twenty instructors.  Check it all out HERE.

    On Wednesday, July 9th - the return of a class I've taught many times beginning ten years ago.  Roll With It is a painting class where many techniques get covered, and a 25 foot roll of paper is completed then assembled into a journal.  It's super fun because we review some techniques that either revive your love for painting or get you to become comfortable with it if you haven't gotten there yet.  The added bonus is how cool the page compositions turn out as we create the journal. 

    MW CREATE NJ Roll With It

    Here are some of the rolls from a few years ago at Valley Ridge. 

    MW RWIVR

    On Thursday, July 10th I will be introducing a new class:  Color Collision.  Using just two colors of paint + black and white, we will build a palette of scales then put them to use with stencils to guide application.  Choice of placement can be random or deliberate, with subtle or contrasting transitions.  I love that you can generate so many options with just a few simple supplies.

    MW CREATE NJ Color Collision

    MW CREATE NJ Color Collision2

    Then Friday, July 11th – Compose Yourself.  This class evolved from an experience at last years event.  I began a workshop (Less is More…More or Less) with a quick composition lesson, using black and white images, scissors and a glue stick, meant to inform and motivate, but the exercise took on a life of its own and we spent way more time on it than I planned.  It was really cool to observe how everyone was engaged – so I built off that concept and developed this class.  In the ten years I've been teaching I have come to learn that artists still have questions about composition, so this is my answer.  Plus, won't it be nice to have a minimal supply list?  I can't wait for this one!

    MW CREATE NJ Compose Yourself

    Hope to see you in Jersey!

  • olympic graphics

    SochiBanners

    I'm fully into Olympic-watching mode….assuming you are too.  The opening ceremonies were theatrical, colorful, and fabulous.  Those dancing onion domes that became balloons were my favorite.  I love that in recent years both film and lighting have enhanced the performance. As I observe the various venues for skiing, skating, snowboarding, and other winter sports, I am amazed by the immense planning and building of each, and how graphic design is present and prevelant.  The  screenprinted banners are everywhere – on location, in town, on transport vehicles, jackets, athlete's numerical vests – it's a visual feast.  I had to do some research to find out the history of the emblem and the "look of the games".

    SochiLogo

    The emblem, Sochi.ru, is by Christoph Marti, a Swiss member of the design team at Interbrand Agency.  I love that it is so simple, that it directs you to a comprehensive website, and that the "4" is a rotation of the "H".  Clever.  Read more about it HERE.  Below is the philosophy behind the graphics we are seeing everywhere.  You can see for yourself HERE.  More HERE.  I love that Bosco is honoring the tradition of folk arts and crafts with this quilt-like design. 

     

    SochiLook

    SochiDesigns

     

    I found this amazing video clip.  There was no sound, and the text is Russian, but you are treated to a look through previous Olympic graphic details, then it goes on to WOW you with the evolution toward 2014.  Very cool. 

     

     

     

    I'm looking forward to watching more of the competitions, plus all the sidebar pieces that will highlight all things Russian.  My friend Anne told me Mary Carillo has an upcoming feature on Faberge eggs, and I read there will be additional features on Vodka, and the TransSiberian Railway!  Loving this visit to Sochi.  Go team USA!

  • olympic graphics

    SochiBanners

    I'm fully into Olympic-watching mode….assuming you are too.  The opening ceremonies were theatrical, colorful, and fabulous.  Those dancing onion domes that became balloons were my favorite.  I love that in recent years both film and lighting have enhanced the performance. As I observe the various venues for skiing, skating, snowboarding, and other winter sports, I am amazed by the immense planning and building of each, and how graphic design is present and prevelant.  The  screenprinted banners are everywhere – on location, in town, on transport vehicles, jackets, athlete's numerical vests – it's a visual feast.  I had to do some research to find out the history of the emblem and the "look of the games".

    SochiLogo

    The emblem, Sochi.ru, is by Christoph Marti, a Swiss member of the design team at Interbrand Agency.  I love that it is so simple, that it directs you to a comprehensive website, and that the "4" is a rotation of the "H".  Clever.  Read more about it HERE.  Below is the philosophy behind the graphics we are seeing everywhere.  You can see for yourself HERE.  More HERE.  I love that Bosco is honoring the tradition of folk arts and crafts with this quilt-like design. 

     

    SochiLook

    SochiDesigns

     

    I found this amazing video clip.  There was no sound, and the text is Russian, but you are treated to a look through previous Olympic graphic details, then it goes on to WOW you with the evolution toward 2014.  Very cool. 

     

     

     

    I'm looking forward to watching more of the competitions, plus all the sidebar pieces that will highlight all things Russian.  My friend Anne told me Mary Carillo has an upcoming feature on Faberge eggs, and I read there will be additional features on Vodka, and the TransSiberian Railway!  Loving this visit to Sochi.  Go team USA!

  • new stencils, a giveaway, and a hop

    In 2011, it was a thrill and honor to be invited by Mary Beth Shaw to join her Stencil Girl team of designers.  Today, I am equally honored to introduce a new collection!  This series of stencils was inspired by contemporary and traditional stained glass windows.  The openings provide opportunity to fill with color or additional pattern.  Use as a stencil with your favorite medium or as a template to guide layouts for collage and journaling.  Scroll down to see some of the stuff I did with the large ones, then hop along to the SGP Design Team blogs to see their work with the smaller ones.  I can't wait to see what they came up with, and thank them for participating!

    MW SGP 2014

    MW SGP BLOG HOP PROMO

    SPECIAL DEAL: There is a promotional special available TODAY ONLY for all eight of the new stencils – $67 (savings of $17).  Go to www.StencilGirlProducts.com

    GIVEAWAY:  There is a giveaway on StencilGirlTalk (the SGP blog, click HERE) for some of the new stencils. All comments on the hop are eligible for the giveaway. The more blogs you comment on, the more chances you have to win. Leave a comment here to be eligible, then visit the hop links and leave a comment there too. 

    EDIT:  Giveaway will close on Friday, January 31st Sunday, February 2nd at 11:59PM Central Time. 

    CONGRATS to winners:  Sue Chesley (large stencils), Beth Figiel (Small stencils).  Thank you to everyone who came by to visit, leaving your comments, and for sharing the enthusiasm for the new series.  Also, a special thanks to Maria for organizing the hop.  That was fun!

     

    Blog Hop Order  (each link opens a new window)

     

    Michelle Ward YOU ARE HERE
     
     
    MW NEW SGP JAN 2014 A
    MW NEW SGP JAN 2014 B
    MW NEW SGP JAN 2014 C
    I really wanted to do more spraypainting but it's too cold outside and the paint didn't behave very well.  However, I did fall in love with the Dylusions Spray Ink by Ranger – so nice and opaque on black.  I am looking forward to Spring so I can go back outside with all these circles – they are awesome to layer, especially with spray paint.  I didn't even get out my Gelli Plate – I will try these stencils with that this week!
     
    Visit StencilGirlProducts to see all the fabulous designs they sell, and to take advantage of the Special Deal 1/27 only.  These 8 will be available on GreenPepperPress.com later today. 
     
    Thanks for stopping by!!  Don't forget to leave your comment for the giveaway!