greenpepperpressblog

Tag: cool stuff

Save on STENCILS on Cyber Monday!!

My SGP stencils are on sale! (And ALL StencilGirlProduct Stencils!)

Cyber Monday: Save 25% off all* stencils
Use code: cyber25
Monday, November 27, 2017
from midnight until 11:59 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time) USA

PLUS 10% discount when you buy 6 stencils of the same size!

NEW THIS YEAR! Choose 1 FREE large stencil for every $100 spent (after discounts are applied). You MUST specify your choice(s) by L### code in the comments section of the cart when you check out or it will be StencilGirl's choice. Sorry, no exceptions.

BONUS! Spend $500+ (after discounts are applied) and StencilGirl will send you an original work of art by Mary Beth Shaw.

SHOP Michelle Ward Stencils: HERE

After Cyber Monday, you can get 20% off all stencils on Tuesday & Wednesday
Use code: cyber20
Tuesday, November 28, 2017, & Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Sale ends at 11:59 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time) USA
10% off 6 stencils of the same size discount, FREE stencil(s), and Bonus still apply.

*Stencils only. Does not apply to DVDs, books, tools, wholesale orders, StencilClub, or gift certificates. The StencilClub exclusive monthly member discount does not apply.

Here is a link in case you need to check your time zone against St.Louis, MO:
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/personal.html

November 26, 2017
Got spoons?

Many of you already know this – I collect souvenir spoons. Gathered from places we've visited, it's a fun ritual to pull out each year and reminisce as we hang on our Christmas tree. One of my self-imposed assignments, on a long list of things I've been wanting to do, was to start journaling Christmas. I've been wanting to capture the stories, the traditions, and document the history of our decorations and ornaments. The easiest way to begin was to document the spoon collection. There are so many, nearly 70, that they get their own journal. The pages are a hybrid of handwriting and digital compositions. There's still a long way to go before I'm finished, but it feels good to have finally launched the project. You can read more about it in the current Somerset Studio – November/December 2017.

Telling the stories behind our spoons makes the collection even more special. It's an untraditional practice that has become a tradition for us.

What unusual thing do you do during the holidays? They are approaching quickly! Ack!!!

November 8, 2017
Happy Halloween – and Thank You

Hope you had a wonderful Halloween. It was cold here so Sam and I went out early this year. It was actually more fun to be out in the daylight because we got to see all the young crowds of kids and parents in our neighborhood. We stayed out just long enough to get the benefit from Sam's new pumpkin candy bucket with light-up handle and downlights that lit the sidewalk. Pretty cool, especially in the dark. He loves anything flashlight related so this was a big score (from Target earlier this afternoon). He went in his default costume: Uncle Sam.

Thank you again for the tremendous support of our fundraiser. Friends, family, and friends-we've-never-met, joined in from around the globe, to link elbows with us in a big circle of positivity to say that "artist's matter" as we ventured to make a difference. In less than a month we sold out our Art Print cards and raised our goal of $4000. With a match from Etsy, we completed a total donation of $8000 to CERF+.

Thanks to you, and to my colleagues, who answered the call to participate with their art, their heart, and the hard work of spreading the word. To be honest, I've never spent so much time on "social media" promoting a cause, and appreciate all the likes, shares, and comments that helped us along and contributed to a successful campaign – and of course, your orders! We couldn't have done it without the orders! I've definitely learned a lot thru this process – about people, about platforms, and I have a full page of notes should we launch another event in the future. It was hard work, but we did it!!! It means so much to us that so many of YOU gathered as a community and made this happen. ** tosses confetti **

October 31, 2017
almost there…..

The + Artists For Artists + fundraiser is nearly complete – we are at the finish line! There are a handful of sets left and I'd really like to sell out to maximize our total donation. If you've been meaning to jump in, now is your chance! We really appreciate all the support – it's such a great cause. UPDATE: ONLY 20 LEFT OF THIS LIMITED EDITION OFFERING. EDIT: SOLD OUT!!!!

SHOP HERE: ETSY – GRNPEP

In a few days all the funds will transfer from Etsy to my bank, then I will turn around and submit back to them on the Etsy Advocacy page, where they will match us dollar for dollar, to benefit Cerf+, making the safety net for artists a little bit bigger. With a total sell out we will contribute, with Etsy, $8000+. HOW COOL IS THAT?

This is by far the biggest project I've ever embarked on – a real learning experience. It's not a comfortable place for me – asking for donations. I never even did well selling Girl Scout cookies, but this project has become really important to me. Thank you again for hearing and responding to the promotions by the whole team, and for helping to spread the word. WE ARE NEARLY DONE!

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Just about five years ago we were getting prepared for SuperStorm Sandy to arrive in New Jersey. Who knew that hurricanes, or their remnants could affect us in the middle of the state? We have had a flooded basement more than once due to hurricanes! Luckily, with Sandy, our home and yard were spared any damage but we were without power for nine days. It was dark and cold – the day being even shorter because candles and flashlights don't make a big difference in November. We had filled our gas tanks, which was a blessing as there were issues with getting some after the storm. Our only warmth came from sitting in the car, motor running in the driveway, so we could listen to the radio to get caught up on news, and recharge our phones. One of us would run down to the corner store for hot coffee – never tasted so good. Once the power was back on, and the refrigerator restocked, life was nearly back to normal.

I simply couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose everything like so many have in recent tragedies. Hurricane, flood, fire, earthquake. At a time when one might want to turn to creativity to process the loss and escape from reality, or to continue making stuff because that's how you support your family, and all your resources are gone, Cerf+ is a resource that can help.

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October 17, 2017
Spreading Positivity

Have you seen our fundraiser to assist artists? Our LIMITED EDITION Artists For Artists packets are selling fast. We've received glowing responses and it's been a thrill to see the orders come in from all around the globe as fellow artists believe in the cause. In addition to the prints of original art, you get a stencil of my favorite shape, the plus sign (or square cross). We included this as a fun tool for you to use in your studio to continue spreading positivity – we could all use more of that. With all that's been happening around us it can be a challenge to maintain a positive attitude, don't you think? Putting more + + + + + is a good thing.

SHOP HERE: Etsy – GRNPEP

If you are new to using stencils….where have you been? I'm only kidding. When you join our fundraiser you get the stencil/mask set all in one piece. The masks are tabbed in, and need to be sliced carefully with a sharp tool. See below. Also illustrated are the stencils and masks being used in a simple way – with paint directly on a surface, or with gesso as a base. My favorite method is to apply paint, then lift it back out. It's sort of a pull/push as you wipe away the paint, and reveals a nice line with less medium around it. I like the "keeps then guessing" effect.

Some of the artists in the project used the "+" stencil – see how they incorporated in into their original art.

Here I've used the stencil with silver leaf for the cover of my Silver Linings Journal.

And a spread from my Cardboard Journal, marking and cutting + + + + + + + +

I've framed my print…sits by the front door to wash positivity over all who come and go.

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE AMAZING SUPPORT.

WE ARE NEARING THE FINISH LINE.

IF YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE, IT'S TIME TO JOIN US NOW!!!

How about one for you and one for a friend? It's all good ++++

www.etsy.com/shop/GRNPEP

October 9, 2017
Making a Difference

This time last year I launched Manhole Madness Month. I fully intended to make it an annual event and have been collecting content all year for another month of manhole coolness but then I got sidetracked by something way more important – making a difference. It's been heartbreaking to observe all the devastation following the hurricanes…so I launched a fundraiser to benefit artists affected by these tragedies. You can join us – see my previous post HERE or my Etsy (GRNPEP) to make a $20 purchase of Art Cards + Stencil. The proceeds will be donated to CerfPlus.org thru Etsy who will match $ for $, making our collective contribution over $8000.

Let's sell out!!!

Before the month is over I will likely post something about manhole covers because I can't resist, but I will definitely update you on the fundraiser. In the meantime, spread the word! Thanks to all who have participated so far – much much appreciated!

October 1, 2017
Artists for Artists – FUNDRAISER

I'm excited to finally announce this!

Together with my treasured friends, we cordially invite you to join our fundraiser to benefit artists who need help getting back on their feet after so many natural disasters.

We are selling a product package that includes eight (8) super cool Art Print cards and a stencil/mask set so you can keep the momentum of positivity moving forward with your own creations. ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT ARTISTS IN NEED.

EDIT: SOLD OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! To purchase, visit my Etsy shop HERE: GRNPEP/Etsy.com

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The idea began following the heartbreak and destruction we witnessed in Houston and surrounding areas because of Hurricane Harvey, but then came Irma, Maria, and earthquakes, and fires. Making donations for recovery is necessary and essential to get people and families back in their homes, and there is an enormous amount of clean up and rebuilding to be done so we applaud the generous contributions this nation has made to the cause. But in addition to giving, it feels good to actually DO something. Since I'm not in a position to drop everything to drive south to help clear debris, I thought I could still offer time and talent, so I created a fundraiser, using art for good.

As I was researching places to give, I came across Craft Emergency Relief Fund, also known as CerfPlus.org, which is a national non-profit foundation that provides assistance, specifically for artists. For artists! The path of destruction not only ruined neighborhoods, schools, churches, and businesses, it crushed spirits. We want to lift up artists who have been affected, and Cerf+ will do that. Then I learned that Etsy is matching donations to Cerf+, dollar for dollar. (It was a sign that I made the right choice!) So if you join in our efforts, they will be doubled when we make the donation! You can imagine that resources like Cerf+ are greatly appreciated by fellow artists who benefit from the assistance, and that additional donations are even more necessary today.

Please spread the word and share the link and let's get this fundraiser sold out! GRNPEP/Etsy.com

Come on! Groovy art plus a chance to make a difference. It's win-win!

#artists4artists2017

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In addition to the ArtistsForArtists Art Print cards + Stencil/Mask package, Sam and I have been working on cards for the shop that will be included in the total donation. Usually for sale in his Etsy shop (ForYourSpecialNeeds), we've moved these special edition cards to my shop for the fundraiser. Cards are sold in sets of four (4) warm OR four (4) cool colors with lots of positivity included.

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Why Art Print cards? Over the years I've been involved in a number of artist-based fundraisers that were auctions of original art. While these were worthy endeavors and raised respectable sums, the platform catered to bidders with big wallets. I recall thinking that in addition to the original art, it was too bad that time didn't allow for the production of affordable prints of the same art, making it an available option for everyone, therefore casting a wider net of potential donors. With that in mind I determined that affordable packages of really wonderful art could be just the thing to collectively contribute to the cause. My friends rose to the occasion, contributing their art under a short deadline, and we are on our way!

Thanks to these artists for donating their work for this project:

Julie Prichard, JuliePrichard.com

Michelle Ward, MichelleWard.typepad.com

Lynne Perrella, LKPerrella.com

Judi Riesch

Laurie Mika, MikaArts.com

Lisa Hoffman, LisaHoffman.typepad.com

Mary Beth Shaw, MBShaw.com

Andrew Borloz, AndrewBorloz.blogspot.com

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Visit CerfPlus.org for more information on their program assisting artists. They are also a terrific resource for preparation and recovery.

If you want to make an additional donation to be matched by Etsy, go HERE.

September 29, 2017
Grand Illusion

In the September/October issue of Somerset Studio, I've presented recent work on an unfinished wood castle. You'll see I have a guest in my column – my friend Andrew Borloz shares his design treatment on the same item. It's really terrific example of how there is always a means to "make it your own", the name of my column 😉 Be sure to click through to Andrew's blog post that further illustrates his colorful process and inspiration: HERE.

This was such a fun project – working on the surfaces, then creating chess characters to inhabit the fortress. My first impression, upon opening the structure on the store shelf: Escher. Scroll down for samples of his black and white work, with dizzying staircases. You can see why he inspired my design direction. Lots of stenciling on the outside, and collage on the inside – not as easy to paint in there so I relied on some favorite old engravings and copies of my own previous work. Had to add in a few dollhouse ladders too – definitely a fun-house for adults. This castle is still available at Michael's in the event you want to give a try. (Don't forget to use your coupon).

Magazine is available now, thru Stampington.com or at your favorite bookstore.

Sending positive vibes to our friends in Texas and Florida. I'm working a fundraiser with some friends – you can help! Stay tuned.

September 10, 2017
SGP sale – Friday and Saturday

ALL stencils at StencilGirlProducts.com are on sale this Friday and Saturday – July 7th + July 8th. It is Mary Beth Shaw's birthday and there are treats for everyone! 14% off your entire order! So many great designs to choose from – now is the time to stock up!

You can find my designs here: Michelle Ward for StencilGirlProducts. Be sure to browse around and prepare your wishlist so you're ready to place an order during the sale.

July 5, 2017
Old Faithful – TAGS

The July/August issue of Somerset Studio just arrived. Below is a sneak peek of my article. Who doesn't love tags? I consider them to be perfect platform for all kinds of creativity and have been using them for over twenty-five years, therefore I call tags "Old Faithful". The entire magazine is full of them as that was their selected theme. Lots of good stuff.

In May/June I was lucky to be featured in Cloth Paper Scissors with my new Grid Iron stamps. More tags! Thanks Jeannine for the opportunity to show off the new rubber.

And speaking of faithful….you know I'm a die-hard HIM fan. They have announced their farewell tour. *sad face* Just got my tickets today – to two shows. *happy face* Wouldn't it be nice if the threat of a farewell tour was similar to other bands who have claimed the same, but continue to hit the road? If not, we can always hope for solo projects from the beloved members.

June 14, 2017