x meets o

It was back in June that I shared my journal work spinning a "+" into an "x".  See {positive spin}.  Now "x" has a new friend, meet "o".  Duh, right?MWxopages 

My ritual is to collect and create supplies and then process the palette (or in this case shapes) on journal pages.  If it clicks I will have filled up many pages and will take what I've learned onto other surfaces.  What started with an xoxo stamp from the dollar bin ended up as a full arsenal of custom tools:  stamps, masks and stencils.  I saw that x next to that o and I was toast.  Hyper-focus designing new tools was my mission, and trying them out in the journal was a satisfying reward.  MWootools  

MWxxtools  

Because we had terrific weather this week I was able to move my studio outside and spray with abandon, completing six painted canvases where x meets o.  A peek at the canvas work:

MWxocanvaspeek  

When you want a little something different to bring to your art:  make new tools.  When you can't find a supply that you need:  make new tools.  When you want to create authentic and original art:  make new tools.  xoxo

Comments

16 responses to “x meets o”

  1. Judy N Avatar
    Judy N

    I am so glad to see you are having fun with your art again. You never cease to amaze me. You are inspiring me yet again!
    Until later,
    Judy

  2. Julie Prichard Avatar

    Ahhhh…do-it-yourself-itis at its best! Awesome!

  3. Mary Lynn Avatar

    Just awesome MIchelle. When you can take so little and make so much, that is the mark of an artist that is so very creative!

  4. Nicole Avatar

    Gorgeous….love your journals and your gift to work with sprays….

  5. Sue McG Avatar

    Love your message Michelle – it’s that extra leap into making your own tools/materials that leads to new discoveries, so fun! Your canvas projects look fab!

  6. inge Bekaert Avatar

    XOXO to you ! Glad to see you creating again!
    Inge

  7. Cindy Dean Avatar

    I love it. I am gonna have to make new tools!!

  8. cindi Avatar
    cindi

    GAH! how do you do it michelle??? you can take the most simple things and create incredible art…AMAZING…*bows down to you* ; D xoxo

  9. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Amazing!

  10. Linda Warlyn Avatar
    Linda Warlyn

    More incredible tips, techniques, and divine inspiration from the master Michelle. You never fail to show us the endless possibilities and the beauty in things the rest of us totally overlook. You absolutely ROCK!! xoxo

  11. rivergardenstudio Avatar

    What wonderful advise! I love the way you use your tools and create such amazing pages…Roxanne

  12. Lisa Hoffman Avatar

    The supplies that would look like a mess on MY studio table, look tempting, juicy and inspiring on YOUR table. That much coolness makes me want to reach into your stash and make something.
    You focus, get ready and “GO”…creating a new spin at every turn. It’s too much. I need to go and get some tea and clam down.

  13. Kathryn - Collage Diva Avatar

    Your work is so yummy. I’m always inspired to jump off the computer and get playing. Thanks Michelle for your delightful posts.

  14. Rosie Avatar

    xoxoxo!! Absolutely marvellous Michelle! I have promised to get my carving tools out and carve some barbed wire for a Raven pendant for DH and carve a stamp from one of DD’s designs – so that’s my evening organised!!
    You’re so completely right about what you say – make your own tools… I haven’t looked back since I found you and GPP Street Team. WTG!! (((hugs)))

  15. Chris Avatar

    Groovy stuff. It looks all luscious.

  16. sue pieper Avatar

    Love the advice-make new tools! I challenged myself to do a project using no collage sheet images, but to use our own photos instead. Keep stamps at a minimum, but you know I had to use yours:) And to use stencils. This has been a great exercise-like you said, less is more. But I found that I need to make more tools-more stencils & handmade stamps. You do know how good you are for making people want to stretch, right? Well, you’re certainly good for a whole lot more than that, but you know what I mean. Seriously, you make people want to be better people & better at what they do-now that’s a talent my friend!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *