A Gelli mono printed surpise

Some Gelli Arts before breakfast…

Okay Greg and I got these "tags" when we visited the Duluth Train and Art Museum a week or two ago. I know you can "buy" these nice tags at Michaels and JoAnns, etc. but darn, they are kind of expensive.  I know I should make my own…how hard would that be?  BUT anyway I painted up the tags, mono printed them and added some stencils.  I can use them in journals or as gift tags.  Other ideas?

The antique kitchen timer came with our old cabin when we inherited it.  I am sure Greg's mom must have found it at a garage sale many moons ago.  I have actually never seen one like it.  Maybe someone made it? It was wood.  But not very attractive wood..just some varnished plywood.  So I decided to make it a little more attractive. Now I smile..it looks like a small bomb wrapped as gift.  Hahaha.  No taking this on a plane!!!

I use it in my classes to set times so I remember to do this or that or so students know they have 20 minutes to complete something and then we'll get back together or as a reminder that I have 15 minutes to wrap things up…whatever.  I have probably just ruined an antique that would have brought $1,500 at Antiques Roadshow.

Circles of Zentangles

I needed a quick way to get caught up after lots of interruptions.
So when this came off my Gelli plate as a mono print the other day it seems destined to have some tangling added to it!  I actually could have gone on and on with this.  I got to thinking that some tangling could actually be done in the white spaces too!  The paper is Deli paper (now pretty much available only at Sam's Club). But it can be ordered through Amazon.  

Acorns are falling here and we are on the cusp of autumn.
There are "signs".  Days are getting shorter again.  
We see a young buck drinking at the lake at dusk with a new rack of antlers emerging.  Birds seems hungrier than they did in July…are they thinking of the long trips ahead already?

Lots of company this week and weather man seems hopeful we will get some "summery" weather yet.  

Gelli printed papers used to collage a clear glass plate

Salad plate size clear glass plate collaged on the back side

Here's a fun little project.  This is a salad plate sized plate I found in a thrift shop for 50 cents.  On the back side I applied a coat of Modge Podge.  When dry I collaged bit of Gelli plate printed paper (using more Modge Podge).  It took about an hour for this smaller plate.  I saw this done on a Gelli Arts video which you can find on You Tube.  But that artist used carefully but triangles that had to be matched up.  Yikes.  

After the collage was done and dry I coated it again with a layer of Modge Podge.  So the front surface of the plate is still clear glass…everything is on the back shining through.  And the glass somewhat magnifies the textures.  Very cool.  

You cannot immerse this plate in water…but it would make a nice candy dish or some little serving dish that just needs wiping off afterwards.  I think it would be pretty under a plant too.  

This is a little "craftier" than I usually get, but it was fun and a good example of the many many ways to use your papers!

Dedicating a journal prompt/drawing to Coralee

5 x 7 journal page
Art work on Zentangle tile 3.5 x 3.5

Prompt #32" Thoughts about water:
"We can make our minds so like still water that beings gather around us, that they may see their own images and so live for a moment with a clearer, perhaps even freer life, because of our quiet" William Butler Yeats

When you live by a clear lake, with amazing and beautiful stones, the meaning of still water…the beauty of quiet water becomes real. I love the quote about the "reflective" quality of water. 

For this prompt I used a "tile" (3.5 " square) and a version of Hollibaugh that I saw somewhere recently that touched me. The "watery greens and blues" were created with Brusho powders and a spritz of water. Then tangled on top. Stones, sticks and vines hold the beautiful stones quiet beneath the surface. Quiet.

I dedicate this prompt to my friend Coralee who has her 4th chemo treatment tomorrow.

A tribute to Margaret Bremner's Wonky Houses

Tangle a Day Calendar for July 31- 2 x 6"

Just a little extra fun today closing out July (a few days behind). The page had some extra room so as a tribute to Margaret Bremner I tried a few "wonky" houses, as she likes to call them.

NOTHING like what she does but I can see they are addicting.

I love the bird house and the round windows in the house at the far right.  Repunzel?   Now to get to the first 3 days in August quickly!!!

Adding Zentangle to the Gelli Prints

4 x 6" Greeting cards and envelope

These two cards (with envelope below) were done in Gelli print.

The top one is done on CD/DVD labels and was posted before but now I've added some "tangles" to it.  The other is just a print cut to size and glued on the card with YES glue.  I like putting a little decoration on the envelope too.  

Does anyone know the name of the tangle I used for the half round shape?  I know it came on zentangle blog recently but I forgot to put down the name!  I love it.  So lacy but easy to do.

I'm going to have to go back to see if I can find it!!!  

Had a great weekend of company here at the lake house in northern WI.  We had lots of wild storms come and go, but in between the 3 grandsons (all in high school) got in some tubing, skiing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and a big campfire with s'mores!  While it rained we played cards and did jig saw puzzles. We did not have to resort to movies once!  (always a stand by for rainy afternoons).  The boys helped Grandpa with log splitting too.  Big help…those logs are heavy to load up and stack!  They are all so young and strong!!!

Partly cloudy this morning and just 65 degrees at 10:30 am.  So it's not going to be a warm one today.  Windy down at the lake shore again too.  I'd like to get to some watercolor paintings today.   Have a good week everyone!

Creative Plagiarism

5 x 8 journal page

This week's prompt is a head's up to the many ideas that we "share" amongst ourselves as artists.  Often we do not even remember where we saw a particular idea or possibility but then we creatively plagiarize the idea or medium or color combination and make it "our own" as we conceive of the idea in a new way.

Happens to most of us quite often.

The idea of "weaving paper" is surely not new but I have never gotten around to trying it and I know there are tons of variations on how to do this.  Terri Young did a sample a few weeks ago on the Journal Prompt Facebook group that I belong to.  So when the prompt came up to go ahead an "borrow" an idea…her weaving came to my mind.  These are Gelli print strips.  I know now that I should have used more contrast for either the warp or the woof or probably changed the width of the strips.  Lots of variations on this.  So here's to gently borrowing ideas and making them unique!  

Portable Light Saves the Day

3 x 6" DP LED Foldable Desk Lamp

For those of us who demo to large groups in poor lighting, or who attend workshops in less than desirable lighting, this is a really handy thing to have.  So small it fits in a purse or small art bag, it runs on batteries and has a large LED light that is quite amazing.

It is supposed to hold it's charge for 5 hours of continuous use (I have yet to test that).  Runs about $10 at Amazon.  (It has a little gray Apple on the top but has NOTHING to do with Apple products.) 

 No more long extension cords! (Except for hair dryers.) Sigh.

Tangle a Day calendar

I am really fond of this version of Hollibaugh!
(See July 22)
I think it's very dynamic and yet so easy I could teach it to beginners!  

Srewolf is a nice organic tangle too.  
Believe it or not I am actually just about caught up and need to finish July 31 and will be on top of my calendar!

I am talking to email friends today about the "untimely" arrival of August!  Hahaha.  But it always seems that way.  School stuff is all out at WalMart already, of course, and I am just getting really comfortable on the pier!  Sigh.  Stores like Ben Franklin and Michaels are moving their stock around to make room for Christmas already.  Whatever happened to Halloween?  

Sigh.  I am still hoping for some SUMMER…as I have a ton of company coming up in August.  I am okay with flannel shirts but they are hoping for swimming in the lake!  Uh oh weather whining again.  

Gelli plate printing fun with Stickers and Rollers

Self stick Gelli plate prints

I have been finding these CD/DVD labels at garage sales for cheap lately.  They make fun self stick prints for putting on stationary or bags or collages.  Very cool.  Pulling them off creates little gems of color/design!  I am thinking they will be totally fun to Zentangle around as well!  Buying round labels at Office Depot is expensive.  Keep your eye out at thrift shops and garage sales for them.  

Roller prints for all your printing needs!

This little plastic rolling pin was $1 find at the Dollar Store this past week.  I think I am going back to pick up a few more!  I am using self stick foam (from Michaels or WalMart) to cut designs to put on the pin and then you roll out your print/design either on paper or right on the Gelli plate!  (You can see I've been using a turquoise paint.)  Cynthia showed me how to do this last year on her home made rolling pins…but this is easier!  

The circles are from a "sink drainer" also from the Dollar Store.  I still have the rest of the roller to decorate but have not had time to get back to it yet.  I am using fun scissors with blade designs for cutting the foam and hole punches.  

I applied double stick carpet tape on the roller first to adhere the plastic circles.  Then covered the sticky part of the tape still showing with a little mat medium.  Seems to be working just fine.  

That double sided carpet tape is VERY tacky and useful to making all kinds of stamps.  And not expensive!  

Just got back from 4 day trip to MN and we had a lovely time.

Cool here in the north woods again…low 70s and the issue lately has not been rain but rather WIND.  Seems so windy every day and that makes for discomfort on the lake and pier even though the temps are not bad.  

Gelli paper for a frame...

6 x 8" picture frame

So on the Gelli Arts Facebook page (with over 3,000 members by the way) I found reference to someone doing a frame for a bulletin board in a similar way to this.  

These are Gelli printed deli paper strips put on with mat medium.  Then when totally dry I coated it with gloss varnish.  

Would be darling for a mirror I think.  Using the frame with a painting would be trickier, but you could use deli paper in colors that complimented the painting?
Doing the mitered corners was a little tricky but you get the hang of it after doing one.  Just a reminder of some of the "craftier" sides of Gelli paper.  

Aluminum Foil Embossing

5 x 7 journal cover with foil

I cannot remember where I read about someone covering their journal cover with heavy duty aluminum foil.  I sure wish I could find the reference again.  But hubby and I were sitting on the screen porch yesterday listening to the PBS "story a day" and I brought out a piece and using a small clockmaker's tool I picked up for 25 cents, I did some Zentangle® patterns on the foil.  (With a soft magazine underneath).  Probably an old ball point pen would work too.  

The thing I couldn't remember was what the technique called to do next…somehow color was added to the foil that highlighted the design.  I "think" they used alcohol inks which I don't have.  So I will need to experiment more with this.  I ended up sprinkling the foil with "Brusho" which is fine paint powder that explodes into action when you spritz it with water.  Then when dry I sprayed it with clear acrylic to hopefully waterproof it.  Added some of my home made "washi" tape just for a little more pizzaz.  

I need a tutorial on Brusho.  Anyone know where to find one?

The Power of One (framed)

original painting is about 11 x 14, Collage of hand painted paper and paint.

I have posted this image before, but now it is framed and going into a show.  The title is "The Power of One" and it is inspired by the courage of people who take a stand... who know that one person CAN make a difference and are not deterred by the thought of "what can one person do?" Instead they set out to do what they can.  

The composition reflects what Gerald Brommer calls "opposing forces".  I originally started it out as a simple project in working with a "non objective composition" series.  I used my hand-painted Gelli print papers, ink and and paint.  Ended up I resonated with the piece.  Don't know if it will resonate with others but it will be one of the paintings in the newest Howard Young Hospital Art Show in Woodruff, WI starting next week.

I will have a total of 4 in the show.  Stop by if you are in the north woods.  

Best of Show

Being chosen for Best of Show in any art show is just so exciting.

I was particularly delighted to get this award last night at the Manito Art Show in Manitowish Waters, WI.  It is one of the most delightful shows of the season in the north woods.  

The show had over 200 pieces with art in fiber, wood, sculpture, paint, encaustic, mixed media, and more.  Really fun to walk through.  The reception last night was catered and had live harp music as well as presentation of scholarship awards.  

I also had another piece sell which was a delight as well.

The judge was Thomas Fleming, professor of Art at UW Marathon County in Wausau.  He wrote a very very nice review of the painting that I thought you might enjoy reading.  

Journals and Gellis and Zentangle..oh no!

Self stick name tag  2 x 3"

collage on regular size 4 x 6 note card with book mark

Inside of card with Gelli print stenciling

Journal Prompt #29 "Bridges"

I hope I am not duplicating a post here…I had this little pile sitting by the computer that seemed to say "post me".  After I did, I thought "hmmmm…"  Well, the name tag and the journal prompt were done today…so I know I have not posted them at least!

The journal prompt was really a hard one for me.

Something about it didn't click for me.

The author wanted us to think about "magic wands" and goals and then what would the "bridge" to these goals look like.

Some of the quote were about "pixie dust".  All metaphors of course, but they were not clicking for me.  I think I am too old for pixie dust. Hahaha.  

But the bridge to goals did have more resonance for me and I ended up sketching a rope swinging bridge…yikes.  A metaphor for slow and careful courageous journeys?  The map bits and the swirling ink on the bit of Gelli print paper show many paths, and may detours and the idea of journey is good for me.  On the other side of the bridge is things I strive more of…more loving, more attentive, more empathy, more listening, more art, more healthy, etc.  

The nametag for my hubby above makes him a "walking billboard" tonight at the art reception.  He will advertise my upcoming Zentangle: part II class on Sept 2.  The 40 degrees last night up here got me to thinking of September again!!!

But we might be getting into the 80s this weekend?  

Let's hope so.  

Tangling over Acrylics

I have become rather fond of tangling over acrylics lately.
I use an apprentice pen for this.
The bright blue you see is acrylic paint that was painted on first.
I love that with that intensive hue, you can use charcoal for highlights similar to the Renaissance Tiles.  And graphite shading works very well too.  AND I am totally enjoying "ha-nuka" tangle!!!  I used two versions here.  

Heart line is embellished with paint from "sparkling H2O" paint.  Not visible with the scan but in real life it "shimmers".  

I haven't got a "CLUE"

5 x 8 journal page
Deli paper background

Journal Prompt week # 28 is to post about a game you loved as a child.  GUESS what game this is?

We just taught it to our youngest grandchildren.  Ah the power of deduction!!!  It's fun to see people posting about hopscotch, ball bouncing games, pinocle, and paper dolls!

I took the opportunity to practice some different printing styles…something I really would like to practice more.  Strathmore has a class online in September that I think will deal with calligraphy.

I am signed up for that one!

Can't believe it's week 28 of the journal prompt commitment.

So far I haven't missed a week BUT some weeks were not very imaginative.  The coordinator is in Europe on a trip but she looks at the FB group often and makes encouraging comments.  Her posts are splendid!  

Student kit for Gelli Plate Workshop

Student kit for Gelli Plate workshop (see more below)

Samples of various Gelli Plate techniques

Okay…so after a good email chat with Gelli plate instructor, Laurel Check, I decided a couple things about my upcoming class on Aug 19th, Minocqua, WI (see side bar for details).   

1. I needed a good kit of materials for students to get started with*. (see my description below). In addition there is a supply list that is emailed to students. 

2. I needed (like Laurel) to allow students who do not want to spend $25 on an 8 x 10 Gelli plate until  some experimentation is done, to bring either plexiglass or glass to work on as a substitute.  

One of my kits is laying on top of piece of glass taped with "Duck" tape.  It comes in such great designs now!!!

My early experiments with glass and plexiglass really show up the advantages of having a Gelli plate!  BUT I do think you can get a "feel" for the fun multi media approach.  

*So..take a look at the kit above.

Starting with top left:

A styro plate to cut out some fun designs (circles to start folks off), cotton string, plastic grid, deli paper strips, rubber textured shelf matting, bubble wrap, plastic circles cut from mailing envelopes, old charge or gift card, plastic coated playing card cut into interesting shapes with craft scissors, onion bag netting, and in the middle, plastic hanger from a local store. (I plan to bring in some ferns, and leaves as well on the day of the workshop.) And students will bring things too.

The apron is just one demonstration of some of the many techniques and a reminder that it is fun to do on fabric as well as paper.

Diva Challenge to tangle in color...

Well how's that for "catching" up on the Tangle-A-Day?  I have not been very far behind but during the holidays we have so much company that there is little time to get on the computer.  So killing two birds with one stone here and doing the Diva Challenge (add color) and posting my calendars at the same time.

The black background on the 4th was acrylic paint.

And then Moon Glow gel pens for the tangle.  I always think of that tangle as a "variation" on Coaster.  I don't know if it has it's own name.  

Favorite new ones are "Ta-Da" and "Abundies". The "Be Strong" one is my "Journal Challenge" from last week.  

Thinking back on the Fourth!

Moleskin sketchbook  5 x 8" WC and ink

When you have a house full of guests, it's hard to get to the computer!  We had about 10 over the 4th of July and what wonderful weather we had for Sat and Sun here in the north woods of WI!  PERFECT.  Warm, windless and sunny.  Absolutely no weather whining!

(POURING rain today…Monday). 

The little sketch is one I did while waiting for the parade in the town of Lac du Flambeau.  This was the little shop across the street from where we sat.  It was a short parade (as always) with tons of emergency and fire truck vehicles!  One tiny band and lots of wonderful Indian costumes.  A few family floats and etc.  Candy thrown out.  We had a huge cook out at the cabin afterwards and Beth's amazing 4th of July dessert pictured above!  How festive is THAT! 

Fireworks were late and shorter than normal (10:15-11:15 pm) and our youngest grandson (8) fell asleep in the middle of them!  He literally could not keep his eyes open.  But he had been fishing with dad at 6 am!!!  And no nap. And swimming all day!  

We were all exhausted on Sunday!  But it was another great day and we were down on the pier in our suits reading or swimming or canoeing or fishing.  So lots of opportunity to relax and recover!  Some of the company left on Sunday afternoon and the rest will take off after breakfast today.  We need a break!  And some time to catch up on laundry and cleaning!  

But we wouldn't have had it any other way.  GREAT time.  Hope you all had a good 4th too.  

Today is my sister's 70th birthday!  Happy Birthday dear Connie!  Everyone sing Happy Birthday to her!!!  She is South Carolina. It is 89 and sunny there today.  We will get to 70 "maybe" but will warm up again by next weekend.  Hope to get into my messy studio this afternoon and do some housekeeping!  Time to do laundry and a little cleaning as we are hoping to have  company again next weekend!