Art Videos
Art videos that teach techniques that are the basis of a self-care habit. These techniques include painting and drawing demonstrations, how to use inks, embossing powders and other mediums in your creative work. I also provide some of the narrative behind the mental health connection between art and mental wellness.
-
How to Decoupage in an Art Journal
Have you ever tried decoupage in an art journal? If you have ever felt blocked trying to figure out where to start a new project or page, decoupage is a great technique to try. Today we will be discussing how to decoupage in an art journal and some of the techniques to get consistent results. Decoupage in an art journal is a very simple technique but it does require a few materials to get started. For years I did not try decoupage because I was uncertain of the materials to use and how to apply them. Today we will be touching on the paper, gels and mediums that can be…
-
How to Create a Wine Bottle Flower Vase
As Mother’s Day is just a few days away, I wanted to share a creative project that is “off the page.” Most of us stick to flat surfaces such a journal to create in. But today I wanted to share with you how to create a wine bottle flower vase. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, this is a simple project that make a great gift for that special person in your life. The Inspiration The inspiration for this wine bottle flower vase came from a problem that I often have during the summer months. When working in my garden I often come across flowers that have been…
-
How to Design a Scrapbook Page
Do you ever struggle with how to design a scrapbook page? As it is National Scrapbooking Day, we will be talking about techniques for creating stronger layouts. If you have never tried scrapbooking as a creative practice, give it a try! It is a great medium that gives you an opportunity to reflect on memories and journal about your experiences. Looking back through scrapbooks is also a fun way to remember the amazing experiences of our lives. Designing a Scrapbook Page When learning how to design a scrapbook page, there are 3 things that help in the creative process. Tip 1: Using Coordinating Papers Start with coordinating papers…
-
Stamping Tips and Techniques
Do you use stamped images in your creative projects? Today we will be covering stamping tips and techniques using ink and paint that will help you get consistent results. Stamping is a huge part of my creative practice. If you find yourself stuck with a project and not sure where to go, try using stamps. The process of stamping is very therapeutic. You may start with not having an idea, but the more use you stamps, you may discover a project waiting to be uncovered. Stamping can be frustrating if you get mixed results. We are going to cover stamping tips and techniques that will help you work with a…
-
How to Create a Traveler’s Notebook
There are so many fun Traveler’s Notebooks available for sale, but have you ever tried creating your own Traveler’s Notebook? Today I will be demonstrating how to create a Traveler’s Notebook using a stitched binding. Why Make a Traveler’s Notebook I have shared about how to use a Traveler’s Notebook in a previous post. In that post I share some of my ideas on how to use a Traveler’s Notebook in a variety of ways. Traveler’s Notebooks are not only fun to use but are also quite easy to make. The process of cutting the paper, sewing the binding, and assembling a book can be a great self-care activity. It…
-
How to Create Layers Using Ink Blending
Creating in a journal is a great self-care practice but it can be challenging to add layers and dimension to a page. Today we will discuss how to create layers using ink blending in your creative projects. Layering Inks Layering inks is a great way of creating dimension in your projects. There are several things to consider when you are creating layers with your inks: Color Values In my last article I shared about how to use color values when creating a monochromatic project. By using a variety of color values this creates different shades and intensity of color, which adds dimension to your project. Type of Ink Certain types…
-
Monochromatic Art Journal Project
Have you ever tried using a color wheel when designing an art journal layout? This week we will be learning how to create a monochromatic art journal project and talk about the color theory behind this concept. What Does Monochromatic Mean? Monochromatic means “containing or using only one color.” When applying this to an artistic application, it is choosing one color as the basis of our project. It can be challenging only using one color in a project, but by understanding how color values work, we can create a very dynamic layout using only one color. What are Color Values? Color values refers to the lightness or darkness…
-
Using Alcohol Inks with Stencils
Have you ever tried using alcohol inks with stencils on a large project? It can sometimes be challenging using stencils with alcohol inks because of the loose nature of the medium. If the stencil is smaller than the surface that you are using, it can leave harsh lines detracting from the overall design. Layering Alcohol Inks One of the ways to prevent harsh lines in your alcohol ink project is by layering alcohol inks. One thing to keep in mind when using this technique is that when you add more ink, it rewets and often resists the ink below. When it resists, the ink will push the previous layer of…
-
Scrapbook Page Design Tips
Do you ever struggle with coming up with a strong design on a scrapbook page or art journal page? This week I will be sharing scrapbook page design tips that will help you create pleasing compositions with ease. Creating a Strong Layout Creating a strong layout seems simple. But it can feel like a struggle to get the photos, papers and mixed media elements work well together. Here are 3 tips that I use for creating a strong scrapbook page design: Tip 1: Rule of Thirds By using the rule of thirds when placing your photos and images, this will help create a stronger design. If you are not familiar…
-
How to Cut and Color Intricate Die Cuts
Have you ever had frustrations when working with small die cut images? This week we will be talking about how to cut and color intricate die cuts successfully. I will be sharing a few of my favorite materials and tips on how to get successful images every time. The Challenges with Cutting Die Cuts There can be many challenges when working with die cuts, especially delicate ones. It takes some trial and error to figure out the best way to run the die cuts through your machine so that they will cut consistently. Here are 3 tips that will help you get consistent die cuts. Using a Quality Die Cut…