Three Things : Creative Books (+ a giveaway)
Three books to inspire, challenge and fill you up creatively this week:
True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling by LK Ludwig : I got to meet LK at Artfest last year and enjoyed her art just about as much as her personality. I ordered this book last night and am looking forward to some new ideas (it's been quite awhile since I picked up my art journal). After looking through the next book on the list (see below) I have some good ideas for backgrounds to try.
Acrylic Revolution by Nancy Reyner : This book is packed full with techniques for working with acrylic paint. I have been looking through it the last couple of evenings, dreaming about potentially doing some painting, and being really inspired to get out my paints and try something new and different (new + different for me).
Taking Flight: Inspiration And Techniques To Give Your Creative Spirit Wings by Kelly Rae Roberts : I was lucky to see an advanced copy of this book on my recent girl's weekend and I can't wait to get my own. There are a bunch of mixed media how-to's as well as a lot of words (of which you know I am a fan - I like to know the thoughts behind the actions whenever possible). According to Kelly Rae, "this book isn't a traditional how-to book, but rather a book that dives deeper into telling our stories about how we came into the creative life - as a way to inspire others to stretch their wings and see what is possible for their own creativity."
Here's one of the Amazon reviews on this book:
Kelly Rae Roberts is an amazingly talented artist and apparently
equally gifted as a writer as well. This book is a journey from her
soul right into yours. It's part journal, part sitting around getting
deep with your girlfriends, part interviews with other talented artists
and part art instruction. So very different from other art books, even
from the same publisher. It goes above and beyond and straight into
your heart & head, making you think about your own creativity.
And until you find your creative spirit, the how-to make art
sections are very clearly thought out and well written. I know that I
will be able duplicate even the pieces that had materials I've never
used before.
This book is a treasure that I know I will refer to again and again.
I have two copies of Taking Flight to give away this week. To be entered into the drawing leave a comment below and let me know about your favorite creative technique is these days (it can be scrapbooking, mixed media, anything). Comments will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday) at 5pm Pacific and the winners announced shortly after.
[ Three Things is a weekly product series : check out the archives here. ]
I really want to try mixed media. Kelly Rae is so inspiring--it's on my wish list.
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Sounds like a great book--thanks for the tip, Ali.
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I've been lusting for this book!
My favorite technique is used when I make captured fairy jars. I use glass etching cream on the back of the jars to frost and blur it. It gives the jar a foggy, ethereal feel that I really like!
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printing on transparencies, then tearing them or tranfering them...just liking the transparency thing right now.
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I am absolutely in love with sewing on my layouts:) I just can not stop myself from getting my hands off my machine while I make a layout.
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Right now I'd have to say that I love altering chipboard books from the Goodwill. I've made them into my niece's first day of preschool, mini-Maui book, and a few others. They are fun, easy and cheap.
stephanie
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Thanks Ali, you are so nice to us,
I have been wanting this to jump start me.
Beth
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Well, it's after 5, but you haven't posted a winner, so I'm gonna cross my fingers....it is still Tues. night. I love scrapbooking because it is so creative, there are so many media to use, stamping, painting, sewing, ad infinitum.
Lisa in NM
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My creative outlet is currently in food blogging... combines cooking/baking and photography into one happy place. :)
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Wow, another giveaway?!! You're going to wear yourself out reading all these comments!! I don't know if I could pick just one "favorite" creative outlet....lately I've been doing a lot of altered art, playing with crackle paint and Sculpey clay, spray paint and antiquing medium. I love any art that gets my hands dirty! (Although I like digi scrapping, too....toldja I couldn't pick just one!)
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Right now I'm a bit obsessed with use alcohol inks and ink pads on just about everything - acrylic, chipboard, paper, metal - you name it. It adds a fun dimension to my scrapbooking pages and is messy enough to be artsy (but not too messy as to overwhelm)!
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Those books look super cool.
This isn't a new technique, but lately I have been experimenting with layers. Paper, embellishments, anything I can layer. So much fun!
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I am enjoying doing mixed media on old piece of furniture... I was given old shelving for displaying plates which I think will hold photographs. I am also journaling on the painted surface about favorite family meals and stories surrounding such. It is an exciting process for me.
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I have loved trying beeswax collage lately...I got Claudine Hellmuth's instructional video and was riveted. My 8yo son and I were oohing and aahing over the endless possibilities. And who doesn't love a tiny little iron!?!?!
Thanks for the continued inspiration Ali! I hope you've been feeling great!
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At the moment, I am experimenting with flicking paint to create new backgrounds. Messy, but super fun, makes me feel like a kid again.
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Hi Ali, I've been having lots of fun with Claudine's peeled paper background. http://claudinehellmuth.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html(June 05 post). I'd love to win this book. It's on my wish list.
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Scrapbooking - but in particular the picture taking aspect of it. I am really enjoying learning how to get the most out of my camera.
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Oops, sorry about the link. Here, I'll try again.
http://claudinehellmuth.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html
Scroll down to the June 05 post.
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I love using acrylic paint on anything unexpected, like around pictures or on clear albums.
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Painting has been my creative outlet of choice lately...I love to just sit in front of my easel and mix paint. I use paper and cheap paints do that I won't get caught up in making sure not to "waste" things...and I have come up with some really neat things. Most of all, it has been extremely therapeutic.
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My favorite techniques right now are using blending modes in Photoshop. I've been learning how to digi scrap by taking Jessica Sprague's classes and it's been a whole new adventure!
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I really love to use acrylic paint also and now after taking a class w/ Tim at CKU-Provo, I really like the distressed Inks. I'm hoping to use more stamps and learn more of his techniques in the future
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RED IKEA SHELF 50% off
I just saw the red IKEA shelf in the 50% section at the Portland IKEA this past Labor Day weekend.
FYI
Julie H.
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Not sure if it counts as a technique per se, but I've really been trying to keep it simple and focus on the story I'm trying to tell with my project. Inspired by your thoughts on words & photos, as always. :) Kirsten
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I am really enjoying mini-albums, especially the ones I make myself. I am using huge amounts of chipboard these days! I have found so much inspiration in everyday things and enjoy completing the mini-books in an evening or two.
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