March 25, 2009 journal page

Yeah!! My classes for May at Frenzy Stamper are UP! I'll be teaching five new classes!! Samples are in the store and online now!! Sign ups are being taken! More info here. I can not wait!!!! I love my friends there and can't wait to see them!!

*****

Interesting news tidbits found via Comics Reporter-
The LA Times majorly screwed up.
Amazon shutting 3 distribution centers.

This broke my heart-
Tent cities popping up more and more (via Democracy Now).

Finished journals from my online class...

I've completed 3 of the journals from my A Prompt A Day online class and will have the 4th one done within the next week. Here are journals from January through March (March is the one in the front on the right that I am still working on, but the others are finished) 2009. These don't include my journals that I've been showing here on my blog for the last 3 months. I don't post the pages from A Prompt A Day here, they're only posted for the students on the class site.
It really is a great feeling to hold a finished journal in your hands. I also really, really love seeing how all of the students are reading the same prompts and yet no one's artwork looks alike. It looks unique to the artist who created the pages.
I really dig that. It's the same feeling as my in person classes. Nothing beats teaching a technique and having the results reproduced by several different people, all in their own unique style. I LOVE IT. It also shows that people GET IT. I want your artwork to look like YOU did it and not me! I love opening up the site and seeing artwork and instantly knowing who did it. Really cool. There's still room in the April class. You can find out more info by clicking here.

*****
I had a fabulous time this past weekend teaching at Artful Living in Ojai. They don't have a website (yet) but the store info is-

310 E Matilija St
Ojai, CA 93023

(805) 640-0800‎
Phone for hours!

***
For those of you in the Los Angeles area, sadly, we are losing another store. Millie Papercrafts on La Brea is closing it's doors. You can find out store hours and location here. Please try to stop by and thank Jennifer for all of the wonderful things she's offered the last few months.
***
Maira Kalman LOVE!

journal page from 3/24/09

Teaching at Artful Living in Ojai yesterday and today...back Monday with lots to say!

journal page from 3/21 and birthday wishes...

This is the last page from my Danville weekend. I always have a blast at Stampers Warehouse! After teaching, I usually go back to the hotel and unwind with my journal so the pages you've seen here I did after teaching...I wanted to give a shout out with warm birthday fishes, I MEAN Birthday WISHES to my friend Renee. Please join me in wishing her a Happy HAPPY Birthday by visiting her blog here. Happy Birthday, Renee! Eat lots of cake! Make lots of art! Smile!! We're all thinking of YOU!!!!!!!!!

An e-terview...

My good friend, Adriane Giberson, asked if she could interview me for her wonderful blog, One Sunday Afternoon. After much arm twisting, I agreed.

You can read the interview here.

Make sure that you check out both of Adriane's wonderful blogs-

One Sunday Afternoon

and

The Artsy Fartsy Chick

March 20, 2009 journal

yeah, that's my big toe poking out of the picture. Art in jammies, life doesn't get any better then that!

Still taking sign ups for my April A Prompt A Day class. 3 prompts a day x 30 days=90 different prompts and they can be applied to a variety of art, not just art journaling! More info here.

March 19, 2009 journal page

I was able to work on at least one journal page a night while I was in Danville. I'll be showing you those over the next few days.

By my bedside right now is Cecil and Jordan in New York. I've been waiting months for this one to come out!!

Books, books and more books

I've been hearing rave reviews about A Homemade Life-
Louis Armstrong always traveled with scissors. Whodathunkit?
My copy of this book is on its way here...I saw it yesterday and just was drooling-
This one isn't out yet, but I can't wait!
This one is due out soon and if it's like their other publications, it's a must have!This one is high on my list and due out in the fall-

Last, and definitely not least, the fabulous Jesse Reno has yet another book available for purchase and I simply love love love it. I LOVE his work. Check it out for yourself here.

*****

THIS is the BEST news story EVER. It will put a smile on your face.

***

Still taking sign ups for April's A Prompt A Day class. More info here.

A Prompt A Day April 2009

A Prompt A Day: Online Mixed Media Art Journaling classes

Registration now open for April

For $25 each month, you will receive a prompt a day. I've set up a special site just for the group! Starting April 1st through April 30th, I will post (to the site, open to students only) a prompt of the day. The prompt is actually three prompts:

Painting

Collage

Journaling

Each prompt will contain a supply list and detailed instructions on how to make at least ONE journal page a day. I will also demonstrate how I followed the prompt by showing pictures of my own page a day along with the prompt. These prompts can be used not only for art journaling but also for other mixed media art: canvas, altered books, ATCs, boxes, books, etc... It's actually THREE prompts a day rolled into ONE journal page. So for the month of April, you are receiving 90 prompts.

Each paid student (for that month) will receive a file of the whole month's worth of class documents (photos and instructions). This file will be posted on the group's site before the end of the month. I can also email it to you if there are problems.

The idea of this project is to inspire you to create something daily! It's like taking a class with me but receiving one prompt a day!

You don't need a lot to do this. If you've been following my blog, you have an idea of the work that I do. If you've taken a class with me, you know my style! I like to give my students an idea to make a page and then I love seeing how everyone translates that idea to make it their own!

This is a new venture for both my regular students and brand new students!! It's open to everyone from beginner to advanced.

Basic supplies are:
A Journal or paper
PVA bookbinding adhesive OR Gel Medium (I like Soft Gel Gloss) or even a glue stick (I like coccoina, avery, scotch-anything labeled permanent). In my journal, at home, a glue stick is my adhesive of choice!
Acrylics-my basic colors are Hansa Yellow Medium (or Azo yellow medium), Quinacridone Magenta, Phthalo Blue, Titanium White, Paynes Grey, Titan Buff and Burnt Sienna-with these colors you can make any color (I like Nova Color but whatever your favorite brand is, will do.)
Gloss or polymer Medium (mix 50/50 with your paints to "extend" them and make them last longer. Do not buy what they label extender as that extends the drying time)
1" chip or bristle brushes
a few favorite pens-mine are: Sakura gelly roll glaze, Sakura Souffle, Latte and sweets pens, Zig Vellum and Writer pens, Faber Castell Pitt Pens (brush stroke, black), Sharpie Poster Paint pens (water based), Micron pens, uniball signo...you do not need all of these! Just a pen that will write on paint and paper!
water container
waxed paper
paper towels or old rags
bone folder
scissors
metal ruler
Paper ephemera-collage papers for background and focal, images

Also, please note, I do not want you to have to go buy anything for the class. Use what you have. If you do not have these specific colors of paint, use what is in front of you: Yellow, Red, Blue, etc.. You will get a different look but I really want to stress using what you already own and what's in your studio (or closet, or art bag or wherever you work from!)

I am a firm believer in using the art journal as a tool. It's a place where not only you can express yourself, but you can also form your ideas for various projects and let them develop onto the page. 99.9% of my artwork is done in art journal form.

You will be able to upload your own photos of the pages that YOU create from the prompts. There is a discussion forum where you can ask questions and talk to other group members.

I am always available to answer your questions and to help!

The prompts and ideas I give lend themselves to a variety of media: canvas, atcs, art journal pages, artist books, cards, altered art and MORE.

This is all NEW material. Even if you've taken every single one of my 300+ mixed media classes, this is something new. You will get new ideas and techniques!

I do not show the journal pages from the online class on this blog. The material you are getting in the class is fresh and new. Exclusive to students.

Each month has NEW and DIFFERENT techniques then the previous ones. The classes are geared towards ALL levels of experience: Beginner to Advanced. Use the prompts to inspire you to make art daily in some form OR work at your own pace and make art when you can.

The prompts are not at all related to the month posted. They stand on their own.

Interested? Use the button below! Questions? Drop me an email at EGorey99@sbcglobal.net

Sign ups start NOW. Class starts April 1st. I do not pro-rate classes. They are on a month by month basis only beginning the first of each month (at $25 a month). You can sign up for the month of April any time before the end of April (please note: if you sign up late in April and you want to start a new month, please note that with your payment and I will not log you in for April but for the month you request). Please note that at 8 p.m. PST on the last day of the month is when the class ends. At that time, I will remove all members who are not staying on to the next month and then remove the month's prompts. I will then add new members and add the new prompts for the new month. (So, on the March 31st, I will remove all of the March prompts and the members who are not staying on and replace them with the new April prompts and members. Members staying on will just remain on the board.)

You do not have to do exercises on a daily basis either. You can log in and do the exercises at your own leisure. It's also your choice if you lurk on the site or actively participate.

Remember, at the end of the month you will receive a file (posted on the group site before the end of the month for you to print out and save) of the whole month's prompts, techniques and photos of my samples to print out and save (please play nice and do not share. Please only use for personal use. :) Thanks.)

No refunds after April 1st for the month of April. Thanks.

Once you've signed up, I will personally send you an invite to join the group. You have to sign into the group (using your own information: email address and create a password, etc..). It's up to you, if you lurk and stay anonymous or if you want to fully participate.

ALSO: There will be a FREE give a way. ONE lucky person per month will receive either a handmade journal made by me OR one of my collage packs (these are of my choosing). The value of the journal is $40. The value of the collage pack is $45. The winner is chosen on the last day of the month. ONE winner per month. Winner randomly selected.

Please note if you are signing up for April or March, or both!-Thanks! Note: January, February, March and April Prompts are available as a PDF or word file for $25 per month, as well.

March 18, 2009 journal page

I'm homeeeeeeeeee...
I had a fabulous time teaching at Stampers Warehouse in Danville. I love love love it there. The store is wonderful, the staff is wonderful above all, the students are extremely good souls. It's just a fun place to teach (y'all know I teach at the stores I LOVE). *Thank you* to Terrece and Georgia and the gang. Huge thank yous to Arlene, Libby, Vivian, Alix, Kathy, Carol, and all of the wonderful gang who took the workshops this weekend!! It was a ton of fun!!!!

I lucked out with the weather on the way home...there was a weird line of cloud coverage (just
like what was on the weather channel) stretched across the sky and hovering over I-5. I couldn'tresist snapping pictures!

It was a fantabulous weekend and if I had my say, we'd be packing our bags and moving up to Northern California in a heartbeat ;)

FYI, Stampers Warehouse is having a GREAT sale starting this Wednesday. 50% off! It's not a closing sale but a big bargain sale!! woo hoo!!

International...Talk...Like...William...Shatner...Day

Held....over... for... today!! There's ....still ...time! *sharp breath intake*
I...love...Maurice...LaMarche...*sharp breath intake*

3/16/09 journal page

My little tribute to Ireland complete with a pocket. The card has a really cute back so I didn't
want to glue it down and used clips (see the bottom of her dress) to attach it to the transparency.

3/15/09 journal page

Last day of teaching (for this weekend) at Stampers Warehouse! Heading home this afternoon. Safe driving thoughts-lol!!

another 3/14/09 page

I have been saving this image for FOREVER. Finally found a page it fit on!

journal page 3/14/09

Playing with tape and stuff on this page...First day of classes at Stampers Warehouse!! Looking forward to it!!

first journal page from my new journal

It's nice to have a lot of room on a page. I've missed that space...
My friend, Shoshanah, has pointed out that Uppercase now has a magazine debuting in April! More here.

I'm driving to Stampers Warehouse in Danville, CA today. If you see a redhead blasting the stereo and listening to either the Pogues, Christy Moore, KPFK, or This American Life, wave hi!

*****

The City That Ended Hunger

The new journal...

I've done about 8 pages in here so far. I'll share them with you over the next few days.
I sound like a nagging Mom, but always remember to put your contact information on the inside
front cover (see where the photo is under "From the Private Library", that's got my cell phone, email and contact info written on there.) You never know what may happen to your book so just in case someone finds it and knows it needs to go back home, they know where to send it!!

I'll be showing the new pages over the next few days, so stay tuned! :)

Got my glue and my goodies for my classes this weekend! I'm roaring and ready to go!!! Stampers Warehouse, Danville, Northern California, HERE I COME!!

The last pages of my journal...

I'm already about 5 pages into the new book (which I will show you tomorrow) and here's the
last few pages of this book...It's going to be a class called "Transcribed" which will debut in May
at Frenzy Stamper in Scottsdale. Woo hoo!! Right now, I'm still getting my act together for my
classes this weekend in Danville at Stampers Warehouse. I will have blog posts daily throughout
the weekend, so you can still pop in and see what's new. I'm off to finish gathering supplies for the 5 workshops. Almost done just have to pick up glue and paper.

Hope that everyone is having a great St. Patrick's Day! Watch your drink and let someone else drive! ;)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

What a line up...they're missing one but they're singing about him... ;)...








I could go on...lol!

Have a great Saint Patrick's Day!

2nd post of the day regarding sharpie water based poster paint pens

As I've mentioned before, Sharpie WATER BASED poster paint pens have been discontinued. I thought of having a write in campaign to protest.

I've been going back and forth with various people regarding the Sharpie waterbased poster paint pens.

Lynn from AZ spoke with several people (as have I) at Sanford and this is what we've been told is best. Instead of a letter writing campaign, CALL. CALL Sanford.

The number you need to phone is 800-323-0749 Ext. 1410 This is the direct # for the consumer affairs department. They will forward your calls and information directly to the department that makes the decisions regarding products.

The key points-

The pens are discontinued and there is no other substitute on the market.

You need to specifically mention the WATER based poster paint pens and that you do not like the oil based pens.

The pens were never marketed very well. Most folk did not know that they were available. I go to Dick Blick on an almost weekly basis buying product for workshops and they NEVER had the pens in the store-they had ONE pen-literally, ONE pen. When I did see the pens, they would sell out quickly as most people would buy not just one but three or four at a time.

It was hard to find the extra fine black and white pens.

The water based sharpie poster paint pen is one of the few pens that writes on acrylic.

There IS demand for these pens. They need to look at the out cry on the various boards about these pens being discontinued.

I've tried other pens and they just don't cut it like the water based sharpie poster paint pens do.

They do give you one company to order from who still has the pens in stock-
http://www.ellsworthdirect.com
They have THOUSANDS of the pens in stock in all 4 sizes.
Ellsworth Stationers - 1-800-765-4031

Hope this helps all of us!!! Please feel free to pass this information along.

Thanks,

Kelly

more journal pages from 3/11/2009

It was a wonderful weekend!! I did some work. I played in my new journal. I read a lot. I
finished The Passion Dream Book and loved it. I also read all of Murder Can Be Fun the
"Naughty Children" issue. Turns out the world isn't going to hell, that we've always had whack jobs.

I also prepped for my classes this coming weekend at Stampers Warehouse. Yeah!!! I just need to print handouts, get my glue and paper and that's it. Phew! I'm really looking forward to it!!!!!

*****
Neil Gaiman on Stephen Colbert tonight.

***
Six years later we still don't forget.

journal pages from 3/11/09

Next weekend I'm scheduled to teach at Stampers Warehouse in Danville. If you're interested in signing up, please do so asap!!! They are closed on Tuesdays. To see samples please click here (the samples are also in the store.) To sign up, the store info is here. Hope to see YOU there!

journal pages from March 10, 2009

I started working in my new journal last night. It's a very different feeling working in a bigger
size book. I've missed it. Small is hard for me and large is easy, so I tend to switch
journal sizes to push me in different directions. Not having worked big for awhile will push me a wee bit.

Colette emailed me and asked what kind of journals I work in. I make all of my books by hand using various bookbinding stitches, different kinds of supports and materials. It really depends on my mood and what I feel like doing at the time. I do use the same paper consistently. 140 lb wausau exact index cardstock. On the West Coast you can buy it at Kelly Paper or XPedx. If you go to wausau's website, you should be able to find a seller near you. Art supply stores do not carry the paper. Staples, Office Max will tell you it doesn't exist. If you want it you need to find a paper seller near you, like Kelly or XPedx. XPedx is all over the U.S. ;) I use waxed linen thread to sew the books, using an kemper clay tool awl and wide eyed tapestry needle to bind the books.
I've made thousands and thousands of books and like to vary them. I hope this helps!