Blog Archives

Make your Own Tools

6/27/2021

I love making my own tools for mark-making.

Here is a photo of the ones I'm using this week (although I have several drawers full of the ones I've made in the past and still use.)

Whenever you buy something, look at the packaging. 4 of the tools shown above are a result of re-purposing packaging: a cardboard circle from some tape, a Starbucks sleeve protecting hands from the heat, a support for some glue sticks and packaging for some pills. One, I made myself from foam sheets cut and wrapped into a "brush". One, I got from a friend (sequin waste), and one was something that came in a box as "packing material".

I'm going to make another addition to my collection using a pastry roller this time. Check out this video to see if you can make something yourself!

Using your own tools makes your art so personal. I encourage you to make your own set of "artist tools"!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqwdW0a9Ms0&t=4s

Coaster Board Books

6/20/2021

I love board books so I decided to make my own.

If I were going out to bars right now, I would be scrounging coasters from everywhere, but I'm not, so I found a source to purchase some 4" x 4" coasters.

Since these were white, I didn't have to gesso them to cover up the ads. I attached the "pages" with white paper tape and then used gel medium to glue down some crinkled tissue paper on both sides.

I'm experimenting with some new acrylic paint and also mixing colors on the different "books". Sometimes, I glue some fabric down as well.

When weighted down, these books are sticking together so I have to figure that piece out after trying some varnish and that didn't work.

But that what making art is to me -- solving puzzles!

Finding My "Painting" voice

6/12/2021

When I started exploring fiber art 12 years ago, it took me 5 years to find my unique "voice". That included a LOT of experimenting and to see how I could work in this medium and enjoy every minute. There were days when I just got frustrated and hated everything I made. But I kept on working.

Now that I have transitioned into mixed media I'm finding the same frustrations. I still incorporate fabric and thread into most of my pieces but learning the properties of paint (acrylic and watercolor) has continued to be a challenge.

This week, after taking a free class from Louise Fletcher, I finally found my "voice" for painting. And, I'm having fun which is my bottom line for being an artist.

I can't wait to continue exploring this new way of painting and using all my mark-making tools in addition to my paints to make abstract art.

Now I know where I'm going I will start incorporating more textures into my work while remembering "less is more". So opposite from how I have approached my art in the past where I believed "more is more"!