Diana Trout's blog

Sumptuous Painted Paper

Three cheers to paint all the paper! I taught this class again a couple of weekends ago in the studio. It's a spin-off of my Playful Papers dvd and I have taught many variations. You can see pictures from the class here.

The process is pretty straight forward. Take paints and inks and spritz, drop, paint, spread around, drip, print, stencil. It's just good fun really.  Everything winds up looking fab. Watch your color families. Stay in analogous (neighborhood) color: red, orange, yellow or blues and greens. You don't really want mud here. 

The papers are great for collage, journaling, cards, mixed media canvases or any paper projects. I've made flower collages from them and used them for paper cloth. Or a tag book: good stuff. 

Enjoy the video. And check out that neat little extra technique I discovered. Spray the water through a stencil, lift the stencil and then spray the in. Very cool look. Supply list is below along with links to the other two blog posts on this topic - my inky holiday hauls :)

Use what you have. The following supply list are affiliate links. I get a % of the sale at no cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Book Reviews: Print, Stamp and Paper Stencils

I love a good book, don't you? Here is another batch of books  scroll down for video - none are new but all have passed my stringent test for permanent shelf space. They've held up over time and passing fads. 

I love Traci Bunker's Print and Stamp Lab. It's so accessible that I've done it with kids and teen classes at the library where creative budgeting is the name of the game. (All of these books are linked below the video.) You can get started making stamps as soon as you buy the book with items you already have in the house. Here's an in-process journal page. I'm using gasket printed tissue paper from blog follower and friend, Jenny Pesavento. I love that tissue paper disappears when you glue it down.(Thanks Jenny :)

Print Workshop by Christine Schmidt is a great source of basic hand printing techniques. Silkscreen, stencil printing, potato printing, cyanotypes and more. It's a great project based orientation to printmaking. Solid. And I love that she demos how to make your own stamp pads. Worth the price of admission right there. 

This next book, The Art of Decorative Paper Stencils is only loosely connected. It's not about cutting stencils. Do you remember folding paper and cutting snowflakes when you were a kid? That's what this is about. (The price as of 2/10/17 is $.01 ).

You can use freezer paper to cut these out and then use them as stencils. They don't last very long but that's ok. It's really a fun and relaxing project-based book. This is definitely the kind of thing that's good when you aren't feeling your most creative but still need to use your hands.

Finally, I'm introducing the book Notan because I'll be doing a video the dark/light concept of composition soon. It's a fantastic book for designers and artists and I have a couple of fun projects that go with the book.

Affiliate Links to Amazon (I get a % of sale. No cost to you).

Print and Stamp Lab; Traci Bunkers http://amzn.to/2lvvLB7
Print Workshop, Christine Schmidt http://amzn.to/2lvE5Rp
Notan, Dorr Bothwell http://amzn.to/2loL69A
The Art of Decorative Paper Stencils, Yaguchi Kamako http://amzn.to/2loTNRt

Create Layered Patterns

Pattern building is both fun and challenging and today I hope to share a couple of tips and tricks with you. I do love pattern but it's never featured largely in my artwork and so a little push was needed and a bit of learning came my way.

Today I'm using Gelli Arts prints, stamps, stenciled and painted background to layer pattern. You can use your resulting paper stash in book arts, art journaling, mixed media and for card backgrounds. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I made some heart shaped cards. 

Loads of fun. I have a couple in my Etsy Shop. 

Enjoy the video and let me know how you like to layer pattern or do you find it visually overwhelming? Do you wear different prints at the same time? Or match prints with textures? Look around your home or at some artwork. I love hearing from you. 
 

Cardmaking: Holiday Joy

Hey Gang, You are either still in a food stupor, shopping or briskly walking off all those extra calories we US citizens consumed yesterday. Yeah! We sure know how to EAT! Black Friday is traditionally my day to start my holiday crafting. We don't really do gifts anymore. One or two, maybe. 

These are a few of the cards I made as samples for upcoming card classes in my studio. I've set up a box for each card with the papers trimmed to size and any stamps needed. There will be plenty of room for improv as well but beginners will have everything at their fingertips. 

These two cards (above and below) use the same Ellen Hutson die set. I experimented with non-traditional papers in the second one. I'll be back with more videos.  

The Geo Tree and Joy die cuts are from Ellen Hutson, everything else is Simon Says Stamp. Supplies are all listed beneath the video. Use what you have. I try to find supplies that are neutral so they can be used in many different ways.

Use what you have. The following are affiliate links. I get a percentage of the sale at no cost to you. Thanks for helping support my channel/blog this way.

Bazzill PALE ROSE Card Shoppe Heavy Weight 8.5 x 11 Cardstock 305057	Tim Holtz Sizzix BEADED GARLAND Texture Fades Embossing Folder 661006	Tsukineko GOLDEN GLITZ Delicata Ink Pad DE-000-191	Tsukineko Delicata GOLDEN GLITZ REFILL Ink RC-000-191	Concord & 9th JOY Clear Stamp Set 10101C9
Ranger Stickles GOLD Glitter Glue SGG01799	Wplus9 CLEAR CUT STACKERS STARS Designer Dies WP9D-037	Ranger YULETIDE KIT Holiday Stickles And Liquid Pearls SGP54238	Tim Holtz Distress Glitter Dust VINTAGE PLATINUM TDR49753	Stick It Adhesive HANDY PACK 5 Sheets SK155
DCWV Cardstock 6 x 6 GLITZY GLITTER Paper Stack Matstack MS-019-00052	Sizzix BIG SHOT MACHINE Gray And White 660425	MISTI Stamping Tool - The Most Incredible Stamp Tool Invented	Memory Box STAR OF WONDER Craft DIE 98167	Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, Geo Tree by Julie Ebersole

InLinkz.com

MeetUps and a Cardmaking Haul

Crafting season is upon us! Zippity Do Dah :)  I'm holding a cardmaking MeetUp on Black Friday here in the studio (Philly area). Over the past couple of years, I've (ahem) accumulated a few toys and am eager to share!

I've had friends, neighbors and family over to test out my cardmaking teaching techniques and feel ready to let it loose on the world at large. 

Some cards are quick and easy, for beginners or for making multiples. Some are great to do with kids. Some don't reference the holidays at all

I hope you'll join me! Email me or join me on MeetUp (it's free) to RSVP.  Here's the video showcasing more cards, showing some of my supplies and giving ideas of ways to use your own supplies. PS: I have a Art Journal MeetUp on Nov. 19 as well. 

 

Affiliate links to stuff I love. I get a small percentage on sales at no cost to use. 

 

Concord & 9th BARNWOOD BACKGROUND Clear Stamp Set 10107C9	Concord & 9th LACE LEAF Clear Stamp Set 10123C9	Concord & 9th BAGS AND TAGS Dies 10021C9	Concord & 9th JOY Clear Stamp Set 10101C9	Concord & 9th JOY Dies 10102C9
Concord & 9th GIVE THANKS Clear Stamp Set 10113C9	RESERVE Concord & 9th LAYERING LEAVES Dies 10114C9	Hero Arts Clear Stamps SCANDINAVIAN HOLIDAY BY LIA CL900 Lia Griffith	Hero Arts Clear Stamps ELVES BY LIA CL899 Lia Griffith	Hero Arts Clear Stamps SNOWFLAKES BY LIA CL901 Lia Griffith
Hero Arts Clear Stamps JUST FOR YOU By Lia CL929	Wplus9 CLEAR CUT STACKERS STARS Designer Dies WP9D-037	Lawn Fawn STITCHED SNOWFLAKES Lawn Cuts Dies	Tim Holtz Rubber Stamp CHANDELIER Stampers Anonymous H2-1288	Bazzill PALE ROSE Card Shoppe Heavy Weight 8.5 x 11 Cardstock 305057
Tsukineko Delicata WHITE SHIMMER Ink Pad DE000380	Tsukineko Delicata SILVERY SHIMMER Ink Pad DE-000-192	Tsukineko Delicata BLACK SHIMMER Ink Pad DE000382	Tsukineko GOLDEN GLITZ Delicata Ink Pad DE-000-191	Tsukineko Delicata CELESTIAL COPPER Ink Pad DE000193
Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad MINI KIT 15 TDPK46752	Tim Holtz Sizzix BEADED GARLAND Texture Fades Embossing Folder 661006	Hero Arts Cling Stamp GARLAND Bold Prints CG684	Tim Holtz Distress Glitter Dust VINTAGE PLATINUM TDR49753	Ranger Stickles GOLD Glitter Glue SGG01799
WOW Embossing Powder COPPER Regular WC02R	American Crafts Zing! PINK Glitter Embossing Powder	Sizzix BIG SHOT MACHINE Gray And White 660425	Precision Heat Embossing Tool Gun Hero Arts PW200 Wagner	Inkadinkado EMBOSSING MAGIC Powder Bag 05847
Neenah Classic Crest 110 LB SMOOTH SOLAR WHITE Paper Pack 25 Sheets	Neenah Classic Crest 80 LB SMOOTH SOLAR WHITE Paper Pack 25 Sheets	May Arts NATURAL Twine String Burlap

InLinkz.com

How To: Mix Patterned Papers

Let's mix it up in today's video ... 

Mixing patterns can be such fun if you understand a few tricks. The same guidelines apply to clothes, decorating your home and art. And the tips aren't hard. 

1. Find your inspiration paper with color and a large pattern
2. Isolate the colors
3. Find papers with those colors and smaller or geometric prints
4. To build out further, find another inspiration piece that contains another color (or two)
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3!

Use the papers for art journal pages. I love using them as borders around a page or box that will contain some writing. You can use these papers for layers on cards. Sew or weave the scraps together and create tags or ATC's. Include some hand painted papers in the mix for a more personal look.

If you don't have paper pads, you may have a failed painting (or at least I do ;) Cut it up and use it as your inspiration. Pull old book pages, gelli prints, leftover stencils bits. Use What You Have this weekend and play with paper. 

Circle Journal Online, Open Registration

Circle Journal is a reformated class from last year's work-along class. An independent study class that you can work at your own pace. The material will be permanently accessible.

This is a LOT of information: a painting primer, a mixed media primer, art journaling primer: much more than I could cover in 2-3 full day workshops. And you always have me on the other end of your computer! 

Here's an overview: 

Sign up and begin anytime you'd like. A total of 22 videos and a bunch of pdfs: one for each of the four lessons, plus symbol drawing, words to transfer and a tiny maze book zine. 

Lesson 1:  Painting & Markmaking. Using thinned acrylic paints, let the spilling begin. Brushstrokes, color mixing, markmaking with stamps, stencils, alternative items.  (5 videos, 2 pdf's) 

Lesson 2: Folding & Stitching your Maze Book. The possibilities are endless with this type of book. Make a mistake? No problem: stitch, cut, tape your way to a new bookform. Handstitching, machine stitching techniques and ideas are included (2 videos, 2 pdf's). 

Lesson 3: Line, Collage, Gesso & Paint. (8 videos, 1 pdf). Loads of spilling in this lesson in lines and images. Get the low down on using paint, gesso and portfolios. Creating your own stamps is simple if you've done the brainstormng on symbols. Includes creating foam stamps and symbol drawing. 

Lesson 4: Embellishments. (7 videos, and a bunch of pdf's). Includes tabs, blender pen transfers, simple lettering,  and other embellishments).

 
$60/Join Anytime, Permanent Access
After you have paid for the class, you will receive the blog URL and password from me 

Suggested supplies are linked below (Affiliate Links)2-3 Parent sized sheets smooth, heavy printmaking or watercolor paper
bottle of ink(s) or reinkers
small spray bottle(s)
straw, Eyedropper
craft foam (available in the children’s area at the craft store)
Stamp pad(s)
craft knife, scissors
glue stick
pens, pencils
masking tape
collage papers
Chartpak Blender Pen for photocopy transfers. 
Portfolios or Caran d’Ache watersoluble crayons

 

Stretch Your Supplies: Alcohol Inks & Vellum

Happy Monday, gang. I have a great work week project for you today. 

My two favorite surfaces for alcohol inks are vellum, glossy photo paper and Yupo.  Try using your alcohol markers (eg., Copic or Spectrum Noir "SN") and the Ranger Alcohol inks. 

The inks slip and slide around when you blend them and produce very painterly effects. You can use a blender pen, Ranger's blending liquid, Ranger Alcohol inks. Ethyl alcohol (not isopropyl) from the drugstore can be substituted for the blending liquid.

I love the way the SN blender pen removes the marker and moves it around. I covered scraps of vellum with color and then pulled out my paper punches and made shapes. 

I look forward to layering up these shapes with other items from my embellishments such as words stickers, stamped images, stitch, etc. Simply making things puts me in a good mood and chases worries away. Art therapy.

Enjoy. See this YouTube video and this blogpost for additional info. 

I found my Spectrum Noir markers at AC Moore for under $8 for a 6 pack. They may not be the best markers around but they work fine for me!

 

How to Use Texture Paste with Stamps and Ink

I'm so happy to announce my brand new course over at Curious.com. Loaded with some of my favorite mixed media techniques applied to greeting cards. 

In 12 lessons, learn to inlay die cuts in new ways, Gelli Arts plates with pigment inks, creative ways to stretch your stamps and stencils and create your own holiday card kit. 

Curious.com is a great resource! You can learn most anything from Zen to the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance *Did anyone get that reference*? That link will take you to the full lesson. 

This was one of my favorite lessons, using texture paste, distress ink and that lovely Botanical stamp from Tim Holtz. Enjoy! 

Use what you have. The following are affiliate links. I get a percentage of the sale at no cost to you. Thanks for helping support my channel/blog this way.

Use this link to find out more about Curious.com.

 

This Week Today

I started writing this on Monday, 3/15 and have been at it all week.

A bit of sunshine for your Friday morning ... 

Monday mornings begin on Sunday night for me as I sprawl on the sofa with my planner. 

On Monday, I pretty much ignored what I'd written in my planner and did a Live Stream on stamping in a little book instead.

In my studio, I have a big basket and box project folders for YouTube videos and I keep doing things off the cuff instead. Here is a look at the flip book I was working on.

Tuesday: My planner says "Watercolor." Also: "Work on Mixed Media Watercolor class."

Here's some of the painting I started. (at the top of this post: I love the idea of the flowers glowing yellow around the bulb part and the sunlight dancing along the tops. Sorry about the uneven lighting.)

The red coming down from the flower needs more definition. 

I will go back into the right hand flower and lift paint out for the stamen "legs." I love that brown from mixing green and red. 

Tuesday Night: Aunt Betz called from the hospital: Pneumonia. Wednesday was devoted to helping her get settled, talking to her doc and the nurses and distributing chocolate bunnies to all involved.

The rest of the week is up for grabs. I'm heading to the studio to work on some watercolors again and maybe get started on another flip book. Mixed Media Watercolor class is underway. This happend

After being inspired by the Gelli Arts folks here, I folded a bunch of mark-making tools for the Gelli Prints video coming soon.  Today is the son's birthday so this is underway

Who knew there was a thing called Hipster Animals? Honestly! Google it. They are hilarious. I caved and purchased the set from Hero Arts after watching Kristina Werner make a card with it here. I think they need bodies but they could also be trophy heads. 

Have a great weekend, everyone. I'm looking forward to my stamp carving class tomorrow. Off now to visit my auntie. Here are some of the materials and tools I used this week (affiliate links used).