Monday, February 22, 2010

Here (over there on the right) is a photo of last week's prize...I forgot to post it..you will have to go to the newsletter to see if you won!!
On the left here is this coming week's prize...a set of 5 mounting tape packs from Helmar, and a dot 'n' roller from Kokuyo. I was heartened to read about everyone and their magazines...we are the same the world over!
Lots and lots of new products are arriving every day...it is cool to be opening all the boxes and getting a surprise as I finally remember what I ordered. Honestly, I could probably hide my own easter eggs. Anyway, I was thinking about how much I have learned over the years, and yet how I also tend to stick to some of my favorite techniques...so I am thinking that I will start picking some new techniques to deliberately include in my work these days. I am starting with the whole idea of masks, especially using the new masking material from Tim Holtz. My plan is to use this in my work over the next two weeks, and then, maybe, in a few weeks incorporate another technique and put the two of them together--so that would be two new techniques per month...Let's see how well I can do with this...I will post some of my efforts. How about you guys...anyone want to commit to trying a new technique, one that you have learned but not used very much??? I would love to hear what you are willing to try in order to push your art along a bit. Tell me all about it and there could be some pretty cool adhesives in it for you.

13 comments:

  1. I have decided to go back to some of my favorite techniques and try to master them. Rather than flit from project type to project type I want to really practice at one until I feel really confident in my techniques. First up Watercolor the Art Impression way. I love how their water color looks and I am determined to create some of their masterpieces. I think I can, I think I can...

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  2. I am still hoping to learn the grunge flower technique. One of these days I am going to be able to take a class and learn how to do them...they are so cool.

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  3. I want to try to mix, layer, texture, and paint more with the various Golden products as done in classes with Michael Demeng and also another class at AE several years ago by someone named MaryJo or maybe MaryKay who was a rep for Golden, I think. I spent a ton of money on the expensive Golden stuff, I am determined to try the techniques!!
    I also loved a class I took last year at AE with Lisa Englebrecht, who demonstrated various background techniques using a lot of masks, stencils, & printing with textured items, using a lot of spray & spritz paints & inks. I recently used one of the background papers I made in her class to do a journal page, and it reminded me how easy and fun her techniques were, yet the resulting look is so complex! I would like to use this more in my journal -- I get stuck in a rut, too, of using my same old techniques over and over -- I always start my page doing a watercolor wash. I like Kate's idea of forcing yourself to try something out of your comfort zone on a regular basis!

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  4. well, today I did something I talk about doing all the time, which is using my machine to stich on a layout.....and,...it was DISASTROUS!!! *sigh* I really don't like how it came out, but I see it look so good on so many LOs, that I just want to master this technique.....and I want to use Tim techniques more too......

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  5. I really would like to use the shimmers in conjunction with some real embossing - I think it would help make things pop and sparkle. I also have had a brayer on my 'to buy' list to make some great backgrounds - all techniques I need to practice. On another note - loved to see the hockey and karate paper and stickers - can't wait to come get some - thank you!

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  6. I have watercolors that I've barely explored using. I also have some gorgeous fibers that are heated to make all sorts of things. I bought them at a stamp show at the Big E expo center. So many options! Chris

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  7. Oh, so many good techniques! I really hope this month to have my good friends show me how to do a nifty unique fold card they had great success with. I don't even know how to describe it, simple, stunning, but looks complex. Just did not seem to have the time to work on all the possibilities of it! and it uses adhesives! Jenny in Beverly

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  8. I started to use some metal before the holidays. Even made a few gifts with it. I'd love to learn more and even some soldering.

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  9. My friends are using cardstock covered with foil and running that through the cuddlebug with the embossing folders - I want to try doing that sometime soon!

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  10. I would like to try embossing. I have taken a class but have not tried the technique at home on my own.

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  11. i would like to try memory mists, grunge flowers, watercolors, copics... it is more of what i don't want to try!!! if only there was enough time!!!!!

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  12. I have almost every color of alcohol inks and decided I need to do more with them. I want to use them on metal, glass, and anything else that stands still long enough!

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  13. I would love to try the grunge flower technique. All the posted pictures are so awesome.

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