Thursday, February 13, 2014

Giveaway Time!

It's time to have some fun! Last week I mentioned that I'd be hosting a giveaway in collaboration with my friend, Judy Gula, owner of Artistic Artifacts. Judy has a website as well as a brick-and-mortar store dedicated to all things mixed-media. If you're lucky enough to live nearby, you should stop in and maybe even take a class! Here are the giveaway details: Judy has graciously offered to give away a jar of this lovely, colored modeling cream by Viva to not one, but TWO of my readers!

So, all you have to do is comment here to be entered to win (it would be awesome if you would visit Judy and her shop on Facebook and "like" them, too, if you're so inclined!) In a few days, I'll pick two winners and put you in touch with Judy, who will ship you your gift. Be sure to tell your friends and please feel free to Pin and Twitter about this giveaway as well!!

On to what's happening in the studio this week. I forgot to mention that last month for my birthday, I bought myself a new toy, the Silhouette Cameo electronic cutting machine.


This is a handy gadget that can cut all kinds of materials from stencil film, to vinyl, to fabric, and of course, all manner of paper. I chose this machine over others because it gets great user reviews, and unlike some other cutters, it connects to my PC and doesn't require me to purchase cartridges of images just to get one particular image. If I need a font, or a new design, I just hop over to the Silhouette site and buy it. I LOVE it, although I have to admit that there's a slight learning curve to using it. But it's mostly easy and there are tons and tons of great videos, tutorials and entire blog sites dedicated to getting the most out of your investment! If you're interested, I'm compiling a list of particularly useful links on Pinterest.

This week, I cut a couple of stencils.


These are images that I purchased in the Silhouette store (they're really inexpensive) and cut out using .005 ml stencil film. I have yet to cut a stencil that I've designed myself, but that will be one of the next tasks I teach myself.

I took a few minutes to play with my stencils on my Gelli plate.Here, I used them on the cover of one of my journals.


And here, on some simple copy paper.


The Cameo has some real potential to become an invaluable tool in my studio.

Finally, I want to show you the progress I'm making on my latest painting. I talked a little about it in last week's blog post, and I've moved along on it quite nicely this week, as well.

 

It still needs a lot of work before it's finished, and I'll show that as it happens. 

This weekend, I will begin working on building a new design wall. I'll take lots of process photos and show them to you when the wall is complete.

In the meantime, create!

9 comments:

Lisa Chin said...

Your stencils came out very nice and I LOVE what you did with them! I look forward to seeing the stencils you create on your own!

Lynda said...

Judi, I love my Silhouette Portrait and making my own stencils. You will love it! I look forward to seeing what you create with them.

Artistic Artifacts said...

Judi I did not know about the silhouette Partrait... now I do and I want one!!

Buncobuddy said...

I love playing with modeling paste and stencils. Having a great time.

Julie said...

I'm regretting having bought my Cricut and wish I had bought the Silhouette. Would love to try the the modeling cream!

Liz said...

Love your Gelli print. The Silhouette looks like so much fun! And modeling cream - love, love, love :)

Teri said...

I have GOT to get my tax crap together so I can play with my Cameo....Your prints look great!!!

Jeannie said...

I have already reserved part of our tax return (oh, please don't make us pay again!) for a Cameo. It looks like so much fun and your stencils turned out so beautifully. The journal spread is fantastic. Your painting is WOW!!! I love it!

Diane in NH said...

Hi Judi,
Modeling Paste would be a great addition to my creative tools! I bought a Silhouette after reading about it on Lynda's blog, Love it.

Diane in NH