Block Party

Yesterday I facilitated a group of 8 women in a linoleum block printing workshop. It was held at Artlandish Gallery in Columbia, Missouri and it was really fun! I met some nice people, had a few laughs, saw some great designs. But the most fun part was watching as each person saw the first print of their carving on paper. It was truly amazing. Lots of "ooos and ahhhs" going on in that room.

We also carved some plastic erasers for some really cute hand made stamps. I was inspired to carve out a small lino block last night before I went to bed. Here's how it turned out:


I'm happy with the way it turned out and can hardly wait to print some different colors on cards and make some prints for framing.

I've been working on carving a few stamps and rubber pieces. It's very satisfying and there is the element of immediate gratification. I can carve a quick stamp in a few minutes, make a quick print then go cook dinner (or whatever thing I need to do). I can squeeze making hand made stamps in any part of my day! I'm soooo addicted. Here are some of the stamps I've made:

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

We spent a week in Wisconsin in August and this is one of the things I did while I was there. I'm just now getting around to posting it.

I Don't Think He Believes Me

I'm not depressed or anything, but tonight as I was sitting in my craft space, I felt that feeling "I have no other ideas left. The idea pool is all dried up and I don't have the energy to do anything about it".

My husband was in working on the computer when I announced: "Well honey, I'm out of ideas. I'm just going to sell all my craft stuff now. Just combine it all and sell it in one big lot on ebay." His response? "Mmmm hmmm".

"We can now use the extra space in the craft room as storage, won't have to worry about needing room for my art supplies"

"Mmmm hmmm"

"You know, this will really free up some time for me. I won't be spending all these late nights doing art. I can go to bed at 10:00 now."

"Mmmm hmmm"

"The kids will ask me if I have tape, glue, scissors and I'll just tell them 'the only thing we have like that is in your craft closet'"

"Mmmm hmmm"

"I'll really be saving money since I won't have to buy any craft supplies. I won't feel obligated to go to Michael's to spend money when they have their 50% off coupon".

"Mmmm hmmm"

It's a good thing I'm a procrastinator. If I weren't, I'd be packing it all up right now and listing it on ebay (I've got lots of great supplies). I guess I'll just have to sleep on it. Maybe tomorrow I'll get some genius idea that I'll need my paints and brushes for. I sure hope so!

More Block Prints

I've been working on some more block prints. I will be facilitating two workshops at Artlandish Gallery in the next few weeks and even though I'm a little nervous, I'm really looking forward to it. Above are some images I scanned to show the progression of this particular print.

The first picture shows the candle after I did one etching into the linoleum. I think doing some preliminary prints can be very helpful in showing you what other details will make the carving look more interesting. Even though I like the original sketch of the candle, I'm not completely happy with the final print. I think it would have been better to have something in between the second and the last image (but number 3 above is not what I had in mind). I think I should have left more background around the candle like in image two. I may try to do this drawing again, or I may try one of the other sketches I have hiding in my sketchbook.

Thanks for stopping by!

You Can't Always Get What You Want/The Honeymoon Is Over

After my last post where I sang praises to the addiction that is Ebay, I have come to know the darker side of cyber bidding:

I HAVE BEEN OUT BID!

It's cruel to win your first bid, giving you false hope and overconfidence. Only to have some "slick willy" jump in during the last few minutes of bidding on your next item and take away the object of your desires! I was so sure I was going to get that speedball lino cutter handle with 5 blades and ink. SO SURE. I was the only one who bid on it. I was so excited thinking about it showing up in my mailbox wrapped in a little package, with my name on it.

Darn you a***m for your bidding savvy!