TEESHA Moore coming July 16th & 17th

you do NOT want to miss it. call 509-327-6622 to get in today!

TONIGHT and Teesha Moore

Teesha Moore's Class is coming up fast!!!!!!! Do not miss it.
Tonight we have two classes going on Collagraphy with Margot and Visual Journaling with ME! Call for details on all 509-327-6622

TEESHA MOORE in Spokane this July!

This is a very special workshop...be part of Teesha's first visit to our area..There are a few spots still available. Don't miss it!
call us at Spokane Art Supply on Monroe to get in on the fun! 509-327-6622

Copic Class Today!

10 am -1pm all about Copic!

BIG BIG WEEK with Chris Cozen

Its a busy week OUR NEW STUDIO PLAY at Creative Element is tomorrow 4:30 pm $10 we play with soft Gel medium...don't bring a thing...try it before you buy it!
Wed Fiber Paste at SAS on Monroe fibery fun for only $10!
LAST CHANCE to get in on Chris Cozen's incredible classes Call us ASAP at 509-327-6622

slow spring and now summer is here!

Memorial day and summer is here a beautiful weekend afterall. Earlier this week we were expecting rain all weekend.
So an update on the week upcoming and other stuff. We have Ginger Rose an incredible watercolor artist coming to show our Visual Journaling group her journals past and present. That is happening this Wed Jun 1st!
Chris Cozen is arriving June 10-11 for her awesome mixed media classes there is still a little room so sign up quick.

classes at ART on a LArk Hillsboro Oregon

Hey all I always forget to tell about upcoming stuff that I am doing in other places!
SO go check out ART on a Lark for info on my classes June 24th & 25th in Hillsboro Oregon www.artonalark.com/classes Jewelry and journaling weekend will be a blast This store has some incredible stuff....super wonderful! photos of the projects to follow and they have them on the Art on a larks site too.

tonight Spokane Stampers

Ladies tonight bring you scraps ( papers mainly) scissors and a glue stick for some SCRAPPY MAKE DO fun.

ITS MAY!

but it is so If you are coming to Creative Element for Visual Journal bring your pages and a piece of decorative paper to use as a cover. I will bring the other things to bind it all up.Join us starting at 4:30pm
On WED at the Monroe Store we will be exploring Watercolor for the MIX MEDIA artist only $10 5:30 pm

BIG BIG WEEK!

Besides Our CDA Visual Journal group on Tuesday we have our Studio Play night at the DT store on Monroe and Copic Markers class on Thursday in CDA and Back to the DT on Sat for an all day Visual Journal & Altered book Play day...
Here is how it all PLAYS out

Tuesday
April 12th 4:30 -7:30 Bring 1 sheet of stonehenge paper and a few paint brushes for a quick lesson in Acrylic as watercolor.
Wednesday
April 13 5:30 pm
join us for a lesson in Flow Release and Retarder only $10
April14th Copic Pen class $25 don't bring a thing!

Sat April 16th All Day Play with Maryjo $30 all day I will be showing techniques for journals and altered books starts at 10:30am
Call us at the SAS for details 509-327-6622

A big success for a little show!

Thanks to all that participated in our Rubberstamp Show!
We are listening to everyone on what worked and what did not and are setting the dates for next years show show stay posted,

VOLUNTEERS you know who you are...PLEASE

Check with me on times and such for the shows!
email me maryjomcgraw@aol.com

I am trying to get more info on the blogs

So I am taking existing info,updating it and posting it here. Let me know what you think. Later this year I am going to make the final jump and do some online classes so keep checking back. It may happen sooner than I think!


Unique Antique

I LOVE a vintage look. Truly, brown is one of my favorite colors right after any shade of green. Lately I am looking for a bit lighter look and white antique is just the ticket. Since a bright white overlay does not take the vivid qualities of color away like more neutral antique agents do, I tend to use it with pieces I want to keep clearer and cleaner looking.

Most antique processes need to be applied at the end of a project and using white is no exception. I do not usually start projects with any antique methods in mind. Each piece seems to determine what it needs along the way. When I think a piece needs a more cohesive feel then I bring out antique techniques.

My main white antique medium is good thick gesso which can be applied over many surfaces including beeswax. Over heavily embellished areas I apply the gesso full strength. thick and gooey to fill textured areas.
This takes a while to dry and looks like frosting since gesso dries to a matte finish. Thick gesso can also be used as a glue for layers of glitter or mica flakes.

Apply gesso thinned with water over surfaces you want to show through. Allow the gesso to bead up on slick surfaces as it will dry in those little beads leaving a haphazard charm. You can gain control somewhat by wetting the surface first with water then applying the thinned gesso. Blot excesses with paper towel.
Gesso can also be applied by spritzer bottle which can give a fine mist of white similar to falling snow.
Mix 1 part gesso to 3 parts water and rinse the spritzer immediately following use.

When I am not sure if I want something covered wet gesso can be washed away by loading the surface with lots of water. This of course will not work on paper substrates so I apply Micro Glaze wax to paper surfaces I want masked.

Lightly brushing very thin gesso over dry surfaces is attractive. Old newsprint or any type of collage surface is enhanced with a thin layering of white.

If you are not a huge fan of pure white tinting gesso is really easy. A single drop of dye reinker or fluid acrylic will do it. Go slow here or else you'll have a thick pastel color instead of a tint.

Crackle paints are a great way to antique projects. Each type has specific directions so a good deal of testing is required. I like the spray varieties and have had good successes especially on outside edges. As with all spray paints masking is crucial.

White paste shoe polish is another favorite since it is easy to control. It does not have the thick snowy quality of gesso but is excellent on paper. I use it in altered books where a thick paint application is usually not advisable.
Shoe polish does have a distinct odor because of the solvent so let the project air out for a few hours the smell will quickly fade. This is not archival in any way and there are times I just don't worry about it!
Try a bit of white antique on your next project, it is vintage and unique.

TODAY Wed March 16th

Hey Gang, today is Stamp Club for the Downtown store on Monroe....If you have Carving stuff bring it we will be carving stamps! These will be fairly simple stuff you can carve with an exacto knife I will have extra tools on hand but you will need to bring or purchase carving material we do have speedy cut and other items. If you have nothing bring an old pink or white eraser. See you at 5:30pm

Crazy House 947


The look of crazed porcelain or old barn paint is a look I love!
For this book I used Golden's Crackle Paste.



There are definitely techniques and other mediums you will want to try with this paste so here are a few tips.

Use a palette knife to spread the paste evenly.

Spreading the paste very thin(1/8 inch or less in thickness) will dry quicker and give a crazed porcelain finish.

Applying it thicker, say to a 1/4 inch thickness will take up to 24 hours to dry and give a much deeper crackle.

Layering over an uneven surface of dry light molding paste or heavy gels will vary the surface leaving uncracked areas.

Paint over the dry surface with any glaze or acrylic paint let rest for a few seconds then remove the excess with a rag to accentuate the cracks.

Dark paint colors are best to accent the cracks.

Rigid surfaces are best for obvious reasons. Bending the crackle finish could pop off the paste.

Do not use a heat gun or hair dryer to speed the drying time it could impact the final finish. A fan is a good alternative.


On this altered book I started by spreading the Crackle Paste over a surface of uneven light molding paste on the front cover and a thin coat of the Crackle Paste by itself on the back cover. I left a fan on the book overnight so it would be completely dry in the morning. After applying a thin coat of fluid acrylic(Quinacridone Crimson) I rubbed away the excess paint to reveal the fine cracks then added a coat of navy blue shoe polish paying special attention to the spine. Add a bit of pale green spray paint to the edges of the book and splotches to the front and back covers. Glue on a few embellishments to the front cover to finish the cover of this house book. Now the real work begins inside!

Visual Journaling Tues ..Wed Studio Play March 8&9

Visual Journaling CDA Creative Element 4:30pm-7:30 pm Tonight using Stencils in your Journal. I will bring a variety of stencils pen and a bit of paint. You bring scissors and a glue stick. See you there! Call for info 208-667-0813

Wed Studio Play on Monroe. Exploring how to use various mediums including Soft Gel only $10 Come on out and try it before you buy it!

MaryJo McGraw: Hey all

www.livelovenstamp.blogspot.com/

MaryJo McGraw: Hey all

MaryJo McGraw: Hey all

Hey all

Time to Blog hop
www.livelovenstamp.blogspot.com/ Go Check out my friend Tina Covingtons blog!

This week MArch 1 & 2 Valley & Monroe Stores

LOTS happening this week
At Altered books in the Valley ....Simply Black & White bring your favorite black pad and favorite white pens ( sharpie Poster paint work well) and a willingness to play thats it! 4:30- 6:30
Visual Journaling at Monroe SAS 5:30 - 7:30 Bring along your junk mail for a bit of GREEN! Recycling can be fun and addictive!
Both of these classes are FREE
Saturday at Creative Element is Metallic Stamping $25 everything is provided and you'll learn several Faux metal techniques with just a bit of ink, pens and embossing powder!

Lazy weekend

Its been a lazy weekend here sunny but not quite warm enough to be outside. It is looking like an early spring and I for one cannot wait!
It just a little over a month away for our North Idaho Stamp Show and I am still on the computer every night looking for new places to post about it on the internet. Trying to get everyone locally on board and still deal with all the stuff we regularly have going on.....my oh my time is running out!!!!!

MaryJo McGraw: New visual journal pages

MaryJo McGraw: New visual journal pages: "these pages are for a small (7.5x5.5) journal I am working on. I am working in a variety of mediums as usual. Setacolor,charcoal,punched p..."

New visual journal pages

these pages are for a small (7.5x5.5) journal I am working on. I am working in a variety of mediums as usual. Setacolor,charcoal,punched paper faces,pens,pencils,crayons and oil pastels.

We will be covering how to create iridescent paints and how to use these paints in mediums and glazes!

4:30 pm TODAY

We are starting that Visual Journaling group(at creative element) in Coeur d Alene this coming Tuesday Feb 8th. Just bring a journal or altered book any size or shape a pencil glue stick and scissors. We will start at 4:30 and end around 6:30ish maybe a bit later ,Thats it! Even if you can come for only an hour DO IT!

Hey There!

We are starting a new Visual Journaling group at Creative Element in Coeur d Alene this coming Tuesday Feb 8th. Just bring a journal or altered book any size or shape. We will start at 4:30 and end around 6:30ish bring along a pencil and scissors ,Thats it! Even if you can come for only an hour DO IT!
BTW all the back issues of Somerset Studio Mags are 50% off and all the TJ design kits are also 50% off(just clearing the decks for new stuff and for the Stamp Show in April)
See you there!

Good winter so far

This winter has not been too much of anything ...yet. A little snow, a little ice and some rain so far so good as long as Spring shows up this year.
This week Feb 1st 2011 ALTERED BOOKS at the vAlley store on Sprague.
WED Feb 2nd 2011 Visual Journals at the Monroe store. Just join us for both they are free classes.

Check out the classes and info for our Idaho Show at www.northidahorubberstamp.com

Friday in the Valley 4:30 pm Jan 21,2011

3rd Fridays at Spokane Art TOO CARDMAKERS MONTHLY has become MIXED MEDIA MONThLY in the Valley each month a different technique Everything included for only $10 call for details 509-892-0352
Jan 21 Creating Acrylic Glazes
Feb18 Polymer Clay

I will be digging out tomorrow, Hamish is loving it

not tonight too much snow

Greetings!
A Last Minute Cancellation-Wed. 01/12!

Due to weather beyond our control, tonight's "Studio Play" class at the N. Monroe Spokane Art Supply has been cancelled. The good news is that MaryJo McGraw, the guru herself, is safely tucked away in her lavish, art-deco, unabomberish house in North Idaho. The bad news is that MaryJo McGraw, the guru herself, is safely stuck in her lavish, art-deco, unabomberish house in North Idaho.

Please feel free to pass along this note to anyone you know who usually attends

, and we hope to see you next Wednesday (01/19) for Stamp Club!

Sincerely,
Craig Marshall
Spokane Art Supply

TODAY Jan 9 2011

Cannot believe it is 2011. This will be my 8th year living in Idaho. Time is reeling by! Today I have an Encaustic Class at the Store on Monroe.I am so grateful that I still get to do this...teach, that is and live here while I do it.

A NEW year!

there is so much going on already.
a North Idaho Stamp show here in Coeur D ALene the first weekend in April.
Chris Cozen and Teesha Moore are coming to teach this year At the main store in Spokane. More info on these events coming soon, very soon!
This coming weekend I am doing a class on Encaustic art Sat only $45 at Spokane Art Supply on Monroe call to join in 509-327-6622

well its winter!

Take it slow people the roads are crazy! At least up by me. The snow has piled up fast and I am hoping for a bit of a warming spell just to clear the driveway.
This Week at the Visual journaling group on Wed Dec 1st 5:30 pm we will be creating characters (dollies) from assorted parts bring along scissors, pens and glue stick.

heading home

It was a long strange trip to LA as usual. Classes and show went well. Got to visit with friends. Had a great trip with my Dad in the desert and I am heading home With Hamish( my big dog) soon. Looks like this week we are having the long awaited snow and freezing weather brrrr. I will post some pictures when I get back

Let me know what you think of this new design

Oh and this coming Wed is Studio Play 5:30pm Acrylic as Watercolor Abstract. I will have several surfaces for you to try! Only $10
Also my JudiKins Warehouse classes are filling up fast (weird huh?)
so call 310-515-1115 for class info or go to the JK website to paypal it!

Sunday!!!!!!!! party party

I am just a bit overloaded trying to get stuff done for this weekend.....which by the way....
we are am doing the annual Christmas/Halloween Open House Ornament exchange this Sunday at 1pm- to whenever. All our local groups are invited! Most of you already know.
If you can come bring one handmade ornament (it could have been made by you or by someone else ...this year, last year whenever) and bring along your favorite drink snack or dessert to share. Bill and I are making White Chicken Chili & Stromboli along with other asst goodies...AND BREAD of course..So dig out some old ornament you made and come on up! Call me at the store if you need more directions. cda 208-667-0813 or dt 509 -327-6622
Please do not arrive before 1pm and park as far in as you can!!!!!
I have written directions at the stores.
For all you kids that are out of the area we will try to post some video stay tuned!!!!

ONgoing stuff and JK warehouse surprise classes in Nov

MUCH stuff going on at all the local stores so see our Blog spokanestamper.blogspot.com for details if you are in the Spokane/Coeur d Alene area.

As for Classes while I am in California for the Carson show I think these are the classes I will be doing Nov 15 at the JudiKins warehouse Monday after the show.

Micro Glaze A to Z 10 -1pm $30
Micro Glaze is an amazing clear wax originally intended to protect paper and in this class you will discover just how versatile this stuff is!
Everything you'll need to know about this product including resist, masking and Pearl Ex techniques.
MaryJo will also cover uses for journals,cards, altered art and more. You'll leave with several finished cards.

Art Pages for Cardmakers 2-5pm $30
Creative play with intent! Learn how playing with brayer and a variety of JK products to create beautifully easy 8.5x11 sheets of MatteKote paper
to cut into quick cards for any occasion. Super fun and fast you'll finish several sheets in class.

Great Art Adventure this weekend

Do Not miss it if you are in the area this weekend only!20% extra off everything!
We will have all kinds of demos and classes, new Products and much more.
Magdalena Muldoon and Montana Spray Paint I cannot wait!!!!!!!

The Great Art Adventure is this coming weekend Sept 23-26

And I urge all of you in the Spokane area to join us for the fun. Classes, free demos and great sale prices on everything (20% off even the closeouts and clearance stuff)!
I am most excited about Magdalena Muldoon coming from MercArt to teach her incredible embossed metal techniques. Magdalena is a master of repose metal art and it is a great chance to learn this gorgeous art from her. Call for class times and details 509-327-6622

Autumn is here

The weather has changed truly over the weekend and fall is here. We had the stove going last night for the first time and Tea is looking like a nice option to iced coffee!
I am really just getting my hanging pots going well...sad because I am sure a frost will hit here soon and that will be that.

OH well for you locals Studio Play is tonight and we are doing Clear Tar Gel a bit different though so join us if you can, $10 gets you in.

mucho to do before Stamapway

The year is speeding by again, I cannot believe it is August and time for Stampaway USA again. This is the 18th year and I have not missed a single one.... truly unbelievable. It is the Last BIG FAT RUBBERSTAMP SHOW (Cincinatti OH)
so if you have never been make an effort you will not be dissapointed. To think that all the shows were once like this show is sorta sad and yet it is the the way of things,a weeding out of sorts. I do think they will make a comeback soon they just need to change a bit so if you can get out and support the folks who are still plugging away at it!
This week at SPOKANE ART SUPPLY there will not be a Studio Play WED!!!!!!!Take Note local Spokanites our next stamp club meeting is the 18th and I will bring the goodies from Stampaway and a report on the goings on. MORE stencils are on the way from Crafters Warehouse and COFFEEBREAK design don miss it!!!!

I do have a TRIFOLD card class at Creative Element on August 21 10am-1pm everything is provided. call 208-667-0813 I just posted a pic on Facebook of the style of card!

hey there Visual Journal people and Altered Book Folk

Altered book Night and Visual Journaling this coming week
OK Gang this Tuesday is Altered book night in the vally at Spokane Art Supply TOO on Sprague...I will be there a bit early at 4pm I need to leave just a bit early. I will take your through the steps of this week chalenge and let you on your own the last half hour...I will bring a surprise project so just bring scissors and a black stamp pad.

For you visual journalers Nikki Gamon will be showing us her fabulos fabric journals
Check out her awesome stuff at www.artquiltplay.blogspot.com Do not miss this one!!!!!!

ART on a Lark this weekend July 31st Aug 1st

My excursion to Stampin Cat Studio was excellent (as always) wonderful people and Lisa always has the best of stamping stuff to buy. Simply the best. Now its onto Art On A Lark this weekend in Hillsboro Or still a few spots open but not much room left check out www.artonalark.com for info ASAP

getting closer and closer to Salem OR

Getting there....Working on the packing.... looking forward to see you all in Salem!Go check out the picture on my Facebook page for the latest shrink plastic card!I am sure there is still a bit of room in the classes.

inks inks inks this week on WED Studio Play!!!

as per requested....we will be talking about a wide range of inks this WED 5:30 pm for Studio Play our $10 mix media class....just show up don't bring a thing! I will have a variety of surfaces this week for you to try out all kinds of ink! Bring a friend!

Encaustic again!!!! July 17 10-4 At Spoakane Art DT

doing it again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Encaustic workshop by popular demand...only 6 students a small intimate class check out my Facebook page for the latest sample.

big heads in the valley tonight!!!!

TONIGHT JULY 6th and tomorrow

Tonight 4:30pm (afternoon really) in the Valley store its Altered books. We will be working on oversized collage and over painting techniques. You do not have to know anything just bring an old book. call 208-667-0813 for info
Tomorrow at our store on Monroe....visual journaling at 5:30 Cindy and Betsy will be showing us how to do Citra-solve transfers and we will talk about other types of transfers too!

iris 2010

July is on it way!!!

Which means I am getting ready for classes in Spokane, Portland, Salem and Cincinnati.
The yard is going crazy lots of things in bloom, perrenials mainly, I did not get much planted in the way of veggies this year with the very late start.
I thought I would share a picture of one of my Salem classes at Stampin Cat using Outlines Flower stamps and Chalk Inks.

Collage on Canvas June 19th

It is already the middle of the year can you believe it and summer classes in the Inland Northwest are coming fast and furious. If you are in the area in June I am doing a great class for those wishing to learn about collage in your own style!!!
June 19th a single day workshop on collage on canvas but you can work on any surface you would like. Learn to paste up your favorite images into a cohesive piece of work or if you love landscape we can cover that as well. I will be showing you how to collage with or without wrinkles, add details with dry media and use acrylic to your best advantage.
I will also be showing how to create a faux beeswax finish using gel mediums.
It is a punchcard class so rack them up and get a Free Class by the Fall!!!!!

visual journalling tonight

here we go Visual Journaling tonight
here are a couple of shot of last nights Altered book group OK these are my pages I will try to upload some of the VJournals tonight after group.

Altered books tomorrow in the valley

Altered books in the Valley (SAS TOO)at 4:30. We will be finishing up covers and inserting new pages. Bring along your book and scissors. Come and join us just for fun! Bring along a hard cover book or two, we work on books but these ideas can be used for many projects including greeting cards.

Start Spreading the NEWS!

OK to catch you all up on the schedule..
You all know that I do not travel like I use too and I am expecting to do less and less as the years go by so come and see me if I am in your area! If you have never taken class with me I love to share my ideas, practical applications and knowledge with all. My main goal is for everyone to have fun otherwise why do it !
None of the classes at either store are on the same subject matter so come and join us for them all!!!!
At the end of July I will be heading over to the Portland area.
Salem OR first.... July 24th at Stampin Cat Studio. Lisa has an awesome store!
3 super quick and easy summer classes. Join us for the whole day or just a bit.....
Fluid Chalk Florals with Outlines stamps
Blinging Summer Stained Glass
Shrink Plastic
I love going to see all the ladies at the CAT! It is a relaxing atmosphere and we have a lot of laughs and learn a bunch too!!
See www.stampincat.com for details or call 503-390-2553

Then....A new place but an old friend! Art on a Lark in Hillsboro OR July 31 Aug 1 with my pal Helen Bosely some of you may remember the events she used to put on at her famous store Trifles back east! We had some fabulous times there and now I look forward to seeing her new place ARt on a Lark that she has started with her sister. Call 503-648-4395 for details or check out www.artonalark.com
I am teaching a bit artsier classes more like what I do for Spokane Art and Creative Element here in Idaho.
These Classes are longer and more detailed ( just so you know) and more like what I taught at the Art Retreats like ArtFest and cover a broad array of materials and techniques
Creative Cards Making
Mixed Media Collage
Encaustic Techniques

And of course StampawayUSA THE BEST SHOW IN THE COUNTRY!!!!!!!!
August 12-15 Cincinatti OH
I will be there with Elaine Madrid of Carmen's Veranda More on that soon. For Class info www.stampawayusa.com

this weekend!

ONE MORE TIME!!!! Encaustic techniques class this Saturday one spot left!!!! call 208-667-0813 for info or sign up. This one will be at Creative Element in CDA 210 w Sunset.
Tonight Studio Play at 5:30 pm Diamond Glaze glazing techniques!

VISUAL Journals this wed

We start our new summer group this wed May 5th Cinco de Mayo! In Visual Journaling we will be exploring a wide range of methods to expand your creative endeavors. Our first night we will use a few simple exercises to get us all on track. Join us at 5:30 pm bring along a journal of any size or shape to work in and your favorite medium .... pencil, collage,pastel, pens..... anything! I will bring in my journals for you to check out and if you have any journals you want to share bring them along.

Transfer Technique

transfer techniques
APRIL 24 th 10am-4pm
$50 All Levels Welcome
Call 509-327-6622
The space is limited only a couple of spaces left!


Learn a variety of interesting techniques for transferring pictures from magazines and color copies into your artwork using a mix of common products. In this class you will learn to create skins from acrylic paints, transfer pictures on laminate and polymer clay, use polymer gels to easily transfer pictures and understand solvent transfers.
Do bring a few toner based copies and favorites magazine pictures if you like. or just bring yourself and use MaryJo's stuff.
Do bring a notebook and an apron

pastel

I have been working in my sketch journals lately in pastels (chalk)and enjoying it way too much. It certainly is messy (especially sitting in bed)but so much fun! The amount of instant color is incredible. This is a journal that we started trading at stamp club (some of you may recognize the shape) but I have since been using it as a conceptual workbook for some acrylic paintings.

ITS COMING something NEW for Spokane.
Building on creating a fun place to hang out with other artists I hope if you are in the area you'll Join us (at SAS DT) from May through September on the first Wed of each month for our new Visual Journaling Group.
Each month our classroom will be open to anyone and everyone that wants to expand their creativity with new media, techniques, exercises and ideas from a variety of local artists who use sketchbooks and visual journals as workbooks, diaries and more!
STARTING May 5th at 5:30pm

Spring 2010

Today is a rather grim beginning certainly not the sunny gorgeous day we had yesterday. I was really looking forward to opening the windows again today...so far I still have the heater on so maybe not.
I looked at this painting I have been working on.....Its been on the wall 6 months I should be ready to varnish. I think I am almost done. Take a picture look at it again.
Very Green, I know, thinking about a series of these. I will keep you posted

So this week much to do. Better get to i.
Next Sat March 27 Encaustics at Creative Element very limited class size only 2 spaces left. $50 give us a call for more info 208-667-0813

encaustic mop heads from this weekend

I have since add copic markers posterman and buffed to heck out of these and they will most likely look different the next time you see them.

the weekend....

was great I am still getting things done but it is distracting outside, 60 and sunny and so much needs to be done.So much that I never get done in the fall. I need to move rocks and rake up just about every square inch of the yard.
It has not been a hard winter but a wet one so everything is mucky,grimy and muddy.
I have not really touched the garage since my series of sales so that is another job for the sunny spring days.
Meanwhile the bulbs are coming up so I am happy and the first little spring wildflowers are popping up which is a true bright spot in my weekend!

As for classes and such this week Wed is Stamp club at 5:30 -7:30pm and I want you to all to bring a small canvas to work on.
I am also doing another encaustic workshop at the CDA store Creative Element the last Sat of this month March 27th 11-4 $50 call for details 208-667-0813

Crack pics

Studio Play this wed at 5:30pm

Join me at the DT SAS for Studio Play our mixed media try it night. For $10 come and try Crackle Paste as a faux mosaic

This weekend and next March 6&7 March 13th&14th

The next 2 weekends at SAS (Spokane ArtSupply) will be Mixed Media Madness 2 weekends in a row with myself and my friend Linda Malcolm (of Lost Coast Designs)teaching workshops.

Mine, this weekend,is a technique oriented workshop featuring fabric,paint and a variety of distressing methods like the ones I use on portrait pieces. Also working on paper and fabric surfaces.

Linda's is a small scale collage as self portrait, really fun & very cool a perfect class to get your feet wet if you have ever wanted to try mixed media collage!

Altered books in the valley today!!! 4:30

Bring your scissors we will be cutting big heads, doing a monchromatic collage and poetry words.

OMG .......check out the largest stampstore !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMR5eWt9WZ4

stainglass in the Valley Friday (tomorrow)

This is the beginning of the stainglass project next an acetate layer. I am teaching this in the valley tomrrow at 4:30 $20 everything is provided.

Mixed media class coming very limited space

Hey all,
March 6&7 I am teaching a mixed media class combining fabric,paint, and distressing techniques. I will be showing the methods I use to create many of the mini potrait pieces like the header of this blog. We will focus on dry media addition to painted works and fabric collage on paper and other surfaces. If you are interested please Contact the store ASAP as there are only a couple of spots left. This will be a very intimate class so plenty of personal instruction on your art!It is a 2 day workshop for $100 call for details.509-327-6622

Michelle from REno had a great Altered book question

Why books after 1949.
Michelle I have found that books from the world war II era specifically 1939-1947 are some of the first done on recycled paper or simply just cheap paper. When you are just starting out working at altering books it is important to choose books on paper that can take the abuse ....inks, paints,gesso,glues,glazes, etc. You want porous but not too porous or even slick but not too slick. Books prior to 1920 are excellent or books after 1950. I like novels from the 70's-80's with cheesy titles!

Alcohol inks today in CDA

We start at 10am if you are up and want to learn about what to do with those alcohol inks you have sitting there. Join us! we will make a little bracelet and a bunch of cards in this 3 hour class.

tomorrow night ALTERED BOOKS & visual journals

Club on WED. Don't forget you books!!!!!!
Any type of book will work but the easiest is 2 inch width with a hard cover and published after 1949. If you want to bring some personal collage material and scissors that is good too! see you at 5:30pm

Upcoming stuff

Still no video from CHA. It was a bit messed up on the MAc so I turned it over to Ken at the shop to see if he could make something out of it. Time will tell.
Meanwhile this week we have Studio Play at the Downtown store using Watercolor Crayons and WC pencils. This is a great intro to water media so join us at 5:30 pm for only $10.

The big Encaustic Class is this Saturday Feb 13th which I am looking forward to since this is my favorite media. It is so immediate and yet changeable. Finding enough heating trays skillets etc has been a challenge I think I have it covered after this weekends thrift store foray. There are still 2 spaces open.

Next week we have CLUB on Wed. Fat books.... I am determined to get one done for everyone so be there to see if I make my goal. BTW we have things trickling in already from CHA Lots of new Stardream paper and the new COREdinations paper which is excellent for distress techniques, staining and sanding. It has a nice canvas like texture. I am hoping for the new distress ink colors to show up... so far every place I have ordered has them back ordered. Lots of new Pergamano tools too if you love paper piercing.

See you in Spokane!

hoping to post some video of my trip soon

Ken is working on it as we speak so check back for a preview in the next day or so!
GREAT News Magdalena Muldoon is coming to teach for our September show. I cannot wait for you all to meet her and take her repose metal classes!

go check out

two websites and let me know what you think about #1 Julie Suchanek's site paintingsbyjulee.com Julie is the framer at Spokane Art and an incredible painter of photo realism AWESOME!
#2 Let me know how the mini video works to display projects on spokanestampers.com

Collage cards this week!

Two different styles of collage cards this week, The first one at Wed club downtown crazy messy collage with tape. We also have a surprise guest wire jewelry artist coming in to demo right at 5:30 so try to get there ASAP! Club is always Free so don't miss it.

On Friday at the valley a bit more sophisticated collage look wrapped on board, gorgeous!
I supply it all for $20 join us.

Encaustic Class and this weeks Mixed Media class

Hope the New Year is going well!
It has been pretty cold this weekend but again no real snow (4 inches or more) So its a great NEW Year so far.
I did a sample for the Encaustic Class I am doing see the schedule for times.
Also a reminder that the mixmedia STUdio Play is Wed at 5:30 pm $10 we will be trying out pastelschalks and charcoal. Join us for the fun just 10 bucks,don't bring a thing!

The Holidays ,as usual have, flown by......

And I am working on on flyers and such for up coming classes. We are starting this week (Tuesday Jan 5th) off with our club in the valley. We are working on Altered books and I hope anyone that is interested will join us at SAS Too on Sprague. Bring a hardcover book to work in. We will be painting pages with fluid acrylics and using gesso to create texture and more. Check the ongoing classes and my schedule for all the upcoming classes.

It was a bit of a surprise to me that I will be going to CHA this year. I am looking forward to it since I have not been in a while. I will be looking for new products, companies and techniques to show. I can't wait to see you all roaming the hall!

My Encaustic workshop at the Downtown store on Monroe is on Sat February 13th. This is purely an encaustic class. We will be focusing on using the NEW hotcakes wax paints and beeswax with a variety of techniques including stencils and transfers.

Ornament exchange and other stuff

Ok I have had a few requests for Ornament exchange info so here goes.....
If you are in the area call me at the store for detailed directions as I will NOT post them on either blog you can phone into 509-327-6622 or come by the store and pick up directions.

I wish everyone could come so we will try to show something onthe blog that night hopefully the ornaments!

Here goes
If you are coming you must bring a wrapped handmade ornament (just one) and some type of munchie/dessert snack item.
We will be starting at 4pm but the exchange will not start till 5ish.
I will have drinks etc. So don't miss it!