Today studio play @ creative element collage with gel mediums
Wed visual journaling @5:30pm one more big head project!

This week ...tuesday at creative element simple collage with gel mediums 4:30pm. call 208 667 0813 to reserve a space

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Hope to see many of you today at Studio Play! If you have never come to Studio PLAY saturday come by and see what its all about.

We still have space in Quote Collage studio play this Saturday.Bring your favorite quote,saying, song or just a word and we'll put together a wall worthy piece of art. Only $25 for the day.....bring a few brushes and something to paint on. Call today to reserve a space 509 327 6622

New journal with Coffeebreak design stencils

A closeup of card i willbe doing at the northidahorubberstamp.com show

Is this not the cutest little card? Gretchen Ersham sent this.I love it.

Creative element March27 ALTERED BOOKS 4:30

Tuesday Altered Book group

Altered book group  Tuesday at Creative Element 4:30pm go check out my facebook page for a picture. I am having computer issues this week sorry.......
We are doing big headed popups and more don't miss the fun...its FREE.

MY NEW secret blog!

If you check out the sidebar and see a paypal button....yes I am finally doing something online. After realizing that I cannot go out on the road as much due to many factors(including my new grandbaby coming next month) I wanted to do online classes. Starting to work on that I decided I do not have the technical skills or the time since I still work fulltime.
Then I thought about a subscription blog could be the answer for me........ YEAH!
So you will get a full year of (24) projects/techniques and info for $35 such a deal! May will be about bacgrounds for cards and journals. I hope you all will join me.

well here I go again....new background...give me a comment either way....thumbs up ?

So Tonight....

At Spokane Stampers tonight 5:30 I will have a fun little paper project and  we will be talking about all the stuff going on at our little Idaho Stamp Show.

We have some spots left for our Studio Play Sat NEXT weekend March 31st!

Meanwhile here is a sample from Mariels Pan Pastel class at the show. Check out www.northidahorubberstamp.com for more info!

GETTING closer to the North Idaho Rubberstamp &Paper Art show

Still 4 weeks away and I know these next few weeks will feel like a runaway train!
I hope all of you that follow this blog will post it everywhere you can
www.northidahorubberstamp.com or come over to Facebook and LIKE us.
I know you all can't come so just let us know you are wishing you could.
There will be a Zentangle demo running on Sat!

We are excited to have demos in every booth and some great classes. This year we have added door prizes in every class and show admission is FREE to those who attend classes so if you are in the Coeur d Alene area on April 14th&15th come on by for all the fun!

Happy St Patrick's Day

A bit of the green today..........

TODAY its raining a sign that spring is almost here

I am hoping to get out this weekend maybe in the morning and redo my porch...company is coming for Chelsea's Baby Shower....I cannot wait...I am going to be a Grandma soon!
I think I am going to need to do a few baby things very soon maybe a chipboard book!

Looking back into all my photos I found this ....Hope you all like it

more pop ups from the old days

Back from my old green book more fun pop ups out of Nat Geo back issues

Wed Studio Play MArch 14th

Well Studio Play this month will be an assorted affair....  try a few mediums wet.....be there for the fun only $10
Spokane Art Supply 1303 n Monroe

house 947

weekends

This weekend looks like our first true spring one and I am looking forward to getting outside so for something for the rest of you to do I have this

 Crackle Paste is easy to use. Simply spread
it on and let it dry.

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.
Add any acrylic paint  at a 10 part paste to 1 part color ratio, too much color can affect the crackle.
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!

more pages

viva las vegastamps journal page

Check out this image from Wayne Steampunk stuff and Foiled Tissue Tape made from his one inch miracle tape

Spokane Art Supply Wed March 7 2012

Join us at 5:30 pm for Visual journaling at Spokane Art Supply on Monroe we will be talking about our March Studio Play Day and creating pennants & more in our journals...bring along what you have been working on to share!

little house journal page

Join us In Coeur d Alene TODAY 4:30pm

see you today at Creative Element for Studio Play only $10 check out my FaceBook Page for a photo!

OH my this week at Spokane Art and Creative Element

OK all.... Tuesday is March 6th 2012 and we will be working at Creative Element on a Studio Play project Coarse molding paste covered in gesso and copper paint $10 we start at 4:30pm be there with bells on! On Wed March 7th Visual Journaling at Spokane Art on Monroe creating pennants and using charcoal to liven up your journal. Its FREE so bring your journal and join us!

ALL DAY studio Play Sat FEB 25th 3 spots left

Only 3 spots left for this weekend call in today to hold your spot for All Day Abstracts!

Altered book journal Next tuesdayFEB 28th

Online class soon

OK it is taking me longer than it should! I had many more things to get into place before I could really get going. It is going though. Today I am working on photos and putting them in order...back into my studio! This week in Coeur d Alene, Creative Element, we have Altered books next Tuesday FEB 28th

4:30 pm. Come and join us if you are in the area And....Go check out the website for the SHOW www.northidahorubberstamp.com Here is a pic of Elaine Madrid's Smash Journal she will be teaching at our show

today

Join us at Spokane Art Supply today for a fun card project 5:30 pm Bring your scissor and exacto knife....I will bring the rest!

TUESDAY &WEDSday FEb 14th-15th We are ON

YES! Valentines afternoon 4:30pm Join Me for a quick Paper bag heart project for Visual Journaling at Creative Element...... And on Wed for Stamp Club downtown a quick card project for everyone....If you have a small heart punch bring it to either class see you there!

as you can see

I can't leave anything alone for too long! It does make me nuts though all the details that go into a new template for a blog. As usual there is a lot going on....... This week we have studio Play at Creative Element ( BEAD GEL THIS WEEK)and Visual Journaling at Spokane Art Supply (PLAYING WITH PAPER BAGS). I am looking forward to seeing you all and hoping everyone can make it. OUR stamp show is underway again check out www.northidahorubberstamp.com for the details on the classes and much more. We have a facebook page for the show and I have pinned onto pinterest! go look for it and give it a repin. Here is a preview of Elaine Madrid's Smashing Journal Class at the SHOW APRIL 14th-15th

today Visual Journaling

5:30 pm today at Spokane Art Supply on Monroe join us for some fun with magazine pages! Bring along a magazine you can cut up and scissors thats it!

today in Couer d Alene at Creative Element

Altered Books Today at 4:30 bring a book you would like to alter and I will show you some fun techniques! call for more info 208-667-0813

sorry gang no club tonight!

Just to crazy waiting for snowmaggedon...so I stayed home.On a snow day like today it takes me 2 hours to get to Spokane so I think my time is better spent at home on the computer getting ready for classes and our APRIL STAMP SHOW check out www.northidahorubberstamp.com for the classes and such!

this weekend ALLday Studio Play

This weekend we have room for a few more folks. Come and join us for Allday Studio Play at 10am Sat. $25 gets you a table where you can do your own project or join us for a mixed media FREeforALL call Friday to reserve a space....there are just 4 spots left! 509-327-6622 call for details

this week Jan 9-14

This week visa versa Visual Journaling at CDA bring along a square or round punch at least an inch and assort pens! at Spokane Art DT on Monroe STUDIO PLAY $10 coarse Molding paste. We have 6 spots left for our weekend Studio Play $25. We will be working on a four panel screen approx 12 inches high one of a kind project! Jan 14th Sat 10-4 bring along you own paint brushes favorite glue and ephemera Call me with questions on any of this weeks events at 509-327-6622

Happy 2012!

Another year gone by...amazing...the years just fly by faster and faster!
Well this year I have a big goal, online classes. I hope that by March I will have a few up and I hope you all will bug me to stay on task. It has been tough to get anything extra done with a full time job.
In the meantime, I will be doing the local classes each month here in Spokane and in Coeur d Alene.
I will be traveling a bit Cincinnati (one more time) Puyallup Wa, Orange County Ca and hopefully Portland OR. I am trying to set up classes in those locations, info will come soon.
Hope you are all having a wonderful Holiday season,

its Dec and I have not posted for a whole MONTH

Time passes so quickly here! I seriously cannot believe it have been a month since I posted something. OK the big news. My daugther Chelsea and her husband Nic are having a baby! YAY! I am so excited!!!!!!! We are all so happy about it. Our Stamp show news is coming soon, the date are April 14-15 2011 get on our facebook page so you can keep up with it all! The month of December is always a bit crazy so here is an updated schedule as weather permits of course: this week Dec 6th studio Play at Creative Element 4:30 pm Dec 7th Downtown Visual Journaling 5:30pm Check out SpokaneStampers.blogspot.com for more info Dec13 Creative Element Visual Journaling Dec14 Studio Play at SAS downtown Dec 17th is our Christmas Party at my place anyone who has come to any of our groups is welcome. Email me for details maryjomcgraw@aol.com or call 509-327-6622

THIS FALL upcoming events and classes

OUR very FIRST Altered Book Group Meets this Tuesday Oct 25th 4:30 - 6:30pm at CREATIVE ELEMENT I bring it all except for scissors and your book! Join us for the very first meeting Its FREE ( tips are gladly accepted!) Bring a used book or 2 approx 2 inch depth hardcover Next weekend Oct 29th we are trying something NEW and FUN! Join us at the Monroe Spokane Art Supply 10am for and open All Day Studio Play for only $20 you get a table to play on all day and use of paints mediums and waxes. Bring along your latest work in progress and MaryJo will help you along with ideas and suggestions or just bring a journal or altered book to play in. You must call in and let us know you are coming table space is limited 509-327-6622 or email me directly maryjomcgraw@aol.com SATURDAY NOV 5th 12-3pm Basic Copic Marker Class $25 Bring along you markers and come learn all the basic techniques, feathering and about the copic numbering system. If you don't have markers you can borrow mine. Bring along an image you would like to color. I will have many for you to choose from too! Nov 10 Thursday Creative Element 4-6pm Copic Marker 2 beyond the basics, more techniques and surfaces to try out. You will be amazed at what you can do with these incredible PENS! Only $20 EMAIL me with any questions maryjomcgraw@aol.com or catch me on Facebook!

Hey all if you are in the area this weekend we have the BEAD STAMPEDE ( spokane fairgrounds) this Fri Sat Sun Oct 14 15 16. I will be there Sat Demonstrating a few crazy techniques all day! check out the link above for more info ....and you can stop by Creative Element and Spokane Art Supply for free passes! Or simply print this and bring it in for a free day pass!

OCT 11th 2011

TODAY Tuesday Oct 11 2011 is Visual Journaling at Creative Element 4:30 we will be using gesso for all kinds of tricks don't miss the fun! Tomorrow at SAS on Monroe Faux Encaustic only $10 don't bring a thing just show up at 5:30pm

Faux Encaustic & Gesso tricks for journals

This week At Creative Element Tues 4:30-6:30 We will be playing with a few different gels and paints to create a faux encaustic look over collage. Join us for only $10 loads of fun and a great technique to try! At SAS Monroe 5:30-7:30 Visual Journaling Gesso tricks and treats also try the Silverpoint medium too plus a look at all the new Pitt(FAT)pens and the Aqua Markers!!!!! ITS FREE

Hey there Local Spokanites and CDA'rs too, Spokane Art Supply's BIGGEst Sale of the year is Next weekend..OCT 1-2,The Great Art Adventure is filled with demos from all ends of the art spectrum.... companies like Golden M Graham, Pebeo, Strathmore and Northlight books will be represented along with many others PLUS you get 20% off of almost everything in the store including sale items and Closeouts. OH and by the way Montana Spray Paints are BACK!!!!!!! LOTs of new Stencils From Crafters Workshop and CoffeeBREAK design too! STAMPS, PAPER AND all kinds of crafty goodies including Tim's Holtz Idealogy....its only ONCE a year so don't miss it. LikeUnlike · · Share ·

MaryJo McGraw: This Month WHATS UP???

MaryJo McGraw: This Month WHATS UP???: OK this week Tuesday Sept 13th Creative Element for Visual Journaling at 4:30pm-7 pm join us for Tissue paper fun...crazy textured backgroun...

This Month WHATS UP???

OK this week Tuesday Sept 13th Creative Element for Visual Journaling at 4:30pm-7 pm join us for Tissue paper fun...crazy textured backgrounds and more doodling. Bring your best black pen and scissors! OH..... and a journal. DT Spokane Art Supply Back to Basics for Studio Play Mixed Media Techniques that work Masking Tape and Glazes...don't miss it only $10! We start at 5:30pm OCT 1st & 2nd MARK your Calendars for OUR Great Art Adventure FREE Demos All Day both days all kinds of media and products are featured and its a Free for all of FUN!!!!! The best part is 20% off everything in the store even sale items. We only do it ONCE a year so don't miss it!!!!!

I'M BACK!

WED is Stamp Club and I hope you will all be there you know who you are!!!!! IT will be BRAYER MADNESS!

Hitting the ROAD!

With Elaine (Carmens Veranda)!
we will be at the Novi Heirloom stamp show this weekend. I have classes at the show Fri and shhhhh I added a few spaces to my classes so you might be able to get in even though it may say its full on their site. www.heirloompro.com The following weekend we are at Stampaway USA...no classes but a demo you won't want to miss late on Sat! BTW I am now on Twitter! better late than never..
SO come by and see us...Elaine has some great new stamps and I can show you how to use them!

coming up on a very busy week

so much to be done!
This Tuesday at Creative Element AUG 2nd Studio Play.... we will explore the many uses for CRACKLE Paste. Join us for only $10 ...don't bring a thing.

WED AUG 3rd
at the SAS on Monroe Visual Journaling We will be talking about DOTS and Dashes and hopefully checking out the works from the Teesha Moore class attendees

I will be in OHIO for the week of Aug 8-12 so all classes that week are cancelled sorry GANG!

Whats Going on ???

I have not posted that I will be at the NOVI Heirloom stamp show this coming August. It will be here before we know it! So if you are interested go to www.HEIRLOOMPRO.com
I will also be at the 19th YEAR of Stampaway USA for Carmen's Veranda. No classes at that show but I will be doing the 3pm demo...so stop by the Carmen's booth for a chat and see what cool new stuff we have!

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