The Elemental Journal

The Elemental Journal by Tammy Kushnir is a newly released book from North Light Books. I received a review copy from the publishers and have thoroughly enjoyed looking through its pages.

This book offers a unique take on journaling in several ways. While many books of this type focus on content, The Elemental Journal focuses on structure. Tammy takes the reader through 15 different journal stuctures and presents step-by-step written instructions and step-out images so that anybody can recreate the designs. The instructions are clear and basic enough for the beginner but allow for enough creativity and variation to satisfy the more seasoned book artist. The projects are organized by material, with sections on wood, plastic, paper, fabric, and metal. And for all the lovers of found objects and believers of being green, many of the supplies she uses are repurposed and recycled. Threaded throughout the book are also several galleries of journals created by many well known artists.

-------------------------

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader can win a copy of The Elemental Journal. For a chance to win, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post by Thursday 3/31. The winner will be on announced on my Facebook page on Friday 4/1. Please be sure I have your email so I can contact the winner directly. Good luck!

The Printed Pattern

I received a reviewer's copy of The Printed Pattern by Rebecca and Yvonne Drury from Interweave Press. The authors are a London-based mother and daughter team best known for their company MissPrint, which specializes in handpainted fabric. I was not sure how useful this book would be for me as my use of fabric in my art is limited to scraps. But I was happy to see that every single technique described could be applied to paper.

The format of the book makes the process of printing very accessible and easily understood. The book is image-heavy and includes step-by-step photos as well as many well-styled pictures of printed items. Following an introduction that describes the basics of printing, The Printed Pattern reviews relief printing, stencil printing, and screen printing. Potato printing, lino printing, eraser printing, rubber-stamp printing, vintage woodblock printing, stencil printing, and multiple methods of screen printing are all covered in detail. The authors even provide seven sample patterns that you can copy and cut out for printing and pattern-making.

-------------------------

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader can win a copy of The Printed Pattern. For a chance to win, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post by Sunday 3/20. The winner will be on announced on my Facebook page on Monday 3/21. Please be sure I have your email so I can contact the winner directly. Good luck!

Graffiti Giveaway

Graffiti Wall 2010: a collaboration between Julie, Lynne, and myself.

It started with this...

painted and altered paper

...and this...

stacks of ephemera

...and turned into this...

my contribution: lost and found

...and ended up here...

photo shoot for somerset studio

...and landed here...

Julie's contribution on the cover

...and could now be in your hands...

------------------

GIVEAWAY

Now that the issue has been released, Julie and I find each other with extra copies of the March/April Somerset Studio to give away. To be eligible to win a copy from me, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post by Tuesday 3/15. I will post the winner's name on my Facebook page on Wednesday 3/16. Please make sure I have your email so I can contact you if you win. And don't forget to visit Julie to leave a comment on her post and double your chances of winning.

The Flavor of the Day

I received a review copy of Mary Beth Shaw's new book Flavor for Mixed Media: A Feast of Techniques for Texture, Color and Layers, hot off the presses from North Light. Mary Beth is joined by 15 well-known artists, all of whom share their techniques and tips for creating mixed-media works of art. In addition, a series of projects are clearly described and illustrated with stepped-out photos. The book approaches art much like a chef approaches food and this theme is carried throughout, even including a number of recipes from the author and the guest artists. Some of the techniques covered that I have not seen in many other mixed-media books include using clayboard as a substrate, using rubbings to create texture and depth, using a collagraph plate, working with Plexiglas, using alcohol inks, creating three dimensional paintings, and using foil as a background.

Mary Beth generously shared her thoughts about her experience creating this book:

When I was contacted by North Light and asked to write a book, my initial reaction was one of disbelief. You want me? Really? I wasn't sure. I mean as much as I had dreamed of writing a book (as a child I imagined myself as a writer, living in a fabulous coastal home), it seemed like the mixed media world had so many books and I questioned if I had what it took to write something different. I wanted to be sure that I could somehow add value to this segment of the art world. It sounds lofty and I was oh-so-holier than thou as I clung to that statement. Truth be known, I was scared. Really really scared.

The idea continued to roll around in my head. I didn't exactly 'decline' the offer, but I didn't exactly jump on it either. I pondered. And pondered. For at least a year, if not more. All the while still thinking about a possible book and contemplating if I had an angle. One day it was suddenly clear to me and I saw the entire thing in my head. That is when I called North Light back because I knew with such certainty and passion that yes! I do have things to say. Ha, anyone who has known me for 2 minutes had probably already guessed that.

Fast forward to the project phase, quickly followed by the guest artist phase, followed by the photo shoot phase followed by the Oh.My.Gosh I really have to write this thing phase. And looking at the computer screen day after day. Working and reworking every single sentence. Then scrapping it all and starting fresh. And getting a case of the jitters. Questioning whether my ideas had any value whatsoever, doubting my ability to pull it off, analyzing my sanity. Oh yeah, talk about second thoughts. But I kept plugging and finally turned my manuscript over, all the while never being sure if I had phrased any of the book in the 'right' way whatever that might be. I was a mass of insecurities, something I don't often show to the outside world, waiting for the edits, imagining the entire book would be rejected with a flurry of red marks.

Fast forward again to the day the advance copy arrived at my house.. I found myself nearly speechless. To see the final product, to hold it in my hands, to flip through it was nearly more than I could bear. Sort of an out of body experience, I really did this?

Before I was teaching, when I was mainly exhibiting at art fairs and galleries, all I ever wanted was for my art to touch people, to find some common ground where someone would be moved by my art. And looking back, I guess that was also my aspiration for the book. To reach a larger audience than I can when I teach. To share the things I have learned, to give others ideas so they might be inspired to make things and yes, cook things!

So now I am to the stage where I am getting emails and blog posts from folks who have actually made projects from the book. I hear lovely comments and see wonderful works of art that the book inspired and I could not be more delighted. I just have to pinch myself to be sure it is all real.

--------------------------

You can visit Mary Beth at her blog The Common Denominator, at her website Mary Beth Shaw, or at her store Stencil Girl Products where she sells her unique, hand-made stencils.

-----------------------

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader can win a copy of Flavor for Mixed Media. For a chance to win, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post by Sunday 3/13. The winner will be on my Facebook page on Monday 3/14. Please be sure I have your email so I can contact the winner directly. Good luck!

In the Moment

THE MOMENTS OF OUR LIVES

Last call. Moments, a one-of-a-kind, mixed media artwork, will be retired from my Etsy shop next week. It is still hoping for a good home.

LISTEN IN

Have you been to the Voodoo Lounge? The wonderful Rice Freeman-Zachery has created a library of original podcasts of artist interviews. Head on over.

FLEETING FRAGMENTS

I am working on a special project with a special person. As we take the next step in the adventure, I thought I would share a few fragments with you.

LASSO YOU

An overdue thank you to Deb Trotter from Cowboy's Sweetheart who gifted me with the Kreative Blogger Award.

AND THE WINNER(S) IS(ARE)

Thanks so much to everybody who signed up for my DisCo bundle giveaway. Congratulations go out to both Dawn Wilson from Creatively Anew and Rebeca Trevino from Obtainium Art, each of whom won a handmade art bundle that was featured in the May/June issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. I am curious to see if you each disintegrate them or keep them as is.

Book 'em

The drawing for and posting of my blog giveaway will take place this Sunday March 28th. If you haven't signed up for a chance to win, leave a comment on this post and tell me which of the following five books you would most like to receive. But hurry, because you only have till the end of today to enter.

Journal Spilling: Mixed-Media Techniques for Free Expression by Diana Trout

Printmaking + Mixed Media: simple techniques and projects for paper and fabric by Dorit Elisha

Collage Unleashed by Traci Bautista

Cover to Cover: Creative Techniques for Making Beautiful Books, Journals & Albums by Shereen LaPlantz

What It Is by Lynda Barry

The drawing will coincide with the first day of The Book Guild.

Beginning March 28th, The Book Guild will meet on my blog every Sunday. Come for links, book reviews, giveaways, interviews with many of your favorite authors, and a few surprises. And come for the discussion that is an integral part of any book club. Hope to see you there!

33,333 Touchdowns & 5 Giveaways

200,000. That number boggles my mind. 200,000 days is equal to 547 years. 200,000 miles is equal to 7,633 marathons. 200,000 calories is equal to 1,000 donuts. And 200,000 visits is equal to 1 very grateful and happy man.

Today my blog counter passed that mind-boggling number. So to celebrate my 200,000 hit and to anticipate the opening of The Book Guild (more info on The Guild soon I promise), I am having a book giveaway. Five different people will each win one of the following books:

Journal Spilling: Mixed-Media Techniques for Free Expression by Diana Trout

Printmaking + Mixed Media: simple techniques and projects for paper and fabric by Dorit Elisha

Collage Unleashed by Traci Bautista

Cover to Cover: Creative Techniques for Making Beautiful Books, Journals & Albums by Shereen LaPlantz

What It Is by Lynda Barry

All you need to do to enter the giveaway is to leave a comment to this post and include the ONE book you would most like to receive. In the end, I will divide the names into five groups based on the book choice, and choose five winners. Please make sure I have a way of contacting you to let you know if you have won. If you do not want to leave your email address within your comment, please send it to me by email.

Comments will be closed late on Friday March 26th and winners will be posted on my blog on Sunday March 28th. Good luck. And thank you all for your visits, your comments, and your support!!

Open for Business

Back to blogging! And what better way to return from a blogging break than with a giveaway. Thanks to everybody who commented on my last post and was automatically entered into my giveaway celebrating two years of The Altered Page. This journey has been such an adventure so far and I am looking forward to many more posts and many more years to come.




So, on to the drawing. Drum roll please. Congratulations go out to:



Pam Huntington












Dayna Collins











Both of you will receive a copy of my zine from The Pulse artist survey. Please email me your mailing addresses and I will have your packages in the mail right away.



Two of my pieces in Etsy will be expiring this week and will not be relisted. Please check them out in my Etsy shop before they disappear. They were both highlighted in this post earlier this year on my blog in honor of Earth Day.

Now we are Two

We interrupt this blogging break for a special announcement: two years ago today The Altered Page was born. For me, birthdays are always cause to reminisce and my thoughts have led me back to my first post. At that time I wrote:

"I have 3 goals in mind for this blog. First, to share my art and receive feedback in return. Second, to share artists, websites, stores, books, ideas, and creations that I have found. And third, to share great art finds from the museums, galleries, and streets of New York."

These goals continue to provide direction for my blog. However, I would add that The Altered Page has become the vehicle for so much more than I could have ever even imagined. It has been the catalyst for and force behind my ongoing artwork. It has led me to develop connections with all of YOU - creative, generous, energetic, and loyal art bloggers and blog readers. And it is the fuel feeding my creative soul.

So how about a small giveaway to celebrate and to say thanks to you all. Please leave a comment on this post and you will be in the running to win a copy of my zine: The Pulse Artist Survey.


You can read more about my zine here. I will be giving away two copies, one to each of two winners. Winners will be announced on Monday August 17. Please be sure I have your email so that I can contact you. And feel free to leave a comment even if you already have a copy of the zine -- they make great gifts!

Good luck and thanks for being part of my journey!

Combo Platter

Weeks of rain in NYC. Following a thunder clapping, sky blackening, torrential downpour last night, the sky turned golden and then hot pink. Pictured above is an unretouched shot of the beautiful moment.

I was lucky enough to have recently met Sarah Fishburn. Sarah and some of her family are on a whirlwind road trip all over the United States. We spent an afternoon together wandering around NYC. Turns out Sarah is as warm, friendly, and humorous as she is talented, creative, and generous. And what a great family too! Sarah wanted me to send a shout out to everybody and let you know that she will be home and back to blogging very soon!



If you liked the journal pages of Barron Storey that I recently highlighted here, head over to Kelly Kilmer's blog to learn a lot more about Barron, his art, and his publications. Thanks for all the info Kelly!








A long overdue thank you to Lynn from Getting my Feet Wet who passed along the Uplifting Blogger Award to me a while back. Thanks Lynn!








And a more timely thank you also goes out to Pat from Artfully Ooglebloops for passing the Kreativ Blogger award on to The Altered Page.





I also have to thank Pat for posting about the Glidden National Paint Giveaway. Click here to be taken to their site and sign up to receive a free quart of paint in your choice of color! Thanks for the tip Pat!!

Just added a new piece to my Etsy shop. Called Shattered, it is the newest artwork in my Text Tile series.

Sold. Thank you!




Ingredients: watercolor paper, altered paper, masking tape, tissue paper, acrylic paint, wax pastels, calligraphy ink, Indian ink, marker, colored pencil, linen thread, rub on letters, dry transfer, altered found metal object. approximately 4 1/4" x 3". click to enlarge.




Also still available for sale in Etsy is my Artist Survey Zine from The Pulse. Click here for information and click here to buy.