Academy of Quilting

Mixing UP Media-On line course Set for April 1, 2016

My online course: Mixing Up Media is scheduled on the Academy of Quilting for April 1st.

This is your opportunity to learn about various mediums that I like to use.

What are they?

Interfacing
Tissue Paper
Silk Organza

I will present a new way to think about using unique products and found objects to make art with. The history behind this procurement is: I once lived in a rural area. There were few basic stores and the closest larger town was 1 hour away. Internet access was on dial up, ugh! Thus, often I found myself looking at what supplies I had on hand and experimented with those. This lead to excellent discoveries. One such item is interfacing. I use it as a painting surface and more. I will share my discoveries in this course. I also hope to inspire people to love the beauty of simplicity. For example, the beauty of hand sewing, hand quilting and taking the time to sit down and embrace ZEN.

This was quite a few years ago and yet….I still like to resource, recycle and challenge myself.

I know that many fiber artists “collect” fabric…the infamous “stash”. I for one, do not want a stash.

I on the contrary….want to have a color palette to use that is from various sources. This is pertinent for making ORIGINAL art.

Example: Painted tissue paper

In my course I will share my favorite techniques. You can use these endlessly. You will learn a lot!

I hope you do take a moment and read about the course HERE

The supply list is available in advance on the Academy of Quilting ahead of time.

If you have a question about the supplies, please contact me.

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Filed Under: Watercolor painting Tagged With: Academy of Quilting, Fiber Art, Mixed Media, On line courses
March 6, 2016 By Deborah Babin - Leave a Comment

Originality-Make Original Art

Originality-Make original art

In this day and age access to the internet offers unlimited resources for our inspiration; however, this can unfortunately increase our temptation to copy. Pinterest is an excellent resource and some people think what they see there is fair game. Copying is a violation that goes unnoticed by many. I too like to search for inspiration on Pinterest and I stress the word INSPIRATION (only) for I only aim to make original art. In fact, you can follow me on PINTEREST.

I have several blog posts planned for the next two weeks that are all about making your art original. I will offer some simple ways to elevate and/or sustain the art you make to original status with simple and economical methods.

Topics: Making your own stamps and stencils

Always ask yourself: How Can I Strive to Make Original Art?

It is fine to use inspirational references fairly literally to begin with; this is acceptable for learning and experimenting. During this phase (hopefully) you will begin to see that it is actually impossible to truly copy another persons work. Which is a good thing! I encourage you to see as this (as it is gradually) revealed to you AND to embrace what you see. Notice, what is happening that you can embrace rather than reject and move into a new direction. This is where we have two choices…1. become discouraged because the realization makes us feel inadequate or 2. become motivated to pursue and discover our underlying abilities.

Can you relate to this experience?

I love discoveries! AND, I love a challenge. That is where I learn the most and find the most satisfaction.

STAMPS

The next few posts will be about STAMPS-AND-STENCILES; how to make and use them to acheive originality.

Yes, there isn’t much excitement about stamps in general. There are zillions of stamps manufactured…and, they are expensive! Let’s refer to them as: artful impressions instead. I like to make my own stamps, save money and us them to develop original qualities for my art.

I like to draw all sorts of things. Often times I draw freely without intention.
I enjoy drawing continuous line drawings because I relate to these readily as they can translate into quilting motifs. And, drawing continuously allows my thoughts to flow.

Do you like to draw or doodle?

Here is an example of my doodling. The vertical lines with linked circles were my favorite so I decided to make a stamp as well as a stencil from it.

This stamp was carved from a product called: Easy Carve available from Speed Ball. It is like an eraser that comes in various sizes and carves like hot knife in butter; use the Speed Ball carving set to carve this product.

Key hole design-Carving in progress using the carving tool.

Speed Ball Easy Carve Material and carving tools

Top: My linked circles stamp carved with the Speed Ball easy carve product and tools. Bottom: The stamp impression with black ink pad.

By the way….this stamp is available ALREADY MADE in my ETSY shop for $22 plus shipping.

While in the shop….take a look at my art for sale.

Note: The stamp is a custom order. Allow 2 weeks + shipping time.

Who doesn’t mind saving money?? Once you start thinking about “things” you have and see around the house and yard and elsewhere…you start to realize there are numerous common things that can make an interesting MARK.

Making marks is what it is all about.

Make YOUR mark! Now that is original.

Economical Alternatives:

I get great satisfaction from resourcing found objects. Here are a few examples:

The small stamps on the top produce fine lines from the edges. These have been cut off the sides of the Styrofoam tray where the edge curves at bit with two to three layers glued together. The bottom stamp is one layer with dots that were made by melting the Styrofoam with a stencil cutter.

Note: Always work safely…wear a mask when melting Styrofoam or work out doors.

Sticky back foam sheets-These are found in craft stores in the kid stuff. They are thin foam sheets with a sticky back that is covered with paper. Simply draw a design with a ball point pen, cut it out, peel off the backing paper and stick it onto a support; in this case I used Styrofoam. I cut it out with an X-acto knife. You will end up with two stamps: Positive and Negative

Handmade Stamps: Key hole design From the Left: 1. Stamp impression from Easy Carve 2. Easy Carve Stamp 3. Stamp Impression from Foam Sheet 4. Foam sheet stamp

My next post: Stamps continued

The posts about stamps and stencils are extracted from my online course: MIXING UP MEDIA on the ACADEMY OF QUILTING. Read the details and consider signing up soon as this course is scheduled to start April 1st.

Please take a moment and sign up for my newsletter too! See the form on the left side panel.

Also, leave a comment! Have you made your own stamps? What kinds of found things did you use?

I love to hear from people. Thank You.

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Filed Under: blog Tagged With: Academy of Quilting, Mixed Media, On line courses, original design, Stamps
February 11, 2016 By Deborah Babin - Leave a Comment

Academy of Quilting Blog Post

The Academy of Quilting has a very nice blog. The courses offered there are quite diverse; from traditional piecing to courses like mine: Mixed Media. Do yourself a favor and check out what is offered Here

Yesterday my post was published on the Academy of Quilting blog:

Opportunities-Are brief moments in time; timing is everything…I say that a lot. We have many opportunities that come our way; often times we are distracted; or, maybe we aren’t ready. When it is the right time, we are receptive, we are ready, that is when and the chances for growth are optimal; which, in turn set up for opportunities.
◦I have the opportunity here on the Academy of Quilting to meet you and share my knowledge about how I make art.
◦You have the opportunity to participate, learn new things and meet new people.
◦We have the opportunity to meet each other, discuss, and make a solid connection; one that presents a bountiful opportunity.

Making connections is vital for us. People with common interests become our support system. The ability to meet people online all over the world is still amazing to me. What an opportunity for sure.

Mixing Up Media-Now open for sign ups

Compiling and composing this course was quite challenging. Making art is my passion; however, explaining how I make art requires countless hours of writing, photographing, making samples, making art and more. I am proud of the results and delighted to present this compilation here.

Big Reveal: I have been working with certain mediums for the last ten years and I developed methods. These have been extracted, simplified and fine tuned to present to you in a manner that will be enlightening. My goal is to ignite a fire in your creative spirit and guide you along the way, to stretch and grow, discover your style no matter of your level.

Win-Win-We make a new connection and the best part: You will take away more than you started with.

Mixed Media-Translates to: The freedom to play and experiment. Mixed Media is a vague term; the sky is the limit. Thus, I have chosen to focus on a few particular materials and mediums; some that are unique and uncommon and my favorites.

Materials such as: Interfacing, Tissue Paper and Silk Organza.

Mediums such as: spray inks (Adirondack Color Wash and Dylusions)

Join me-let’s make something wonderful together. Enter my virtual studio and observe the action. In my younger years if I had had an opportunity (like this) I would have jumped on it, and now you can.

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Filed Under: blog Tagged With: Academy of Quilting, Adirondack Color Wash, creative, Fiber Art, Mixed Media, On line courses, painting, sewing
February 22, 2015 By Deborah Babin - Leave a Comment

Painting with Ink

Painting with ink creates remarkable effects. The ink that I prefer is made by Ranger Ink: Adirondack Color Wash and Dylusions. The ink comes in a spray bottle with a fine mister. It is consentrated and can be diluted with water; mini misters are the best for this.. Color Wash has a muted palette. The colors have an earth quality. Dylusions on the other hand, are vibrant colors. They can be used together quite well. Smaple colors: Color WAsh: Eggplant, Espresso, Butterscotch. Dylusions: Vibrant Turquoise, Pure Sunshine, Polished Jade. The names alone suggest the tones.

Product description:

Dylusions Ink Spray

Dylusions Ink Spray dyes are a high quality, acid-free, non-toxic concentrated colorant for porous surfaces. The Dylusions Ink Sprays’ bright and vibrant palette will colorize paper, Sticky Back Canvas, wood, paper, clay and more. Use to create backgrounds on cards, scrapbook and journal pages, and in mixed media art projects.

■Concentrated colorant for porous surfaces
■Acid free and non-toxic
■Fine mist sprayer
2 oz bottle

Adirondack Color Wash

The Adirondack Color Wash featuring Tim Holtz is an acid-free, non-toxic, water-based dye developed for use on paper, fibers, fabric and more. These earthy and bright spray dyes will colorize paper, fibers, fabric, wood, paper clay and other absorbent surfaces. Ideal for paper crafters, mixed media and fabric artists alike. 2 oz. bottle.

Spraying vs. Painting

Spraying color onto a surface such as paper results totally different than painting. Painting with a brush (most of the time) reveals the marks made; looking obviously “painted”. Now, of course this is certainly highly desirable and exprected by many artists such as oil painters. I have reallized that mystery develops when it is not obvious HOW art is made. I like that.

The other quality feature of (spray) painting with ink is the immediate results. Just a few pumps applies quite a bit of ink with rich and vibrant colors. You have many options. Create textures or go for smooth. Fold, pleate, twist, crumple the paper; anything goes; vary the papers and vary the methods.

LEARN TO USE THESE INKS IN MY NEW ONLINE COURSE: MIXING UP MEDIA

THE ACADEMY OF QUILTING

Detailed instructions are given to create a LOOK. You may follow the designs provided or better yet….venture off to create your own LOOK.

click images to enlarge

Current Look-Dylusions color palette

Historic Look-Color Wash color palette

Abstract Look-Dylusions color palette

Sign ups are now open!

These fabulous inks are the primary medium for this course. You will learn a lot about how to use them and a lot more. I am very pleased with this new course. I encourage you to check it out HERE.

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Filed Under: blog Tagged With: Academy of Quilting, Adirondack Color Wash, artwork, creative, Demonstration, embroidery, Fiber Art, hand stitiching, Mixed Media, On line courses, sewing, teaching
February 18, 2015 By Deborah Babin - Leave a Comment

The Academy of Quilting-Opportunities Abound

The Academy of Quilting is a wonderful resource for learning about all sorts of topics related to quilting, fiber arts, textile art and more.

My new course MIXING UP MEDIA is now open. Start date: March 6th.

Check out the supply list. Realize that when working with mixed media….you need to have quite an assortment of tools, materials and mediums. Please do not be put off by the list. I think it is important to be thorough to provide each student with detailed information.

The main medium is: Ranger Ink Color Wash and Dylusions. These inks come in 2 ounce spray bottles. They are highly concentrated. A little goes a long way. I have used Color Wash for over nine years. I love the versatility of it. Dylusions is a newer product. I have just begun to include it. The difference is in the color qualities. Color Wash has an “earthy” base; sort of brownish in tone. They are rich and glorious. Dylusions are clear and bright; very rainbow like. Both have the same properties.

The main reason I like this product is the effects I get are amazing. I have not achieved such w0nderful (surprise) textures, color combinations and elusive qualities with any other product.

I do not have an affiliation with the company; although, I think they would be thrilled to know about my praises and the course.

Here are some examples of superior effects on tissue paper:

Effects on silk organza:

organza_detail_drying_on_plastic_resized

Applications: Collage

There are numerous applications I have done with ColorWash and Dylusions

I prefer to paint quite a few sheets of paper and choose the ones I like to use for a particular look or application. The image on the left is a good example of a typical selection I would work with. The collage have been made with the papers along with some other types of painted papers.

Luminaries

Fabric Paper

Fabric Paper made with layers of: muslin, ephemera, glue, tissue paper, color wash

Fabric Paper Book cover

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Filed Under: blog Tagged With: Academy of Quilting, Adirondack Color Wash, artwork, creative, digital art, Fiber Art, Mixed Media, teaching
February 17, 2015 By Deborah Babin - Leave a Comment

Painting with Adirondack Color Wash

I LOVE Adirondack Color Wash by Ranger Ink. I have used it for years. The qualities are amazing. Not only are the colors rich and beautiful but they also blend without making “mud”. They come in a 2 oz. spray bottle (originally a 4 oz. size). I have been using them full strength but recently I saw a you tube video that showed how they can be diluted. That is a great idea as they are very potent.

There is another advantage I discovered over the years and that is the mystery of the medium. Color wash is considered a craft product. None the less the qualities are high; it is acid free; however, unfortunately it is a disburse dye; it can be reactivated with water or any medium with moisture. This is a detriment for sure. One I had to find a solution for to continue using them. I found a product that seals the wash making it permanent and a huge bonus! After the sealant is applied the colors POP! The mystery is the results of the art I have made with it. The medium(s) are undetectable as well as the methods.

My favorite application is to spray color wash on to several layers of papers capitalizing on the intensity. There are many options for application. I usually follow these basic steps:

Dampen the paper first and then apply color wash. This enables the wash to spread nicely.
Spray the color wash on first and then spray lightly with water. It is amazing to watch the color move and blend to make unpredictable colors.
Dry with a heat tool or air dry.

I never tire of the experimentation with color washes.

I use color wash to make various components to make (serious) fine art, fine crafts and casual things like notecards. They also work on fabric somewhat. The best results I have had is with lace, seam binding, silk ribbon; heat setting is a must.

Fine Art

Art Components-Paper Cloth, fabric and embellishments

Mixed Media-Title: Leaf CollageThe process has several steps.

Step 1 Paint Papers

Step 2 Backgrounds added

Step 3 Collage-Layers of painted papers

Final Details-Accent “line” with machine stitching with black thread

An assortment of painted papers to work with. Collages in progress. Finished collage 5×7.

Title: Tin Heart 15×20″

Multi layer-Composite

Focal Point: Heart-Impression from antique ceiling tile; sapphire blue ink defines the design of the tile. Surrounds-Layers of painted papers with color wash.Two side panels with areas cut away to expose fabric behind. Embellished with small hearts, bits of painted lace, pieces of piano player paper. Fringe top and bottom edge.

Fine Craft

Glass Luminaries-Glass is wrapped

with thin painted paper. When the

luminary is lit the light shows the

beauty of the translucent papers.

Three examples of Luminaries made by students.

Luminary Example 2

A large sheet of paper cloth.

Paper Cloth-A layered composite made of muslin, bits of paper, white glue, tissue paper and color wash. I have used paper-cloth in various applications.