Beautiful Birds Postcards

I love those Cavellini birds so much. They were the centerpiece of my Bird Book (published in Somerset Gallery (Winter 2008) and I have wanted to find a way to use them again. And now, you’ll get to play with them, too, becaue this month’s Postcard Night is strictly for the birds. We’ll be taking out the Adirondack inks (so long since I have used them) and some stipple brushes to make some colorful habitats for the lovely bird collage images. And there’s a surprise element ( well, two actually): fluid acrylic paint and glitter!!!!! In truth it’s called Glamour Dust, and that seems so appropriate for these winged beauties. Come play on Postcard Night, Friday, June 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Stampin’ From the Heart, $10 for two cards. All materials supplied by me, LosAngeles-based paper artist Jessica Hollowell. You may want to bring rubber gloves.

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Matchbook ATCs

I had a brilliant brainstorm the other day: I’ve made matchbook greeting cards and matchbook picture albums before, why not make a matchbook ATC? This can’t be too hard, right? Right! All it takes is a little measuring to get the folds just so, and then we’re off and running. Currently, I’m going through a postoid phase, a bird phase and a color phase simultaneously, so I found a way to combine the three in these charming matchbooks made from the textured Bazzill cardstock. Don’t you just love it? It comes in so many wonderful colors. If you’d like to try this matchbook thing,  join me at ATC Night, Thursday, June 17, at Stampin’ From the Heart, 6:30-8 p.m., $10 for demonstration and two cards. All materials supplied by me, Los Angeles-based paper artist Jessica Hollowell. Call (310) 491-0466 for directions to the store. (You may want to bring your favorite ruler and a bone folder–I’ll have some on hand, too).

Also, if you want to trade cards don’t forget to bring at least 10 Artist Trading Cards of your own design. As the group grows, we need to make a few more cards so everyone who trades gets one, in addition to one for me and one for the store’s ATC Collection book.) Theme of your choice. See you there!

‘Inchie Birds, Butterflies and Flowers, too

Birds Inchie card

I’m in love with inchies — 1-inch square stamps with tiny scenes. My newest favorite is the Birds and Butterflies set from Inkadinkado. I also have their Flower Garden set (from the last Extravaganza). We’ll be using a combination of these stamps for the next Make-It/Take-It at Stampin’ From the Heart (call 310 391-0466 for directions). My design involves stamping four inchies on different scraps of decorative paper, combining them into a four-square postoid and then coordinating it with other color panels. I had a wonderful time making these (couldn’t stop, actually, because the possibilities are endless) and I am sure you will too.  Join me on Friday night, June 11, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Stampin From the Heart, cost $5 per card . Make one or as many as you like while supplies last. All materials provided by me, Los Angeles-based paper artist Jessica Hollowell.

When in doubt, Jess Create It!

Aubergine Cards in Somerset Gallery

Aubergine Card

At the last Make-It/Take-It in Stampin’ From the Heart, one of my young students (Michelle’s little niece) asked me what my favorite card is. I thought for a moment because I have made so many over the past 8 years, but I have to say it was the three cards I made for the Somerset Studio Aubergine (dark purple) challenge. They featured old-fashioned photos of the basketball team and some other old-time school girls. But I hadn’t seen the cards for quite a while because it’s been months and months since I submitted them. Still, I remember what they looked like, because I also made some similar ones as a project for my friend Joanne’s Birthday “pARTy” last summer. Well, fate is a funny thing: The other day I found a complementary magazine on my front porch — Somerset Gallery (Summer 2010). And on page 58 were the three cards I had just been talking about. I believe Karen has some copies of the magazine in the store. I will post here a photo of one of second group I made, which is very similar. Enjoy.

Surprising Catch-Up Issue

This is very much like the one published in the Catch Up Issue of Stampers Sampler

I was excited to see a Stampers Sampler Catch Up Issue on my front porch the other day. Apparently, something I had submitted was published. Naturally, I leafed through the magazine to see what might be in there. Funny, though, after going through each page, I still couldn’t find my artwork. Hmmm. It must be in there somewhere, I thought. So, this time I didn’t look at the pictures (so many wonderful ideas from artists around the world) but focused on the names with the directions. Eureka! I found one of my Library Pocket Cards (tied with a shoelace that I painted with watercolor crayons and Lumiere paints) on Page 37. It had been a couple of years since I sent that in, and I didn’t even recognize my own artwork the first time through the magazine.

Then, like all compulsive people, I read the directions (even though I already knew how to make the card) and what do you think? Well, it was talking about turquoise and I was looking at a picture of a red card. Hmmm, again. I remembered I had sent  in two versions of the Library Pocket project, one in blues and one in reds. Oops, guess the directions got mixed up. No problem, just substitute red for blue and you’ll get the idea. Anyway, I am still pretty excited. Here’s a photo of one that is similar to the card published, because they haven’t returned my artwork yet.

Impressions of ATCs

Watercolor backgrounds in pinks and yellows

I was so inspired by a recent trip to LACMA to see the Renoir exhibit. Such a great use of color–his backgrounds are as important as the subject of the paintings. So I took out my watercolor crayons and started playing with colors. When the paintbrush hits those crayons, it’s like magic. Instantly I become an  Impressionist painter. Of course, I couldn’t stop there: I just had to use my newest Tim Holtz ATC background stamps. And then a few more embelishments to finish off my tiny works of art. We’ll be using Invoke Arts tickets on paint chips. What can I say? Paint chips are just so much fun–a great image every time with Staz-On ink and such a variety of colors. It’s fun to mix and match. What’s an ATC you might ask? Check out the link on this site for details. Bring 10 or more cards to trade: one for each person trading, one for me and one for the store’s collection book. Trading is optional, but everyone gets one of my cards following the demo. ATC Night, technique demo and make 2 ATCs from my design, Thursday, May 20, 6:30-8 p.m., Stampin’ From the Heart, 11720 Washington Place, Los Angeles, 310-391-0466 for directions, Cost: $10, all materials supplied by paper artist Jessica Hollowell (me). Hope to see you there!

May Flowers Make-It-Take-It

Pretty in Pink

My garden is so beautiful this time of year, roses popping open, unexpected gifts from Mother Nature all over the place.  And in return, my gift to you is our May 14 Make-It-Take-It at Stampin’ From the Heart. These greeting cards are all about spring colors and beauty and I think you’ll like them. While searching for something one day in my vast collection of paper, I came across some colorful vellum  and that started things off. We’ll be playing with inks, vellum, colorful papers and topping it all off with a paint chip ticket. Lots of layers and the best part is you can follow one of 6 designs I made or choose your own pieces from an array of colorful cardstock and images. We’ll be featuring the strips of Art Tickets by Invoke Arts. I can’t seem to get enough of them.  Make-It-Take-It, Friday, May 14, 2010, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Stampin’ From the Heart, 11720 Washington Place, Los Angeles, 310-391-0466 for directions. Cost: $5 each card. All materials supplied by instructor (me) Jessica Hollowell.