claudine hellmuth

HSN Sneak Peek #1

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a sneak peek of my Super Swell Scrapbook kit that will launch Feb 9th on HSN.

This kit is overloaded with exciting stuff: chipboard, wire embellishments, patterned papers and plain card stock fabric trims and stickers all with my hand drawn illustrations.

My paper crafting kits are exclusive to HSN so you won't find them anywhere else --- and it's a limited edition with limited quantities. So when they are gone -- they are gone!

I had a fabulous time creating the samples for this kit! Here's a little tiny sneak peek of what you'll see me showing on HSN on February 9th:

Here are my show times for February 9th. I'll be on at 12noon, 6pm and 7pm (all times EST) These slots could change but I'll be updating down to the minute on twitter and facebook! And you'll be able to find the kits on HSN.com starting Feb 9th too!

CHA show here I come!

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

This morning I am on a plane to LAX headed to the CHA show in Anaheim.

I always look forward to CHA. It's exciting to see the new products, see old friends, make new friends and catch up on all that is happening in the craft industry.

If you are one of the 100 students in the Ranger class on Saturday morning, here's what we'll be making in my segment of the class using a bag from Canvas Corp and my Claudine Hellmuth Studio paints, mediums and stamps with Ranger!

When I get back from CHA I'm going to turn this cute little bag into a free class download. So look for that soon!

Here's my schedule again for those of you who will be attending the show. I hope you'll stop by and say hi!

SATURDAY 1/28
8am - 12pm. Tons of techniques and fun projects. I'll be teaching with Tim Holtz and Dyan Reavely

SUNDAY 1/29
12pm-1:45pm - Prima Booth #1269. Make N Take using Claudine Hellmuth Studio paints and Mediums with Lilla Rogers's Ruby Violet Jewelry line!
2-5pm - Ranger booth #1338 I'll be demoing techniques from my Claudine Hellmuth Studio Line of products!

MONDAY 1/30
10am-11:30am Stampers Anonymous booth #1056 I'll be demoing my new clear stamp designs
1-4pm Ranger booth #1338 More demos using my Studio products

TUESDAY 1/31
1-4pm Ranger booth #1338 More demos using my Studio products

I'll be posting photos and updates from the show! Follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook too!

mini hsn sneak peek

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Here's another sneak peek from two of the kits that I'll be debuting on HSN on February 9th. I'll be on at 12noon, 6pm and 7pm EST. I'm getting nervous and excited!

here's a little peek of a few of my chipboard designs from my scrapbook kit...

and a peek from the rub on kit....

I am crazy in love with rub ons now. Who knew how fun these things are?! Now I do! I am rub-on-ing on everything: ribbon, pleather, photos, paper, wood too!

There are only limited qualities of the kits available so mark your calendar for Feb 9th. If you can't watch on your TV, you can catch it live on HSN.com and also the kits will be available for purchase on HSN.com starting on Feb 9th as well.

I'll keep you updated with all the details. I really can't wait to share what I have created with you!

I'll be blogging extended preview peeks of the kits starting Wednesday. See you then!

workshops

2012-01-24T21:08:00.000-05:00

My very close friend Lesley Riley, is hosting a retreat in the western Maryland mountains at a beautiful location. It'll be 3 fabulous days of creating October 25-28th with 3 instructors and I am one of them!

Sounds like fun? The trick is there are only 15 spots available. So sign up now for Lesley's advance registration notification list and you'll get all the details about the retreat before the official announcement on Feb 14th.

I'm only teaching one retreat weekend workshop in 2012 and this is it! Hope to see you there!

CHA demo schedule

2012-01-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

The CHA Show is fast approaching! Here's my schedule for those of you who will be attending the show. I hope you'll stop by and say hi!

SATURDAY 1/28
8am - 12pm. Tons of techniques and fun projects. I'll be teaching with Tim Holtz and Dyan Reavely

SUNDAY 1/29
12pm-1:45pm - Prima Booth #1269. Make N Take using Claudine Hellmuth Studio paints and Mediums with Lilla Rogers's Ruby Violet Jewelry line!
2-5pm - Ranger booth #1338 I'll be demoing techniques from my Claudine Hellmuth Studio Line of products!

MONDAY 1/30
10am-11:30am Stampers Anonymous booth #1056 I'll be demoing my new clear stamp designs
1-4pm Ranger booth #1338 More demos using my Studio products

TUESDAY 1/31
1-4pm Ranger booth #1338 More demos using my Studio products

more CHA Sneak Peeks!

2012-01-20T08:30:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to share another CHA Sneak Peek with you of my new stamps with Stampers Anonymous! These will be released at the CHA show in Anaheim CHA which starts Jan 28th!

Here are a few cards from the So Retro set (which is fast becoming my most favorite!) also combined with the Words and Frames sets.

Stamp sets above .. So Retro is on the top of the pile!

If you are a retailer attending CHA make sure to stop by the Stampers Anonymous booth #1056 and the Ranger booth #1338 where these will be available.

craft.you. : interview

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

A big thanks to the lovely Margot Potter for interviewing me on her blog Craft.You. Click here to read!

CHA sneak peek

2012-01-17T11:30:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to share this CHA Sneak Peek with you of my new stamps with Stampers Anonymous! These will be released at the CHA show in Anaheim CHA which starts Jan 28th!

This collection is a little bit different than my last release, Creative Layers Stamps where the clear stamps were paired with matching foam stamps. This set is just clear stamps, and the focus is on lots of drawing, drawing, and more drawing with all the images sized perfectly for card making and scrapbooking. Remember all those ipad drawings? Well I've put them to good use!

Here's a little preview.... I have 8 sets of stamps. Soon all will be revealed, but here's a little peek I shared with my Twitter and Facebook followers last week!

Brian cat "helping" me create samples!

Samples in progress ...

flip pal moblie scanner

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

The nice people at FlipPal sent me one of their nifty little mobile scanners for review. (full disclosure: I was not paid for a review but they did send me a scanner for review purposes)

I got this little scanner and then it sat in my studio for months. I am embarrassed to say. I kept looking at it and thinking.... was it going to be hard to learn, would I have to install software etc etc.

I had lots of excuses why I should wait to test it.

Finally one day my mom was lamenting about how all of our old photos were fading but many of them are too delicate to take out of the photo albums and the albums are also thick and bulky and won't fit in her scanner. ta da!! FlipPal to the rescue!

Here's one of our very old albums with photos of my grandma. We can't take the photos out of the album because they are glued in and we risk tearing the photos. The album is also so creeky and old that when you try to flip it over to scan on a regular scanner it starts to tear at the pages as well.

One of the best things about FlipPal is that you can scan photos while they are still in the album. And was it easy to use? Completely 100% easy. I promise. I didn't even read the directions for more than just a second and I had it. Pop off the lid, place the scanner face-down and press the big green button.

Here is the FlipPal scanning the album ... watch out for the kittens trying to help. Brian cat was mesmerized by the scanning sound.

Now was there going to be any software to install? I hate installing software on my mac because I don't like to crowd it up with things I might not use again.

Well the best part about the Flip Pal is NO software.

You scan till your heart's content, then you put the memory card into this USB stick, put the USB stick into your computer and you can either open it up like a regular USB drive and look at the files, move them into photoshop, or you can open them up into iphoto (on mac). Fabulous!!!

Here's the finished scan! Beautiful!!Now I am wondering what took me so long, I am in love with this little scanner!

visionary art museum

2012-01-15T11:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we took a field trip to the Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. I love folk and outsider art it is so fresh and free and playful. It was just what I needed after weeks of non stop work. I was starting to lose sight of playfulness which is so important to being the best you can creatively. This is my new all time favorite museum!

You are not allowed to take photos around the museum but we did take a few snaps in the gift shop. The VMA gift shop was too much fun. Everything from kooky sunglasses to totes and gag gifts.

There's me, Kim and Paul being silly with the sunglasses in the gift shop! When I turned the corner into the book part of the gift shop look at what I found...

... my cards with Teneues!! That was such a thrill!!

If you are ever anywhere near Baltimore this museum is a MUST see! I can't wait to go back!

Studio paints the the rescue!!

2012-01-11T17:46:00.000-05:00

I got this fantastic email the other day and and I thought I would share it with you, with permission of course!!

Hi Claudine - bet this is a new one!! My daughter's friend was stepped on and damaged an expensive pair of pumps. My daughter brought the shoe home and asked for my help. Using your Studio paints and the color chart, I was able to match the color pretty well and even though the patent leather finish is not the same in that area, at least she can wear them again. Thanks for those paints...even the shoe store said it was hopeless! --Robyn Kaplan

I love that! Color mixing can come in handy even for non art uses! Way to go Robyn for saving the day (and the shoes)!

Here's a link to the color mixing chart and also a video which will show you just how easy it is to mix colors with the Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints!

embroidery kits!

2012-01-09T21:58:00.001-05:00

I am so excited about my embroidery kits with Dimensions/EK Success!

These came out at the CHA Summer show and I was waiting to officially share them with you when I had samples in hand to do a blog giveaway. The good news is that they are selling so fast I have yet to receive my samples.

I'm going to share some photos with you now and then when I get my samples I'll do a blog give away!I have created a "House Warming set and a "Travel/Places" set. They come with the thread and iron ons and everything you need to get you started embroidering (except for the hoop!)!

The are available to buy on the Dimensions web site and I found them on 1-2-3 Stitch as well. Look for a giveaway soon when I get my sample kits!

CHA sneak peek

2012-01-03T20:51:00.000-05:00

A quick sneak peek of my class that I will be teaching at the CHA Winter Show!

I'll be teaching a class along with Tim Holtz, and Dyan Reaveley about all things Ranger! My segment of the class will of course cover my product line with Ranger, Claudine Hellmuth Studio. And we'll be making SUPER cute raw canvas shoulder bags provided by Canvas Corp. Thanks Canvas Corp!

happy holidays!

2011-12-23T12:23:00.001-05:00

Wishing everyone very happy holidays! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and may all your celebrations be filled with happiness!

happy birthday to me!

2011-12-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's my 37th birthday! Happy Birthday to me!! Wow 37. I should feel grown up by now right? I don't think so!

Today I plan to relax and try not to work (the not working part is hard for me!) I have a nice massage planned thanks to Groupon. A long nap is definitely on the schedule. Then tonight Paul and I will be going out to dinner! Sounds like an amazing birthday to me!!

I have a fun little birthday card tutorial up on the Ranger web site. Click here for all the instructions to make the above card!

HSN product line sneak peek!

2011-12-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am excited to share with you a little sneak peek into my paper crafting product line that I will be launching exclusively on HSN in February. I created a little stop motion video -- I had so much working on this! It's just a tiny sneak peek but I couldn't wait to share!

If you are reading this post from a feed click here to watch the video.

We've got all kinds of paper crafting goodness coming up and I can't wait to share it all with you in February!

photo tinting with acrylic paints

2011-12-05T11:24:00.001-05:00

Don't miss this easy tutorial on how to tint black and white photos using Claudine Hellmuth Studio paints and Extra Time Medium. It's an easy way to add a touch of color to photos and give them a more painterly look!

Right click and download this flower image to practice yourself!

Here are the supplies you'll need:

Print a b/w image onto glossy inkjet photo paper- or I used the Ranger Gloss Paper too!
Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints in Sable Brown, Sky Blue, Yellow Pastel
Claudine Hellmuth Studio Extra Time Medium
Claudine Hellmuth Studio paint brushes

FTC Disclosure: the links above are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I will earn a small referral fee. I appreciate your clicks and support!

using sticky back canvas in the cricut

2011-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am often asked if the Claudine Hellmuth Studio Sticky Back Canvas will cut in the Cricut. I found this video by Erin Bassett on youtube and she shows how to make a flower brooch using the Cricut Expression and the Cuttlebug.

Read Erin's full review of Sticky Back Canvas on the Craft Critique blog here!

thank you sean

2011-11-29T15:40:00.001-05:00

Today my friend Sean Holton passed away. He was diagnosed with brain cancer 2 years ago and chronicled his battle in his blog Same Time Tomorrow with the same wit, humor and grace that he brought to the rest of his life. I urge you to read his blog. His incredible writing will touch you. His humor will make you laugh at a topic that you might think is impossible to be funny about.

I have known Sean since I was a little girl. He worked with my Mother for many years and was not only a family friend but he became part of our family. As an only child he's the closest thing I had to an uncle. I admired him, looked up to him and like a little sister giddy to be spending time with her big brother -- I was always thrilled when I got to spend time with him.

A few weeks before his death I wrote Sean a letter. Just a little trip down memory lane. While I am not the amazing writer that Sean was, this is from the heart. I am re-posting it here.

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

Dear Sean

I remember first meeting you when I was at mom's office in Kansas City. Magnum PI was one of my favorite shows and you looked exactly like Tom Selleck with your mustache! My 8 year old self was completely star struck at your likeness to Magnum -- I expected you to start running down a beach with two dobermans at any moment, music soaring in the background.

I remember lots of Kansas City Star parties and Burning Down the House playing on the stereo, everyone was dancing in the living room. I can not hear that song and not think of you.

Remember "Gossip Queen Abdicates"? What I would call the most witty, hilarious and touching story you wrote for my mom describing our Buick as pink (it was sand colored, ahem). When that car became mine, every time I drove it thought of you calling it a pink Buick and it would always make me giggle.

When I moved to DC, you helped me find an apartment and took me door to door until we found a place. Frantic phone calls were made to landlords, you even ran to help me get copies of the lease, all of this while the Oklahoma City Bombing was a breaking story, and you needed to be at the office. Thank you.

I looked so much forward to our "Melrose Monday's" at Craig and David's. I always cherished spending time with you guys and it was my highlight of every week. Remember how Craig would leave the vacuum out because he had spent so much on it he thought it should have a prominent place in the living room? I remember watching Babe the Pig while you declared it BBQ night. Going to see Sense and Sensibility at the Uptown theater in Cleveland Park. I can't pass by The Dupont Italian Kitchen without thinking of you.

Thank you for giving a reading at our wedding. Thank you for your writing, your humor, your wit your awesomeness. You are the brother and uncle I never had, all wrapped into one.
I love you Sean.

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

To read Sean's Blog Click Here
Sean's Obit in the Orlando Sentinel
And for the journalists out there: Sean's Half Assed Guide to Mediocrity

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all the USA peeps!

I hope your day is filled with family, friends and lots of delicious food!

one click save a life!

2011-11-17T17:10:00.001-05:00

My friend Bernie who runs A Place to Bark is in the running for the Chase Giving contest. The winning prize is for 100 charities and they will spilt $3M. Wow! That could go a long way to saving so many animals from death row and that's why we want her to win this amazing opportunity! But we only have FOUR DAYS to get the word out. We need votes!

Please CLICK THIS LINK and then go and vote! Then tell all your friends! Post on Facebook, Twitter and email your friends too!

Because of the recession this year has been very difficult for a lot of charities and A Place to Bark is not excluded. Time and time again Bernie has come so near to having to close and stop taking in dogs. But she forges on, with her own money and funds and the kindness of vets allowing her to carry a VERY LARGE medical bill balance.

With this money A Place to Bark would be able to pay off all the debt, and save SO MANY MORE lives!! This needs to happen. So please help us spread the word!! ONLY FOUR DAYS LEFT!

Without A Place to Bark we wouldn't have our Maggie. Here's a photo of Maggie with me just minutes after we picked her up and were bringing her home! Saved from death row by Bernie - now spoiled rotten by us!!

Don't forget to CLICK THIS LINK and vote right now before you forget! Tell every single person you know to do it too, we only have until Nov 22nd!!!

UPDATED NOVEMBER 29, 2011
Thanks to everyone for voting!! Bernie was able to place and win $25k for the rescue! Your support is appreciated!

revamped craft store pumpkin

2011-11-16T12:31:00.000-05:00

Not sure what to do with those left over Halloween decorations? Make sure to check out the Ranger Blog all this week where designers Jenni Bowlin, Richele Christensen, Claudine Hellmuth (that's me!), Tim Holtz, Jennifer McGuire, Tammy Tutterow and Wendy Vecchi have transformed the same plain old craft pumpkin into unique fall centerpieces with Ranger products.

here's what I started with:

and here's my pumpkin revamp:

I used Claudine Hellmuth Studio Sticky-Back Canvas and printed in my inkjet printer an old letter directly onto the canvas. I also used 19guage wire and wrapped the Sticky Back Canvas around it to create the swirlies at the top.

Don't miss the rest of the pumpkins from the other designers all this week at the Ranger blog!

pattern design class

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

I signed up for Rachel Taylor's e-class on surface pattern design. I have played around a little bit with pattern making, but I have SO much more to learn. These are a few patterns I created this year.

I like them, but I feel like I will be able so much more with pattern and my line drawings if I can learn just a little bit more about surface pattern design. I am hopeful this class will help me get what's in my head to happen on paper. We will see if I can do it! I'll share my experiments here as I work my way through the class exercises.

studio black gesso review

2011-11-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder what Black Gesso is for? Don't miss this review by @SaraJaneCrafts. She goes into detail all about Claudine Hellmuth Studio Black Gesso. Here's the link on the Craft Test Dummies site!

my dad

2011-11-02T21:56:00.001-04:00

Here's a photo of my dad that I just had to share with you. He just found it and sent it with me and I had never seen it before. This was taken when he was about 33 and was working on an airport design. Very cool retro glasses dad!

I love seeing the models of the terminal in the front. And the little people! See the little people hugging good-bye? oh what I would give to have some of those little people and the airport models too.

An airport architect for many years, my dad was featured in an article recently about the 30 year anniversary of the Orlando International Airport, along with my godfather John Wyckoff.

And we had very good news about my Dad today. After a month of nail biting waiting, a mass that was found on my dad's lung has turned out to be scar tissue from his lung cancer treatment last year. We are so relieved. It was a very scary few weeks waiting for the new tests to happen!

stencil blog hop

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

It's blog hop day! We are celebrating the launch of Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's new stencil line with The Crafter's Workshop!

I loved her rain and clouds stencils so I created this fun tote bag along with my Creative Layers foam and Clear Stamps, Claudine Hellmuth Studio paints! The tote bag is a blank bag by Canvas Corp.

Apply Claudine Hellmuth Studio Yellow Pastel paint to an ink blending tool with foam applicator. Tap onto Creative Layers Foam Stamp from the Dwelling set

Stamp onto canvas tote bag. Studio paints are 100% waterproof so you can use them on fabric applications!! Continue stamping the Creative Layers foam stamps in a variety of colors until you have a design that you like.

Using a Rock-a-Block as your stamp mount stamp with Ranger Archival Black Ink and the Creative Layers Clear stamps from the Bloom set to add black outlines to your foam stamped images

Apply Claudine Hellmuth Studio Blank Canvas and Sky Blue Paint to an ink blending tool

Tap the blending tool onto Julie's cloud stencil

Repeat with Julie's rain drop stencil

Add dotted lines to the cloud using Adirondack pen in black

Add dimensional dots around the flowers using the nib of the mini Studio paints

Finished tote bag!

Don't forget to visit the other blog hoppers to see what they are doing with Julie's fabulous stencils!
Lori Vliegan
Bianca Mandity
Kerry Lynn Yeary
Samantha Kira Harding
Diana Trout
Mou Saha
Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

stencil tutorial

2011-10-17T07:36:00.000-04:00

Don't miss a great tutorial on Ellen Hutson's blog showing fun ways to use Crafter's Workshop stencils with a variety of products one of which is my Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint! Click here to read the tutorial.

happy birthday mom!

2011-10-15T06:02:00.000-04:00

A big happy birthday to my wonderful Mom! I love you so much!

I hope you have a wonderful birthday today!!

sticky back canvas bouquet

2011-10-12T14:09:00.002-04:00

Here's a little article that I wrote for the latest issue of Somerset Holidays and Celebrations. How to make a Sticky Back Canvas flower bouquet!

Whidbey Island here I come!

2011-10-05T07:59:00.000-04:00

I am on my way to teach a weekend workshop on beautiful Whidbey Island WA for my last workshop of 2011.

My mom is coming with me for this trip so it'll be a special treat! I'll be back in town Tuesday October 11th!
See you next week!

halloween houses card

2011-10-04T08:54:00.000-04:00

Make this super easy Halloween card using my Claudine Hellmuth Studio Black Gesso, Creative Layers Foam and Clear stamps and Sticky-Back Canvas!

Full details with step-by-step photos and instructions are over on the Ranger web site here!

book giveaway

2011-09-27T08:30:00.000-04:00

The wonderful and amazing Mark Montano ( @MarkMontano ) has given me a copy of his new book to giveaway here on my blog to one lucky winner!! I love this book and am excited to share with it you!

It's easy to enter!!

Just post a comment on this blog post and I'll choose a winner at random on Monday. If you are reading this on a feed make sure to comment on my main blog here. And don't forget to give me a way to contact you if you are the winner!

FTC Disclosure: I have received no payment to do this giveaway. Just a fan of Mark's books!

** WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT! **

we have a winner drawn at random using the random number generator at random.org.

Congrats to Deb! Thanks to everyone for playing!

sticky back canvas flowers

2011-09-26T09:22:00.000-04:00

Don't miss this great tutorial by Patti Behan on how to make Sticky Back Canvas roses! So beautiful! Thanks Patti!

paper reveal technique

2011-09-22T08:40:00.000-04:00

Don't miss this super fun paper reveal technique that Teacher Jessy shares on her blog. She uses Claudine Hellmuth Multi Medium to create a unique scrapbook layout. Check out the full tutorial here!

easy to make halloween decorations

2011-09-20T07:01:00.000-04:00

In the October Issue of Scrapbooks etc I wrote a little article on how to create a cute haunted village for your mantle. This little project is an easy way to decorate for Halloween and inexpensive too!

Here's the PDF template for the houses - Download here!

If you'd like to see step by step instructions, click here!

Enjoy!

Daily drawings: lots o hats!

2011-09-18T23:30:00.000-04:00

This week was "hat week" for my daily sketches. I decided to compile them into one image. It seemed like postingeveryday was drowning out other blog content. Maybe I'll like this better, I'll test it out for a little bit! let me know what you think!

I had fun drawing the hats. I think I'll need to do another hat week soon!

tranquilty du jour podcast

2011-09-15T17:30:00.000-04:00

I was interviewed by the lovely Kimberly Wilson for her podcast!

Click the player below to listen! Or click here to listen on her web site. The first part of the podcast has a little bit of an echo..... but that goes away after about a minute :)

On this podcast we talk about changing your art style, how you evolve in style and many other exciting things!!

hello Minneapolis!

2011-09-14T08:08:00.000-04:00

Today I am on my way to Minneapolis for a whirlwind weekend!

First stop, I will be at The Creative Connection Event where I'll be a part of a Pitch Slam panel on creating a craft product line! I can't wait for the opening night keynote presentation with Holly Becker! I'm a big fan of Holly and her blog!

After that I'll be teaching and demoing at ScrapFest in the Mall of America Friday - Sunday! This event is hosted by Archiver's stores and I am exited to be teaching at it for my first time! My class + demo schedule is:

Friday 9/16
9am - 11am demoing in front of Archiver's Store
2:00 - 2:45pm teaching The inner artist canvas

Saturday 9/17
9am - 11am demoing in front of Archiver's Store
2:00 - 2:45pm teaching The inner artist canvas

Saturday 9/17
11am - 2:30 demoing in front of Archiver's Store

Spaces are still available in many classes so if you are in the area some on by and join in on the fun! I hope to see you there!!

Also don't miss this technique video that was created by Archiver's Stores using my Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints and Creative Layers stamps!

exclusive HSN product line!

2011-09-13T09:27:00.000-04:00

I am thrilled to announce that I will be launching an exclusive paper crafting product line on HSN!

Pulsar Paper and I have teamed up to bring my line to HSN! I can not wait to share with you what I have been designing and dreaming up, I really hope you are going to like it! This exciting news has been in the works for many, many months and it has been killing me not to say anything.

We will be launching the line in January. I'll be keeping you updated with air dates!

acrylic painting on a transparency

2011-09-12T21:58:00.000-04:00

Don't miss this wonderful technique by Linda Duke! Here she shows how to use Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints on a transparency to create a beautiful card. This technique is amazing!

Visit Linda's blog for more photos and even more detailed instructions!

daily drawing - friday

2011-09-09T07:16:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday! Here's my sketch for today!

Paul just got some really great glasses from Warby Parker. When you order from Warby Parker you can ask for 5 try on pairs, so at Paul's birthday party we all voted which ones we liked best on him and the above pair won. Very retro and make him look like Clark Kent. I can't wait to get my new frames but I haven't decided which ones to order for my try on pairs yet.

Have a great weekend!

daily drawing - thursday

2011-09-08T16:00:00.000-04:00

Here's my sketch for today!

My Dad has had the same pair of glasses for more than 40 years. Not the same exact pair, but when he goes to get to new frames, he gets the same style. I can't see these type of glasses and not think of him. His are always gold aviator style frames with transitions lenses. I think he'd look really great in a pair of dark rectangle frames, but he won't hear of it.

happy anniversary!

2011-09-08T08:30:00.000-04:00

Happy 10 year wedding anniversary to my wonderful husband Paul!

I can't believe it's been 10 years! What a wonderful ten years they have been with you by my side. Here's to 100 more! I love you so much!

daily drawing - wednesday

2011-09-07T07:07:00.004-04:00

It's Wednesday! Here's my sketch for today!

During my sophomore year of college I went really retro and had a pair of old cat's eye glasses that I bought from an antique store fitted with my lenses. They were a mauve color with sparkle flowers at the corners.

daily drawing - tuesday

2011-09-06T07:02:00.015-04:00

Hello Tuesday!

In my freshman year of college I went through a phase where I didn't wear my contacts and I wore glasses. I had a pair of little tiny oval frames, that looked like Ben Franklin glasses.

daily drawing - monday

2011-09-05T07:55:00.001-04:00

happy Monday! here's my daily sketch. I'm in the mood to draw eye glasses!

When I was in the 3rd or maybe it was the 4th grade I discovered I was going to need glasses. I remember being really excited at the prospect of getting a nice big red pair just like Sally Jesse Raphael. I did end up with a similar pair, but thy were white and not red. Here's my homage to those glasses.

join me on whidbey island in october!

2011-08-31T14:46:00.001-04:00

I only have ONE three-day class left on my schedule. just ONE!! This is my last 3 day collage intensive workshop event for a couple years - so you don't want to miss it!

Whidbey Island WA is so lovely in the fall and The Pacific Northwest School is an amazing space to hold a workshop. Big tables, large workspace lots of light - what more could we ask for!

Here's the class description:

OCTOBER 7-9th 2011 - 3 DAY COLLAGE CLASS ON WHIDBEY ISLAND WA
The three-day workshop format is a "Collage Discovery Intensive" inspired Claudine's two books, Collage Discovery Workshop and Collage Discovery Workshop Beyond the Unexpected

We'll start the weekend with a focus on color mixing and expanding our color palettes. We'll move onto to a concentration on composition and design principles. Then we'll learn a combination of painterly collage techniques, which will enhance the surfaces of your collage artworks. We'll play with image transfer methods and other experimental methods of working.

Our work together will be paced to allowfor personal artistic discovery as well as studio time for working on our collage artworks. The atmosphere will be one of support and encouragement. The most important ingredients you can bring to this workshop, is an open mind and a willingness to share and explore.

Workshop is available to artists of all skill levels - beginning to advanced.

FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER:
visit the web site: http://tinyurl.com/3o4wum6
or call Pacific Northwest Art School at 1-866-678-3396.

--------------------------------------------------
limited space available! don't wait to sign up!
---------------------------------------------------

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING:

"What I learned in Claudine's workshop was priceless......The workshop has sent me in a true direction for once in regards to my own art and how I create it. It was my first true workshop of this nature and I had a BLAST!" - Jo Ankney

"I used to think of collage as glueing down images in a pleasing composition. Claudine's Collage Discovery Workshop class changed all that. What great techniques!! Backgrounds, transfers, beeswax, WOW! That was the BEST class! .......The Adventures in Color was incredible for me too. I learned to mix paints and create a whole new source of inspiration to work from. Not that I've never mixed paints but I never went through the process the way you taught us. I didn't know to use black to shade down the color and white to tint up. That lesson alone will probably save me lots of $$ by not having to buy so many different colors of paint! Thank you for your generosity and making learning FUN. You were a pleasure to be around. You are an excellent teacher and I will be forever grateful to you for the direction my art has taken." - Sandy Friel

Have questions? Email me at claudine@collageartist.com

daily drawing - wednesday

2011-08-31T07:15:00.009-04:00

It's Wednesday! My daily sketch for today is an old fashioned push mower. I always wanted one of these but when we had a house with a lawn it was in Florida and Florida grass is crazy thick. Doesn't work with these! Now we're in an apartment and no more lawn mowing!

daily drawing - tuesday

2011-08-30T07:13:00.004-04:00

happy tuesday! here's my (almost) daily sketch. The last days of summer are making me think of lawnmowers for some reason!

countdown to scrapfest

2011-08-29T08:30:00.012-04:00

In just a couple of weeks I'll be teaching at Scrapfest this September 16-18th hosted by Archivers Art Stores!

We're going to be making this super cute canvas artwork using the Claudine Hellmuth Studio line of paints, mediums, stamps and sticky back canvas. Class is only $24! WOW!! And the best part is there is no supply list! Just show up with scissors and you are ready to go!

AND it gets better ---- Now only will you be creating a super cute project but you'll be sent home with a GOODY BAG of RANGER PRODUCTS. you don't want to miss this!

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Join Claudine Hellmuth (one of Ranger's signature designers and one of the industry's top mixed-media artists) as she takes you into her whimsical world of artistic design and colorful creations! You'll create a beautiful 6" x 6" canvas while learning a variety of exciting techniques. Learn how to stamp a two-tone image using Claudine Hellmuth stamps and paints, along with much more. Don't miss this chance to explore your inner artist (everyone has one!)!

HOW TO REGISTER:
Click here for more information on class times and to register.
Hope to see you there!

daily drawing - friday

2011-08-26T07:24:00.020-04:00

TGIF! happy Friday! My daily drawing for today:

This chair is like the one that came with my very first dining set that I got from Service Merchandise (remember Service Merchandise!). It was a five piece set with four chairs and a table. The chairs were white with wooden seats and matched the table. This set is now in my parent's kitchen and still going strong after almost 13 years!

daily drawing - thursday

2011-08-25T06:15:00.005-04:00

hello Thursday! here's my daily drawing for today.

A friend of the family gave me her wingback chairs when I got my first apartment. From then on we always called these chairs "mary chairs"! Thanks Mary for the great chairs! They provided us many years of enjoyment!

daily drawing - wednesday

2011-08-24T06:33:00.006-04:00

It's Wednesday! Here's my daily drawing for today. Another dining room chair. I'm not sure why I'm into chairs this week. Maybe it's because we do not have a dining table or chairs (no space in our tiny apartment) but for whatever reason I feel compelled to draw dining chairs this week.

daily drawing - tuesday

2011-08-23T06:02:00.003-04:00

hello Tuesday! here's my daily drawing for today.

black gesso as chalkboard paint

2011-08-22T17:20:00.000-04:00

In case you missed it, here's a quick little demo video from the CHA Show filmed by scrap time

In this video I'll show you how you can use new Claudine Hellmuth Studio Black Gesso as a chalkboard paint and a quick technique on antiquing foil tape! If you are reading this blog post from a feed, click here to watch the video.

daily drawing - monday

2011-08-22T07:45:00.007-04:00

happy Monday! here's my daily drawing. It's chair week!

better homes and gardens holiday craft issue

2011-08-21T18:06:00.013-04:00

It's time to start thinking of holiday crafting projects and what better way to get inspired than with the 2011 Better Homes and Gardens holiday craft issue!

Here's a little preview of the project I created for the issue and you'll find complete directions in the magazine.

I created this little Christmas collage using my Creative Layers foam and clear stamps (the house ones are my favorite!), as well as Claudine Hellmuth Studio paints by ranger. Click here to find everything you need (affiliate link).

Happy Creating!

daily drawing: friday

2011-08-19T06:32:00.014-04:00

TGIF! daily drawing for Friday - a disposable camera!

Remember when everyone would have these at their weddings? Do people even do that anymore? Probably not. We had them at our wedding on every table for the guests to use. It took me 7 years to get around to developing them! The film was still good and it was a fun way to celebrate our 7th anniversary.

Thanks to everyone for your sweet comments about my daily drawings. At the end of next week I'll have been point daily drawings for 4 weeks!

daily drawing: thursday

2011-08-18T07:15:00.004-04:00

Here's my daily drawing for Thursday!

daily drawing: wednesday

2011-08-17T07:35:00.028-04:00

Here's my daily drawing for Wednesday!

In college I had a Pentax camera. It became my all purpose camera for taking slides of artwork, got me through photography 101 and many years after. I miss that camera!

The first day of photography class we were told that we needed to go and buy a Pentax. I was new to DC and had no idea where to go and get one, and no car to get there. A nice woman in my class offered to drive me to a certain camera supply store that sold second hand cameras. We chatted on the way there in her car, bought our cameras and supplies then I took the metro home.

I remember in class she had lots of wonderful photos of her very handsome husband and beautiful children ... well turns out the woman who was in my class was Kerry Kennedy!

daily drawing: tuesday

2011-08-16T07:00:00.009-04:00

Here's my daily drawing for Tuesday!

daily drawing: monday

2011-08-15T07:44:00.014-04:00

Here's my daily drawing for Monday, a Polaroid camera!

I still miss having a Polaroid camera. Waiting for the film to develop was so much fun!

free event at archiver's stores using my products!

2011-08-12T15:26:00.000-04:00

Don't miss this FREE make-n-take event at Archiver's stores all across the US. You'll get to make a super cute fun card using my Claudine Hellmuth Studio Stamps from now - August 16th. Just stop by your local Archiver's store to make a free card!

Don't have an Archiver's near you? Here's a video they created using my stamps!

And if you are going to be in MN in Sept 16-18th. Don't miss ScrapFest! I'll be teaching three classes there, no supply list! Just bring yourself and we'll make this super cute canvas! Here's a link more information and to register!

daily drawing - friday

2011-08-12T07:37:00.002-04:00

TGIF! daily drawing for Friday - retro desk phone!

Thanks to everyone for your sweet comments about my daily drawings. I am enjoying this project!

daily drawing - thursday

2011-08-11T08:30:00.008-04:00

Here's my daily drawing for Thursday, a Princess phone!

I remember loving the princess phone on Desperately Seeking Susan. There's a scene where Madonna is painting her phone with nail polish. It made a real impression on my 9-year-old-self so I copied her and I painted my princess phone with nail polish too!

daily drawing - wednesday

2011-08-10T07:28:00.002-04:00

Here's my daily drawing for Wednesday a 1957 pay phone

daily drawing - tuesday

2011-08-09T08:24:00.008-04:00

Today along with my daily drawing I thought I would also share a little bit about my process.

When I bought the ipad I never imagined it would become my new favorite drawing tool. I thought I would use it for social networking, or web surfing but instead it has quickly become one of my most useful new tools in the studio.

The drawing program I use is the Adobe Ideas app. Which is not only a great drawing program it also turns your drawings into vector art so you can open them in Illustrator (thanks Kathy Weller for telling me about this app!) This is such a thrill for me because I am hopeless at Illustrator --- just say the words "bezier curves" to me and I get an instant migraine. Now I don't have to worry, I can draw directly on the ipad and import into Illustrator. Problem solved!

For my stylus I am using the Wacom Bamboo for ipad. Which has a nice smushy feel when you draw.

So here's how I start.

First I open up a photo of an image I want to draw. and I push it to the top of the screen so I can use it as reference. I am a messy sketcher. I have to "feel" out the line. So first I start in blue and I make a real mess while I try to figure out the shape of what I am drawing. You can see my phone is a little short and fatter than the photo. But that doesn't bother me, I adjust that later.

Then I start a new layer and I begin to refine my messy sketch with a nice black line. I reduce the opacity of the sketch layer so I can see what I am doing. I love the look of contour line drawing but I struggle to do a nice contour drawing from scratch (I am practicing though!). This way the sketch gives me a base to refine my contour drawing.

When I get it just how I want it and add in all the little details, then I delete the sketch layer. You can see here I made the neck and base of the phone a little skinner to look more like the original.

And here's the finished drawing! My phone is a little shorter and fatter than the reference photo, but I like to think that a little quirky-ness is what gives any drawing personality!

daily drawing - monday

2011-08-08T07:21:00.009-04:00

Happy Monday! Here's my daily drawing for today. I am drawing phones this week!

daily drawing - friday

2011-08-05T08:02:00.007-04:00

TGIF! daily drawing for Friday - a tandem bike!

Now what should I draw for next week? I'm enjoying sticking to a theme and drawing variations of the same object. Thanks for all your encouragement this week!

daily drawing - thursday

2011-08-04T07:01:00.003-04:00

daily drawing for Thursday - bike with training wheels and a cute lil flag!

new mini studio paints + a foam stamping tutorial

2011-08-03T17:43:00.012-04:00

Here's a quick little demo video that I filmed for you all about my NEW mini Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints. I've also got a little tutorial on a foam stamping tip that I think (hope) you'll enjoy!

Items used in this video:

If you are reading this blog post from a feed can can't see the video, click here to watch.

daily drawing - wednesday

2011-08-03T06:41:00.001-04:00

Happy Wednesday! here's my daily drawing -- a lil tricycle!

daily drawing - tuesday

2011-08-02T07:38:00.004-04:00

daily drawing for Tuesday -- a Euro City Bike!

daily drawing - monday

2011-08-01T06:25:00.004-04:00

daily drawing for monday -- this week is bicycle week!

daily drawing - day one starts Monday!

2011-07-29T18:35:00.000-04:00

I am starting a new blog series on Monday...... a drawing (almost every) weekday.

This was actually one of my New Years' Resolutions. Never mind that it's now almost AUGUST!! I kept meaning to draw every day, just a little drawing. But life and real work would always get in the way.

Then a couple weeks ago I got my new ipad and I discovered how much I LOVE drawing on it using a Wacom Bamboo Stylus and the Adobe Ideas program for ipad (only $5!). LOVE LOVE!!

So here I am vowing publicly to do a simple line drawing Monday - Friday (I may be allowed to skip a day here and there though :)

I hope you'll be cheering me on! See you Monday!!

i'm teaching at scrapfest!

2011-07-28T14:53:00.001-04:00

I am super excited to announce I am teaching at Scrapfest this September 16-18th hosted by Archivers Art Stores!

We're going to be making this super cute canvas artwork using the Claudine Hellmuth Studio line of paints, mediums, stamps and sticky back canvas. Class is only $24! WOW!! And the best part is there is no supply list! Just show up with scissors and you are ready to go!

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Join Claudine Hellmuth (one of Ranger's signature designers and one of the industry's top mixed-media artists) as she takes you into her whimsical world of artistic design and colorful creations! You'll create a beautiful 6" x 6" canvas while learning a variety of exciting techniques. Learn how to stamp a two-tone image using Claudine Hellmuth stamps and paints, along with much more. Don't miss this chance to explore your inner artist (everyone has one!)!

HOW TO REGISTER:
Click here for more information on class times and to register.
Hope to see you there!

all about black gesso

2011-07-27T18:17:00.001-04:00

Here's a quick little demo video from the CHA Show filmed by Lydia

In this video I'll show you how you can use new Claudine Hellmuth Studio Black Gesso as a chalkboard paint and a quick technique on antiquing foil tape! If you are reading this blog post from a feed, click here to watch the video.

join me on Whibey Island in October!

2011-07-26T20:55:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update on my workshops and classes for the rest of 2011. I can't believe how this year is flying away!

I only have ONE three-day class left on my schedule. just ONE!! This is my last 3 day workshop event for well over a year, you don't want to miss it!

Whidbey Island WA is so lovely in the fall and The Pacific Northwest School is an amazing space to hold a workshop. Big tables, large workspace lots of light - what more could we ask for!

Here's the class description:

OCTOBER 7-9th 2011 - 3 DAY COLLAGE CLASS ON WHIDBEY ISLAND WA
The three-day workshop format is a "Collage Discovery Intensive" inspired Claudine's two books, Collage Discovery Workshop and Collage Discovery Workshop Beyond the Unexpected

We'll start the weekend with a focus on color mixing and expanding our color palettes. We'll move onto to a concentration on composition and design principles. Then we'll learn a combination of painterly collage techniques, which will enhance the surfaces of your collage artworks. We'll play with image transfer methods and other experimental methods of working.

Our work together will be paced to allowfor personal artistic discovery as well as studio time for working on our collage artworks. The atmosphere will be one of support and encouragement. The most important ingredients you can bring to this workshop, is an open mind and a willingness to share and explore.

Workshop is available to artists of all skill levels - beginning to advanced.

FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER:
visit the web site: http://tinyurl.com/3o4wum6
or call Pacific Northwest Art School at 1-866-678-3396.

--------------------------------------------------
This class is already 1/2 full so don't wait to reserve your space!
---------------------------------------------------

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING:

"What I learned in Claudine's workshop was priceless......The workshop has sent me in a true direction for once in regards to my own art and how I create it. It was my first true workshop of this nature and I had a BLAST!" - Jo Ankney

"I used to think of collage as glueing down images in a pleasing composition. Claudine's Collage Discovery Workshop class changed all that. What great techniques!! Backgrounds, transfers, beeswax, WOW! That was the BEST class! .......The Adventures in Color was incredible for me too. I learned to mix paints and create a whole new source of inspiration to work from. Not that I've never mixed paints but I never went through the process the way you taught us. I didn't know to use black to shade down the color and white to tint up. That lesson alone will probably save me lots of $$ by not having to buy so many different colors of paint! Thank you for your generosity and making learning FUN. You were a pleasure to be around. You are an excellent teacher and I will be forever grateful to you for the direction my art has taken." - Sandy Friel

Have questions? Email me at claudine@collageartist.com

free artist/business tele summit

2011-07-18T08:09:00.007-04:00

I wanted to give you a quick heads-up about a FREE online artist/business event starting tomorrow, July 19th and running through the 28th. It's being presented by by my good friend Lesley Riley and 10 other artist experts, (including me!!)

The FREE event includes 10 industry experts and covers everything from:

What to put in your query letter that makes a publisher sit up and take notice

Many, many ways to make money with your art

How to write content that attracts hoards of blog readers

What it takes to teach at big events

The pros and cons of teaching online classes

How participating in online art communities can propel your career

Etsy shops and what lies beyond Etsy

The nitty-gritty of licensing your art

Why blogging is your most essential task

How to toot your own horn without sounding like a fool

The one thing every successful artist fears

How to run your business without it running you

What smart artists are doing today to market their work

The most important thing you need to do to make your art stand out

You may already know, Lesley Riley, she's an Artist Success Mentor and Coach, we've been friends for 10 years and she's amazing. I love her!!

SEEK starts tomorrow and space is limited so don’t delay (it's FREE!!) Get all the details and register here! My call with Lesley is July 27th and we cover all sorts of juicy business stuff perfect for artists! Don't miss it!

CHA Summer 2011 is here!

2011-07-16T08:28:00.004-04:00

I'm getting ready to head out to the CHA Show in Chicago! I can't believe it's that time again! I'll be at the wholesale/trade part of the CHA show which runs July 18-21st if you'll be there stop by and say hi!

Here's my demo schedule:

Monday July 18th
11:30am - 1:30pm Ranger Avenue - workshop with Ranger, I am teaching along with Tim Holtz and Jenni Bowlin

Tuesday July 19th
11am - 3pm demoing at the Ranger Industries booth

Wednesday July 20th
11am - 3pm demoing at the Ranger Industries booth
3:30 - 5:30pm demoing at the Stampers Anonymous booth

Thursday July 21st
11am - 3pm demoing at the Ranger Industries booth

Because the show is so busy, it's sometimes hard to find a spare minute to blog. But I'll be Twittering, posting photos and if I can get my phone to work, posting video too! Follow me on Twitter to get the latest updates!

new additions to the Claudine Hellmuth Studio line

2011-07-15T17:58:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited share some exciting new product additions to my Claudine Hellmuth Studio line that will be making their debut at CHA Summer 2011!

First up:

The same creamy, artist-quality Studio Acrylic Paints that you know and love are now available in convenient mini-kits of 5 colors each! These would be perfect to bring along to classes and crops, or to accent images (you can make fabulous polka dots with the precision nib!), or just to sample colors that you may not have tried before. There are three color combos to choose from. Pictured above is the "Urban" kit which includes .5 oz bottles of Smidge of Blue, Classic Teal, Painterly Pink, Yellow Pastel and Traditional Tan.

Also available:

The "Contemporary" kit includes Purple Palette, Sky Blue, Altered Orange, Dash of Red and Charcoal Black.

And last but not least, the "Metropolitan" kit includes Dab of Yellow, Modern Red, Landscape Green, Sable Brown and Blank Canvas.

Black Gesso! Now you can prime your papers, canvas, chipboard, fabric, wood and more with black opaque coverage while giving a little "tooth" to your surfaces so that they will accept paints and other mediums more easily. It even remains flexible on fabric! Available in a 4 fl. oz jar, and also in...

...the new Claudine Hellmuth Studio Mini Art Mediums kit! Just like the Mini Acrylic Paint sets, the Mini Art Mediums are convenient and transportable, and they easily add versatility to your craft and painting projects. The kit includes .5 oz bottles of Gesso, Black Gesso, Extra Time Slow-Dry Medium, Gloss Multi-Medium and Matte Multi-Medium!

For more information about the new products in the Claudine Hellmuth Studio line, check out the official press release or visit Ranger at CHA Summer, booth #731. I'll be demoing there every day from 11am-3pm so stop by to say hi!

the home shopping network

2011-07-14T23:36:00.001-04:00

I'm back from a whirlwind 24 hour trip to visit the HSN offices in Tampa FL!

As part of my visit I got to see the studios where they film the segments. They were getting set up for their Christmas in July specials when we peeked in. Lots of fashion and clothes lined up in the hallways ... and all the ladies who work at HSN wear amazing shoes! I was inspired to buy shoes after that visit, shoe shopping is normally not high on my list of desirable activities, but now I'm inspired!

I can't reveal more about the visit/meetings at this time, but it was a great trip and I am hopeful for some exciting developments in the future! Fingers crossed!!

New baby in our house!

2011-07-10T23:11:00.002-04:00

Last week a new bundle of joy came into our lives quite by surprise! A friend of ours had found a little kitten a few days earlier. He was starving and very thin and dodging cars on a busy city street. Not a good combo for a tiny kitten! She posted signs to find out if he was anyone's, all the neighbors told her he was a stray living next to a restaurant just two doors down.

I had seen her tweets about her efforts to catch him and offered to help. We both tried. He'd come closer and then dart away. Then on Thursday night she caught him, called me and brought him over! All while Paul was at tennis, he had no idea what was happening while he was out!

The little guy was so tiny! Once safe in our guest bathroom he seemed really excited about eating and getting lots of snuggles. At 8 am the next morning I had him at the vet, we got a health report: dehydration, ear mites, deworming, he needed a bath (he was so dirty!), the usual stuff for a little stray kitten thankfully no FIV etc. The vet surprised me by saying he was only 8 weeks old. I think he's going to be huge! He's big for only 8 weeks old!

Paul got to name him (since he had no say in our new kitten's arrival) and decided his name would be Brian! We made little Brian a room in the guest bathroom and he stayed under this cabinet for two days.

Pretty soon his confidence was up and he was feeling better after having lots of food. He ate so much the first few days! With slow introductions to Mabel and Maggie he was soon running around the house and having lots of fun.

stalking Mabel cat while she sleeps...

Napping in the doorway of my doll house (he is in and out of this dollhouse all day long!)

Looking cute in my office chair....

I got a little video of Mabel cat mothering Brian....

We have fallen in love with him and we are so excited that he is a part of our family! I can't believe it's only been a week, he fits in so seamlessly, it's as if he's always been here!

illustration friday: stay

2011-07-08T18:27:00.001-04:00

Here's my submission for this weeks illustration friday theme of "stay"

not much time to create new work with lots of deadlines, but I managed a quick little line drawing with some spot color! We are still challenged with the "stay" command for our dog Maggie. She likes to stay when she feels like it!

Happy weekend everyone!

how to glue papers with gel medium

2011-07-05T15:18:00.001-04:00

Here's a quickie tutorial on how to glue collage papers. The process is simple and with practice, you'll never have to worry about air bubbles again!

I often get asked how to glue papers with gel medium and not get bubbles. There is a little trick to it and I'll show you my technique! Using gel medium to glue your layouts or artwork is a great way to protect your work, you'll create a smooth, waterproof and archival surface which will stand the test of time.

First let's talk about what gel medium is. Gel medium is essentially acrylic paint without the pigment, so it dries clear. It is used to seal surfaces as a type of varnish, you can mix it with your acrylic paint to make the paint into glazes. And because it is archival and non-yellowing many people like to use it as their glue.I have used gel medium as my glue for 22 years and I can't even think about using anything else!

Many different companies make gel medium and some are thicker or thinner than others, some come in a matte finish, semi-gloss or gloss etc.

I got to create my own DREAM gel medium with Ranger that has all the elements needed to make it perfect for mixed media use! I'll be using my Multi-Medium in Matte from the Claudine Hellmuth Studio product line for this demo.

Here are the supplies you'll need:

Mini Multi Medium

Multi Medium 4oz jar

Studio Paint Brushes

Inkssentials craft bucket

FTC Disclosure: the links above are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I will earn a small referral fee. I appreciate your clicks and support!

twitter party this thursday

2011-06-27T12:27:00.002-04:00

I'll be hosting a Twitter party along with with Faber-Castell’s Design Memory Craft team and Christy Nelson this Thursday, June 30, between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. EST!

We’ll talk about some amazing projects using our Design Memory Craft product line! Be sure to follow me: @collageartist, Christy: @ChristyNelson1, and Design Memory Craft: @DesignMemCraft before the party!

Join the fun! No one expects you or your tweets to be perfect; we’re just happy you made it to the party!

Anyone who tweets during the party should use the hash tag at #dmc101 at the end of their tweets

Watch for questions from @ChristyNelson1 and @collageartist, to WIN awesome prizes

To join the party, you can use TweetGrid, TweetDeck or just search #dmc101 on Twitter.

Ask @DesignMemCraft questions or chat with other partygoers—just use the tag #dmc101 in all of your party tweets!

Please pay attention to the time zones, the party starts at 8:30pm EASTERN TIME

See you there!

illustration friday: midsummer night

2011-06-24T18:48:00.001-04:00

Here's my submission for Illustration Friday's theme of "midsummer night"

This is a piece that I created for the Wide Awake Press comic book anthology Fall/Horror issue quite some time ago but I thought it was a fun little twist on the midsummer night theme :)

Have a great weekend everyone!!

on my nightstand

2011-06-21T19:57:00.002-04:00

On my nightstand are two books by Danny Gregory. He’s the Author of An Illustrated Life and Creative License.

Danny is best known for his book Everyday Matters which he talks about how he started sketching as a way to cope when his wife was in a terrible accident that left her a paraplegic.

The focus of all his books is getting people to sketch/journal about their lives as a way of recording/journaling and mediation.

It’s a topic that keeps coming up for me. I want to sketch/journal on a regular/daily basis but then I never get around to it. "real work" gets in the way etc. Well this year I am determined to make it a habit. You'll be hearing more on myblog later about that!

If you like the idea of bringing more sketching into your life, check out this free ebook from Michael Nobbs (who also struggles with chronic fatigue like me!). What I love about his web site and blog is that he shows how to work art into your daily life in tiny and manageable amounts. Sign up for his newsletter for lots of good tips too!

our bags are all packed

2011-06-10T21:42:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn, Paul and I will be loading up the car along with Maggie doggie for a 14-something hour drive to Orlando FL. Our neighbor will be here apartment sitting and cat-sitting Mabel so we won't have to worry and she won't be lonely! whew!

We'll be visiting family, catching up, checking on our house and enjoying a few days in the Florida sunshine!

I'll be updating via Twitter and on Facebook (of course!) as we travel. My mom and dad like to follow our progress so you'll see frequent updates on our drive! I'll be back in the studio on June 20th ad ready to work on stuff for the CHA Show just around the corner!

Have a great week everyone!

PS. My online class peeps don't worry! I'll still be online everyday checking in and commenting on your work. I am so excited to see all the work you are creating :)

happy birthday paul!

2011-06-07T06:15:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband Paul!

wishing you the best 37th birthday ever!! I love you!

it's a 3-day weekend!

2011-05-27T20:47:00.003-04:00

Wishing everyone a good Memorial Day weekend!

Hope you are spending time with family and friends and don't forget the BBQ!

all about my new online class

2011-05-23T08:24:00.007-04:00

It's just 10 days until my new online class starts! Have you signed up yet? I created a little video explaining the details about the class, how it works, what to expect etc. Let me know if you have any questions! I am looking forward to creating with you!

If you are reading this from a feed and can't see the video above, click here to watch on youtube.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER DIRECTLY ON THE BIG PICTURE WEB SITE

THIS CLASS INCLUDES:

Welcome notes from Claudine in the classroom
Colorful instructional handouts with step-by-step instructions for each lesson/project
20 sheets of high resolution printable collage pages created from Claudine's favorite images -- all to use in our composition exercises (a $100 value!!)
Instructional videos
Powerpoint slideshows with Claudine's lively audio instruction
Reminder emails when the classroom is updated with new materials
Weekly emails offering inspiration, images from other artists and discussion about what we are working on that week
Private posting gallery to share your work and view the work of your classmates and Claudine
Email access to Claudine and lots of "Claudine" time
Message board to share your thoughts with your classmates
Two live chats with Claudine
and more!!

ALL FOR JUST $30!!

YES! $30! That's only $1 a day!! Woweee!!! Ready to Sign up? CLICK HERE!

CLASS FAQ:

Is this class open to International students? - YES! That's what is so great about online classes no matter where you are you can take it!
Do I have to buy all Claudine Hellmuth Studio products to take the class? No you don't. Actually there is NO SUPPLY LIST. I repeat. NO SUPPLY LIST. Work with what you have and use the downloads I provide. yay!
Do I have to be "present" each day to take the class? no you don't! you can follow along as the class progresses, or check in periodically and download the directions, watch the videos at your leisure! it is *best* if you can follow along with the class as I'll be able to comment on your work and help you, but if you are out of town, don't worry, you won't miss out on any details!
When does the class start? June 2nd
How much is the class? $30 for 4 weeks of instruction! That's only $1 a day!
Where is the supply list? Actually there is NO SUPPLY LIST. Work with what you have and use the collage downloads I provide. Easy!!
How long does the class stay active for those who registered? Students will have "forever access" to the class materials, which means that class will end June 29th (so there will no longer be teacher interaction), but students can go back at any point in time (as long as BPC exists) and access the class materials, gallery and message board! WOW!
I am just starting making art/collage: that's great! You'll get a jump just by learning these composition techniques and it will save you a lot of headaches.
Will it be fun? Composition sounds like math? Of COURSE it will be FUN!! I like to have fun. I promise we'll be learning and laughing!!
Will it work on my ipad? Yes! you can lie on the couch and watch all the videos right on your ipad!

READY TO SIGN UP? CLICK HERE! - Don't wait! This class will not be repeated until 2012!!

If you have any other questions that I didn't cover just post them in the comments and I will answer!

FTC Disclosure: links in this post are affiliate links. If you click and purchase my class, I will earn a small referral fee. I appreciate your clicks and support!

illustration friday: soaked

2011-05-20T12:48:00.001-04:00

Here's my Illustration Friday entry for the theme of "soaked"

With her umbrella turned inside out, she's going to get soaked in the rain!

have a great weekend everyone!

multi medium transfer onto metal

2011-05-18T15:06:00.003-04:00

Here's a quickie tutorial on how to transfer images to metal using Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi Medium in matte! The process is simple and easy (the longest part is waiting for everything to dry!) I hope you enjoy!

Here are the supplies you'll need:

FTC Disclosure: the links above are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I will earn a small referral fee. I appreciate your clicks and support!

new illustration work

2011-05-16T19:55:00.000-04:00

Here's a recent set of illustrations that I finished for The Community Associations Institute's Magazine.

The article was all about neighborliness (or lack there of) so this is what I created for the cover.

And here's a piece for the inside spread complete with nosy neighbor looking over the fence :)

I had so much fun creating these illustrations! Great theme and I got to play with all my favorite colors too!

easy photo tinting technique

2011-05-09T08:38:00.016-04:00

Here's a quickie tutorial on how to tint black and white photos using Claudine Hellmuth Studio paints and Extra Time Medium. It's an easy way to add a touch of color to photos and give them a more painterly look!

Click here to download this flower image to practice yourself!

Here are the supplies you'll need:

Print a b/w image onto glossy inkjet photo paper- or I used the Ranger Gloss Paper too!
Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints in Sable Brown, Sky Blue, Yellow Pastel
Claudine Hellmuth Studio Extra Time Medium
Claudine Hellmuth Studio paint brushes

FTC Disclosure: the links above are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I will earn a small referral fee. I appreciate your clicks and support!

happy mother's day!

2011-05-08T09:11:00.003-04:00

It was one year ago this weekend that we adopted our doggie Maggie and she quickly took over our hearts. She came all the way from TN to DC from aplacetobark.com on Mother's Day weekend

Just minutes after Maggie came off the transport, we're in the back seat of the car ready to head to her new home with us! Read Maggie's adoption story here!

Happy Mother's Day everyone!! Even mommies of 4-legged furry children count! :)

orlando here I come

2011-05-04T20:16:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow morning I am heading down to Orlando to get our little house all ready to sell. After 3 years of renting it out after our move here to DC, Paul and I have realized we are not cut out to be landlords. Too much anxiety, hassle and expense even with a property manager!

After lots of discussion we decided to put our house on the market. And within only 24 hours of being listed we already have a contract on it! We are excited but still holding our breath until the closing goes through. Fingers crossed!

So off I go tomorrow to visit our little home and get it all spruced up ready either for the sale or for more buyers. Hopefully the sale and closing will all go smoothly. We'll know more in a couple of weeks!

P.S. Even though I'll be in Orlando I'll still be live at 12noon EST on the Big Picture Classes Creative Crop this Saturday May 7th. I'll be chatting in the classroom, answering questions for an hour at Noon EST, 9am PST. And you don't want to miss my challenge - it's a fun one AND I included FREE a download to get you started! Also did I mention the Creative Crop is FREE!

giveaway week on big picture classes

2011-05-03T22:19:00.000-04:00

It's giveaway week on Big Picture Classes! Make sure to visit the BPC blog each day to learn how you can enter to win a free class! My day is Thursday where you can enter to win my new online class that starts June 2nd.

Click here to visit the Big Picture Classes blog and learn how to enter. Be sure to go back each day this week to enter a new giveaway!

Click here to learn more about my new online class!

And don't forget THIS SATURDAY Big Picture Classes and Creating Keepsakes Magazine are teaming up to bring you a fun-filled (and free!) Creative Crop for National Scrapbook Day! I hope that you’ll join me for the Creative Crop this Saturday May 7th at Noon EST, 9am PST. I'll be chatting in the classroom, answering questions for an hour at Noon EST, 9am PST. And you don't want to miss my challenge - it's a fun one AND I included FREE a download to get you started!

2011 workshop update

2011-05-02T21:10:00.005-04:00

An update on my workshops and classes for the rest of 2011. I can't believe how this year is flying away! I only have two events left!

First up is my online class....... I am really excited about how this class is turning out. It is LOADED with information. and for $30 you get the class and lifetime access to it! We won't run this class again until late 2012 at the earliest -- make sure to sign up now!

Then in October I'll be teaching a 3 day workshop on beautiful Whidbey Island. This is my last 3 day workshop event for quite some time so don't miss it!

June 2nd - 29th 2011 - Composition for Collage - ONLINE CLASS
NEW online class this summer. All online so you can take it from anywhere and at any time that works for you! Click here for complete details and registration info! Class is only $30 for 4 weeks loaded with information. Registration ends June 2nd. You don't want to miss out on this one! If you are a scrapbooker, journaler, or artist who loves to use papers and images. If you work digitally or by hand. I've got you covered! No Supply List! More info here! spaces still available!

October 7-9th 2011 - 3 day Collage Discovery Intensive in Coupeville WA
The three-day workshop format will be a "Collage Discovery Intensive" inspired Claudine's two books, Collage Discovery Workshop and Collage Discovery Workshop Beyond the Unexpected

We'll start the weekend with a focus on color mixing and expanding our color palettes. We'll move onto to a concentration on composition and design principles. Then we'll learn a combination of painterly collage techniques, which will enhance the surfaces of your collage artworks. We'll play with image transfer methods and other experimental methods of working.

A variety of idea generation tools will be covered to help us "dig deeper" into the meaning of our collage artworks. Our work together will be paced to allow for personal artistic discovery as well as studio time for working on our collage artworks. The atmosphere will be one of support and encouragement. The most important ingredients you can bring to this workshop, is an open mind and a willingness to share and explore. Workshop is available to artists of all skill levels - beginning to advanced.

To register click here! Or call Pacific Northwest Art School at 1-866-678-3396.spaces still available!