the sea was calling...

so we answered.

rolling pin stamps

I am always trying to find easy ways to incorporate layers of pattern into my surface design when I am making hand painted paper and fabric.

My favorite way to incorporate pattern is by making my own stamps and wood blocks. But after buying a few mini rolling pins, I had the brilliant idea to create some rolling pin stamps that I could use to create quick layers of pattern.

I started with mini rolling pins (and for the life of me I can't remember where I got them!) but you could also use full size rolling pins.

Originally I thought I would carve patterns with my wood carving tools into the wooden rolling pins but I ran out of time! Since I use craft foam for a lot of my own hand carved stamps, I have a lot of it on hand! I decided to use the foam to cut out shapes- it is flexible and very easy to use with paint.

I cut out lots of shapes from the foam

and then with hot glue, I glued the shapes to the surface of the rolling pin.

It is not necessary to use craft foam- you really could think outside the box and use just about anything that could be glued to the surface and create a unique pattern.

After the entire surface of the rolling pin was covered I used a brush to add paint

and then I rolled it across the surface.

I was able to roll it across the surface about three or four times without adding more paint.

This is MUCH easier than stamping or using a wood block where you often have to add paint or ink after every transfer to the surface.

I got creative and used all sorts of different shapes cut from the craft foam

and even carved some simple details with my wood burning tool.

tip- a wood burning tool will carve (or burn away) texture from the surface of the craft foam.

I created all kinds of papers,

I added the patterns to the top of canvas that had been painted

and even rolled pattern right over the top of hand dyed muslin.

Such a quick and easy way to add pattern, layers and texture to your surfaces!

a peek inside my sketchbook

Even when I am strapped for time- I make time to fill a couple pages of my sketchbook with drawings every day. Sometimes all I have on hand for inspiration are the everyday things that are right in front of me :)

new online class- watercolor bliss!

I have been hard at working planning and creating new online classes for the months to come- I've got some fun stuff coming in the future! And the next online class that I will be offering is called Watercolor Bliss. A class dedicated just to watercolors (with my messy, simple and easy twist on the techniques and inspiration)

Registration will open up on Monday and I will be announcing all the class details and even giving away a few free spots in the class. So if you are interested in working and playing with watercolors check back Monday for all the details!!

important note on all my online classes-

All of my classes have unlimited access- once you register you can create and access at any time and work at your own pace. Whenever I "release" a new class- I always structure it in a five week format. Many people who want to work in this format, as the lessons are posted each week, enjoy working at this pace but once the five weeks are up there is unlimited time to access everything.

I have found that some people prefer to work along with the five week format when I release the class while others will wait months until they have the time, money and the schedule to register for the class. Either way works- just know that once you are in- there is no deadline or pressure to create :)

flight patterns of the brown pelican

the monday blues