[video] Q&A #5: alcohol inks, pads, video-making, and more!

This week, I discuss more of your questions, especially those related to creating your own spray inks from alcohol inks (read: NO!) and creating video content for viewers. I also discuss my favorite art books, stamp pads, and a whole bunch more (including my upcoming art workshop!). 

Here're links for a few things mentioned in the video:

Workable Fixatif

Golden GAC 100

My fav books...

Painted Pages

Ordinary Sparkling Moments

1000 Artists' Journal Pages

Strathmore Mixed-Media 400 Series
(I plan on doing a review post for this paper as soon as I've worked on it some more.)

I just wanted to update y'all on a few things around here. The sewing video's been filmed and I just need to edit it -- I'll be posting it on Tuesday, as tomorrow's pretty full (a deadline, class, grocery shopping, and class prep!). I have filmed a short video about the whole Pinterest situation, but I'm, well, a bit scared to post it! If I do, it'll go up tomorrow, since it doesn't require much editing (I actually wrote it and read word-for-word!). 

I'm taking a little internet break this week -- I'm feeling way too overwhelmed by social media and trying to keep up with it all, so I'm unplugging my wireless card and working in the studio most of the time. This also means I'll be working on answering emails -- I really have a bunch I'm itching to answer (but my wrist has gotten angry and I'm wearing a brace) and hope being unplugged will help me be more focused. I need to detox a bit from electronics!

And yes, I put up a donate button again. I'm doing a ton of videos these days, and would love a little help. No pressure! It's just me opening up to the abundance of the universe. This girl is ready to claim 2012 as her year. 

Make sure you're on the mailing list! I'm starting something new and free, and will be sending out a newsletter this week.

Now, I believe Once Upon a Time is on. 

[video] Q&A: all about inspiration, courage, and supplies!

Wow! I think we've found a winner for Kira's Standing And Talking Videos. No color correction needed! I answer a bunch of questions in a socially awkward way, running on iced tea and chai as I am still in the middle of my Diet Coke detox. 

Here are links for things I discuss in the video:

(I did mention Pinterest in the last vid, but am still educating myself about their practices and TOS, so I'll hold off on "officially" endorsing them.)

my google+ profile:
https://plus.google.com/112284082609292585455/

qa forum: 
http://www.journalgirl.com/qaforums/

sticky pages: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCRv5NJlwWc

paper i use in my journals: 
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/paper/printmaking-paper/s...

on-the-go journal kit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjXhxiSfC7M
Couch journal kit: 
http://www.journalgirl.com/blog/2011/11/7/an-armchair-art-solution.html

{vlog questions and answers, plus some books i'm reading}

with intention


When I opened my email this morning, I had two comments full of questions off yesterday’s live vlog. So I thought, why not answer them in a post?

This batch is from Cassandra Marie.

1. When you keep the collage podge in the little gladware containers, does the top dry out from the air in the container?

Nope! I think it’s the same as when you have a jar of gel medium...there’s air in there, but volume keeps things from drying out. Gesso in the little containers may get a little dry on the top, but you mix it in and everything’s fine.

2. I'm sad I missed whatever shenanigans that were going on in the chat!

HAHA. They were talking about a French textbook and what it could really be a textbook on....

4. For whatever reason, neither Michaels nor Joanns carries Sumi-e ink. Right now, I'm using black acrylic thinned with india ink, as acrylic is too chunky, but india ink seems too grey and not black enough (sounds like that discussion happened in chat).

Yup. I’ve found that sumi-e ink is the blackest, most consistent ink I’ve found. Blick online carries it, ya know. And it’s really inexpensive.

5. I love how you just paint right over the collage. I've been experimenting with that since I first found you on youtube a year ago, but to no avail. There must be some secret!

I’ve never thought about a secret -- I just do what feels right to me. Experiment with the water-to-paint ratio when trying to work over a collage. Or just drip paint directly onto the collage and move it around with your fingers.

6. I got a cool feather dip pen with different nibs, but how they are supposed to attach is beyond me. Sad, really.

Usually, the nib just slides into the top of the holder.

7. That drip could have looked neat if you left it. Serendipity, right?

Considering I ended up painting over the page, collaging a bit of random papers from the doctor today, and then just decided to write it off.....yeah. It could of stayed and caused no problem. ;)

8. Are you going to fill in the chrysanthemums with white like you did with the stamps?

Maybe! I leave things like that for later, when I’m bored somewhere in a waiting room or can’t really get into whatever project I’m working on...then I’ll turn to that page with a pen in my hand and work on it. I’m sure many of my pages, if you looked at them now, have more things added than the images I post. I’m never REALLY done.

9. What book are you reading?

I’m reading “The Red Book” by Sera Beak (the quote on the page above is from that book). I’m fifty pages in and am completely and totally in love with this book, and wish it were required reading for every person looking to ignite that divine spark inside. 

I’ve really been reading a lot, looking to expand and grow spiritually and just...in general. I’m nearly finished with “Tranquilista” by Kimberly Wilson, which I picked up after Hannah’s awesome review. This book has me thinking about how I live my life -- being a responsible inhabitant of this planet, living with intention -- and what areas need something more. It even goes over fashion, make-up, accessories, and starting your own business.

But “The Red Book” is just -- it is the book I’ve been looking for forever. It’s about spirituality and lighting that spark inside you that connects you to the divine. And how to be a modern woman spiritual cowgirl.

I’m also reading “Spirited” by Rebecca Rosen, which I grabbed on impulse from the NEW shelf at my local library (which is a JEWEL, considering how fast I go through books). It’s all about learning to listen to your intuition and connecting with spirit for guidance. She also helps you to work through past issues in order to move forward in life. I’m halfway through and really enjoy her voice and candor.

And a question from Make-a-Life

3.What kind of paper is your art journal made of?

My journal, and all the journals I make have poster board as the pages. You know, the thick stuff you make posters on in grade school? It’s the thickest and cheapest paper I’ve found and works AWESOMELY.


Tomorrow, the first Collage Book comes out! You don't want to miss it!

 

{vlog tuesday: acrylics, markers, and badly-behaving chat modules!}

This week, I worked on a random loose canvas piece and answered questions. We talked a whole lot about acrylics -- cheap vs. expensive, liquid vs. regular -- and Copic markers and watercolor crayons. Is there something you'd like to learn about? A technique or product you would like to see me demonstrate? Leave me a note in the comments and I'll try my best to make it happen.

Also, no blog post tomorrow, as I'm spending my birthday with friends & family. See you on Friday!

{studio vlog tuesday: a lot of rambling and some real collage work

 

(if you have problems, go to the host page to view this week's vid)

Also, I've been answering questions over on my formspring. I try to do one a day, but I've got a bit of a backlog....if you've submitted one yet-to-be-answered, it shall be done soon! Anyway, you should check out the page.

Have you signed up for the WISH Journal Workshop yet? Why not? I'll have a preview vid up for you by Thursday. ;)