Art Studio Musings

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 1 person | Log in to rate

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Atelier simply means "an artists workshop." As a professional Mixed Media Fine Artist, designer and instructor, I have discovered a number of wonderful resources and tools that will help those wanting to enhance their own artistic journey. This is my lens about the things I find useful in my own studio and why. You can visit my website at www.stampingtoday.com or my blog at http://sarah-n-dipitous.typepad.com/sarahndipitous

 

10 things I HAVE To Have In My Studio 

With a few things, you can create stuff anywhere. This is what I have in my bag at all times
  • Moleskin
  • Black Ink Pen
  • Staz On Ink Pad
  • Waterpen with Watercolor Paints (In Altoid Tin)
  • Kai Scissors
  • 3M Double Sided tape
  • White Galaxy Marker
  • Dental Floss
  • CD Case with alphabet and collage type stamps
  • Baby Wipes

Some Background 

I read a quote once that said, "A Modern artist is one who throws paint on a canvas, wipes it off with a cloth, and sells the cloth..." So what exactly is Collage and Mixed Media?
Defining Mixed Media....sort of
The professional definition
Defining Collage... again sort of
The professional definition

Eyecandy 

Collage Unleashed

Such a Fun book!

Amazon Price: $15.63 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

New Directions in Altered Books

I have gleaned a lot of inspiration from this book

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

The Altered Book Scrapbook

Definately something for those looking to take their art to the next level

Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Artful Paper Dolls: New Ways to Play with a Traditional Form

I love this

Amazon Price: $14.36 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Pretty Little Things: Collage Jewelry, Trinkets and Keepsakes

Nice book to flip through and be inspired by

Amazon Price: $15.63 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Great Stuff on CafePress 

I love Cafepress. I have my own store as do my sons. The proceeds from my store go directly to the Stamping Today Scholarship fund which helps defray the cost of art supplies and materials with my volunteer work teaching art to children. Thank you for your support.
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Mixed Media Artists ACT I 

Claudine Hellmuth
One of my favorite people. I love her books and she is an all around cool person.
Mixed Media Collage Artists
This is a group specifically for Mixed Media Artists.
Michelle Caplan
If you want to meet a cool artist, this blog is a nice read.
Teesha Moore
Teesha is an amazing artist. She organizes a cool art retreat for those interested in expanding their artistic journey.
Karen Thomas
This is an amazing artist with an incredible story.
Keith LoBue
I am always inspired by this artist.
Linda and Opie O'Brien
With my passion for metal and burning stuff in general, it's hard not to love these folks. Their book Metal Craft is one of my favorites.
Jacqueline Sullivan
I love this woman. A frequent instructor at the Artful Srapper and Stamper in Romeo Michigan, she is AMAZING.
Kathy Cano Murillo
The crafty Chica herself. She makes me smile and I love her work.
Barbara Matthiessen
I love this website. Barbara is a wonderful talent.
Bev Brazelton
This is one of those people that if they come to your town you HAVE to take a class with
Elizabeth Parsons
Besides being one of the coolest people ever, I am constantly amazed by her talent.
Karen Landey
Another one of my favorite people on the planet. I am thankful for her incredible talent and look forward to seeing her latest project Indie Arts
Lynne Perrella
I love this artist. Her stamps and collages are inspiring.
Mai-Liis Peacock
I could say so much about this wonderful light in my universe. She is incredibly talented and she makes me smile. You will love her.
Michael Jacobs
This is one of my favorite people on the planet. Michael is a truly gifted and talented artist.

The Studio Bookshelf For Mixed Media Collage 

If your forte is Mixed Media Collage, these are some wonderful resources for you.

In mixed media, inspiration comes from all places. As products continue to evolve and techniques change to utilize those products, having solid resources from the world's finest artists at your fingertips is like getting a class from a master. To glean from their expertise is what takes your own art to the next level. These are some of my favorites that have inspired and challenged me in my own journey.

Collage Lost and Found: Creating Unique Projects With Vintage Ephemera

This is such a cool book. I just love looking through it.

Amazon Price: $19.65 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

The Complete Guide to Altered Imagery : Mixed-Media Techniques for Collage, Altered Books, Artist Journals, and More

Karen is one of my favorite artists. Her work inspires me.

Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Collage Discovery Workshop - Beyond the Unexpected: New Techniques Using Color, Personal Imagery and Creative Surfaces

Claudine has such a unique style. This book is loaded with techniques.

Amazon Price: $15.63 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Collage : A New Approach

Mr. Talbot is a genius. You will love his work.

Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Mixed Media Explorations: Blending Paper, Fabric and Embellishment to Create Inspired Designs

I love Beryl's work in general. I can't wait to purchase this book!

Amazon Price: $20.43 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Mixed Media Artist Act II 

Juliana Coles
Such a fun and energetic woman. I love her art.
Cory Celaya
Another one of my favorite artist types.
Jill Badonsky
This is a cool site and wonderful eyecandy.
Kelly Kilmer
This woman's talent with acrylics and glazing mediums will have you entranced and hopelessly addicted after the day is done.
Susan Reynolds
A dear friend and an amazing artist. Her technique is so much fun to watch. Make sure to visit her blog too.
The Wander's Tale
This is one of those sites you can spend a lot of time at. The eyecandy is delicious.
Tim Holtz
For many of you Ranger ink junkies, you already know who Tim Holtz is. His wonderful eye and unique style are always inspiring
Tonia Davenport
Besides being one of my most favorite people in the world, Tonia has a way with frames. I think everyone should visit her to see what I mean.
Lisa Engelbrecht
Such a fantastic talent. I love her calligraphy and her amazing colors and textures in her work. A real treat.
Traci Bautista
Such a vibrant soul! I love her energy and passion for the bold.
Karen Michel
All I can say is wow. Buy her book and be inspired.
Nina Bagley
I have often bought a Somerset Magazine just to see her work. I love it.
Laurie Doctor
I just love her work. I could look at it for hours and still make new and interesting discoveries in it.
Sherrill Kahn
I love the colors and textures Sherrill uses in her work.
Oiseaux Sisters
Okay, I could not pronounce this if my life depended on it but, the site is worth the visit.
Out Of The Blue
Another one of those places I like to visit
Michelle Ward
I have admired her work for years. I own almost all of her stamps and use them often.
Keely Barham
I love the bright colors and wonderful stuff Keely makes.

The Studio Shelf above the DVD player 

DVDs are like having a private lesson from the art industry's finest according to your schedule and without the high cost. There is nothing like watching an artist actually create the projects in front of you.

Exploring Art Materials with MaryJo McGraw

Amazing DVD. I love watching Mary Jo work. This video is PACKED with awesome ideas.

Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

The Journey Continues with Tim Holtz

Tim is an amazing person and a gifted artist. This is his second DVD and both deserve a spot in your shelf. This DVD is loaded with interesting stuff and the bloopers are hilarious.

Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Polymer Clay Treasures with Lisa Pavelka

Lisa has a wonderful grouping of projects and even if you aren't a clay person, after watching it, you will be inspired to be.

Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Fold It: Beyond Traditional Origami with Karen Thomas

This is a video I often revisit. Karen does such a fantastic job and kids love it!

Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

More Awesome DVDs 

Page Sage
I love this manufacturer. I recommend all of their titles and am looking forward to the amazing featured artists in the future. Speaking from an instructor's point of view, these are a great investment and a wonderful tool to use in the classroom. They are made for all ages and all experience levels.

To Stamp is to Create 

I love rubber stamping. I love the fact you can stamp on practically any surface known to man and, I enjoy testing that theory and discovering new surfaces to experiment on to leave my mark. I am what they would probably classify as an alterer.... that is, if it isn't running away, I will probably try to stamp on it. I love the fact that stamping allows someone who may not be gifted in drawing a chance to use the work of someone who is and is then able to create a piece of fantastic artwork of their own.

Magazines I Subscribe To 

Rubberstampmadness - Rubber Stamp Madness

This is one of those have to have magazines. Lots of technique and unique collage stamping

Amazon Price: $21.95 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Cloth Paper Scissors

Amazing publication. Lots of mixed media and beautiful eyecandy

Amazon Price: $34.95 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Untraditional ways to use Stamps 

Contrary to popular belief, rubber stamps can be used on many different surfaces.... here are some of my favorite books showing this.

Metal Craft Discovery Workshop

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. Linda and Opie are such amazing folks.

Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Alphabetica: An A-Z Creativity Guide for Collage and Book Artists (Quarry Book)

Another really cool collective. Lots of good stuff in here.

Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Fabric Art Journals: Making, Sewing, and Embellishing Journals from Cloth and Fibers (Quarry Book)

I am not a sewing type gal but, this book is too much fun not to have.

Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Quilted Memories: Journaling, Scrapbooking & Creating Keepsakes with Fabric

Again another cool book.

Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

The Decorated Journal: Creating Beautifully Expressive Journal Pages

One of my personal favorites. I love the scenic pages. I get so inspired when I flip through the pages of this one

Amazon Price: $17.96 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Getting Started 

There are so many stamp sites on the web that it would be impossible to list them all. I have listed the ones that I find are the most helpful to my students.
Tyra's Cloud 9
This is one of my favorite stamping sites in that it has incredible content. You will find techniques as well as links galore.
Teal Dragon
This is another site that will knock your socks off with information. Wonderful links, awesome techniques and answers to all your questions
Split Coast Stampers
According the Stampings Top 50 list, this is number one. It is an awesome stamping community and chat group. You will meet some fantastic people here. Enjoy!
Stamp Diva
I love buying stamps here. Lots of artsy stuff!
Addicted to Rubber Stamps
Amazing resource and place to buy stamps of all kinds. They have wonderful sales, fast shipping and cool stuff.
Vickie Enkoff
I love her wonderful stuff.
Art Declassified
I love this company and am excited about seeing the new stuff they come up with. Look here to see new projects from area 51 (that would be me)
Stampers Anonymous
One of my favorite stamp companies around.
Judi Kins
I love their stamps as well as their unique products.... They have amazing powders, glues and tapes. Just love them.
Tsukineko
One of my favorite ink companies. I use their Staz On, Brilliance, and Versa Lines of ink all the time. A mainstay of my basic stamping kit
Ranger Ink
I love Ranger's line of alcohol inks, acrylics and color washes. They have som many wonderful things to play with
Stamping Top 50
This site basically monitors the traffic each stamping site gets and gives them a ranking according to popularity. You will find some wonderful companies here

The Studio Bookshelf for Rubber Stampers 

Resources for the addict as well as those wanting to become one

Rubber stamps make all of us look good. You don't need to have artistic talent to ink a stamp and put it to paper. Stamps are the great equalizer! These resources will give you loads of eyecandy and inspire your inner muse.

Art Stamping Workshop: Create Hand-Carved Stamps for Unique Projects on Paper, Fabric, Polymer Clay and More

Gloria is an amzing artist and a beautiful person. She is a bright shining light in the stamping world. You will love this book.

Amazon Price: $15.63 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Creative Cardmaking: A Complete Guide

Mary Jo is an amazing person and such a gifted and talented artist. This is a wonderful book.

Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Texture Effects for Rubber Stamping

The techniques Nancy goes over in this book are fun and designed to get those creative juices going. I love this book.

Amazon Price: $19.65 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

30-Minute Rubber Stamp Workshop

Sandra is another wonderful artist. This book is filled with untraditional stamping projects that will have you thinking about what other things you can stamp on.

Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

The Weekend Crafter: Rubber Stamp Carving: Techniques, Designs & Projects

I love this book. Having carved my own stamps for many years, this is a wonderful resource.

Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Top 10 Favorite Stamp Images 

  • Dragonflies
  • Architecture
  • Background Text
  • Time and Clocks
  • Buildings
  • Flowers
  • People
  • Asian Themes
  • Collage Elements...textures
  • Alphabets

Some Cool Stampers 

Gloria Page
A dear sweet woman who I am thrilled to call friend. You will love her book Art Stamping Workshop!
Rubber Rabbit
I love this site. When you visit you'll know why.
Sarah Hodsdon
Okay, I may not be "cool" but, I love to stamp and would like it if you'd check my site out
Roben-Marie Smith
I love this lady and her stamps are so cool.
Michelle Ward
One of my personal favorite Stamp Designers

The Studio Bookshelf for Scrapbookers 

Scrapbooking and Artistic journals are important ways to document where we've been and preserve those precious memories. These books are as informative as they are inspiring.

Creative Collage for Scrapbooks

This is the book I told them to create. Nice crossover book for scrappers wanting to take their art to the next level.

Amazon Price: $22.99 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

The Ultimate Guide to Photo Keepsakes (Leisure Arts #15950) (Creating Keepsakes)

I love this book. Pure, simple, classic

Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

A Designer's Eye for Scrapbooking

Ali is just one of the coolest people you'll ever meet. This book will inspire you.

Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Artists' Journals and Sketchbooks: Exploring and Creating Personal Pages

Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Drawing From Life: The Journal as Art

Not your typical journal book but, it will give you a peek into different ways people document their life stories.

Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Wonderful Scrapbooking Magazines 

Scrapbooks Etc. (1-year)

Everyone loves looking through and bookmarking pages in this one.

Amazon Price: $19.97 (as of 11/22/2009) Buy Now

Some Really Cool Scrapbooking Sites 

Two Peas in a Bucket
The place to be for all scrapbooking junkies. You will find amazing galleries and loads of inspiration
Jenni Bowlin
I love her work, you will too
Ali Edwards
A bright and shining light in the scrapbooking world. I like her work and think she's cool to boot.
Becky Thompson Designs
Becky is an incredible woman and just plain fun to be around. Her classes are amazing (fun and informative) and her work inspires.

by sarah-n-dipitous

Welcome! My name is Sarah Hodsdon and I am a mixed media fine artist, designer and instructor. I hope you find my list informative. I will be add...

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