Orange Spiral Arts

Art It Up!, Alcohol Inks, and Capturing Moments

Greetings Everyone,

I can hardly believe that it is almost August! The exciting part about that for me, is that there are a few class opportunities I can share with you. Some are for local Twin Cities folks, and one is for anyone around the world with internet access!

Upcoming Classes at Wet Paint

First things first, for those of you in the Twin Cities with children, nieces, nephews, or neighbors in the age range of 11-15, I encourage you to sign them up for Art It Up! Getting Started with Visual Journaling. 

Here's the class description:

Saturday, August 3rd 10-12:30pm

FEE: $30

Discover rubber stamps, spray inks, stencils and more in this introductory visual journaling class. Learn how a visual journal can be a place to let your heart express itself, experiment, and explore the wonderful world of creativity. Your journal is like a playground for what’s going on inside of you. It’s a safe space for you to learn about yourself as you continue to grow and change. Let it out and then let’s Art It Up!

An email with supply list and details will be sent to registrants prior to the class.

There's no doubt that this is going to be a lot of fun for participants. 

Sign up today on the Wet Paint site, or call the store at 651-698-6431.

The sooner the better, as classes tend to get canceled a few days before the scheduled session. 

The next class I have coming up at Wet Paint is an introduction to Alcohol Inks.

Here's the description:

Tuesday, August 6^th 5:30-7:30pm

FEE: $56 includes kit+yupo

Let’s Get Abstract with Alcohol Inks!

Alcohol Inks are vibrant, fluid, and come in an array of colors.

In this beginner alcohol inks class, we’ll be experimenting on different surfaces such as Yupo and canvas. We’ll try out different techniques for manipulating the alcohol ink, adding various textures, as well as experimenting with directly dropping it onto your chosen surface.

Caution: If you are sensitive to fumes, such as the smell of rubbing alcohol, you might want to skip this one.

An email with supply list and details will be sent to registrants prior to the class.

I taught this class in July, and it was a ton of fun. The students loved the kit and the extra things that I brought along, as well.

Sign Up today on the Wet Paint site, or call the store at 651-698-6431.

Finally, some of you may know that I am part of the 21 Secrets Summer Studio edition Playful Experiments. Registration has closed for Playful Experiments, but you can still join 21 Secrets Summer Studio edition Capturing Moments.

It's going to be an amazing set of online classes. The 21 Secrets Summer Studio editions are some of my favorite, as I love looking for that email each day, M-F for two weeks. The interviews with the artists are super inspiring, and the Facebook community is really fun, too. Plus, upon registration, you get a really fun, super duper awesome workshop by Connie Solera right away. NO waiting until August 5th; you get to start playing right away! You will loooooooove Connie's lesson, too. I just know you will. 

So for those of you who prefer or out of necessity, like to create at home, 21 Secrets Summer Studio: Capturing Moments is here for you!

I hope to see you in class, one way or another, in August!

Many Blessings to you,

Briana 

Last Call-21 Secrets Playful Experiments Registration Closes on Sunday

Greetings! 

I hope this post finds you well. 

I wanted to let you know that I am getting really, really, REALLY, excited for the next two weeks of 21 Secrets Playful Experiments! The live sessions begin on Monday, July 8 and run through Friday, July 19. What I mean by "live" is that each day, M-F, for two weeks, you will receive a wonderful email all about one of the guest teachers in 21 Secrets Playful Experiments. The email will also contain links to the video lessons by that artist. Each artist also completed an interview, so you will get to know some interesting things about each guest teacher (including me). The videos are made to be short and impactful, so that you can get some creative time in, even if you have a busy schedule. 

I am overjoyed and a weeeeee bit nervous to be first on the list, which means my workshop is released on Monday, July 8. That's what I get for having my first name start with a "B".

I will be teaching "From Distress to De-stress," and I can't wait to share it with you!

I have some special bonuses and offers I will be letting registered participants know about. There is also a private Facebook group, where I will be actively participating all day on Monday, July 8.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to release some of that pent up creative energy? Would you like to feel more free in your creative expression and creative practice? This online program offers so much for such a great price.

Sign up by the end of Sunday, July 7, before registration closes!!!

I don't want you to miss out on all of the fun we'll be having!

Sending Blessings and Creative Vibes Your Way,

Briana

21 Secrets Retirement SALE is here-SAVE 50 Percent

Hello Creative People!

I wanted to let you know about an amazing opportunity. I have been a guest teacher, as well as a student of the many, many editions of 21 Secrets. Since the lovely Connie Solera is rebranding her website and making room for new things, she is no longer going to be selling the five pictured editions of 21 Secrets online art journaling workshops. I have a class in the 21 Secrets-Color, Color, Color edition. My class is called Draw, Paint, and Print Artful Color Patterns. I own all of the other editions shown here, as I am such a fan of these workshops.

Here's what makes 21 Secrets so great:

• There are workshops from teachers from all over the world
• The workshops cover an amazing amount of mixed media ideas and techniques to use in your visual/art journal
• The teachers are extremely generous in the amount of content they provide
• You get unlimited access to the content and videos all linked in the handy PDF file that you receive upon purchase
• You are supporting emerging and established artists when you purchase these 21 Secrets editions
• Last but not least, you are supporting me, as an artist, by purchasing through my affiliate link

So, the SALE is so awesome-you'll save 50 percent off each edition purchased when you use the coupon code RETIREMENT.

The sale runs Wednesday, May 8 (beginning at 3am PST and 5am CST) through Saturday, May 11, 2019.

To summarize, there are five editions of 21 Secrets that are going into retirement.

After May 11, 2019, the following editions will no longer be available for purchase.

• 21 Secrets Color, Color, Color
• 21 Secrets emBODY
• 21 Secrets Tell Your Story
• 21 Secrets Tools & Techniques
• 21 Secrets The Best of 2014 & 2015

Note: All owners of these editions will still have unlimited access to the content and videos.

Get them while you can and SAVE 50 percent! Simply enter the coupon code RETIREMENT at checkout.

May you enjoy these art making videos as much as I do. I return to these again and again. Sometimes our lives are so busy, we can't fit in all that we want to. That's the beauty of having unlimited access to these treasures. Seriously, there is so much goodness packed in to each 21 Secrets edition. If you are interested in art journaling or mixed media art, I highly, highly recommend these 21 Secrets online workshops.

Sending Love and Gratitude out!

-Briana

 

Here's Why I am Signing Up for Life Book 2019

Here's the truth: I am not into creating faces and portraits. Even though 30-40 percent of the lessons in Life Book will have some sort of face, that leaves 60-70 percent of the content that does NOT focus on creating a face. What I appreciate about Life Book is that there is a focus on personal development and healing. I completely believe in the power of the arts to help us heal our emotional wounds. I know that imagery is a powerful tool that helps the subconscious deliver messages to our conscious mind. Once we are aware of what's going on inside our hearts, bodies, and minds, there is the opportunity to shift, change, and transform our lives for the better.

It is important to note that Life Book does not take the place of professional therapy. The offerings in Life Book are tools for personal growth and development. 

This year, I am particularly excited about Andy's offerings related to NVC (Nonviolent Communication). As an expressive arts facilitator, I am always looking to add to my own list of resources and skills that will help me to be a better facilitator. 

If you are interested in developing your mixed media skills, in being playful and experimental with art supplies, or in creating a Life Book for 2019, I hope that you will join us. You may click the image above, or click here. Don't forget to enter coupon code "LOVEBOMB2019" to save 20%, valid through December 31, 2018.

Sending Blessings to you,

Briana

PS I loved the Life Book Creativity & Wellbeing Summit, and that content is included once you register for Life Book 2019. It's truly a win-win.

New-COLLAGE PAPER PIES online class is open for registration

It has been a dream of mine for nearly twenty years to create what I call a "collage paper pie." I had been seeing them created by several artists, in many different styles. They seem to be a modern art motif. They kept grabbing my attention and entering into my psyche, as something I wanted to create "someday." Well, finally something clicked, and I am making them, and I want to share this process with YOU!

Come read more about the story of how this online class came to be. And if you feel inspired, you are welcome to sign up today! You receive unlimited access to the course material. Learn more by clicking here.

Register for Mixed Media Paint Scraping-NEW Online Class

I am so excited! I am working hard on my next online class, Mixed Media Paint Scraping.

Go here for more info and to register!

Class opens on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018 and runs for five weeks through November 13th, 2018.

After November 13th, 2018, the class will be self-paced.

 

Sending Blessings and Creative Vibes your way!

-Briana

Life Book Inspired Art

Life Book Inspired Art by Briana

(Post written as artistcellar design team member)

Many of you may know of Tamara Laporte and her online course creation called Life Book.

You may also know that in 2018 Tamara got her book published called Create Your Life Book.

As I was flipping through the book referenced above, I noticed some stencils that I recognize and adore. They are stencils by artistcellar! Feeling inspired by this, I decided to try my hand at one of the lessons. I did my own version of “The Zen Butterfly” lesson on pages 16-21.

Supplies Used:

Watercolor paper, 140 lb., 9 in. x 12 in.

Dylusions Spray Inks

Artistcellar stencils

Paintbrush

Jar of water

Roll of paper towels

Micron Pen

Step 1: Choose a few stencils and spray inks.

Step 2: Spray the ink through the stencils and blot with a paper towel roll.

Step 3: Continue to add stencils and spray with ink.

TIP: use another paper to cover up areas you do NOT want to spray with ink.

Step 4: Allow spray ink to dry completely.

Step 5: Add writing about how you want to live your life.

For reference, here’s one more photo of the stencils I used:

As you can see, Tamara Laporte is one of the AC (Artistcellar) Signature Series stencil artists! How fun is that?

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. May you go out and have some fun with your stencils and art supplies!

Blessings to you,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

Rag and Bone Bindery Giveaway Winner Announced

Hello Everyone,

Giveaway Winner Announced

Thank you for being here. I wanted to thank all of you who entered to win the gift certificate to Rag and Bone Bindery! We have a winner! In case you are curious, this is how the winner was chosen. First I wrote down all of your names on loose leaf notebook paper, after reading your thoughtful responses to the survey. Each name was numbered, as I wrote. Then I used a random number generator through the internet to see who the lucky winner would be!

Lucky number winner 33 goes to Kim! Congratulations, Kim! (Kim has already been notified via email, and she is excited!)

Briana's Watercolor Art and 21 Secrets Summer Studio

Since you are here, I thought I might share a little art with you. I have been participating in the 21 Secrets Summer Studio-Just Add Water

Here are some photos of my background art from today's lesson with Mou Saha.

While I had all of my paints and watercolor supplies out, I decided to play around while my backgrounds were drying.

As you can see, I was experimenting and playing with color, pattern, line, and shape.

I have been having so much fun, learning new techniques, and "meeting" artists online in the 21 Secrets Summer Studio. Just Add Water registration is now closed, but you can still sign up for the next 21 Secrets Summer Studio-The Great Outdoors, which runs July 30-August 10, 2018. I hope to see you in our active Facebook Group! 

As always, I am sending blessings and love out to you. May you take a few minutes to play with some art supplies. Let go of any fears you may be holding. It's only paper. Making art feels so good. It's like a little gift you can give to yourself.

Happy creating! Remember, you and your creativity matter!

-Briana

PS Speaking of the great outdoors, I saw this amazing pileated woodpecker in my backyard today! It feels like a positive sign!

 

 

Visual Journal Collective June 2018 Meeting-Paper Toy-Cootie Catcher

Greetings to you! Thank you for being here.

For the June Visual Journal Collective meeting, we got a little playful and made a paper toy. The book, Magic Books & Paper Toys by Esther K. Smith was used as a reference. (This is such a great book! I highly recommend Esther K. Smith's books!)

 

We learned how to fold up a "Cootie Catcher" from a square piece of writing weight paper. Then we brainstormed as a group, how we might make use of our paper toy.

Some members of the group did their own Google Search to jog their childhood memories.

Also, co-facilitator TJ Goerlitz thought it might be fun to try to draw the Cootie Catcher in her sketchbook.

Working in our journals is always encouraged at our monthly meetings.

Artist, Theresa Harsma (above) decided to make a sketch of her Cootie Catcher she made at our meeting.

Theresa's Cootie Catcher looked like a map, due to the line drawing she did on her ledger paper.

Artist Sue Rowe also drew one of her Cootie Catchers. (See pink image in photo below).

Each participant had a unique idea on what could be done with the Cootie Catcher.

Book Artist, Kari Kruempel turned her Cootie Catcher into a poetry maker.

I tried to catch everyone's great ideas, but I unfortunately was too caught up in the moment to take notes. So, I guess I will just share the pictures.

 

As you can see, we had a great time!

Below are some of my work in progress photos I took before we had our sharing time a the end of our meeting. These Emoji stamps by Yellow Owl Workshop are so fun to play with. 

I am in LOVE with this eye stamp by Yellow Owl Workshop, too. And I've had this set by The Small Object for a long time. They were so fun to use!

And the end of each meeting, we try to have journal sharing. It is soooo inspiring to see other people's journals. We had time for a couple of peeks into Molly's, Sue's, and TJ's.

Here's a peek at Molly's current journal project.

And here's a look at Sue's journal pages.

However, TJ's journal pages are TOP SECRET, as her pages were about her upcoming workshop featured in 21 Secrets-The Great Outdoors. (You can also SAVE by signing up for the 21 Secrets Summer Studios Bundle that features Just Add Water, which starts July 9th, AND 21 Secrets Summer Studios- The Great Outdoors (starts Monday, July 30th)).

I LOVE 21 Secrets online art journaling workshops. There is great instruction, variety, and they are to keep forever! Also, you are supporting small businesses and artists when you purchase 21 Secrets online art journaling workshops. It's really a win-win!

I want to thank everyone who showed up to the June Visual Journal Collective meeting! It was so fun!

MCBA SHOP INSPIRATION

The SHOP at MCBA has so many great journals, zines, artist books, paper, book binding supplies, and cards. Some of my favorite cards featured above are by Twin Cities artist Jennifer Kunin.

IN SUMMARY

We made Cootie Catchers at the June 2018 Visual Journal Collective meeting.

It's great if you can support local businesses, shops, artists, and online teachers.

There's so much inspiration out in the world, and I feel grateful for it.

I am thankful that you are here, reading this post, too. 

Sending Creative Vibes and Blessings,

Briana

 

 

 

 

Enter to Win-Gift Certificate Giveaway to Rag and Bone Bindery

Howdy Everyone,

Thank you for visiting or reading this post via your email.

I am working on a brand new blog post series.

In my previous post, I shared the following info with you. 

I'd like to share it again, in case you missed it, and also to remind myself.

NEW BLOG SERIES PLAN

Here are my intentions for this blog post series here at OrangeSpiralArts.

1. I want to help promote and share the awesome blank page journals created at Rag and Bone Bindery.
2. I want to inspire you to open up a blank journal to express yourself creatively.
3. I want to share ideas for having fun and playing with blank books and journals.
4. I want to offer a giveaway for a $75 gift certificate for Rag and Bone Bindery.

So here we are with post number two. 

I am happy to share some information about the Large Journal by Rag & Bone Bindery. I also will be sharing the link for you to enter to win a $75 gift certificate to Rag & Bone Bindery at the end of this post!!

Let the fun begin!

The journal I am using is the Large Journal Paprika. The large journal measures 8.25 inches x 10.25 inches. It contains 144 bright white, acid free pages. I absolutely love the paper in the Rag & Bone journals. It has a smooth surface. It's sturdy and pliable. I will demonstrate this quality when I share my first two pages later in this post.

First, let's go over some of the special qualities of the Large Blank Page Journal by Rag and Bone Bindery.

FABRIC COVER

If you know me and my art at all, you know I love pattern and prints. 

I have a workshop in 21 Secrets Color, Color, Color called Draw, Paint, and Print Artful Color Patterns. (See the sidebar of my site or click the above link for more info). People had so much fun with this class, and there are tons of additional workshops by teachers from around the world when you purchase 21 Secrets Color, Color, Color. The Rag & Bone Bindery blank page journals would be perfect to use for 21 Secrets, too!

The reason I started talking about pattern is because of the fabric on the cover of the above journal. Those over at Rag & Bone Bindery attend fashion fabric shows, then have the fabrics converted into bookcloth. Isn't that awesome?!! No wonder why they have such unique cover designs. The fabric is made by fabric designers!

Here's some inside information straight from Jason Thompson, co-owner of Rag and Bone Bindery:

"FABRIC COVERS:

We choose the fabrics by attending fabric shows and visiting with fabric reps. We purchase fashion fabrics and have them converted into bookcloth for us, a custom process we utilize for all of our fabric covers - cottons, silks and linens. We have worked with the same fabric distributors, but we vary up the designers we work with. In the past we’ve used fabrics from Riley Blake, Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Kaffe Fassett and many others. When choosing fabrics for book covers, we have to consider availability, exclusivity, cost, and uniquely the size and direction of the pattern, which dictates the number of books per yard. Once converted, we cut down the yardage to manageable widths for production in the bindery."

INSIDE PAGES

Awesome paper, awesome fabric covers, and each book is handbound. Here's what the inside stitching looks like.

I asked Jason Thompson what he had to say about the paper in the journals.

"PAPER PAGES: 

The pages of all of our journals are a 65lb vellum finish paper which is acid-free and archival. We chose it after testing books myself - many many years ago! We still use the same paper we designed for Journals back in the 90’s. I chose it because it’s thick, but pliable, and it has a good ‘tooth’ which takes pen, pencil and a light wash very well. A little bit of history - we still employ the same person to ‘cut’ and sew our journals (cutting gives journal pages a deckled edge) since 1996. Ann is employee number one, my first ‘official’ hire, and she still works for us, cutting all of our album paper and our journal pages." -Jason Thompson

 

I love reading this little bit of history. Thanks for sharing, Jason!

 

BRIANA'S FIRST PAGE SPREAD IN THE LARGE BLANK PAGE JOURNAL

 

I decided to do some paint scraping with a Catalyst tool and acrylic paint.

 

The process was quite soothing, and also kept me curious, as I played with the paint scrapes layering on top of one another.

 

 

I often can't have orange without pink in my art, so I decided to add some pink paint, too.

 

 

Then I felt inspired to test the paper a bit, by adding some stitching.

 

I used an awl to poke some holes.

 

 

As you can see, the paper had no trouble handling this process.

 

I added lime green embroidery floss.

 

 

And stitched an X pattern.

I had so much fun, I decided to challenge myself with a spiral on the right-hand page.

I drew the spiral in pencil, then poked my stitching holes.

 

Here's the front side of the completed spiral.

 

And here's the back side, which also looks pretty cool.

 

I am very pleased with the paper in the Large Journal by Rag and Bone Bindery.

Thanks for taking a peek at my process. It was very calming and meditative. Stitching takes time, but that's the point. (Have you heard of the #slowstitching hashtag over on Instagram? There's a lot of beauty happening there.)

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

So, are you ready to enter to win a $75 gift certificate to Rag and Bone Bindery?

I am so excited for you!!!

 

All you need to do is follow this link. Fill in the info and hit submit! The giveaway will be open until the end of Monday, July 16th, 2018. I will announce the winner on my www.OrangeSpiralArts.com site a few days after that. You may wish to sign up to receive Orange Spiral Arts blog posts by email. On the sidebar of my site, look for "Art Inspiration in Your Inbox" and hit Subscribe. Or, simply mark your calendar to come back and check in. Good luck!

 

SUMMARY

Rag and Bone Bindery journals have great paper, designer fabric covers, and are handbound by dedicated staff. 

If you love to journal, and wish to explore color and pattern, you might want to check out Briana's 21 Secrets Color, Color, Color workshop called Draw, Paint and Print Artful Color Patterns.

If you'd like to have the chance to win a $75 gift certificate to Rag and Bone Bindery, go here.

 

Happy Creating!

 

Sending Love and Blessings out to you now!

 

-Briana of Orange Spiral Arts