Seth Apter's Blog, page 35
September 9, 2016
My Limited Edition Paints and...
Thrilled to announce that I have partnered with PaperArtsy to create a limited edition set of paints. PaperArtsy is a UK-based company that is best known for their paint products and stamp line.
I have been using - and loving - their paint for years. It is called Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic and currently comes in a range of 96 colors. It has a seriously matte finish, dries extremely fast, and - perhaps best of all - will not destroy any pen/marker you choose to use to make marks on it. The paints in the line range in opacity and are labeled as opaque, semi-opaque, or translucent.
The set of paints have an autumn palette and consist of the following 4 colors:
Buff: An opaque, creamy off-white with a warm tint.Midnight: An opaque, deep, dark blueTerracotta: A translucent, warm orange shade.Mahogany: A semi-opaque, rich shade of brown and red.
In the US, this limited edition paint set is now available for preorder from my online shop. It will be shipping in mid-September. Outside the US, the sets will soon be available from both numerous online stores and directly from the PaperArtsy website shop.
AND
I have also released 2 stamp sets with PaperArtsy. Because you can never have enough stamps.
Designed by hand and made in the UK, these stamps are deeply etched, red rubber cling. Each set has been cut from a 5x7 inch sheet. The designs include drippy words, circles, background texture and other grungy elements.
Both sets are available for pre-order in my online shop for US consumers, with shipping in mid September. Those outside the US can order them directly from PaperArtsy, with immediate shipping.
Make it Your Own: 4
One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching how every participant creates artwork that is truly their own. At the end of every workshop, no two pieces are the same.
I also find it exciting when I come across artwork online that incorporates my product lines. Seeing how different people use these items in such creative ways is always inspiring. I love the wide variety of styles and unique choices. Click each link below for more details on each and click here to see other posts in this series.
Marleen van Meerendonk
(StencilGirl Products Discovery Stencil)
Lynn
(Spellbinders Robo Ring Die Set)
Yvonne van de Grijp
(Spellbinders Maze Embossing Folder, Robo Star Die Set, Raindrops Stamp, Windows 2 Stamp)
Zoe Russell
(Spellbinders Coffee Ring Die Set, Drip Drop Die Set, Ring Around Die Set)
Yana Smakula
(Spellbinders Gridiron Embossing Folder, Triplex Die)
Daniela Dobson
(Impression Obsession Encircled Stamp)
Amanda Southern
(Spellbinders Robo Ring Die Set)
I also find it exciting when I come across artwork online that incorporates my product lines. Seeing how different people use these items in such creative ways is always inspiring. I love the wide variety of styles and unique choices. Click each link below for more details on each and click here to see other posts in this series.
Marleen van Meerendonk
(StencilGirl Products Discovery Stencil)Lynn
(Spellbinders Robo Ring Die Set)Yvonne van de Grijp
(Spellbinders Maze Embossing Folder, Robo Star Die Set, Raindrops Stamp, Windows 2 Stamp)Zoe Russell
(Spellbinders Coffee Ring Die Set, Drip Drop Die Set, Ring Around Die Set)Yana Smakula
(Spellbinders Gridiron Embossing Folder, Triplex Die)Daniela Dobson
(Impression Obsession Encircled Stamp)Amanda Southern
(Spellbinders Robo Ring Die Set)
September 7, 2016
Australia 2016: Post 3
About one month ago I returned home from an adventure in Australia. I am fortunate to be part of the Art is You family, with which I spent one month traveling and teaching Down Under. Wanted to share this experience with you all. Here is post #1 and post #2. And now, post #3...
After we completed our retreat in Sydney, it was back in the air to fly to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast - which is every bit as beautiful as it sounds. After our arrival, on the way to Noosa, we stopped at Mary Cairncross Park for a walk through the rainforest. The flora and fauna was stunning and very cool.
Our home for the week was on the water and had the most gorgeous view.
The next day, our day off, we took a pontoon boat trip, complete with barbecue on the beach. Lisa Hayes from Lulu Art joined us for the day.
And yes...the water was actually this color (no filter happening here)
The attendees at the retreat in Noosa were creative, enthusiastic and a ton of fun.
And, as you can tell from these pics, they were also talented too.
The end of the week in Noosa meant that our adventure together was about to come to a close.
We have truly become a family and can all look back on our time together with very fond...
and sometimes quirky memories. After all...what happens in Oz, stays in Oz. Well at least until this blog post.
Happily, John Creighton Peterson, Linda Lucas and I had a few extra days to stay together with Sallianne McClelland as we drove together in the van (filled with luggage) from Noosa back to Sydney. We took a selfie at every stop and here are just a few!
Thank you Sallianne and Art is You for doing what you do...and for doing it so well.
--------------
2017
Excited to be returning to Australia in July 2017 to teach A Library of Memories - a very special, 5-day retreat as part of Fibre Arts Australia in Ballarat, Victoria. Registration is open. And stay tuned, as some other events are also being planned.
After we completed our retreat in Sydney, it was back in the air to fly to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast - which is every bit as beautiful as it sounds. After our arrival, on the way to Noosa, we stopped at Mary Cairncross Park for a walk through the rainforest. The flora and fauna was stunning and very cool.
Our home for the week was on the water and had the most gorgeous view.
The next day, our day off, we took a pontoon boat trip, complete with barbecue on the beach. Lisa Hayes from Lulu Art joined us for the day.
And yes...the water was actually this color (no filter happening here)
The attendees at the retreat in Noosa were creative, enthusiastic and a ton of fun.
And, as you can tell from these pics, they were also talented too.
The end of the week in Noosa meant that our adventure together was about to come to a close.
We have truly become a family and can all look back on our time together with very fond...
and sometimes quirky memories. After all...what happens in Oz, stays in Oz. Well at least until this blog post.
Happily, John Creighton Peterson, Linda Lucas and I had a few extra days to stay together with Sallianne McClelland as we drove together in the van (filled with luggage) from Noosa back to Sydney. We took a selfie at every stop and here are just a few!
Thank you Sallianne and Art is You for doing what you do...and for doing it so well.
--------------
2017
Excited to be returning to Australia in July 2017 to teach A Library of Memories - a very special, 5-day retreat as part of Fibre Arts Australia in Ballarat, Victoria. Registration is open. And stay tuned, as some other events are also being planned.
September 6, 2016
Australia 2016: Post 2
About one month ago I returned home from an adventure in Australia. I am fortunate to be part of the Art is You family, with which I spent one month traveling and teaching Down Under. Wanted it share this experience with you all. You can find post #1 here.
Before leaving Perth and heading to Sydney, our second roadshow retreat stop, we headed to Cohunu Koala Park in Byford, Western Australia for some quality time with some local residents...
Of course there were koala bears.
But there were tons of other animals as well.
And bonus - it was feeding time.
After were returned to Sydney, we had a bit of time to relax and explore before the retreat started.
Kecia and I happened upon Wendy's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay and, before we even knew what this place was all about, had a short interaction with Wendy herself. This magical place has a wonderful back story and is a must visit if ever in Sydney.
From the garden there was a wonderful view of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park.
I was gobsmacked by the Moreton Bay Fig trees...
and the fascinating vegetation in the Garden...
...as well as all the hidden vignettes there as well.
Of course at some point, the retreat in Sydney began and now the play moved inside.
The coolest family ever was created in one of Kecia Deveney's classes.
And Linda Lucas showed her peeps how to use my Spellbinders dies to create a shabby chic look.
Couldn't resist a photo op
Seth, Kecia, John, Andrea and Michael
And just as quick it started, the packing began again for our next stop on the roadshow
Bonus points if you can find Michael deMeng.
Next: hanging out on the Sunshine Coast
Before leaving Perth and heading to Sydney, our second roadshow retreat stop, we headed to Cohunu Koala Park in Byford, Western Australia for some quality time with some local residents...
Of course there were koala bears.
But there were tons of other animals as well.
And bonus - it was feeding time.
After were returned to Sydney, we had a bit of time to relax and explore before the retreat started.
Kecia and I happened upon Wendy's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay and, before we even knew what this place was all about, had a short interaction with Wendy herself. This magical place has a wonderful back story and is a must visit if ever in Sydney.
From the garden there was a wonderful view of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park.
I was gobsmacked by the Moreton Bay Fig trees...
and the fascinating vegetation in the Garden...
...as well as all the hidden vignettes there as well.
Of course at some point, the retreat in Sydney began and now the play moved inside.
The coolest family ever was created in one of Kecia Deveney's classes.
And Linda Lucas showed her peeps how to use my Spellbinders dies to create a shabby chic look.
Couldn't resist a photo op
Seth, Kecia, John, Andrea and MichaelAnd just as quick it started, the packing began again for our next stop on the roadshow
Bonus points if you can find Michael deMeng.
Next: hanging out on the Sunshine Coast
September 5, 2016
Australia 2016: Post 1
About one month ago I returned home from an adventure in Australia. I am fortunate to be part of the Art is You family, with which I spent one month traveling and teaching Down Under. Wanted it share this experience with you all. Here is post #1...
It is hard to put into words the experience of being able to travel that long with a group of such extraordinary artists and good friends, exploring the continent from east coast to west coast, and spending my days in rooms filled with creative people - so I will let the pictures do the talking.
Kecia Deveney and I traveled together from Newark Airport to Sydney, two plane rides, 20+ hours of flying, but nothing like the 52 hour trip we took in 2014.
We started in Sydney, for a few days of R&R and to acclimate to the 12 hour time difference from NYC. Notice the hats.
Michael deMeng and I at our place on Manly Beach in Sydney (yes -- that is actually the name)
Kecia and John Creighton Peterson warming up and waking up with coffee.
Wouldn't be a trip to Sydney without a ferry ride on the Harbour.
Stunning views everywhere we looked.
Time to get to work, but not until after a six hour flight from Sydney to Perth.
Our first retreat was at Fairbridge Village in Pinjarra, Western Australia. About an hour outside of Perth, this rustic venue was like being in summer camp - except that is was freezing.
First time I had a view like this from a workshop venue.
Such a wonderful group of people joining me in my workshops.
Vivian Paans was the morning motivator (here pictured by a Kecia assemblage). Such a pleasure to have met her in person after having done an art collaboration way back in 2010.
Some art-filled moments to remember.
Not sure what was happening here with Kecia and John -- but it seemed like a moment to capture.
We had a chance to visit Chittering Acres, a 700 hundred acre farm and home to Gina Sanderson and Andrew Graham. I called this place Jurassic Park and was mesmerized by the beauty of the setting.
Not to mention Gina's incredible studio.
Andrew's mother cares for rescued joeys (baby kangaroos) until they are old enough to be put back into the wild. A highlight for me was definitely feeding time.
Seeing the Indian Ocean for the first time was also a highlight, as you can tell by the happy faces of Linda Lucas, myself, Andrea Matus deMeng and John the photo bomber.
But all good things must come to an end...and we were ready to leave Western Australia to fly back to Sydney for the second leg of the roadshow. Which means...
packing yet again.
and being driven by our wonderful leader Sallianne McClelland - the brains and beauty behind Art is You.
Next: Our time back in Sydney and some run-ins with a few wild animals...
It is hard to put into words the experience of being able to travel that long with a group of such extraordinary artists and good friends, exploring the continent from east coast to west coast, and spending my days in rooms filled with creative people - so I will let the pictures do the talking.
Kecia Deveney and I traveled together from Newark Airport to Sydney, two plane rides, 20+ hours of flying, but nothing like the 52 hour trip we took in 2014.
We started in Sydney, for a few days of R&R and to acclimate to the 12 hour time difference from NYC. Notice the hats.
Michael deMeng and I at our place on Manly Beach in Sydney (yes -- that is actually the name)
Kecia and John Creighton Peterson warming up and waking up with coffee.
Wouldn't be a trip to Sydney without a ferry ride on the Harbour.
Stunning views everywhere we looked.
Time to get to work, but not until after a six hour flight from Sydney to Perth.
Our first retreat was at Fairbridge Village in Pinjarra, Western Australia. About an hour outside of Perth, this rustic venue was like being in summer camp - except that is was freezing.
First time I had a view like this from a workshop venue.
Such a wonderful group of people joining me in my workshops.
Vivian Paans was the morning motivator (here pictured by a Kecia assemblage). Such a pleasure to have met her in person after having done an art collaboration way back in 2010.
Some art-filled moments to remember.
Not sure what was happening here with Kecia and John -- but it seemed like a moment to capture.
We had a chance to visit Chittering Acres, a 700 hundred acre farm and home to Gina Sanderson and Andrew Graham. I called this place Jurassic Park and was mesmerized by the beauty of the setting.
Not to mention Gina's incredible studio.
Andrew's mother cares for rescued joeys (baby kangaroos) until they are old enough to be put back into the wild. A highlight for me was definitely feeding time.
Seeing the Indian Ocean for the first time was also a highlight, as you can tell by the happy faces of Linda Lucas, myself, Andrea Matus deMeng and John the photo bomber.
But all good things must come to an end...and we were ready to leave Western Australia to fly back to Sydney for the second leg of the roadshow. Which means...
packing yet again.
and being driven by our wonderful leader Sallianne McClelland - the brains and beauty behind Art is You.
Next: Our time back in Sydney and some run-ins with a few wild animals...
September 3, 2016
The Week Links: 116
Join me every Sunday when I share some of my favorite links I discovered in the previous week. Earlier posts in the series can be found here.And here is Week 116...
1. Always astounded by the layering that Andrea Matus deMeng achieves on her work.
2. No. This is not wood. Yes. This is clay. From Christopher David White, first seen here.
(photo by Marta Finkelstein) 3. The Resourceful Artist: Exploring Mixed Media and Collage Techniques by Victor Escandell is currently a pre-order and looks to be a very interesting book.
4. And speaking of pre-orders, there is a revised edition of The Journey is the Destination: The Journals of Dan Eldon coming in November.
5. And in other book news, I am loving these "field journals" from Bridgette Guerzon Mills.
6. Wenyi draws on pieces of trash and then leaves the artwork for people to find.
7. Flashback link 2014: The Power of Possibility. One of my favorite experiences of synchronicity that involved Sedona, a tiny church and a canister of film (remember that?).
September 2, 2016
Make it Your Own: 3
One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching how every participant creates artwork that is truly their own. At the end of every workshop, no two pieces are the same.
I also find it exciting when I come across artwork online that incorporates my product lines. Seeing how different people use these items in such creative ways is always inspiring. I love the wide variety of styles and unique choices. Click each link below for more details on each and click here to see other posts in this series.
Amanda Pink
(Spellbinders Drip Drop Die Set)
Toni
(Spellbinders Drip Drop Die Set, Splatter Proof Die Set)
Angela Radford
(Spellbinders Coffee Ring Die Set, Turnarounds 1 Stamp Set)
Jenny Marples
(Impression Obsession Pattern Play Stamp Set)
Andrea Ockey Parr
(Spellbinders Maze Embossing Folder)
Laura Fulcher
(Impression Obsession Splattered Stamp, Scratched Stamp)
Mark Melnick
(Spellbinders Splatter Proof Die Set)
I also find it exciting when I come across artwork online that incorporates my product lines. Seeing how different people use these items in such creative ways is always inspiring. I love the wide variety of styles and unique choices. Click each link below for more details on each and click here to see other posts in this series.
Amanda Pink
(Spellbinders Drip Drop Die Set)Toni
(Spellbinders Drip Drop Die Set, Splatter Proof Die Set)Angela Radford
(Spellbinders Coffee Ring Die Set, Turnarounds 1 Stamp Set)Jenny Marples
(Impression Obsession Pattern Play Stamp Set)Andrea Ockey Parr
(Spellbinders Maze Embossing Folder)Laura Fulcher
(Impression Obsession Splattered Stamp, Scratched Stamp)Mark Melnick
(Spellbinders Splatter Proof Die Set)
August 29, 2016
My Newest Collection
Today I am guest posting on the Spellbinders blog and continuing to share the release of my newest collection of dies, stamps and die & stamp sets. These were all designed with flexibility in mind. They are abstract in nature so that you can truly make them your own. Each of the new items works equally well in mixed media projects, art journaling, card making or scrapbooking. And they are all designed to work together and to mix & match with my first release from Spellbinders as well as my stencils from StencilGirl and stamps from Impression Obsession.
Head over to the post to see some of my favorites from the release, artwork that I have made using the stamps and dies, and a series of hints to help you take these commercial products designed by somebody else (in this case, me) and make them uniquely your own.
And please note that some of my new artwork pictured here is available now for purchase in my online shop, with additional items being added soon.
August 27, 2016
The Week Links: 115
Join me every Sunday when I share some of my favorite links I discovered in the previous week. Earlier posts in the series can be found here.And here is Week 115...
1. These black and white photos from Rene Maltese taken in France in the 1950s are a combination of a great eye and perfect timing.
2. Fall 2016 color report via Design Sponge.
3. Food art from Diego Cusano, first seen here on I Need a Guide.
4. Veronica Funk shares 6 ways she finds inspiration.
5. Stuart Haygarth collected and arranged trash from England's shores.
6. Absolutely in love with the objects Shannon Weber makes from natural material (thanks to Robyn Gordon for the link).
7. Flashback Link 2011: Sign Language. Fascinating to see how, where and if artists sign their work, as evidenced by these masterpieces found at Sotheby's auction house.
Documented Life Project 2016
Excited to be a featured artist for the Documented Life Project 2016.
This year, DLP is focused on the unPlanner and is all about simplicity. The brief was to create a Pocket Art Card measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches using my favorite number as the theme. You can read more about the project here and see my step-by-step tutorial below.
I started with a playing card...
I added a layer of black gesso to the surface...
Using PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics, I covered the surface with a variety of colors...
I adhered pieces of my Spellbinders Drip Drop die cut, and outlined them with a black gel pen to make them pop. I also used the gel pen to add a border to the edge of the card...
Given my love of circles, the number 8 has always been special to me. Using rub-ons, I embellished the card with several 8s...
The back of the card, also painted with black gesso, is now waiting for journaling, listing or plannering.
--------------------
Click here to see projects from both guest artists and your DLP hosts.
This year, DLP is focused on the unPlanner and is all about simplicity. The brief was to create a Pocket Art Card measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches using my favorite number as the theme. You can read more about the project here and see my step-by-step tutorial below.
I started with a playing card...
I added a layer of black gesso to the surface...
Using PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics, I covered the surface with a variety of colors...
I adhered pieces of my Spellbinders Drip Drop die cut, and outlined them with a black gel pen to make them pop. I also used the gel pen to add a border to the edge of the card...
Given my love of circles, the number 8 has always been special to me. Using rub-ons, I embellished the card with several 8s...
The back of the card, also painted with black gesso, is now waiting for journaling, listing or plannering.
--------------------
Click here to see projects from both guest artists and your DLP hosts.
