Seth Apter's Blog, page 38

Die Cutting: The Basics

Ever since I started to design dies for Spellbinders, I have had a good number of artists ask me questions about the process. Many have never used a die cutting machine. So I created a short video that reviews the basics of die cutting and shows you some examples of how die cuts can be integrated into your art.

The Week Links: 109

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 109...

1. Surface love: Susanne Carmack.


2. While it hasn't been updated since 2014, SRI Threads is a wonderful blog Japanese folk textiles, ephemera, and images from Japan. 


3. Who doesn't love to see pics of studio spaces filled to the brim with inspiration? Check out the many views of Anita Houston's studio.


4. Crystal Neubauer tackles the question - how do you know when you are done?

5. I am eager for the release of the feature film - The Journey is the Destination - based on the life of Dan Eldon. Jan Sardi, one of the screenwriters, shares his story.

6. Journey of a tea bag. Incredible series on Tumblr.


7. In love with the interior shots by Paul Massey...not to mention his travel and people images too.

Your Got This

I absolutely love how different artists use the same tools in such unique ways. As I always say, you cannot help but put the artist that you are onto your canvas.
I have seen a number of online posts sharing artwork made using my You Got This stencil from StencilGirl Products. 

I am so in love with what these artists created, I had to share it with you!
Mary Nasser (Mary also used part of my Make it Count stencil)
Maria McGuire (Maria also used my Urban Circle, Techno Circle and Urban Star stencils)
Anne Squire (Anne also used my Make it Count stencil)

Australia - 2014, 2016 & 2017

2014
In 2014 I visited Australia for the first time as part of the first ever Art is You Australian Mixed Media Roadshow. Thrilled to be among a small group of artists from the US and Canada invited down under for this event, I had the art experience of a lifetime. Here is a bit of evidence...
















2016
This once in a lifetime trip is about to become twice in a lifetime as I am leaving today to be a part of this year's Art is You Australian Mixed Media Roadshow. The same cast of characters (Kecia Deveney, Andrea Matus deMeng, Michael deMeng, and I) plus one (John Creighton Peterson) are traveling down under for a month of artistic adventure. 

I will be your foreign correspondent during the trip, sending frequent updates via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. There will be daily live videos via Periscope and I may even try my hand at Facebook Live. I will not have the time to be as active on my blog -- but I will post updates when I can.
2017

I am excited to be able to announce that I will be back in Australia in July 2017, as part of Fibre Arts Australia. Fibre Arts @ the Winter School in Ballarat, Victoria is a special 5-day retreat. I will be teaching A Library of Memories and would love for you to join me. Registration is now open.

The Week Links: 108

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 108...

1. Extraordinary piece from Graham Marks now on exhibition at Andrea Rosen in NYC.

2. Ora Sorensen shares 7 tips to spark artistic creativity.

3. I was recently reminded (thanks Stuart Williamson) about the unique and compelling work of Larry Calkin. 


4. Loving the work of Blair Bradshaw...and he has the coolest website.


5. Such incredible surface texture and layering on these pieces from David Fredrick Moussallem.


6. Terry Craig uses marble dust and powdered pigment to achieve a remarkable surface effect.


7. Would so love to see these in person - from Glen Skien, currently on the last stop of an exhibition tour in Australia.

Reach for the Stars

I am happy to share that I am a guest artist on The Mixed Media Monthly Challenge site. The theme for the month is Reach for the Stars - perfect for the month of July.

Your challenge is to create a project using stars and post it to the site. One lucky person who does so will win my Faded Fragments stamp set.

Check out the site for more details and to see artwork created by their talented group of designers, including my contribution Timeless, featuring my Robo Star collection of dies from Spellbinders.

Make it Count Giveaway

Thrilled to be the guest blogger on StencilGirl Talk - the blog from StencilGirl Products.

Head on over here to see the step-by-step process and all the ingredients that went into making this journal page.

----------------
GIVEAWAY
This journal page was created using different elements from each of my newest three stencils from StencilGirl. Part stencil, part mask, and all fun -- these three are from my On the Edge collection.
YOU GOT THIS
MAKE IT COUNT
THE TIME
To celebrate the release, I am giving away one stencil from the collection to 3 different readers. To be eligible, simply leave a comment on this post listing the one stencil you would like to receive. Please be sure I have a way to contact you if you are a winner. The giveaway closes on end of day Sunday July 3. Good luck!

Webinar: The Magic of Mixed Media Layers

You're Only One Layer Away from Magic The Magic of Mixed Media Layers
Join me live online on Thursday June 30 at 4:00 EST for my first webinar. 
Have you ever been stuck while working on your art because you thought you might ruin it by adding another layer? Does over-thinking bring out your inner critic and limit your willingness to take creative chances? 
In this webinar you will learn mixed-media layering techniques to enhance the depth, complexity and power of your work. 
Discover how to push yourself and your art further by letting go and creating without thinking. I will share tips to help you become more comfortable out of your comfort zone by not getting attached to your work, trusting the process, and taking creative risks. My mantra is, You're only one layer away from magic, so grab your paintbrush and tune in. Magic awaits!
This live webinar features a PowerPoint presentation and the opportunity to ask me questions live during the hour long webinar. You will also receive a link to a recording of the webinar and an exclusive demo video on layering pulled from one of my workshop DVDs.
Click here for more information and to register.

The Week Links: 107

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 107...

Instagram Image Love

1. Elizabeth Bunsen

2. Jodi Ohl

3. Lisa Pressman

4. Terry Parvan

5. Mindy Lacefield

6. Jody Alexander

7. Scott Bergey

Overcoming Creative Obstacles

In the May/June issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, my column The Creative Pulse is all about dealing with creative obstacles. I describe in detail the following five approaches to pushing through when life gets in the way:
1. Be creative in order to be creative. In other words, take out your supplies and start.
2. Instead of focusing on the effort that art can sometimes become, think of the playfulness that underlies it.
3. Take a break from social media and spend time with your art. Seeking out inspiration online is only helpful if it doesn't make us feel less than.
4. Focus on the process. Think of your creations as works in progress so they don't disappoint.
5. Break out your journal (or start one) but keep it for your eyes only.