creativityUNLEASHED by traci bautista

{visual inspiration} 14 handmade printmaking tools

Today's post is all about visual inspiration..sometimes it just takes a picture to inspire you into action.

Recently I shared a list of 25 ideas for found printmaking tools, so I thought I'd expand upon that and share more ideas in photos. Here are 14 ideas for handmade printmaking tools that I have created including inscribed handmade stamps, needlepoint stencils, cardboard stamps & printing plates, crochet chains, handmade paintbrushes, hot glue stencils & stamps, hardware store finds, masking tape, hand cut paper masks, vintage doilies and clay printing plates. All of these techniques can be found in my book Printmaking Unleashed and Printmaking Unleashed LIVE e-course series.

Use these images as a spark to create your very own handmade tools...as always I encourage you to "see with new eyes" and find everyday objects that you can incorporate into your artwork. 

Learn how to create these handmade tools, PLUS a how to use them to create beautiful art journal pages and paintings.

Join the FALL Printmaking Unleashed LIVE session! I’m opening up my Printmaking Unleashed LIVE e-course for a fall session and I will be hosting one live stream event. Spend the Fall taking a deep dive into unconventional printmaking that doesn’t require a press!

Learn over 65 techniques in numerous technique and project HD videos from techniques in my book Printmaking Unleashed. The three e-courses provides you with inspiring exercises that will lead to hours of colorful PLAYful painting. It will infuse bursts of creativity into your art making sessions.

• videos are broken down into short segments that provide quick tips and ideas to incorporate handmade tools and innovative ways to apply color onto your canvas.
• my online workshops provide a mix of content including HD step-by-step videos, creative prompts, tips/ideas, art journaling + collage PDF workbooks, idea remix challenges, color palette ideas, creative business tips, and photo tutorials.
• explore ways to use everyday items you have around your house like plastic freezer bags, hot glue, foam and cardboard to create layered mixed media prints. 
• avoid feeling isolated in your studio, come PLAY in a live stream google hangout, where you’ll meet artists from around the globe.
• FALL session live stream event #1 Thursday, November 5, 11:00am-12:00pm {pacific USA time} during the live Q & A google hangout you can ask questions about supplies, the workshop, techniques.
• if you can't make the live event, a replay available for self-guided access.

If you are already a member of the Printmaking Unleashed LIVE BUNDLE e-course class, you will have access to the NEW live stream event. It’s a great time for a mixed media refresher!

 

The e-course bundle is filled with 65+ lessons and live stream event replays that you can work through at your own pace.

 

play.dream.be FREE. happy printmaking! xo~Traci

 

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printmaking unleashed LIVE e-course

details + preview video + register

deconstructed layers + gelli plate prints

BOLD, expressive and unconventional PRINTMAKING

LESSON FOUR: deconstructed layers + gelli plate prints

It's the final week of my 2015 Strathmore online workshop...week FOUR printmaking lesson is all about creating deconstructed monoprints, colorful layers using stencils, mark-making tools and a gelli plate. PLUS I share a BONUS video of how to create a handmade paintbrush.

Here is the list of supplies I used in lesson four. Please use what you have and don’t feel like you need these exact supplies to complete the lesson. Happy printmaking!

• Strathmore Printmaking paper {300 and 400 series} 11” x 14"
• 6x6 Gelli plate
• Fluid and High Flow acrylic paints {Golden Artist Colors}
• Golden Open acrylic paints
• flat paint brush
• foam paint brush or foam pouncer
• plastic paint scraper {old hotel plastic key card with notches cut out}
• handmade paintbrush
• rubber paint scraper tools
• Speedball 4" soft rubber brayer
• water spray bottle
• scissors {Fiskars Mixed Media shears}
• 2-ply white paper towels
• 4” foam paint roller
• spray inks {Ranger Tim Holtz Distress inks & Dylusions}
• baby wipes
• paper masks cut from Strathmore printmaking paper
• stencils  {deconstructed floral stencils by Traci Bautista for StencilGirl}
• unmounted rubber stamps {creativity flows graffitiGLAM stamps by Traci Bautista}
• handmade hot glue stencils
• water spray bottle

LIMITED EDITION stencil kit for lesson FOUR

I've created a limited edition stencil kit that includes my Deconstructed Chrysanthemum stencil, handmade floral hot glue stencil and artist papers PLUS access to an upcoming LIVE stream workshop. LESSON FOUR stencil kit no. 2 without stamp here. other stencil kits here

BONUS content lesson four: handmade paintbrush

I also share a BONUS video that shows how you can create a simple and unique mark-making tool.

Head on over to join a huge worldwide creative community...

BOLD, expressive and unconventional PRINTMAKING

details + register

watch the preview video

don't forget to check out #printmakingunleashed and #strathmoreworkshops on IG to see all the colorful artwork.

See you in the classroom!

{VIDEO} stamped layers over monoprints

Hey creative friends! I have a special BONUS video for you today. This is a continuation from lesson THREE of my free Strathmore online workshop...BOLD, expressive and unconventional Printmaking.

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In this video, I share a few ways to embellish the monoprints created in lesson three using handmade foam stamps and show the final prints.

{if you are viewing this post in an RSS feed email, visit here to watch the video}

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head on over to strathmore artist studio to watch the rest of the videos in this workshop.

my NEW deconstructed FLORALS StencilGirl stencil collection was used in the video lessons!!

single stencils here

limited edition stencil kits here

happy printmaking! xo~Traci

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monoprints + acrylic skins

BOLD, expressive and unconventional PRINTMAKING

LESSON THREE: monoprints + acrylic skins

It's week THREE of my 2015 Strathmore online workshop...this week's printmaking lesson is all about using a plastic page protector {alternatively you could also use a large plastic freezer bag as a substrate} to create monoprints on paper while building textured acrylic skins. PLUS I share a BONUS video of various acrylic skins.

Here is the list of supplies I used in lesson three. Please use what you have and don’t feel like you need these exact supplies to complete the lesson. Happy printmaking!

• Strathmore Printmaking paper {300 and 400 series} 8” x10"
• plastic page protector {can be found at office supply store, I use these from Staples} or large plastic freezer bag
• fluid and high flow acrylic paints {Golden Artist Colors}
• Golden Open acrylic paints
• flat paint brush
• foam paint brush or foam pouncer
• Speedball 4" soft rubber brayer
• water spray bottle
• Golden Extra Heavy Gel medium matte
• scissors {Fiskars Mixed Media shears}
• Collage Pauge Matte
• TROPICAL floral stencil {byTraci Bautista for StencilGirl Products}
• deconstructed double zinnia mask stencil {byTraci Bautista for StencilGirl Products}
• 2-ply white paper towels
• 4” foam paint roller
• spray inks {Ranger Tim Holtz Distress inks & Dylusions}
• baby wipes
• paper masks cut from Strathmore printmaking paper
• optional ~ water soluble crayons {Derwent Art Bars}
• dimensional paint {Tulip dimensional paint or Dina Wakley paint with applicator tip}
• Dina Wakley paint {night} + black gesso
• glitter {Tulip ultra fine glitter and Ice Resin Iced Enamels Inclusions}
• trowel palette knife
• Golden extra heavy gel medium matte or gel medium

BONUS content lesson two: acrylic skins

I also share a BONUS video that shows an overview of various styles and ideas for acrylic skins. You can find more videos and examples of acrylic skins in Printmaking Unleashed LIVE.

Head on over to join a huge worldwide creative community...

BOLD, expressive and unconventional PRINTMAKING

details + register

watch the preview video

don't forget to check out #printmakingunleashed and #strathmoreworkshops on IG to see all the colorful artwork.

See you in the classroom!

paper masks + plexi prints

BOLD, expressive and unconventional PRINTMAKING

LESSON TWO: paper masks + plexi printing

It's week TWO of my 2015 Strathmore online workshop...this week's printmaking lesson is all about using simple cut shapes of paper to create interesting layers in your mixed media artwork. PLUS I share a BONUS technique of paper towel prints using stencils to create collage papers.

Here is the list of supplies I used in lesson one. Please use what you have and don’t feel like you need these exact supplies to complete the lesson. Happy printmaking!

• Strathmore Printmaking paper {300 and 400 series} 8” x10"
• 11” x 14” plexiglas {can be found a hardware store}
• fluid and high flow acrylic paints {Golden Artist Colors}
• Golden Open acrylic paints
• flat paint brush
• foam paint brush or foam pouncer
• Speedball 4" soft rubber brayer
• water spray bottle
• paper masks cut from Strathmore printmaking paper
• scissors {Fiskars Mixed Media shears}
• Collage Pauge Matte or gel medium
• deconstructed FLORAL bouquet stencil kit {by Traci Bautista for StencilGirl}
• FLORAL Stencil kits by Traci Bautista ~ available for PRE-ORDER
• deconstructed FLORAL bouquet single stencils available at StencilGirl Products
• deconstructed lily mask stencil {byTraci Bautista for StencilGirl Products}
• deconstructed chrysanthemum stencil  {byTraci Bautista for StencilGirl Products}
• 2-ply white paper towels
• 4” foam paint roller
• spray inks {Ranger Tim Holtz Distress inks & Dylusions}
• baby wipes
• optional ~ water soluble crayons {Derwent Art Bars}

BONUS content lesson two: paper towel stencil prints

I also share a BONUS video that shows you how to transform a paper towel into a beautiful floral collage paper.

Head on over to join a huge worldwide creative community...

BOLD, expressive and unconventional PRINTMAKING

details + register

watch the preview video

don't forget to check out #printmakingunleashed and #strathmoreworkshops on IG to see all the colorful artwork.

So if you always wanted to take a workshop with me, here's your chance!

See you in the classroom!

printmaking tools + patterns

The classroom is NOW OPEN!!! my 2015 Strathmore Online workshop starts today! During the month of March, I'll be sharing some behind the scenes photos and additional content here on my blog. Today's lesson kicks off with a video overview of my favorite handmade tools and then we dive into the content where I share how to create a simple handmade stamp and show you various printmaking techniques to build simple patterns and colorful mark-making layers on Strathmore Printmaking paper.

BOLD, expressive and unconventional PRINTMAKING

LESSON ONE: printmaking tools + patterns

Here is the list of supplies I used in lesson one. Please use what you have and don’t feel like you need these exact supplies to complete the lesson. Happy printmaking!

creative toolbox------>

• Strathmore Printmaking paper {300 and 400 series} 8” x10"
• Inking Palette {Grafix Impress print media}
• deli paper used as palette and table cover
• 1 inch foam brush
• fluid and high flow acrylic paints {Golden Artist Colors}
• Golden Open acrylic paints
• Speedball soft rubber brayer
• water spray bottle
• craft foam stamps
• Ranger Archival ink pad black
• Tim Holtz Distress ink pad {peacock feathers}
• circle cling mount stamp {Painterly Shapes set by Ashley Goldberg/AHA arts}
• baby wipes
• paint marker {Pen Touch by Sakura of America}
• water-based markers {Koi Coloring Brush pen by Sakura of America }
• black permanent brush pens {Pigma brush pen by Sakura of America }
• white gel pen {Gelly Roll White pen by Sakura of America}

You'll take one of the prints and add various mark-making using your FAVE stamps,  pens and markers.

BONUS content lesson one: handmade printing tools

I also share a BONUS video that gives and overview of my favorite handmade and found tools.

Head on over to join a huge worldwide creative community...

BOLD, expressive and unconventional PRINTMAKING

details + register

watch the preview video

So if you always wanted to take a workshop with me, here's your chance!

Hope you'll join me..see you online!

2015 strathmore online workshops

Hello creative friends! If you haven't heard, I'm kicking off the 2015 Strathmore online workshops, with my BOLD, Expressive and Unconventional Printmaking workshop!

Join me online during March, I have created four colorful lessons to inspire you to create mixed media layers and explore a number or printmaking techniques. PLUS, each lesson I share a BONUS technique video.

In this workshop, explore how everyday objects can create beautiful, expressive marks. Dive into unconventional techniques to create one-of-a-kind monoprints, relief prints, and patterns. Experiment with creative ways to adorn the surface and create colorful, textured layers on your mixed media artwork. This technique based workshop includes lessons that are inspired by my book Printmaking Unleashed.

BOLD, Expressive and Unconventional Printmaking

LESSON ONE: printmaking tools + patterns

LESSON TWO: paper masks + plexi prints

LESSON THREE: acrylic skins +monoprints

LESSON FOUR: deconstructed layers + gelli plate prints

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watch a short preview video...

{if you are viewing this in an RSS feed, you'll have to visit my blog to watch the video}

How the Strathmore workshops work:

Each workshop consists of four video lessons and supporting downloadable instructions. You can get access to the free videos and instructions any time after they are released. Students can participate in conversations with the Instructors and other students in the discussion boards, and share artwork in the classroom photo gallery.

The workshops are self-paced, so after a video is released each week during the 4 week period, take your time to follow along, pause, fast-forward, rewind, re-watch, re-visit, and work your way through each lesson at your own pace in your own home. After a video is released it will remain open and available for viewing until December 31, 2015.

Did I also mention the workshops are completely FREE?

BOLD, expressive and unconventional PRINTMAKING

details + register

So if you always wanted to take a workshop with me, here's your chance!

Hope you'll join me..see you online!

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Buy a signed copy of Printmaking Unleashed. Buy a copy of Printmaking Unleashed on Amazon.

Learn more in-depth printmaking techniques in my mixed media e-course series..Printmaking Unleashed LIVE! There are over 80 HD videos from projects lessons in the book, PLUS new content from LIVE stream workshop replays and over 50 techniques shared in the class. details + video preview visit e-course info.

visit the book companion website---> www.printmakingunleashed.com

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{creative lettering tips} art.journal.PLAY handlettered

One of my favorite creative exercises is handwriting words and phrases. Since last Friday was National Handwriting Day, I decided to create an "art.journal.PLAY" page in my journal.

I've had a love affair with penmanship from as early as I can remember. I would practice my letters on binder paper and had a Speedball Calligraphy set at the age of 7 or 8 and would try to copy the letters in the instruction book. I would spend hours practicing and creating letters that would eventually develop my signature style.

Fast forward to adulthood I still have an affinity for type and letters.

I've never had any formal calligraphy training, but have always loved to "PLAY" with letters. I don't ever plan out my writing, I don't use pencil to sketch, I just go for it. I write and doodle words and phrases in my journal, then embellish them with color, flowers and flourishes.

As a memeber of art.journal.PLAY LIVE 2015...you'll have access to this BONUS video, where I teach you how to create this hand lettered page from start to finish. For this page, I used a variety of pens, markers and watercolors from Sakura of America.

• Pigma Micron
• Pigma Sensei
• Koi Coloring Brush Markers
• Koi field sketch travel watercolors
• Koi water color brush
• Strathmore 300 series mixed media paper

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{creative lettering tips}

• all you need is paper, pen, ink, watercolor/acrylic and/or brush
• write the alphabet with a black permanent marker..I LOVE Sakura Pigma Micron and Pigma Sensei pens. Then photocopy of scan the letters, print and create a collage sheet for your art journal.
• add thin lines to add depth to the letters, then fill them in with doodles.
• add a color wash using watercolor markers or paint with watercolor.
• doodle floral shapes, geometric or flourishes around the letters
• practice a letter a day, look up different font styles and try to emulate them, but put your own twist on them.
• write a phrase or a quote each week
• look up hand lettered, calligraphy, dip pen letters in google, pinterest, IG or free font websites...these can provide loads of lettering inspriation
• scribble the alphabet, words or phrases with white out marker over a painted background in your journal.
• as for substrates...you can write on any surface, just make sure to use the appropriate pen/marker. if you are writing over paint, make sure it is completely dry so you don't ruin your pen.
• some of my favorite papers to write on are Strathmore Mixed Media paper, Mohawk Color copy laser paper, Staples 110lb cardstock and Strathmore Bristol paper. For black paper try Strathmore Artagain.
• write letters with white crayon or paint with gesso to create a resist. let dry. then wash watercolor or acrylic over.
• write letters with dip pen and ink, then add watercolor washes over them.
• brush letters on the page with watercolor, then draw over them with black pen
• if you don't have access to all your art supplies, create your lettering on the iPad using apps like Noteshelf, PaperBy 53, Artrage or Procreate. You can learn more about these apps in my digitalCANVAS e-course.
• don't be afraid to make mistakes...lettering is all about practicing. don't get frustrated because your letters don't look "perfect" or like another artist. take time to develop your creative lettering style...most of all have FUN!!
• visit my #treiCletters hashtag on IG to see some of my hand lettered pieces.
• follow my hand lettered pinterest board for more creative lettering inspiration

 from the archives...a journal page from january 20, 2011. see it unfold in photos here.

sakura of america #handwritesakura giveway

My good friends at Sakura Color Products of America are hosting Instagram giveaway starting today in celebration of National Handwriting Day. They're asking users to write their favorite quote on a piece of paper (preferably using one of Sakura’s products) and post your images using the hashtag #handwritesakura on Instagram in order to be considered. On 1/30, Sakura will choose 7 winners to receive a prize consisting of the items in the attached image. The giveaway’s only open to residents of the US and Canada, and you must be over 13 to participate. The full rules are listed here: http://www.pigmamicron.com/terms

happy creative lettering...xoxo~Traci

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Join me for more inspiration, creative play and lettering tutorials in art.journal.PLAY LIVE 2015!! mixed media. surface design. digital painting. lettering. book binding LIVE stream workshops + DIY planner kits + art journaling workbooks launch in February. find out details + video preview

{VIDEO} art.journal.PLAY LIVE 2015 preview

Hi creative friends. I'm back from CHA and excited to dive into my next mixed media e-course series.

art.journal.PLAY LIVE 2015!!

art.journal.PLAY LIVE is ALL new for 2015!! There are four separate workshops that are included in this mixed media e-course bundle. I created this program to encourage and inspire you to PLAY in your art journal or sketchbook.

art.journal.PLAY is a mix of inspiration, creative prompts, LIVE online video demos, Q & A, BONUS google+ hangouts, printable PDF art journaling workbooks, digital kits and online community.


content focus on..

art journaling. surface pattern design. mark-making. digital painting. lettering.

as a member of the art.journal.PLAY community, you'll...

• learn how to build colorful, luscious layers in your artwork
• explore combining digital + traditional mixed media techniques
• learn intermediate tutorials of how to use iPad apps and Photoshop in your artwork
• learn new ways to develop your signature lettering style
• use your art journal or sketchbook as a catalyst for product design
• dive deep into color mixing and develop your personal color palette
• learn how to create patterns from your mixed media artwork
• experiment with new, unconventional book binding techniques
• participate in BONUS google+ hangouts on air and meet other students from around the world!
• join me LIVE as I work in my studio and ask questions in real time

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watch a preview video with a peek at some of the new content PLUS snippets of my previous LIVE stream workshops

{if you are viewing this post in an RSS feed, visit here to watch the video}

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art.journal.PLAY LIVE 2015 series includes LIVE steaming workshops

 

 MOTIF {patterns + prints + stencils} ~ workshop #1
digitalCANVAS 2.0 {icons + doodles} ~ workshop #2
FLOURISH {hand-lettered} ~ workshop #3
BOUND {journal structures} ~ workshop #4 

 

additional content you'll receive during the workshops...

+ 25 mixed media lessons {5-7 HD video lessons from live stream workshop replays}

+ if you can't make the live event, HD video replays are provided

+ 8 art journal PDF workbooks + digital kits, delivered twice a month {4 months}

+ BONUS pop-up live stream art journaling sessions

+ BONUS content I decide to develop during the program

+ access to private art.journal.PLAY class forum

 

BUNDLE special--->when you register for art.journal.PLAY BUNDLE

you receive printable art journal pages and journaling cards.

PLUS access to following BONUS material...

+ BONUS 12 ”best of” mixed media HD video projects

+ BONUS 1 art journal/book construction project delivered in multiple HD videos

 

#artjournalPLAY

on instagram

 

PAYMENT OPTIONS

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art.journal.PLAY LIVE 2015 BUNDLE

details + register

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I look forward to seeing you online..join me for this creative journey!! xo ~Traci

 

 

CHA 2015 anaheim schedule

It's January and I'm excited to head to the annual CHA {craft and hobby association} tradeshow this week. This year it's all about Printmaking Unleashed for me!! This is my twelfth year attending, it's always such a fun and inspiring event especially because I get to catch up with some of my FAVE creative friends and see all the new craft products.

If you are coming to the show...there will be a few opportunities to get a FREE copy of my book, watch me demo mixed media techniques PLUS I kick off my 2015 in-person workshops!!

CHA Mega Show

Anaheim Convention Center ~ Anaheim, CA

Artisan workshop: Printmaking Unleashed

Friday, January 9, 2015
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM ~ Room: 209B

Explore alternative printmaking techniques from my new book Printmaking Unleashed! This mixed media process workshop is all about expressive mark-making, playful prints and pattern PLAY. We'll create handmade stamps and experiment with stenciling techniques working with paint and markers to build vibrant paintings. Experiment with some of my favorite techniques including dyed cloth stamping, resist printing, stencil & monoprint acrylic skins.

Printmaking Unleashed book + printmaking kit included in CHA workshop!!

All students registered in my CHA workshop receive a copy of Printmaking Unleashed, a limited edition Traci Bautista for StencilGirl stencil from my collection and a kit of my FAVE mixed media tools and a printmaking tool kit PLUS supplies from my lovely sponsors including iLoveToCreate, Golden Artist Colors, Ranger, Strathmore Artist papers, Roc-lon fabrics and Sakura of America. You don't want to miss lots of mixed media inspiration and ALL this all this swag!! {see photo above} There are still a few seats left...join me!

to register visit CHA mega show

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Printmaking Unleashed book signings + demo

If you are at the show, come by one of my book signings and demo at FW Media booth...

CHA Mega Show

Anaheim Convention Center ~ Anaheim, CA

FW Media Booth #1713

Saturday, January 10, 11:00-12:00pm ~ demo
Saturday, January 10, 1:00-2:00pm ~ book signing
Sunday, January 11, 12:00-1:00pm ~ book signing

 

Follow me on Instagram @treicdesigns for LIVE updates from the show floor!

I look forward to seeing you!! xo ~Traci