creativityUNLEASHED by traci bautista

santa's reindeer coupon code giveaway

SANTA's REINDEER coupon giveaway!!

A HOLIDAY special just for you...my annual HOLIDAY coupon giveaway is here!! 

Santa's reindeer coupon codes

SAVE $10 - $60 on e-courses and printables.  

There are only a limited number and once they are used up they expire.

Head on over to my treiCdesigns digitals boutique

I've created special coupon codes for you for additional savings on all my e-courses and printables. The coupon codes are hidden within the product descriptions in my shoppe.

HINT: the codes include SANTA's reindeer names :) make sure to click on the tabs to watch the video previews.

Here's my NEW workshops you might want to check out...

my NEW mixed media lab session starts in February!

art.journal.PLAY mixed media lab + DREAM BIG creative business incubator VIP charter beta program {module two}

only one coupon code per person. so if you find more than one, please only use one. cannot be combined with any other coupons. some coupons are specific to the products, others give you a discount on any e-course or printable.

save EXTRA on your entire order!! Happy holidays..xo ~Traci

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treicdesignsdigitals.com

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To take advantage of extra specials, head on over to my digital shoppe and place the e-courses or printables in your cart. You will be prompted to checkout using your credit card or Paypal, enter your info {you won't be charged yet}, then you will be taken back to the shopping cart where you can enter the coupon code and then complete the checkout process. Discounts will be taken off entire order. This is on top of the already discounted HOLIDAY prices too. only one coupon per order. coupon codes expire 12/24/15 at 11:59pm or when they are all used. Please allow 48 hours from next business day to receive the e-course classroom invite.

{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

{VIDEO} printing with collage pauge drizzle plates

Texture can be found in many printmaking tools but you can also create your own. A Collage Pauge drizzle plate is made by drawing a free form design onto a transparency or piece of Dura-lar by pouring the medium right from the bottle onto the substrate. Let it dry, then use it to print with a dyed paper towel.

You can find this technique and more drizzle plate ideas on page 18-19 in my book, Printmaking Unleashed.

In this video I share how to print with Collage Pauge drizzle plates using dyed paper towels as the "ink"pad. This lesson one of the technique videos in my Printmaking Unleashed LIVE e-course

creative toolbox:

• collage pauge drizzle plate
• soft rubber brayer
• construction paper or paper of your choice
• two ply paper towel
• spray ink or acrylic paint
• {optional} nitrile gloves if you don't want paint/ink to stain}

{If you are viewing this in RSS feed, visit the blog to watch the video}

The goal of my online workshops is to inspire you to PLAY and incorporate the tools and ideas I teach into your own art-making process. I strive to encourage you to develop your own signature style by providing creative jumpstarts, step-by-step videos, photo tutorials, live stream events and Q& A.

Do you want self-guided access to over 75 mixed media + printmaking HD videos?

 

You'll learn about handmade tools, creating patterns with stencils and stamps, acrylic skin collage, art journaling process, plexiglas printmaking and much more!

 

Join me for the Printmaking Unleashed LIVE e-course SUMMER sessions, the classroom officially opens June 22, 2015!  Watch the videos 24/7 at your own pace. You'll have email access to me and be able to interact in the community forums and ask questions during the LIVE Q & A in July.

join me for TWO LIVE stream events...
SUMMER 2015 live stream session #1
google hangout Q & A ~ July 22, 11:00am-12:00pm pacific USA time

SUMMER 2015 live stream session #2
collage live stream workshop ~ August, 19, 4:00-5:30p pacific USA time

 

join me for a creative summer of colorful PLAY!!

 

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printmaking unleashed LIVE e-course summer session

details + register

25 printmaking ideas for handmade + found tools

  One of the concepts I teach in all of my book Printmaking Unleashed, is to “look with new eyes”, to think outside of the box. Printmaking and painting doesn’t have to cost a fortune, you can find many FREE objects around your house that you can use to make one-of-a-kind mark-making tools…just look around, you’ll be surprised what you find.

 

Here are 25 printmaking ideas and tools you'll find around the house that will get you creating unique marks in no time!

1. plastic freezer bags - these are perfect for cutting out shapes to create painting masks for using with spray inks or use as a printing plate.
2. cardboard - there are so many ways to use cardboard as a printing tool but my fave is to cut it into strips and roll it into shapes to create a cardboard stamp
3. strawberry/tomato basket - cut it apart to use as a stencil with rectangle and arrow shapes
4. spatulas - make great paint scrapers, dip them into paint and spread them across the canvas
5. toothpicks and popsicle sticks - use them as lettering tools, paint sticks, stamps and stencils.
6. chopsticks - use them as bases for handmade paintbrushes or dip them into india ink, then draw on paper or write words. TIP: dip the stick often to keep it loaded with ink.
7. dry grass - use it as a mark-making tool. tie a bunch to the top of chopsticks, wrap with yarn or fabric and secure with rubber bands to create a handmade paint brush
8. brown paper bags - recycle your grocery bags, cut them apart to use them as paper for your paintings. make an art journal with paperbags as the pages. paint or stamp them with gesso then 
9. labels - use them as masks to resist paints. place them onto the painting surface. spray inks or paint acrylics, let the paint dry then remove the label. use the painted discarded labels as stickers for your art journal or DIY planner pages.
10. masking tape - also great to tear and attach to plexiglas to use as a removable resist. place the torn masking tape around the surface of the printing plate, roll out Golden Open acrylics, place apiece of paper and roll a brayer over the back to transfer the print. continue to build layers of color
11. rubber bands - attach them to adhesive craft foam to create a stamp or drop them onto the surface of or substrate to use as a mask then spray with inks.
12. yarn/twine - crochet single chains of yarn, braid the year, or weave it into woven fabric, or sew it onto cardboard to create a printing tool
13. plastic water bottles - dip the bottom and top of the bottle into paint {fluid paint works best} then stamp it onto the page
14. rocks, pods, acorns - use them to inspire your drawing. dip them into paint and use them to make marks on the canvas
15. leaves - use as inspiration for drawing shapes in your journal or creating hot glue stencils. paint them with watered down acrylic or liquid watercolor then place them between two sheets of paper to create a print
16. USPS or FedEx tyvec envelopes - these are FREE at the post office in the US, perfect for painting, creating stencils and masks or altered paper using a heat gun{make sure you have adequate ventilation. place cut shapes onto a piece of plexiglas or gel plate to use a printing mask. 
17. sharpie pen cap or marker - makes a perfect tool for creating dots, dip the end of the pen/marker into paint and dot the color onto the page
18. paper clips - clip them together to create a chain and place it on the page to use as a stencil or stamp. create new shapes with the paper clips then paint with them
19. zip ties - connect zip or cable ties together to create free form stencils.
20. wire - twist wire into various shapes to use it as a stencil or place wire shapes over the page and spray with inks
21. broom - makes a great HUGE paint brush. pour paint out onto a garbage bag and dip the broom brush into the paint and paint grocery bags
22. garbage bags - use as a palette to mix paint, printmaking plate or tarp to cover your surface
23. toilet paper rolls - this is a popular found tool, cut the empty paper tube into smaller shapes and attach it to adhesive foam or glue it to cardboard. or dip the end of the tube into paint and stamp circles
24. paper towels - if you’ve followed my art since the beginning, you’ll know that in my first book Collage Unleashed, I teach how to creatively die paper towels that creates beautiful collage paper. The dyed paper towels can also be used as a printing tool.  
25. textured cement or garden stones - place a piece of paper and grab a pencil or crayon to take a rubbing. use this as a collage paper
26. {BONUS} hot glue - create hot glue stencils/masks and stamps. this tutorial took the internet by storm, its been pinned over 22,000 times, inspired a number of youtube videos and numerous blog posts. 

spend time wondering and asking “what if…” or saying “let me try..” this will train you to think outside of the box and look at things differently. 

 

Take a walk around your house or studio, look through drawers, on shelves in the garage or outside in your yard to find objects with interesting shapes or textures to use in your artwork.

 

what other printmaking tools can you find around your house, studio or garage?

share your faves in the comments. I’d love to hear!

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Does this list spark NEW ideas or encourage you to drop everything and get painting? I hope so! If you want to learn unconventional ways to make these tools and use them in your mixed media creations...

 

SPEND your SUMMER printmaking and painting…join me for the LIVE e-course session!

 

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

 

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here's a video preview of the workshop...

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

Learn over 65 techniques in numerous technique and project HD videos from techniques in my book Printmaking Unleashed. The e-course provides you with inspiring exercises that will lead to hours of colorful PLAY or minutes if you just have a few. 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.
• SUMMER session live stream event #1 in July, during the live Q & A google hangout you can ask questions about supplies, the workshop, techniques.
• SUMMER session live stream event #1 in August, I'll share a brand new collage project during the live stream that will use all the painted papers you create.
• if you can't make the live events, there will be 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 two NEW live stream events. It’s a great time for a mixed media refresher!

 

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

join me for TWO LIVE stream events...
SUMMER 2015 live stream session #1
google hangout Q & A ~ self guided replay available

SUMMER 2015 live stream session #2
collage live stream workshop ~ self guided replay available

join me for a creative summer of colorful PLAY!!

 

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printmaking unleashed LIVE e-course summer session

details + register

 

a peek inside my art journals

Throughout the years I have designed hundreds of handmade art journals and idea books. Here are just a few photos of some of the colorful hand stitched, quilted collage books. {scroll through the last photo above to see flickr album}

my process-----> my journals start with a collection of my hand painted papers and fabrics that are free motion stitched together to create textured collage covers. Then I creatively bind the pages together with a variety of woven stitches and freestyle macrame. All of my handmade books have random sized papers inside with creative jumpstarts that include black and white backgrounds, photos, painted and scribbled graffiti. I love to bind books with found and hand painted papers...nothing is off limits. 

Are you interested in learning more about how I create my art journals?

join me in May for my new online workshop...

BOUND {journal structures} e-course

book binding. art journaling. handmade books

art journal PLAY LIVE 2015 workshop #4 ~ This live stream workshop session is structured as a lecture and will include ideas and samples of various journal structures and ideas with Q & A. Don't worry if you can't make the LIVE event, the replay is available so you can work at your own pace.

You’ll get a peek into a variety of my art journals and sketchbooks PLUS workshop includes...

+ art journal live stream workshop {May 13, 2015 11:00-12:30pm pacific time USA time}

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

+ two art journal PDF workbooks

+ one digital printable journal

+ art journal tour HD videos and project ideas

+ BONUS pop-up live stream art journaling studio sessions

+ access to private art.journal.PLAY class forum

+ if you register for the entire art.journal.PLAY series, you get a BONUS art journal project and 12 "best of" mixed media projects delivered in multiple HD videos.

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


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REGISTER for BOUND: {journal structures} e-course

 

{VIDEO} hand lettering snippets

I shared creative lettering tips in a previous blog post for this hand lettered art journal page. Today, I'm sharing a hyper-lapse snippet video where you can watch the process unfold.

As a member of art.journal.PLAY LIVE 2015...you'll have access to this FULL length {real time} BONUS process step-by-step video, where I teach you how to create this hand lettered page from start to finish.

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watch the video with a peek into my creative lettering process

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

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

You can access this BONUS video in

FLOURISH: {hand lettered} e-course

We are in LIVE session right now and have one more live stream workshop.

Join our creative online community!

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a little inspiration from my daily walks...

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." ~albert einstein

follow my inspiration trail on my @treicdesigns instagram feed

happy earth day...xo~traci

xo~Traci

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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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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{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