nathalie-kalbach

Discover the Magic of Storytelling in Best of Creative JumpStart Vol. 7!

I’m thrilled to invite you on a captivating journey into the world of storytelling with our Best of Creative JumpStart Vol. 7 workshop collection. In 2021 we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our annual Creative JumpStart, and now this special edition brings together the 20 most inspiring mixed media lessons of this event from 20 phenomenally talented artists.

Theme: Storyteller

Dive into a realm where art transforms into powerful stories, weaving intricate narratives that express a spectrum of emotions. The “Storyteller” theme in Vol. 7 showcases an eclectic mix of mediums, techniques, and artistic expressions, exploring everything from the depths of emotion to the heights of imagination.

What You’ll Get:

  • 🌈 20 Captivating Video Lessons from Esteemed Artists
  • 🎭 Explore Diverse Narratives and Creative Expressions
  • 📚 Lifetime Access to Downloadable Content
  • 🌟 Exclusive Insights into the Artistic Journeys of Renowned Instructors
  • 🎟️ Limited-time Offer: Unlock all this creative treasure for only $19.99!

How to Get Started:

  1. 🚀 Click here to unveil the Best of Creative JumpStart Vol. 7 collection.
  2. 🛒 Snap up your workshop bundle and dive into your downloadable content instantly.
  3. 🎨 Immerse yourself in the art of storytelling and unleash your inner creativity!

Embark on this artistic adventure and discover the magic of storytelling through the vibrant world of mixed media art. Hurry, this offer is a fleeting masterpiece!

Artists and Lessons:

  • Amanda Trought: Doodle Journal
  • Julie Fei-Fan Balzer: Storytelling with Symbols
  • Jodi Ohl: Whimsical Storytelling
  • Rae Missigman: Color Story
  • Birgit Koopsen: The Distance Is Only Physical
  • Mystele Kirkeeng: My Art Process
  • Kristin Williams: Stitching a Story
  • Marsha Valk: Once Upon The Times
  • Riikka Kovasin: Everyday Storyteller
  • Joe Rotella: Tell your Story in a Japanese Stab Binding Book
  • Jane LaFazio: Mono Printed Mini Quilt
  • Tania Ahmed: I Found Myself
  • Martice Smith: Abstract and Mixed Media Collage Papers
  • Nancy Curry: Textural Watercolor
  • Gwen Lafleur: Storytelling With Supplies
  • Cat Scanlon: The Year of a New Beginnings
  • Natalya Khorover: My Childhood Home
  • Danny Gregory: Every Day Matters
  • Danielle Donaldson: Illustrated Mermouse
  • Glenda Miles: Show and Tell
Nat

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Last Chance Sale: Dive Into Creativity with Beyond the Paper and Time Traveler Workshops!

Dear Creative Souls,

Are you ready to unlock new realms of artistic expression? Our acclaimed workshops, Beyond the Paper and Time Traveler, are embarking on their final journey, and this is your last chance to join us on this transformative experience!

Beyond the Paper: Join us, Nat Kalbach, Birgit Koopsen, and Marsha Valk, as we go beyond traditional substrates and explore exciting mediums like cardboard, Dura-Lar, and fabric. Discover innovative techniques such as foam stamping, printmaking, collage, and stitching. Plus, get your hands on a special Triple Play foam stamp set designed by us!

Time Traveler: Embark on a journey through design periods with Birgit, Marsha, and Nat. Dive into Flower Power, the Roaring 20s, and more, infusing historical motifs into your artwork through gelli plate printmaking and bookbinding techniques.

Starting today, April 23rd, indulge in our last-chance sale with irresistible discounts:

Don’t miss out on this final opportunity to join these transformative workshops before they vanish on April 30th!

Unlock your creative potential today and embark on a journey of artistic discovery!

Nat

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Discover Your Artistic Superpower with Best of Creative Jumpstart Vol. 6!

Are you ready to embark on a creative journey like never before? Dive into the Best of Creative JumpStart Vol. 6 workshop collection and unleash your artistic superpowers! Let’s explore the exciting features of this curated workshop bundle and how it can elevate your mixed media artistry.

What’s your artistic superpower? Is it a technique that defines your style or a mindset that fuels your creative process? In 2020, we explored the theme of Super Power, prompting our artists to share their creative prowess with our students. From tools and techniques to innovative thinking, these videos offer insights into the diverse realms of artistic expression.

Twelve artists such as Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, Mystele Kierkeeng, MaryBeth Shaw, and more, are showcasing a diversity of techniques and styles, including mixed media gelli printing, mini book making, drawing jewelry, and more.

The benefits of the workshop bundle, include a lifetime access to downloadable content and exclusive insights into the artistic journeys of renowned instructors.

Join us on this artistic adventure and unlock the secrets to mastering mixed media art. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, the Best of Creative JumpStart Vol. 6 has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover and embrace your artistic superpowers! Get your Best of CJS Vol. 6 now for just 11.99 USD here for a limited time.

Nat

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Unveiling Three New Art Pieces

I added three new original artworks to my Shop – each with it’s own unique story to tell. Let’s dive right in and see what they are about:

1. #SistersNotTwins

  • Dimensions: 16×10 inches canvas
  • Framed: Yes

These twin houses, born from the same blueprint, have aged differently through time. Each bears the marks of its own unique story etched into their facades, creating a captivating puzzle of their shared past. In the heart of Jersey City, such architectural ‘sisters’ continue to whisper tales of change and transformation. Dive into the mystery and charm with #SistersNotTwins. See painting and more details in store.

Mockup image of #SistersNotTwins painting displayed in a wooden frame above a shelf adorned with decorative vases and candles, showcasing the artwork in a cozy living setting.

I have written about my fascination with #sistersnottwins buildings on my substack in case you want to read more about that.

2. In Full Bloom

  • Dimensions: 10×10 inches deep canvas
  • Framed: Yes

Step back in time to 1922, as Katherine Tennant, daughter of Judge George G. Tennant, exchanges vows in her Queen Anne home. The wedding was a splendid affair, with palms, autumn foliage, orchids, and yellow chrysanthemums adorning the venue. Immerse yourself in the romance and elegance of Katherine’s Wedding. See painting and more details in store.

Mockup image of the 'Full Bloom' painting, depicting a Queen Anne house with a turret, showcased in a wooden frame hanging from a picture rail on a wall, adding charm to the living space

I have written about my enchantment with Queen Anne houses with turrets on my substack.

3. American Brilliance

  • Dimensions: 10×10 inches deep canvas
  • Framed: Yes (not shown in image)

American Brilliance – named for its exceptional brilliance due to the high lead content of the glass – takes you back to a time of opulence and prestige. The Jersey Journal often mentioned people’s houses in connection with families who owned exquisite cut glass, symbolizing domestic grace and societal prestige. See painting and more details in store.

Mockup image of the 'American Brilliance' painting displayed without a frame on a wooden shelf, accompanied by three decorative vases, showcasing the artwork's scale and adding elegance to the room decor

I wrote about the painting and why American Brilliance Glass is so fascinating to me on my substack.

I hope you’re as captivated by these pieces as I am. If you have any questions or if one of these artworks speaks to you, feel free to reach out. Let’s find a forever home for these pieces- it would mean the world to me.

Nat

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Unwrap Creativity: Annual Holiday Sale!

Hello Creative Souls!

I hope this post finds you wrapped in the warmth of creativity! I am excited to share some delightful updates with you!

ArtFoamies Foam Stamps, Stencils, Rubber Stamps, Original Artwork, and Online Workshops – All on SALE! 🌈

Now, not only are my favorite Foam Stamps up to 50% off, but I’ve also added select Stencils and Rubber Stamps to the mix, all at a fantastic 20-40% discount! That’s not all – selected pieces of my original artwork and online workshops are joining the celebration with a 20% off deal!

🛍️ Shop the entire collection here!

No coupon code needed, and the sale is on until December 4th, 11.59 pm EST or while supplies last. Don’t miss this chance to bring a burst of creativity into your holiday season!

Happy creating,

Nat

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Join Me on Sidewalk Stories. A New Artful Adventure

Hey my art friends, I hope this post finds you well and filled with the same excitement that’s been fueling my latest artistic journey. Today I have some exciting news to share.

As you may know, I have been working tirelessly to prepare for my upcoming exhibition “Sidewalk Stories”. It’s been a thrilling exploration of Jersey City’s urban landscape, a captivating fusion of art, history, and story telling that I can’t wait to share with you.

However, this blog has been a bit silent lately. Don’t worry; I’m not disappearing into the shadows. Instead, I’m shifting my focus to a new platform that will allow me to connect with you more intimately, sharing my creative process, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and the stories behind my art.

Introducing Sidewalk Stories on Substack!

On my Substack newsletter, you’ll find regular updates, exclusive content, and a deeper dive into the art, history, and storytelling that inspire my work. If you’re genuinely interested in my art, my plans, and the fascinating blend of creativity and Jersey City’s (and other sites’) narrative, that is the place to be.

If you’re a subscriber to this blog, I have some good news. In the next couple of days, I’ll be migrating your subscription to my Substack. You don’t have to do a thing! Of course, if you’d rather not continue receiving updates, I completely understand, and you can easily unsubscribe.

But I hope you’ll join me on this new artful adventure. Together, we’ll explore art’s profound connection to history, dive into the art-making process, and unearth the hidden tales within the urban landscape.

Thank you for being a part of my creative journey, and I can’t wait to connect with you on Sidewalk Stories.

P.S. If you’re as excited as I am, sign up for the Sidewalk Stories today!

Nat

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Art Stroll – Art Fair 14C, Jersey City

This happened last fall but none the less I was inspired and it was fun walking through the ArtFair, so I wanted to share some of the art. The Artfair took place in the Armory here in Jersey City
These Mixed Media pieces by Andrea McKenna caught my eye – no pun intended

One of my very favorite pieces were these ones by Deborah L. Morris- the idea of embroidering clay, porcelain or metal – love the juxtaposition of something so fine and delicate with a hard material!

Another local artist I always love to see is Pam Cooper – her paper assemblages and books are just so delicate and beautiful!

Thought provoking art

And fun art about cats

Art by local artist Distort depicting local artist Sam
Another favorite booth of mine was Robert Lach’s, who used those delicate bird’s nests for assemblage pieces
There was a lot of art -and I really enjoyed it – Art Fairs are a great way to see art and I especially enjoyed seeing local artists there.

I am signing off with a picture of the cool wooden seats of the Armory- because rest was needed after walking to see all the little booths and stands. I will def. go back this year – hoping it will happen again and can only recommend this one if you are in the NYC metropolitan area.

Nat

Comments (3)

  • Evelyn Kurz

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    Just an aside. I remember waving a flag outside our grammar school in fall 1959 as JFK was on his way to the Armory for a speech.

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Oh wow! That is fun – I did not know he spoke there! Thank you Evelyn!

      Reply

  • Sue Clarke

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    I really like the pieces by Andrea McKenna!
    Were the couches for sale or for resting?
    The big silver one looks fun.

    Reply

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Stroll Through the Hood – January 2023

Strolls through my hood get me out of my studio, they help me get unstuck and often I get inspired by what I see and get new ideas to create something. It is part of my philosophy about Artful Adventures in Mixed Media – which is the subject of my book. Here are some photos that I gathered in the last couple weeks.

These houses are just so cool- the patina and colors and everything. We actually looked at one of those houses several years ago but it was not for us but I still love the facades!

We started the year off with some fun little home projects – like turning old locks we found in the basement and some additional ones we bought at a salvage place, into hooks / decoration pieces in our basement. We love them and I would like to add some “old” pictures of the house and people who lived here to the wall as well. I will keep you posted if I do.

We also bought some Sash Locks that were missing on our windows at a salvage place and I found this incomplete sash lock with a porcelain knob and made it into a little hook for a hand towel in the guest powder room.

I am also taking a 10 week class in Wheel Throwing and it is a blast ! It just started, but I am already committed to say it is fun LOL. The studio is in this amazing old building from 1884 – I have to ask Frank our teacher what it was used for back then.

I love the colors on this building and the wonderful pediment on the top. The houses on the left and right don’t have the pediment and I am wondering if they restored it or had it made – in any event, it is amazing!

This church is being converted into apartments. The original structure of this church was an important hiding place on the Underground Railroad to get further up North.

I am a sucker for old brick houses and the brick work is just amazing on those! It is beautiful!

I always love looking up and wonder what kind of cornice and siding is hidden underneath the ugly vinyl and sometimes you get a glimpse – if only as in this case for a day before they started demolishing the house.

Here is another glimpse on one – I am assuming the window came later -very interesting.

Even though it is not that cold so far, I have spent a lot of time in my studio, painting – which is exactly what I planned for this year :) Bobby Pretzel thinks that is perfect – he loves to have me around so he can ignore me by sleeping safe and sound

While Mingus is slightly annoyed that his beauty sleep in the studio is interrupted by music, me moving through the studio and stopping to look at the two of them to exclaim “OMG you guys are sooo cute” ;)

Well that was it – see you next month – I hope you enjoyed the Stroll through the hood !

Nat

Comments (3)

  • Mary Mary

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    This is so awesome!!! Love your pics!

    Reply

  • Rebecca

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    I enjoy your strolls very much. Architecture is one of my favorite things to look at.

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

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    Nat, I also love the brick houses.
    The history of the church is cool and it will be fun to be able to tell folks the story once they move into one of the apartments.

    Reply

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Playing Hard ArtJournal

“We like dancing and we look divine.

You love bands when they’re playing hard

You want more and you want it fast”

David Bowie – Rebel Rebel

It is hard to believe that David Bowie died 7 years ago. His song came to mind when I plugged off the calendar page from the 2022 Artist Almanac which shows a part of an art journal page I created back in the days.

I used the Positive Beacon Stamp from my Large Hex Set and as well as my Triangle love set

I loved playing with the stamps and I like the stars that evolved. I love using those little calendar pages as a Creative JumpStart wether it be the colors, the words or the image – in this case it was a combination of all of it.

I hope your January goes well – you might have noticed I am blogging less this year – intentionally but I will blog – because I am playing hard this year and I am having fun – I will tell more later:) Have a wonderful day and happy arting!

Nat

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