Blog: Art Journal

Do More of What Makes You Happy or….The InkPad Workshop

NatKalbach_InkPad01
I taught a class called Über*Media Backgrounds at The Ink Pad in New York City. It was a bit different in format as I did this class in two parts- the first part was at the end of October and the second yesterday.

NatKalbach_InkPad11

 

The first part was dedicated to creating with all kinds of background techniques and making your own paper for an later art journal. It was loads of fun.

NatKalbach_InkPad09

 

We used lot’s of different media

NatKalbach_InkPad14

 

NatKalbach_InkPad03

 

and played a lot with my StencilGirl Product stencils

NatKalbach_InkPad12

NatKalbach_InkPad08

 

NatKalbach_InkPad06

 

the second part was about layering and taking the backgrounds even further and of course finally using them – in this case for an art journal

 

 

NatKalbach_InkPad13

 

NatKalbach_InkPad15

NatKalbach_InkPad17

 

NatKalbach_InkPad04

 

 

 

NatKalbach_InkPad02

 

NatKalbach_InkPad05

 

NatKalbach_InkPad16

 

NatKalbach_InkPad10

 

NatKalbach_InkPad07

 

I had a blast and loved the colorful creations of the girls. I also like the concept of an ongoing class – it gives you so many possibilities and is a great way for everyone to deepen the learned stuff and then take it further. And on top- I met “my girls” again . This might be something I will be doing again ;) – who knows ;)

What kind of classes do you prefer: One time and in person, on-going and in-person, online and just a short block or an ongoing online class?

Have a gorgeous day

Nat

LogoBlogSignature

Nat

Comments (11)

  • Jackie

    |

    WOW! What fun Nat! It would be So Cool to be able to create with you- therefore I’d like an ongoing face to face! When can we schedule it for?!! LOL Wish we had somewhere around us that you could come teach at- no privately owned stamp/scrapbook stores within 75 miles from me :(
    Seriously, I would prefer face to face with instructor, on-going for sure or ongoing online. Thanks for sharing with us! hugs xo

    Reply

  • Sue turchick

    |

    Definitely in person! Love connecting with everyone elses’s energy and creativity. Nice meeting you, Nathalie!

    Reply

  • Madeline Rains

    |

    I like both online and in person. I’ve only had in person once! It was a few weeks ago in Charlotte when Julie taught there. I loved doing it live with the teacher’s inspiration right there. But there is something to be said for taking your time in your own studio, pausing when you need to and rewatching when necessary. I’d love an ongoing class.

    Reply

  • petyvic

    |

    I prefer online classes as i can enter the classroom whenever i want to check and/or refresh forgotten details. There are so many techs, that is impossible to remember all!…Thanks for your time, Nat!

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

    |

    I really like in person and have never had ongoing but might like it.
    That being said, online means that I can go back and look over tuts again.

    Reply

  • Ursula

    |

    Beim schmaddern bist du in deinem Element *lol* Aber die Ergbnisse gefallen selbst clean&simple Anhängern wie mir ;)) Und die Adresse von diesem “vielversprechenden” Laden ist natürlich schon gespeichert – ich muss zu ggbner Zeit ja auch irgendwo shoppen gehen ;)
    LG Ursula

    Reply

  • Denise spillane

    |

    Looks like fun

    Reply

  • Amante del Papel

    |

    awesome!!!

    Reply

  • Rob

    |

    The classes sound great Nat. Love the concept of ongoing classes. It gives people the chance to explore what they do in the first class before moving on to the next step. I’d love to have that stamp shop near me, LOVE all of those wood mounted stamps in the background.

    Reply

  • Seth

    |

    Looks like it was a ton of fun Nat!

    Reply

Leave a comment

Gesso Stamping Technique

CJSUberMediaOWSLOGO

Those of you who were part of the Creative JumpStart 2013 saw the videos that me and my artist friends posted on my website throughout January. The videos are not available here anymore, since I have to make room for new fun things to come ..still thinking ;) …but I thought it would be nice to repost my 10 technique videos over the next couple weeks- so that you have access to them whenever you want.

And now let’s jump to the fourth video in my Über*Media Creative JumpStart 2013 Workshop which was a Gesso Stamping Technique – which I love a lot :)

If you have no external speakers on your pc – turn up the volume a lot (the audio is very low in this video)

 

This and the other techniques are part of some of my Über*Media Online Classes. They are there to free your creativity with techniques and how-to’s that go beyond one certain project. I want you to learn something new that you can adapt to your own style and can use for many projects to come.

Über*Media classes are dedicated to different kinds of media that cross a variety of materials.

I do have several Über*Media Workshops available right now for example Über*Media -PanPastel, -Acrylic Paint, -Gesso, -Acrylic Ink and -FoamStamplifier.

For my Creative JumpStart Über*Media Workshop I showed some of my favorite Über*Media Techniques that can be used in your Mixed Media, Scrapbooking, Altered Art and/or ArtJournal Projects.

 

And here are the supplies I used in the video:

nSupplies

I hope you enjoyed this little technique.

Have an amazing day!

nat

LogoBlogSignature

Nat

Comments (4)

  • Gerd Andersson

    |

    Thank you Nat, for reminding me of this technique! I really hope for a new CJS 2014!

    Reply

  • Laura Strack

    |

    Thank you for a blast from the past! Love Creative Jumpstart 2013!

    Reply

  • selena

    |

    merci pour cette bonne idée!

    Reply

Leave a comment

Wars on Canvas…or new Art Journal Page

NatKalbach_InnerWars01

 

“I’d rather fight my inner wars on canvas” by Nathalie Kalbach…because argggh ;) This inner fight was fought on paper in my art journal…apparently ;) And it helped …Good !

NatKalbach_InnerWars02

 

Here are the supplies used:

nSupplies

Hope you have a wonderful day without inner fights today :)
hugs
Nat

LogoBlogSignature

Nat

Comments (2)

  • Amante del Papel

    |

    Well, you have been fantastic. I love the colors and especially the signficado, it’s awesome!

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

    |

    It’s interesting for me to see your shift from paper to paint.
    It inspires me to play more with paint and ink. I’ve yet to “let go” and really just have my emotions guide me with paint. You’ve done a nice job here of painting your emotions Nat.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Featuring Magazine Review

A couple weeks ago, I was asked if I would like to write an article about the Featuring Magazine which content is ArtJournaling, Mixed Media and More. I do have to admit I am always a bit scared of such requests, because I try to only write about things that I truly like and I also only use things that I love, so when someone asks me to write a review about something I have never had in my hand, I fear of what to do if I do not like it…because basically …I couldn’t lie. Well – I was intrigued to say yes after seeing the cover because it spoke to me and my style.

Magazine-Cover-issue-4

 

Pretty happy to say that when I received the latest issue I wasn’t disappointed :) First off all I was very impressed by the quality of this magazine based in the Netherlands. The format, the paper, the editing, the photos – very professional and appealing. What I love most is that there is no bric-a-brac on the pages…it is just the text and the artwork leading to the artwork having an even bigger impact. I love it!

FeatureMagazine

 

I loved the featured artists, and I had never heard of most of the people in this issue and it was awesome to learn about so many talented people. For example reading Sandra van Doorn‘s Poetry an her illustrations going along with it – was a super special treatment. I loved everything about it and it made me just happy reading and looking ! But there were many more and I have a long list of people I will have to check out on their websites.

FeatureMagazzine2

 

The articles and interviews are extremely well written – you want to take your time with this magazine and it will take some time to get through it as there is so much inspiration in the words and in the artwork, that each on of it has to sit a little bit, before you can continue. And then you are sad when you have been through the whole magazine.

It is  not cheap – which no magazine of quality is, and since I have worked for many years with a team on a magazine I know how much work is behind such a magazine. Actually for that quality it is even pretty decently priced! This is not a how-to-magazine – but for me it is right up my alley as I had the feeling I could take out so many different things from only one issue – inspiration from the artwork, the articles, learning about new people, even new ways of artwork and the stories of other likeminded creative people. I cannot wait for the next issue …and I guess….by asking me to write a review they got me hooked on the magazine ;)

Have a fantastic day :)

huge hugs

Nat

 

 

Nat

Comments (3)

  • KABOOM!! | Marit's Paper World (blog)

    |

    […] message and name was blasted out across Facebook and Twitter. And have you seen this review that Nathalie Kalbach wrote on her blog? WOWZAH, thank you […]

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

    |

    I love this magazine and have bought every issue so far!
    The quality of the paper is wonderful and I savor each article. It takes me weeks to read through the whole issue since I like to let what I read sink in. So glad to hear that you also liked it Nat (but I’m not surprised).

    Reply

Leave a comment

The Grass is Greener Where You Water It or…PanPastel Metallics

NatKalbach_GreenerGrass01

The wonderful people at PanPastel sent me three pans with their new metallic colors to try out and since it is not a big secret that I really love PanPastels, I was looking forward playing with them.

NatKalbach_GreenerGrass02

 

I created a PanPastel Background and then layered here and there some Parchment Paper over it with Matte Gel Medium. This also sealed the background, so that I wouldn’t have to use any fixative. On top the the texture that was created with the parchment paper I added some of the metallic colors . Then I layered my Arabesque Stencil over it and sprayed with Spray Paint.

NatKalbach_GreenerGrass03

I also used the PanPastel Metallics for accents on the drawings on top of the acrylic markers. I love how you can achieve nice sparkly accents- although…it is so hard to photograph and capture this.

NatKalbach_GreenerGrass04

 

I almost wish it was make up as those colors are so nice but let’s face it…I might be better painting on paper then in my face ;)

NatKalbach_GreenerGrass05

 

Here are the supplies I used for this art journal spread

nSupplies

have a gorgeous day and don’t forget to water your own grass today :)

Nat

LogoBlogSignature

Nat

Comments (9)

  • Mary C. Nasser

    |

    Nathalie, I absolutely ADORE these pages and seeing your process!
    Think I’m in trouble (in a good way!) because Pan Pastels come in metallics now! :)

    Reply

  • Laura Strack

    |

    Love this post…I was in need of a good laugh! Thank you. You’re too funny. Love that quote and I so want some pan pastels. I haven’t invested in them, yet, but they are on top of my want list. I know I will love them and from what I’ve read, they are a great bang for your buck. Got to get them soon!

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

    |

    Love the quote and the page but wish that I could see the sparkle/metallic more.

    Reply

  • Denise Spillane

    |

    You are too funny about painting your face. Love this page and I am going to get some metallics soon. I have to get my colors and play. The sentiment on the page is so true!

    Reply

  • Michell H.

    |

    Love this Nat!! Great sentiment and wonderful composition! Leaving comments has gotten really hard on my iTouch- I’d leave love on every post otherwise. you are kicking booty!

    Reply

  • Kirsten Alicia

    |

    Gorgeous page, love the stencilling & colours. I do not need metallic PPs… I do not need metallic PPs………

    Reply

  • Kathy P

    |

    Very cool pages, Nat—-love that quote, and the sparkle and texture! Thanks for the push to get out my pan pastels and play!

    Reply

  • Gerd Andersson

    |

    Just love this page! Your Arabesque stencil and the PanPastel Metallics are a must have!

    Reply

Leave a comment

Whatevers Round 2 #4 or Happily Ever After

the WHATEVERS 2 A

Are you ready for the 4th photo of the Second Round of Whatevers? If you missed what the Whatevers is all about or want to see all the past photos and takes…check it out here.

Click here to see what Cat, Vicki, Martha and Cuchy made out of the photo and which story they tell.

Here is my take:

NatKalbach_HappilyEverAfter01

 

Journaling: He never stopped loving her although she would not even as much as look at him once she turned 15. But he would always say that he was married and that his wife would one day return. He died happily ever after.

NatKalbach_HappilyEverAfter02

 

I used Liquitex Heavy Paints and my What’s The Point Stencil to layer up a background. Since my stuff is still in the container I am limited to my wooden alpha stamps which I love so much.

NatKalbach_HappilyEverAfter03

 

And here is the photo of this month’s Whatever for you:

NatKalbach_Whatevers4

 

Here is how it works

  • Vicki, Cat, Cuchy (Carmen), Martha and I and I have made a one-year commitment to each other and picked twelve photos with Whatevers whom we will give a story.
  • Every month – if possible always on the 15th –  each of us will do a post with an individual story that goes along for us with the same photo.
  • If you want you can play along and we will have the photo for you to download and show us your version of The Whatevers. The photo will be posted at the end of our blogposts- not on Facebook!
  • There is no rules to the story itself- it can be funny, sad, uplifting, breathtaking- WHATEVER
  • There is no rules on the length or the form of the story– it can be a short sentence, an essay, a poem or a soap opera – WHATEVER
  • There is no rules on the artform you choose – it can be a scrapbook layout, an altered art project, an artjournal page – WHATEVER
  • Here is a rule though: if you take the photo you have to link back to us and show us your story.
  • These pictures are from our personal stash and are for personal use for you only! If you want to use them for a publication whether a book or magazine in print or digital form please ask for permission!
  • If you want to participate we’ll have a linky list for each Whatever Post.
  • You can also join our The Whatevers -Facebook Page

 

Two Button

thank you :)

Nat

LogoBlogSignature

 

Nat

Comments (9)

  • Vicki Chrisman

    |

    loving this Nat.. especially the sketchy sketch around them…. perfect! Amazing background as always!

    Reply

  • Maria Luisa Naval

    |

    tears in my eyes …I like so much your background colors.

    Reply

  • Cuchy

    |

    ohhh so sad, but you made him happy for a while

    Reply

  • Catherine Scanlon

    |

    I love your background Nat — so bright and colorful!! Love your story.

    Reply

  • Martha Richardson

    |

    Love your take with this photo. GREAT colors on your page!

    Reply

  • Julie

    |

    Oh Nat! You made me cry! Reminded me of the George Jones song – He Stopped Loving Her Today.

    Reply

  • Jean A Marmo

    |

    I just love where you go with these photos!!

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

    |

    What a sweet story you have created Nat.
    Happy and sad at the same time.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Stencil Test Drive Cascading Frames or…Picture Me Happy

So thrilled to be part again of the Stencil Test Drive featuring Jessica Sporn‘s Frames Stencil for StencilGirl Products.

Stencil Test Drive Logo

Today along with some others I show you what I created using her Frames Stencil.

954

 

Here is my art journal page

NatKalbach_PictureMeHappy01

 

And here is how I created this

NatKalbach_PictureMeHappy02

 

I used some Glue N’ Seal over my What’s The Point and while it was drying

NatKalbach_PictureMeHappy03

 

I used spray paints through the frame stencil on book paper that I had just as a left over from a different project.

NatKalbach_PictureMeHappy04

 

I added some Ink to the top of the artjournal page and let it run down

NatKalbach_PictureMeHappy05

 

I cut out the frames out of the book paper

NatKalbach_PictureMeHappy06

 

and adhered them with a glue stick

NatKalbach_PictureMeHappy07

 

and then I sprayed through the frames stencil again – quite a lot- I wanted to have a more runny and non perfect image

NatKalbach_PictureMeHappy08

 

to tone down the book paper a bit I used some distress stain on it

NatKalbach_PictureMeHappy09

 

and then I used some Distress Ink to pop the What’s the Point Bits and the frames out a bit more :)

NatKalbach_PictureMeHappy10

 

Now go see what the other artists did with the Frames stencil!  But before you do, be sure to leave a comment  by midnight EST 10/13here because Jessica is giving away a Frame stencil to one lucky winner, and EVERY comment in the test drive will be eligible to win.  The more times you comment, the more chances you have to win!

Kristin Van Valkenburgh:  www.TwinkleTwinkleLikeAStar.blogspot.com

 

And for those of you who want a complete list of supplies- here you go:

nSupplies

have a wonderful day
Nat


LogoBlogSignature

 

Nat

Comments (32)

  • Jessica Sporn

    |

    sorry I am getting to you so late Nat… Love your drippy, colorful journal page. Thank you for sharing the step out photos and participating in the test drive. With everything you have going on, I am especially honored that you said yes! xo

    Reply

  • Maria McGuire

    |

    LOVE your bright HAPPY colors Nat! FUN FUN journal page :)

    Reply

  • Debbie House

    |

    So glad I pulled up your blog today. Loved the frames page you did. So many possibilities and it makes me want to work in my art journal again after an extended period away. I NEED to play.

    Reply

  • Nancy Sapp

    |

    Always enjoy your blog & love your great ideas with the frames!
    Wish you could pick my name for the frame stencils. I’d love to win them.
    Thanks for the chance,
    Grandma Nancy

    Reply

  • Jackie

    |

    You are so talented Nat! Love love your bright colors!

    Reply

Leave a comment

Paper Art Blog Hop

Logo_BlogHop_stamps

Welcome to the Paper Art Blog Hop!

A couple of months ago I saw Stephanie doing some really amazing sketching and the first thing that came to my mind was- wow – she should be doing stamp designs and there she is now with her own amazing stamp sets. I was very thrilled that she asked me to participate in her blog hop today and play with her wonderful Paper Art Stamp Set. I created an art journal page.

NatKalbach_paperArt01

I just layered some acrylic colors and worked them together and then stamped with some Archival Ink and the Paper Art Stamp Set. I loved all the images so I wanted them all on my page about how much I enjoy art journaling.

NatKalbach_paperArt02

 

I then took my Liquitex Paint Markers and painted the insides of the stamps – it gave them more dimension and added another layer – Love it. Don’t be too afraid that you cover up the stamped image too much- you can always use your finger to distribute it thinner.

NatKalbach_paperArt03

 

Love those stamps! And you know the best thing…before you hop further – I tell you a secret ;) :

paperart

 

Stephanie gives away one of the paper art stamp collection. Leave a comment on each of the listed blogs and on my blog and let us know how you like the projects and Stephanie will pick randomly one lucky winner. You have time to comment till October 8th, 2013 – midnight EST.

But now…hop on to these super talented girls and see what they created with this amazing stamp set:

Viktoria Klabukova: – http://by-fleer.blogspot.com/
Have an amazing and artsy day!

nat

Nat

Comments (35)

  • Felicia Aaron

    |

    Nat, this was great fun! I love the opportunity to see other blogs and have a look at all their creative ideas!! Thanks for the opportunity to win such wonderful stamps that would be such a treasure to anyone’s stash!! Thanks!

    Reply

  • Felicia Aaron

    |

    So glad I found your blog! I love all your colorful ideas! I have already incorporated some of your style in my own journals! Hope that’s okay ;)! LOL!!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Reply

  • Amante del Papel

    |

    Nathalie alway is a pleasure see your pages, are amazing!!!

    Reply

  • Janelle Rourke

    |

    Oh this piece really “talks” to me. I love the colors and the stamps are just amazing on this. This is one for me to study. Those stamp sets are too cool. Ones I would use alot! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  • Jackie Beeman

    |

    I love these beautiful stamps, so excited to see your journal pages, and have a chance to win them! Thank you!

    Reply

  • Thea Gringhuis

    |

    I like the bright collours you have chosen for this project. Also like the stamps.

    Reply

  • hege meland

    |

    Love your art. I follow you alredy and love all your work.
    Thank for the oppotunity to win the new stamp-set :)

    Reply

  • Jean A Marmo

    |

    Such amazing projects! Love how these stamps can be used!!!

    Reply

Leave a comment

Be Happy With Who You Are…

and Where You Are Won’t Matter

NatKalbachBeHappyWhoYouAre01

 

I love this saying- and with my move to the U.S. it totally had to be part of my art journal. Drycha from 3rdeycraft.com had sent me some of her amazing little stamps and chipboard embellishment to play with and I had a great time using the rib cage stamp and the heart stamp as well as the chipboard heart. I love anatomical stamps- I know some people find them scary – but hey…it is part of our body :)

NatKalbachBeHappyWhoYouAre02

 

I had sprayed one of the chipboard hearts and then stamped over it with the heart stamp and placed it  into the rib cage. And if that is too graphic…I also did a small little thank you card cutting out a heart of book paper and placing a light bulb chippie stamped with a lightbulb inside.

NatKalbachThankYouCard

 

As I have only limited supplies before the container comes it was kind of fun to play with my emergency kit and just use a small amount. Here is my list of the other supplies I used with the art journal page and the card:

nSupplies

Have a wonderful heartful day <3

 

nat

Nat

Comments (8)

Leave a comment