nathalie-kalbach

Fear of the Unknown or… In My Art Journal Today

NatKalbachUnknown01

I was experimenting with doing a minimalistic art journal page …well for me it is pretty minimalistic ;) I had painted the background yellow, and then attached some mono printed deli paper prints in stripes onto the page. Using the What’s The Point Stencil I added some texture with Flexible Modeling Paste here and there.

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Using my Elephant Stencil (in the supply list) I used the mask and spray painted over it, then I used the stencil and filled out the elephant with some Kaffee Klatsch stamping. I added some marks and the quote with an alpha stamp.

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It was a quick and fun page and a good start to get into the creative groove so I could start on a canvas. Sometimes we need something to get over the blank-canvas-procrastination-stage.

Do you have a ritual to get over your blank stage?

nSupplies



Nat

Comments (4)

  • Tracy

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    I’m always a fan of yellow, and the deli printed papers rock!

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

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    That is simply beautiful and yes, less textured than usual.
    Important quote as well.

    Reply

  • Jackie P Neal

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    What a great spread Nat!!
    Love the color palette and your elephants are simply the best!!!
    Just checking to see how you are doing,my friend- I think of you often and wish for your grief to be comforted by all of your warm memories xo

    Reply

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Be a voice not an echo

NatkalbachBeAVoice01

This is a watercolor paper page mounted on a piece of cardboard which I made for CHA a couple months ago, in order to show my new stamps with acrylic paints. I also used some canvas letters that I altered with acrylic paint and a pen.

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I used the Kaffeeklatsch and Mark Maker set set with this one and I love how the white and green pop off the ultramarine blue.

nSupplies


I wish you an amazing day

Nat

Comments (3)

  • Joi@RR

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    Nat – you always teach me something!! This is so neat. I didn’t even think about canvas letters. They look great. Thank you for sharing! j.

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

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    Nat, I especially like how the white stamped image shows up on the blue. Nice job as usual.

    Reply

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Matka Luovuuteen – Creative Retreat in Finland in June

Finland Poster

This is going to be so much fun! My friend Birgit Koopsen and I are teaching at a Creative Retreat in Turku, June 6-7, 2015 , which will be held on a Museums Cruise Ship. You can read all details here.

Here are the workshops that I will be teaching -the first workshop is one that I will co-teach with Birgit – we should have called it Double Trouble I guess ;) woot woot :)

Lauantai 6.6. – Saturday June 6

Lauantaina Nathalie ja Birgit vetävät yhdessä koko päivän kestävän kurssin:
On Saturday Nathalie and Birgit teach together in a one day long class:

Sunnuntai 7.6. – Sunday June 7

Artvergnugen – Art Journal Class with Nathalie Kalbach

It starts the moment you sit down, an experience that is distinctly Art Journaling. A quick exhilaration, a sense of control, the art media’s surprising responsiveness as if they were simply an extension of you.

There is a word for this creative experience: Artvergnugen! Artvergnugen is what makes your journal a piece of art.

Join Nathalie for a half-day workshop and play with different art media and supplies. Learn techniques, tips and tricks to take your art journaling further and turn it into Artvergnugen.

 

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International students are welcome- Birgit and I will hold these classes in English…I am not sure I will ever manage to learn finish :)

You can sign up here – if you are on the fence, decide soon, I was just told, the event is almost fully booked.

 

Nat

Comments (2)

  • ansku

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    Thanks, we have amazing weekend.

    Reply

  • Pirjo salmela

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    Hi,
    just can´t wait for your Double Trouble week-end. Is it a show with cancan dance and paints, a performance with gesso or a mystery story with two lost adhesive tubes?
    Welcome!
    See you both in Finland- Turku in Matka Luovuuteen
    Best regards

    Pirjo S.

    Reply

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A Farewell to My Aunt Margot

Wild-Child-copy

It’s been a very sad day on Thursday when the doctor called me to tell me that my grandaunt Margot in Germany passed away at the age of 95. She was my closest relative still alive and a wonderful cheerful person who made many people in her life happy and laugh.

Margot

She was always a special role model for me and I will miss her more than anything. She was an amazing woman taking for many years care of my very sick uncle and then traveling 5 continents until she was in her early 80s . As a teenager I couldn’t wait for the postcards I would get from her from far away places like China, Australia, Swaziland or San Francisco just to name a few.

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My aunt was a source of stories with an unbelievable stack of family photos which I still haven’t been able to go all through yet. She would tell the funniest and quirkiest stories about family members and I could never get enough listening to them. As a child I remember running into the living room and standing in front of her photo cupboard begging her to take some new photos out and start story telling. We had a very special relationship and when she asked me when I was pretty young, if I would be her care taker when she wouldn’t be able to handle her matters anymore, I happily said yes. It bonded us even more over the years.

Even though I will miss her a lot and it weighs hard on me that I wasn’t with her when she passed on thursday, I know in my heart that she had a really wonderful and fullfilled life and that it was for the best for her as the last couple days were showing that she would probably remain in a terrible state after she suffered another stroke. I was on the brim to fly to Germany any moment, but the doctors had assured me there was no need to come, and that she would be alright.  I am glad at least, that I was able to see her one last time awake and laughing  and talking for her 95th birthday in December and I will cherish this memory.

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For some this might be a weird and very private post and I admit that I wasn’t sure if I should post about it…and to be honest I wasn’t even sure if I could write about it. But I felt that since I have shared so many stories, artwork and layouts regarding my aunt ever since I started blogging in 2006, that it was appropriate to let my long term readers know. Thank you for letting me share all these years our special relationship – and as I have said on Thursday to a lot of my friends:

Do me a favor today: hug a close relative today or call them and tell them how much you love them!

Nat

Comments (36)

  • lacyquilter

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    So very sorry for your loss. Your aunt sounds like she was a very special lady. Hugs & prayers.

    Reply

  • Nancy Sapp

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    This is such a BEAUTIFUL tribute to your Aunt Margo.
    Hugs to you from central IL.
    Sincerely,
    Grandma Nancy

    Reply

  • Angela Daly

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    My prayers are with you and your family today, the pictures you shared from your grandaunt are beautiful

    Reply

  • Cindy Gay

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    Bless Aunt Margo. My 92 year old Dad died in January. You must scrap these!

    Reply

  • jyippee

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    I’m so sorry for your loss. But so happy that you have shared your aunt with us. Since I just found you with the CJS course, this is the first I have heard about your aunt Margot. Now I will go back and read more about her…she seems like a woman ahead of her time, someone I would have been honored to know. She will always be with you, a part of you. Hugs to you, and thank you for sharing your dear aunt with us.

    Reply

  • Dara Lynn

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    My thoughts and prayers are with you Nathalie. Several years have passed following your blog, and I remember all the wonderful pictures and history you have shared about Aunt Margot. What a full life she lived ..full of adventure , love of family, and a nurturing spirit. Bless you !

    Reply

  • Sue

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    Although we all know this day will come, we are NEVER prepared. I am sorry for your loss Natalie and knowing how close you were, it’s a more than tough time for you. My thoughts and prayer are with you. The times you had to spend with your aunt and the photo’s you now have are truly amazing memories to have resurface when you need them. By the sounds of things, she had an amazing life, she will be soaring with the eagles now and pitching a tent somewhere to begin another adventure.
    Big hug to you Natalie

    Reply

  • maura

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    Nat, this is such a sweet story of you and your great aunt and the life adventures you’ve had. It is always hard to have someone you love leave your life. The good memories will always be there when you need them. Thinking of you and sending this with a big hug!

    Reply

  • Jo Murray

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    It’s a sad time for you Natalie…and difficult to be so far away. You still have your wonderful memories…and I’m sure the photos will always bring back those stories. Your aunt will be at peace now.

    Reply

  • Sandra

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    I am sorry to hear your Aunt has passed away. I have enjoyed seeing the photos and hearing about your special relationship. My condolences.

    Reply

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We go together like … Hops + IPA

NatKalbachHopsIpA01

A Valentines Card for the avid IPA Lover ;) Using Liquitex Spray Paints, Acrylic Paints, Inks and Markers and my new Fiesta Stamp Set with it’s Template and the Marker Maker Stamps.

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As we Germans do not really celebrate Valentine’s Day, I think I did pretty good with a little bit of a German twist here too – LOL ;)

What would be your personal Valentine’s Sentence “We go together like …..” – fill in blank :) ?

nSupplies



Nat

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Studio Time or … Is Scrapbooking Dead?

Yes, hold your horses, I did a Scrapbooking Page ! And it was fun!

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I used my new Stampendous Mark Maker Stampset and did some monoprinting on white paper using the stamps and acrylic paints.

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I free handedly cut out little circles and applied them to the Cardstock.

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I used a Bamboo Sketching Pen and Acrylic ink to write the title on the very same paper and then I just cut that out to and applied it with some foam pads onto the layout.

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I used a Journaling Pen to scribble around the circles and do the journal.

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Very easy peasy layout. Here is a video by Scrap Time which they made of me at CHA. Thank you – you rock and you do a fab job covering CHA! – I am talking about the stamp sets and also show the layout in the video.

 

Why not doing a Scrapbooking Layout once in a while- right? The big talk at CHA was that Scrapbooking is dead. I don’t agree, I think it has just changed and is not a mega hobby trend anymore and everyone who is interested in it just has to adapt it to their own style. Just like every other crafts that go and come in waves- but it will be still something that people will do as a memory keeping hobby. I also like it because it is so adaptable with Mixed Media and Art Journaling. What do you think?

Here are the supplies I used for the Layout:

nSupplies



Have a gorgeous day!

Nat

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Workshops in Oklahoma City, OK in March

I am looking forward teaching 3 Workshops at My Hearts Fancy in Oklahoma City, March 27 -29, 2015.

MAKE YOUR MARK Monoprinting- Friday, MARCH 27- 4 PM to 8 PM
MakeyourMarkAd

In this monoprinting class we will explore the possibilities of making your own personal mark in your artwork by creating wonderful prints with different tools, stamps, stencils and techniques. Learn how to create your own patterned paper, which can be later used in art journals, collages, mixed media canvas and all other kinds of paper art.

ARTVERGNUGEN- Art Journaling -SATURDAY, MARCH 28 – 10 AM to 5:30
(with lunch break)
ArtvergnugenAd
It starts the moment you sit down – an experience that is distinctly art journaling. A quick exhilaration, a sense of control, the art media’s surprising responsiveness as if it were simply an extension of you.
 There is a word for this creative experience: Artvergnugen!  Artvergnugen is what makes your journal a piece of art.
Join Nathalie for a one-day workshop and play with different art media and supplies.  Learn techniques, tips and tricks to take your art journaling further and turn it into Artvergnugen!
PLAY-TRANSFORM – Mixed Media Collage – SUNDAY, MARCH 29 – 10 AM to 5:30 PM
(with lunch break)
NatKalbachCollages
In this one-day workshop, Nathalie will share her favorite techniques to create background papers using paints, stencils and stamps.    Layered up, it will turn into a fun Mixed Media Collage.  Create a whimsical or abstract focal point, depending on your taste.
Nat will share her fun and easy peasy collage techniques, talk a bit about composition and make a sticky business turn into a creative new passion for you.
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More information and sign up – here at My Heart’s Fancy
I hope to see you!
Nat

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Fiesta Stamp Set Giveaway – Closed

FiestaGiveaway

Let’s have some fun ! I give one n*Studio Stampendous Fiesta Stampset including a free stencil away.

FiestaSet

Simply leave a comment between now and Friday, February 13, midnight EST –  here in the blog post and let me know what kind of project you would create with this StampSet.

I will draw one random winner and email the winner directly. (psst…there might be more give aways coming up in the next couple weeks ;) )

Update February 14th, 2015: Congratulations to Joi – I sent you an email to send me your address!

Screen Shot 2015-02-14 at 11.31.47 AM

 

Nat

Comments (99)

  • Regina Furman

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    These would be perfect for wedding, engagement or anniversary cards!

    Reply

  • Linda

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    I would love to make some mixed media cards with these… :) I love the design and looks.

    Reply

  • Kaylee Cammack

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    I absolutely love your Fiesta Girl Canvas from your February 7th post. That green with the blue on the woman’s silhouette are gorgeous! I also really like the lace like look of the stamps in this set. Oh the places one could go with these stamps in her collection!

    Reply

  • Denise Luscan

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    Love this set!! I would do some art journaling and maybe a canvas would be cute. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply

  • Heather

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    This is very cool! Great opportunity.

    Reply

  • Gail Bassett

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    What great designs! I would definitely use these on an art journal page. It would be so much fun.

    Reply

  • amy o'malley

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    I would love to use these stamps in my art journals!!!

    Reply

  • fotogirl

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    Would love to be able to play with these in the Art Journal that i am playing in, and am playing, so that is a good thing. You have made me look at it all differently when i get in there and start throwing paint and stuff around….thanks for that

    Reply

  • Anisa Haddad

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    i would use it in a layout about Malaysia. Sound strange? I can see the flower being used to mimic a Rafflesia flower that grow here in the jungle.

    Reply

  • Jeane Walker Sliney

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    I love your use of stencils and I would love to have these!

    Reply

  • Linda N.

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    I can envision using this collection of stamps on my Gelli plate. I would pull a print and then use them again to stamp on the print.

    Reply

  • smokeysmom

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    I would love to use these products in a mixed media canvas I am working on for my granddaughters to hang in their bedroom. Love the silhouette, I’d use the female side. Thanks for offering this giveaway Nat. Hugs, Maggie

    Reply

  • Selene Carroll

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    Wow, how cool! I would love to use these stamps in my art journal, and then maybe in a canvas piece! They look great for layering!

    Reply

  • Marta

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    I really would like to have the set to do a background forma a Lo. Web Will see ……. if it is possible.

    Reply

  • Audrey Mislan

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    I would use silhouettes and stamps to create journal pages and mixed media canvases. I would the stamps separately to add texture to art journal pages and canvases

    Reply

  • Francine Groulx

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    I would do an Art journal page featuring your samps and stencil… LOve those!

    Reply

  • Fran Weinberg

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    Oh, these stamps are wonderful! I don’t have any of your stamps or stencils, but see loads of possibilities. I would start by playing with them on my gelli plates. Then, I’d probably make somes cards and then use in my journal. Please pick me!

    Reply

  • Rhonda Strickland

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    I would probably make a card or a canvas. VERY Fun!! Thanks for the chance to win. :o)

    Reply

  • Judy Meeker

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    Oh, I would definitely use these products on an art journal page. Can’t wait to get my paint smudged hands on them!

    Reply

  • Linda on the Prairie

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    Ole! These shout texture in the best possible way. I would use them to add dimension to some red and black Gelli prints I’ve been saving.

    Reply

  • Lura Brown

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    oh yes….sure would love to have these delivered to my door. i could put them to very good use for sure. LOVE THEM!! thank you for the chance to win. xoxox

    Reply

  • yankeegirl

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    Awesome stamp set….I would definitely find lots of spaces to use it in my art journal!!!! Thanks for a chance to win it here!

    Reply

  • Sabine Schneider

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    Hallo Nat,
    Da versuche ich doch mein Glück! Ich habe inzwischen einen Shop in good old Germany mit deinen neuen Stempeln gefunden. Wenn ich hier gewinne, kaufe ich die Anderen :-))))
    Liebe Grüße, Sabine

    Reply

  • tesa

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    I love your stamps!. That set is awesome and I like very much their name. I would like to use them in my art journal pages. Cross my fingers!!!

    Reply

  • Sue W

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    i would use it in a layout for my grandsons album!! Love your stamps!!

    Reply

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Fiesta Girl Canvas

NatKalbachFiesta01

I created this canvas board with my new Stampendous Fiesta Stamp Set for the CHA Booth.

 

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I first painted the background with different green shades. Then I stamped the background with different acrylic colors and the Fiesta stamps. Next, I masked off the background with the woman silhouette and used Parchment and a light mist of Black Liquitex Spray Paint over it.

NatKalbachFiesta03

I took some paint at some areas off again and then used Titanium White Spray Paint and an alphabet stencil moving over the whole canvas with the lady still masked off. The letters were applied in the end with Gel Medium.

Here are the supplies I used:

nSupplies



have a wonderful day and do something creative!

Nat

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