nathalie-kalbach

Winding Down: My Top Ten Blog Posts of 2013

TopTenBlogPosts

 

As said earlier in my Top Ten Photo Post – it was a crazy year. Lot’s of things happened in my life as an artist and my private life…if you can divide those two things. I cannot not and I see that reflected in my blogging. I definitely  share more of my private life and my opinions- it is in the end what makes my art work me- it is a big part of me. Some like it – some don’t …but well ;)

So here are my top ten Blog Posts of 2013:

1. In Case you didn’t know…or…I am an Alien

NatKalbach

 

It was a big step. After my sweet husband living in Germany for the last 15 years we moved to the U.S. in September.And boy- all the preparation for it. Just the time and paperwork for the visa application was way longer as I would have ever anticipated being married for 10 years to an American but with only 6 months for the visa to be issued- I can call myself lucky.  Preparing the move was crazy too and I would understate it, if I would say it was a piece of a cake. It wasn’t it was emotional, draining and exhausting. But it has been a good decision so far. I love it here – I love our new home, I love the neighborhood, I love living here. It is different- I have many daily observations as a Kraut in the U.S. – LOL – but of course I am missing my friends over there and my family. The good thing is – we have family and friends over here too and we missed those back in Germany :) All in all – I am a happy Kraut-Alien ;)

2. Definitely not Germany’s Next Top Model or…Photoshoot

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I learned a lot about myself this year…hahahha- scary he? I had a lot of fun at this photo shoot but it also showed me a lot about how other people receive you, how you would like to be received and how reality can kick in big time  ;)

3. The Whole Truth or…A Day in The Jewish Museum in Berlin

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This was an experience and a topic which was hard to write about – but I am glad I did. It was a very deep experience with my friend Julie and I will never forget our emotions and exchange due to visiting this exhibition.

4. 40 is the new 30 or…You asked

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I had a lot of fun putting the answers to those questions together on my “turning 40” post :)

5. I am soooo excited…and I just can’t hide it or Stencil Girl Products

 

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Coming out with my own Stencil Designs for StencilGirl Products has been one of my biggest artist highlights for me this year. It was a dream come true!

6. Hamburg*End(Si)e or…my very first exhibition

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My very first exhibition was another huge highlight of my artist life this year. In this post I am talking about what I learned doing this. I hope one day I will do this again.

7. My Favorite Mixed Media Essentials: 6. Spray Paints

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I continued my favorite Mixed Media Essentials Series – and this is a reminder that I have still a couple more sequels to go – so I gotta get going on this :)

8. Inspired by Shane Koyczan or…for the bullied and beautiful

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I love when something I see or hear inspires me right away to create something – and so did this poem by Shane Koyczan. I saw the video and afterwards I ran into my studio and created this art journal page .

9. Deserted Island Question or…Nat’s Emergency Art Kit

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Moving to the U.S. and having at least four weeks no studio supplies as those were being shipped on a boat in a container forced me to think about an Emergency Art Kit. It proved to be a VERY valuable kit during those four weeks – I am glad to report that this will be my go-to Kit if I need one again :)

 

10. Does she know that she forgot what she once knew?

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I used to write so much about my grand-aunt Margot- and this one was probably the only one in 2013. She is a huge part of my life as some of my long time reader know- but as Dementia is taking over now every day- it is hard for me to write about her – I will again soon  though.She is doing good, it is just tough to deal with as I know anyone who experienced Dementia in their family can relate to.

 

That was it – my top ten blog posts I wrote this year and that reflected big parts of this year or influenced me . I hope you enjoyed some of those posts along the year. I thank you all for reading my blog – I am very grateful for you and your comments have made my days throughout the year! THANK YOU!!!

hugs

Nat

 

Nat

Comments (1)

  • Sue Clarke

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    Aunt Margo is always a part of your best.
    What a year it’s been for you and your creative work Nat!
    As always, thanks for sharing the magic and the inspiration.

    Reply

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Winding Down: My Top Ten Photos of 2013

TopTenPhotos

 

It has become a tradition for me to wind down the year on my blog by posting some Top Ten Lists before the year ends. It makes me go back and look at what I have done and accomplished and it also makes me dwell in memories. Too often we forget about the things we did and accomplished throughout the year- often just bashing ourselves for not fulfilling all the wonderful new year’s resolutions from last year.  Maybe this makes you wanna do it too – if so – share :)

2013 was for sure a CRAZY year for me. With a move from Germany to the USA and all the preparation for it – there sure was a lot of emotional moments. When I looked back at the photos of 2013 I was astonished how much else happened. But here are my faves not because they are super good photos (hahaha)- no but because they have meaning for me :)

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My hubs laughing hysterically (and me shaking with laughter as you can see – because no way was I able to take a non blurry photo) because I said something funny …We had a wonderful romantic day celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary in Paris and this photo for me says it all :)

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My 40th (waahhh) birthday party with some of my best friends – terrible photo but I love it and who knows when we will ever be together like this again.

My friend Julie Fei-Fan Balzer‘s visit in Hamburg- gosh we had so much fun! So happy that we live so much closer now and I can see her way more often!

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Our Shipping container pulling away in Hamburg, Germany after preparing this move for 9 months. We were exhausted and also just relieved that this was done.

First strolls through the neighborhood and falling in love with it…

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After 10 years of being a lazy girl…I started going to the gym again- I go now five days a week as the gym is part of our apartment complex – including some kick box workouts. I love it and I have lot’s of fun. Besides I am probably the slowest, most uncoordinated and oldest (they are all like mid-20…geeee) person there ;)

I just love this photo I shot in Washington Square Park – old lady with an old lady puppet feeding a squirrel

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After a month without our stuff, living with 2 plates, a folding table and two folding chairs in our apartment we couldn’t have been happier seeing our container pulling up in the United States :) Even the cat was happy getting his fave chair back

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My sweet grand-aunt Margot two weeks ago at her birthday. I miss her so much and it is very sad to see how she is loosing her memory – but I cherish every time I talk with her daily on the phone and when I see her.

Our new home – I love it – and sitting in front of the fire….falling asleep ;) : priceless – LOL

That was it- my fave pictures of 2013- worst photos ever- but good memories. Every year I am amazed how photos can trigger so many memories. It is not just what you see on the photo , it is all around it. Love it.

Have a gorgeous day

huge hugs

nat

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Nat

Comments (13)

  • Eniko

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    You Have had an amazing year, Nathalie! Full of adventure and change. Thank you for sharing your most treasured moments. Have a terrific 2014!

    Reply

  • debby

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    Wonderful review. I went back and read about your experience with Fallen Leaves. This is one of the most powerful experiences I have read about. The use of art to get across the horror of the past while facing and addressing the current issues of a group of people is mind blowing.

    Reply

  • Karen

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    I love all the pictures in the post, but that lady with the puppet is priceless. Promise me you will take there to find her. I must speak with her!!!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Karen – she is as I was told very regularly in the warmer weather in Washington Square Park. Apparently she was even featured in something called People of New York City. If I recall right she used to come and watch the puppeteer who comes regularly and they bonded and then he made her this puppet and now she is there once in a while and plays along. I just heart this so much! We should go in spring :)

      Reply

  • Trena in Naperville

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    Nat!! Welcome to USA. (I know I’m late ;o)). Wishing you and your husband much happiness and success! God Bless you!

    Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

    Reply

  • Laura S.

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    Oh Nathalie, I love your pics. Thanks for the happy glimpse into your world. I too had a big milestone this year; turned 50! So, for my B-Day, my hubbie is taking me to Art Venture. Yoohoo. I can’t wait to meet you and all the Prima Chicas. I just know it will be a blast. Looking forward to CJS 2014. January is looking pretty darn good :)
    Hugs, Laura

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Happy Birthday!!! Looking forward meeting you at ArtVenture- so much fun! Happy New Year!

      Reply

  • nurse-ratchet

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    Happiest of New Year’s to my favourite LGL … Loved the peek into your 2013 & look forward to seeing you in 2014!

    Reply

  • Jackie

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    How fun to see your year in review, glad to see Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is closer to visit and your aunt Margot is still around to talk to!

    Reply

  • Tsila

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    Great post. Thanks.

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

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    Oh Nat, I just love the memories that you shared.
    We were looking through some pics this past week and laughing at all the good times we’ve had. Some were sad as well. My MIL is having issues with her short term memory and it is not fun, but we are getting used to enjoying the moments we have with her.
    The photo of the old woman with the old woman puppet feeding the squirrel is my fave of yours.

    Reply

  • Sylvia

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    I hardly comment anymore, sorry about that! :(
    Loved looking at your photos again! Wonderful tradition…i should do the same. Have some wonderful last days of the year and all the possible best for 2014!! Huge hugs sylvia

    Reply

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PanPastel Resist 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 2013.  The videos are not available here anymore, since CJS 2013 was only available till June,  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 see what CJS 2013 was all about.

And now let’s jump to the video Number 8 in my Über*Media Creative JumpStart 2013 Workshop which was the PanPastel Resist Technique :)

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

CJS 2013 Technique 8 Pastel Resist from Nathalie Kalbach on Vimeo.

As you might have seen I just proposed Creative JumpStart 2014!

CJS2014Lable

It will work slightly different this year and has some major improvements like a forum and an easier access- and I can tell you already the line up of artists and the videos are AWESOmE!!! For 20 Dollars -that is less than 1 Dollar per video (23 videos by 21 artists) it is a great deal! Check out the information here :)

I would love to have you!

And here are my supplies I used for the PanPastel Resist Video above:

nSupplies

Have a gorgeous and wonderful day!
hugs
nat

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Nat

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Winding Down: My Top Ten Projects of 2013

TopTenProjects

It has become a tradition for me to wind down the year on my blog by posting some Top Ten Lists before the year ends. It makes me go back and look at what I have done and accomplished and it also makes me dwell in memories. Too often we forget about the things we did and accomplished throughout the year- often just bashing ourselves for not fulfilling all the wonderful new year’s resolutions from last year.  Maybe this makes you wanna do it too – if so – share :)

This was one of the canvases I created for my first exhibition that happened this year – and it was the first of a couple canvases I sold. I miss this piece but I am happy it is in good hands. It shows a part of a street I lived for many years- the beautiful house now torn down and vanished.

This is the first canvas I created in our new home – an old pencil factory . I love the history of the place we moved to and this canvas makes me happy.

I love the depth of this canvas- which had a wonderful glass effect – and love the saying :) The fact that my Elephant Stencil for StencilGirl Products is on there too – is making me even more happy. Not in my possession anymore- it is also a sold treasure.

Another sold treasure…I realize it hurts a bit that my most fave canvases are actually gone…oh well- LOL. This shows the water tower in my old neighborhood in Hamburg. It is now a hotel and it was so awesome to stay in the top of the tower a couple weeks ago when we visited family and friends in Germany. ( we always wanted to do that- but you just do not stay in a hotel where you live ;) )

This  Canvas was different for me but I loved it so much. Unfortunately I couldn’t bring it over the pond in the move- it would have not survived -so I gave it to one of my best friends, knowing she loved it.

This 70x80cm (27.5×31.5 inches) hangs now in our new home in J.C. over the one side of the fireplace.It is a great color drop in our apartment.  It is the biggest surface I have worked on so far and I enjoyed the process so much. I also learned a lot about mixing colors.

Another Canvas that got sold – I love the colors in this and it has a lot of texture. It also has a lot of hidden meaning – and I am happy it hangs now in my old law office – it is a good piece for that office.

I did not do that many Scrapbooking Layouts in 2014 – mainly canvases followed by art journal pages. This layout of the very few I made, must be my fave as I love the texture and the grunginess and well…the goofy picture of Anna and me- LOL.

This artjournal page was so much fun to do and I love how everything comes together. I used my Crackle Stencil for StencilGirl Products with it and that was so cool.

Another art journal page – I love the color combination and I do heart this.

It is interesting for me to see that I apparently did mostly canvases and art journaling- while in 2012 I did all kinds of projects. I also find my voice coming out more in my work – and I think part of it has to do with the fact that I could use my own product designs in my work more often. Color wise I think, I got a bit more bold- I stepped away from my usual teal but red, yellow and orange are VERY prominent again. I would also say on top of the already textured work I loved and did- I added an effort on creating more layers and dimension. It was pretty cool to look through my work and then compare what I liked most from what I did 2013 – it is a good way to realize changes and patterns.

Which of my posted projects do you like the best?

Huge hugs

Nat

 

 

 

Nat

Comments (14)

  • Laura S.

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    Nat, You are the queen of layering, that’s for sure! They are all stunning but if I had to pick a fave…it would be the Hotel in Hamburg. Whenever I see a piece of your work, I am always in awe and left wondering, “How’d she do that?” Cheers to a creative 2014!

    Reply

  • Seth

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    What a sensational grouping of projects Nat. I really love them all. Your powerful use of layers and strong colors is so evident as is the depth that you are able to achieve in all your work. Amazing!!

    Reply

  • sarajansen

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    Hard to pick a favorite, but I adore the first two pieces with the buildings. They are so seamlessly a part of the whole, yet they are such a focal point. Just gores. And I love the saying, not my circus, not my monkeys! Great work this year.

    Reply

  • colleen

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    I love the first canvas the most! I really like the ones featuring buildings. You do great work!

    Reply

  • nurse-ratchet

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    I love all your amazing building canvasses … What a beautiful series and soooo inspiring! They would be incredible in one space….

    Reply

  • gunvor

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    Fabulous art work! I’ve enjoyed seeing them before in the blog but seeing them together now is reallyy thrilling. My fav is the wolf art journal page, with the Hamburg canvas as a close runner up.

    Reply

  • Elizabeth

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    Your projects are all fantastic, Nat! I like the top project the best. I am fascinated with the way your image of the building that no longer exists represents a memory.

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

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    The very first one because I get lost in it!
    And the colors are different for you.
    I also love the wolf journal page.
    I am so proud of you for selling so many pieces this year Nat.
    It must be hard to part with them but nice to know that more folks are seeing them on a regular basis.

    Reply

  • Toni Hinchcliffe

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    Wow, Nathalie! Your artwork is amazing! I just now started following your blog–after signing up for CJS 2014. My favorite piece is the first one of your old house–it is just very soft and sort of dream-like. It LOOKS like a memory, if that makes sense. I also love the second one–I want to live in the Ticonderoga pencil factory too!!! The quote on the third one is fabulous and makes me laugh. Hugs!

    Reply

  • Jackie

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    Nat, your top 10 are all fantastic! If you are forcing me (grin) to pick a fav… it is the canvas hanging in your apartment over the fireplace! gorgeous! Happy New Year! xo

    Reply

  • Barb J.

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    I really like the homes and buildings you have done. It dawned on me a few weeks go when you moved to the US, that I had not been getting
    email updates and just got back to receiving them..
    I hope you are enjoying living in New York. I can imagine what a difference it is and especially having to leave Germany. The neighborhood street and the water tower are my favorites.
    Barb J.
    North Carolina

    Reply

  • kat82ren

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    it’s so difficult choose one, all are stunning!!!

    Reply

  • wilma

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    Love them all, but too choose would be the canvas from the old pencil factory you live in. My biggest dream to live in a old fabric in New York.With a open elevator and rough walls for street art. Althought I cant leave my beautiful Swiss mountain village and never would…but dreams are allowed . Merry Christmas

    Reply

  • Ruth L

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    Your top ten look great Nathalie, if I need to pick one, I love the one you made for your first exhibition this year. Thanks for sharing your works with us and wishing you a very creative 2014!

    Reply

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Happy Holidays!

HappyHolidaysNatKalbach

 

Huge hugs

Nat

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Nat

Comments (8)

  • Lizzie

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    Hope you both have a wonderful day and a happy, healthy and successful 2014.

    Reply

  • Pam in New Jersey

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    Big hugs right back at you. All the best for the holidays and the New Year.

    Reply

  • karma47uk

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    Beautiful, Nat! And all the best to you and your family for the holidays. :)

    Reply

  • Ursula

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    Liebe Nat, Frohe Weihnachten und viele schöne + besinnliche Stunden. Auch wenn ich in den Nachrichten festgestellt habe, dass die Temperaturen auch bei euch genauso wenig weihnachtlich sind wie hier ………… vielleicht mal weihnachtliches weihnachtliches angrillen und statt Punsch, so wie bei uns gestern erfrischenden Aperol-Spritz ;))
    LG Ursula

    Reply

  • muriel

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    Merry Christmas to you and a joyful day.

    Reply

  • Jackie

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    Merry Christmas to you Nat! Hope your day is magical! hugs

    Reply

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Wine Bottle + Comb = ? …or I am a tease

What

 

Any Ideas? ;)

To find out sign up for Creative JumpStart 2014!

hugs

Nat

P.S. In Case you signed up and you wonder “What Now?”

I signed up for CJS 2014 – What now? from Nathalie Kalbach on Vimeo.

 

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Nat

Comments (2)

  • karma47uk

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    I have just registered. I am off to the forum now! I can’t wait for the new year to start!

    Reply

  • laurajo

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    Helpful Video, thanks, Nat. It’s going to so fun!! Great way to Jump-start your creativity for the day.

    Reply

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Rules Schmules or… New Art Journal Page

Are you guys also covered over the ears with stuff to do ? I bet you are. Crazzzzyyy times. At least a new Art Journal Page

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I was checking out a color combination in my art journal for a CHA Project – I love the blue, purple and vibrant green.

The Quote by Claude Debussy reads: Works of art make rules, rules do not make works of art!

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That is why I enjoy art journaling so much. Don’t get me wrong…working on CHA Projects with super-secret-not-yet-revealed-stuff is super fun…but there are also a LOT of rules. What you can use, what you can combine, what you can make, how big, how small… etc. And that is why this quote came back to my mind…so time to throw it in my art journal and move on ;) Get these projects done…oh…and CJS14…and Christmas Shopping and …Cleaning of the house… I bet you can relate :)

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In any event- I hope you have a couple minutes to do something creative and play! Take them :)))))

Have a wonderful weekend!

Nat


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Nat

Comments (9)

  • Pam in New Jersey

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    All the best for a wonderful holiday and new year in your new home!!

    Reply

  • scrapinsue

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    I am up to my ears in wrapping presents right now.
    I love the blue and purple together and only recently have added this neon green to the mix. I like it and so does my 11-year-old son.
    I can only imagine just how busy you are right now Nat.
    “New” country, CJS 2014, CHA and all the rest.
    Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and yours.

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too Sue! huge hugs
      nat

      Reply

  • kat82ren

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    I love them, and the color is amazing!!!

    Reply

  • ddhurlbut

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    I really love this art journal page, colors, texture and quote combined to make me say AHA this morning 4 days before Christmas! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas Nat! Thanks for ALL the inspiration your share throughout the year, YOU ROCK!!!

    Peace,
    Donna

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Awww- thank you Donna! Merry Christmas to you too! huge hugs Nat

      Reply

  • Kathy P.

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    What a perfect quote for this time of year! Running, running out of time, running round in circles! No time for creativity—-but that makes Dec. 29, when everyone leaves and I can kick back, so much sweeter! For me, January is total crafty time!
    And I love that color combo!
    Have a very merry Christmas, Nat—your very first living here in the States!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Merry Christmas to you too Kathy! Hope you can stop the circle running just a little bit this weekend :) huge hugs, nat

      Reply

  • Wilma Voermans

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    You are so right with this quote! When I have to make something with a lot of rules, my inspiration flys out of the window…and I sit there thinking about what am I allowed to use and what not? But he…there is always the art journal to loose frustration ;)

    Reply

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Give The Gift Of Creativity

Gift20

Only 6 days until Christmas. Need a gift for a creative artist or crafter? You can now give someone a gift certificate to CJS 2014.

Just select the “$20 Gift Certificate” product in the n*Studio shop and check out online. (/shop/gift-certificate/20-gift-certificate/) On the billing and payment page, you’ll find a section to name the person you want to give CJS to. Just enter their name and email address along with a personalized note.

The recipient will then get an email from n*Studio that includes a discount code for anything in the n*Studio shop. If you want to give the gift certificate to the recipient personally- just have it sent to you and you can print it out.

All they have to do then is add Creative JumpStart 2014 to their cart and checkout using the code. And voila, they’re in!

I will also add other gift certificates later today with different values if you want to gift one of my online workshops in the shop.

Wishing you a wonderful day

hugs

nat

Nat

Comments (2)

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Sketch Show

NatKalbachSketchShow

 

Time to show my last tries on sketching. I really enjoy doing this as a little part of creative time .

Here I tried to capture our fire place- I guess sketching a fire is a bit difficult especially if you try to sketch and watercolor in candle light…and..ahem…our fireplace is actually not crooked ;)

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And then the next try was to sketch our christmas tree. It was funny- first I was going nuts on the little details…and then I just kind of went with the shape of the tree and I mean…yes to you it might look like just an ordinary attempt to sketch a tree- but this is pretty much the shape and look of our tree …well kind of….well…who cares… I had fun and I love how a few scribbles can show a lot.

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I will keep on going with my sketching – it is good to go out of my comfort zone when being creative and I realize it is a good way to get an better eye to details around me.

Have a wonderful day

Huge hugs

nat

 

Nat

Comments (7)

  • jtowndebrisno1

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    Hi Nat–I wish you and your family a great holiday season and a happy 2014! I wish that you and Julie were two of my best girlfriends, but that is a fantasy, I guess! I love you both. You are so lucky to have each other as friends!

    Reply

  • ddhurlbut

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    Your crooked fireplace and Christmas tree sketches are lovely, keep up the great work and Merry Christmas to you and your husband.

    Peace,
    Donna

    Reply

  • scrapinsue

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    I love that you are showing us your sketches Nat.
    Brave of you. I do some sketches in a notebook while out and about and I am always impressed with how my son can just draw and not get stuck in the details. I guess that I’m still learning to let go of the final product.

    Reply

  • Leigh

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    I think they are great. Who cares if its a littl slanted???? You did it. That’s the key point? Who else is brave enough to try it & show it to the world??? I’m not! That’s hey they hide in my art journals! Lol

    Reply

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