Author: nathalie-kalbach | Page 255

Art Mesa Mixed Media Event – Madrid 2013 – June 29

Wooohoooo!!! This is the 3rd Art Mesa that Cuchy and I have in Madrid on June 2013. You can find the Art Mesa Blog with all the Details here.

The last two years we had a wonderful time with our students- the hotel is beautiful and we had lot’s of privacy in hour huge workshop room with the private terrace, the weather was awesome, the workshops were fun – It was just the best!

Again we will teach each one workshop:

SEASON CANVAS

29.06.2012 – 10.00 hs. – 14.00 hs.

En este taller con Nathalie Kalbach, crearás un increíble y único lienzo que será un maravilloso objeto de decoración.

Aprende cómo crear dimension y textura con papel tissue, objetos de uso diario, pintura acrílica, encaje, arpillera y gesso

Aprende como sacar una textura interesante y llamativa con pintura acrílica y tintas acrílicas. Añade algunas técnicas de estampación sobre todo ello.

Iremos añadiendo muchas capas y dimensión para hacer un lienzo de primavera, verano, otoño o invierno… como quieras. Todas las técnicas pueden aplicarse fácilmente en futuros proyectos.

In this Workshop with Nathalie Kalbach, you will create a stunning and unique canvas that will be a wonderful home décor item.

Learn how to create dimension and texture with tissue paper, items of daily life, acrylic paint, lace, burlap, and gesso.

Learn how to reveal the interesting and eye catching texture with acrylic paints and acrylic inks and add some fun stamping techniques on top.

We will be adding lots of layers and dimension to make this a spring, summer, fall or winter canvas… just as you like. All the techniques can easily be applied to future projects.

TALLER M. CARMEN SÁNCHEZ “CUCHY”

QUERIDO DIARIO / DEAR DIARY

29.06.2012 – 16,00 hs. – 20,00 hs.

En este taller con Cuchy, crearemos un diario desde cero, con una base de encuadernación japonesa.

Un proyecto delicado al que “contar” nuestros pensamientos más secretos.

Personalizaremos nuestro diario creando distintas texturas con gesso, pasta y sellos. Añadiremos color con barras de tinta y profundidad con grafito, para acabar decorándolo con papel, foil y utee.

Una mezcla de técnicas y elementos que estimularán nuestra creatividad.

¡Te esperamos!

In this workshop with Cuchy, you will create a personal diary from scratch, using a japanese bookbinding technique.

A delicate project to which “tell” your secret thoughts

You will customize your diary creating textures with gesso, paste and stamps, adding colours with ink blocks and depth with graphite, and embellishing with paper, foil and utee.

A mixture of techniques and elements which will encourage your creativity.

We hope to see you at Art Mesa :)

Have a gorgeous day

Nat

Comments (5)

Eeva Hall

February 20, 2013 at 11:35 am | #

Any plans to come here this year?? Waiting for one secret teacher to be revealed in october and something else in august…please let it be you :-)

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Cecilia

February 17, 2013 at 12:13 pm | #

I’ll be there again, I can not miss it!!!!

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- Nathalie Kalbach
  
  February 17, 2013 at 12:22 pm | #
  
  yeAHHHHH!!!!!
  
  Reply
Sue Clarke

February 17, 2013 at 1:35 am | #

I really need to win the lottery so that I can spend my time flying from country to country attending your workshops Nat.

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mjmarmo

February 16, 2013 at 3:46 pm | #

THese look like wonderful workshops!

Reply

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The Whatevers #8 or …Take That

Are you ready for the 8th Whatevers? Last month the three of us weren’t able to pull it off with so much stuff around CHA and Creative JumpStart on our plates. But well…it just means we play a month longer ;)

If you missed the what the Whatevers is all about…check it out here.

Click here to see what Cat made out of this photo and which story she tells

Click here to see what Vicki made out of this photo and which story she tells

Here is my take on it

Yes, he was annoyed. Just because he was German he wasn’t stupid. He would build the biggest barrel filled with beer and they’d like him.

Martin surely was grumpy.

Martin – brother of Wilhelm

I wanted a little bit of an industrial, rost, patina look. Not my usual pick of colors, but this was a good opportunity to do something out of my usual color zone. I used mostly Ranger Distress Paints, Dylusions and Wendy Vecchi’s Embossing Pastes

And here is the photo for you:

Here is how it works if you want to play along:

Vicki, Cat 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 – just right click on it to safe it to download and show us your version of The Whatevers.
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 andshow 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

You can grab the blinkie here if you want to add it to your sidebar

You can share your work with us by submitting here:

Huge hugs

Nat

The Whatevers #7…or If Father Knew… (nathaliesstudio.com)

Nat

Comments (14)

pearlmaple

February 19, 2013 at 12:42 pm | #

great story to go with a fun photo, that is one really huge barrell

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Lisa Flaherty

February 18, 2013 at 5:10 pm | #

The coppery color is wonderful! I like how you added to the canvas lettering. But, my favorite thing is your take on the photo and your awesome sense of humor! Cracking up!!

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Vicki Dunn Chrisman

February 16, 2013 at 4:20 am | #

ahahhahah FUNNY! I love this … I LOVE the orange in this! “Who’s laughing now.. take that!” lol… you crack me up!!!

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Nurse Ratchet

February 16, 2013 at 12:31 am | #

Enjoying you post after a long work week and sipping on my beer!!

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KimMJ

February 15, 2013 at 9:22 pm | #

LOL Nat that is just too cute! Hope he does not forget the pretzels ;) Thanx for sharing and for the inspiration! :)

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Catherine Scanlon

February 15, 2013 at 6:26 pm | #

I LOVE it — poor Martin! I think this is a good color palette for you — it is stunning!

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Carrie

February 15, 2013 at 5:33 pm | #

LoL I think this is my favorite of your Whatevers so far! The enormous barrel cracks me up, and so does the sentiment of “take that!”

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annie!

February 15, 2013 at 4:50 pm | #

This sounds like so much fun! When I get moved, I’ll join in!

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andrenesmith

February 15, 2013 at 4:24 pm | #

Beautiful page and love your story!!

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Pam in New Jersey

February 15, 2013 at 2:48 pm | #

This reminds me of the lyrics to a song: Roll out the barrel and we’ll have a barrel of fun!

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Jean Marmo

February 15, 2013 at 2:06 pm | #

Hah – this is perfect!

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Milagros

February 15, 2013 at 1:33 pm | #

Beautiful page Nath!! I like the colors you are using for these page . A good history around this photo. Hugs

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Sue Clarke

February 15, 2013 at 12:59 pm | #

Love the way the hand on the right draws me in. The colors are perfect too.

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- petyvic
  
  February 15, 2013 at 3:29 pm | #
  
  I love these ideas! Something new and outstanding ! xoxoxo
  
  Reply

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iTravel…or…my favorite apps and tools for traveling with my iPad

Apps Digital Art iPad

I wanted to write a little bit about some of my favorite apps and tools for traveling with my iPad. Two years I bought my iPad …and it is like my super friend ever since. Especially since I travel so much for workshops it became of a huge value. As you know luggage restrictions are tight and especially when you teach you have a lot of stuff in your suitcases: Kits, tools, supplies…if you ever saw my suitcase when I came teaching at your local store you saw it all. When I closed my accounting for 2012 I was shocked at the amount of costs of extra luggage and shipping I paid for last year to get my supplies and kits to workshop locations.

Before iPad or BiP ;) I used to pack stacks of books and magazines in my suitcase because I love to read. BiP I had a travel journal and an idea journal. A book with stuff about the workshops. Pencils, a little bag with art supplies, my laptop for emails and if I needed to work on stuff, tickets, calendar, travel papers, maybe a dvd so I could watch a movie of my liking when on a longer journey…well you get the picture.

Nowadays I pack for all the mentioned above just my iPad. And since I know there must be people out there that love their tablet too- let me show you some of my faves. I will not state the “obvious” like the kindle reader, the magazine reader- although you might wanna know which magazines I heart – LOL – instagram etc.

I have a lot of creative or fun apps as you can see- I love them all- LetterMPress – if you love Letterpress- and that was actually btw how I created my logo for Creative Jumpstart 2012 and some other logos. ArtRage pretty cool- but also VERY intense. A nice app if you want to play with different brushes and paint media and with painting over photos and such. Zen Brush was one of my first apps- and I still like it a lot. Also awesome for just drawing and sketching thinks or doodling along while waiting for the journey to end or start…

but my favorite one is my Paper 53 App– which my husband showed me several months ago and which I bought every single update for it like a crazy chicken and I am probably the only one who is always hoping there might be an update for it when opening the update folder

With this app you can draw and sketch, do watercoloring etc.

I use it a lot to play when I travel and sketch down some ideas- you can even mix your own colors- which I think is brilliant and I love it sooo much.

(see the tool? The brush…I will talk about this in a second ;) )

some of these ideas get more played with on real paper or in an art journal later

you can also create several journals and I often write into them too – with my sensu brush& stylus- which I will tell you in a second about

OK- now I told you several times I would tell you about this brush and the stylus…well here is my favorite tool right now for my iPad. It is called sensu and it is a brush and stylus in one.

From their website: “The rubber stylus is exposed when the brush is closed. This stylus is great for sketching and writing or as a general navigation tool. Grasp Sensu near the nib section and pull it out of the protective cap. You will reveal the capacitive bristles of the artist brush. Insert the rubber stylus into the cap and the cap becomes a handle for your brush.”

Brilliant! It really does give you the feel as if you handle a brush. Yes it is still digital what you do- but it feels way more natural. If you do some sketching and painting on your tablet – this is the best thing I have found so far! I love that it is so small and you have the protection too – I am just in Love! I saw at Paperworld that they will also bring out just the brush for the tablet – without the stylus which will be much cheaper then. But for me the point is actually having both because I write and sketch on my iPad too. I am very pleased with the stylus too. If you have a good stylus though you might want to wait till the sensu with just the brush is on the market.

Another one of my faves is Dropbox – might be boring for some of you- but oh I love dropbox. You can save files on dropbox, share folders with other etc. If you don’t know dropbox at all- you have to figure it out: But what I love about the app for the iPad is that I can upload files in my Dropbox folder- pdf, word documents – so I can for example upload the lists for the materials for my workshops etc. And once I have opened those documents while still online on my iPad…I can actually open them from now on even offline on my iPad. And that is pretty cool. I cannot tell you the times that this has saved me lot’s of problems and headaches when traveling and without my computer at home.

Oh and another tool -is my keyboard case for the iPad- I got it from my husband for christmas. It also serves as a closure and protection which is really good- but of course the best thing is that you have a keyboard when you write emails or text that is longer. Doing this on the iPad I find just hideous and annoying.

The only funny and weird thing is- that as soon as you see your iPad more in a usual Monitor way- you forget that you still need to touch it as there is no mouse. I cannot even tell you how often I have tried to find my mouse pad or the mouse next to it…ahem ;)

oK- now – there is more apps I love – but I think that should do for now. I hope you found it a bit interesting :)

If you use a tablet what are your favorite apps or tools?

Have a gorgeous day

Nat

Comments (18)

Margi Laurin

March 12, 2013 at 5:23 pm | #

also I recommend you try a Jot stylus by Adonit (some minor maintenance is all that is required to keep this puppy in top working order) and another awesome, albeit minimalist app is SketchTime . I am attaching a link so show you what I have done in sketchtime this past year. http://www.margilaurin.ca/Site/Digital_Painting.html

Reply
- Nathalie Kalbach
  
  March 14, 2013 at 10:45 am | #
  
  you work is beautiful- thank you for sharing!
  Nat
  
  Reply
Jeremey Blease

March 9, 2013 at 4:06 am | #

What is the app that looks like it reads street tag, in the picture it’s in the bottom row second app in.

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- Nathalie Kalbach
  
  March 9, 2013 at 1:10 pm | #
  
  Jeremey it is this one https://itunes.apple.com/de/app/street-tag/id451000359?mt=8 – I do not use it- though it sounded first fun, I did not get it and actually you reminded me to delete it ;)
  
  Reply
Sasha

February 28, 2013 at 4:21 am | #

Thank you very much for sharing Nat! The apps you enjoy seem very cool, so I’ll definitely have to check them out soon! I did just recently get my iPad though, so as of right now there aren’t too many apps that I would consider to be favorites. There is one app called DISH Anywhere that I’ve really enjoyed as of late because of all the traveling I do for my job at DISH. That app lets me watch all of my TV shows from home, live or recorded, anywhere I go in the world! It’s perfect for a TV addict like me because with it I always have entertainment, and a way to keep up with my shows when I’m half way across the country.

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Lisa Flaherty

February 14, 2013 at 4:50 pm | #

I am a bit behind the iTimes, :) but got my first iPhone for Christmas and I LOVE IT!! I can’t believe how amazing it is, and that my old Droid was really that crappy! Haha! So, I still live in the age of BiP, but hope to make the jump at some point. You’ve made a great sales pitch, and I love the drawings you’ve done with the different apps and the organizational tips, too!

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Kathy P

February 13, 2013 at 5:43 pm | #

Great post, Nat! I am going to spend some time exploring your app suggestions! I only got my first iPad last November, so I am just learning the ropes! But I do love it! Thanks for leading me further into the mixed media/art world!!!

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osmancm@comcast.net

February 13, 2013 at 4:53 pm | #

Thanks so much Nathalie, I’ve been trying to figure out how I would use an Ipad. Still don’t know how to instagram and you post helped.

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mjmarmo

February 13, 2013 at 1:23 pm | #

I love using the kindle app and there are some games I play. I want to look into some of your apps!

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Martha Richardson

February 13, 2013 at 1:11 pm | #

I love my iPad and always on the look out for new apps that work…thank you for sharing!!!

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Laurie Hunt

February 13, 2013 at 12:59 pm | #

Great post Natalie! My husband has an iPad and uses like a madman. Truth is, I bought for myself, but at the time — it was right after it came out — there weren’t that many apps and I found that I just did not utilize it so I gave to him. Now I am thinking about a mini in the not too distant future, so it was fun to read all that you do with it. Thanks.

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Sue Clarke

February 13, 2013 at 12:56 pm | #

Kinda freaks me out that you can do so much art digitally. I have a Samsung tablet that I use for going online and as a Kindle reader. I’m sure that it can do more but haven’t spent the time to figure it out. Cool examples that you shared.

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Katrina

February 13, 2013 at 10:39 am | #

Great post Nat, I love Paper 53 too but I do need a better stylus. I bought a cheap one but it is way too thick for drawing. Have you tried Fingerpint? Its a free app I got the other day, just a bit of fun but is is amazing,hypnotic and great fun.I won’t tell you about it too much as it will spoil the surprise but do have a look. :)

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Marsha.

February 13, 2013 at 9:20 am | #

Wow, this is a helpful post Nat! Thank you for sharing. We got an iPad in December (officially it’s my husband’s) and I’m still figuring out stuff… I also use Dropbox a lot and I’ve started watching TV-series on it. I will have to see if I can get the brush/stylus as a gift for my mom’s birthday. She would love that!

Reply
- Marsha.
  
  February 13, 2013 at 9:22 am | #
  
  TV-series on the iPad… Not on Dropbox… But I’m sure you understand :-).
  
  Reply
sylvia

February 13, 2013 at 9:14 am | #

i love this post Nat, thanks for sharing!! i don’t use a tablet but that Paper 53 App looks aaamaaaazing!! also, i’m in love with your iPad sleeve!! have a lovely wednesday, hugs to you. xxx

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Marsha.

February 13, 2013 at 9:14 am | #

Wow, th

Reply
- Marsha.
  
  February 13, 2013 at 9:21 am | #
  
  Ooops, sorry about that!
  
  Reply

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Scrappies Wellness Wochenende – Workshops in Altötting, Bavaria – Germany

As this is in Germany and the workshops will be in German (although I don’t mind and will ALSO talk English during classes – done it before in two languages ;) ) – I will post this in German :)

Scrappies Wellness Weekend – April 26-28, 2013

Mal Lust ein Wochenende auszuspannen mit kreativen Workshops und Wellness ? Im Basispaket dieses Events sind zwei meiner Workshops am Samstag den 26.April enthalten. Ich freue mich schon riesig drauf!

Hier sind die Workshops, die ich dort unterrichte:

In diesem 3- stündigen Workshop mit Nathalie Kalbach, wirst Du eine schöne und einzigartige Leinwand kreieren, die sich wunderbar als Homedekor eignet.

Lerne wie man Dimension und Textur mittels Seidenpapier, Dingen des alltäglichen Lebens, Acrylfarben, Spitze, Sackleinen und Gesso bilden kann.

Lerne wie man diese interessanten Texturen mittels Farbmedien noch mehr herausarbeiten kann und mittels Stempeltechniken noch das Tüpfelchen auf dem I erzielt.

Wir werden in vielen Ebenen arbeiten, um diese Leinwand ganz wie Du magst für den Frühling, den Sommer, den Herbst oder aber auch für den Winter zu gestalten. Alle Techniken sind auch für andere Projekte geeignet.

Bücher sind einfach magisch. Jedes Buch ist etwas Einzigartiges – es hält einen gefangen mit seinen Geschichten, seinem Einband und mit seinen Buchseiten. Manche Bücher landen jedoch irgendwann auf einem Flohmark oder fristen ein trauriges staubiges Dasein im Bücherregal. Warum nicht diesen Büchern wieder ein neues Leben einhauchen und sie mit unseren eigenen Geschichten füllen? Ich zeige Euch wie man mittels Falttechniken die Buchseiten zu einem Kunstwerk machen, versteckte Taschen kreiert und darin kleine Schätze oder Nachrichten verstecken kann. Wir werden Klebstoffe in etwas ungewohnter Weise verwenden und witzige neue Embossingtechniken ausprobieren. Einige schöne Papiere, Blumen und Stempel der Firma Prima Marketing* werden dafür sorgen, dass dieses Buch entweder als persönliches Erinnerungsstück oder als wunderschönes Geschenk nicht nur als ein Minialbum sondern auch als ein Dekorstück ein neues Leben erhält. Macht mit in diesem 3 1/2 Stunden langen Workshop.

*Die Papiere und Blumen können möglichweise von der Abbildung abweichen.

Alle Informationen zu dem Event- Preise- genaue Leistungen – Ort- Altötting – findet Ihr hier bei den Scrappies

Ich würde mich freuen, Euch dort im April zu sehen :) Habt einen schönen Tag

Nat

Comments (2)

mjmarmo

February 12, 2013 at 1:27 pm | #

I studied German in college and lived there for a year A LONG TIME AGO. But, I could still make out a few words!

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Sue Clarke

February 12, 2013 at 1:01 pm | #

Wish I could go. Looks like fun!

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Note To Self: Make Time for Art

Art Journal art journal techniques Spray Paints

Definitely something I want to follow through with this year! It is the WHY of all I do and I need to make time for it :)

I used some of Mary Beth Shaw’s Stencil Girl Designs– so love them. They are really cool Stencils. I also used Maya Road Maya Mists, Ranger Dylusions, Liquitex Professional Spraypaints, Ranger’s Distress Inks, Liquitex Acrylic Inks, Letter Stencil, old book paper, Posca Markers, Ranger Glossy Accents

Can you tell I had a fun time in my student? LOL

What is your Note to Yourself today?

have a wonderful day

hugs

Nat

Comments (14)

Lisa Flaherty

February 12, 2013 at 5:32 pm | #

Love the bold color and the message here, Nat. Also, the glossy accents on the clock looks cool! Today my Note to Self is: This is MY life!

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lacyquilter

February 12, 2013 at 3:03 pm | #

This is a fabulous spread.

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mjmarmo

February 12, 2013 at 12:57 am | #

That is a good motto! Beautiful page!

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Carrie

February 11, 2013 at 11:46 pm | #

LOVE! I think we all need this reminder sometimes. I know I’ve been working hard on it. I love your fun bold hot pink here. And the Stencil Girl stencils are awesome! They really do have some great ones. I like what you did with them.

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Riikka

February 11, 2013 at 10:19 pm | #

I love love love that background with all the great layers!

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Jessica

February 11, 2013 at 8:32 pm | #

Very nice page, and so a true message in it.

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Enikö

February 11, 2013 at 7:43 pm | #

Note to myself: Keep your eye on the Prize!
Great page…cool stencils! Love the colors!

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rains

February 11, 2013 at 3:01 pm | #

My note to myself is to keep to my commitment to only go to the few mandatory blogs I have to see every morning (yours and Julie’s), check my email and get off the computer! I unsubscribed from everything (art stores, art deals, other blogs) on my email that could pull me into wanting more stuff. It will all still be there after I take this loong break. : ) More time to create!

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petyvic

February 11, 2013 at 2:31 pm | #

My note for today: continue hard; dont stop!

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muriel

February 11, 2013 at 2:09 pm | #

The colours are great! And I love this clock. My note for today is: breathe.

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Sue Clarke

February 11, 2013 at 1:00 pm | #

Beautiful Nat. You’ve been using more reds and oranges lately and showing us less blues and greens (interesting to me). My note to self is to do my back exercises daily.

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Susan

February 11, 2013 at 12:49 pm | #

Nice page! I like the snippers of bookpaper. My note for today: take easy and get better!

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Melanie

February 11, 2013 at 9:49 am | #

Love youre page. And my note to myself today is: enjoy the sunny weather.
Liefs, Melanie

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- Nathalie Kalbach
  
  February 11, 2013 at 9:49 am | #
  
  ahhhhh – it is sunny here too right now :) have a gorgeous day ;) nat
  
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My Garden – ArtJournal Page

Some things you realize only after a while. One of the awesome things when you are your own gardener is that you can decide which flowers and plants grow in your garden and you can weed out the rest. Sounds so clear right? But sometimes you need to remind yourself about this 101 of gardening ;)

I had a lot of fun with this page – doing layer over layer.

I used Ranger Dylusion Spraypaints, Maya Road Maya Mists, Liquitex Professional Spraypaints, Liquitex Acrylic Ink, Julie Fei Fan Balzer Crafter’s Workshop Stencil, Letter Stencil, old bookpaper, posca marker, white Signo pen, tissue paper

Wishing you a flowery day :)

Nat

Comments (16)

Carrie

February 11, 2013 at 11:44 pm | #

I love this! It’s true of your studio and home, too. Easy to get bogged down in too much stuff, but we’re free to “weed” our collections and make room for new growth!

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Merilee

February 11, 2013 at 3:33 am | #

Your spirit comes through everything you do. Love it!

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Greta Gubbins

February 10, 2013 at 3:29 pm | #

I love the way you layer with the stencils. So many ways to play! I can’t wait to find all the new CHA 2013 releases.

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Maura

February 10, 2013 at 1:38 am | #

Nice! Great colors!

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Kathy P

February 9, 2013 at 5:52 pm | #

Love it! I just got my pan pastels, acrylic inks and art bars….and there is snow on the ground, so I hope to play today!

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Sue Clarke

February 9, 2013 at 5:49 pm | #

Nice colors on this one but I won’t be getting a flowery day Nat. How about 2 feet of snow! Keep crafting!

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- Nathalie Kalbach
  
  February 10, 2013 at 1:05 pm | #
  
  yikes- it looks sure bad on the news- hope you are safe and sound!
  
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Cyndi

February 9, 2013 at 5:03 pm | #

Oh! Love!

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Dara Lynn

February 9, 2013 at 3:39 pm | #

Looove!!

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Jackie

February 9, 2013 at 3:07 pm | #

very cool Nat! “)

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Susan

February 9, 2013 at 2:42 pm | #

Beautifull! Love the coloring

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mjmarmo

February 9, 2013 at 1:31 pm | #

Love the leaves in this@ That was such a cool mask!

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Lucille Shabbyness

February 9, 2013 at 9:40 am | #

How lovely (with correct data)

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Lucille Shabbyness

February 9, 2013 at 9:39 am | #

How lovely!!!!!

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Gunvor

February 9, 2013 at 9:20 am | #

Awesome art work! I have many things on my wish list after CJS but my prio 1 after seeing this is to find out how to get hold of some of Julie Fei Fan Balzer’s stencils

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- Nathalie Kalbach
  
  February 10, 2013 at 1:06 pm | #
  
  Gunvor – I am sure some of the swedish stores carry her stencils. I think I saw them in some of the stores already when I taught in Järfälla last year. As for the very new ones, they were just released at CHA- it always takes a little bit then after they hit the stores after a convention.
  
  Reply

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n*Lab Tales – Today featuring Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Paints

Acrylic paint Distress Paints Ranger Review Tim Holtz

Some of you know this sign already – n*Lab Tales are just a little summary of my experiments with a certain products that are either new or new to me. When I get something new I need to take it apart and examine it in all kind of different ways in order to be able to make it my own and add it to my stash. Sometimes I take it even further and integrate the product into my workshops. n*Lab tales are not tutorials -just basic narratives of what I found out, how I used it and what I liked/disliked. It is little peek into my n*Studio life.

I got the new Ranger Dylusions’ Colors -six there is- and there is not secret I really love these Ink Sprays – and there was no surprise I loved the new ones too. The new White Linen btw- is awesome – I will show a little spot where I used it.

What was totally new was the new Distress Paints by Ranger and I was told they are unlike any other paint product out there. AHA…mmmhhh – really? LOL- sorry Ranger, I love your products- but I am like that- I need to know for sure plus everything paint makes me excited to try. So let me first give you the known gist of the Distress Paints – 24 colors, fluid water-based acrylic paints, reactive with water and coming with a dabber.

I will admit – that the description at first did not knock me out of my shoes- because I know fluid acrylic paints, acrylic paints are water-based and react with water – so what is the big deal besides that the colors are appealing if you are already familiar with and you love the other Distress Products from Ranger, which I do.

So…with a bit of a MEH-approach (I am honest) I started experimenting with those paints. I actually almost thought they would be more a Gouache like paint- until I realized “nope- they are permanent, once dried”. So what I started doing was just playing with them in my art journal. Seeing how they are with different brushes, how I can control them , how they react when I mix them dry and wet with a brush.

This is when I started to like the paint already quite a bit. I liked how you can work them and that they are actually VERY controllable although so fluid. I also like the very long opening time of the colors on the palette/ranger mat. I like that the mixing and blending is nice in a wet on wet technique- while it is very opaque on a wet on dry technique. I also love the matte still very vibrant appearance the matte finish by the way perfect for art journals as they help with the “sticking” problem. I also like this chalky like effect.

Next I played and experimented a bit with the reaction to other water-based products while wet. I liked the marbling effect. Here you see the Broken China Distress Paint mixed with some Dirty Martini Dylusions Ink Spray. It takes a bit practicing on when to mix those for the best and still vibrant result, as you want to avoid the matte Distress Paint mixing too much into the nice vibrant Dylusions Ink Spray…so that it is not just a matte finish in the end- but it is doable and fun. Love it.

I started playing with different paper surfaces. On the top you see ripped and very rough paper and on the bottom very smooth paper from Dyan’s Dylusions’ Journal. What I found was that the rougher the surface -like the torn paper- the faster the paint dries. It was almost impossible without wetting with water to work the paint on rough paper, while it was without water super easy and nice (even with your hands a fun thing) on smooth paper. Well once you know that – all is good and you can work with that knowledge – plus you can use it for more visible texture as the rough paper parts getting darker of course :)

here you see the whole page- the background was just playing and trying things- I used a lot of the Dylusions Ink Sprays with the background too to see the results with the dried Distress Paints, and then as you can see the white that is the new Dylusions White Linen – love it. I also used Dyans new Couture stamps- I had fun- as you can tell ;) I worked a bit more with Wendy Vecchi’s new Golden Embossing Paste – yum. I also tried a bit stenciling with the Distress Paint Dabber but the paint is definitely too fluid for crisp results with stencils, so you would still need a cosmetic sponge or similar to apply the paint in a thinner matter – or maybe I need to practice more ;).

And then came the part that made me like super exciting. Stamping! Indeed a very nice paint to be able to stamp with ruber stamps- and super easy to apply because the dabber and you can also add different colors- and you can then stamp directly on Transparencies (remember that one Creative Jumpstart video I did? ;) ) – LOOOOVEEEE. But wait there is more….

This made my heart pitter patter – The resist results with the paints. I used here Picket Fence and Weathered Wood Distress Paints and stamped with my favorite Stampers Anonymous Stamp. Then I sprayed with Black Marble and Squeezed Orange Dylusions Ink Sprays and also applied some Distress Inks – I think – Spiced Marmelade and Fired Brick over it. I loooooveee how this came out. That was one of my highlights, as yes – you can do resists with all acrylic paints- but this so far- had the best result for me.

So before I show you another art journal page- my favorite features of the Ranger Distress Paints:

Resist Results
Matte but yet vibrant finish – perfect for art journals
Capability of applying to plastic and metal
Dabber cap – in the hope it won’t dry out
Possibility to use it with my rubber stamps
Color Range – love the colors and wonderful to mix with other Ranger Paint Products
Texture when dried – more visible texture than tactile
Opacity when applied over dried areas

supplies by Ranger:

Distress Paints

Distress Inks

Distress Stains

Dylusions Ink Sprays

Dylusions Stencils

Inkssentials Glue Stick

Inkssentials Mini Mister

Other:

Pearls, Stampers Anonymous Stamps, Derwent Sketching Pencils

I will definitely use those in my stash and I see them also in future classes as I have some more ideas to use them with techniques already ;)

Have a gorgeous day

Nat

Comments (22)

Michaela "Micki" Harper

February 9, 2013 at 7:34 pm | #

Hi Nat,
Ok, so just to make sure I read right (I’ve got the flu and been in bed – still in bed) once these paints dry I can add other media on top and the paints will not reactivate or smear like the Distress Inks or the Spray Inks, right? Ohhhhh for mixed media that’ll be awesome…. :-). Loved your experiements.

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- Nathalie Kalbach
  
  February 10, 2013 at 11:22 am | #
  
  Hi Micki,
  yep- it is permanent once dried :)
  hugs
  nat
  
  Reply
andrenesmith

February 8, 2013 at 6:22 pm | #

Thanks for the in-depth review! I got my distress paints yesterday and immediately had to try them out. Made a card with 3 blues sprayed with water and added sea salt. Worked great!! Here’s a link to the card…..

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Lisa Flaherty

February 8, 2013 at 5:01 pm | #

Great review! I assumed that the Distress Paints were unique only in their color line. I LOVE the painted still lifes you’ve done, the one near the top of this post with the collage of book text, and the other blue and green one of your art supplies posted to Instagram.

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Sue Clarke

February 8, 2013 at 4:11 pm | #

These are on my “to get” list and now I will try several colors since I liked the results you got in your art journal. I am TOTALLY in love with the Dylusions ink sprays already!

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rains

February 8, 2013 at 2:41 pm | #

I’ve been so curious about these paints, even after watching TIm Holtz play with them on a video. Thank you so much for this thorough report! Just what I’d been craving. I will definitely get some, and will watch your other “Lab tales”.

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Rob

February 8, 2013 at 1:59 pm | #

Thanks Nat for your report, I was pretty reticent to try them because I still have the last range of Paint Dabbers with dried up tops. But now I’m tempted after reading your report.

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- Nathalie Kalbach
  
  February 10, 2013 at 1:07 pm | #
  
  Rob- I hope they won’t dry – that of course I cannot say yet. I know though what you mean …
  
  Reply
Milagros

February 8, 2013 at 12:53 pm | #

Gracias por compartir tus experimentos, preciosos resultados.
abrazos

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mjmarmo

February 8, 2013 at 12:44 pm | #

Wow – amazing results!

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leslie (crookedstamper)

February 8, 2013 at 12:50 am | #

Great review! Thanks!

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Kathy P

February 7, 2013 at 8:30 pm | #

Thanks, Nat, for that very throrough and honest evaluation of these new fun paints. Sounds like I need some in my stash! And will be looking for that class…..!

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Carrie

February 7, 2013 at 7:06 pm | #

Thank you for sharing your experiments! I was curious to see what people other than Tim would do with them. They’re really exciting to me, because I love the Distress colors but wanted something more permanent for some applications, so it’s good to see that they live up to the excitement! Love what you’ve done with them :)

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Betty

February 7, 2013 at 7:00 pm | #

Thanks Nathalie
I did not know if I need the dabbers I am not a fan of the normal paint dabbers they never work when I need them.
So maybe I must try these.

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Nadège

February 7, 2013 at 4:18 pm | #

Love love love, everything!

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isisimaginings

February 7, 2013 at 3:29 pm | #

Thank you for doing such comprehensive testing, the paints sound great & I must have the white Dylusions spray. Your pages are gorgeous, I especially like the second one.

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butterfly

February 7, 2013 at 2:39 pm | #

Fantastic to hear such a detailed and comprehensive breakdown of different techniques with the paints. Mine are still on the way, definitely looking forward to some play time!!
Alison x

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Gunvor

February 7, 2013 at 2:18 pm | #

Thanks for sharing!

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Michelle Hernandez (@willieburgscrap)

February 7, 2013 at 2:10 pm | #

I had no idea Dylusions was coming out with a white- I have so many white sprays and I love them ALL! Into my shopping cart that goes! I also love the vibrancy of the new Distress daubers- I’m not big into brown edges and the red, turquoise and yellow colors look nice and bright. Thanks for this write up- I’m still a little hesitant to buy lots of new paints since some of my old ones have dried out but this is my year of multi media experiments so I’ll just get one of each and completely used them up before I buy all the colors I like to use. Pinning this column!!!

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Djam

February 7, 2013 at 1:56 pm | #

love it!!

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zoegakatten

February 7, 2013 at 1:18 pm | #

Oh, I was thinking the same thing as you when reading about Distress Paints…! I don’t know if I should be happy or not so happy, reading that they have lots of good qualities. ;) I probably will have to try them, and I’ve been wanting to try the Dylusions for quite some time too. I love what you created while trying the supplies out Nat!

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Martha Richardson

February 7, 2013 at 1:17 pm | #

Thanks for sharing your results…I loved them when I saw them at CHA but just wasn’t sure. You have convinced me I must have them!

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Art Fusion – Mixed Media Event in the Netherlands with Birgit Koopsen and me :)

Mixed Media workshop

Wohoooo – know my sweet friend, awesome workshop teacher, jumpstarter and annual CHA-room mate Birgit Koopsen? We have been planning forever to do a workshop event together and …finally ….here we go :)

Art Fusion – a fusion of Nationalities, Style and Media.

On the weekend April 13-14, 2013 we will teach in Winsum in The Netherlands 4 Mixed Media Workshops – 2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday- each of us 1 per day. The exact location in Winsum will be announced as soon as we have an idea of the number of attendees…more people…bigger room ;)Winsum is accessible by car, train and bus and is located north of Groningen. We created a blog for the event, where we will keep you posted on the kind of workshops, times, prices and other information. We would love to have you and spent an amazing, inspiring and creative Mixed Media Workshop Weekend with you !

Hope to see you there :)

huge hugs

nat

Nat

Comments (7)

sabelljones

February 7, 2013 at 7:38 pm | #

AWWW, I so wish I could be there for your classes in the Netherlands! But I can’t so I do hope you will share some of your awesome work with us. Have fun hanging out with your friend. I love your work, you give me lots of inspiration!

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Marsha.

February 6, 2013 at 6:03 pm | #

Yay!!!

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Marjolijn Stas

February 6, 2013 at 5:26 pm | #

Sounds very interesting, to bad it’s a 3 hour drive ………………..

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Kathy P

February 6, 2013 at 3:45 pm | #

Oh, I would LOVE to go, but the cost is prohibitive! Have fun!

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margm3c

February 6, 2013 at 2:58 pm | #

I want to go!!!!!!!

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mjmarmo

February 6, 2013 at 1:20 pm | #

How cool!

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Sue Clarke

February 6, 2013 at 12:58 pm | #

Sounds like a last…love the symbol/icon for the weekend.

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Not Your Ordinary Dolls…or Dresden Doll

Dresden Dolls Grunge Mixed Media Molds Papercrafts prima marketing Resin Scrapbooking

CHA and Paperworld left me with a couple of things to play – nothing more fun then putting some of those things together- including a really bad quality – nevertheless-cracking-me-up-photo of Anna and me.

I wanted the background look like an old club/poster wall – grungy and all :) …I think I succeeded LOL

The Dresden Doll is actually my first mold with Resin – I do have to redo the mold as there is a slight crease right on the face- but I wanted to use the first one anyway and I like it a lot. I had saved my little Dresden Doll FOREVER hoarding it for the best possible occasion and now…HARHAR – I just make more ….insert evil scientist laugh.

So that’s it…I got my grunge on :)

Other than that- working on a brand new Über*Media Online Workshop right now- actually two :) So stay tuned.

Have an awesome day!

Nat

Comments (24)

Sandi McLean

February 8, 2013 at 4:21 pm | #

The button/blinkie is terrific!!

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Finnabair

February 8, 2013 at 1:05 am | #

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!! this is crazy, i love the peeled paint effect you got! and photo..yeah, priceless!

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Laura

February 6, 2013 at 3:22 pm | #

Awesome layout!

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piekielnaowca

February 6, 2013 at 8:48 am | #

HI there !!!
Amazing work love this old wall look. And for sure no one can say you girls are ordinary ;))

thx for banner i will proudly put it on my blog it was such fun

hugs !

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muriel

February 5, 2013 at 8:09 pm | #

Great background, just what I love! And funny photo.

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frutselke

February 5, 2013 at 6:36 pm | #

hilarious!!! you definitely got that poster look right. great inspiration. and thanks for the banner.

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Carrie

February 5, 2013 at 4:48 pm | #

LoL that picture is priceless! Love what you did with the whole thing, though. The old club wall look really works! It’s really like you cut out a piece of a wall that had decades of layers of posters and paint and more posters – it must’ve taken you ages to build all that up!

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Vicki r.

February 5, 2013 at 2:00 pm | #

Love the grunge artwork! Thanks for the blinkie too! I am off to add it to my blog….

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mjmarmo

February 5, 2013 at 1:24 pm | #

So cool and interesting to look at look!

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Sue Clarke

February 5, 2013 at 1:07 pm | #

Love it and I was a jumper but alas I don not have a blog…I will have to secretly look at the banner and pretend that I’ve posted it for the world to see;-)

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Miae

February 4, 2013 at 11:40 pm | #

Fabulous art! You most certainly pulled off the old poster page look! Thanks again for CJS Nathalie!!

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Piarom

February 4, 2013 at 11:34 pm | #

What an amazing grungy madness ;) can´t get my eyes off of it! and your doll looks wonderful and fits real nice!

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Jeannette van Dongen

February 4, 2013 at 10:52 pm | #

Hi Natalie, I was just wondering. Is it correct that I haven’t received alink yet to a newsletter from Creative Jump Start 2013 in which all the winners from the giveaway are mentioned ? Hope to hear from you !

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- Nathalie Kalbach
  
  February 4, 2013 at 11:25 pm | #
  
  as that is correct- as I said in the last video- it will take me some time. so please be patient! Thank you
  
  Reply
Lori Batronis

February 4, 2013 at 10:41 pm | #

This has been truly wonderful. I still have not made it thru all of the videos, but that is ok. It has been a hectic month. The ones I did see were very awe inspiring. Thank you.

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Nurse Ratchet

February 4, 2013 at 9:02 pm | #

Now I would love to be in that club with you two,having a beer or two! Your piece is wonderful….so much to discover!!

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Tabbatha S

February 4, 2013 at 8:40 pm | #

Ooh, fantastic banners! That page is absolutely fantastic too – so inky and silly. :D

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Laura S

February 4, 2013 at 8:32 pm | #

Just like Kathy P commented, I too am saving the blinkie for when I get my Blog. I have been dreaming about a Bog for a long time. Now that I’ve accomplished creating my art journal, starting a Blog is my next goal. Thank you very much, Nat! My hero ;)

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Lisa Flaherty

February 4, 2013 at 8:09 pm | #

Just….whoa. That background is incredible, Nat. The colors, the textures, the stitches, the grunginess. Whoa! Your Dresden doll is perfect, as is the color and fun you’ve added around your faces, reminiscent of Finn’s Jumpstart! True love at first sight!!

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- Nathalie Kalbach
  
  February 4, 2013 at 8:12 pm | #
  
  LOL- I might add that I have been doing photo manipulation for many years…but I loved Finn’s ;)
  
  Reply
Louison

February 4, 2013 at 7:50 pm | #

Beautiful and so funny!! I love it!!!

Thanks for the blinkie!!! :)

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Milagros

February 4, 2013 at 7:36 pm | #

Ese fondo te ha quedado perfecto me encanta super-grunge , la superposición de capas y los vibrantes colores. Artistazas

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Kathy P

February 4, 2013 at 7:32 pm | #

What a fun page…love all the texture and color! And since BOTH of you are being silly, that is a great photo!!! LOL…..
Thanks for the blinkie….I am saving it for when I FINALLY get my own blog going!

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Charlotte

February 4, 2013 at 7:28 pm | #

This is fabulous! I love it :) I think you totally nailed it with the club/poster grungy wall look – I thought that before I read the line where you said that’s what you were going for :)

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