Hello from my Creative Squad! Today we have a post from Robin Seiz who is sharing a project with us beginning with one of her favorite creative techniques – working from a master board. She’s also using my Funky and Mid Century Squared foam stamps and our monthly theme: On Repeat – Let’s play with patterns! Repeat a design motif or shape to create a pattern-inspired project of your choosing.

Dear Friends, I’m not exactly sure where June went, but here we are in July already. This month’s theme is patterns, created with foam stamps. I love foam stamps so it’s always fun for me to use them. I also consider myself “earth friendly” composting,  recycling, and reusing things. To start this project I grabbed some clean-up papers (a few that I used to clean off my brayer while gelli printing) They make the perfect beginnings for master boards, my project this month. 

The next thing I did was tear up some colorful deli paper scraps and randomly apply them with clear gesso. This creates a wonderful texture to the paper. You can cover the whole page, or as much or little as you like.

I then used Ranger Archival Ink and Nathalie’s foam stamps ( Funky Foam Stamp and Mid Century Squared) and stamped over the textured paper. I especially love the areas where the ink goes over the deli paper. It creates an imperfect stamp. I love this variation. I sprayed some Distress Spray Stain in Mustard Seed on the finished pieces. It made them pop more.

Waiting for the paper to dry (it does take several hours) is the hardest part of this project. Since I knew that I wanted to make some cards and a few little pieces of mini-framed art from this master board, I took the time to cut the little frames with a craft knife using black construction paper.  Once cut, it made it easy to audition the pieces I wanted from the master board. 

Once the paper was dry, I cut out the pieces and applied them with my Xyron Mega Tape Runner to the black frames and to the card.

Creating a master board allows for so many options. I love having a few of them around for those moments when I don’t have a lot of inspiration or time. They make it easy to create something quickly. It’s also easy to do several of them at one time. Make a day out of making master boards. I can’t wait to see what you create! 

Thank you Robin – love seeing how you build up the colorful master boards and then tie the image together with the repeating foam stamp patterns.

Give it a try: you can find all my Foam Stamps in my Online Shop and in addition to collage papers from her stash, here are some of the supplies Robin used:

Looking for more projects? Follow the Creative Squad on Instagram.

Nat

Hello from my Creative Squad! Today we have a lovely letter to Mother Earth from Robin Seiz using my Triple Play and Funky foam stamps and our theme: Dear Mother Earth – Our planet Earth is an amazing and beautiful gift to all of us. Let’s write her a letter, telling her just how we feel. This could be an actual letter/mail art, an art journal page, or some other mixed media project.

The theme this month is Mother Earth; she has a strong pull on me. From an early age, I was happiest swimming in streams, looking for tadpoles, and exploring the woods. Now my appreciation for Mother Earth is more about spending time doing things that bring quiet and peace. Vegetable gardening, pulling weeds, hiking, strolls on the beach, all feed my soul.

For my project this month, I have written a letter to Mother Earth to tell her what she means to me and to thank her for all that she provides. The last few months have been difficult caring for my sick mom; I have been reminded how much being in nature is important to my well-being.I have written this letter to document this time in my life and my refections. I plan to put my letter in an envelope, seal it and put it away for a later time. It wasn’t important that it be legible in the end, I’ll remember this time.

Using recycled material was important to me; after all, taking care of Mother Earth is important. I knew I want to use some collage elements so I chose papers I had in my stash which reminded me of the elements of nature. I didn’t use it all, but it gave me a place to start. I also used brown recycled package wrapping as the base for the project. I cut it to an 8” x 11 sheet.

Next, I wrote my letter in black pen; the words flowed easily.

I wanted the writing to fade into the background. After I put my feelings down, it was no longer important for them to be legible. I used gesso to cover some of the writing. I applied it carefully so  that some words would show. 

Next I used diluted PVA to apply the collage elements. I chose green textured paper, blue gelli printed paper that was in my scrap box, and a natural tan paper with fibers that reminded me of leaves. I wanted the elements of Mother Earth to be represented.

After the collage elements were adhered to the paper, I used Nathalie’s Funky Foam Stamp which reminded me of twigs and Versa Fine Clair Ink. This stamp is so versatile. I also used one of the foam stamps from the Triple Play foam stamp set. Both of these were perfect for this project.

Having this prompt of Mother Earth came at the perfect time for me. I felt compelled to write a letter and express my sincere thanks for the peace and soulfulness that she has given me throughout my life. If you do art journaling, this would make a great journal page idea. I love the idea of writing a letter, sealing it, and putting it away for someday in the future. 

Thank you for sharing your story and inspiration behind this beautiful piece Robin. I love the idea of putting it in an envelope to revisit in the future too!

Give it a try: you can find all my Foam Stamps in my Online Shop and in addition to various collage papers, here are some of the supplies Robin used:

Like what you see? Follow the Creative Squad on Instagram for weekly posts, artwork, and inspiration.

Nat