Somerset Studio ~ March/April 2013

Today's mail brought the newest issue of Somerset Studio magazine which includes my article "Journaling in Aqua."


I'm especially thrilled that the editors chose to use the journal page featuring the photo of my parents on their wedding day.


Just an FYI should you happen to read this article...a typo might lead you to believe that for a soft look on your journal page I suggest using an ink pad through "waste"...actually, use that ink pad through "sequin waste" and you'll be far more pleased!


© Stampington, Inc. and Nancy Lefko

First Linocut Stamp

Long on my wish list was the desire to try my hand at carving my own linocut stamps. Not only do I love the look of a linocut print, but having original stamped images to use in work for art licensing was a pragmatic decision.

The linocut blocks I wanted to buy online had a crazy ridiculous shipping price...oh, about five times the cost of the blocks...so I settled on a type from Dick Blick. The block wasn't real easy to carve, not terribly hard but a little more difficult than anticipated, so I'll probably keep trying different types. (Any suggestions?)

For my first attempt since high school art class, I am fairly satisfied with the end result...for a first try. But, as I've heard tell, practice makes perfect so I'll keep on trying.

The journal page I created with the stamp tells the story both literally and figuratively..."testing my wings."

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ STORM

No surprise that the prompt for today's Illustration Friday is STORM...given that those of us in the Northeast are bracing for what could be an historic weather event.

My journal page focuses on the bright side; we're all able to weather the STORM (real or metaphorical) with a smile, if we choose to do so. I choose to ride out this storm alongside a crackling fire with a hot cup of coffee and (most of) my family safe at home. (Son #1 will ride out the storm at his college apartment.)

To see the myriad of takes on the prompt, hop on over to Illustration Friday and check out all of the marvelous artwork there is to see.

© Nancy Lefko

Fun with Foam

For many years, elementary school teachers have led their students through a printing process making stamps by "carving" into a foam meat/fruit tray with a pencil. Long forgotten, I recently re-discovered this fun process through...what else...a Facebook posting.

Interested in carving my own stamps, this was a fun way to begin. Clearly not stamps that will pass the test of longevity, they are fun just the same.

Once again, my art journal serves as a playground for testing new techniques and ideas. These foam stamps are perfect for journal pages.

My second carving may have been a bit too ambitious...choosing a face to carve proved to be a bit of a challenge. But still, she finds a happy home in my art journal.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ WHEEL

As the mother of three boys, I know that they gravitate toward anything with a WHEEL...and the days between scooters and automobiles goes far too fast.

To see the myriad of takes on the prompt, hop on over to Illustration Friday and check out all of the marvelous artwork there is to see.

This framed original collage is available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko