Stamper's Big White Pen GIVEAWAY!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED ~ WINNER ANNOUNCED SHORTLY ~ THANKS FOR ENTERING

The kind folks from Faber-Castell's DESIGN MEMORY CRAFT division have provided their new Stamper's Big White Pen for the students in my upcoming art journaling classes. But you don't need to be a student in my class to receive a complimentary pen...as they've also given me some for a giveaway.


Before using the pen in my workshops, I wanted to try it out in my art journal. It truly is like no other white pen I've tried (and I've tried A LOT.) It has, what I can best describe, as a large bullet nib which seems like stiff foam. The application of the white India ink is smooth, and I daresay, creamy. It glides on effortlessly, with opaque coverage, especially noticeable on darker surfaces.


Noticeable on my journal pages, the pen is handy for making little circles simply by pressing straight down with the circular, bullet nib. I also used the pen for doodling, writing, rubber-stamping and filling in areas with solid white.


If you'd like a chance to win one of four Stamper's Big White Pens, just leave a comment here, telling me where you might find a use for this great new product. If you're not sure, you can just say 'hi'...in either case, make sure you've included contact information to be included in the giveaway. Winners will be chosen by random number generator on Sunday March 24th.

GOOD LUCK!

© Nancy Lefko

Art Journaling by Somerset Studio ~ Winter 2013

Thanks to the editors of Art Journaling for selecting one of my journal pages to highlight lettering styles. It's always a fun surprise to find your artwork in a magazine you love!



© Stampington, Inc. and Nancy Lefko

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

Illustration Friday ~ WINGS

WINGS are frequently featured in my artwork...somehow they speak to me of hope and joy and bravery, as in this piece entitled, "Brave Heart."

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.

Original canvas is available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

A Progression

Sometimes it's fun, and a bit challenging, to run with an idea without any notion of how the finished product will look. This was the case when I decided to try "painting" with molding paste, which ultimately led to lots of fun texture in this piece.

Some vintage ephemera and a bit of burlap & crinoline created the background...

...while acrylic paint and water-soluble oil pastels added color.

Some vintage buttons and a little text for inspiration and voilá.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ OCEAN

Memories of the OCEAN and its healing sights, sounds and rhythms gets me through the long, cold winter until summer days bring me back to the shore.

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

Illustration Friday ~ EDGE

Be careful...she's on the EDGE.

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.

Original collage is available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Ballet Series

My BALLET series, that sat in progress on my art desk for so long, is finally complete and available in my Etsy shop.

*grace*

*dance with joy* SOLD

*be a dancer*

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ SNOW

She was "zigzagging across an unmarred path of white" and frolicking in the falling SNOW. Winter Magic at its best.

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.

Original 6" x 6" collage is available in my Etsy shop where you can save 20% off ALL items with coupon code SANTA2012 at checkout.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ EXPLORE

New York is among the greatest places to EXPLORE...and at no better time than Christmas.

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

Illustration Friday ~ STRETCH

Her wings aren't the only things outSTRETCHed.

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