October 31, 2014

Dina Wakley Art Journal Courage

Everything Scrapbook & Stamps has Dina Wakley's new book in stock and we have to say it is pretty fabulous.. Everything Scrapbook & Stamps gives this book a serious thumbs up.

Art Journal Courage - Eight chapters full of prompts, step by step, techniques which are followed by luscious art work.  Dina even shows you that you can draw.
Discover the techniques and courage you need to journal bravely! With Dina's help, you'll begin by working through any fears you have of using your own handwriting. You'll get journaling prompts and techniques to help you develop a handwriting style you'll love and words you'll want to write! Then, you'll move onto drawing: you'll learn not only how to train your hand, but also how to appreciate your own unique drawing ability. As you continue through the eight chapters, you will learn additional mixed-media techniques to help you overcome your fears of new materials, using photos of yourself, creating layers, working without a plan and much more.
Put your worries aside and create fearlessly
If you want to see what Michelle McCosh thinks about this book you can read her review here: Michelle's blog
!f you would like to purchase a copy of this book click this link:  Art Journal Courage by Dina Wakley

October 28, 2014

Nathalie Kalback is coming back to ESS

we are so excited for our friend Nathalie Kalbach, she was just named Brand Ambassador for Liquitex
Nathalie is a self-taught mixed media artist. She was born in Germany and lived most of her adult life in Hamburg before moving to the United States in September 2013. She now lives in Jersey City, NJ.
Nathalie describes herself:
"My early love of paint was squelched by an art teacher who told me I had no talent. I worked as a paralegal for seventeen years and might have remained in the wrong profession had I not discovered mixed media painting in 2004.
I regained confidence in my creativity and have spent the last decade exploring the possibilities of creating dimension and texture by layering different materials and paint media. I have worked in art journals, on canvases and scrapbook layouts, incorporating collage and found objects. My projects have been published in several craft and hobby magazines as well as mixed media books. I have taught at many retail events and art retreats, as well as at trade shows, and by 2011 I was able to give up working as a paralegal to become a full-time artist.
For me, creating art is a dialogue between my skills and the supplies I use. It is not so much a battle as an ongoing attempt to work out the connections between ideas and techniques.
In my mixed media canvases I emphasize urban subject matter, especially gentrification. I depict the vibrancy as well as the decay that I see in the cities around me from multiple viewpoints, represented by layering and tactile dimension.
I believe that everyone can be creative. Since 2006 I have taught workshops in Europe, Canada, the U.S., Australia, Israel, Malaysia and online. I share what I know about tools, supplies and techniques, with the goal of helping each student unlock his/her personal creativity.
My artwork is licensed through StencilGirl Products (stencils) and Stampendous (rubber stamp and template sets). My work has been featured on the packaging for Liquitex Acrylic Painting Sets sold at Michaels art and craft stores. Since September 2014 I am a sponsored artist/brand ambassador for Liquitex. I am also a product development consultant to several art and craft supply manufacturers."
Nathalie is teaching three fantastic workshops on November 14th, 15th and 16th




Check our calendar for her mixed media classes .  Descriptions, times and supplies needed are listed there.
Don't delay in signing up as we are at a "Wait List Only" for the Sunday class