Archive for the ‘REVIEWS’ Category

Her name is Suzi Blu

August 23rd, 2008

Her name is Suzi Blu and she’s been my inspiration for about a year.  I’ve been following her videos on youtube… each week… watching her quirky vlogs (video blog) that expose her personallyality and artistry.  I knew on the spot I wanted to be in her class when she announced it, and just finishing off week 1, I am not disappointed.

After just finishing “All About Faces” class with Paulette Insall a few months ago – I decided to take Suzi’s Les Petite Dolls class also because she has such a different style.  I learned SO MUCH in Paulette’s class… good technical stuff that has given me an awesome foundation and the best part of her class, for me, was learning to mix my own flesh tone paint!  I knew that Suzi’s class would offer her unique ways, and to be honest, I would have been happy to just soak in her ‘energy’ and I figured at the very least I could kick ass in pictionary after this, lol.  I really didn’t know what to expect, but I knew it would have the Suzi Blu touch on it.

Well I could not be more happy and it’s only week one.  On the technical side, we are learning to sketch ‘Suzi Style’ which is so fun… and shading with pencil has just begun.  I’m a ‘paint’ shader – I never bother to shade my sketches in with pencil because for one, I thought ‘why bother’ when I’m going to cover it in paint anyway and two… I didn’t know how!  Learning how and where is just too cool.  BUT THE BEST part of it so far are Suzi’s Affirmation pdfs.  It’s like having her here, cheering me on and giving me that personal support.  It’s priceless.  We also get great Lesson notes in pdf every week, and Suzi’s videos every two weeks (although we got treated to an extra one already this week).  And the nicest part is that it’s downloadable to view over and over again.  Suzi has it all set up on ning.com so there’s also the closeness of hangin’ with all the other students, online there.  Everyone is each others best cheer leader – it’s great.

I’ve suffered from a migraine all week, so I have done minimal sketching, but that’s the other cool part, it’s a self paced class and if you take it slow, it’s ok and Suzi will still be there throughout.  I need a t-shirt that says I heart Suzi Blu!

Folk art is a fun style… it’s relaxed and fun and you don’t have to worry about being so precise.  You can see my ‘baby step’ sketches here… just click and it will take you over.

homework: little faces *close up homework: gestures up up and away homework: a sketch to paint

Semiprecious Salvage {a book review}

March 12th, 2008

honey latter sans foam Grab a coffee (that happens to be my honey latte that I sipped the foam off, in my new starbucks mug) and let's talk about Stephanie Lee's new book Semiprecious Salvage {Creating Found Art Jewelry}.  I just got mine.  I did a pre-order and it came with all kinds of extra goodies like printed tags, a print of one of her original art pieces, etc.  Oh and it's autographed - so that's just fun right there!Ok, well right off the top, you will notice that it's visually beautiful.  It's published by North Light Books (the same folks who did Sally Jean's book).  The pages are laid out like scattered ephemera on a table - very pleasing to the eye.   The projects are nice change of pace from the usual cottage & fairy style that's seen so much right now. (guilty for loving them both, but a change of pace is nice)  Her style is rustic with a warm feel.  If rustic is not your style, the techniques that are taught can still be adapted by changing up the imagry that you use.  There are plenty of step by step photos to follow and a great source page in the back, so you know where to find the tools of the trade.  I really think she did a nice job here - it's laid out very well and easy to follow.  I love the intro stories to each project - they are fun and give a lot of spirit to each project. (reminds me of the old 7 Gypsies packaging)  I think what I love the best is that she uses other metals besides silver, so the projects are affordable on any budget - and learning how to make things by hand (bezels for one) is very satisfying. All in all this book is worth the money and is something you will refer to over and over again... especially if you aren't lucky enough to attend one of her classes.  Speaking of classes - she'll be teaching at Art & Soul Portland this October 2008.  Click here to see a list of her workshops.

Below is the link to Stephanie's book on Amazon, or click her name in the first paragraph to buy it from her in case she still has some freebie fun to go along with it.  I imagine she's selling them pretty fast!

If you haven't yet read Pretty Little Things by Sally Jean Alexander(as mentioned above), you will want to check out her book too!

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