Layers Upon Layers: Mixed Media Art

Artist Profile: Nicole Braun

Cyndi — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:15:52 +0000

Artist: Nicole Braun
Business name: Wink
Location: Brooklyn, NY

How do you describe your work, Nicole?
My work spans bright, cheery portraiture and journalistic event photography, to chic and modern stationery. Often times the photography and stationery collaborate to create holiday cards, invitations and social notes. Our stationery is unique in that I often take a photograph and transform it into a graphic element.

I chose the name Wink for my business because I like its short and distinctive sound, as well as its connotation. A wink is very much like the service we provide- an alluring fun way to communicate.

What is your creative process like?
My creative process for photography is fairly routine, once the photos are taken. For stationery design, I ask many questions of my client to determine the look and feel they are going for. I like to listen to music at my desk as I find it transporting, experimenting endlessly with colors, graphics and font until everything on the page clicks. Then I send the draft to my client for feedback. It typically takes 1-2 revisions before going to print.

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
Aside from a degree in photojournalism and art history from Boston University, I worked as a studio assistant for legendary fashion photographer Arthur Elgort for three years. It was during this time that I honed my skills in printmaking as well as graphic design. I also learned to stay true to your vision and not take yourself too seriously!

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
My cameras and Photoshop!

What inspires you to create?
I was born with the desire to create. Since I was a little girl, I designed clothes, created packaging for mix tapes, took photos, etc. It’s in my blood. Both of my grandmother’s were artists (one a painter, the other a sculptor and designer). My grandfather was in the bookbinding business which I attribute my love of fine paper to, and nearly everyone in my immediate family is an entrepreneur.

I have such a strong memory of when I was around ten or eleven years old. My friend and I modeled clay into buttons. I lived down the street from a famous button store called Tender Buttons. I decided that we should try to sell our buttons to them. I got out the phone book to find out where we could have business cards printed. We took the Third Avenue bus to a stationer and had business cards made in an hour. We named ourselves B’s Buttons, for my friend’s first initial and my last. We took our cards and buttons in there and made a sale! So, the need to create, and vision to have my own business has been lifelong.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
What inspires through the difficult times of creating is my passion for my craft and belief in my vision.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
I think the best way to improve is constantly refine your vision, and practice! Photographer Juergen Teller had a great quote when he said that you need to know what you want to convey before you take a picture. Like life, photography is largely about choices. Know what you want to communicate before beginning a project.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
Meeting with current and prospective clients and managing my business.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
My favorite comfort food is pasta. My favorite hobby is cooking!

Tags: , artist profile, Digital Art

Call for entries: Bend, Mold, Cut, Join ~ Small Works in Metal

Cyndi — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:00:17 +0000

Bend, Mold, Cut, Join: Small Works in Metal is a national juried exhibition with a concentration on pioneering art jewelry and small scale functional metalwork, such as vessels and implements that combine traditional metalsmithing techniques with a vision representative of the field of contemporary metalsmithing.Hosted by the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts (DCCA) and juried by Ellen Lupton, Bend, Mold, Cut, Join: Small Works in Metal is shown in conjunction with the Society of North American Goldsmith’s (SNAG) annual conference Revolution in Philadelphia, PA, on May 20-23, 2009. Works should demonstrate the use of one or more traditional metalsmithing techniques and be wearable and/or functional. There are no restrictions on inspiration, format, or additional materials employed. Artists are encouraged to interpret this broad theme with original and innovative contemporary designs.

Deadline: December 31, 2008

Full information

Tags: call-for-entries, metal-art

Advent calendar from a mini-muffin tin

Cyndi — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:15:48 +0000

My friend June Campbell has another wonderful video on her site, Scrapping By Design! This time she is showing us how to take a muffin tin and turn it into an Advent calendar. Just think of what types of treats you could hide inside each of those little cups! Don’t miss June’s artist profile either!

Tags: Mixed Media, tutorials

Image transfer methods

Cyndi — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:00:37 +0000

Don’t forget that there are lots of other methods for doing image transfers here on Layers Upon Layers. You can always find an up-to-date list in the Pages section in the right-hand sidebar, but here’s the list again, with the new Tilano transfer kit added :-)

Polymer medium transfer film

Paper image transfers - plain and photo paper

Fabric image transfers - t-shirt and transparencies

Contact paper transfers (aka Packing tape transfers)

Caulk image transfers

Polaroid image transfers

Digital Polaroid image transfer

Contact printing

New digital ground products from Golden’s

Waxed paper transfer

Tilano transfer kit

Tags: Collage, image-transfers, Mixed Media, paper arts, tutorials

The Gigantic Green Holiday December Kick-Off!

Cyndi — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:56:05 +0000

Jennifer at Tree Hugging Family wanted to get everyone into the winter holiday spirit before kicking off December. However, she didn’t just want to post classic Tree Hugging posts. That said, with a little help from the rest of the channel, she rounded up a huge list of killer holiday (and eco-friendly) posts. Thanks so much, Jennifer!

Sit back, browse, read, and linger in the holiday bliss!

Remember, no matter the treat or recipe, you can always green it up by exchanging organic and natural ingredients for conventional.

50 Cute and Tasty Christmas Cookie Ideas

Cherry Dot Cookies

Organic Holiday Cookies!

Hey It’s Sugar Cookie Day - worth it for the pretty snowy cookie image alone.

Bacon Nut Stuffing

Top 10 Turkey Tools

Pumpkin Cheesecake - one of my personal favorite treats.

What Else Is In Your Beer? AND Vegan Beer & Wine - I know beer and wine do not make a meal, but hey, they are treats, and if you have a drink, you may as well get the best.

Don’t forget to green up your holiday crafts by using recycled materials when possible.

Making Festive Ice Wreaths

yo-yo Christmas tree ornaments

Easy Christmas Crafts for the Kids

24 Things To Make - A Crafty Christmas Countdown

Beautiful Christmas Wreath Ideas You Can Create Yourself

Quick and Easy Christmas Wreath Idea - Snowflake Wreath

Homemade Recycled Holiday Luminaries

Embroidered Christmas craft how-tos

Christmas in July Crafts for Kids

Christmas sewing & crafting tips and tricks

Free holiday projects from around the bead-osphere!

Free Holiday Beading Projects

Favorite Christmas tree ornament tutorials, free patterns & ideas

50 Holiday Things You Can Make Yourself

Thrifty Christmas Crafting

Homemade Christmas Ornament Ideas: Pinecones

How to Make a Candy Christmas Wreath

Make Your Own Pop Up Christmas Card

Green up your homemade holiday gifts by using recycled materials and natural and organic ingredients when possible. You can apply this thinking to almost any homemade gift idea.

Homemade Eco Gifts You Can Make for the Holidays!

Fabric Covered Journal Tutorial

How To Make Your Own Bath Salts

A Gift You Can Make With Your Children~ Hot Chocolate Mix Jar

Make Your Own Solar Light!

DIY Eco Chic Soap

Make Your Own Oilcloth Bags

Cheap Christmas Spa Basket Gift - Heating Pads

When it comes to green holiday tips you can do a lot; be a smart consumer, save energy, reuse items, and way more.

Turn Cereal Boxes into Gift Boxes

Green Product Review: Green Christmas Book

Tips on Staying Healthy During the Holidays

Green Christmas Shopping - 3RLiving Exclusive Discount to Unplugged Living - 3R Living has the coolest green gear, and now, you can score it for less.

How To Reduce Your Winter Heating Bill

Weatherization Assistance Programs

Easy ways to save money when gift shopping online (conserve gas, stay at home and shop).

The First Snowfall - A Day for Fun and Quilting Inspiration

Snow! Snow Everywhere!

25 Reasons To Get Outside During Winter

Christmas Tree Coat Stand

Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees

Decorating Your Holiday Table - with the goodness of soy

Christmas Lights

Decorating Your Coffee Table for Christmas

Great Kitty Stocking Stuffers - recycled tins, natural kitty treats!

15 Unique Christmas Gifts - many recycled!

Steal This Christmas Gift Please!

Kitten Christmas Pictures - you know me; NOT a pet fan. So if I’m posting kitten pictures, you can bet your hide they’re flippin’ adorable. Even I was moved.

Best Holiday Books, 2008 - kid friendly! Use the library or share with friends to be extra green with holiday books.

Christmas Party Game Idea - Family Tree

Green Holiday Gift Guide: Great Books for Kids

Holiday Lights Video

[Image via stock.xchng]

Tags: Christmas gifts, Christmas shopping, gift giving guides, holiday gift guide, shopping guide

Gifts for the mixed media art lover

Cyndi — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:39:36 +0000

Don’t know what to buy for that special someone?
Be it a holiday, a birthday, or a housewarming gift, look no further. We have Gift Guides for every type of mixed media art lover on your list!

Tags: Christmas gifts, handmade gifts, holiday gifts, Mixed Media

Tilano’s Transfer Kit

Cyndi — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:00:18 +0000

There are times when you want a perfect image transfer. I know that seems almost like heresy coming from me, the queen of the imperfect (and proud of it!) transfer. Most of the methods that I teach here result in somewhat, shall we say, unpredictable images. And that’s the beauty of the whole image transfer process. If you wanted it perfect, you’d just cut it out and stick it down!

However, even I have to admit that there may be times when cutting it out and sticking it down will not give you the look you’re after. You really do want an image transfer, you just want it to be a really really good one!

Here’s one answer: The Transfer Kit, by Tilano. I played with a kit recently that Randy Orr, the founder, sent to me to try out. If you follow the directions, the results are pretty much fool proof. Whew!

The kit contains special transfer paper and acrylic medium that work together to transfer your image perfectly every time. One thing to note is that you must use either toner copies or laser prints. Inkjets will not work with this transfer paper. Although color copies (again, toner or laser) work, I only had access to a black and white when I did my first test, and it came out great as well. Below, you can see my results, where I applied the transfer to painted and collaged canvas:

Tags: Collage, image-transfers, Mixed Media

These are a few of my favorite things…

Cyndi — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:00:38 +0000

This year, bloggers from around b5Media’s Lifestyles, Health and Wellness channels are giving readers a special surprise. We’ve created a virtual mall to help ease the anxiety of shopping for those on your Christmas list who may be a little more difficult to buy for.

So, kick back and browse this year’s Holiday Gift Guide Shopping Extravaganza!

Cherie from Career and Kids has the perfect list for the business woman/working parent.

Mary Emma from One Book Two Book shares a suggest shopping list for the avid reader and artist on your list.

Everyone knows what to get a jewelry lover - but do you know what to get one who loves to make jewelry? Cyndi at Jewelry and Beading has the answer!

Cherie at Diabetes Notes shares gift ideas to keep those visions of sugar plum fairies dancing for the diabetics on your list.

Chloe at The Doggy Blog shares an adorable wish list as written to Santa Paws.

Christine at Mad Cropper knows how to please those who are crazy about scrapbooking during the holiday season.

Quilters anyone? This unique craft makes for the tougher shopping experience - but that’s so yesterday considering we have a pro in our corner. Let Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork help you pick out the perfect gift.

Angela from Breastfeeding 1-2-3 provides a list of gifts for the breastfeeding mother on your list.

So maybe giving kitchen appliances isn’t the best idea - but what about a cool and unique Cooking Gadget? I’d say you’re bound to surprise the cook on your list with something from Cyndi’s list.

Peggy at Lively Women has put together a list of gift ideas for the health conscious female on your list.

Christine at Our One Heart shares tips and gift ideas to keep that Bride-to-Be happy during the Christmas season.

Tracee at BlogFabulous has put together an amazing store displaying gift ideas for the woman’s woman.

Christmas is for everyone and shopping for an Alzheimer’s patients can present a challenge - allow Mary Emma at Alzheimer’s Notes helps you overcome that challenge and get on to the joys of the season.

Have someone who might be looking to become a little more organized in the new year? Let Jennifer at Declutter It help you give the gift of time and organization.

Do you have a fabric-aholic or a needlehead on your Christmas list? Don’t get them the same old boring sing-song gift - let Chloe at Tangled Thread help you pick the perfect gift.

Unique gift ideas for the mixed media art lover on your list is what Cyndi from Layers UponLayers has on display.

Have an aspiring to advanced chef on your list this year? Cyndi at Busy Family Meals has an extensive list to cover every stage of cooking from beginner to pro.

Eliza has pieced together a shop that covers mom, dad and baby at Babylune. Why leave anyone out?

Heather at The Food Bowl is taking care of pets and their people with a fun list that’s bound to connect you with the perfect gift.

Did someone say chocolate? Heather at Chocolate Bytes did! Our resident chocolate expert has put together the sweetest gift shop you won’t want to miss.

Who says married couples are boring? Check out the letters to Santa as shared by Marc and Marye of MarriageActually and see what might appeal to the married couple on your list.

Jennifer from Tree Hugging Family provides a wonderful list to help you go a little more green this holiday season.

Don’t forget about that single and dating friend or relative! We all know how difficult it can be to buy for them - Lucky for us we have Dating Dames and the Dames have the answers.

It’s never too early to start buying for your favorite gardener and Linette at Mother Earth’s Garden has a wonderful list to help you decide.

Have someone a little offbeat or kooky on your list this year? Let Jennifer of Offbeat Homes help you find the gift that’s spot on.

Linette at Play Library is haring the Best of Toys list this year - check out what’s hot and get to buying! We know how quick those hot toys sell out every year.

Have someone on your list who always hosts the best parties? Surprise that person with a unique gift as recommended by Linette at She Knows Parties!

Marcie from One Book Two Book and A Child Chosen shares a wonderful shopping list she’s broken down by age groups and hobbies.

Whether it’s tea or coffee you are looking for, Marye from Kettle and Cup has unique gift ideas that’s sure to add a little spice to your favorite hot beverage.

Haven’t figured out just how to shop for the junk lover and crafter on your list? Let Peggy from Junk Creation assist you with your selection.

And last but certainly not least, Gayla has compiled a list of MomGadget Favorites - A Year in Review 2008 instead of a storefront for you to shop.

From all of us at Lifestyles - Health & Wellness

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Holiday season, and a wonderful 2009!

Image: Stock.xchng

Tags: Christmas gifts, Christmas shopping, gift giving guides, holiday gift guide, shopping guide

Bead Journal Project: November

Cyndi — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:30:05 +0000

Each month, I’m choosing a fragment of scripture from one of the Psalms and using a heart shape to create a little 4 x 4 inch beaded piece that illustrates the feeling of that verse for me. Here is my piece for November:

Psalm 84:10
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.

Here are all three of my Autumn pages together: September, October, and November

My previous pieces for the Bead Journal Project
Information about the Bead Journal Project
Bead Journal Project blog

Tags: Art Communities, Bead Journal Project, bead-embroidery, beading, beads, bjp