It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we want to celebrate this joyful season with brand-new December publications.  Join us as we welcome back an old favorite, Artists’ Café — a magazine that’s filled with innovative paper crafting and mixed-media projects, and if you need ideas for festive dishes this holiday season, make sure you flip through the pages of Where Women Cook. Also, don’t forget to check out our second installment of Bella Grace, which offers heart-felt narratives, stunning photography, and thought-provoking interactive pages.

We wish you and your families the very best this holiday season! And because we love our blog followers so much, we want to offer you an exclusive promotion. Use the coupon code BLOG1214 at checkout to get $5 off any of our new December issues.

A shared love of food — whether it’s cooking it, talking about it, or eating it — brings people together. In this enriching issue of Where Women Cook, discover fresh, local flavor from Beth Kirby of the cooking blog Local Milk and taste-test food stylist, chef, and columnist Yvette van Boven’s delicious recipes. If you’re craving something sweet, dive into the stunning and scrumptious creations of author Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen and Ileana Saldivia of the award-winning boutique bakery, Sugar Realm.

Roll into 2015 with the latest issue of Take Ten! In this charming edition, you will find original ideas to replicate greeting cards and handmade gifts in 10 minutes or less. Features include results from our Tag and Design Challenges, and 40+ pages of general cards in every color of the rainbow. Discover inspired articles with unique cards including how to make French stationery, use an ink splattering technique, and find creative ways to use Dina Wakley’s “All The Gals” stamp set. You will also be able to learn how to use the same stamp or theme, and carry it through your greeting card collections flawlessly.

This issue of Somerset Studio Gallery features an array of eye-catching, mixed-media creations. Marlene Plasencia’s talent reaches new heights as she uses mechanical bits and bobs to give her canvas a three-dimensional look. A master of combining delicate embellishments with distressed wood, Amy Willcut shares her latest creation made of vintage ephemera, turquoise gemstones, and silver beads. Ella Wilson takes the Christmas spirit to heart and presents her one-of-a-kind advent calendar; individual vintage photographs mark each day of the countdown, making this calendar quite a nostalgic piece of art. Get ready to revel in many other handcrafted designs including colorful selections by Connie Fong, Katie LaClair, and Carmen Whitehead.

Sew Somerset seeks to inspire you this winter with sewn art made from the heart. Melony Miller Bradley shows us how to embrace the spirit of the season with her festive holiday pillows. Explore the time-honored tradition of sending handwritten notes with adorable waxed envelopes; who wouldn’t love receiving a sweet sentiment in a stitched and embellished parcel?  Caterina Giglio expresses her love of the winter solstice and shares how she used gold leaf to illuminate her mixed-media paper quilts. With pages full of new techniques, materials, and handmade projects, this issue of Sew Somerset is sure to be a beacon of creativity as we head into the most wonderful time of the year.

Each 144-page issue is of Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine is overflowing with exciting artisan jewelry projects. This issue features a unique Designer Collection that showcases Tova Lund’s industrial and natural metal jewelry, and we zero in on new techniques and styles, including text jewelry, mixing fabric with stones, working with wood, and finding unlikely uses for polymer clay. Don’t miss an abundance of leaves, flowers, woodland creatures, and more, as we share tips and extravagant pieces from jewelry artist pros like Elizabeth Payne, Stacie Florer, Laura Guenther, Sandy Martin, and Erin Austin.

This stirring 144-page magazine is jam-packed with the best paper crafting and mixed-media projects, as collected from past issues of Somerset Studio, Somerset Apprentice, Sew Somerset, Art Journaling, and Somerset Workshop. In our newest issue of Artists’ Café, metal meets collage on the cover of Karen Cole’s handmade art journal, Lisa Engelbrecht combines her talent for lettering with mixed-media collage, and Pam Carriker builds art around a rubber stamp. Don’t miss how Cathy Bueti sets the mood through the use of stencils and paint, and get the tools and inspiration you’ll need to begin your next creative project.

Unlike anything else, this 160-page book-azine shares thought-provoking narratives that capture life’s beautiful adventure. In our second installment, you can follow along with Emma Tree to gain insights into her inspirational storytelling processes. You will also learn how to start your own daily photography practice. A breath of fresh air, readers share how they welcome simple comforts into their lives, and Editor-in-Chief Christen Hammons disconnects for a weekend and reveals her insights. This issue offers even more journaling space for readers to record their own thoughts and responses, as well as unparalleled inspiration for discovering magic in the ordinary.

Art Quilting Studio magazine provides a playful and informative forum where quilt enthusiasts from all walks of life can share techniques, ideas, and inspiration. Our newest issue features the vibrant, texture-filled art quilts of Sue Barton in the Artist Showcase, the edgy mixed-media collage art quilt of Janice Paine Dawes, and Tünde Juhasz’s hand-doodled art quilt that’s covered in hundreds of whimsical lines, shapes, and patterns. You also will not want to miss how Asya Lesly pays tribute to Mother Nature with her 7-foot-long quilt, “One Hot Mama.”

Your Chance to Win One of Our December Issues!

[This giveaway has ended.]

We’re giving away brand-new December issues to THREE lucky winners! Simply follow these steps to enter for your chance to win:

1) Click on your favorite spread above.

2) Pin or “Like” that particular issue.

3) If you pinned to Pinterest, share the link in the comments section below. If you “liked” on Facebook, tag us so we can see.

4) If you don’t have Facebook or Pinterest, please comment below and tell us which issue you find most appealing and why.

*Winners are selected at random and will be contacted via email. *$5 off discount applies to purchases of any of the following 2014 December issues only: Art Quilting Studio, Belle Armoire Jewelry, Sew Somerset, Take Ten, Somerset Studio Gallery, Where Women Cook, and Bella Grace. Discount code can be used only one time per customer, and expires 12/31/14. Contest is open to U.S. residents and ends 12/31/14 at 11:59pm.

Congratulations to Our Glimpse Inside Winners for the Month of November:

Luz Rubianes, Kelly Paquet, and Judy Hall

Congratulations to our Caption Contest with a Twist Winner:

JoRene Byers

“14. My hands — to hold my beloveds with — for hugging and touching and connecting — love makes me hold the world differently, always.”

~Madelyn Mulvaney from Bella Grace; Click here to read the full article.

Happy Thanksgiving, from all of us at Stampington & Company, to you and yours!

We never get tired of saying how much we love our blog subscribers. We’re thankful for each and every one of you who visit us here at Somerset Place. To show you our gratitude for sharing your time, opinions, and creativity with us, we want to give you all a very special gift.

Click here to download the free article, “The Art of the Gratitude List” by Madelyn Mulvaney that originally appeared in the premiere issue of Bella Grace. This interactive gratitude list will get you in the perfect mood for Thanksgiving. Simply download the article, print it out, and fill in the blank spaces with your own list of things you’re grateful for.

We’re happy to announce the return of a very talented guest artist. Cat Kerr, who shared with us a darling Shadowbox Project earlier this year, is back to teach us how to make her stunning recycled ATC gift tags. These creative and colorful tags are easy to make, and they’re here just in time for the holidays! Make your own with Cat’s step-by-step instructions, and add a special touch to any gift packaging. These tags are so unique that we’re sure your gift recipients will love them just as much as the present itself, and will keep them for inspiration all year round. Grab your paper scraps, paints, and stamps — and let’s get started.

~*~

Making trades (a small piece of art to giveaway during an art retreat) is a great way to meet new people and get your name out there at the same time.  I recently made some to hand out during the “Art Is You” Art Retreat. My trades were simple Artist Trading Cards (ATC). I had a lot of fun making them, plus they were a great way to network because I stamped my name and website information on the back of each one. When I came home, I had a wonderful assortment of art trades from other creative souls as well as some of my leftover ATC cards. While trying to figure out what to do with my leftover cards, I realized that I would soon be packaging up some holiday gifts, so I decided to turn my Artist Trading Cards into one-of-a-kind gift tags.  

Recycled ATC Tags Project Materials:

-Modge Podge (Adhesive) –Gesso -Pencil –Acrylic Paint –Paint Brushes –Stencil Brushes –Burlap Stencil –Stamps –Ink –Rub-On Words –Hole Punch –Palette Knife –Pens –Gift Box –Ribbon & Trim  

Recycled ATC Tags Project by Cat Kerr:

Step 1 – Using Modge Podge or another strong adhesive, glue some telephone text onto 2-1/2 x 3-1/2” stencil board, and then cover it in a thin layer of Deco Art Gesso.

Step 2 – Next, cover the card in a watery layer of acrylic paint (I use Deco Art Fluid Paint) and once dry, add some additional colors using a stencil brush and burlap stencil (you can use any stencil you like to add depth and contrast).

Step 3 – When the paint is dry, use a palette knife and some gesso to make lines, and a pencil eraser to add circles.

Step 4 – Wait until your gesso is dry, and then stamp an image onto your card. Add more circles, this time using a thin sharpie. You can also apply some rub-on words and a few small dots using the tip of a pencil for a little added interest.

Step 5 – Lastly, apply color to the edges of the card using a palette knife and some splattered black paint.

Step 6 – Using a 2” scalloped punch, cut out your gift tags. You can use any punch you have on hand, just make sure they’re a good size.

Step 7 – Next, punch a 1/8” hole into the tags and add an eyelet. The eyelet will protect the tag from tearing.

Step 8 – Mix up two equal parts of clear resin with a Popsicle stick and according to the manufacturer’s instructions (I use Amazing Clear Cast). Once your resin is ready, add it to the center of the tag and spread it out to the sides, and then let it cure.

Step 9 – Once cured, paint some liquid pearls onto the scalloped edges of the tag and add a new word rub-on. When the paint is dry, add another layer of resin.

Step 10 – Use matching colors to paint a few Paper Whimsy wooden keys. Finish the keys off with some Inka Gold.

Step 11 – Cover a simple brown box with trim, sari ribbon, and your new handmade tags. These sweet treats are ready to give away to that special someone!

 ~*~

Thank you so much, Cat Kerr, for giving us such a wonderful project tutorial. Who wouldn’t love receiving such a beautifully packaged gift? We hope this post has inspired you all to go out and create your very own gift tags.

Want more creative ideas? Don’t forget to visit Cat Kerr’s blog: In the Light of the Moon

See More of Cat Kerr’s Work in Somerset Memories

Featuring amazing scrapbook pages, stunning journals, mixed-media memory art created from family heirlooms, plus eight free sheets of scrapbook paper, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for preserving your own memories in Somerset Memories. Plus this autumn issue features darling memory art pins created by Cat Kerr.

The world of artful blogging is simply amazing. From wildly popular authentic living spaces to digital studios that offer artists a place to showcase their work, there are many different types of creative blogs on the internet. More importantly, in my opinion, there’s a strong sense of community, which helps to nurture and strengthen artists from all walks of life. Today we’re shinning the spotlight on a very special person, Danielle Mohler, the editor of Artful Blogging.

Grab your notes, your camera, and get ready for a little inspiration — please join me in giving Danielle a warm Somerset Place welcome.

~*~

~Photograph by Kim Klassen

Like many people, my day-to-day life follows a routine that rarely changes. On weekdays, I wake up and stumble to the kitchen to turn on the coffee pot before spending a few moments with my kitty, Holly Golightly, who sure likes to talk in the morning; that is, until her food bowl is replenished. Over the next hour, I get dressed, make lunch, and head off to work. Even at the office, I have a routine: I warm up whatever is left of my coffee and make breakfast while my computer turns on. I am not a morning person, but I sure do love those first few moments at work sipping coffee and catching up with my favorite bloggers. It sets the tone for my day and surrounds me with creative inspiration. In my line of work, this inspiration is crucial.

~Photograph by  Anetta Bosakova and Stephanie Dahlsrud

I have been an editor at Stampington & Company for about two years now, having the opportunity to manage a few of our titles. Each publication is a thrill to work on, but the newest one I manage also warms my heart. My first issue of Artful Blogging hit newsstands at the beginning of this month. As I put together the issue, I was amazed at the bloggers, the stories they shared, and their outstanding photography. Many of them told stories about their blogging journey, their longing for perfection, and their misconstrued concepts about photography.

~Photograph by Jesi Haack

One thing I love about blogging is its vulnerability. My favorite blogs are the ones showcasing the flops, mistakes, and errors along with the successes. They show me the importance of laughing off blunders, instead of getting bent out of shape. After following blogs for a while, I feel as if I know the bloggers. I look forward to new posts and sympathize with them during hard times. It’s a magical experience where you travel with them through their highs and lows all from your own computer. Sometimes this means saying goodbye, when a blogger decides it’s time to take a step back and re-evaluate priorities. It can feel like losing a friend.

~Photograph by Krisha Hinkle

The desire to be flawless spills over into every aspect of life, including blogging. Often, bloggers strive for the best stories and photographs in each blog post to attract more and more followers. This issue of Artful Blogging features inspiring bloggers who have risen above this idea of perfection. I think Krisha Hinkle sums it up just right (p. 80): “These days, I measure the success of my blog by how little time I spend perfecting it.”

~Photograph by Beth McWilliams

So many things in life can’t be controlled no matter how hard we try. Perfection is merely an idea that can never actually be attained because, at the end of the day, we are all human. When I truly consider it, I believe life would be quite boring if everyone was perfect. The quirky details and hairy back stories make for interesting people. Even though I majored in English in college, I still misspell a word every now and then, and that’s OK. Instead of aiming for perfection, I have learned to enjoy imperfections. Nowadays, my goal is to take each day at face value. I can’t wait to see where this new mindset takes me.

~*~

~Photograph by Courtney Kennedy

Who hasn’t dreamed of starting their very own blog and reaching across time and space to touch the lives of complete strangers? If you’ve considered it, maybe it’s time to start! Thank you to Danielle Mohler for sharing a bit of your insight into the world of authentic and artful blogging.

Use Code BLOG1114 to get $5 off Artful Blogging

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking photos and captivating stories of some of the world’s most creative bloggers in this issue of Artful Blogging — and because we love our blog readers, you can get $5 off the winter issue.

Art dolls are such a unique way to express creativity, but they can be a little intimidating — especially when you don’t even know what a ball-joint is. That’s what attracted me so much to Connie Fong’s little stuffed dolls. Their assemblage is straight forward and simple enough, while their actual presentation leaves space for trying out and showing off artistic technique. After finding these charming dolls on Connie’s blog, I was very excited to invite her to become a guest artist for Somerset Place. You can only imagine how overjoyed I was when she agreed!

Now, without further ado, please help me welcome the extraordinarily talented Connie Fong to our creative corner of the internet.

~*~

I’ve dabbled in most creative areas including jewelry, art journaling, paper dolls, sewing, scrapbooking, and card making; however, I recently just started making dolls. I always thought painting faces was going to be a challenge, so I never pursued this area until I took a wonderful class with mixed-media artist, Danita. After taking her class, I made several dolls and gained the confidence I needed to pursue further doll making; that’s when I signed up for Mindy Lacefield’s class on Primitive Portraits. I love Mindy’s style and her online classes are great — she takes you step-by-step, gives helpful tips, and she shares what supplies she likes to use. I took her style and added my own touch and turned my drawings into these stuffed dolls.

Stuffed Canvas Dolls Material List:

Canvas Fabric or White Duck Cloth Fabric
White Gesso
Multi-Media Paper
Canvas Photo Paper (This paper can be purchased at most office supply stores)
Ink Jet Printer
Watercolors
Paint Brushes
Acrylic Paint
Soft Lead Pencil (9B)
Stabilo Pencil
Blending Stump
Tissue Paper (I used Metro Tissue Paper)
Adhesive (I used Mod Podge)
Sewing Machine
Black Thread
Polyfil
Small Embellishments

Stuffed Canvas Dolls Project Tutorial by Connie Fong:

There are two methods I use to create these stuffed dolls. One method is to draw and paint the doll directly onto the canvas fabric and the other is to draw and paint onto some mixed-media paper and then transfer the image onto canvas photo paper using a printer. Personally, I prefer the second method because then you can reuse your original doll image over and over again for different purposes, such as making other stuffed dolls or taking the image and using it on a greeting card or art journal. I’ll take you through the steps for each method.

Method One – Drawing/Painting Stuffed Canvas Dolls Directly onto Duck Cloth Fabric or Canvas Fabric

Step 1 – Cut a rectangular piece of duck cloth fabric about 8 inches tall and 5-1/2 inches wide (you can also use Canvas Fabric).

Step 2 – Paint some white gesso over the center portion of the fabric where you will be drawing the doll, and let dry before continuing.

Step 3 – Once dry, use a soft lead pencil to draw an oval for the face. Pencil in the eyes, nose and mouth, then draw the neck and body.

Step 4 – Next, watercolor the face. Try to blend the colors and add some shading and depth by making the edges of the face darker and lightening the color towards the center.

Step 5 – Use black acrylic paint to fill in the eyes, eye lids, and brows.  Use a very tiny brush and some magenta acrylic paint and color in the lips. Use watercolor to fill in the neck and arms. Don’t forget to create some shading under the neck and on the sides of the arms. Also, paint over the entire dress area, creating shading on the top and sides of the dress. Finally, outline the lower half of the face, neck and arms with the Stabilo pencil to create a darker line. If the line is too bold, you can soften it with a blending stump.

Step 6 – To paint the hair, use a small bristle paint brush — the stiffer the better. Paint the doll’s hair with acrylic paint using light strokes around the head.

Step 7 – When the paint is dry, cut out a square piece of Metro tissue paper that’s slightly larger than the dress area. Lay the tissue paper on top of the dress area and trace the shape of the dress with a pencil. Cut the tissue paper accordingly and adhere the tissue onto the fabric with Mod Podge or glue ( you can see an example of this in method two).

Method Two – Drawing/Painting Stuffed Canvas Doll onto Multi-Media Paper

Step 1 – Follow the same steps as method one to draw and paint the doll, except this time paint directly onto multi-media paper. Don’t worry, multi-media paper is sturdy enough to hold watercolor and acrylic paint.

Step 2 – Once you’re done drawing and painting your doll and adding the Metro tissue paper for the dress, you’re ready to copy the image onto canvas photo paper. Insert the canvas photo paper into your inkjet printer as if it was regular paper, following manufacturer’s directions.

Step 3 – Photocopy your original image onto the canvas photo paper.

Finishing your Stuffed Canvas Dolls:

Step 1 – Once you have your image painted onto fabric, using the method of your choosing, you’re ready to create the stuffed doll.

Step 2 – Lay some blank canvas fabric underneath your doll image and sew around the image, creating a pocket and leaving the bottom portion open. I personally like sewing around the image twice using black thread, it adds dimension and a decorative touch.

Step 3 – Trim the excess fabric, leaving approximately a quarter of an inch edge. Stuff the doll with polyfil, and once fully stuffed, sew the bottom of the doll closed.

Step 4 – Finish your doll with embellishments such as buttons, ribbons, flowers, or anything else you want.

I hope you try your hand at making one of these dolls; you’ll be surprised by how easy it is! Also, thank you, Mindy, for providing me inspiration with those primitive portraits.

~*~

Thank you so much, Connie Fong, for the great tutorial. These little stuffed dolls would make great stocking stuffers or even Christmas tree ornaments. You could make one in the likeness of each member of your family, or gift them to creative friends. I think they would be darling on a baby mobile!

We’d love to know how you would use them — let us know in the comment section below.

Don’t forget to visit Connie Fong on her blog: ArtfulPlay

See More of Connie Fong’s Work in Somerset Studio Gallery

Somerset Studio Gallery is filled with hundreds of samples of extraordinary artwork presented up close and in detail. Whether your passion is rubber stamping, calligraphy, or paper crafting, this latest issue of Gallery features everything you love about Somerset Studio including more of Connie Fong’s unique artwork.