Moving into a new home is a big and exciting step in anyone’s life. Say “congratulations” to that special someone with a personalized card to show how much you care.

Housewarming Cards Project Tutorial:

Kraft cards are all the rave right now, and we’ve got an eco-friendly and wallet friendly way to make your own.  Vanessa simply cut down old Kraft file folders into card sizes to use for this project. Feel free to customize/cut the cards to whatever size you need; Vanessa’s are approximately 4 x 5″. On each card, stamp the three different house backgrounds from Susan Pagnucci’s Neighborhood Stamp Line using white gesso or white acrylic paint and then allow them to dry.

Using various colors of StazOn Ink, stamp the outlined Neighborhood stamps over the house backgrounds. The shapes were designed to coordinate together, and layering the backgrounds with the regular houses in different colors of ink will really make them “pop.”

Stamp part of the housewarming sayings with Cavallini Mini Lowercase Alphabet stamps and then add some chitchat word stickers to complete the sayings and quotes.

Pair your handmade cards with baked goods or another fun, housewarming gift to delight friends and family when they move.

Materials Used:

The Neighborhood Collection Two Clearly Impressed Stamp Sets by Susan Pagnucci

 

Perfect to accompany your cards: The newest issue of Somerset Home promises to deliver endless home décor ideas and awe-inspiring ways to creatively renovate living spaces.

Click here to peek inside.

A big thank you to Vanessa Spencer for stopping by Somerset Place to share this easy housewarming card DIY with us!

 

Click here to find more inspiring home décor projects.

“Tiny stitches, a steady hand, and meticulous work are the elements that bring fabric to life – I love that these primitive pieces pay special attention to the finest of details.”

– Stampington & Company Publisher, Kellene Giloff

From petite feet to polka-dotted legs and hand-sewn embellishments, it’s no secret that the smallest details make a big impact on the eyes when it comes to art. Join us today as we uncover techniques and tips that focus on the detail in doll making.

Tips from the Pros:

“These animals have painted details giving them their defining characteristics.” – Cathy Pendleton

“Nothing goes to waste – every little textile scrap is reworked again and again.” – Viv Sliwka

“It’s so important to use colors and textures that you are drawn to. Have fun mixing up colors and patterns. I never try to match anything – the fun is the crazy mix!” – Catherine Zacchino

“All these thoughts were running through my mind as I was creating these rabbits. Right then and there, I knew I was creating these treasured memories from my past. Each stitch I made now had a purpose – three generations of women knit tightly together.” – Barb Moore

“Used clothing stores, thrift shops, and antique stores are a treasure trove for fabric. You can always change the color or antique the fabric with fabric dye, tea, or coffee.” – Candice Wirth

“…I decided to dabble in papier-mâché. I love how the gel medium gives a whole new life to my little friends.” – Colleen Moody

“To give dolls a slightly grungy look, lightly rub the doll’s body, as well as the clothes, with coffee. You can choose how grungy you want the doll by simply adding more or less coffee.” – Cheryl Foster

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Are you new to primitive doll making, or are you completely devoted to the craft? No matter your level, glimpse inside the new issue of Prims, for tons of inspiration. We’ve got tattered, weathered, and worn dolls and lovely clay and cloth creations – there’s no secret that this issue’s art will warm your heart and inspire your own creativity.

Whether you art journal, stitch and sew, or solder jewelry, how do you add detail to your artwork? Comment below:

I’m excited to share this month’s new publications with you. From beautiful bezel jewelry to stunning mixed-media pieces by Angela Cartwright, we’ve got something for everyone inside each issue. Follow along with me as I open up the pages and glimpse inside.

Are you a blog subscriber? Here’s your exclusive promo code to receive $5 off any March title of your choice. Copy and paste the discount code BLOG0314 when prompted at checkout. (Discount code can be used only one time per customer.)

Belle Armoire Jewelry

Shiny and new: We roll out a set of stunning silver rings, shell hair pieces and bracelets, and cuffs galore in this spring-friendly issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry. Look for detailed tutorials on silk wraparound bracelets and wooden rings, and feast your eyes on a set of beautiful bezel necklaces. Make yourself heard with statement rings that will stand out from across the room, and absorb bold, innovative ideas from many jewelers new to the pages of Belle Armoire Jewelry.

Somerset Apprentice

In this exciting issue of Somerset Apprentice, we present beautiful layered collages by Jennifer Taylor, Christy Tomlinson, Mindy Lacefield, Kate Crane, and others. Our From the Pros section reveals tips and tricks from successful artists like Junelle Jacobson, Bebe Butler, Joanne Sharpe, and Dawn Sokol with a peek into their creative processes. Whether you want to learn the fundamentals of creating Somerset-esque artwork or simply perfect what you already know, this edition is guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing.

Somerset Digital Studio

Our Spring 2014 issue of Somerset Digital Studio is filled with art from a diverse group of talented artists that share their secrets about creative mobile photography, how to use filters, liquefy, burn, and many more great techniques. We’re proud to announce Susan Tuttle as our new technical advisor, whose expertise in the digital arena is unparalleled. Artists Louise Robinson, Beth Conklin, Ingrid Pomeroy, Rebecca McMeen, Donna Goar, and other favorites are also back with beautiful art to share.

Somerset Studio

Being the leading mixed-media magazine on the market, we’re always looking for the most innovative artists and new techniques to keep our content fresh and interesting. This issue of Somerset Studio includes an extensive tutorial on woodburning and dimensional projects that will stun. You won’t want to miss an Artist Portfolio capturing the minimal work of Cathy Cullis or stunning lineage paintings by Angela Cartwright. In addition to technique, this issue also satisfies your creative curiosity with a peak at the screening of Indie Kindred and behind-the-scenes glimpse at the Serendipity Retreat.

Take Ten

Get into the spirit of spring with the newest issue of Take Ten! With nearly 300 stamped projects featuring quick and easy techniques, everyone is sure to find something inspiring in our Spring 2014 issue. This round features the stunningly gorgeous cards of Guest Artist Caroline Stuart; you definitely won’t want to miss out on her skillful inking and unique embellishments! Additionally, we share a variety of inspiring articles and techniques, including those featuring our favorite details such as mica, felt, vintage ephemera, and hand-carved images.

Where Women Cook

Ever wonder where someone who is constantly in the public eye curls up to indulge in a bit of comfort food? This issue reveals the beautiful kitchen and secret recipes of celebrity chef Kelsey Nixon from The Cooking Channel. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of private chef Kirstin Uhrenholdt. Filled with delicious photography from start to finish, Where Women Cook also shares the stories of Tara Steele, owner and chef of Royers Café, blogger Alice Currah of Savory Sweet Life, and founder of Heilala Vanilla, Jennifer Boggis.

Your Chance to Win!

We’re giving away one brand-new March title to one lucky winner! 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 which issue you find most appealing and why.

Good luck! With Somerset Place love,

*Winner is selected at random and will be contacted via email. *$5 off discount applies to purchases of any of the following (March ’14 titles) issues: WWK, JWL, TEN, SOM, DIG, APP. Discount code can be used only one time per customer and expires 03/31/14. Contest is open to U.S. residents and ends 03/31/14 at 11:59pm.

Stroll down the cobblestone streets of Paris and join our French Flea Market buyers Corey Amaro and Toma Haines. Today they share gorgeous, authentic pieces uncovered straight from the outdoor markets of France –  including lavish pink and lace ribbons, vintage French ephemera, antique tins, delicate baby bonnets and porcelain floral bowls to name a few.

Blast from the past: They’ve already been sold, but we’ll have more just like them coming soon – antique French café tins are perfect to display as home décor or use as storage for your art and craft supplies.

Next in our assembly of French finds, discover handmade grubby tags, wrapped with blue ribbon and vintage, French ephemera for you to use in paper crafting, card making, or gift wrapping projects.

These gorgeous, French baby bonnets are stitched with lace and lots of love. They can be displayed as beautiful nursery décor or as a pretty prop in photography.

Roman numeral antique enamel embellishments and ephemera can be used in paper crafting and mixed-media projects. Click here to browse our collection of French ephemera. A picture says a thousand words, and so do the pages from this antique photograph album with lovely artistic detail.

Save now: For more French Flea Market finds, click here to discover our gallery of eclectic and breath-taking treasures at discounted prices.

About our French Flea Market buyers:

~ Corey Amaro

It’s been twenty five years that I’ve lived in France because I married a Frenchman, who I met while dancing in San Francisco. Now, two children later, I have what I like to call the “Brocante Bug” which means antiquing is my cure. France can do me no wrong when it comes to treatment. I’m related to half the population in Willows, California. I like to travel on a moment’s notice and write whatever strikes a chord.

~ Toma Haines

She is a champagne connoisseur, a vintage Chanel addict and her hobbies include driving fast cars and gourmet cooking. Traveling extensively, she divides her time between her home in Berlin, Germany with her husband and cat and traveling in other countries – France, England, Belgium, Holland, Italy,  Germany, and more.

The dreaded artist’s block. It happens to all of us – no matter what level – but there are some great ways to defeat it! Please welcome some of the most well-known artists in the industry as they share their secrets on how to overcome a creative block and stay inspired.

#1) Think about good things

It helps to focus on the good things that have happened and keep track of them so you can look back and be inspired.

Discover this “Journaling the Good Things” tutorial by Roben-Marie Smith

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#2) Discover a ritual for your soul

Every morning I awaken at around 5 a.m. I make myself a French press of coffee while the early light glimmers through my windows. This time alone is vital for my soul’s well-being ~ my daily rituals give me space for my creative spirit to lean into awakenings. The house is cathedral quiet and uncommonly beautiful ~ a lovely way to begin the day.  The gift of space and solitude.  Then…I gather up my three crazy dogs and hike up the mountain, return back home and make myself a massive bowl of Irish oatmeal. (The breakfast of poets!)

~ Madelyn Mulvaney, contributing writer for Somerset Life

***

#3) Focus on just the essentials

For me the tip is to “focus” on one part of the project that can be completed in two or three small steps in just a minute. For example, when I was designing a new line of dies for Sizzix, I got completely overwhelmed with the possibilities. So, I collected myself, picked one design idea, created a few drawings, added my favorite sentiment, chose the colors, and then I was done. The completion of this one design concept then led me to the second, then third, and so on until pretty soon I had enough designs for two or three lines.

I believe that artist block comes from too much inspiration, too many ideas and endless possibilities. I don’t believe that very many of us ever have a moment when we cannot think of one more thing to create!

~ Jo Packham, Where Women Cook

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 #4) Venture outside

When I have an artist block, I make myself a cup of French Press coffee, add nice heavy cream and head outside to either walk around my farm and soak up/breathe deep the garden places or I’ll venture to the baby goat yard and sit and watch them play.

~ Lylah Ledner, Where Women Create Business

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#5) Spring clean and browse books

There are several ways I beat artist block. The first (and easiest) is to clean my studio. Inevitably, during the cleaning process I will come across something that inspires me to make art. If that fails, I browse through art books and I am back to creating before I know it.

~ Mary Beth Shaw, author of “Flavor for Mixed Media”

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#6) Show up and paint anyways

My approach to defeating my block is a good balance of showing up in my studio and painting anyways as well as taking time away to spend time walking my two poodles. They continue to remind me to stay in the present moment. Once I am able to still my mind, magic finds its way to me.

~ Mindy Lacefield, published in Art Journaling

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#7) Be gentle with yourself

The block likes to come and go at will, which can be so frustrating! It’s nice to have some tips and tricks in your bag to help beat it. I am gentle with myself when the block comes. Instead of forcing something out that doesn’t want to be seen just yet, I try and enjoy a little time outside of the studio. It’s amazing what a day of nurturing your creative spirit can do for creativity… Often, it’s just enough to rekindle that spark again. I love long walks in the fresh air to clear my mind. Another favorite is breaking out my camera to help focus in on the goodness that surrounds.

~ Mary Wangerin, published in Artful Blogging Winter 2014

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#8) Re-organize your workspace

I like to re-organize my workspace. I find that I’m often inspired as I sort through my projects and products and unearth things that have been buried. When my space is clean it’s also inviting to begin something new!

~ Pam Carriker, columnist for Art Journaling, and contributing artist for Somerset Studio

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#9) Doodle for fun

The way to beat artist block is to jump in and do something creative – other than what you are working on – and for me that is often doodling.  Make something because it’s fun. Draw or splat paint for the fun of it.

~ Vanessa Valencia, published in Somerset Life

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#10) Rest and refresh

I encounter artist block when I am burnt out and tired, so that means it’s time to rest, rest, rest! I take lots of naps, watch movies, curl up with a good book or listen to some inspiring music. The hardest part is knowing the creativity will come back, it just needs time. I always panic and worry “what if this time I never create again!”, but I always do.

~ Claudine Hellmuth

Thank you to all of the artists who shared their secrets for conquering the dreaded artist’s block!

How do you beat your artist’s block? Comment below to share your creative cure.