Another background piece for the collaboration New Ground that I created last week when Liz and I were working in the studio together. I really do love the Overmarble and how effective it is in creating dimension. This is a simple Waved Vertical Gel Git on top of another Waved Vertical Gel Git. I simply LOVE that green which I will never see again as I mixed it up on the fly using leftover paints. I only have a vague idea of what's in it. Size is 13" x 20". Paper is Arches.
Three Elements ~ One Piece
A background piece I created last week for the New Ground collaboration. The three elements in here are a Spanish Marble (1) with an Italian Vein (2) Overmarble (3). Size is 13" x 20". Printed on Arches.
Welcome to the New Site!
Hello Blog Subscribers and visitors! Welcome to the new BarbSkoog.com ~ a fresh website design to go with my new logo! Many thanks to those of you who had to re-subscribe to my blog. I'm thrilled to have you along for the ride ~ again!
My friend, Liz, was in the studio with me last week as we continued to work on our collaboration, New Ground, and I wanted to share a few work-in-progress pictures. This session focused mostly on working with the masks we have been creating that are inspired by cultural patterns and designs. These masks are then applied to paper or fabric and marbled. The resulting white space is yet another area for us to work in.
The pieces below are all on paper (Arches or Texoprint) and measure 20" x 25."
Liz works her magic on a marbled Native American-inspired geometric pattern.
A marbled Islamic-inspired geometric pattern.
A marbled India-inspired design.
Uppercase Magazine "Inserts"
Last week, I teased you about the special project I was working on by posting a photo of papers I said were marbled backgrounds. The next step was to overmarble those backgrounds and here are some of them drying in the sun:
These little gems are for the next issue of Uppercase Magazine, which is inserting the work of featured artists into it. And while all 4,500 subscribers won’t be getting one of my inserts, a lucky 150 will!
In my case, these aren’t simply “inserts.” Each marbled paper is an original piece of art, signed and numbered. They measure 4″x6″ and are on a lovely, creamy, soft 100% cotton rag paper that I am so in love with. (I don’t know the brand…I got a ton of it on a closeout and sadly I’ll never find it again.)
There’s a part of me that is having a hard time letting go of these beauties. I had a magnificent three days in the studio making them and got sort of attached. But I’m also excited to know that they are going to new homes, especially to those of Uppercase Magazine readers.
Uppercase Magazine
I am THRILLED beyond thrilled to announce that I will be in the next issue of Uppercase Magazine coming out in April!
The most recent issue of Uppercase is about textile and fiber arts ~ contemporary weavers, quilters, fabric designers, and more!
Uppercase Magazine has been one of my favorites since it launched in 2009. Gorgeously printed, beautifully laid out, with well-written features, the quarterly magazine is "for the creative and curious." It is eye and soul candy for inspiration! Whenever an issue arrives, I always, always, always pour a glass of wine and sit in my favorite comfy chair and indulge in every page.
A peek inside the current issue of Uppercase Magazine.
The theme of the April issue is printmaking. And since marbling is a type of printmaking called monoprint ~ or aqueous monoprint, as it is sometimes referred to ~ I submitted some samples of my work and a write up about marbling and my process to the editor of Uppercase. I didn't have high hopes of being included in the issue ~ after all, it is an international magazine with a subscription base of 4,000 AND there are so many great printmakers out there! So when the editor contacted me and said I would be included in the issue, I was overjoyed and so honored.
The pringmaking issue (Spring #25) will be out in April. You can get a $15 discount off subscriptions with the code "imaprintmaker." Sales for individual copies will be available after the issue comes out.
Happy Mistake
Believe it or not, these started out as a horrible mistake in the tank ~ wrong colors for an overmarble AND I needed more transparent paint otherwise it looked liked a blooby mess. But this is what I love about marbling: it's so forgiving. A last-minute tweak (tossed in the turquoise) and capturing the image on plain, creamy paper and suddenly I've gone from wrong to oh-so-right!
Today in the Studio
Today was spent marbling backgrounds for overmarbles for a special project I can't wait to tell you about!
Back at it: Marbled Leaves
Still one of my favorite things to marble on: leaves.
![IMG_20150105_165840[1]](https://barbskoog.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/leavesflat.jpg)
Journal Sale!
I have a few things left over from the Holiday Boutique at SPACE Arts Center and over the next couple of weeks, I'll be having some pop-up sales as I clean out the studio to make room for new work. Kicking things off with the few remaining journals ~ 25% off with coupon code JOURNAL25! Bop on over and check out 'em out at barbskoog.bigcartel.com.
January Header: Rippling Beauty
Happy New Year! I want to thank everyone who stopped by this blog in 2014 and shared with me the joys of marbling and my marbling adventures. Your comments, emails, purchases, and ongoing support fuel my desire to "bring marbling to the masses," and I am honored to have you join me on the journey. I have so many amazing things planned for 2015 so hang on...this is going to be one heck of a ride! This month's header comes from this piece of marbled fabric:
It had never occurred to me to try the Spanish marble, a centuries-old traditional pattern, on fabric before I took my Alternative Marbling class from Elin Noble last spring. I don't know why I hadn't done it before because now I think it's one of the more beautiful patterns to do on fabric. And then when the talented Jeanie Joe got a hold of this particular piece and turned it into a stunning purse, well, I was blown away.
Marbling on fabric is much more time intensive than marbling on paper ~ there is more prep work and a lengthy post-marbling curing process that needs to be done to make sure the paint stays on the fabric. I will be offering one or two (depending on demand) fabric marbling classes this year. If you're interested, be sure to sign up for my eNewsletter to get the latest updates on class announcements.
{The Envelope Clutch above, Rippling Beauty, is available for purchase in my online store.}
Fun with Clay Flower Pots
I do enjoy the craft side of marbling. Especially at the end of a long, busy week when all you want to do is chill out and make something pretty without the pressure to produce something for your portfolio or to impress a curator or persuade an editor to feature you.
Sometimes, a girl just wants to have fun.
Work in Progress: Creating the Supporting Background
I am working on two projects where the featured piece needs to be supported by a strong but unobtrusive background. This is new territory for me as far as incorporating marbling into the process. I'm excited to be experimenting, especially with new materials and techniques, but I'm also feeling out of my element and therefore incredibly novice and, quite frankly, stupid. But what the heck...you only live once! Some shots from one of the projects:
There are a few more layers I have in my head that I want to add here but I'll be taking baby steps with those. I'll share the process along the way. Stay tuned. Who knows what will happen!
New to the Shop: the Madison Wristlet!
Just added to the shop: the Madison Wristlet, named after my sweet niece who is proof that the awesomest things come in small packages! This versatile wristlet is the perfect go-to for your on-the-go, hands-free needs. Or carry it in your purse as a wallet and then pull it out when you just need the basics!
The Madison Wristlet is large enough to hold most phones and the perfect size for your lip gloss, keys, and more. There is also a zipper drop pocket on the inside to keep your credit cards and cash safe and secure.
$45 + shipping (and tax, where applicable).
The Lizzie Zipper Pouch
Just added to the shop: the Lizzie Zipper Pouch, named after my dear friend Liz Kalloch (whom I've been collaborating with all summer). Because who doesn't want something cute named after them?!!
New Clutches, Purses, and Accent Pillows in the Store
The day is FINALLY here!!! I'm so excited to let you know that the shop has been updated with a whole new round of amazing clutches, purses, totes, and ACCENT PILLOWS!! All are made from my hand-marbled fabric in collaboration with the ridiculously talented LA fashion designer Jeanie Joe.
New items include the Mini-Barb Purse, Envelope purses, and totes.
And of course we restocked the store with the ever-popular Veronica Clutch and Nina Coin Purse.
And next week I'll unveil TWO new purse designs...so stay tuned. In the mean time, for more eye candy, check out the store!!