Simple Things

Thoughts from Melanie Rothschild

Are you one of those people who have a tendency to make things more complicated than they really are? Do you find yourself adding more and more to your mixed-media art only to find that you like the piece even less than you did early on in the creative process? In this guest post, Melanie Rothschild explains how taking a simple approach can be both a gift, and a place for growth. Plus, you’ll find out how watermelon and feta cheese fit into the picture.

Obscuring Text in Art Journals

from stART Journaling

Finding ways to hide the text in an art journal can be fun experiments with collage elements, altered paper, painting and more. Here are two more obscuring text techniques to add to your creative toolbox, one from the new art journal workbook, stART Journaling, and a bonus from Mixed Media Revolution.

iPhoneography with David Hayes

The App-ter Project

This isn’t your typical iPhoneography post. In his new “App-ter Project,” David takes one image, a simple photo of a flower, and uses forty different iPhoneography apps to create forty unique images. This post shows you the first four images of those forty. Prepare to be amazed at how different these images really are.

Artist Spotlight

Serena Barton

Mixed media artist, Serena Barton is the author of Wabi-Sabi Art Workshop and teaches art workshops. But there’s more to Serena than just that. In this artist profile, find out where Serena would time-travel, what her guilty pleasure is, what project she’s working on now and about the magical garment she wears.

Design Demystified: Dots

with Andrew Borloz

In a new series of visual explorations, artists and designer, Andrew Borloz explains designs elements and principles that can add a major visual impact to your art journal, paintings, photography and more. This first post explores dots, a small but powerful design element.

Now Available in the Shop

Mixed Media Storytelling Workbook

Everyone’s got a story to tell. Isn’t it time you told yours? The Mixed Media Storytelling Workbook is ready and available to help you tell it and turn it into a personal and meaningful work of art. No matter where you are in your journey, this art journaling workbook is the perfect companion. Find out more at the North Light Shop.

Video + Podcasts

Book Notes

When a new North Light Book becomes available, Ricë always sits down with a copy and her video camera to give you a guided tour through the pages. In this edition, she shows you all the bird art and crafts for mixed-media artists included in Crafty Birds. Isn’t it time you put a bird on it?