After Midnight Art Ranch

Reflections on an art retreat

2009-11-14T13:43:00.000-08:00

Reflections on an art retreat....

What a wondrous event this past art retreat turned out to be. Five of the most generous and giving artists attended (Adrienne Goodenough from Wales, Jessie Scherf from New Zealand, Debbie Warren from MI, Carol Sweeney from WA and our own Zeb from OR, as well as two extremely talented instructors, Jeni Calkins and Cory Celaya. The work created during the week was extraordinary and culminated in shrines that were just exquisite.

With the exception of Zeb and Debbie Warren (who I had met briefly at a rubber stamp convention about 3 years ago), I had never met the retreat attendees. I had been an efriend of Adrienne's for quite a few years and Jessie and I exchanged some emails a few months before she arrived. We agreed everyone would make charms to bring and exchange so we could create a one of a kind charm bracelet to remember the retreat and all the talented artists that attended - and new friendships. It was such a good idea and I'm still in the process of putting mine together. I want to solder all the jump rings so that I don't lose any of them - they are such precious reminders.

Jessie from New Zealand was the first to arrive. She came a few days early to compensate for jet lag. It was the right thing to do. She definitely missed her true calling in life. I feel she could have been a world class, famous comedian. She had me in stitches the whole time she was here. She came bearing all sorts of wonderful gifts from New Zealand. They have the most exquisite shells and products from the sea I've ever seen. She brought me a present someone had made to give to me. Her charms were a delight and so appropriate for New Zealand.

Debbie Warren from Michigan was the next to arrive just hours before Adrienne and Carol. She sent boxes of goodies before her arrival to be shared with the group. She also brought wonderful charms she made for each of us as well as a charm bracelet for us to attach the charms to, and fibers, and ultra suede, and copper and...and....and. Debbie has a truly giving soul. She was my alarm clock during that week. I awoke every morning to the wonderful sound of laughter coming from the kitchen. It was Debbie making her Cherios, doing her exercises...and laughing.

Adrienne from Wales and Carol from Washington State were the next to arrive.

Let it be known Adrienne's pictures on the web do not do her justice. She is so much prettier than her pictures, with naturally curly, thick gorgeous hair, and she has the most beautiful speaking voice. Definitely could be an announcer for the BBC. She came with gorgeous charms, wonderful teas, divine chocolates and Crisps (potato chips to those of us in the U.S.) of many different, unusual flavors. All of which are long gone, eaten with much relish by the Hansons. She also brought me a pendant that is to die for.

Carol was beautiful, tall, blonde and so very, very, very nice. She was an absolute delight. The charms she created were wonderful. I had a lot of fun with Carol doing the copper enameling class. I loved what she did. I didn't get to spend too much time seeing what everyone else was doing in that class. I gave Tom, our cook, the afternoon off to play bridge, so I was the chef/instructor, running back and forth between copper enameling and Cornish hens. I needed to keep an eye on Zeb. Zeb with a big torch in her hands could have been very dangerous, lol.

Jeni Calkins' Squishy Book class will always remain one of my favorites. Not having gone to kindergarten, it allows me to have that little girl finger painting (or playing in a mud puddle) feel. However, the finished product - the book and the internal art pages - is a true work of art and makes one feel better about helping the environment and creating something beautiful at the same time. It was so good seeing and talking with Jeni. I miss her.

Cory Celaya's class opened a whole new world to me - the world of canvas. I had never worked on a piece of canvas till Cory's class. My life will never be the same. Canvas always had this mystique about it. It's what real artists work on. It was always very inhibiting to me. Now I LOVE IT!!!! Can't wait to get the opportunity to try more with it. Thank you, Cory, for opening this new door for me.

Also while she was there, Cory cut and styled my hair with her creative talent and eye for design. Her art extends to many realms including permanent make up. You are THE BEST, Cory. I hate that we live so far apart now. I miss you, Cory.

Every night during the retreat, we had Margaritas (or two or three or....) around five o'clock. It was a great time to relax and discuss the day's classes and artwork. Tom's dinners were definitely looked forward to and he didn't disappoint us. I think we all gained a little weight during the week. At least Carol and Jessie hiked some mornings to work off the excess calories.

We took a day to tour Tubac, AZ which is a very artsie community with lots of galleries, stores, and restaurants. But we had to stop on the way to Tubac at the Buffalo Gals Gift Shop and Hardware Store. Yes, you heard right. Only in Sonoita would they combine a beautiful gift shop with local artists' jewelry, leather goods, furniture and more with a hardware store that has a little of everything and will order you anything you can't find. It's a great place to visit. And we had to stop in Patagonia to browse the stores and galleries and have a picnic lunch. Then on to Tubac for Margaritas....er, I mean shopping and having an artistic experience in the many gorgeous galleries, then a rest break... and Margaritas!!!!!

I had a really, really wonderful time during the retreat and I know everyone enjoyed meeting those they've talked to on line and off and enjoying Jeni and Cory and Zeb. The artwork created, the ideas shared, the comraderie - these memories will last a lifetime. I hope we will get the opportunity again in life to get together. I'm missing everyone already.

After the Retreat was officially over, Adrienne and Jessie stayed a few extra days. We took a day and did a tour of Tombstone, AZ. Yes, we got to see Boot Hill and the gunfight at the OK Corral! The actor playing Doc Holiday stole our hearts (or maybe it was a case of lust, lol). He wasn't all that good looking but he had such expressive eyes (had a lot of devil in them) and such a manner about him....He definitely was Doc Holiday, the very educated Southern gentleman who quoted Shakespeare to us. I spent way too much money on Western shirts. Jessie and Adrienne got to see what a Javelina looks like - had a stuffed one in a store window. There is also a Goodenough Mine there which we didn't get to explore. Next time, maybe. I want to go back. Saw lots of trinkets and embellishments I could use on my shrine. Just ran out of time.

2009 Found Object Challenge

2009-10-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

See the entries!

All the entries are in for the latest Found Object Challenge.
We'll let you know the judges decision soon. :)

Assemblage- I love it

2009-09-28T12:53:00.001-07:00

I need to get out some random stuff and play with assemblage again.
This has always been one of my favorite pieces.

I should do more of this type of work.

Zeb

News an updates!

2009-09-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

New catalog items and convention updates!

We have added the thin Easy Mount that many of you have requested. We have also added the Glue Glider and refills. The Heat It Tool is back after a very long absence. I'm sooooo glad to have it again. It's my very favorite heat tool to use with the OPALS embossing enamels. We also have some new (and awesome) shapes of foil melts. In addition to the Frozen OPALS, we have Pearl, Gold, Silver and Rainbow. All the new Spellbinder dies are available at great prices. We've added some new books: one on Polymer Clay using lots of Krafty Lady Art Moulds© and 2 books on Friendly Plastic (which looks sooo very wonderful on our OPALS embossing enamels. I did some nice things using Friendly Plastic in the Krafty Lady Art Moulds, also. At forthcoming conventions, we'll have Friendly Plastic available and tools that go with it. As usual, shipping is just $5.00 regardless of your order size.

Check out our products page for anything you might have missed.

We'll be at the Las Vegas Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Show this coming weekend. It's the 10th anniversary show and there will be lots of vendors, door prizes, classes and more. Stop in and see us. I think it's going to be our last convention in Las Vegas for a long time to come.

Judith from our list brought me, along with her Found Object Challenge Artwork, a copy of Metal Clay Artist Magazine. On pages 8 and 9, there is a very nice article about our own very creative Jen Lowe.

Hope to see many of you this weekend. Phyllis from Las Vegas will be demoing on Sunday. If you haven't met Phyl, now's your chance. Crystal will be demoing on Saturday. She and her mom demo'd for us 2 years ago and did a marvelous job. I'll be demoing the Spellbinder Dies and will have a really nice make and take for you using the Ultimate Crafters Companion and those wonderful dies. I'll also be teaching a starbook class. We're going to have a great time.

Linda

Fantasy Film and Fashion Flakes

2009-09-18T16:50:00.001-07:00

I've been working on this chest for a while now. I think it is starting to work. :)
You can see more details and a previous version on my blog.

I'm really loving the Crackle Glossy Accents over the Fantasy Film. It is the only crackle medium I've found that really works well over non porous surfaces.

I'm also remembering just how much I LOVE Fashion Flakes!
Love,
Zeb

Drum Roll Please.....

2009-07-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Announcing the winners in our Clock Challenge.

We had a tie for first place. :)

From Debbie Warren

From Robin Sanchi

From Adrienne Goodenough

Visit our WEBPAGE to see all of the entries and read comments from the judges.

New background/texture stamps on line now

2009-07-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

Hi, Everyone,

Tom just got the new background stamps in the shopping cart. Take a look!

New background stamps

Linda

New background stamps!

2009-06-29T18:55:00.001-07:00

I just had to try out the new background stamps on some Midnight Art glass!

I used Opals embossing enamels and added some Crackle Glossy Accents to one.

I discovered that if you put down a layer of clear (Franklin) Opals first and then add colored Opals you get a more transparent look to your finished glass pendant. :)

I need to add some bales or beading or wire wrapping to these and get them finished to wear.

Clock Challenge

2009-06-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

Clock Challenge entries

Wow! Linda received some amazing artwork for this challenge.

Another beautiful day in Sonoita

2009-06-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

I love it here.
Zeb

Midnight Art Ranch Retreat Gourd Classes

2009-06-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

If you blow away all the gourd dust and strip away the dust mask, it's me, Linda Hanson, framed by my Dremel Flex Shaft, having the time of my life carving a gourd. Many thanks to Bonnie Gibson for her wonderful instruction and creative talent.

Serious Business

2009-06-17T23:27:00.001-07:00

We had some serious gourders attending this retreat.

um...Maybe not as serious as I thought...

Oh no- it was contagious!!

Gourd Class Photos

2009-06-17T22:45:00.002-07:00

Hard working group.
Bonnie Gibson's classes were wonderful.

Safety Masks

There are many styles to chooose from.

Tools

Gourd Classes with Bonnie Gibson

2009-06-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

The gourd retreat is wonderful!!!
I'm having a great time.

Cigar Box

2009-04-21T18:28:00.000-07:00

Froggy Cigar Box

Cigar box- altered with Fantasy Film and acrylic paints.

Contest time!!!

2009-04-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hi, Everyone,

We have gone waaaaay too long without one of our contests. So, here is a new challenge and its different than our usual challenges. This time, I will not be sending you found objects.

I want pieces of art that just happen to tell time - basically, we're talking about clocks - but not clocks - PIECES OF ART THAT JUST HAPPEN TO TELL TIME!!!!!

So, here are the contest rules:

1. You must use some embellishment or something in the creation of this artwork using OPALS embossing enamels and a Krafty Lady Art Mould©.

2. It must actually work and tell time.

3. It must be sent to the Midnight Art Ranch postmarked NLT May 22nd. Zeb will be at the Midnight Art Ranch for the Gourd Retreat in early June, so she can photo the entries while she's here.

That's it!

We'll have a panel of judges to pick the winners. They will not know who's submission they are judging. No names will be submitted to them with the artwork so that judging will be completely objective and all artwork will be judged on its own merit.

All artwork submitted will become the property of After Midnight Art Stamps.

This is a great opportunity to browse thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales. You can start with a basic clock or you can create the entire thing and add clock works.

The winner will receive a $100 gift certificate from After Midnight Art Stamps. Runners up (2nd and 3rd place) will each receive $50 gift certificates. All submitters will receive a package of goodies from After Midnight. All submissions will be displayed at the Midnight Art Ranch with the artist's name prominently displayed once the contest is over and winners have been selected.

All entries will be listed on the web site after the judging with the artists' names for all to see.

If your entry costs more than $10.00 to ship to the Ranch, LMK. I am willing to refund some of the shipping cost, within reason. This means, please don't ship grandfather clocks that weigh a thousand pounds without prior approval, lol.

Linda

Denver Rubber Stamp Convention

2009-04-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hi, Everyone,

We are attending the Denver Rubber Stamp Convention which is being held April 17th and 18th at the Red Lion Hotel, 4040 Quebec St, Denver. We'll be there with all 400+ Krafty Lady Art Moulds©, all 35 colors of OPALS embossing enamels, all the new Spellbinders dies, including the impressabilities and nestabilities, plus some new items.

Jen Lowe of Jen Lowe Designs will be doing make and takes both days using the wonderful Ultimate Crafter's Companion (UCC), the Wizard and Spellbinders dies, plus the Lucy McGoo stamp line. Jen is sooooo very creative and it always amazes me the make and takes she comes up with. Don't miss this opportunity to "play" the Jen Lowe way.

I'll also be doing a 2 hour class using the UCC, Wizard, Spellbinder dies and much more.

Dragon Eggs for Easter!

2009-03-15T14:07:00.001-07:00

The "dragon eggs" are goose eggs covered in Fantasy Film!

The other eggs are done with Radiant Rain and Memory Mist sprays. :)

Open for Business!

2009-03-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

We are now carrying the Ultimate Crafter's Companion. I love, love, love it. Boxes, pretty matching envelopes and out of the norm cards have always been something I loved but stopped doing because I hated all the measuring. And even after I did all the measuring, they didn't always come out right. With the Crafter's Companion, you can do boxes, cards, envelopes and more extremely quickly, with no measuring and they always come out exactly right. And after you create these wonderful boxes, cards and envelopes, you can embellish them with Spellbinder's die cuts. The two go together beautifully.

At the Albuquerque show this coming weekend, we will be introducing new stamps featuring Haiku created by award winning novelist Sabra Steinsiek. Sabra will be demoing at our booth and will be using the new stamps. They are beautiful and will add a delightful touch to your artwork. So, if you're in the Albuquerque area this weekend, stop by the rubber stamp show at the Fairgrounds and meet Sabra and take the opportunity to preview and purchase the new stamps. They will be available for purchase from our website on Tuesday after the grand opening in Albuquerque this weekend.

I will be teaching an OPALS pendant class here at the Midnight Art Ranch on Sunday, March 29th from 1-3pm. Those of you in the local area can sign up for the class on our website or call on our toll free number: 1-866-634-9408. It's a really fun class and you'll go home with lots of beautiful pendants/pins/beads/embellishments. You'll also have the opportunity to shop at the store while you're here.

We are once again carrying Scotch Weld from 3M. We stopped having it when the price went up. The price has now gone back down to it's original cost and it's available once again on the website.

Have a great week and I hope to see many of you at the Albuquerque show this weekend.

Linda
After Midnight Art Stamps
at the Midnight Art Ranch
www.amstamps.com

Artsy Bottle Recycling

2009-03-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

I've been playing with bottles again.

I have a two part tutorial up on the After Midnight website with an explanation of how I did these.

http://www.amstamps.com/ebottut/

http://www.amstamps.com/ebottut2/

Enjoy!

New videos from Linda Hanson

2009-02-12T22:32:00.000-08:00

Krafty Lady Art Mould© Pendant from After Midnight Art Stamps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9eBNXMez1I

Metallic Fashion Flakes Pendant from After Midnight Art Stamps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqNGtnsbzh8

OPALS Fantasy Film Faux Dichro and Carnival GlassPendants

2009-01-31T09:24:00.001-08:00

Another great Jen Lowe video tutorial!

2009-01-30T14:48:00.001-08:00

Check out Jen's blog for more great tutorials!

Fantasy film tutorial

2009-01-27T21:32:00.000-08:00

We have a tutorial up for some of the fun ways to use Fantasy Film.

There is a download for a pdf file of this tutorial on the webpage.

Retreat and Gourd Art Classes!

2009-01-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

The Midnight Art Ranch is offering gourd art classes with Bonnie
Gibson and Maria Dellos!

Be sure to check it out!

Spellbinders Nestabilities Origami Flower

2008-12-18T23:09:00.000-08:00

More video tutorials from Linda Hanson!
A beautiful origami flower created using the Spellbinders Nestabilities die cuts!

Opal- Fantasy Film Stained Glass Paper

2008-12-14T17:57:00.000-08:00

Great new video tutorial from Linda Hanson!

Part 2

art deco ATC

2008-12-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

I love these art deco stamps. They are just the right size for ATC. I stamp them and colored them with colored pencils. Then I cut them out. The background is text books pieces glued to cardstock using some tinted gel medium.

Christmas Recipe Card

2008-12-09T00:09:00.000-08:00

For your Holiday recipes!

Click on image to right click, download and save a jpg image.

Or download a pdf file: Here

Kit Kat candy bar wrappers

2008-12-08T18:20:00.001-08:00

Click on image for full size jpg or get the pdf file:

Kit Kat Candy bar wrappers

Order these stamps from After Midnight to make cards and tags to match!

Mini Embellishments AM350 by Jeni Calkins

2008-12-07T09:18:00.000-08:00

I just love the 10 Mini Embellishments AM350 I’ve been adding these to the indented pendant shaped to make some fun jewelry. These are cast with a mix of different color polymer clay, crystal are pressed into the clay before cooking. The pendant is then coated with clear urethane finish, and wired wrapped.

also used AM273 - XLgeIndented Pendant Shape, AM282 - XLgeIndented Oval ShapeHas side indentationfor wire wrapping,AM180 - MedDonut small

Mari's Blog

2008-11-10T23:24:00.001-08:00

Wow! You've got to see what Mari came up with using the Fantasy Film and rubber stamps.

More techniques to try.
I need more hours in the day.

I posted a new Fantasy Film creation on my personal blog too. A gel medium transfer over the Fantasy Film.

This stuff is too much fun!

More Fantasy Film

2008-10-29T17:24:00.001-07:00

I tried my ironing technique with the Fantasy Film on a gourd. Wow!!! I love this piece.
I applied some Stewart Superior black glue pad to the gourd and then ironed on the Fantasy Film with a layer of backing parchment over it.
I used some micaceous iron oxide with copper buffing wax to texture and cover the top and bottom that weren't covered by the Fantasy Film.
I coated the whole thing with a layer of clear spray finish when it was done.

I'm going through a lot of Fantasy Film. LOL It is gorgeous on everything.

The Shrines

2008-10-10T16:58:00.001-07:00

Shrines were our main project for this retreat - and all of the classes provided inspiration and artwork for creating unique assemblage pieces using large, rough-hewn wooden shrine boxes.

One of the things I appreciated most about the format for the Midnight Art Retreats is the opportunity to really immerse yourself in a major project. Having the entire five days to work on a major piece gives you the freedom to think about your work, redo parts that you aren't pleased with if necessary, and let your muse guide you without being rushed.
Each class builds on skills and techniques that enhance your work. You can pick and chose which mediums and techniques you choose to incorporate in the finished piece.

Patricia and I (Zeb) both ended up using Memory Mist sprays to do the backs of our shrines.

Patricia added some embellishments using techniques from Jeni Calkin's classes.
We'll let Patricia post her completed shrine on her blog. I think she wants to add some finishing touches before it is shown in it's entirety.
It is going to be a fabulous piece.

Linda tried out some of the Golden gel mediums on the inside doors of her shrine.

I thought it was wonderful. Rich and highly textured with a lot of glitz.

But after thinking about it for a couple of days, Linda decided to scrape the inner doors and go in a completely different direction.
I had to admit- I like this version much better.

Linda has used a beautiful copper embossed initial that was a gift from Lynda Abare.
Her focal piece is an encaustic painting under glass with a copper tape frame.
She even included some items from her favorite local winery.
Items she collected during our field trip and some of the grasses from her field and interesting rocks were added. One of her wire wrapped chandelier beads hangs from the top center.
The Welcome words are done with Grunge Board letters distressed with Ten Second Studio tools. The same tools we used for the pewter work.

This horseshoe was donated by a neighbor and beautifully decorated by Linda.

The front of Linda's shrine has a pewter embellishment and a piece done with PMC.
The "Thank you" sentiment, mounted under mica, is for the realty agent who found them their wonderful new home in Sonoita AND donated the shoe from her horse. :)

I wasn't sure where I wanted to go with my shrine. I knew I wanted my pewter piece to be the focal point.
I printed one of the sunflower photos I took on our field trip and added that to the top. I used some gel medium to strengthen it and to add texture by gluing on Essential Elements organic bits.
I made a swirl flourish with Duo adhesive and applied some Metallic Fashion Flakes.

Then I started adding things that would bring back the memories of this stay in Sonoita. These were all thing gathered at the Midnight Art Ranch or on our field trip.

I had a great time playing with techniques for the front of the shrine.
I used papers from the class with Jeni and also some of the slump glass pieces.
A Krafty Lady butterfly mould perfectly symbolized all of the beautiful butterflies I enjoyed in the yard.

I am sooo in love with the new technique Jeni taught me. I added a few layers of other mediums over it and got this amazing texture and color. I even took close up photos to print out for background papers in the future. :)

You might notice that the flourish on the inside door somehow turned into a lizard.
LOL
That's what I mean about being able to allow your art to evolve and develop at its own pace during the retreat.

Being at this retreat was so much more than "taking classes". It was learning and creating with plenty of time to think a project through.
It was wonderful to be able to go back and tweak pieces. I don't think I could have turned out a piece I would have been nearly as pleased with if I had to try and finish it during one or two days of class.

The camaraderie of the participants was so inspiring.
I loved every minute of it.

Working with Precious Metal Clay

2008-10-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

Linda Hanson, our hostess for the retreat and owner of After Midnight Art Stamps, is a certified instructor for PMC, Precious Metal Clay.

She is so talented with this medium. Taking her classes is great fun and a wonderful learning experience.

See what we made!!!
99.9% fine silver pendants - hand made by us in only one evening.

Pat made a beautiful, very heavy cameo using one of the Krafty Lady Art moulds. I can't wait to see what she does with this.
I'll be watching her blog to see her other PMC pieces posted.

Linda used one of her PMC pieces as an embellishment on her shrine.

I had fun creating some new pendant designs. I was doing some "heavier" looking pieces than I had done in my previous classes. The little charm piece is the dab i had left over rolled out and stamped. That will go on a charm bracelet I'm working on.

Linda used the Celestial Horse stamp to make a fantastic pendant.
The Celestial Horse stamp in this size is only available to artists attending the retreats.
She wore this a few days later on a trip to Tubac and had a couple of gallery owners ask for the name of the artist who made it.
It is great to be able to say "I'm the artist" when people ask that question. :)

Even the back of the pendants are beautiful.

Field Trip

2008-10-08T07:40:00.001-07:00

We took off for a day trip to the Empire Ranch and the town of Patagonia.
We did make one wrong turn on our way to the ranch. Quite the adventure!
We ran into some locals on a back road.

They asked if anyone would like to have their photo taken on the pony cart. :)
Linda jumped right up. LOL

The horses were beautiful and the people were so friendly.

Then we were on our way, driving through gorgeous landscapes to the old ranch.

It really is a working ranch.

There are still plenty of wildflowers blooming.

The sunflowers are spectacular at this time of the year. The fields are covered in gold.

These sweet little guys were perched on a ledge of the front porch of the ranch building. We got to see the parents bringing the baby swallows their lunch. They were just beginning to learn to fly.

I love taking photographs of the buildings.
I think this one will show up in one of my collages. :)

I always seem to be drawn to the rusty things. The old ranch house is open to the public. I found it totally fascinating.

I think this is the only group photo we managed to get. Zeb is behind the camera.
Left to right: Patricia Dunbar, Linda Hanson, behind Linda (in the cowboy hat) Tom Hanson, Jeni Calkins, and Lynda Abare.

Great place for photos.

Then on to Patagonia.

I love the Day of the Dead Museum.

There are many other interesting galleries too.

Wonderful day out, fun and refreshing.

This is a photo of a rose that was greetings us by the front porch when we returned in the early evening to the Midnight Art Ranch.

Working with Pewter

2008-10-06T09:33:00.000-07:00

Lynda Abare of 5 Acre Arts shared her expertise in the art of Repujado.
I LOVE working with pewter. I think Patricia fell in love with it too.

You can do amazing things with a few very simple tools.

This is a practice piece that Patricia started and I played around with after she left. I accidently punched a hole in it. Ooops! But I made it look like it was on purpose by setting a stone in it. LOL
Linda added this piece to her shrine. She wanted something done by each of us to be featured and this collaborative element by Patricia and Zeb fit the bill. :)

This is Patricia's piece while still a work in progress. I'll let her post the finished piece on her blog. :)

Linda used her pewter to cover a frame and embellished it with more pewter work. It is the focal feature on the book she did in Jeni's class. Such exquisite detail.

You have to backfill the pewter pieces to protect them from getting flattened. Pewter is very soft. It is like tooling butter- so easy - and you can get so much more detail than with harder tooling foils.

Remember our alpaca friends from down the road?

I made a quick sketch of Cheyenne (Linda's new boyfriend) to use with the pewter.

This was my second class with Lynda Abare. My first time attempt to do something other than just a design element with the pewter was a little scary, but Lynda broke it down into simple steps and I managed to get a piece I was happy with.
This piece ended up as the focal point for my shrine. :)

Classes with Jeni Calkins

2008-10-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

I always enjoy working with Jeni Calkins from Studio Jeni. She is such an innovative and creative artist.

I couldn't wait to see what she had in store for us at this retreat.

We made papers. But not your ordinary papers. :)

Linda finished her gorgeous squishy book.

Pat and I are still working on finishing touches for our book projects. We'll post them a bit later.

We also worked with slump glass. We created pendant pieces using various art glass including some dichroic glass. This can be fired in the same kiln used for PMC (Precious Metal Clay).

Is this not incredible stuff!?!

I added one of my Jeni papers and some of my glass pieces to the front of my shrine.
The triangular glass is Midnight Art glass with Fantasy Film and Opals embossing enamel. It can fool the eye though. Fits right in with the "real thing".

Linda has a new boyfriend

2008-10-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

Shhh- don't tell Tom.

Linda's new boyfriend is drop dead gorgeous. He has the most beautiful eyes with the longest eyelashes. *sigh*

I managed to catch a photo of him stealing a kiss.

His name is Cheyenne. Is he not just the cutest thing ever????

Midnight Art Ranch Retreat

2008-10-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

I guess I'd better try to get caught up with the blog. I've had good intentions- but I've been taking photographs or working on art projects non stop since I got here.
I haven't even checked my e-mail. YIKES!

I'm finally starting to come back down to earth a bit. I have had sooooo much fun.
Patricia was like an old friend right from day one. We talked and laughed all the way from the Tucson airport to the ranch.
This is a wonderful time of the year in Sonoita. The fields are golden with sunflowers. There are butterflies everywhere.

Muse from another planet

2008-08-26T15:08:00.001-07:00

I've been trying to use some of the gorgeous pieces of paper I got experimenting with the Memory Mist and Radiant Rain sprays.
I liked this one well enough to frame it. :)

The muse was done with a digital print glued to some laminated cardboard for a firm backing and then I added a bit of pattern stamping in gold Brilliance ink before coating it with clear (Franklin) Opals.
I learned the beading technique from a class I took with Cory Celaya at Linda's house.

Freebie Asian motif ATC downloads

2008-07-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

New ATC sheets. You can right click and save as jpgs or DOWNLOAD PDF files for printing at a higher resolution.
The PDF download is in a zipped file and also contains a page with cards fronts with no embellishment, just the backgrounds.

Enjoy!

New Art Glass Project sheet

2008-07-27T11:28:00.001-07:00

More fun with Midnight Art glass

If you would like this project sheet in pdf format click HERE

Printable tutorials

2008-07-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

I want to remind everyone about some of the great tutorials we have on our website.
Using Opals embossing enamels and Fantasy film to create one of a kind beads is a favorite of mine.
On line tutorial

If you would like a printable tutorial for beads done with Fantasy Film, you can download a pdf version HERE.

Midnight Art Ranch Retreat

2008-07-14T12:03:00.001-07:00

After Midnight is offering a fantastic art retreat. Check out the details HERE

This is my buddy from my visit with Linda. He is a real ham and loves having his photo taken.

Egyptian Set

2008-06-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

New digital image down loads. Egyptian theme set #1

PDF download

PDF download

Print full sheet to one side of cardstock, ATC backs to reverse side - stamp, embellish- exchange!

Midnight Art Glass project sheet #1

2008-06-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge and print out.

OR download the high resolution PDF file HERE

Midnight Art Glass

2008-06-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

I've been playing with the Midnight Art Glass from After Midnight
I LOVE this stuff!

It is soooo gorgeous with the Opals embossing enamels over it.
I used one of the newest colors, St. Claire (a beautiful rich Navy Blue, for this one. I used a texture stamp from After Midnight, pressing it into the warm Opals, and then highlighted the texture with the Radiant Rain daubers in Sunburst.

The pendant bales from After Midnight are the perfect weight for these pieces.

This piece includes some of the Fantasy Film over a base of Brilliance ink colors and clear (Franklin) Opals..
I also added some Foil Melts. These are fun to play with too. A glimering metallic foil over a base of heat activated glue.

This piece is double sided- stamp embossed on both sides.
I used Radiant Rain sprays spritzed directly on the heated clear Opals for sheer color. The textures are highlighted with color, applied after the piece cooled, from the Daubers.

Annette from Oz does Opals transfer technique

2008-06-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

Annette Husband is an amazing artist from Australia. She has developed a great transfer technique using Opals embossing enamels.

Check out part 2 on her Blog.

Annette has always been an inspiration for me as an artist. I hope to get to meet her some day.
Love,
Zeb

Shopping cart updates

2008-06-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

WOW! Tom has been hard at work getting new stamps into the shopping cart for everyone.
He even put all of the newly available on-line stamps in a separate category so they would be easier to find. :)
New Stamps!

There are New Krafty Lady Art Moulds, too.

Linda also has some new products up for you to check out:

Acrylic Covers (Clear) from Zutter

Inkssentials White Opaque Pen

Surebonder Heat Tool

Lots more to come.
Keep checking those New Stamps- Tom keeps adding to the list every day. :)

Junk Sculpture Artist in Patagonia

2008-05-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

We discovered the studio of a very cool artist tucked away behind the Mexican restaurant where we stopped for lunch. He wasn't in so we couldn't go inside the studio- but just wandering about in the yard was great fun!

He had about a million projects in the works. ;)

So many interesting creatures were hiding all over the place.

He really had a way with faces. They each had their own personality.

Many of the pieces were kinetic! They would move with the slightest breeze.

Patagonia Galleries

2008-05-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

There are a number of interesting galleries in Patagonia.

I have more gallery photos to post. Hope to get them up soon.
Patagonia is going to be a great place to take field trips during the Art Retreats at The After midnight Art Ranch!

Day of the Dead Museum in Patagonia

2008-05-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

The Day of the Dead Museum was great fun! There wasn't enough light inside to get good photos, but what a wonderful collection to view. Lots of inspiration for future art projects.

Love the colorful motifs on this skull.

This guy has a LOT of personality.

Patagonia

2008-05-31T14:13:00.001-07:00

Patagonia has some of the most interesting doors and windows I've seen anywhere.
This is from the back wall of the local Playhouse- The Tin Roof Playhouse.
Linda says they have a great theater group.

This doorway is to a very elegant house with some beautiful details on the architecture and the wall surrounding it.

Loved the archway on this gate. Lovely colors too.

There are many old rustic buildings in the area also.

Caught this swallow resting on a dried branch in a vase by the doorway to a gallery.

I will put together a collage sheet of all of the wonderful door and window photos I've collected during my visit. Stay tuned!

Barefoot in Sonoita

2008-05-23T15:49:00.001-07:00

I'm not the only one who goes barefoot around here.

This guy thought he might want to join me in the office. Looked like a nice warm den to him.

I didn't invite him in, so he found a nice tree next to the house for taking a nap.

Another new friend

2008-05-23T15:46:00.001-07:00

He was as curious about me as I was about him.

He wanted to keep an eye on me.

Linda called the Fish and Game department. They told her it was uncommon for a bear to be in these parts. He is just passing through.

I think he's been doing a lot of traveling lately. He needed a nap before heading for the Santa Ritas.

He is unbearably cute. I need to go take more photos.

Wizard Diecut Sale and New Day of the Dead stamps!

2008-05-21T22:52:00.000-07:00

After Midnight is having a blow out SALE on selected Wizard Dies including full alphabet sets! Get yours while supplies last.

Linda and Zeb are teaching Tom to get new stamps into the shopping cart on the After Midnight website.
His first endeavor was to get the full sheet of unmounted Day of the Dead stamps available for you.
It only took him most of the day to accomplish. Show him how proud you are of him by BUYING this sheet of deeply etched high quality rubber. :)
It was his birthday today, so he deserves a round of applause for taking the time to make this sheet available in response to so many customer requests.

My New Buddy

2008-05-21T22:46:00.001-07:00

This guy is such a camera hog. He seems to LOVE having his photo taken.
Sonoita is a world class birding area.

Beautiful Sonoita, Arizona

2008-05-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

Big Sky country!

The air is clean and clear, you can see forever, and the sky...WOW!

collectable digital stamp -1st in a series

2008-05-06T20:09:00.001-07:00

Zebalina Candie Waxenhege

2008-04-21T16:54:00.001-07:00

I made a gown for Zebalina using a scrap of gold gift wrap crinkle tissue, soft old lace and a few ribbon scraps. :)

Paperdoll- Freebie!

2008-04-20T13:34:00.001-07:00

A gift for you. :)

Working on a SteamPunk piece

2008-04-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

There are more images of this work in progress on Zeborah's blog.

Faux Carnival Glass

2008-04-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

The instructions for doing the Faux Carnival Glass technique we demonstrate at the conventions can be found HERE. This is a download as a word document.

We also have a tutorial for a slightly different version of this technique on our website: HERE

Stamp Sketch

2008-04-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

Did you know that when you purchase a stamp from the Joe Nathan Light House collection at After Midnight, $1.00 from the purchase will be donated to the American Cancer Society?
Joe's beautiful wife, Suma, won her battle with cancer, and this is our way of honoring her.

This technique is one of my favorites to use with the light house stamps.

Free Download- ATC Background Page for printing

2008-04-05T17:34:00.001-07:00

A Freebie for you. Enjoy!!

Also available as a pdf document

Steam Punk

2008-04-03T08:23:00.001-07:00

Tired of the same old vintage themes? Is Grunge not quite your style? Take your Altered Artwork in a new direction.

Steampunk: think of Victorian era England, then imagine elements of both science fiction and science fact with a little outright fantasy thrown in. It should look like it would be at home on a movie set for a Jules Verne novel.

Consider the possibilities of real technological developments like computers or cellphones occurring at an earlier date or in an "alternative history".

Steampunk artwork and assemblages are meant to give at least the illusion of functionality.

After Midnight videos

2008-03-28T19:02:00.000-07:00