Stencil Test Drive Redux (#1) and Giveaway

When I first began designing stencils for Stencil Girl, I hosted hops where generous artists took my stencils for a "test drive."  Today starts a monthly series -- the first Thursday of the month -- re-visiting those test drives.  I will also be sharing posts where other artists used my Rubbermoon stamps.  (I will also share posts by other artists who've used my stencils.  So if you have used them, make sure to let me know!)  

GIVEAWAY ALERT!  Each month, I will give away one of the featured stencils to one lucky commenter.  Comments for the giveaway will close on Sunday at 9AM EST, and the winner will be posted in this post by Monday morning at 9AM EST, so make sure to check back! 

This week - a look back at the Cascading Leaves Stencil Test Drive.  Here's my project and the Cascading Leaves stencil itself. 

Click the names below the images to go to the original blog posts.

Michelle Rydell

Roben-Marie Smith

Nathalie Kalbach

Judy Shea

I hope you'll check out these posts.  

Giveaway Closed. For a chance to win the Cascading Leaves Stencil, make sure to leave a comment below that includes your email address.  

And if you've used one of my stencils, make sure to send me a picture/link and let me know! 

Comments for the giveaway will close on Sunday at 9AM EST, and the winner will be posted in this post by Monday morning at 9AM EST, so make sure to check back!

And the winner is - Sandi Pulizzi!  The stencil is on its way to you!

If you don't already, please sign-up for my newsletter HERE, and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin and YouTube, so that you never miss a giveaway, and always get the latest Jessica Sporn Designs News!  

 

This I Believe

When I began this blog in March 2012, little did I know that I would become part of such an amazing community of artists, some of whom I am so happy to call my friends.  One of those friends, Corinne Gilman of Sparkle Days Studio, has created a beautiful piece for Fall Fearless and Fly;  her post so perfectly sums up what it is about making art and being part of this community that nourishes and supports us all.  Check it out here.

And I know that my small beginning is just the start of a beautiful journey!

Lately I've been inspired by:

• Jenny, or Jennibellie as she is known, has a bezillion (really, I counted!) free video tutorials on her blog.  She is a wealth of information and inspiration, all freely given.  I am currently riffing on her cereal box tutorial with my art journaling students, and we're having a blast.
•  Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's honest approach to her art journey and her prolific creativity are a source of inspiration for so many artists.  Her most recent podcast with Roben-Marie Smith and Samantha Kira Harding makes clear the synergies and creative stimulation that flow so generously in the blog world. 
•  I recently discovered Kristal Norton's blog, which is full of lots of great resources and good advice.  Kristal just published an e-book: "101+ Creative Journal prompts."  This is a terrific book;  I've used some of the prompts with my middle school art journaling class.   They love it.  I do too!
• Have you heard of "The Frugal Crafter?" Lindsay is a bundle of caffeinated energy.  She is always making things, and videotaping and sharing her process -- for free! 

• This music video of the song "Art."  It says it all!

Here are some arty things I'm looking forward to:

• Donna Downey's "Big 40" workshop this Saturday, December 15 in Ramsey, NJ.  I'm excited to take a class with Donna, and just as excited to be doing it with my friend Marjie Kemper!
• The next Stencil Test Drive on Thursday, December 20 -- test driving "Medieval Leaves" with Carolyn Dube, Corrine Gilman, Maria McGuire and Ronda Palazzari!  I've been playing with those leaves, and they're so versatile and fun!  I can't wait to show you what I've been working on!

And the winner of my Apples & Pomegranate stencil is Beansieleigh!  Email your snail mail address to jessicabethsporn(at)gmail(dot)com and I will send it right out to you.  Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!

Thank you for visiting! I read and treasure every comment and will answer any questions as quickly as I can.

PS - my apologies to all my PPF friends whose posts I didn't get to last week.  I will do better this week!