mark making Archives - Page 2 of 8

Even More stamping ideas

combined techniques, mark making, stamping tools / Linda Germain / July 29, 2025

I have been enjoying making lots of tiny stamps for using in my sketchbooks. The summer weather has inspired two new motifs rocks and sailboats.

My inspiration comes from my sunfish sailing at the beach in New Hampshire.

It is a rocky shoreline and I am always collecting interesting beach rocks.

I was inspired by the stacks of rocks the I see on the beach. At first I played with crayons and watercolors to make my stacks.

Then I remembered my roundish foam stamps. I combine them with thread and crayon resists. And then added some charcoal scribbles to a happy result.

Yesterday, I enjoyed cutting out tiny sailboat stamps from craft foam. A technique I teach in the Stamp Making + Books class. Details here.

The stamp making process is quite enjoyable and addictive. You can create several unique stance very quickly that can be incorporated into your sketchbook practice.

How is the summer season influencing your art making? Enjoy!

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Finding your way

inspiration, mark making / Linda Germain / May 20, 2025

It’s okay to pick and choose your favorite techniques. Play and experiment with any thing that inspires you.

Let go of limiting beliefs about supplies or techniques.

I like to scribble with kid’s crayons and dabble with inexpensive watercolors. I am inspired by primitive florals and faces.

Nothing seems to make linear sense, but I still seem to fill sketchbooks with marks and materials.

One fairly new tool that I have been playing with is a set of handmade daubers. They are very playful and expressive.

I have created a quick class on how to make and use these daubers. Read all the details on the workshop page. It is only $25.

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Easy is fun – make marks

combined techniques, drawings, mark making / Linda Germain / March 14, 2025

I think of the freedom that some children have when making art. They seem to be so intensely in the moment and making marks with ease.

I think of ways that I could have that type of presence in my art making.

Easy repetitive marks
Using “kids” supplies like crayons
Call it done after just a few marks
And then get another piece of paper

How do you get into a kid like flow?

One kid like tool that I have been exploring is the bingo dauber. I can make lots of dots really fast. And I can use it to make primitive drawings with broad lines.

Can you think of ways to make art with the presence and joy of a child? I offer you that challenge.

If you love the woods and use the forest as inspiration consider taking the mixed media class, Torn TREES- It is on sale this March for only $50.USD.

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Change up your routine

artist book, inspiration, mark making / Linda Germain / February 25, 2025

Today I walked on the wintery beach, instead of the snowy woods by the lake. Gosh, I am so lucky to have these places to walk.

It is a 20 minute drive to the beach and only two minutes to the woods trail. And I am glad that I changed it up today. It was high tide which left a fresh trail of shells, seaweed and driftwood.

I followed a flock of sandpipers along the shore. I breathed in the salty air and enjoyed the ocean waves. On the way back I collected some driftwood sticks for an upcoming art project.

This change of scenery gave me a fresh start to the day. I encourage you:

to walk a new route,
notice the beauty,
and let it feed your creative day.

Just a reminder you can save $25. on the Make Marks + Books class until the end of February – now only $60. Read all the details on the workshop page.

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Video – Mark Marks style book

mark making, mark making tools, tools / Linda Germain / February 3, 2025

I have realized that the different approaches I take in mark making or journaling affect the final feel of the book. The Make Marks style book tends to be more cohesive and captures the emotions of one point in time.

The book feels more like a precious piece than the journal I have been creating lately. Both capture moments in time but I was surprised how different they feel when I look back a year or two.

Enjoy this short video of the Make Marks style book.

If you would like to:

Layer light gelatin plate impressions
Let your pencil or crayon wander
Make some stamping tools
Add rubbings and dark line
pull it together in one book

then join us in the online workshop Make Marks + Books. SAVE $25 this February – Now only $60.

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