mark making Archives - Linda Germain

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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Explore mark making in a book form

book arts, combined techniques, mark making, mark making tools / Linda Germain / January 30, 2025

I am pleased to share that I am offering a $25 discount on the Make Marks + Books online class for the month of February 2025. Read all the details on the workshop page.

After completing the 15 short lessons you will have:

at least one cohesive artist’s book
a growing collection of found stamping tools
a few hand made cardboard relief stamps
a box of foam block stamps
a selection of raised rubbing tools
confidence to explore hand drawn fonts
a deeper understanding of your mark making vocabulary

This class is about discovering and combining different types of marks to use in a mostly abstract artist book. After looking at the Make Marks style books that I have created, I felt that they were a cohesive expression of how I was feeling at the time. They feel more precious than the journal style books that I have been making lately.

The class was originally designed as a weekend workshop. But as a self study you can do the lessons in an order and pace that fits your lifestyle.

Save $25 this month. Read all the details on the Make Marks + Books workshop page.

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Easy to make library pocket for sketchbooks

mark making, sketchbook ideas, stamping tools / Linda Germain / December 3, 2024

I have been enjoying adding little pockets to my sketchbooks. I thought you might like it too. So here is a quick video:

Supplies that you will need:

index card or 4″ x 6″ paper
scissors
glue
art supplies to decorate

You can fill your sketchbook pockets with tiny art work, blank paper or other notes.

I often decorate with hand stamped marks, crayon, watercolor and markers. If you want to learn how make ting foam stamps, then check out the details of my online class, Stamp Making + Mixed Media Books. All the lessons are available now. This technique is great for making holiday tags, cards and small bits of wrapping paper.

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