UPDATE: Paperbag Studios stamps and Art Pops™ are no longer available, but many things can be substituted to make this project!
Get creative and have fun!

Kristi Nazzaro

Every December I choose a word to focus on for the upcoming new year. I have participated in Ali Edward’s One Little Word workshop for the last several years. Throughout the year I make my word visible in a variety of creative ways.

This year I chose the word “pace”. I want to work towards my personal and professional goals at a steady pace. I am looking for slow and steady as opposed to rush, rush, rush.

Design Team member Krisit Nazzaro is sharing with us how she made her gorgeous altered mixed media frame for the word of the year. Follow along with her video tutorial as she creates this beautiful piece of unique art. She uses Art Pops™ and Paperba…

I knew that for my first Design Team Project for 2018 I wanted to incorporate my word. I thought a frame would be a wonderful way to keep my word present in my every day.

I pick up frames from Marshall’s and Kohl’s throughout the year and keep them in my stash for future projects. You never know when inspiration will hit and I always want to be prepared. The funkier the color....the better.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the brand, new INKed Rubber Stamp Set. The Art Pops™ Collection cards are already beautiful by themselves but adding some stencils and marks gives the piece my own personal touch.

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"You never know when inspiration will hit and I always want to be prepared" - tweet that

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After just a few small additions to the Art Pops™ Card I was able to add my word on a scrap piece of fabric and stitch it all together. I love how the stitching gives the piece a bit of my personality. I can’t stitch a straight line to save my life. I love the wonkiness of the lines. They truly show the curves of my own personal journey.

This was such an easy project that will brighten my days and keep me on track to the goals I have set for myself for the year.

Mixed Media Frame by artist Kristi Nazzaro

Going Deeper...

What's your top tip for dealing with blank page paralysis?

When I am feeling especially uncreative or just not able to get anything going art wise - I put on some music and select only a few bottles of paint, maybe one or two small stencils and some collage papers. I find that with less products I’m able to start small and not be overwhelmed. Sometimes I can’t get started when I have so many products at my fingertips. Less is more for me when I am staring at a blank page. Some good music and a couple of supplies will usually start a nice flow of creativity.

What do you do with your art once you've finished it?

I give a fair amount of my art pieces away to friends and family. I sell some pieces periodically in my Etsy shop. And then there are plenty of pieces that I hoard here at my house. I make lots and lots of altered art tags so they are usually placed in my art journals.