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I read and answer every comment here. Questions are welcome, and if a post is useful, passing it on is the kindest thing you can do with it.
Featured Posts
What could this book hold?
Like a lot of mixed media artists, I make and buy far more journals and sketchbooks than I fill. There are shelves of them in my studio. Some are bursting open and overfilled whilst others have been sitting there for years, still empty, because somewhere along the way I decided they deserved something extraordinary. That is the trouble with a beautiful empty book. It seems to ask for a beautiful, important idea before you are allowed to begin, and so it stays safely on the sh
Jane Chipp
12 hours ago4 min read
The art of just looking
I'm very lucky that the city where I live has an excellent art gallery, The Box, which recently won Art Fund Museum of the Year. I spent a few hours there this week with a friend, taking a slow wander around the current exhibition, Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour. I try to see as many exhibitions as I can, whether or not I think I'll find the art attractive. I go with an open mind, looking for points of connection with the artist and for something I can learn. But whilst that
Jane Chipp
Sep 122 min read
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Create a snowy photo gift card
Step by step guidance to create your own unique gift cards As the season of gratitude and gathering approaches, I wanted to share a little idea that I originally shared on Instagram. If feels both creative and comforting, a way to slow down, make something with your hands, and add a touch of nostalgia to your holiday giving. These simple, handmade gift cards are created from old photographs, transformed to look as though they’re nestled in snowdrifts; each one becomes a tin
Jane Chipp
Nov 13, 20253 min read
How to Make DIY Washi Tape Using Old Book Pages (No Special Tools Needed)
Hello creative friend, Last week, I shared a short reel on Instagram showing how I make my own version of washi tape using old book pages, and it took off! At the time I’m writing this, it’s been viewed over half a million times, with lots of lovely comments and a few questions. So, here’s a simple step-by-step for you to try the technique so you can "DIY washi tape". Firstly, a question that a few people felt very strongly about was, is it ok to use old books as an art su
Jane Chipp
Aug 1, 20253 min read
Quick altered photo collage ideas
Grab a few minutes for some quiet creativity this Christmas Christmas is nearly here and, if it's a festival that you celebrate, it can be a time when we get caught up in the busy-ness and have little time to ourselves. For me, just a few minutes at my desk is essential now and then for a little breathing space. In case you're short of inspiration, I'd like to share an idea for ways to create some altered photo artworks using supplies around you in very little time. This
Jane Chipp
Dec 24, 20242 min read
Tips for scroll-stopping photos for social media!
Style your art journal photos to add depth, context, and visual appeal. When scrolling through social media posts, some photographs stop you dead in your tracks. Wouldn't it be wonderful to know how to create posts that have that effect? Let's take a look at some striking posts from Instagram and see what we can learn... Scroll-stoppers! @deedeecatron DeeDee often presents her artwork against a simple white backdrop, allowing all of the elements, loose threads and rough edg
Jane Chipp
Sep 4, 20243 min read
Easy ways to print books of your art
Over the past five years, I've had books professionally printed using images of my art. They're surprisingly affordable and I now have a small library where I can see all my art in one place. I'd love to encourage you to do the same so I'm sharing some information on how to do it. First of all, though, why make books of your art? The first, and possibly best reason, is that they are beautiful, joyful things to have and hold! Your art is immediately elevated and it’s incredibl
Jane Chipp
Aug 21, 20243 min read
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