Something new!

| Marsha.

How are you?!

If you’re reading this, you’ve once opted to receive an email or a notification whenever I post something new on my blog or website, marshavalk.com.

You’ve been following me for a long time. However, you probably haven’t heard from me in a while because I haven’t been blogging.

Instead, I’ve been pouring all my energy into Instagram, trying to post consistently and growing my account. 

In February 2021, I started posting what I call ‘mini vlogs‘. I posted a new one each day for 100 days, then switched to twice a week, then to random weeks, and eventually, I posted the last one in October 2022.

I’ve wanted to return to creating mini vlogs; however, we all know that Instagram is ever-changing. As has my joy in spending time on the app. 

So I recently started uploading new mini vlogs to my YouTube channel instead. And in addition, I started something new: A Substack.

Substack is a platform for newsletters/blogs. You can now read my posts on my website, on the Substack website, in the Substack app, or (you might be interested in this option:) I can send each new post directly to your email inbox.

Subscribe to Substack VLOGletter

I’m currently sending out a new VLOGletter each Monday and Friday.

In my imagination, it’s a mix of my blog before Instagram and Instagram before Reels, but in the form of a newsletter.

I will try to include a little video in each post; however, it’s also the place where I can tell you more about what you see in the video, what I’m working on off-camera, what I’m enjoying, what I’m reading or watching and where I can keep you in the loop of new video tutorials, new classes and other news I might have.

If this sounds like something you don’t want to miss, hit that subscribe button above!

If you are interested in just the mini vlogs without my musings, you can choose to subscribe to the YouTube channel:

Subscribe To YouTube Channel

I would love to see you there!

Marsha.

Creative Jumpstart 2022 | jump! JUMP!

CJS22 is OPEN for registration
| Marsha.
Join Creative JumpStart on Cyber Monday 29 November 2022 for $45

This is a quick message to tell you that Creative JumpStart (CJS) 2022 (aff. link) is now open for registration!

If you choose to sign up today, you will be able to get the Cyber Monday deal of $45USD, and then throughout Cyber Week, the price will be $55USD (until Friday 3 December, 11:59PM EST).

So what are you waiting for? Jump with us! Head on over to Nathalie’s website to sign up and for more details!

Can’t wait to meet you in the CJS classroom or on the brand new CJS forum!

Creative Jumpstart 2022 | GET ready to JUMP!

CJS22 COMING SOON
| Marsha.

I’m super excited to announce that I’ll be participating as an artist in Creative JumpStart (CJS) 2022!

If you’re not familiar with CJS, it’s a one-of-a-kind online event run by Nathalie Kalbach to kick your creativity into high gear at the beginning of the year.

I love Creative JumpStart because it’s filled to the brim with techniques, new materials to discover, and it gives me a chance to connect with other artists and crafters.

Throughout January and even part of February, there will be a new video by one of the featured artists in the classroom every day.

Here are some glimpses of what’s in store:

I hope you’ll join me! Registration will open on Monday 29th, so stay tuned!

Beyond The Paper | Online Class

| Marsha.
Beyond The Paper - Mixed Media Art Journaling Workshop with Birgit Koopsen, Nathalie Kalbach and Marsha Valk

I’m beyond happy to announce that Nathalie Kalbach, Birgit Koopsen and I are back with a brand new collaborative mixed media workshop – Beyond The Paper!

In this three-week online workshop that begins on April 4th, 2021, we’re going to explore exciting and original substrates to create on.

Cardboard, Dura-Lar, Fabric, and more will be the foundation of our creations, and we will discuss how to make the most out of these unique surfaces.

Beyond The Paper - Mixed Media Art Journaling Workshop with Birgit Koopsen, Nathalie Kalbach and Marsha Valk

The three of us will present a variety of paper alternatives and techniques that work beautifully with them, including foam stamping, printmaking, collage, stitching, and image transfers, to name a few.

Sign up TODAY to take advantage of the Early Bird pricing! Head over to the website for more info and to sign up! >>> Beyond The Paper Online Workshop

And that’s not all!

Triple Play Stamp Set by Nathalie Kalbach, Birgit Koopsen and Marsha Valk

We’ve designed a 7-piece foam stamp set, especially for the workshop!

The Triple Play set includes six triangles (two designed by each of us) and then a hexagon border that they fit into.

I had so much fun designing my stamps. And, I cannot begin to describe how it feels to see them used by someone else! It’s weird and wonderful at the same time!

Can you guess which two are mine?

You can buy the Triple Play stamp set exclusively here: n*Store if you’re interested!

Beyond The Paper - MixeTriple Play Foam Stamp Set by Birgit Koopsen, Nathalie Kalbach and Marsha Valk

Creative Jumpstart 2021 | Go ahead and jump!

Join CJS 2021
| Marsha.
JumpStart your Creativity in 2021 with Creative JumpStart!

I’m super excited to announce that I’ll be participating as an artist in Creative JumpStart (CJS) 2021 (aff. link)!

If you’re not familiar with CJS, it’s a one-of-a-kind online event run by Nathalie Kalbach to kick your creativity into high gear at the beginning of the year. In January 2021 CJS is celebrating its 10th Anniversary and is bigger than ever! 

You’ll learn techniques, discover new materials, and connect with other artists and crafters. 

Throughout January and part of February, you will get access to a new video by one of the featured artists every day. I’m proud to be one of those artists, called ‘JumpStarters’, for the 8th time!

See for yourself:

Head on over to Nathalie’s website to sign up and for more details!

As this is the special 10th Anniversary edition, CJS includes 45 different mixed media artists and videos will go up through February 14th.

That’s over 8 hours worth of video content –  for just $69 until December 31st 2020, before it goes to its normal sale price of $89 on January 1st 2021.

So what are you waiting for? Jump with us! Sign up here!

Creative JumpStart 2021 infographic
Creative JumpStart 2021

TIME TRAVELER | Online Class

| Marsha.
Time Traveler - Online Workshop Kalbach Koopsen Valk

I’m beyond happy to announce I’m part of this very special workshop – Time Traveler!

I’m teaching along with my amazing friends Nathalie Kalbach and Birgit Koopsen in this three-week online workshop that goes on sale today and begins on August 17th.

Become a Time Traveler with us! With this course, Nat, Birgit and I will help guide you through space and time, finding inspiration from different eras in history.

Each teacher has chosen a time and will show you mixed media techniques and design motifs inspired by their modern take on that period.

The goal is to create three different handmade book projects using Gelli® plate printmaking techniques and favourite mixed media techniques unique to each teacher.

You will get three different artistic perspectives and oodles of fun and creative ideas to try.

Sign up TODAY for Early Bird pricing: Today, 5 through 8 August 11.59 EST this course is just $89 USD. From 9 to 17 August 11.59 EST Time Traveler will be $99 USD. And then, from 18 August the course will be its regular price of $139 USD.

Check out the promo video below:

Time Traveler will begin on 17 August and will run for three weeks, with a new video publishing each day.

There will be a total of 21 videos, over five hours of video in total, as well as supply lists and additional lesson content in the classroom to help you along the way.

All the videos are downloadable and available to you to enjoy at your own pace.

Here are some of the topics covered in this workshop:

  • Mixed Media techniques
  • Gelli Arts® gel plate printmaking techniques
  • Bookbinding techniques
  • Tips and tricks for translating inspiration into art
  • Creative ideas to take to all your artmaking, art journaling, cardmaking, and beyond!

Sign up HERE for this one-of-a-kind take on creating personal, expressive mixed media art in book form from three talented teachers.

Time Traveler - Online Workshop Kalbach Koopsen Valk

A to Z StencilGirl® Art Journal Collaboration & Challenge

| Marsha.
StencilGirl® Products A to Z Collaboration and Challenge

Hi there! Hope you are doing well!

From about March until now I’ve worked my way through a handmade journal as part of the StencilGirl® Products A to Z Collaboration and Challenge organised by StencilGirl® columnist Tina Walker.

For this challenge, all of the participants were asked to fill a journal with an entry for each letter of the alphabet.

Marsha Valk StencilGirl® Products A to Z Collab and Challenge - B

The idea I had for this journal was inspired by a book that I read and loved about 15 years ago: ‘Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life’ by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

I’ve kept a journal like it before years ago, in a small address book that I had accidentally purchased. I used to keep it in my bag to write down ‘random stuff’ per letter on my train commute to and from work.

A lot of it was overheard conversation, observations, small things that caught my eye or that were on my mind. Sometimes I added little sketches.

I wish I could have had all of that this time around, however, it turned into a home edition of an ‘A to Z of Ordinary Things’ due to you-know-what.

Marsha Valk StencilGirl® Products A to Z Collab and Challenge - M

As this was a collab for the StencilGirl® Talk Blog, the only stencils we were allowed to use were stencils by StencilGirl® Products. All of the other materials I used were my own choice.

Watch the video above for a quick flip through of the journal!

Tina’s column about the collab is up on the StencilGirl® Talk Blog today.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Marsha Valk StencilGirl® Products A to Z Collab and Challenge - V

Please note that I’m also a columnist for the StencilGirl® Talk Blog, so though I did not receive any compensation for participating in this collaboration, the majority of the stencils I used to fill the pages were previously given to me or purchased at a discount!