Sunday, February 24, 2008

INK BLOT EXPERIMENTS


And Dr. Rorschach said,what do you see? One night, or actually truthfully early one morning (about 3:00 AM) several months ago, I had an overwhelming urge to spill some milk, er, I mean ink! Don't ask me why or how my art ideas happen, who knows?! And really none of that matters to me anyway, my art is about having fun, fun thinking it up, fun creating it, and fun sharing it. I'm very satisfied in that it just happens. I don't need to know why or what it means! I'm guess I'm simple like that!

Prima
So anyway back to the spilled milk, I mean ink, I folded several sheets of cardstock in half and began drizzling ink randomly and then smushed the sheets together and Viola!

Vaudeville
Every time I opened one a fantastic, vibrant, alive design emerged and was staring right at me! (Well, it was 3:00AM and that's how I remember it)!

Pirouette
As I continued I began to be a bit more deliberate with the placement of ink and what showed up were people, funny odd little people, just asking for faces and hands, hats and feets, balloons and horns!

Scaramouche
I took them to my desk (as I like to work with the messier stuff in my kitchen) and added befitting parts,

Virtuoso
each image really spoke to me and dictated what sort of parts it wanted!

Minstrel
That's how my latest stamp line came about!

Madame Butterfly
I'm very happy to present, THE INK BLOT EXPERIMENT!

Cavalier
There are 10 rubber stamp blot images mounted on wood, each is named for a theatrical reference, and 5 clearly impressed sheets ready to be mounted on clear acrylic blocks. Now available at Stampington & Company.

Encore
I think you will have as much fun experimenting with them as I have!

Burlesque
Use brightly colored inks and explore the possibilities!

Botanical Illustrations
Fresh flower ladies and fairy girls!

The Gentleman's Collection
A feathered top hat and mustached men!

Le Bon Genre
Lovely lass's and a pinched up corset!

Out of the Hurly Burly
A dapper bunny rabbit just perfect for Easter, pointed boots and happy clowns!

Fancy Costumes
Queenly things and fanciful roller skates!

There are truly an endless amount of design combinations!

I've really fallen in love with these jewel like pieces,and

the amount of detail that has been captured is fantastic, just look at those dainty little fairy feet!

I mounted a few of mine on acrylic blocks and set them up all in a row, just to look at for inspiration!

A dancing brown bunny with the smallest of carnations pinned to his suit!

A seriously beautiful 18 th century lady with hair piled high!

And of course she simply must be carrying swirly balloons! What's a lady without a handful of balloons?!

And I see a wonderful Halloweenish gentleman here with terrific stripped socks! I'm going to conduct further experiments with this one, white ink on black paper for a fun "bones" effect!

The mysterious masked clown

looks as if he is being carried away by his beautiful red helium balloons! Don't balloons just scream happy!?

With the acrylic blocks you can see exactly where to place your design elements,

Mix and match parts, mix and match inks, you can even use the ink blot images alone for a great dramatic effect! I'm working on a piece now using several of the same blots to create a kaleidoscope effect!
This funny little guy reminds me of Salvador Dali!
Now, go forth and play and play and play!

121 comments:

Deirdra Doan said...

Ooh La La, so much fun....I want to play too! Your pages bring magic...inspiration....joy.

Sabii Wabii said...

Are you kidding me??? These are awesome!
Being in the costume business for years, I responded to them immediately... Glenda, a Good Fairy, the Cirque du Solie skeleton man and my prom dress!
Love your stuff and check everyday to see if you've posted!
Blessings,
Terisa

Natasha Burns said...

Wow these are fabulous! I love the names and the way you came about creating them, and what they become when you mix two stamps together! What a wonderful idea to use the clear blocks!

Shashi Nayagam said...

Absolutely awesome!!

Kim H. said...

Holey buckets these are awesome! They are so fun! I can see them used in an art journal....it is so fun that you can mix them together...the possibilities are endless!

Auntie Joy said...

WOW! seriously WOW! I am dazzled!
JOY!

Auntie Joy said...

WOW! seriously WOW! I am dazzled!
JOY!

Lenka said...

Oh, no! Again! Where did you get all your ideas??? So much fun!

ShabbyInTheCity said...

So amazing!!! I love their slim ankles and little pirouette legs!

Jen r. said...

This is so cool. What an awesome project and idea! I am going to do this with the kids.. thank you so much for sharing your creativity and inspiration!Love the stamps!
Jen R

knitsteel said...

I love the ink blots and how they seem to have followed your inner leadings- like the way I imagine divination works.

LostLuggage said...

I don't know how you do it...of course you had me hooked at the mummy jack-o-lantern...but these are really fantastic! I'm off to check them out!

Deryn Mentock said...

Wonderful Sandra! What fun these look to be!

Lori said...

how whimsical, delightful and fun!!! great idea Sandra, i love these!!!

BumbleVee said...

I can't imagine getting the blots to look like ladies with dainty legs.... amazing.... where's my ink?...hmmmm....oh, but wait...I must make my bunny first... brother, there is just too much fun stuff to do and not nearly enough time in any day.

pescbrico said...

I so love this! You should propose to Rorchac to change some of is pictures for yours because you know... they are kind of old and yours are brand new! What a nice idea and how many fun can they be! :) Have a wonderful day!

RedBessBonney said...

Very fun!

A bird in the hand said...

What incredible fun! Ink blots... who knew? Rorschach would be proud of you. thank you for sharing the fruits of your totally wonderful imagination.

Flossie's Follies said...

These are fantastic, love the possibilities.

Deb said...

I have so enjoyed browsing your blog, your artwork is wonderful!

ScrapMomOf2 said...

Wow! Totally inspiring! I love all of the names that you came up with! The mixing and matching is fabulous! What a FUN and amazing post!

Atticbabys said...

You have to be one of thee most imaginative , creative ladies I know!
I just love coming here and getting inspired.
THANKS for all your generous sharing!
Nancy

Sugar Bear said...

Oh wow! These are so fun! I remember having an ink blot test when I was a kid - I was always so full of imagination I think the school counselors misunderstood me!
Karla

atomicvelvetsigh said...

woah! these are wonderful! the first images i can actually see fairies and ballerinas!

paris parfait said...

Sandra, they are all very clever! Wonderful ink blots/stamps. So original and unusual.

Rosemary said...

Wow!!
These are so amazing. Who knew ink blots could be so creative.
I love these. See what happens at 3:00am. I think they are enchanting.
Rosemary

Mermaid Queen said...

What inspiring art you create! Thanks for stopping by my blog. ~Martha

Lynn@ The Vintage Nest said...

Magical! I often come up with my best ideas late at night. At least I think so. :)

Fete et Fleur said...

What a wonderful and inventive new line! LOVE IT! The acrylic blocks are gorgeous.
Nancy

Di Overton said...

You are a genius and that has to be the longest post in history

LOUISE @ HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS said...

I am going to have a go at those ink blots, they are amazing. I wonder what will appear on mine, could be interesting! x

A Fanciful Twist said...

I am sitting here with my mouth wide open!! Hooray, spectacular!! Incredible!! Oh Sandra, what magic you create!! xo

High Desert Diva said...

The ink blot experiments are quite intriguing. I see many possibilities...

The Tattered Rose said...

I am always so inspired by your blog. These are great! Cheers, Trish G.

Katherines Dream said...

How talented you are! and you have brought back childhood memories....folded paper and ink !
I will have to have a little go at this again...
Thank you for stopping by today.
Carolx

Linda's Blue Gate said...

I just love taking a trip in your fanciful imagination....I'm not sure which is more fun the visual or the narrative.... you are just enchanting...
Linda

Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio said...

How wonderfully AWESOME! I love these. What a wonderful imagination you have. Just amazing!
Penny

Donna said...

Wow, just amazing!
Donna

Vickie said...

I love your new line of stamps! There are so many possibilities. I'm a big fan of the clear blocks too, so much better control. These are just fabulous.

Claudia said...

holy these stamps AND pictures are a piece of art.
gorgeous!

Mary said...

All I can say Sandra is that you just never cease to amaze me with your creativity.
Fabulous!!!!!

Cakespy said...

How WONDERFUL! I adored reading this! So creative!

NeereAnDear said...

You are such an inspiration!! I can not believe that out of those little ink blots these fun filled images came...
Who would have thought???

You make me really want to experiment and think outside the box...

You are so much fun!!

HUGS

JO

Auberne' Ancalimon said...

Thank you for your comment on Delfshaven. Your stamps are lovely! :)

Auberne' Ancalimon

Susan Tuttle said...

You never cease to amaze me with your incredible talents and ideas!!

The clear blocks are so appealing - like icy treasures.

Thanks for your sweet comments.

Susan
xo

Diana Evans said...

Hi Sandra!!! these are amazing...

Hope you don't mind me adding you to my daily visits list...

love your work...so inspirational...

Cheers,
Diana

daydreamstudios said...

How exciting to have something you have created turned into a rubber stamp. The possibilies are endless with your designs! Congrats.
Karla

Sandi McBride said...

I LOVE THEM. What more is there to say?
Sandi

Janet said...

These are amazing! I love the story of how they came to be.

Little Pink Studio said...

This is a brilliant line of stamps! I love them!
~Cerri xoxo
www.littlepinkstudio.typepad.com

Bebe said...

Hi Sandra!

Just found your delightful blog and am enjoying looking at all your creative ideas. I never would have thought that ink blots could be this much fun ~ you are very talented!!! :)

I've added you to my favorites and will come by often to see what other wonderful things you have posted!!

Smiles...Bebe :)

Bayou Contessa said...

This is magic and you are an artistic genius. The beauty and the fun and the designs and the possibilities are endless. I love your work and your blog!

The Paris Apartment said...

You are one great talent sandra! Are you selling these?! They must be seen by the world...they're great art! We all love you!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

How fun, to know these started as ink blots. Then, to have mix and match stamps to create different characters is just great, like builing a Mr. Potato Head, (but so much prettier)

Pinkie Denise said...

Oh my gosh Sandra,
I am in love with these stamps! I really like the one of the old fashion girls....I am going to have to buy a set of these...Thank you so much for sharing with us...Pinkie Denise

Back Through Time said...

Such fun! I remember doing ink blot artwork in school. It was always such fun to see what came out of it! Yours are wonderful!
Michelle

WendyB said...

Very clever!

Patri said...

ooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh what a wonderful things!!!!!! Lovely. I used to work in a rubber stand corporate and you has remembered me my first job!!!! I love the things you do

bj said...

Sheer magic, Sandra...I stand in awe of your talent!
Thanks for coming to see me today...pls. come anytime.
hugs, bj

Tracie said...

Sandra,
You never fail to surprise and awe me! Was trying to choose my favorite, I love them all but I think the 18th century lady w/hair piled high is the fav for this french loving lady.
I so love your blog/creations!
xo~Tracie

Rosie's Whimsy said...

So very clever! I wish i could borrow your creative muse for just one day. :-) Rosie

Firefly Hill said...

Thanks for visiting my blog--I always feel honored when you visit!
Fantastic post today--love these!

Annie

Charlotte said...

You are so so so creative. I'm very impressed. Thanks for visiting my blog.

SweetAnnee said...

Absolutely lovely!!
Now, where is that money tree
I planted??
I'm going to NEED it..
Love all the stamps!!
fondly, Deena

Auld Hat said...

Glorious. I am genuinely inspired. Okay then, off to make art! Thanks again!

MondaythroughSunday said...

Wow..that is too cool!!

bluemuf said...

That is just amazing. These stamps are pure fun.

Karen

Sea Dream Studio said...

Delightful stamps, Sandra! So full of whimsey! They invite the imagination to come and play!!!

Oh, and thanks for the kind words over at my blog!!!

hugs~Dale

Melissa Lobdell, Little Melfred's Studio said...

OH MY GOSH!!! Sandra, your style never fails to delight me but these are over the top wonderful! What a great idea to get your creative juices flowing! I think I need to go and find some ink! xo-Mel

Brook said...

You have a beautiful blog and your artwork is awesome!!! Thnk you for your visit. I'll be back here to see more of your delightful work.
Blessings
Brook

Kristen Robinson said...

I absolutely cannot wait to play with this amazing and delightful assortment of beauty. You consistently amaze me my friend with your incredible talent!
XOX
Kristen

COLLS GARDEN said...

Sandra, thank you for visiting. Your work is an inspiration to us all.
Coll :-}

Ruth Welter said...

Sandra, I love the stamps, they are wonderful and just so creative. Seeing the process of how you invented these, is really fascinating.

Lola Enchanted said...

WOWZA! You always seem to completely AMAZE me!!!!!!!!~

CATHY PURDY said...

I love these! The combination of the black with the pop of color is great and really brings the characters to life!

belindaschneider said...

it's nice to see them in colors and in use. good luck with your stamps!

The Vintage Sister Studio said...

OMG! I think I'm number 77! I hope you read this...LOL. I love the ink blots. What a great idea. I saw that you like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I'm in the middle of reading 'Boy' by Roald Dahl and it's wonderful. You should take a peek if you haven't already.
Tracy

Martha Kohley said...

What facinating combinations! The possibilities are limitless. Thank you for taking a peek at my blog and glad you enjoyed my little creations! M.

Wanda said...

Gosh, those are neat! Love em!

Diane MacNaughtan said...

You are truly amazing!I just love what you create..
~Diane

Designs by CK said...

Sandra ~ COOL ink blots!!! '-)

Chris

Donna O. said...

Now, everytime I hear the "Ink Spots" on the radio, I'll think of YOU!!
D.
Off to visit the new digs, babe!

Nabeel said...

the ink bolt pictures were very interesting. I tried to make something out of them .. all positive stuff though :)

Tara said...

These are just beautiful creations! I did not see what you saw originally but I am glad you let me see it through your eyes!

red tin heart said...

These are all fantastic! I love them all. xoxo Nita

Chris said...

How fanciful! Your imagination is inspiring to me. You seem to fly toward each new idea and relish "fleshing" it out and playing with it. I can learn from your example!
Thank you so much~

dollface design said...

what an amazingly fantastical collection! each and every inkblot reminded me of some sort of graceful ballet dancer...so beautiful and delicate! loved how you matched them up with heads and limbs too, very cool...the possibilities seem to be endless with this collection, beautiful work as always ♥
layla
p.s. thanks for visiting me! xoxo

MightyMom said...

cool

MightyMom said...

cool

A Romantic Porch said...

So beautiful so creative! xo Rachel

Mosaic*Queen said...

This brings back fond memories of an art class back in grade school. We used paint and each person's creation was one of a kind and Wonderful!
Love them all!
Michelle

charlotte said...

fabulous!

dollface design said...

good morning sandra! ♥
of course i don't mind if you list my blog on your creative places list, i'd be absolutely thrilled! thanks a bunch, off to add your link, have a wonderful wednesday...
xoxo
layla

hillgrandmom said...

Truly amazing! Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Flea Market Queen said...

Sandra...Absolutely Fabulous as always! You are something else...
Priscilla

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

WOW, those are amazing, Sandra! I love it all!

xo

Melissa

Sherry ~ Cherie ~ ms. herbes de provence said...

Sandra these are, as usual, incredible. I simply love how you let your mind and your imagination have free reign -- to create as you go and make it happen. You give me inspiration to keep doing anything that tickles my fancy!!

Gillian @ Indigo Blue said...

Sheer brilliance! You are the cleverest.
xo

Nicole said...

These are beautiful! I am inspired to try spilling something now! How fun! It reminds me of a game I used to play with my sister as a child. We called it squiggles. One of us would make a scribble and then the other had to turn it into a drawing. Delightful!

Fine Bessot said...

Vous avez beaucoup de talent et le mélange des genres et des formes est surprenant. Je suis très admirative. Amitiés de Fine.
You have much talent and the mixture of the kinds and the forms is surprising. I am very admiring. Fine friendships.

r said...

These are WONDERFUL~FABULOUS Sandra! So creative! Love the fashonista's! Love it all! Your the best! Thank you for sharing. These are so inspirational!

rochambeau said...

Sandra,
R is Moi!
It went through to quickly!!

xo
Constance

Betzie said...

These are awesome Sandra! I always did those ink blots with my kindergarteners! They were so much fun, thanks for bringing back those memories(I'm not as old as I sound...LOL).
I just love the new acrylic blocks and clear stamps too.

Bristol said...

I love the rabbit man, so dapper.
Have a great weekend.
Bristol

Christine LeFever said...

You are amazing! I eagerly look forward to the remarkable stamps that I ordered of yours. And where they came from, there will always be more!!!

Christine

Andie-The Brown Bee said...

Shut UP chicarita! (if you're not from the South you may not know this isn't brash rudeness, but one of the bestest compliments a gal can get)These are totally awesome!

And thank you so much for the birthday wishes too! =0] xoxo

Ragged Roses said...

Those are amazing, beautiful!
Kimx

avalon8theroses said...

These are fab..I love them..Tracey

Carolyn said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I agree with so many others: these are so fun and inspirational! It would be fun to see how different identical blots could be if done by multiple artists.
Great stuff! I may have to try some blots...

Julia said...

O Sandra ! How fantasic this is . I love that stamps !

Christi Snow said...

I love the imaginings of your mind...these are absolutely fabulous!!! smiles...

Signature Vintage said...

I know that when I come to visit your blog, I better be well prepared for amazing stuff! I love your new stamp line and will definitely be adding it to my collection!

My Paper World said...

Absolutely delightful! Your line of ink blot stamp designs are very magical and inspiring!
Nicola xx

Jeanne said...

Wow Sandra, these are so fascinating! I just heard that you will be teaching some of the projects on Teresa's Bellatoria ezine. Yay! I've signed up for every one of the ezines and think all the projects are wonderful. Can't wait to see what cool projects you come up with!
xo
jeanne

Siobhan said...

Hi Sandra,

Theses are amazing!!!

I have a few suprises going on over my blog so drop by. xo

Siobhan xo

Gabrielle Madsen said...

Wonderful, amazing and yes ooh so very inspirational!

Truly great to know you have mastered the ability to just be. The true artist!

P.S. You've been tagged:o}

Kim Hardt Originals said...

Hi Sandra, I love all the ink blots. What fun!

Kim

Laura said...

Pure Genius!!!!!!

So Inspiring!!!

Can't wait to get some to play with!!!

The Artful Eye said...

Sandra,
I received my email post from Stampington and just about died.

These stamps are gorgeous. Just when I think I've had enough and now these lovelies.

Your are amazing!

Dapoppins said...

I saw these on sale...Your killing me. I want every single one. They are so cool, so adventurous...but I can't convince my husband they are a NEED and not a want. And I don't want to buy one set at a time. No, I want them all, now!

Rosie said...

Awwww, my goodness! What an original concept. I love your designs and as you so rightly say, the detail is amazing...! I need to remortgage!! I too, want them all!!!
You are such an inspiration, I shall just have to go play with my inks now! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful product.