I am on an e-mail list for quilt artists. People on the list often ask questions about supplies, techniques, etc. Last week, I read and re-read this one question and response. The question is paraphrased, but the response is verbatim:
Q: I want to create a drop shadow in my work. I’ve looked at and read about different ways of doing this, but I’m not sure what would be the best technique for me?
A: "It sounds as if you have some learning to do before setting to work on your quilt.
Make a sample of each of the options and see which one suits you. You can ask people what they prefer or recommend, but none of us can see your quilt and none of us know which technique you'd be better at, either.
There is no getting round it- it is time to try out the options for yourself and see which looks best on your work.
Making samples is never a waste of time."
Those last two lines are so clear and so full of wisdom. Let's break them down.
"There is no getting round it — it is time to try out the options for yourself…."
I get asked a lot of "how to" questions. I have found that people don't like it when you say: Experiment. Try it for yourself. See what you like.
Those words are not a cop out. In fact, they're the best advice I can give.
If I tell you what works for me, then you start to think that it's the "right" way. It's not. It's what works for me. The thing that makes each of us unique is how our brains work; our impulses. You need to try out ideas and supplies and see what you like and enjoy.
I had a brief correspondence with Alison, who wrote the answer quoted above, and in that e-mail she said another thing that I heartily agree with: "…whatever works best for you is a right way, even if I solve a problem a bit differently." Yes! So much of making art is problem solving. If you look to other people for how to solve the problem, you're not really showing who you are.
The best way to become familiar with a product or a technique is to make some samples. Try it out for yourself.
"Making samples is never a waste of time."
This is so true! In my early days of art making I didn't really "get" samples. I mean, I saw them and they looked cool, but I couldn't understand the purpose.
The purpose of sample making is knowledge. When I get a new art supply I like to put it through its paces. For example, with a new pen I might test…
- Does it write on top of slick surfaces like dried acrylic paint? (A requirement for my art journal.)
- Is it waterproof? Is it watersoluble?
- How long does the ink stay wet on paper?
- Can you use the tip of the pen in more than one way? (ex. thin line & fat line)
Could you read the packaging and go on the internet to find out the answers to these questions. Sure. But I think that (a) making samples helps you to remember the details of how a product works and (b) claims/reviews about products are not always true.
I have often thought about teaching a class that is highly sample-based. However, as useful and important as sample making is, I fear it's not a sexy topic that would attract students. And so I will just say to you: make samples! Label them so you can look back on them tomorrow or two years from now. Samples can become a magical shortcut when you're working on a project. Not sure what to do next? Grab your rolodex of samples and see what worked for you in the past!
I hope you'll spend the weekend making some samples. They're an art resource you can never have enough of!
Thanks for stopping by!
Well damn. Now I wish I’d bought that rolodex I saw at the thrift store the other day! I knew it would be useful! I work mostly with textiles (printing, painting, dyeing, embroidering), and samples are my favourite things to make. I could play for years and still have fun doing it.
Well damn. Now I wish I’d bought that rolodex I saw at the thrift store the other day! I knew it would be useful! I work mostly with textiles (printing, painting, dyeing, embroidering), and samples are my favourite things to make. I could play for years and still have fun doing it.
Well damn. Now I wish I’d bought that rolodex I saw at the thrift store the other day! I knew it would be useful! I work mostly with textiles (printing, painting, dyeing, embroidering), and samples are my favourite things to make. I could play for years and still have fun doing it.
Well damn. Now I wish I’d bought that rolodex I saw at the thrift store the other day! I knew it would be useful! I work mostly with textiles (printing, painting, dyeing, embroidering), and samples are my favourite things to make. I could play for years and still have fun doing it.
Well damn. Now I wish I’d bought that rolodex I saw at the thrift store the other day! I knew it would be useful! I work mostly with textiles (printing, painting, dyeing, embroidering), and samples are my favourite things to make. I could play for years and still have fun doing it.
Well damn. Now I wish I’d bought that rolodex I saw at the thrift store the other day! I knew it would be useful! I work mostly with textiles (printing, painting, dyeing, embroidering), and samples are my favourite things to make. I could play for years and still have fun doing it.
Well damn. Now I wish I’d bought that rolodex I saw at the thrift store the other day! I knew it would be useful! I work mostly with textiles (printing, painting, dyeing, embroidering), and samples are my favourite things to make. I could play for years and still have fun doing it.
I’ve always thought of classes as a chance to sample new techniques rather than as an opportunity to produce finished work. I’d happily take a technique sampling class from you.
I’ve always thought of classes as a chance to sample new techniques rather than as an opportunity to produce finished work. I’d happily take a technique sampling class from you.
I’ve always thought of classes as a chance to sample new techniques rather than as an opportunity to produce finished work. I’d happily take a technique sampling class from you.
I’ve always thought of classes as a chance to sample new techniques rather than as an opportunity to produce finished work. I’d happily take a technique sampling class from you.
I’ve always thought of classes as a chance to sample new techniques rather than as an opportunity to produce finished work. I’d happily take a technique sampling class from you.
I’ve always thought of classes as a chance to sample new techniques rather than as an opportunity to produce finished work. I’d happily take a technique sampling class from you.
I’ve always thought of classes as a chance to sample new techniques rather than as an opportunity to produce finished work. I’d happily take a technique sampling class from you.
Julie, Such a good topic. I love making samples. In my classes I always have my students work on a sample piece of fabric before moving to the main piece. I’ve had some who just wanted to jump right in, but most really appreciate making the samples. I can’t imagine doing any project without testing out the waters. Thanks again for this great post.
Julie, Such a good topic. I love making samples. In my classes I always have my students work on a sample piece of fabric before moving to the main piece. I’ve had some who just wanted to jump right in, but most really appreciate making the samples. I can’t imagine doing any project without testing out the waters. Thanks again for this great post.
Julie, Such a good topic. I love making samples. In my classes I always have my students work on a sample piece of fabric before moving to the main piece. I’ve had some who just wanted to jump right in, but most really appreciate making the samples. I can’t imagine doing any project without testing out the waters. Thanks again for this great post.
Julie, Such a good topic. I love making samples. In my classes I always have my students work on a sample piece of fabric before moving to the main piece. I’ve had some who just wanted to jump right in, but most really appreciate making the samples. I can’t imagine doing any project without testing out the waters. Thanks again for this great post.
Julie, Such a good topic. I love making samples. In my classes I always have my students work on a sample piece of fabric before moving to the main piece. I’ve had some who just wanted to jump right in, but most really appreciate making the samples. I can’t imagine doing any project without testing out the waters. Thanks again for this great post.
Julie, Such a good topic. I love making samples. In my classes I always have my students work on a sample piece of fabric before moving to the main piece. I’ve had some who just wanted to jump right in, but most really appreciate making the samples. I can’t imagine doing any project without testing out the waters. Thanks again for this great post.
Julie, Such a good topic. I love making samples. In my classes I always have my students work on a sample piece of fabric before moving to the main piece. I’ve had some who just wanted to jump right in, but most really appreciate making the samples. I can’t imagine doing any project without testing out the waters. Thanks again for this great post.
I will now look at my journal playing as making samples and experiments. Thank you for adding value to playing in my art journal ;=)
I will now look at my journal playing as making samples and experiments. Thank you for adding value to playing in my art journal ;=)
I will now look at my journal playing as making samples and experiments. Thank you for adding value to playing in my art journal ;=)
I will now look at my journal playing as making samples and experiments. Thank you for adding value to playing in my art journal ;=)
I will now look at my journal playing as making samples and experiments. Thank you for adding value to playing in my art journal ;=)
I will now look at my journal playing as making samples and experiments. Thank you for adding value to playing in my art journal ;=)
I will now look at my journal playing as making samples and experiments. Thank you for adding value to playing in my art journal ;=)
I would LOVE to take a sample-making class and a class to learn and experiment with various techniques. I often go to my craft room/studio to make something – often on a deadline – someone’s birthday or a holiday coming up. So I don’t always feel I have time to experiment or make samples. When I have done it, it’s super fun – and I often feel freer when I’m doing that because there’s less pressure — you can’t “mess up” a sample, right? I like classes where I feel free to play and experiment, but maybe I’m not the norm, I don’t know. I know most people are end-product driven and want a finished thing to take home at the end of a class. I’m with you – it’s about learning and the things learned can be so valuable for future projects! Oftentimes you can really surprise yourself with what works or what doesn’t.
I would LOVE to take a sample-making class and a class to learn and experiment with various techniques. I often go to my craft room/studio to make something – often on a deadline – someone’s birthday or a holiday coming up. So I don’t always feel I have time to experiment or make samples. When I have done it, it’s super fun – and I often feel freer when I’m doing that because there’s less pressure — you can’t “mess up” a sample, right? I like classes where I feel free to play and experiment, but maybe I’m not the norm, I don’t know. I know most people are end-product driven and want a finished thing to take home at the end of a class. I’m with you – it’s about learning and the things learned can be so valuable for future projects! Oftentimes you can really surprise yourself with what works or what doesn’t.
I would LOVE to take a sample-making class and a class to learn and experiment with various techniques. I often go to my craft room/studio to make something – often on a deadline – someone’s birthday or a holiday coming up. So I don’t always feel I have time to experiment or make samples. When I have done it, it’s super fun – and I often feel freer when I’m doing that because there’s less pressure — you can’t “mess up” a sample, right? I like classes where I feel free to play and experiment, but maybe I’m not the norm, I don’t know. I know most people are end-product driven and want a finished thing to take home at the end of a class. I’m with you – it’s about learning and the things learned can be so valuable for future projects! Oftentimes you can really surprise yourself with what works or what doesn’t.
I would LOVE to take a sample-making class and a class to learn and experiment with various techniques. I often go to my craft room/studio to make something – often on a deadline – someone’s birthday or a holiday coming up. So I don’t always feel I have time to experiment or make samples. When I have done it, it’s super fun – and I often feel freer when I’m doing that because there’s less pressure — you can’t “mess up” a sample, right? I like classes where I feel free to play and experiment, but maybe I’m not the norm, I don’t know. I know most people are end-product driven and want a finished thing to take home at the end of a class. I’m with you – it’s about learning and the things learned can be so valuable for future projects! Oftentimes you can really surprise yourself with what works or what doesn’t.
I would LOVE to take a sample-making class and a class to learn and experiment with various techniques. I often go to my craft room/studio to make something – often on a deadline – someone’s birthday or a holiday coming up. So I don’t always feel I have time to experiment or make samples. When I have done it, it’s super fun – and I often feel freer when I’m doing that because there’s less pressure — you can’t “mess up” a sample, right? I like classes where I feel free to play and experiment, but maybe I’m not the norm, I don’t know. I know most people are end-product driven and want a finished thing to take home at the end of a class. I’m with you – it’s about learning and the things learned can be so valuable for future projects! Oftentimes you can really surprise yourself with what works or what doesn’t.
I would LOVE to take a sample-making class and a class to learn and experiment with various techniques. I often go to my craft room/studio to make something – often on a deadline – someone’s birthday or a holiday coming up. So I don’t always feel I have time to experiment or make samples. When I have done it, it’s super fun – and I often feel freer when I’m doing that because there’s less pressure — you can’t “mess up” a sample, right? I like classes where I feel free to play and experiment, but maybe I’m not the norm, I don’t know. I know most people are end-product driven and want a finished thing to take home at the end of a class. I’m with you – it’s about learning and the things learned can be so valuable for future projects! Oftentimes you can really surprise yourself with what works or what doesn’t.
I would LOVE to take a sample-making class and a class to learn and experiment with various techniques. I often go to my craft room/studio to make something – often on a deadline – someone’s birthday or a holiday coming up. So I don’t always feel I have time to experiment or make samples. When I have done it, it’s super fun – and I often feel freer when I’m doing that because there’s less pressure — you can’t “mess up” a sample, right? I like classes where I feel free to play and experiment, but maybe I’m not the norm, I don’t know. I know most people are end-product driven and want a finished thing to take home at the end of a class. I’m with you – it’s about learning and the things learned can be so valuable for future projects! Oftentimes you can really surprise yourself with what works or what doesn’t.
I agree. You just have to try for yourself. Something I’m learning (& loving) with your wise words in my head
I agree. You just have to try for yourself. Something I’m learning (& loving) with your wise words in my head
I agree. You just have to try for yourself. Something I’m learning (& loving) with your wise words in my head
I agree. You just have to try for yourself. Something I’m learning (& loving) with your wise words in my head
I agree. You just have to try for yourself. Something I’m learning (& loving) with your wise words in my head
I agree. You just have to try for yourself. Something I’m learning (& loving) with your wise words in my head
I agree. You just have to try for yourself. Something I’m learning (& loving) with your wise words in my head
I was thinking this would be a good idea to use on tags and put them on a ring, that way you can write on the back which products and techniques you used. I try to remember to do this in some of my journals because I am fairly new to mixed media, card making and scrapbooking. I would really not have thought of the tags except for your post so thank you for sharing
I was thinking this would be a good idea to use on tags and put them on a ring, that way you can write on the back which products and techniques you used. I try to remember to do this in some of my journals because I am fairly new to mixed media, card making and scrapbooking. I would really not have thought of the tags except for your post so thank you for sharing
I was thinking this would be a good idea to use on tags and put them on a ring, that way you can write on the back which products and techniques you used. I try to remember to do this in some of my journals because I am fairly new to mixed media, card making and scrapbooking. I would really not have thought of the tags except for your post so thank you for sharing
I was thinking this would be a good idea to use on tags and put them on a ring, that way you can write on the back which products and techniques you used. I try to remember to do this in some of my journals because I am fairly new to mixed media, card making and scrapbooking. I would really not have thought of the tags except for your post so thank you for sharing
I was thinking this would be a good idea to use on tags and put them on a ring, that way you can write on the back which products and techniques you used. I try to remember to do this in some of my journals because I am fairly new to mixed media, card making and scrapbooking. I would really not have thought of the tags except for your post so thank you for sharing
I was thinking this would be a good idea to use on tags and put them on a ring, that way you can write on the back which products and techniques you used. I try to remember to do this in some of my journals because I am fairly new to mixed media, card making and scrapbooking. I would really not have thought of the tags except for your post so thank you for sharing
I was thinking this would be a good idea to use on tags and put them on a ring, that way you can write on the back which products and techniques you used. I try to remember to do this in some of my journals because I am fairly new to mixed media, card making and scrapbooking. I would really not have thought of the tags except for your post so thank you for sharing
Julie…I get the spirit of the question and response, but as a newbie…I would find it it callous and a bit snotty…just my interpretation. When you are new at something, you are oversaturate with info. A Newbie needs guidance. Why ask for questions and then tell people work it out for themselves.
Julie…I get the spirit of the question and response, but as a newbie…I would find it it callous and a bit snotty…just my interpretation. When you are new at something, you are oversaturate with info. A Newbie needs guidance. Why ask for questions and then tell people work it out for themselves.
Julie…I get the spirit of the question and response, but as a newbie…I would find it it callous and a bit snotty…just my interpretation. When you are new at something, you are oversaturate with info. A Newbie needs guidance. Why ask for questions and then tell people work it out for themselves.
Julie…I get the spirit of the question and response, but as a newbie…I would find it it callous and a bit snotty…just my interpretation. When you are new at something, you are oversaturate with info. A Newbie needs guidance. Why ask for questions and then tell people work it out for themselves.
Julie…I get the spirit of the question and response, but as a newbie…I would find it it callous and a bit snotty…just my interpretation. When you are new at something, you are oversaturate with info. A Newbie needs guidance. Why ask for questions and then tell people work it out for themselves.
Julie…I get the spirit of the question and response, but as a newbie…I would find it it callous and a bit snotty…just my interpretation. When you are new at something, you are oversaturate with info. A Newbie needs guidance. Why ask for questions and then tell people work it out for themselves.
Julie…I get the spirit of the question and response, but as a newbie…I would find it it callous and a bit snotty…just my interpretation. When you are new at something, you are oversaturate with info. A Newbie needs guidance. Why ask for questions and then tell people work it out for themselves.
Great idea! Mind if I use it?!
Great idea! Mind if I use it?!
Great idea! Mind if I use it?!
Great idea! Mind if I use it?!
Great idea! Mind if I use it?!
Great idea! Mind if I use it?!
Great idea! Mind if I use it?!
I would take your class on samples…
I would take your class on samples…
I would take your class on samples…
I would take your class on samples…
I would take your class on samples…
I would take your class on samples…
I would take your class on samples…