Cipriano Designs

New Website!!

2011-08-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for my new website! It's been so difficult figuring out what I want. I'm hyper-creative....constantly changing ideas and designs, so what does one do? I first had to streamline my work and then organize my product. Organize! Sometimes I don't know what that means. This year in particular has been the most challenging for my business. I'm taking it to a new level, and the balancing act is very important. How do you do it all? Here's a sneak peak at what's coming....here's a link about me.

Summer Screen Printing Workshops!!

2011-07-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer, Everyone!
I have two workshops scheduled for this summer, and the first one is only weeks away!
The two sessions are:

July 23rd and 24th
Saturday and Sunday
11am to 2 pm, & 11am to 3 pm

August 20th, and 27th
Two-consecutive Saturdays
11 am to 2 pm, & 11am to 3 pm

Is that screen printing "kit" you got as a gift last year still sitting in its box? Do you want to make your own t-shirts or greeting cards, but feel a little intimidated by the whole "photo-emulsion" process and need help? Well, this class can answer all of your screen printing questions! You will learn how the photo-emulsion method of screen printing works, and print on fabric, paper, vinyl, plastic or even leather. This technique of screen printing is the most effective in achieving quality image detail. You will "burn" your screens with a professional exposure unit, and most importantly, learn how to construct your own exposure unit for future home projects.

This two-day workshop will walk you through the entire process of screen and image preparation to finished print!
Open print sessions are available to individuals who complete this introduction workshop.

Class Fee: $135
Fee covers all tools, including ink and one 10x14 inch screen you get to take home for more printing fun.
Class hours: 2 days, 7 hours total
Level: Beginner
For all adults, ages 16 and up
Limited to 6 students

Class outline:
First day, 3hours:
Please bring to class black and white illustrations, high-contrast photos or any imagery that inspires you. We will discuss how to properly prepare our images for the "burning" process. We will also discuss how to prep our screens and coat them with emulsion. Also, you will have the opportunity to make a reusable stencil and pull some prints.

Before the second class session, you will need to take a trip to a copy center and copy your design or designs to a few pieces of transparencies (which I will provide).

Second day, 4hours:
Please bring t-shirts, fabric or screen printing paper for the last session. We will then burn our screens and print! I will show you how to make your own exposure unit for home use. The screen you get to keep from class can be reused for your projects at home! I will also discuss the different properties of inks.

Location and Important Details

Screen Printing classes take place at Nicole's studio:
6635 North Baltimore Ave, Suite 109
Portland OR 97203, next to beautiful Cathedral Park.

To register for any of the above dates, please call Nicole at
503-422-1252 or send an email to: nicole@ciprianodesigns.com. A PayPal request will be sent to you. All class fees are due at registration. Refunds will be given to those who cancel two days before the first class meeting.

June Screen Printing Class

2011-05-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

The next Silkscreen class is scheduled for Saturday, June 11th, 11am to 3pm. I'm running a Crafty Wonderland special: $135 instead of $155. This includes everything! This two-day workshop will teach you everything you need to know about the photographic screen printing process. You don't want to miss out!! Call me to register: 503-422-1252

Screen Printing Classes and Newsletter for May

2011-04-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring! What a busy season it is with so many upcoming events and new screen printing classes. April has been a very exciting month, and I hope you will be able to join me sometime in May or June.
I want to thank everyone for all of your enthusiastic inquiries and emails regarding these classes and events. They inspire me to keep on creating! Thank you!
Hope to see you soon,
Nicole

Introduction to Screen Printing

Class Dates: May:

Session 1
Saturday and Sunday, May 21st and 22nd
11am to 3pm

Session 2
Tuesday, May 24th and Tuesday, May 31st
5pm to 9pm

June:
Session 3
Saturdays, June 11th and 18th
11am to 3pm

Learn all about the photo-emulsion method of screen printing and print on fabric, paper, vinyl, plastic and leather. This technique of screen printing is the most effective in achieving quality image detail. You will "burn" your screens with a professional exposure unit, and also learn how to construct your own exposure unit for home projects. This two-day workshop will walk you through the entire process of screen and image preparation to finished print! Open print sessions are available to individuals who complete this introduction workshop.

Class Fee: $155

Fee covers all tools, including ink and one 20x24 professional screen you get to take home for more printing fun.

Class hours: 2 days, 8 hours total

Level: Beginner

For all adults, ages 16 and up

Limited to 6 students

Please bring to class black and white illustrations, high-contrast photos or any imagery that inspires you. We will discuss how to properly compose these images the first day of the workshop. Also, bring t-shirts, fabric or screen printing paper for the second class meeting.

Class special running for session 1. $20 off for you and a friend if you sign up together.

**To register for any of the above dates, please call Nicole at 503-422-1252 or send an email to: nicole@ciprianodesigns.com. A PayPal request will be sent to you. All class fees are due at registration. Refunds will be given to those who cancel two days before the first class meeting.**

Open print day is an afternoon available to any student who has completed the Intro class. For $25 you have a three hour time slot to use the studio facilities. You have access to exposure unit, all tools, inks and even photo-emulsion. Plus, I will be there to help you troubleshoot and answer any questions you may have.

Open Print Day:

June 5th, 11am to 2pm
June 26th, 11am to 2pm

Events, events, events!!!

On May 3rd and 4th, Handmade NW is having a Mother's Day event at OHSU. They teamed up with the Heart Research Center to bring together this event! Come check it out and take a ride on the tram.

May 7th!!! Mark your calendars for this one day event!! Need I say more? Crafty Wonderland is the place to be! You can find me in booth 5, next to the DIY table.

Saturday, May 14th. I'm embracing my new neighborhood and joining in as one of the vendors for the 5th Annual St. Johns Bizarre. They're closing down the street and bringing in a parade.
Hope to see you there!

©2011 Cipriano Designs | 6635 N Baltimore Ave, PDX 97203

Custom Work

2011-04-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

A while back I made an iPad case for Seasons, the owner of Presents Of Mind. She owns one of my wallets with the same color leather and design. It was exciting to make this. I'm always up for the challenge of custom work. I don't own an iPad, so I had to make a replica out of cardboard (so fancy) to get the case just right.

Leather Construction Classes

2011-04-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

I've been teaching workshops at Donna and Toots on Division Street, and I have one class that teaches you how to use different rivets, snaps and glue to create a one-of-a-kind accessory. Sewing leather can be tricky. It requires a walking foot and a lot of practice. If you don't have a sewing machine and want to make your own studded purse, this class could be just up your alley.

Here I am just teasing you with these pictures, and you're wondering when this class is running again. Well, I'm taking a break from teaching leather classes for a few months. If you're really interested in this workshop, send me an email. That way I can keep you updated. Thanks!

This is Tamara in the background. She owns Redux on Burnside, right by the Jupiter Hotel. Her store is filled with beautiful one-of-a-kind accessories and art. I love her shop and you will too once you walk through her doors.

The Sugar Cube

2011-04-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege to make a leather baking tool sleeve for Kir Jensen of the Sugar Cube.
This very talented woman is writing a cookbook for Chronical, and I was so excited when she asked me to make something for her photo shoot. I love how the white logo pops out on the brown leather. It all morphed together so well!

Don't forget to visit her food cart on 43rd and Belmont, next to Movie Madness. It truly is a badass dessert cart!

New Designs 2011

2011-03-01T22:13:00.000-08:00

In Motion

2010-08-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

I'm in my new workshop now! Production has been high and the wheels are turning on new designs. I've been in this new studio for a month now, and decided I needed some help breaking the space in.

It feels like home, really. When I walk through the door I can't wait to work.

Oh, I can't forget, say hi to Mr. Pfaff. Everything's really in motion now!

Hot August Days

2010-08-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a day to remember. For my family, Sunday's have always been a day to reconnect and feast. It's a time to slow down and not think about what needs to be done. I decided to do just that. I slowed down, walked Chico, watered the garden and made a peach cobbler. I tried hard to not think about what I "need" to do, but then it occurred to me, I WANT to work. I'm so excited to get into the studio and tackle this next phase of construction. But, I'm leaving that for this afternoon.
Last night I was invited to House Spirits Distillery for a little tasting and tour of their distillery. It was really inspiring! I've always wanted to try and distill something of my own. I've always played it safe and made my own fruit liqueurs, but how wonderful it would be to make your own whiskey or vodka! There's definitely an art to infusion and I'm so excited to experiment more. Soon, I will have to try an infusion with House Spirits, Medoyeff Vodka.

I almost forgot the best part! Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" was playing at Cinema 21. I'm not sure what actually made the evening....the bike ride, the viewing of this fantastic film, the moment on the East Bank Esplanade, gazing out at the perfectly illuminated city with my dear friend. I think it was a combination of it all. I saw Portland in a different light and felt in love. It really was an excellent August Sunday.

Photos at Akemi Salon

2010-02-13T09:25:00.000-08:00

For the month of February, I'm displaying some (a very small fraction) of my photographs at Akemi Salon on Williams Street. Framing these pictures made me appreciate photography all over again.

The Pascucci Family

2010-02-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

In Ravenna, Italy, in the heart of the cobblestone metropolis, there exists a shop that celebrates the art of woodblock printing on fabrics. What a treat is was to visit this charming store! The owner, one of the Pascucci relatives, briefly explained the business was originated by one of her family members over 100 years ago.
I did a little research and discovered an Italian blog about this company. The shop is called "La Stamperia dei Pascucci." I love the photos of their workshop. It's so interesting to see all men creating these beautiful textiles. And yes, I did have to treat myself to a few of their lovely linens. I had to bring home a little inspiration!

Recap of Inspiration

2010-01-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

2009 was a big year for me. Now only did I take my business to a new level, but my travels to Europe unconditionally restored my soul. Four weeks and three countries. It was an existence that had no pressing expectations.

First stop was Croatia. My mother was full-blooded Croatian, and her maiden name was Vrvilo. They came from a very rough, dry, precarious and beautiful land. My first destination in Croatia was Zagreb, then off to Split to meet up with my family. There were eight of us total who hopped on a ferry and stayed on the Island of Brac for fourteen days.

The City

2010-01-17T22:52:00.000-08:00

A night out with my camera is marvelous.

Jessica

2010-01-17T22:00:00.000-08:00

I'm reflecting. That's what happens, especially when someone close to you dies. 2009 was a year of quiet observation, I guess you could say. I'm extremely grateful for the unconditional support from my dear friends. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by strong, creative souls. One of these gems is my old friend, Jess. She's a wife, a mother and a writer full of incredible spirit. This is a beautiful poem she wrote to her husband. I love her words and want to share them with everyone. I hope you don't mind Jess.

Red Door

For our anniversary, I would like a red door.  I know, I know. You like to make fun of me for this love of red doors.

Argument number one in defense of my desire for a red door:

A red door is a symbol of prosperity. No, I have not done my due diligence on this fact, but I am choosing to believe it. I think this is called faith. At any rate, I feel prosperous with you. You, husband, have brought me prosperity. Don’t laugh, you know that I love to call you husband.

Argument number two and three in defense of my desire for a red door.

I like red doors and our sons’ favorite color is red: we share this thing. This red door will naturally lead them home to us. Through the red door they will come sometimes laughing, sometimes whispering, sometimes angry and/or moping, but always through the red door. And it is my intention that more often than not, we will sit down for dinner or whatnot, and reflect momentarily on how prosperous we are in the having of red doors to come through, in the having of each other, in the having of the day—in the having.

JC

2009

2010-01-17T21:44:00.000-08:00

My mind is racing back to last year and what all has occurred. I desperately miss my walks under the dry sky and my evenings discovering little treasures.

My little Chico has been the best! He's always up for an adventure, but he misses the sunshine too.

Silk Screening Workshops

2009-05-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

I've been having so much fun teaching! I'm always rejuvenated after a class, especially when everyone leaves happy. Printmaking altogether is a magical medium, so when you can "burn" a screen and make a tee within hours... well what can I say? It's just magic! Here are some pictures from the last three or four workshops:

I'm back....I think

2009-05-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

It has been months since I've posted anything. The whole reason I started this blog was to keep track of my creative events. Needless to say, in the event of losing my mother, my creativity has been lost. I've been gathering my thoughts, feeling this loss and living with a completely new perspective. I'm slowly gathering the sticks and piecing it all back together. I wanted to write about this because it's important. I've learned our society doesn't know how to deal with death, and most individuals are very uncomfortable talking about it. For months I felt I didn't want to tell anyone I had experienced this tragic event. In the back of my mind I was fighting with myself..."I'm not doing anything! I'm not making anything! I have nothing to show for!" I was struggling with societies expectations. When we lose someone, we have to feel it in silence. Most importantly, we have to acknowledge the great loss in order to heal the best we can.

Oregon Art Beat

2008-10-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

On October 9th, OPB aired a segment on the craft community of Portland. Here's my fifteen minutes of fame!

Art Beat Video

for mom

2008-10-10T12:44:00.001-07:00

Posted here used to be a mixed tape I made through a company no longer in business called MIXWIT. They were so great and I miss their service! It was a great way to express myself without writing.

My Mother

2008-10-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

Veronica Anne Vrvilo McCauley
Born June 2, 1956
Died October 3, 2008

I will never be the same without you

The Peace of Wild Things
By Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
In fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
i go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

The Netherlands

2008-09-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

I feel quite lucky I was able to escape Portland for a while and actually use my passport. Destination Amsterdam was my getaway. It was amazing to be surrounded by so much history and art. The architecture, canals and the Van Gogh museum were my absolute favorite! All I did was explore and gain new ideas for future projects. Here are some of my favorite photos:

Last Days Of Summer

2008-09-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

It's been almost two months since my last disclosure. Where have the days gone? It's easy to forget about time when our days have been as beautiful as these last two. It was a fantastic weekend for the Portland Art Open. I finally made a trip to Milepost 5 where twenty artists were represented. It was an interesting building that's been converted into condos for working artists. There were two artists I really found interesting: Alisha Wessler and Nancy Fasciani. I enjoyed Alisha's illustrations. Her line work and detail is admirable. Some of her drawings were literally etched into blocks of wood, so naturally, being the printmaker I am, I geeked out over the wood blocks! I love how she transformed her work into sculpture.
Abstract painter and collage artist, Nancy Fasciani showed off some beautiful prints. Her work is very subtle and quiet. She tells soft stories with monotone shapes. After my visit to Milepost 5 I headed off to the studio to work on my own stories....

New and Old Lovelies

2008-07-28T19:25:00.001-07:00

One Day Vacation

2008-07-28T00:26:00.000-07:00

It's very difficult for me to make the time to get away. In between work and teaching I cherish my solitude in the studio. Creating new things is my little vacation from the daily routine, and today I was able to get lost in my head and finish a few new pieces I started last week. This new series incorporates acrylics with hand carved blocks, monotypes and old block prints.

It's hard to tell from the photo, but there's a lot of texture and layering of materials in these collages. I'm very satisfied with them.

Sunday Special

2008-07-06T20:45:00.001-07:00

Screening Magic

2008-07-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite classes to teach is silkscreening. What a tricky medium, let me tell you. I coat all of the screens with photo emulsion before the workshop. I have to be careful and make sure they're all even and perfect for everyone in the class. I always learn something new in this process, and today I learned the hard way that the emulsion starts to activate if it's really warm. The first screen turned out PERFECT! Ten minutes is all it took! The next screen...a nightmare! And the next? I was determined to make these things turn out! My little trick is dabbing emulsion remover over the image and quickly spraying the screen. Everyone left with perfect screens! Yeah! Check out these great photos!

The last photo is Superman!

Cut & Paste Collage

2008-07-02T23:06:00.000-07:00

This evening I had a basic collage workshop at the Alberta DIY Lounge. It was very fun and relaxing! Here's a picture of the busy ladies at work.

This workshop only utilizes paper, scissors and glue. Here are a few examples:

muzzeek

2008-07-01T23:00:00.001-07:00

Sea Green

2008-07-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

When most of you were swimming in the river, or hiding in some air conditioned closet this past weekend, I was slaving away in my upstairs studio printing wedding announcements for a friend. It was painfully hot, as you all know, but so refreshing to finally have a summer! I'm really proud of these announcements. They were married in Mexico and I carved a block with the symbol of unity and the ocean. I created a sea green ink and printed on dark sandy paper. They all looked fabulous spread out together!

Last Thursday

2008-06-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

For the past three years I've opened my studio doors to the public once a month. I welcome anyone who is interested in what I create. I absolutely love to discuss art techniques and the process of development. In the beginning, a lot of genuine individuals stopped by to talk or even buy my work. People were fantastic! I found it fun and challenging to show out of my own space. But now, something has happened. The low-key indie art community I used to be proud to be a part of feels lost. Strangers walk into my studio and look for free alcohol. When I'm not looking they take my things! The street is so crowded you get lost in the people, not the art, and at the end of the night trash litters the street.
I'm not ready to close my private door to the public just yet. There's still that very small percentage that makes it all worth it! I have to hold on to those positive experiences to keep going, but when someone has the audacity to take my things I just want to shut out the entire public.

On a positive note, here's a picture of one of my finished bags.

Here's a wall of my original textiles.

Bjork is my therapist

2008-06-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

What in the world would I do without music? Lately, I'm not sure what I'd do without the lovely harmony of Bjork. Her entire Post Live album puts me in a trance and helps me create pretty things. I just want to live in that world where time is nonexistent and inspiration is pure beauty that lasts forever...oh life, why are you such a tease?
Fortunately, I've had the time to work on some new leather clutches. They are screened with new Jacquard inks that are water-based and totally rock! Check out my new work. I'm very excited about the zippers!

Here's a peek at some other things I've been working on under the dim yellow lights.

Oh Bjork, your Hyperballad saved my life today, thank you.

Busy Beeeee

2008-06-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a while since my last post. I've taken beaucoup picts thinking i'd write about everything, but where does the time go? I recently traveled back to my old college town of Eugene to visit a dear friend and her new baby girl, Abhaya. It was a fantastic weekend with my girly friends. Abhaya is such a beautiful and happy baby, just like her mama! You rock, Amy!

I wish I had gotten a picture of us girls, but here is Talya making drinks and a family shot of Amy and Yacub with their fabulous children.

Farewell Eugene

Back in Portland I hosted the make-and-take table at the grand opening party for Collage. We made tiny collages inside bottle caps and turned them into magnets. The kids had a great time! I was so happy it was sunny and warm!

The class schedule for July and August is already out, so check out the DIY Lounge calendar for new classes!

Heatstroke

2008-05-20T22:41:00.000-07:00

It's already Tuesday, and the pumped-up excitement of the Art Hop is over. I'm expressing sarcasm. It was sooo hot we all just melted, and so did the crowds since they were just nonexistent. We have to remember it was the first year they closed off the entire street. But, on a positive note, we had a blast! It's not that often we all get together to bond over the common link of creativity and community. I spent some time with other DIY teachers and enjoyed our conversations about witchcraft, potential and prosperity. Even though our world was literally melting, we still had our sunny day parade.

Look at this amazing bead work by Teresa Sullivan. I've never seen anything like it!

Here is a blurry close-up of one of my print necklaces. It's a piece of one of my monotypes in a pewter pendant.

Here's Jen Neitzel and I enjoying our Florida Rum delight...they went down so smooth on this 100 degree day!

We made a toast to future SUCCESSFUL events and to the growth of the DIY Lounge (and of course, Collage). I'm very proud to be part of this growing community of craft and individuality.

Come on Spring...don't let us down!

2008-05-14T23:53:00.000-07:00

This Saturday is the Alberta Street Art Hop! Honestly, I've never been a big fan, but this year they're closing off the street! The DIY Lounge will be part of the crafty scene with fun make-and-takes for the entire family. Myself, along with three other fantastic teachers and crafters will be there to answer any of your questions about our workshops. Also, we will be showing off some of our priceless creations. This Saturday on 17th and Alberta, 11am to 6pm...see you there!

Tis the season for Spring cleaning.. I know there are a lot of you out there tackling your disorganized supplies. I know because you come into Collage and confess to me about how you have WAY too many papers and glues and glitter. Well, what better way to handle this dilemma? A collage class! Last Saturday I taught an exceptional workshop. I can say they are always wonderful because everyone in the class is always so excited and thrilled to learn something new. Check out these pictures from the last two collage classes:

Spring is here!

2008-04-28T23:03:00.000-07:00

This little guy is my new Godson, Ian! Congratulations to my dear, dear friends Jess and Pat on their second boy! I'm truly honored to be chosen as his Godmother...poor guy has no idea what his parents have done....
What a beautiful day! There's nothing like holding a new baby. I continued my day with a walk up Mt. Tabor with my little monkey-dog, Chico. I love this look he gives me.

I'm so lucky this spot is only a five minute walk from my home.

Today was a marvelous day....new life, new air, fresh, new perspective. This poem from Mary Oliver is a must for this moment:

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting-
in the family of things.

(thank you, Jessica)

Creative Forces

2008-04-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

Here we go fellow artists, friends and family...my blog has arrived! This year has been full of amazing creative energy. New projects keep surfacing, and old projects are screaming to come out of the flat files. As of late, I've had a fabulous opportunity to work with designer, Julia Junkin on a new line of texiles. The designs I created, along with a few other local artists, will be turned into duvet covers, aprons and towels! Here is a peek at some of my creations:

My project this week is to finalize new designs for my leather bags. What makes these unique to Cipriano Designs is the use of my custom fabrics sewn as the lining or used as an aesthetic element in the overall design.