Every time I walk into a store that sells paper goods like handmade cards and art papers, I long to own a paper store. The idea of being surrounded by the colors, patterns, and textures of printed and handmade paper all day simply moves me.

I'm  intrigued by the postage stamp-sized antique cemetery down the road from the barn. Not only are the headstones are beautifully chiseled with letters and images, but the entire cemetery is enclosed with an ornate wrought iron fence. From an artist's perspective, this little plot is a feast of mark-making techniques and textures.

What's a quick and easy way to add texture and interest to your art journals, collages, paintings, and mixed-media art? Try mark making in gesso.

If you lack an art studio and consequently play with wet media in the kitchen or dining room, you are in luck. You have easy access to culinary you can use in your artwork.  Here are three mark-making ideas that will spice up your watercolor painting. All use supplies from the kitchen.

Roann Mathias is a mixed-media artist who takes paper art to a whole new level. A designer, she specializes in calligraphy which she uses to adorn handmade cards and books, and stationery. To create her handmade paper crafts and card making embellishments, Roann employs acrylics, watercolors, and paper collage.

We have a running joke around here. Assistant Editor Barbara Delaney, a former early education teacher, often looks at a process used by a contributing artist (like marble painting with shaving cream or weaving with torn papers) and says, "We did that in pre-school!"

As you may know, I spent a few days at the CREATE Mixed-Media Retreat in New Jersey last month. Most of my focus was on interacting with members of our mixed-media and fiber art community