Change is a good thing

Change is a good thing

Hi everyone! You may have noticed that your browser took you to a new location. To better reflect my brand, I have updated my website, to https://www.BetsySkagen.com. I hope you can take a minute to update your browser. This is on a certified secure server, so no need to worry about all those scary internet things.

I have also changed my store name to reflect the “new me”. You can now shop at https://betsyskagen.zibbet.com/

Instagram and Pinterest also reflect the new name. Hopefully you will soon be able to find my Facebook page at Betsy Skagen Mixed Media Artist. Unfortunately, Facebook doesn’t seem to like change, so I am currently battling Facebook gatekeepers to allow this change.

Another reason for the change is that very few people could spell or even pronounce Paper Calliope. Truth be told, most people mispronounce Skagen also (hint: if you use your noggin, it rhymes with toboggan), but hopefully people will learn this over time.

I hope you continue to follow me, I have some exciting developments under way that I think you will find intriguing .

Warmly, Betsy

Just hangin’ around

Just hangin’ around

So many elements go into this mixed media piece–layered background paper, mica stained glass windows, National Geographic background paper, an old dictionary page and even a tiny little noose.

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Trick or Mini Book Treat

Trick or Mini Book Treat

I’m not ready for Christmas in July, but since we all know that crafts take preparation time, I can  at least muster Halloween in July (but just barely). 

I am sitting lakeside on vacation this week, so I kept my project short and sweet. You can easily complete this in just one short evening. 

Made with yummy layers!
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Step right up

Step right up

Ladies and gents, step right up because this week we are taking a shine to circus.

I mean that literally, since my project today features different shiny surfaces that you can apply to circus trading coins. 

 Each circus trading coin features a different shiny surface: fine glitter, chunky glitter, distressed glitter, red metallic flakes or silver metallic flakes.

You can use these as trading coins, ornaments or as package tags. 

If you want to learn how to make these coins, please visit my featured tutorial at Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts.

The best things come in tiny packages

The best things come in tiny packages

I love making art journals, junk journals and other forms of books. However, embarking on one of these is always a huge time-consuming project…or at least it was until I discovered the joy of making tiny art journals.

It was easy to make a complete journal in an evening. What’s more, the finished project is just so much fun.

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Crazy about Cracked Up Creatures

Crazy about Cracked Up Creatures

Remember those mixed up animal flip books from childhood? I had so much fun making an artistic version of that style of book that I just had to share with you.


Each animal page is actually a mixed media art page unto itself.

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Down by the Steampunk Sea

Down by the Steampunk Sea

Making this piece was so liberating. After experiencing a horrible, no good, really bad day, all I wanted to do was crawl under the bedcovers, but knew that I had too many upcoming projects I needed to work on. 

Instead of retreating  from the world, I pulled out some some sea-themed chipboard pieces because the waterways always soothe my soul. To keep things simpler, I decided to limit my palette to only two colors beyond black and white. 

I found this decision liberating as my project came together lickety-split–which for me, the world’s slowest artist, is nothing short of miraculous.

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Flip of the coin

Flip of the coin

Hi guys! Today Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts is sharing a very special tutorial of mine called Third Time’s the Charm.

What’s that? Why is it special you ask? It’s special because I share how things went So. Incredibly. Wrong.

It went so wrong that Beauregard, our new puppy may have learned a few choice new words.

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Guess who’s coming to dinner?

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

I have to admit, the art I am sharing with you this week tickles my funny bone. Perhaps some think art should not have levity, but I disagree. I believe art needs to bring some of the elements that humans most need in their lives: beauty, inspiration, insight, a glimpse of God, relaxation and humor.

Of course you know I’m picking the funny route.

So for this piece I turned a miniature tin into a wooden crate containing fish that someone ordered for their dinner party. 

Except the fish, wearing hats, drinking martinis and blowing party horns, might not be what was expected. Even the clown fish are a little different.

The tin contains an accordion fold paper with five panels.

I create a mixed media scene on both sides of each of the five panels. 

To learn how to make this, please visit the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Blog.

But wait–there’s more! To entice you to visit my shop, I am offering an entire sheet of colorful high resolution fish as a free download. Just place it into the shopping cart and download it for free. I hope you take a minutes to check out my other offerings as well.

Great Stuff

  • Little Crowns – Coming soon to Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts!
  • Altoid Tin – Coming soon!
  • Altoid Tin Accordion Insert – Coming Soon!
  • Paper Calliope’s Something’s Fishy
  • Paper Calliope’s Fish Crate
  • Acrylic paint
  • Ink in assorted colors
  • Rubber stamps
  • Black pen
  • White cardstock
  • Vintage book pages
  • Circle punches
  • Greens
  • Beacon Zip Glue
  • Beacon Fabri-Tac
  • Matte Medium