Family Reunions....

Like many families this time of year, our family reunion is coming up soon.....
We have a reunion every few years in different parts of the country to incorporate family that has settled in other regions. Anyway, it's been a tradition to hold an auction at the reunions - the proceeds go towards funding the next reunion. Pretty cool actually. I volunteered to create something for this auction. Insert my "family" canvas:

I hope they like it.

The flower is embossed grungeboard (can't image why I thought of doing that? *wink*) and a quilled flower I created using the New Cuttlebug quilled flower kits. OMG, I'm in heaven. I see many more of these in my future.

Anyway, I had fun creating this little beauty. I hope it fetches a couple bucks at the auction. I'll be late arriving at the reunion as I have a canvas class here in the studio earlier that day BUT... maybe I'm glad I'm not there while people bid on my artwork. That's a little nerve wracking. just sayin.... *smile*

Hope you're having a creative day!!!

An Embossing Extravaganza

I had a lovely evening last night in the studio playing with embossing folders with the gals from the Technique of the Month Club. We welcomed some new members and I'm thinking as the popularity of this group grows... we'll have to add two classes a month starting in the fall -- SO if you are interested in coming out and playing with us every month, let me know. Love to have you here.

So how did we play with embossing folders you ask?

Well....

First I showed the gals how to use the Ranger Blending Tool and Distress Inks to create a background for cards. This is my "go to" embossing technique and I wanted to share it with the ladies. Together we created this card. (You may remember it from another post) The stamps are the Scrolls Work Stamps I have here in the studio. Love it

After our cards were created we played.

I showed the girls that if you added Distress Ink right on the flat side of the embossing folder and then embossed the paper you'd get a cool inked effect.

Then... conversely, if you add ink to the bumpy side of the embossing folder, you'd get a letterpress-like de-bossed effect.

Here's a better view of the whole de-bossing thing:

Add the two together and you can create some funky backgrounds

BUT... be careful when you de-boss. De-bossing will create a mirrored effect. If there is a folder with writing on it that you'd like to use be prepared to see it print backwards *smile*

I like that... but I know many of you don't. Just thought I'd give you the heads up *smile*

Next we embossed paper with the folders and then added embossing ink to it to heat emboss over it. I got this idea from a Blogger I admire (Linda Cain) and thought... yep -- this is fun. Here is the beginnings of a bookmark embossed with Gold UTEE. Love the gilded effect.

And Here is a little piece I created with Yellow, Tiger Lily and Gold UTEE.

It's all good. Finer images can be embossed with fine embossing powders too. Take time to play with it!! Here's a tip: Do not press your embossing ink onto the embossed card to ink it. You just want to add the ink to the top of the embossed image. I like to apply it lightly in a circular motion just to "kiss" the edges. ...Did I say lightly? *smile*
Now, Tim Holtz's new embossing folders by Sizzix are, I believe, a little deeper than other brands out there. Try running your Grungepaper through it!!!!

OMG -- LOVE that. Now picture embossing your Grungepaper before making Grunge Roses and layered flowers. Eeeekkkk.... Guess what I'll be doing in the studio this week! LOL
I have Tim Holtz's current folders in the studio now for $12.50/pkg. Each package contains two embossing folders. Come and check them out and PLAY
Have FUN!

CHA...

Oh wow -- where to begin?
The last few days have been a whirlwind for me. So sorry I didn't get the chance to blog but my days started early and ended late and I just didn't have the energy to stay up to post.

THE GOOD NEWS -- I was busy because I have LOTS happening and THAT's exciting.

I went a little nuts at the show and am getting in lots of fun, creative products for the studio. Classes are being designed in my brain .... (I really should sketch them out before I forget *wink*) I think you're going to LOVE it!

I am hosting a CHA re-cap Craft N Crop in the studio Saturday August 21 where I'll officially reveal what I purchased and then I'll post it here for you. PROMISE!! But you can rest assured I purchased some great Stamps, Mixed Media Friendly Products and well.... there are a few surprises. You know I can't resist teases!! *smile*

I will share some absolute highlights for me.
Best Booth at the show HANDS DOWN goes to my fav paper company - Graphic 45!! Their new line Steampunk Debutant WILL be in the studio as fast as I can get it in. It's STUNNING! As you know, I already have the Halloween in Wonderland paper (I did re-order Collection Packs..... I know some of you were wondering) take a look at what they created with it!!

And these too!!

Is it getting you thinking? :)

And how about this Christmas Past Paper Display? OMG!! Heaven!!

Wait until you see how the staff was dressed.... that's to come!!

Check out this fun outfit created with VIVA DECOR Pearl Pens. Trust me.. this picture does NOT do it justice!

AND... I love my Canvas Co too! But, then again, you knew that! *wink*

Check out this display!!

eeeeeeekkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!! Lets just say I was in HEAVEN

One the final day of the show (yesterday) I was lucky to take a small class with Donna Downey in the Prima Booth. Here's Donna with the little Camera Bags we decorated with her product

Sooooo cute -- and yes, I'll spill -- Donna's Line WILL be at the studio and soon I am told. I'll share more with you about that in future blog posts. I know you'll be hearing a lot about Donna in the coming weeks....... and why not? She's an absolute doll and....

.... a scream too! So much fun to be around. Her energy is contagious.

Speaking of fun, high energy people..... I had the opportunity to hang with my friend Arantza aka Kiki from Kiki Art. She was demoing her new product lines at the Zutter Booth (girls who assist me at Scrapfest .... The Zutter people thought the "Violator" was a scream!! ... sorry, for the inside joke. Back to the post *smile*) Kiki has a very fun product line that you'll be seeing at my upcoming events. So happy to support her.

I also ran into my friend Carmi Cimicata and Claudine Hellmuth on the show floor and had so much fun catching up and chatting about plans and what we're doing. I am the VERY HAPPY recipient of Carmi's new self-published and GORGEOUS book "Art Girl's Guide to Paris". Carmi very graciously presented me with a copy and I am in love! It's FABULOUS CARMI!! If you love Paris or inspired by it -- you MUST check it out. It's available to preview and purchase on Blurb. Thanks again Carmi!

Claudine launched a new stamp line this CHA. Yes.... I will spill on this too. I am getting all 6 of her new stamps sets in both the Polymer and Foam. Love how they work together. Here's what Ranger had to say about them.... but I can assure you that you'll be hearing about them again from me when they are shipped sometime in September cause I can't wait to play! Congrats on your new release Claudine!

CHA is very inspiring.... lots to see and buy, people to meet and catch up with, new products to explore and try. Gotta love it! There's too much to mention in one post ..... but I promise to give more especially after my event on the 21st. If' you'd like to join us in the studio for that event ... please email me asap as space is limited and filling up as we speak.

Karen xoxo .... home and happy in the studio getting ready to get my hands dirty and create!!!

My Day in ChiTown

I (finally) had the opportunity to actually SEE Chicago while here for CHA. I took the excuse to bring my camera and take pictures - just for the fun of taking pictures. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I love architecture!! And let me tell you, Chicago is a fabulous place to admire it! I spent my afternoon on a walking tour guided by the Chicago Architecture Foundation and learned lots. If you are ever in Chicago, I HIGHLY recommend taking one of their many tours!! Very rewarding.

I could show you many photos of building I took in "the loop" but I won't bore you with my passions *wink* ... but I can't resist just one for no other reason than its pretty! hehe

I also took some time to stop by Millennium park.
LOVED THIS. Never seen anything like it before. Two glass block tower water features flanking a "splash pad". On the towers were moving images of people and every few minutes they "spit" water to the waiting crowd below. OMG How fun!
I was mesmerized!!
Millennium Park is next to the Art Institute (which I didn't get to see today ... BOOOOO... I suppose I must make another trip *wink*) so I had to take a photo of those famous Lions flanking the entrance. Spectacular!

But even MORE FUN.....

I was walking on State St (near Randolph I think) and I looked up to see the Joffrey Ballet Company sign. Ooooo.... Ahhhhh...

Now look in the third floor windows. You can see those famous ballerinas practicing. *shock* ... I picked up my jaw from the sidewalk and snapped a couple of photos. Seeeeeeeee...???? Loving this city!!!

Well, what can I say?

All this and buildings like this too.......

What's not to love?

Bring on CHA!!

Leaving on a jet plane......

I am at the airport getting ready to board my flight to Chicago for CHA's Summer Show. I'm so excited! (...even if I was body scanned at security on my way through! *insert eye roll here*) I'll be schmoozing with other retailers, designers, distributors ... and manufacturers too and can't wait to share all the news!

Look for some show snippets here on the website. I will post as often as I can -- BUT ... why not come to the studio on AUGUST 21 for a real peek at what's to come!?

I will be hosting a CHA Craft N Crop in the Studio on Saturday AUGUST 21 from 10am - 10pm. $40 (plus HST) Lunch and dinner will be served. I'll be sure to give the whole scoop with visuals wherever possible *wink*. Wish me luck!! PLEASE EMAIL me to reserve your craft n crop spot

Hope you're having a great weekend

Off to CHA

... This Weekend!! CAN'T WAIT!

I'll be posting each night after the show festivities... so be sure to check in. If you will be in Chicago for the show, let me know. Love to meet up with you!

JEN WILL BE OPENING THE STUDIO:
Saturday July 24 11-4 and Wednesday & Thursday from 11:30 - 5:30

I will be back on Friday!!
See you in the Windy City!!

Ho Ho Ho!

It must have been a sight on the weekend to see a Santa Claus on a Saturday in July and in 33 degree heat! Holy Moly! What was I thinking? hehe.....

Yep! Santa came to our Christmas in July crop on the weekend to meet our guests and give them some scrappy gifts! Totally fun!

I had a blast of a day with a GREAT group of ladies crafting and cropping .... people made jewelry, wall hangings, cards, and layouts too. Love seeing creativity come alive! Stunning work ladies and it was my pleasure to host you in the studio.


Monday morning was the start of the studios week with the YMCA day campers. I have a crop room full of kids making a scrapbook of there favourite memories. There are children creating albums about families and about special trips, school -- you name it and its been a delight.

The kids are in the studio every morning this week so the studio will open today thru Friday after the bus picks them up around noon.

This week in the studio -- ART SUPPLIES are on sale 30 % off. These include all paints, brushes, canvas, and more. Hope to see you.