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.

A little anticipation.....

Tomorrow I am hosting our Christmas in July Crop at the Studio.
One of our attendees had to double check with "the boys" before confirming her attendence -- I have to share with you the email I received to tell me "She's In" (Hope she doesn't mind -- I just loved it so much)

The three wise men and
the angel we have heard on high
have sung to the mountains
to follow the shining star
to the art house
to deck the halls
with frankenscence ,myrr , seven gypsies and a little tim holtz.

See you tomorrow!

I love creative people!
I'll be in the studio today getting ready for the festivities.... Ho Ho Ho!

Some Girlie Time...

This weekend my dear friend Sheri came to the trailer to spend some much needed time away with me :) I was sooooooooooooooooooo excited to have her there!

Anyway -- true to form .... Sheri and I did a little crafting. One of the items I created was this vintage frame all decked out in GrungePaper Roses (youTube Tutorial coming soon). Still love my Grunge and the effect it gives. The roses were done using Wendy Vecchi's Dimensional Rose Art Stamp Images (the leaves were from that as well) and I used a Sizzix leaf flourish I had to create the Grunge Vines. Yummmmmmmmmmm... The Shaped cardstock in the middle of the frame was created with the new Tim Holtz Sizzix Shaper Die and the quote is one of his stamps!! I have it up at the studio now. Come on by to see it.

WHILE YOU"RE HERE.... remember that the studio is offering 30% off Sizzix Dies this week INCLUDING TIM HOLTZ ALTERATIONS dies, edgers, movers and shapers, embossing folders, etc etc. There are some other cool tools on sale this week too!! So if your itching for some Sizzix goodness -- come on by!!

I had lots of fun Vintage Shopping with Sheri this weekend too!! I can't wait to show you what I've been up to but that's for another post!!

Happy Creating!!!!!

Sitting Pretty...

This week's challenge at Something Completely Different was posted yesterday.... The theme: "Are you sitting comfortably?" Kinda fun -- and I had just the stamp. I'm been looking for an excuse to use it. "Listen Honey -- The dress is by Ralph Lauren - the Body by Chocolate Chip" Too fun.

It's not everyday I use a cutsie stamp. *smile* Thanks for the challenge!

Fabric Florals with the TOTMC

Have I told you how much I LOVE the Technique of the Month Club? I really enjoy having the ladies come to the studio to learn a new technique or two on the first Wednesday of the Month. Love spending time with you all!! We had a new member join us this month - Welcome Stacey!! So glad you could join us!

This month I was inspired by my class with Donna Downey that I took in June and I wanted to share some of that inspired wisdom with the girls! ....didn't think Donna would mind! *grin*

I love the way that Donna creates stems and leaves for her fabric and lace floral designs -- There is nothing really new to making your own Yo-Yo and bunch fabric flowers (we all just need to remember to re-visited them sometimes). It's amazing what a running stitch will produce *wink* -- What I loved was the technique that I showed the girls. Wet down strips of paper (loosen the starchy pulp in the paper) twist and dry for the stem. When the paper dries after being wet it will keep its shape. Eureka!! Donna's so smart!! Do the same for the leaf. Cut out a rough leaf shape, wet it down and fold a "vein" and crunch away -- shape your leaf the way you'd like. Dry and voila!! FABULOUS!


We made these cards by masking our paper off (with tape) white paper and spritzing the backgrounds with 3 colours of our DIY glimmery mists using Ranger's Mini Misters, Perfect Pearls and Distress Ink Reinkers (Broken China, Wild Honey, Forest Moss). We then stamped a script stamp using Jet Black Archival Ink and some of us added a saying or two to it to finish it off. Fun! Fun!
In total the girls learned 3 different ways to create fabric flowers, got a glimmery mist re-fresher and had lots of fun. BEST YET -- now that I think about it, no bandaids were needed!!! YAY girls!! Not bad for a group who hates to sew!! *wink*

All heart....

This week's challenge with Something Completely different was to make a TAG with a HEART Theme.

Over on Tim Holtzs blog.... he created a mini canvas with a heart so I thought I would take the base of his creation and work it into a tag for this challenge. Here's the link to Tim's Dimensional Grunge tutorial.

The base of my tag, as outlined on Tim's blog, is created by adhering a grunge heart using Claudine's Matte Medium. I applied the medium to the entire tag (also using Cut N Dry Foam) and added my signature sheet music. I then inked with Distress Inks but that's where the similarity ends. I continued by adding layers of watercolour paints, oil pastels and charcoal pencil to my tag. I love adding layers to layers.... I just can't seem to stop! (hehe)

The stamp is from Scrolls Work Stamps (#1641 Heart Sees), and the wire, who knows *wink*, just a little something I found in my tickle trunk.
Thanks for the challenge. I hope you like!! And enjoy Sir Tim's tutorial!! If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line. Love to hear from you

It IS Christmas!!!

The July/August issue of SOMERSET STUDIO has ARRIVED in the Art House Studio! HURRAY!!!!! I so love this art mag!!! And the artists and articles are incredibly inspiring!! Can't wait to discover it!!!

The Art House will be carrying Somerset Studio, Stamper's Sampler, Somerset Apprentice... and more. Eeeeekkkk... can you see me doing a happy dance?

Christmas in July......

begins in the studio today!

30% OFF all in stock STAMPS!
INCLUDING Tim Holtz, Wendy Vecchi and Scrolls Work too!

Stamps are on sale until SATURDAY

Next week.... Sizzix Dies (including Tim Holtz Alterations) and some other tools too!