This is Amy...

Our new cop-op Student. *smiles*
She will be here in the studio afternoons working away at whatever I tell her to. Ohhhhh the power! (Don't worry, I'll be nice. At least for a while - hehe) I hope you get the chance to drop on by, say hi and meet her soon.

Amy's not the only thing new in the studio.
Guess what came in? STAMPOTIQUE wood mounted stamps. OMG the images are so fun Check these out!!!

See.... I told you they were fun! I'm going to play with one of the stamps today. I'll post my creation when I can.

Have a creative day everyone.

ooooooooh Ammmmyyyyyyy...... I have something for you to do!!!! *wink*

Happy Birthday!!

I have been a busy, busy gal making oodles of belated and future birthday cards for the Wendy Vecchi Yahoo Group that I'm a part of. I had so much fun making them that I made this variation of what I sent the ladies for next month's card workshop. Isn't it cute? Loved making those paper flowers AND I'm loving using string again.

Hope you had a creative weekend. I'll be in the studio tomorrow hosting some creative friends AND getting to know my new co-op student, Amy. Yes, you heard correctly. The Art House Studio now has a co-op student on weekday afternoons. I'm looking forward to working with Amy and getting some more fun things happening in the studio. I hope you pop in this week to meet her.

On a sad note, our crafting community lost a very special person yesterday. Laurie "Elmo" C. lost her battle with cancer. Laurie was one of the most joyful people I have ever met and will be very fondly remembered by everyone who knew her. To all her family and friends, you are in my thoughts and prayers today. RIP Laurie.

Hug your loved ones, tell them you love them and LOVE LIFE everyone!

Hold the fort!!

Canada Post is here!!

And they have a box for me!! HURRAY! Part 2 of the Prima Order finally cleared and shipped! Now I'm chomping at the bit to DIG IN!

So Donna Lovers!! The Iron Ons are HERE. The Canvas Albums are HERE, the Canvas Embellishments are HERE!

YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!

Also in this week.... Somerset Memories and Stamper's Sampler!

I opened up the Somerset Memories Mag -- cause I had to be nosey :) - and what do my eyes spy? A few pages dedicated to Donna Downey's Canvas Pages/Album. How timely!!

They look like SUPER issues!!!

See you soon!!!!!! ....back to my cards :)

Organized and ready to go

I've been spending the last few days cleaning out and organizing the back rooms of the studio and WOW... that was challenging :) hehe

I will be in the studio today creating some birthday cards (that are long overdue but not forgotten) for the Wendy Vecchi Yahoo Group and of course cards for next month's card workshop. Time to crack the creative whip! hehe. I'll post some creations soon.

Have a creative day everyone!!

Wendy Vecchi Stamps

Kim asked me (on Facebook) which Wendy Vecchi Stamps I currently have in stock -- So... I decided to post them on here for you all to see.

Wendy's stamps (Distributed by Stampers Anonymous) have sold well for me so I only have a few sets left. That's your warning... if you'd like some, let me know asap! They will be sold on a first come first served basis.

The Stamps are deeply etched rubber mounted on a thick cling mount foam. They will mount to any clear acrylic block (sold separately)

The following stamps sets are approximately 6.5"x12.5" and retail for $28.99CDN

These two Stamps sets are on sheets approximately 6.5"x9.5" and retail for $20.99CDN

Let me know if you'd like some put aside for pick up or sent to you. Exact Shipping rates will apply.

Happy creating everyone! I'm organizing the studio today. Hope to do something creative to share tomorrow. THANK YOU for all your wonderful comments and emails that I have been receiving about my blog posts. You are all too kind! Thanks for sharing your creativity and passions with me. I love this art WORLD of ours!!

"It would be nice if something made sense for a change?"

I love that quote from the book Alice in Wonderland... and its so fitting when you consider all the fun quirky characters we've all grown to love.

So here it is: A project using the fabulous Halloween in Wonderland paper line by Graphic 45. Yes, my infatuation with Graphic 45 continues.

I took the delicious graphics from the papers, collaged them using Claudine's Studio Matte Medium (yes, I use this by the gallon *smile*) and then cut some more. Using pop dots, I 3D'd the images. LOVE it.
I've been dying to use the Bay Window MDF Board Set from Kaiser Craft and this was the perfect project for it. Love how the Brass Charms (Top Hat, Tea Kettle and Rabbit - .50ea in case you were wondering hehe) show well in front of it.

Drop on by and see for yourself. I'll be in the studio working today (even though it's not my regular retail hours) you're welcome to drop by - call after 3 to make sure I'm still there :)

Enjoy your day everyone!

Meet Isabella....

Pronounced with an old world Italian accent... of course!I AM LOVING the Character Constructions stamps. OMG! Totally me! ESPECIALLY when I can create a fun canvas to showcase them! Eeeek!! I'm in heaven over here. Someone called to order a few stamps and warned me not to start until after ScrapFest cause I'd get hooked and what to do nothing else... well, guess what? Yep! I'm hooked. hehe I can't wait to create another!!

These pictures don't do Isabella justice. I love the texture in the canvas created by layering some Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutant paper with Claudine Hellmuth's Matte Medium, her acrylic Studio Paints and a little on Viva Decor's clear Croco Crackle Medium. A thin layer so the cracks are smaller and then highlighted by rubbing paint in the cracks. Yummmmm... Tim Holtz gears add the perfect metal embellishment. Speaking of metal... I embossed some metal sheets to frame the outside of the MDF canvas. mmm mmm good. *smile*

Isabella will be making an appearance at ScrapFest but, as always, you're welcome to drop by the studio to see her in person too. Love to see you.

Have a great day everyone!

An Art House for the Birds?

As you know, I've been busy making samples for The Art House Studio ScrapFest booth. Here is one I have been dabbling with for the last few days.

• The Bird House (that I picked up this summer at the Dollar Store) was painted with Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Paints (green, purple, and tan)
• The Roof is thatched with Viva Decor's "Modeling Grass"
• I used Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Matte Medium to adhere a collage of 7 Gypsies Conservatory Paper to the "body" of the house. Making sure to punch a whole with a circle cutter large enough to adhere over the hole.

• A thin layer of Transparent "Croco" Crackle Medium by Viva Decor and let dry overnight.
• I used Viva Decor's Pearl Pens to fill the middle of some old Prima Flowers I had in my tickle trunk and adhered them with 3 in 1 Glue to the House.
• I used another Viva Decor Pearl Pen to make the stems and leaves for the flowers.
• I took a white satin-like ribbon and coloured it with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink and tied it around the base.
• Legs were painted with Studio Paint and adhere to the bottom of the house with 3 in 1 Glue. (I have the small spindles for sale in my vintage area in the studio)
• A Tim Holtz Bird Charm was added to the house with a pop dot.

The flag.... I used a piece of Claudine Hellmuth's Sticky Back Canvas to create the flag.

• I printed my logo on my ink jet printer and cut it out.
• Then I applied the logo to the canvas using Claudine's Studio Matte Medium.
• I painted (with Claudine's Green Studio Paint) and inked the flag with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink
• I attached the sticky side to the back of the 7 Gypsies Paper and cut it out in flag shape (triangle) then I gave it a water spritz and shaped the flag with my fingers. Once dry, this will hold it's shape.
• Using a Paper Piercer, I poked holes in the end of the "flag" at attached it to a small dowel with some 24 Gauge Brown Wire.

Love how the flag turned out.
I don't know... did I miss anything? Hope you like. *smile* I love how this showcases some of the new products I have in the studio and shows you yet more ways you can use Claudine's Studio Line.
Have a great day everyone!

1/2 of a Great thing is still pretty Spectacular!

Oh how I LOVE CANVAS!!! And yesterday I was drooling over my latest shipment from Prima. Some of Donna Downey's Canvas and stamps! Yippee. The only downer.... this is only HALF of it! Canada Customs has seen fit to hold the other box a little longer I suppose so... I'll have to wait *sniff sniff* BUT Look at the great things I have to play with until the other items arrive!!! See pretty Spectacular, right? *smile*

I don't know about you... but I have a feeling that my computer will love getting cozy inside that Delicious tote bag (shown at bottom) and ... I'm loving the Camera Bags (SLR and Point and Shoot). OH OH!!! Those foam stamps! OMG!!! Look out ink!! Here I come!!!!!!! And only $8.75? Yippee!!!!! Can't wait to play!

If you love Donna's stuff as much as I - you'll want to come check it out.
As always... I ship! LOL

Have a great day everyone!

Inspired Dominoes

Well, I had a fun visitor in the studio yesterday -- Anna came in and she inspired me.

Anna and I both love Vintage imagery. I showed her some fun photos that were found in a box in my parents storage room and the juices started flowing.

I have a set of dominoes for sale (sold individually) in my ephemera area and we thought they'd make the perfect altered item.

Here's what I created.

Anna made one to use as a pendant. I have other plans for my three but you'll have to stay tuned because it involves some new product that will be here in a couple of weeks. Until then.....aren't they cute?

Thanks gals!

As you know, the studio is closed on Mondays ... so I had the chance to go visit some artsy friends. HOW FUN!!!

If you've been reading my blog -- you've already been introduced to Carmi (left) and Nancy, a photographer, jewelry and encaustic gal whose work I admire (I have one of Nancy's art pieces on display in the studio) is on the right. We had a fantastic day chatting about art and even ScrapFest because they will be there with some fun Dove of the East Product. You must go check it out!!

Anyway - I just wanted to say thanks for such a great day ladies. And Carmi ... I still want to move in. Your studio is FABULOUS!! Wiggly puppy and all *smile*

You'll be hearing more about Carmi and Nancy again soon.... there might even be an encaustic workshop in the studio's future ... just saying :)

I'm in the studio tomorrow at 11. Hope you had a great weekend!

Aprons!! My Homage to Donna Downey

This is what I did yesterday!!
Well...I painted and stamped these four aprons on Friday and added the ruffle, yoyos and ribbon to them today. We needed new aprons to wear in the booth at ScrapFest next month and, with Donna Downey coming in the spring, I thought I would create a set of aprons for me and my helpers that embody the spirit of the occasion! Aren't they cute? *smile*

Now... before you start thinking that I, the NON SEWER, created something with a sewing machine..... believe me I didn't. I did use a needle and thread to do a quick running stitch through the fabric to make the ruffles BUT THEN I glued it to the pre-made canvas apron. Yep. Have I told you how much I love my 3 in 1 Glue? And have I mentioned it's waterproof and washable? LOL So, yes, this fabric project is non-sewer friendly! LOL

Hope you like and that you come see them in person at ScrapFest in Oshawa Oct 15th.

What a great day celebrating friends and LIFE!

My darling friend Sue wanted a little friendly day and booked the studio for a little "therapy". Some of her many friends came to join us - everyone was there in spirit. We had a wonderful day.

Lisa and Sandra from ScrapFest were in town today and dropped by to say hi and bring Sue a little something to brighten her day. She was thrilled and it was great to see them. Only a month away from ScrapFest in Oshawa -- Do you have your ticket? Hope you're having a GREAT creative weekend everyone. I'll post a pic of what I created today in the morning. I'm so excited to share!

I Love Creative People!

So, I'm in the studio puttsing around when in comes my "Friday Gal" wearing the most FABULOUS shirt! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!

This person who didn't want to be identified (hehe) used the Scrolls Work Stamps I have for sale here in the studio to stamp on an old shirt. Did I say how much I LOVE IT? That's right ladies. Stamp on your old clothes to make something new and special!! This is stamped using Archival Ink. I was washed and dried and nope... didn't fade. just sayin....

Are you getting any ideas? I know I am! *smile*

Wowsers! *updated*

*NEW PHOTO ADDED*

I can't believe it's Thursday already!!

Time certainly flies when you're getting your kid back to school. My "kid" started high school this week (which freaks me out!!) Lots of papers to be signed, money to be sent (so much for public education - LOL) If you have kids in school now - I know you feel my pain. But I wouldn't have it any other way!!!!!

HOWEVER!!!!! TODAY I AM GOING TO CREATE SOMETHING!!!!

My inner creative person is REALLY wanting to come out. I'm not sure what that will be yet .. I have a few things I would like to create. We'll just see where the day takes me.

Last night I hosted 4 more gals for the Technique of the Month Club. I'm so happy that the jewelry set we created has gone over so well. Definitely look for more jewelry stuff in the studio soon. I've been making my own necklaces and would LOVE to share how to do it. In fact, I haven't been without a necklace since my hair was cut -- co-inkydink? I think not :) hehe.

Anyway, without further ado. Here are the four fabulous ladies (donning their newly created jewelry ensemble). Thanks for a great evening gals. Enjoy your treasures!!

ooooooH!! How could I forget -- Did you notice in the comment section in last week's TOMC post that the designer that inspired this month's technique (Cathe Holden) found my website and posted a lovely comment!!! Thanks Cathe! You were certainly a part of this class -- even if it was only in spirit! Thanks for all the lovely inspiration on your blog!!

Before I sign off for the day -- I have to post my Zentangle. THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS and my lovely friend Wendy (who was here last night) really wanted me to post an image of what I started yesterday evening. I'll repeat. This is a work in progress. I'll post an updated image as do it until I'm done. Let's see where this takes me.

For those who don't know what a Zentangle is, here's a site that will answer your questions. Right now, I just want to play. I am creating my Zentangle with India Ink and Calligraphy Nibs as I'd like to get more practice using the tool and experiment a little. I'm getting the Zentangle Basics Book here in the studio to get those creative juices inspired with a little structure ... hummm... inspired with structure? LOL (I'm shaking my head at myself! *smile* hehe) My Zentangle is a page in my Art Journal. What a great place to try new things.

Happy Creating everyone! I'm off to get messy!

OKAY -- I had it out and had to add to it..... Now -- I really MUST do a sample or two. BUT BOY does it feel great to play!!

Labour Day Weekend

Have a fantastic Labour Day Weekend everyone!
The Studio is closed today (Saturday) and will re-open for our Regular Studio Hours:

TUESDAY THRU THURSDAY 11 to 5
FRIDAY 11 to 8
SATURDAY 11 to 4

See you next week when the kiddies go back to school........ Have a great weekend!

Art Dolls!!! Character Constructions have arrived!

Please let me introduce you to the wonderful world of Character Constructions and "Art Dolls". Those of us who LOVE the Somerset Studio Magazines (and other Stampington Mags) that I carry in the studio already know and love these fabulous stamps! I'm super excited to carry them AND I'm super excited that they have come into the studio the same week as Graphic 45's Steampunk Debutant Line -- Can we say a marriage made in my fantasies! LOL Well, that's what steampunk and the world of Art Dolls is all about -- it's fanciful and imaginative --PLAYFUL! And I can't wait to play!



I invite you to drop on by the studio to take a peek.

I will ship these to those who live out of town and must have the play stamps. Just contact me at the studio - exact shipping fees apply.


Here's a closer view....

Samples to come - PROMISE!







Oh, And did I mention that Character Constructions stamps are also on the cover of the current issue of Stampington's Stamper's Sampler!!!


And have I told you I'm excited? *big smile*

Technique of the Month Club -

I had a wonderful night creating with these lovely ladies. I LOVE the Technique of the Month Club. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we created a project inspired by Cathe Holden's Wire Nests. Here is the Necklace and Earring Set I created for the girls to try:

Gotta Love it! This was the first time making jewelry for all the girls and I was happy to show them. Cathe's nests are a great introduction to wire wrapping - I just tweaked it a bit so we could make our own "jump rings" and dangle feather bits :) The wire wrapping came in handing when I showed the girls how to create the matching earrings. THEY DID GREAT!!!

The nests are super light weight and are perfect embellishments. Here's the necklace set again beside a bottle I adorned with paper and one of the wire nests. They'd be great for cards too!

There are some ladies who didn't get a chance to join us tonight who would like to do this next Wednesday. If you'd like to join us, let me know. All are welcome and this is so fun and just $10! :)

Have a great night all!! Keep making art!!