Getting Waxy in the studio

had a fun little wax class in the studio yesterday.

Judy came in and said I wanna do something waxy (like you do) with this photo - HELP! So we played and I know she loved her piece!! ENJOY JUDY!! Thanks for popping by the studio and giving me a chance to create with wax too.

This is what I created. It's a Christmas Gift for my mother so SHHHHHHHHH!!! Don't tell her.

The photo on the canvas is my mom around 5 years old. The Sewing notions are very special to her. They are from my late Nana's own "collection". My Nana spent a lot of time creating outfits for my mother and I know she has many special memories of my Nana creating things for her with these very items. My guess is that she'll like it! ;)

Hope you have a creative weekend!!
Jen will be in the studio today from 11 -4 as I am off to Barrie to see the folks. Drop on by and say hi! AND Don't forget to enter my little Give A Way ... last night's post has details of a little Give A Way I'm doing to celebrate 100 Followers on this blog. THANKS FOR FOLLOWING EVERYONE!!! I'll draw the winner sometime next week. And gosh!! Thank you for all the wonderful things you said about me and the studio. I am truly honoured!! Never in a million years would I have thought you'd write anywhere close to what you all have. I'm truly overwhelmed! Hugs to all! THANK YOU!!!!

Cheers!!

OMG!! I have 100 Followers!!! *Give a Way*

I must do something!!!!!!
So.... In honour of Donna Downey's and Claudine Hellmuth's upcoming visit to the Art House Studio I've decided to give away some of their "stuff".

All you have to do to win a prize pack that includes:

• 4 Donna Downey Iron Ons
• one of her Canvas Dress Form figures
• and a Claudine Hellmuth "Creative Layers" Foam stamp set

is post a comment here about what you love most about the Art House Studio!! ..extra credit if you specifically say how much you love me! LOL ....just kidding *wink* I will be using the Random Number Generator to pick the winner!

Hope you're having a great day!!!!!!!!! Have fun!

Studio Assistant Dies are Here!!

And I couldn't be happier!!
These are dies that cut popular Character Construction Stamp Images eliminating all the exacto knife work needed when cutting out all those Art Doll parts. Yes, there are miscellaneous body parts hanging here in the studio! hehe Dexter has nothing on me! LOL

Anyway, these make life sooooo much easier!! Yes, you could use these dies on there own without the stamps (I used the Crinoline one on its own for the Isabella Canvas) but there are so many more possibilities when you use them with the fabulous stamps. Here's how they work.

• Using a scrap piece of paper, cut the image using your Big Shot (or other die cutting machine) like so. You can set your die cut image aside for use in another project -- so don't throw it out :)
• Using the coordinating Character Constructions Stamp, stamp your image on the paper you wish to use with your favourite ink

• Line up and center your die cut outline (previously cut) on top of the image you just stamped. Tape in place with Scotch Tape
• Then take the Studio Assistant Die, invert it and line it up with the original outline. The outline is acting as a guide. Tape it down to prevent slipping.

• Run it through your Big Shot Machine (sold in the studio for only $90 btw... hehe) once again
• And when you're done.... VOILA!!! Go ahead - remove the die cut, use and enjoy!
  

How awesome is that???
Just think of the Possibilities!!!!
These cost $22.50 CDN and the stamps are $19.50 CDN. I am happy to ship these to you if you like - exact shipping or free shipping over $100.........
Have a Creative Day!!

Remember this??

Well, it's gone!!!! Because, yes, you got it.... WE NOW TAKE DEBIT!!

HURRAY!! Is anyone else as excited as I am?????? YIPPPPPPEEEEEE!

Hey, what can I say --- small things amuse me!

Tea-ful Voyage

Well...
I got the chance to create something yesterday during and after I held an Isabella Canvas class here in the studio. I will show you what I created during the class (using the same background layering techniques) but this is what I created later at home after the girls inspired.

We were talking about Tim Holtz Design Team and how after one term the team is unfortunately ending. After the shock of it disbanding wore off, I told them about one project that was created by one of the design team members using the Darcie's Shadow Box Frames. I told them how easy it was to create and how effective it is and then the wheels started turning. Sorry Tim, I took out my Character Constructions Stamps *smile*, one of the Darcies frames (There are 6 shapes to choose from here in the studio and for under $10, they'd make a great gift ...just sayin' *smile*), some alcohol inks, sticky back canvas and set to work. I love it and all the possibles!!!!

I know pictures don't ever do things justice but I hope you can see that the words are IN the shadow box and the image is stamped on the clear acrylic above it.
Here is a link to the other project. Tammy Tutterow As you can see, although we are using the same base supplies, they are quite different. I'll have another project to make with these soon that is different again .... until then -
Have a creative day!!

DONNA DOWNEY REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!

That's right -- I think we are all set with the confirmations and the information sooooooooooo.....
You can NOW REGISTER for the Donna Downey Workshop Classes that will be held here in Kitchener at the Holiday Inn on March 25-27, 2011. So exciting!

To Register -- Click to see Donna's Classes (they will stay on this website until after the event for easy reference) and then email me at thearthousestudio@rogers.com with your name, email, contact info (address with postal code, phone), your requested classes, preferred method of payment and we'll get it rollin! :) Sound good?

Class fees are due upon registration and all classes are on a first come, first serve basis. Methods of payment available are cash (in studio), interac email money transfer (by online banking) and visa (please call in your number or come see me in the studio. DO NOT put your visa number in an email for security reasons).

Have fun choosing your classes! Are you as excited as I am?

Okay... a bigger tease

I just posted the 5 Workshops that Donna will be teaching while she visits with us here in Kitchener. You can conveniently find them anytime by clicking on the "Donna Downey Workshops" page - there is a link on the sidebar to the right.

But for now you can find them by clicking HERE! :)

• REGISTRATION will open by 8pm Saturday.
• All classes are on a first come, first serve basis.
• Gift Certificates are available

Have fun looking -- let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to help.

A Life Inspired.....

Some of you have been looking at your calendars and are reminding me that it's November and I promised to post the workshops start registration for Donna Downey's workshops. Well.... I haven't forgotten. I am just finalizing things now BUT -- I think I can start dishing. Are you ready for the first tease? :)


Donna and the Art House Studio will be at the Holiday Inn, Kitchener March 25-27.

On March 25 we are planning a little "Meet Donna" time open to all those who wish to drop by and say hi from 5 -7pm THEN... Donna will be teach the first of 5 workshops - "A Life Inspired". This is a 1.5-2 hour canvas layout class where you will "learn the basics of color washing, alter fabric flowers and dimensional layering techniques as you learn to transform
literally a blank canvas into a unique mixed media scrapbooking layout that will showcase your heartfelt sentiments, and the creativity of your artist within."


Sound fun? More will be posted ..... gather round -- this is going to be GOOD!!

The Art House Studio Wish Book

If you receive the Art House Studio Newsletter you already know about this book - The Art House Studio Wish Book!!

Here's what it's for - Drop by the studio and write down your Christmas Wish List in our Wish Book and then send your loved ones here to pick something off the list to give to you for the holidays. No guess work involved!! No duplicate colours or tools..... just a thought :) It's here if you'd like to take advantage of it. THERE WILL BE AN EXTRA GIFT for one lucky person who creates a list and has someone purchase your gift from us. I'll draw a name from the eligible lists on Dec 27 -- It will be a nice boxing day surprise!! ...and quite possibly something from your list too! ...*wink wink* just sayin :)

And... yes, this is a real Golden Book. I found it in an Antique Shop (you can check out the Good Will too) and created the book by removing the spine and adding new lined paper to it before re-binding with my trusty Bind It All. I made some of these for my young niece to doodle in last Christmas, one for my daughter to take as a note book to school, they'd make great art journals too!! I have a Bind It All here in the studio. You are welcome to use it while here. Coils are $2 a strip of 24 loops. You can create a couple books with that! Studio fees remain the same - $6 for up to 3 hours studio time, $2/hour after that. Just give me a call to make sure there is a seat available for you! Love to see you here. They make GREAT Stocking Stuffers!

Have a creative day everyone!!

Oh my.. I can't believe its been so long between posts. Sorry blog followers -- I'll be more diligent - PROMISE!

One of the things that kept me busy between posts was our Cambridge Day Crop.
What a wonderful day with some wonderful people! Thank you so much to all who attended, Jen and Amy for helping me and Judy and Sheri for coming on behalf of their kit company - In A Pinch Designs. It wouldn't be the same without you all!

Here are some pics of the day -- I've posted more on our FaceBook Page. I hope you go see - check them out and "Like It" *smile*

I'll post again soon! I PROMISE!!! :)

Inspired!

The kid and I went to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) today... yes, I played hookie from the studio with Jen's assistance. THANK YOU JEN!!! We had a great day and I got some much needed time with my kid and family. Thank you!!!!

I am VERY lucky to have a kid who appreciates ART! She loves to sketch and is a big fan of Anime and Comics ... in fact, that's what brought us to Toronto to begin with. We attended a Comic Book "Speak Easy" at the Gladstone Hotel, stayed over in one of the hotel's designer rooms (the Felt Room, 416) and enjoyed a day in the city.... Yes, I'm sooooo lucky!!

Anyway ... we were both inspired by the Julian Schnabel exhibition at the AGO -- especially his Plate Paintings. The kid and I eagerly started planning a plate composition of our own. You should have seen the light in her eyes twinkle when I said I'd pick up some fun china sets so we could smash them and create art! Look out world. We're on a mission -- once our kitchen reno starts we'll create something very special to hang when it's complete. Makes me want to start the dreaded kitchen reno sooner rather than later. Whoa boy...... *smile*

I did snap a great pic of the kid. I loved it so much I played a little in photoshop when we returned. Hummm... I'm thinking fun transfer piece.... can you see it? *smile*

My mind is spinning.
I guess that's what happens when you're inspired and had a great day with a 13 (ahem, almost 14) year old! LOL Cheers everyone! Have a creative weekend!!

Technique of the Month Club.....

Got Waxy in an intro to wax technique class....
And it was fun!! I showed the gals how I created my Fall Wax Pieces (My 3 Canvases ...earlier post) and they did a GREAT job. Wax, as a medium, was new to all the girls and just look at their creations (just a few in various states of finish)

THANKS FOR A FUN NIGHT LADIES!!

I'm looking forward to creating these next week in our Technique of the Month Club "Take 2" session next Wednesday.

Hope you all had a creative day!!

November Card Workshop

Well card makers... here they are!
The Cards for the November Card Workshop. They're Christmas Cards on Acetate using the Unity Stamp Company's Itty Bitty Stamps! How fun!

These cards are available to create in the studio throughout the month of November. Complete 2 of each of the 3 Acetate Cards and a gift box to keep them in. Give as a fun Hostess Gift or keep them for yourself -- either way - I know you'll enjoy them!

Contact me at the studio to arrange a time to come in and/or watch for postings on our Facebook Page for classes that are running. You can also keep watching our studio Calendar (link on the right Side Bar) $20 plus HST - the class will run approximately 2.5 hours. GREAT DEAL - GREAT FUN

See you soon!!
Have a creative day everyone!