Happy New Year!

It's New Year's Eve and I've been watching a USTREAM New Year's Eve Worldwide Streamathon and enjoying it thoroughly!    Love USTREAM and it's creative community!  So many wonderful people all over the world freely sharing their talents.   Love it!   Thanks "streamers"!

Today I also had some fun over on the Canadian Scrapbooker Blog.

I posted some cute New Year's Mini Party Hats that I very quickly made up to have fun with tonight.  The Kid and the dog have already been having fun with them...    I'm just wondering if the kid will wear one out to the movie theatre tonight?  LOL  Perhaps she'll put it back on when she gets home. *wink*

I WISH EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR.
All my very best to you for a fantastic 2014

The Studio is closed tomorrow (New Year's Day) but will reopen on Thursday at 11am.   January 2nd is Journaling Day ...  Art Journalers are welcome to come by the studio to play in their books.   No studio fees will apply this week.

Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Making Stencils with the Brother ScanNCut

Thanks for joining me last night on USTREAM!
I had a request from one of my viewers to demo how to make a custom stencil on Brother's ScanNCut machine.   I hope you enjoy seeing just ONE of the ways this machine can be used.  There will be more projects using this in my future - for that you can be assured *wink*

After the demo broadcast - I made a quick art journal page using the stencil.   Here is that creation :)   For those online last night!   Thank you for joining me for that broadcast as well.   You can view that recording on the USTREAM site.

Have a creative weekend....   I'll off to play with the ScanNCut some more right now :)

Show & Tell

During last night's USTREAM broadcast, I had a little "show and tell" about what I have been up to here in the studio.   Weather here in SW Ontario has been a little messy and a projected ice storm kept me from staying late to broadcast a project ... but I wanted to check in with you all!

I had a little hat head and was rained on BUT that didn't keep me from letting you see little ol' animated me :)  LOL   Here is the broadcast and pics of the two dresses I made for Little Dresses for Africa.

DID YOU CREATE SOME LITTLE DRESSES TOOOO????
Post pics on our facebook page or tweet pics with the hashtag #arthousedresses so we can all see.  Instructions are on the charity website as is the address to mail them to.   Happy sewing!

ARE YOU IN THE CAMBRIDGE AREA?   I won't be mailing my dresses until the new year (I am planning on making another one).  If you'd like me to mail your dresses with mine, drop them off at the Studio until January 4 and I'll take care of the shipping.    :)

Little Dresses for Africa

One of Cassia's
Little Dresses for Africa

My friend Cassia posted some pictures of some little pillow case dresses she made for the charity - Little Dresses for Africa.  I fell in love and immediately wanted to create some too!

I haven't been able to make these yet BUT I thought - what a wonderful thing to do here in the studio on a "quiet" day before the holidays.  So -- if you'd like to join me, bring your sewing machine, some pillow cases and some other materials to the studio on Friday December 20 and we can create together.   I'll provide refreshments and take care of the shipping of any dresses made here that day.   No studio fees will be charged  -- just come on out and have some fun!  I'll be sewing all day .. we open at 11am.

Here is a link with instructions on how to make and size the dresses

Let me know if you are planning to come so I can make sure you have a table to create on.   Happy Dress Making!

Edgar Allan Poe - the Painting

 Last Friday night I directly took some inspiration from Lynne Perrella's cover article in Somerset Studio's Sept/Oct 2012 magazine issue to create this "Poe" - a painted collage for my daughter this Christmas.

Emily did an independent study unit on the Raven this
semester and LOVED it!  I've never seen so many post it notes used in her homework before!! *wink*  I came across the past issue of the Somerset Studio mag and thought "How Perfect!!!  This shall be done - and I'll add the raven ..  I think she'd like that.

Below is the video recording of my live broadcast doing this piece.  I hope you enjoy ....

And -- just so you know ....  I loved doing this so much that I created an Art Journal page along the same vane using an image of Walt Whitman.   (The journaling is to come...  and I'll show you that later -- I have something specific in mind)  Some of you know, but Whitman is my maiden name...  and yes, apparently there is a distant relation - or so my family tree suggests.  That's the reason for "the Whitman"  *smirk*

Have a creative day!!

Yes, It's True!

 The Art House Studio is BROTHER CANADA's Newest AUTHORIZED DEALER!!   Yippeee!

What does this mean?   Well, we will have a selection of Brother Sewing Machines, Embroiders and YES -- even the NEW ScanNCut available for sale at the studio!!!   You will see some sewing classes in the studio in the new year as well.   we are SUPER excited!

Come on out to the Studio Next SUNDAY DECEMBER 16 from 2-4 for a free ScanNCut demonstration and get some ideas of what you can do with it - Mixed Media People, Scrapbookers, Quilters, Art Journalers.... if you are creative, YOU WILL LOVE THIS!!

RSVP for the Demo Sunday - Hope to see you there!!

Holy Moly -- Knock my socks off!

Miss Janet arrived at the studio for her Painting with Stencils class with a little giftie for me -- a set of cards with images of my used stencil collection on them!!!

What a fantastic idea!   Holy smokes!  She always said my used stencils were works of art -- check it out.  I believe her!  LOL

THANK YOU JANET...   you warm my heart in many ways.   THANK YOU for honouring me with this.   What a wonderful gift!   xoxoxo

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale at the Studio!!

Tis that time of year :)

The Art House Studio is having our Biggest Sale of the Year to Celebrate!

40% Off All Stamps

74% Off All Scrapbooking Papers

40% Off Jewelry and Metal Art Products

25% Off Select Pens and Markers

25% Off All Storage Boxes and Select Gift Sets

25% Off Perfect Pigment Paints

.....and more.....

The Studio is open today until 8pm and tomorrow from 10 -4

Online Sale Prices are good through Cyber Monday

Have fun!!

NEW CLASS - Resin Coated Magnets

By popular demand, I will be offering the resin coated magnets that I completed on USTREAM a couple of weeks ago as an IN-STUDIO CLASS!  Yay!

We will be stamping and colouring with watercolour paints (Twinking H20s) and then each person will get the opportunity to mix and pour some resin.   Since resin needs the chance to cure overnight, I will have some pre-made resin pieces made up so that every student will be able to "fix" any pouring imperfections, mount and know how to finish your magnets when you're at home.

Class Duration - 2 hours
Class Fee - $25 (supplies included but if you have some watercolours you'd like to use, please bring them with you)

Confirmed Class Date - Saturday December 14 at 10am
If you'd like to do this another time, please let me know.  I am happy to book a time that works for you too! *wink*

Created with "Intent"

Had a wonderful day last week painting with Kathy -- my faces guru.   Kathy and I have been playing in our faces journals together on journal nights for a while now and when she was here last Thursday I decided to get out of the book and onto a canvas -- A BIG Canvas.  This is done on a 30x30 stretched canvas.   Yes, she was done with INTENT

She also looks like she lives life with INTENT so....    you got it, that's why that particular word adorns her canvas.

Love it -- Must do more!   Thanks for the encouragement Ms Kathy!  Love creating with you here.

Hope you all have a creative day!   Go - CREATE WITH INTENT!!

Poppy Canvas - USTREAM

I painted poppies on Friday's USTREAM Broadcast.
The broadcast was held a little earlier then usual as I had to be a "mom taxi" last night *smile* but I was so happy to see so many people able to catch the broadcast at a different time.   It was a lot of fun - thank you for being such a fantastic group of viewers!   xo

As mentioned in the broadcast - my inspiration was from Edmonton artist Maria Pace-Wynters
I used a 5x7 Stretched Canvas and a small colour pallette of Heavy Body acrylics.  

I did have a little technical difficulty so the video is in parts.  I hope you enjoy and have a chance to create this weekend as well!

Watercoloured Magnets - USTREAM

I had a great time playing with my art supplies on Friday Night's USTREAM.  LOVE how my stamped magnets turned out!

These are "Twinchie" stamps by Catherine Scanlon that I stamped on 90lb Tiziano Watercolour Paper and then coloured with some TWINKS from LuminArte.  I mounted them on some heavy chipboard and then gave them a nice coat of Resin before letting them set overnight.

Once set, I mounted them on an adhesive Magnet Sheet and then trimmed them with a Black Viva Colour Pearl Pen.  LOVE LOVE LOVE.....

Did you notice the twinchie in the top left corner?  I put a Bail Mount on it and then lined it with some felt --  can you say "perfect pendant?"   I might just be wearing that soon *wink*

Here is the video of me creating these resin-coated magnets on USTREAM.   ENJOY


FYI - for those who wanted to know which Twinkling H20 colours I used...  This is what was in my palette:
Kiwi, Wisteria, Spiced Pumpkin, Ginger Peach, Sunburst, Mystique, Mediterranean Blue, Wine & Roses, Wild Blueberry, Stargazer, Rich Cobalt, Bolivian Blue, Ice, Dreamsicle, Love Struck

Upcoming Classes at the Studio

You've asked....  here are a couple of confirmed classes happening at the studio this month.  Hope you can join us -- contact the studio 519 267 6620 for more info.

Tuesday November 19 (1pm to 4pm)
Do More of What Makes You Happy
My viral pinned canvas on Pinterest....  always a favourite class will be offered again at 1pm on the 19th.
Click here and scroll to the class description for more information



Saturday November 23 (10am to 2pm)
Painted Canvas Journal Cover with Donna & Sandra
Donna Funnell and Sandra Spagnuolo are joining forces to help you create one great art piece - a painted canvas journal cover and 4 journal tags using paint, gesso, fabric and fibres.  The cost is $40, materials included and of course, coffee, tea and a treat!

Please contact Donna or Sandra directly for more information and to register for this class

Wednesday November 27 (1pm - 3pm)
Introduction to Monoprinting with Gelli Plates
This is probably one of my most popular classes here at the studio.   I will introduce you to the wonderful world of Gelli Printing and you will leave with a fabulous one of a kind journal book for you to take home and enjoy.   CLICK HERE and scroll to the class description for more information


NOW AVAILABLE TO TAKE AT THE STUDIO
Needle Felted Ornaments

This picture doesn't do these little guys justice!
Learn how to needle felt and create your own little Gnome or Ball Ornament  for this holiday season.   A fabulous gift and perfect for crafters 12yrs +
$20 (plus HST) - two hours of needle felting, all supplies and materials included.

Having a great weekend wIth Dina Wakley

Such fun playing,  learning and experimenting with the fabulous Dina Wakley this weekend.  I hope your weekend is as creative as ours! !!!

THANK YOU, CAMBRIDGE!

What an honour it was to find out that the Art House Studio was awarded a Reader's Choice award for BEST ARTS AND CRAFT RETAIL store.    THANK YOU

Relocating to Cambridge last year was a wonderful decision.   THANK YOU for a fantastic year.  We are looking forward to many more as we grow and create in your community!

THANKS AGAIN CAMBRIDGE - See you in the studio soon!

This is it!

Dina Wakley will be at the Art House Studio this weekend and we are super excited!

I'll be sure to post some pictures here and on our Facebook Page.

Have a Creative Weekend everyone!

Envelope FUN at the CreativFestival

So, I am fresh off my ScrapFest experience last weekend in Oshawa.   THANK YOU to all who attended the event and took the time to take Cathie Allan's and my mini classes - our "technique tasters" - that we taught on behalf of the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine.    Loved it!!

This weekend I'm off to Toronto for the CreativFestival (the Cambridge studio will stay open while I'm away).  Katharina, co-founder of the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine, and I will be offering subscription deals and make n takes with the "Kreate-a-lope".     So much fun making custom envelopes.  

I've been printing images and gathering gelli prints and other papers that we can use to create some fun make n takes and, while gathering these papers, I came across a copy of Miss Kathy's portrait picture that she created with PanPastels (image at left).  Those of you who are on Facebook will remember it.  LOVE this image! I had a flash of inspiration -- what a great envelope this would make -- take a peek!!!

If you're in Toronto this weekend -- come on by the Canadian Scrapbooker booth at the CreativFestival (MTCC South building) and say HI!!!!   Make an envelope and have some fun!

Have a creative weekend!!   

A Fall "Release"

I love it when I get to teach the Release classes and I have had a GREAT week because I got to teach two!!  YAY

Yesterday a couple of girls came in to the studio to play with paint and this is what I created with them:

We all did trees -- tis that time of year I suppose :)  And, if I can get my hands on a pic of theirs I be sure to show you here or on our facebook page.

Hope you're having a creative day -- See you tonight on USTREAM!

Some Venetian "Release" ....

For those of you who were in the studio last Saturday or were in our Release class that afternoon...   here is what I created with my background created with you....

Sorry it's out of focus but I wanted you all to see what I did!
Memories of Venice for me... *smile*

Hope you're having a creative day!

My little birthday girl

I knew exactly what I was going to do last night during our Art Journaling drop in night.   Well, actually, if I'm honest.... it was between 2 things.   1) a page spread with a sketched and "twinked" birthday cake on it along with some affirmations and goals for my upcoming year.  (yes, today is my birthday and I can "officially" say that I am in my 40s ---  not just 40, I'm now forty something..  LOL)  and the other, the one that I actually got a chance to do, was a PanPastel face for my faces journal.

It's my goal to learn how to make, and get comfortable with, more realistic looking faces -- like the ones Miss Kathy does here in the studio every other week.   I am in awe with her talent and have always wanted to learn more from her.  Last night was my opportunity.   I consider her instruction to be a cherished gift ...  no matter how much of a fuss I made throughout the process!  LOL LOL...  I really like how "my little birthday girl" turned out but I must keep practicing  .... because she still doesn't look like my mentor's!  *wink*  Thanks again for your time, instruction and patience, Kathy!!  Best birthday gift ever (but don't tell my daughter that or I may not get breakfast in bed ever again *wink*)

I will be broadcasting tonight!   Don't forget to watch live at 6:30 EST on my USTREAM channel 

Have a creative day!

A little Gelli Fun

Grab your Gelli Plates and play with me!!
I had a wonderful time last night playing with my Gelli Plate making some pretty pattern papers that I'll use in a journal book (to be made during our next broadcast from the studio).  Thanks so much for joining me.

Here are a few of the papers that I created in the stream....

Look you can see the number 3...   *watch and insert eyeroll here* LOL
Enjoy!