"Dreaming of Ipperwash" - USTREAM broadcast

I had a wonderful Friday night broadcasting on USTREAM  - Thank you to all who join us LIVE.  It's so much fun creating and chatting with you every week!!

This Painting is a true mixed media gem :)
Inspired by a Gelli Print I created using a custom texture plate and some acrylic paints (as seen on the Gelli blog), I created this beach scene using some PanPastels, Golden  Pumice Gel Medium and a touch of some Silks by LuminArte.  Just loved how it turned out!!

Some of the girls on live last night are looking for some prints of this ...  stay tuned *wink*  I'm looking into it

Here is the video of the night's mayhem *smile*.   Enjoy!!!

Have a creative weekend! Happy Canada Day!

Painting with PanPastel -- Yikes! A Landscape!

Yes, ladies and Gents, I stepped out of my comfort zone to create a landscape last night during my USTREAM broadcast!   I was a little nervous creating it live to the world but I'm so happy I did!  Now I can go into tomorrow's "Paint the Grand" event (where I will be painting on an easel along side the Grand River) with a little more confidence!  *smile*

Here's last night's broadcast!   Enjoy!   AND THANK YOU to all who joined me live last night!  It was a HOOT!

Lovely Knots - Chinese Knotting Cord Blog Hop

Hello everyone!
Today I am happy to be participating in a fun blog hop hosted by my friend, Carmi Cimicata, for Dazzle - It!

Carmi challenged us to work with Dazzle-It's new "Lovely Knots" Chinese Knotting Cord and book "Lovely Knots - an introduction to Chinese Knotting" by Fernando DaSilva.

Those who know me well are chuckling now...   they know that I'm not too patient with "knotty" things.  *smile*   But, here is what I created:  a necklace that uses 2  of the knots in Fernando DaSilva's  book.  YAY!

The "focal" knot is a variation of Fernando DaSilva's "Good Luck Knot".    This is one of those knots that looks complicated but if you break it down, follow the steps, you'll see it's actually quite easy to do.   Now, I must admit, I did have a little help.  My daughter is a Sea Cadet and knows her knots!   She did help me a bit with this. It was her that gave me the idea to pull the four smaller loops out a little more to make it a little more floral looking - like one of my flower doodles *smile*.  Love it!

The "chain" embellishment was created by threading beads and securing them with 2 "Button Knots"  on either side .

My tip here...   I found it easier to work with smaller loops than is showed in the book.   I still need to practice this, but I found it much easier to tighten the knot with smaller loops.  Made is less messy.  Otherwise, it's all good and I love how it turned out!  I think I might just wear it today! *smile*

Thanks Carmi, for the challenge.   I am always encouraging people to step out of their box - thanks for making me do the same!   I think I might have to try some more!!

Have a creative day everyone - Go ahead!   Try something new!!!

I'm in awe...

...of this wonderful lady and this gorgeous piece of art she made!   It's simply spectacular!

Inspired by a photograph of her sister (shown below), this large canvas was plastered, etched and painted with Silks - like she did in my "Plastered Luminescence" class earlier this year.  It's to be her sister's wedding gift.  WOW.   Simply Wow!

Love what you created, Stephanie!  Thank you so much for bringing it into the studio to show me.   I wish everyone reading this could have that experience as this picture does not do it justice.  It is truly luminescent and magnificent!

Have a creative day everyone - I know I will....   because I am truly INSPIRED

Bowling Pin Art

If you watch my USTREAM videos, you'd know that I am participating in a " Mixed Media Art Contest" put on by the brand new bowling alley opening here ( Kingpin Bowlounge ) at Bingeman's.

Well, here's my finished piece.

The pins will be on display throughout the summer and will be auctioned off for charity at a later date.   How fun, right?

I created this pin using the same techniques I use in my "Plastered Luminescence" class - etching into plaster, then painting with Silks by LuminArte.  The flower petals are Japanese Tissues coated with resin.   Yippee!!!

Have a creative day!!

Don't Hold Back - Canvas Collage USTREAM Broadcast

Well, I didn't think I could record this broadcast...  but I was able to!  YAY

Friday evening was the Mayor's Celebration of the Arts and since my studio is located near the festivities I thought I'd broadcast from the window of my studio.  LOL   That was fun.  If nothing else, I caused a little stir!  hehe

This is what I created.....

A little departure for me...   kinda back to my ol' grungy self - which I loved!

Thanks for joining me live on Friday!  Hope you had fun too!   Here's the broadcast in it's entirety.

Make sure you do something creative today!

Susan's Garden Dies and Anna Dabrowska's Designs

I am counting the days when Anna Dabrowska returns to the Art House Studio next month!  I can't wait to host her in my new studio and play with some fun techniques.

Today I noticed that Anna posted about some projects she created with the new Sizzix flower die line - "Susan's Garden".  I had to share that with you here.

These projects were not only created with the Sizzix dies that create gorgeous dimensional flowers (that I just happen to carry here in the studio *wink*), they also use some of the papers from her line with Polish paper company - 7 Dots Studio.  A paper line that I also might just carry AND just happen to have on sale this week in the studio and online!  HA!

These projects were downloaded faster than I can say "download".    

 Link to Projects by Anna and Daria Pneva 

So, above is the link to the projects by Anna and some really super cute projects by Daria Pneva too!  I hope you check them out and enjoy!

I do have some of the Susan's Garden dies in stock.  You will find them here:

And Here is the link to our 7 Dots Studio papers (Sale ends June 30)

....and check out the rest of the paper sale too!!   40- 70% off all our in-stock scrapbook papers is ON NOW!

Have fun creating!

Join us tonight! Mayor's Celebration of the Arts

I will be broadcasting live on USTREAM in the window of my studio (Studio will be open) during this event!  YAY!   COME ON BY!!   Say HI  and enjoy the event!

What are you doing next Sunday?

I'll be "Painting the Grand"

The McDougall Cottage Museum (located on Grand Ave South beside the river) is hosting a fabulous fundraiser that I'm thrilled to be a part of.    You are more than welcome to come paint ...  OR  ...  join us along the Grand to watch the artists at work!

Here are the Deets!

You are invited to paint 'en plein air' in a community event, have your artwork exhibited, and support your local museum! The Friends of McDougall Cottage are excited to host "PAINT THE GRAND", an 'en plein air' event to take place in the downtown Galt area of Cambridge on Sunday, June 23rd (rain date July 7th) between 11am and 4pm. There is no cost to participate. The collection of paintings will form an Exhibition from September to December at McDougall Cottage Museum. On December 19th, all paintings will be auctioned, with all proceeds raised to support the Musician-in-Residence programme at McDougall Cottage. WHAT: 'Paint the Grand' en plein air WHEN: June 23rd 11am-4pm (rain date July 8th) 2013 HOW: Register by June 15 at McDougall Cottage WHERE: Your choice! Has to be within walking distance of McDougall Cottage WHO: Painters to paint, art lovers to follow walking guide WHY: It is fun, challenging, artwork exhibited at museum, fundraiser HOW IT WORKS Choose your own inspiration, let us know where you plan to set up your easel- we need completed Entry Forms dropped off at McDougall Cottage NO LATER THAN June 15th (as we will compile a map of locations where artists have chosen to locate, painting 'en plein air', as a walking guide for the general public).  (Email me for a printable Entry Form) On June 23rd, painting commences at 11am, finishes at 4pm, at which time participating artists will return to McDougall Cottage with their canvasses, for a brief Reception. Canvasses will be collected, dried, matted and hung. The collection of paintings from the 'Paint the Grand' event will form an Exhibition, which will be officially launched September 13th. The Paint the Grand Exhibition will be hosted at McDougall Cottage throughout the Fall of 2013, for the artists and public to enjoy, from September 13th until mid December. Visitors will be able to place bids on paintings starting Sept.13th. On December 19th, at our annual Plaid Tidings concert, the paintings will be sold to the highest bidders in a silent auction, with all proceeds to benefit the Friends of McDougall Cottage and advance their flagship programme - the annual Musician-in-Residence. For more information or questions about Paint the Grand, call McDougall Cottage at (519) 624 8250, or drop by Wed-Sun 12-5pm, Thursday 12-8pm, 89 Grand Avenue South, Cambridge. "McDougall Cottage" and "Friends of McDougall Cottage" are on facebook! WHAT IS McDougall Cottage and WHO ARE the Friends of McDougall Cottage? The 'Friends of McDougall Cottage' is an independent group of volunteers who support the good work of McDougall Cottage. McDougall Cottage, built in 1858, is a quaint historic site in the old Galt factory district, in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. The whispers of Galt's Scottish heritage, culture and architecture in this historic area are part of Cambridge's distinctive beauty and charm! With the backdrop of the beautiful Grand River, a Canadian Historic River, visitors to the Cottage enjoy quality programming that promotes local heritage, the musical arts, tourism and culture in Waterloo Region. Ontario's most spectacular hand-painted friezes and trompe l'oeil ceilings surround visitors and our community's treasured musicians who share their talents and fill the Cottage with Celtic folk music. The Friends of McDougall Cottage sponsor and administer the annual Musician-in-Residence programme, providing our community with opportunities to experience the music and spoken word that was so important to our area's founding Scottish culture. The Musician-in-Residence programme promotes arts & culture, providing enrichment and learning opportunities through demonstrations, workshops, performances and concerts. It is our hope that McDougall Cottage, and the Friends' Musician-in Residence programme continue to build momentum as a vehicle of social, historical and cultural enrichment for all!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!   I'll post pics and post on Facebook throughout the day *smile*

Have a creative day!!!

Tonight is Art Journal Night -- So I know I will *wink*

Julie's Back with another great Gelli Printing Class!

Mono-printing with your Gelli Plate: Layers and Cool Techniques for your Art Journal 

Saturday June 22, 2013

12:30 - 3:30

$25 (plus tax)

 

Come and have fun creating mono prints and learn more about creating them with Gelli Plates!  Get comfortable creating multiple layer prints using these fabulous techniques:

• water spray and paint "flicking"
• ombre
• color blocking
• sponging
• ink spray stencil transfer 
• gel medium resist 

 and a Bonus Technique! 

     - packing tape "washi" tape

 

Supply ListPlease bring your Art journal, acrylic paints, gel medium, stencils, and stamps.

Add $10 if you'd like to use the studio paints and mediums.

Stencils and stamps will also be available to share.

Contact the studio to register - 519 267 6620 or email thearthousestudio@rogers.com

Hope you can come!!   Have a creative day! 

Looking for something to do on a rainy weekend?

I had a last minute class booked here at the studio for TOMORROW ...
 
Pastel Portraits and Still Life with PanPastel
I've had so many people comment on the PanPastel paintings I created that are hanging in the studio I felt it was high time for a class! YAY!

This is a lesson in “seeing” colour. If you look closely nothing is ever just “red” or “yellow” there are various shades and tints of numerous colours in play - a spectrum of colour if you will. *smile*. This “in studio” class will focus on the art of painting with PanPastel - colour placement and creating depth. Students will transfer their favourite portrait (or still life image) of their choice to an 8x10 stretched canvas and use the Sofft tools to colour it with pastels. So fun. You'll be amazed at how fabulous your picture will become just by paying attention to colour.

Techniques and ideas discussed in this class can be used to create your own painting in the future without the use of transfer images to guide you. Come give it a try and amaze yourself!!!

Supply List (included)

• 2 colour copies of your Image (images should be simple - not too detailed. If you choose to create a still life painting over a portrait, may I suggest selecting an image of an oil painted still life. I find it a little easier to distinguish and replicate colour from an oil painting. Just a tip when choosing your image *wink*). Images should be printed copies from your home printer.
• Regular Gel Medium - I use Golden (for the transfer)
• Acrylic Grounds for Pastels - Golden
• PanPastels (students will have access to the complete Pan Pastel colour palette but if you have your own, please bring to reduce sharing if you like)
• Soft Pastels - I use Faber Castell
• Pastel Pencils - I use Faber Castell
• Sofft Tools (Bar Sponges, knives and applicators)
• Spray Fixative (Krylon or Spectrafix)

In Studio

12:30 - 3:30 Saturday June 8, 2013 Class Fee: $45 + HST (includes supplies listed including the 8x10 Canvas - bring your images)

Contact the Studio for more information 519 267 6620

Using the studio space for some fun canvas makin....

Judy came in today to use the studio space....
She wanted to create a 6x12 canvas inspired by the one I created for the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine.  She chose to create a canvas with poppies on it!   LOVE how it turned out Judy!  And thanks for coming into the studio today to take advantage of the studio hours and table spaces.

You can too....
bring your supplies and work away in our studio.  Only $2/hr (add $10 to use the studio paints and mediums)  Contact the studio to reserve your table space.

Hope you're having a creative day!

Feeling a little "fishy" ? :)

Had a wonderful day Saturday painting on some BIG canvases with some pretty fabulous girls.  

Here is what I painted...  some fish!!   Go figure!! *smile*

This was part of the "Release" intuitive painting workshop I offer here in the studio.   I mentioned a couple of times throughout the day that I needed to remember to take some pics but I still managed not to snap a couple of pics of them working.  I suppose I also got "into" the painting!  I hope the girls forward me a pic or two of their finished pieces so that I can share with you *nudge nudge, wink wink*.

Spending this week sorting through a paper order I just picked up -- some Japanese papers!!!!   LOVE them!  Watch for them online soon.   UNTIL THEN....   all current in stock scrapbooking papers are on sale (need to make some room....just sayin!!!!)   Time to stock up? *smile*

Hope you had a creative day!