My first Applique Quilt with ScanNCut

Yes...   I did it!   And I think that it turned out okay!!! *smile*

Now...  the kid better like it!

I am taking the chance that Emily won't for some strange reason decide to see what her mother is doing at work and log onto this site the day before she's gifted this quilt for Christmas!!   Chances are??  :)

I wanted to play with all my fun Brother machines so I thought that I'd teach myself to do applique.   Easy peasy when you have the tools!   

I used the ScanNCut Machine (a couple of pre-programmed images but most I created in ScanNCut Canvas) and I embroidered on most of the squares as well -- YES!!!  I used the Dream Machine scanning feature to add some hand drawn elements and some jpgs too!   OMG..  LOVING that machine!!

Each square represents something important in her life or a place that she's been - they all have a meaning.    Thanks for looking.   I think I'm going to have to do this again soon! *wink*

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Painted Mason Jars using Americana Multi Surface Paint

I had a fun time last night broadcasting on USTREAM.   I was booted from their system a couple of times so I was unable to record last night's project but here it is -- a painted mason jar.

I used the new Americana Multi Surface Paint for this project.  It was designed to cover many different types of surfaces but it's crowning glory...   it is an effective glass paint - curable by baking in an oven!   Fabulous.

The poinsettia was created by stamping leaf stamps in a circle pattern as shown above (leaf stamps by Catherine Scanlon Designs).  I added 3 extra leaf stamps to be painted as green leaves to around this image as well to complete the poinsettia design.   To get the design onto the mason jar, I spread a thin layer of black Multi Surface Paint onto a craft sheet and then pressed the stamps into the paint then stamped them onto the side of a prepped mason jar (cleaned with rubbing alcohol to remove any lingering oils).

Then just paint away -- The paint will go one transparently... additional coats will make it more opaque.  I used my heat gun to set the paint a bit between coats -- if you don't let it dry between coats, you will end up removing your last layer of paint.

Because I love outlining things..  and because my mother (who was watching last night) wants this mason jar for her coconut water (sure mom, I believe that!) *wink*)  I put some of the black Multi Surface Paint into a Fineline standard tip pen, doodled around the image and personalized it.

Last night I cured the jar in my oven at home as per the directions on the bottle - place in a cool over and bake at 350 for 30 mins.   Turn off and open the over door to cool. FABU!

Thanks again to those who joined me live last night...   the studio is closed on the next two Thursdays for Christmas and New Year's Day.  I will try to sneak in another broadcast over the holidays so be sure to follow me on facebook and twitter to get the notifications.   And let's hope the USTREAM people let me broadcast AND record next time!! :)

Supplies Used
Mason Jar (Dollar Store Purchase)
Americana Multi Surface Paint:  Black Tie, Lipstick, Dark Scarlet, Leprechaun, Chartreuse, School Bus (DecoArt)
Fineline Standard Tip
Paint Brushes (Simply Simmons)

Have a creative day!!

Stacking birds again ...

I do love this class and am so happy that these girls joined me in the studio today to create it!
Stacked Birds - A Gelli Printing workshop where the girls made their own printed papers, collaged them on bird cut outs (created by the ScanNCut Machine), stitched the papers with the Brother sewing machines to add some texture and voila!  A fun piece to display at home.

Like to join us for this, or another Gelli class?  Please feel free to contact the studio any time.  Love to see you there!

Have a creative weekend everyone!!

Mixed Media Winter Shadow Box - USTREAM

YAY!   Ustream let me broadcast last night!   So happy to be back.  I missed you guys!

I created this fun winter scene on a 8x8 Shadow Box Frame I got at IKEA last week (RIBBA).

The deer was cut from white vinyl on the ScanNCut machine and attached to the glass in the frame.  The background was painted on a piece of Fabriano watercolour paper by me live on ustream using some acrylic paints, stamps and some light molding paste.

Watch the recording of that LIVE broadcast here (scroll down the post and push play) or on my youtube channel.

I also wanted to show you how I created the cut file for the deer used in this project on ScanNCut canvas.  The live ustream show makes this very difficult but I hope this step out helps make this easy for all you ScanNCut users!   Don't you just love this machine??   Anyway, here's how to create that cut file....

• 1.  Google your image.   For this project, I googled Deer Silhouette.  Find the image you'd like to use, click on the image and save it to your computer as a jpg image (right click, save as).  Be mindful of any copyright when doing this.   Unless permission is given, please use for personal projects only (not for resale)

• 2. Log on to ScanNCut Canvas (scanncutcanvas.brother.com/en)   New users will need to register for a FREE account and provide a password.
• 3. Start a New Project - Select the Image Tracing Tool located in the highlighted area shown below -- looks like a leaf :)
  
• 4.  Choose File - I hope you remember where you saved your image!  Select the choose file button and upload your deer image.   You will want to do this in the outline mode (for outside edges, color mode finds cut lines inside your image).  Click on preview. Your cut line will be highlighted in a teal colour.
  
• 5.  Resize your image - click on the deer image on your mat.  A blue box will appear around your image.  Drag and stretch your image to the size you'd like.  My deer is approx. 5 3/4" wide.
  
• 6.  Download for ScanNCut - under the Project tab, select Download for ScanNCut
  
• 7.  Save your Cut File - Right click on the file name (Untitled___) and select save link as.  Choose your own file name and destination (a USB Thumb Drive) and save.   
  

You're all set to use your cut file in the ScanNCut machine.  
Be sure to test your material/blade height before cutting.  Vinyl will only need a 1 or 2 blade setting.

HAVE FUN!!  Thanks for watching!    *smile*

Unsilent Night - Cambridge 2014

Tonight is the night...  Consider coming downtown for Unsilent Night, bring your music and speakers and join other unsilent peeps as they explore the downtown during this event.  

Stop in the studio for a cup of Hot Chocolate and say Hi to Jen and I.   I'll be broadcasting tonight from 6:30 on...   so come by and watch that live too!  Very fun!

Rejuvenating experiences

I am back from a wonderful arty break in North Carolina at Donna Downey Studios.  I was privileged to be able to take a weekend workshop with an artist I enjoy, Kate Thompson.  We worked on some Fractured Angels and I loved it...  to paint for me outside my everyday.   Very rejuvenating!   I feel refreshed and inspired!   Here's what I created

This piece took on many forms as it was created -- no shock there! *wink*  At one point he looked like a female warrior (I did set out to create a female figure) then he took a more severe tone and then, as I worked him, softened his features a bit, he took on a more stoic appearance.  Stoic, can you see that?   He reminds me of my father who passed a few years ago - I find that interesting.  Another lady at the workshop saw her brother in my piece...  I love art.  How it makes you feel - the emotion it exudes.   This piece was made even more special with the inclusion of the embedded wings.  Another workshop attendee (Buffy) gave me some very special lace to use - lace collected and left to her by her late mother and grandmother.   So very special.  I'm honoured and will cherish that bit of her.  Thank you, Buffy

When I showed my daughter this piece she immediately thought how every Effie Trinket it was.  That made me giggle -- Effie Trinket, for those of you who don't know, is a character from the Hunger Games series.  Best part, I see that!  More giggles.  I love her too -- same colours, many of the same techniques, but two very different feelings evoked --- at least for me as I have received emails after posting these to facebook and instagram on how this painting has sparked an emotional chord with them.   Love that.  Thank you.  Both Pieces make me smile and as I mentioned earlier -- I feel rejuvenated creating them

While I was gone my studio got a make over!
New product came in so Jen was busy refreshing the stock, the shelves and displays.   Looks awesome.

Yes, that is the new Decoart Media line (just missing a couple of things that were backordered but...  98% of it is there and I can't wait to play).  Also new that arrived - the DecoArt Americana Multi-Surface Paint.  This works on all surfaces...  yes - it will cure to glass too!   Might have to make some last minute Christmas gifts with it!!   THANKS Jen!   Studio looks as good as I feel!

Best part...  Jen posted this on the bulletin board for me to see when I arrived.

I think this is great and thoroughly agree!   LOL LOL LOL    Love ya, Jen!

Have a creative day everyone.

See you online tomorrow night (Thursday) - as long as USTREAM lets me in!  Crossing my fingers!

Rhinestone Kits are here!

New for the ScanNCut, Rhinestone Kits to make custom Rhinestone accessories or you can use one of the pre-programmed designs as well...

You need to purchase a Kit to get a Code to use on the ScanNCut Canvas in order to get your account set up for the service.  This Kit includes everything you need to get you started:  2 Felt Sheets for cutting your patterns on, some rhinestones, 2 12x12 heat transfer sheets, a great tool to spread the stones on your felt templates and a great box to keep it all in which doubles as a work space.

I'll be playing more with these... but I did create a little rhinestoned pen case for me to take to an art class this weekend in NC! ...actually, it's for my friend Sheri to have this weekend but, shhhhh!   Don't tell her.

ScanNCut Machines are on SALE until Christmas!!

$499 plus a free 12x24 standard mat.

That's a savings of approx $75!!  Awesome!

I have some in stock but get yours soon to make sure you can have it under your tree this year. *wink*

Rhinestone Kits are a one time regular $89.99 but I am offering an introductory price of $79.99 this month.   These are available online or in the studio.

Have a creative day!

Decorating the studio today....

Chelsey had fun making those blue snowflakes using the ScanNCut Machine for the front desk.  Wait until she hears that we'd like her to make more for our windows tomorrow!  *wink*

Speaking of the ScanNCut....
In case you haven't heard - the ScanNCut is ON SALE for the Holidays!!  YIPPEE!!!  The holiday price is $499.99 and will include a 12x24 Standard Mat as well!  That's a combined savings of $75.  Awesome!   Feel free to contact the studio for more information.

Happy to be back in the studio....

So happy...  I put a bird on it!  *wink*

Seriously -- there are some fabulous deals for the holidays from BROTHER coming up (more to follow on that) including some BIG deals on Sergers!!!! So, I thought that I would play with mine a bit today!

I searched the internet for some free bag patterns and found this one for a Fat Sack so I thought I'd give it a go. :)

This pattern doesn't officially require a Serger but I sewed up the sides (which includes the gusset) with it to ensure it's stability.  LOVE how it turned out.

The Bird and accent fabric is an outdoor heavy weight fabric I had in the back room -- you know, the stuff they use to make patio cushions, etc :)   PERFECT bag weight.

Next up for me ...  some paints!  YAY!   So happy to be back!!!

If you are interested in how a Serger Works...   drop by the studio Thursday from 5 - 6pm.  I will be showing someone how to thread and use the Brother 3034D at that time. The door is always open!  Love to share these machines!

Have a creative weekend!

Re-opening tomorrow

So excited to be back in the studio tomorrow (Friday Nov 21)  -- Thanks to the contractor for getting everything ready for us.  

See you tomorrow!

Studio is closed for Property Maintanence

Yes, it's true -- I have plumbers and contractors coming to the studio this week so I am going to have to close while this is going on.   I'll be sure to post ASAP when I'll be back in the studio to be creative with you! I trust this will only take a couple of days.

Sorry for the inconvenience.
if you have any questions - please feel free to email me at thearthousestudio@rogers.com

The ONLINE STORE is OPEN.   We will be getting online orders out to you as we normally do (I have access but have to be closed to the public)

Halloween Door Canvas

Okay -- this was fun!
Last night the girls and I had a great time making this silly Halloween Burlap Canvas that I will be hanging on my door this evening in time for the Trick or Treaters!

We created this Halloween bomb during my ustream broadcast so you can see how it all went together on the recorded video found below ---  just scroll down a tad ...if you dare! *wink*

All the foam bits were cut using my Brother ScanNCut machine.  The ScanNCut has a really fun selection of Halloweeen cut files pre-programmed and ready to go.  Just choose the image, size accordingly and cut away!  Brilliant!   I am in the process of filming how I cut the pumpkins in this piece -- stayed tuned for that video in an update shortly or subscribe to our youtube channel to get notified when it posts.

In the broadcast I mentioned that I'd provide the link to the youtube video I used to learn how to tie the hangman's noose.  Here's that link:How to tie a Hangman's Noose .  What a great source of giggles.  I'm still a little surprised I was able to remember how to do it and show you in the broadcast as well!

Have fun creating your own treasures!   Happy Halloween!

Proud Canadian

I went to bed the day of the shooting at our National War Memorial and Parliament Hill dreaming of a project...  a patriot project for me to do on my Thursday night broadcast. The events of the day hit me hard, as it did most of us Canadians, and I knew that no matter what I created, it would be something to honour the two soldiers who died that week and the country that I love.

As I mentioned in the broadcast, Susan Pickering Rothamel from USArtQuest posted an art project on Facebook that featured an intricately cut maple leaf.  I knew that I wanted to do something with a maple leaf and, with that in mind, decided to cut the word PROUD from one (thanks for the inspiration, Sue).

I did not show on air how I created the leaf so I thought that I'd share that process here for those interested:

1. Pick a recently fallen leaf and let dry over night.
2. iron the leaf between two pieces of wax paper with a craft iron (if you use your regular iron, be sure to protect it by placing another cloth between it and the wax paper while ironing).  My iron was on a high setting
3. brush the leaf on both sides with some PPA (Perfect Paper Adhesive).  Let dry before turning and applying the medium to the other side.   Be generous with the application.  You can use a heat gun to speed the drying process if desired.  (soft gel medium can also be used)
4. Once the medium is completely dry, place it on the standard ScanNCut Mat and load into the machine.
5. Press the Pattern option on the homepage and select the fonts - specifically the stencil font.
6. Type and Set the word PROUD.
7. Size it to the width of your leaf minus an inch.  ie: if your leaf is 4 inches wide, size the word PROUD so that it's 3" wide.
8. Scan the leaf on the mat then move the word PROUD so that it's centered on the leaf image displaying on the screen.
9. Cut the image.   I had the blade set to 2 for this project.
10. Once cut CAREFULLY remove the leaf from the mat using the spatula tool that comes with the ScanNCut machine.  If you treated your leaf with a thick enough coating of gel, that will protect it and your mat during this project.

Note: if your leaf has large veins, you may have to use an exacto knife to score them.  The number 2 blade setting is deep enough to cut the leaf and thin veins but not thick ones.  I chose to use the 2 setting instead of something higher because I wanted to cut with caution .. I didn't want to cut through the mat in the thin areas of the leaf.   Determine what works for you and go from there.   Prep a couple leaves just in case if you wish.  HAVE FUN!

Here's the broadcast recording.  Enjoy... and remember to love - not give into hate or terror.  Peace to you all.

Supplies Used:
Brother ScanNCut and Accessories
Tiziano Paper Sheet
Heavy Gesso
Napthol Red Fluid Acrylic Paint (USArtQuest)
8x10 Gelli Plate (Gelli Arts)
4" Soft Brayer (Speedball)
PPA Perfect Paper Adhesive (USArtQuest)
Palette Knife (Art Alternatives)
Wash Brush (Simply Simmons)
Stir Stick
Heat Gun (Ranger)

Stained Glass Mosaics

On Saturday Stephanie Howe taught a class at the studio on how to use Stained Glass pieces to create fun Window Mosaics!

Love how these artful pieces turned out.  They're gorgeous!

 Although I wasn't in the studio while this class was on, I heard so many wonderful things about it... AND...  I have to say I was honoured that one of the students used one of my pieces of art (in this class the Stacked Birds Gelli Collage) as inspiration for their window.   How fun is that?  Thank you!

Thanks Stephanie for a wonderful class and Toni for looking after the studio and the students while I was away at the CreativFestival.    A creative weekend was certainly had by all!!

Abstract Poppies during a shocking day

We had an Abstract Peeps - Gelli Printing Collage class in the studio today.  As we created art, we listened to the news about the shootings on Parliament Hill. 4 of the girls created peeps (mostly representing family and friends, Gerri and I created poppies - thinking of our soldiers, war memorial and government and everyone else we know and love in Ottawa - They were all most definitely on our minds.    Shocking day.  

Keep your families close tonight and say a prayer for Peace.

In the heaviness of the news - we did have a LOT of fun creating.  THANKS GIRLS - you are AMAZING!  Here are some of their creations in various stages.

and my pooch Mozart (aka MoMo) kept a keen eye on the progress.

Thanks  for a GREAT day ladies....  we sure needed that distraction today!  xoxo