We had some fun in the studio on Saturday!

Tina came in to sew her rag quilt together.   She printed her fabric last week and Saturday was the big sewing day.   She has a secret -- She hadn't sewn before!!  Didn't she do a fantastic job!!?!!

And Gord was in reviving an older class of mine, Plastered Luminescence.  He carved a plastered wood panel and then painted it with ColourArte Silks!   SOOOOO awesome.  The picture on the left is of him sealing his work with self leveling gel.  The picture on the right is his finished project.   Look Cathy...  someone got out his old stained glass patterns for this project!  *wink*

Deanna was in printing fabric as well - can't believe I didn't snap a pic or two of her work cause it was gorgeous too!

Hope you all had a creative weekend and that we see you in the studio again soon!!

Opening Doors Canvas - in support of the Cambridge Food Bank

Hello everyone.   Thank you to those who watched me put the finishing touches on my "Opening Doors" Canvas created in support of our local Food Bank on USTREAM last night.   It was a fabulous evening painting and I'm so glad those of you who were able to join me live could be a part of it.

The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank has been giving a helping hand to people in our area for 30 years.   In the 30 year spirit, this year's fundraising goal is to raise $30,000  to continue supporting the people who use their service.  One of their fundraising initiatives is to host an Art Show and Auction.   This is to be held on April 17 and the theme of the event is "the Door"....  hence the door theme of my painting.

The message on my angel reads:   Don't Stress about the Closed Doors behind you.  New Doors are opening if you keep moving forward.    Love this statement -so true!!!

Below is the Time Lapse recording of last night's ustream broadcast.   Take a peek and enjoy!   If you're able to join us at the Art Show and Auction please contact us  - we'll put you in touch of the right person/information.

Many Blessings!!

Come on Spring.. We're ready!

Literally and figuratively ready for spring...  Am I right? :)

Today on the Gelli Arts Printing Page there was a post showing a fun Gelli Printed TShirt using the 3x5 Gelli Plate.   That shirt was created by Beverley Teske -  this is my version.  

Today I was prepping for ScrapFest and when I saw this I thought it would be the perfect non-paper  sample showcasing these plates.  LOVE LOVE LOVE and sooooo perfect for the season.

Want to make one too??   Bring your own shirt - SATURDAY MARCH 21 from 10am - 1pm  Contact the studio for more information.  519 267 6620 (thearthousestudio@rogers.com)

Free Motion Quilting ... and painting on Ustream

I love Free Motion Quilting and we had a fun time practicing on Ustream last Thursday night here at the studio.

I enrolled in Alma Stoller's Stitched online workshop this year -- right up my alley and a fabulous way to explore mixed media with fabric.   I can't wait to play with this ideas while still adding a little Karen touches to them :)   Makes me smile!

There is a lot of Free Motion stitching in these workshops so I thought I'd practice a little on Ustream.  During the recording, I stitched a flower motif (pictured above) and then painted it with SoSoft Fabric Paints and Inktense Pencils.  Once the recording was switched off, I continued quilting fabric "sandwiches" in various stitching styles for a little practice.  Thanks for joining me LIVE on Thursday night and for those of you watching the recording...  I hope you enjoy and be inspired to play too!  If you join Alma's Stitched workshop....  I'll see you in the chat rooms!

Supplies used
Swatches of natural colour Cotton fabric to make "fabric sandwiches"
Cotton Batten lining for the "sandwich filling"
Machine Quilting Gloves
Blue Thread
Sewing Machine Used:  Brother NS85e (also available for purchase in the studio
Free Motion Quilting Foot:  Brother SA129
SoSoft Fabric Paints
Inktense Pencils

Have a creative day!!!

Come take your Selfie Here for a chance to Win a $50 Gift Certificate!

CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) in the States is Celebrating National Craft Month with a Selfie Contest.   As Canadians, we are invited to share our photos on their site but we, unfortunately, will not be eligible to win the $100 prize because of legal restrictions.

SOOOOO   I've decided to extend this offer to you and let you know that any Selfies taken in our Store during the month of March will be entered in an in-house draw for a $50 Gift Certificate.   Sound fun??  YAYYYYYY!

So get your creative selves down here and take a selfie.   Be creative!!   Show us what you love about getting crafty, inky, painty....  etc etc etc!  Take the photo in the Studio and post on Facebook and/or Twitter with the hashtag #NationalCraftMonth and #theArtHouseStudio and on April 2nd (that way no one thinks this is a April Fools Prank) I will randomly select a winner from the entries.

Creating Paint Magic at The Art House Studio *wink*

One Entry per Person...   although you can take multiple shots if you like :)   The Gift Certificate is not electronic, however, it can also be used with phone in orders if you're coming by from out of town.

SEE YOU SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please note the small print *smile*: by entering you are agreeing that I can re-post your selfie on this blog and on our Facebook and Twitter Page.  Thanks so much!

Hope for Haiti Banners

On Thursday evening, during my ustream broadcast, I created a banner in support of a fundraising initiative speerheaded by Canadian Scrapbooker team member Allison Orthner: Hope for Haiti.

She, along with Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine and Live Different, are raising money to build an Art/Music Classroom on the rooftop of a school that overlooks Cap Haitien, Haiti.

Art education sparks creativity, improves motor skills, builds confidence, promotes decision making/critical thinking skills, focus, collaboration -- all this and increases self esteem and is a proven aid to mental health.   Is there any wonder why I'm so passionate about it?  Every child deserves access to to art and the ability to express themselves through it.  I am thrilled to be able to support this effort.

Below is the recording of how I created these banners...   I hope you watch and it inspires you in some way!

Want to contribute to this initiative?  Every donation helps.   Tax receipts to Canadians donating more than $20 will be issued.   I hope you MAKE A BANNER TOO!

DONATE HERE

créer means create 
(en francais)

Supplies used:
6x8 piece of Canvas 
Acrylic Paints
Fineline Pen
Carving Rubber - Speedball
Carving Tools
Archival Ink (Jet Black) - Ranger
Misc Background Stamps - Christy Tomlinson for Unity Stamp
Misc Silks Acrylic Glaze - ColourArte

Silk Scarf Painting with Susan

 We had a great day in the studio yesterday with Susan painting some fabulous silk scarves.

Nothing like getting creative with a group of people who like to play too!  Thanks for joining us at the studio and look for another silk painting class soon...  details to follow :)

Have a creative day!