California Here I Come!

Can you hear me singing that tune at the top of my lungs?

That's right... I'm off to sunny California for the CHA Mega Show! I'm leaving tomorrow and you'll never guess, I'm going First Class!

Awwww the life. I'll be flying thousands of kilometres in the air, in my own personal "pod", drinking champagne and watching whatever movie I want.

But don't worry, while I'm away Jen will be managing the studio.
Studio hours will remain the same with the exception of tomorrow, Friday January 10th. The studio will be closed at 5:00 pm and there will be no evening broadcast.

Ta ta for now Everyone! (Waving the royal wave, hehe!)

Hello Susan Weckesser!

While at CHA I was thrilled to be able to spend some time with my friend Susan Weckesser.

For those of you who don't know -- Susan is a fabulous designer, photographer, writer and artist from Alberta. She owns her own company called - Susiebee Designs and is a regular contributing writer for the Canadian Scrapbooker

Susan was one of the selected artists to participate in CHA's Crafty Couture showcase -- Love her dress!!! :)
It was so wonderful to see it there displayed as part of this fabulous exhibit. Congrats Susan.

I am proud to sell Susan's paper line (printed on heavy paper that is mixed media and "spritz" friendly) in the studio.... Fabulous!!!!
Have a creative day everyone!!! I'm going into the studio today to finish getting ready for the big renovations. Have a great Holiday Weekend!!

Love this Dress!!!

Meet Julie Balzer -- fabulous artist right up my colour ally! :) hehe

CHA had a Mixed Media "Couture" display at the show where a few designers showcased they're crafty designs -- LOVE Julie's entry -- ALL of the entries were fabulous (more later)

Julie has a new line of Crafter's Workshop templates that were launched at the show. Below are a few of her's and some other new releases that I'm getting in the studio soon!!

I had the chance to meet Julie at the Crafter's Workshop booth - She was doing some make n takes with them. What a wonderful talent, Julie. So very inspiring!! (pic below: me, Sheri, Julie and the Canadian Scrapbooker Gals: Connie, Katharina and Jackie)

Have a creative day everyone!!

Look who we have here :)

Yes that would be me and the ever sweet Claudine Hellmuth and Candie Cooper! The photo was taken last week at CHA Summer. Love these gals. They're both as super kind as they are talented!!

Claudine is launching some fun stuff at CHA -- All her studio paints and mediums are going to be available in "try me" collection packs. OMG.... you know how much I love her "Studio Line" and that I need more like a gallon of her paints and mediums to use in my own artwork. Well, now it is super accessible to everyone .... even the "try me" painters out there *smile* AND the little bottles they come in help make perfect little paint dots. heheheheh... Love that!! Can't WAIT to get them in! I have some fun technique ideas that I will be using them with and I hope you like! *smile*

She is also launching a NEW BLACK GESSO that she tells me will also double for a chalkboard paint!! How cool is that!!!!!

Candie is a fabulous talent --- she has authored a couple of fun books. One on felted jewelry and the other with wire and metal jewelry that is just coming out.

I'd like to get her here to teach a few classes one weekend this fall... anyone interested? *smile*

Hope you're having a creative day!

We're Going to Resinate... :)

Okay Resin enthusiasts! You asked, you shall receive

I've ordered some new bezels from my favorite findings distributor, we currently have some Envirotex Light in stock in the studio AND.. Yes, take a look what's also coming - ICE RESIN, their fabulous pewter bezels and an absolutely FABULOUS resin for Mixed Media Book by Jen Cushman "Explore, Create Resinate" . Can't wait to resinate!

I'm getting excited!! How about you?

There are currently spaces available in all of Donna's classes in Kitchener.... watch for a small yet exciting change in the schedule next week.....

CHA Bound!

Hi everyone, this is Jen. Karen has had her morning coffee and is getting ready for a fun filled day at CHA. Yesterday we took two classes here Karen is showing her beautiful .....not sure what. But its acrylic, its's a background and I love it.

The second class was with Trish from Encaustikits, here Karen and I are playing in the wax. Getting messy is just our thing.

Oh oh oh I got to meet Kiki last night while Karen was hanging out with her and the girls from Canadian Scrapbooker and Bettina from My Stamp Box a new Canadian company who's vending here this week.

Gotta go, my Queen is ready to start her day, I wonder who we'll meet today

Don't Laugh!

I said, don't laugh!!

Yes, this is me with a MACHINE SEWEN running stitch making a ruffle ... but wait....

Yes, this is me actually machine sewing!

Can you believe it? Yes, I think pigs are actually flying! hehe

THANK YOU Bonnie for coming in with your machine and teaching me how to use it -- I'm so excited!! Next, curtains! .....and you think I jest! *smile*

Can you see what I'm working on?

Yes, totally inspired by the lovely Donna Downey's work. I am making myself a ruffle tote bag in my fav colours: Here's Donna's:

Mine??? to come......

I can't wait to show her at CHA at the end of the month. ... and then chat to her about her upcoming classes here in Kitchener! Yahoo!

Have a creative day everyone!

Harmonie - Summer 2010 CHA Release with Stephan

I am thrilled to have IN STOCK some paper and embellies from Canadian Company - Harmonie. I have created classes with their product before but I am IN LOVE with this season's releases.

Here is the owner of the company, Stephan, to show you what I have here in the studio!!
Take it away Stephan... and see you in the studio Soon for some Harmonie Therapy!! Enjoy!

Coming Soon....

Claudine Hellmuth's Creative Layers Stamp Sets
6 Sets Polymer and Foam Coordinating Sets
I am super excited to be getting these 6 new stamp sets from Claudine Hellmuth in the studio. They will ship sometime in September so stay tuned to when they actually arrive.
Here's a great video I found on youTube of Claudine Demonstrating her new stamps at CHA that I thought I'd share with you. Claudine does a great job showing you what these stamps are all about.
You'll be hearing a lot more about these when they arrive in the studio. I am planning some classes and samples for you all to see and do. ENJOY!!!

VIVA DECOR

Now Available in the Studio!! Yes, it has arrived and I am thrilled and can't wait to play!

We now have 4 collections from Viva Decor. Croco is a one step crackle paint, the thicker you frost your item the bigger the cracks! Inka Gold is a soft metallic paste that can be rubbed on with your finger, or painted with a paint brush. Buff to a shine. Pearl Pens is a liquid pearl product that can be used on any surface including your cards and layouts but also fabric (yes, fabric... it can be washed!!) and Modeling Grass which looks like, well... GRASS when applied. Totally cool textural product!

These products are acrylic based and are compatible with all surfaces and each other. Try on wood, plastic, acetate, acrylic, metal, canvas, grungeboard, clay...you get it...on anything! All products clean up in water. Yumm Yumm!!

I have samples in the studio, so please drop on by during studio retail hours to have a peek for yourself!!

New at Graphic 45 - Summer 2010 CHA

Today is my big release day!!
What's coming to the Art House Studio.... well....
Stay tuned all week for my official peeks. Some of the product has already arrived and I will let you know as the rest does on our Website and will also post it on the "Available at the Studio" Page.
This is Aimee.. She works with Graphic 45 AND if you know me, you know how much I love this company!! Currently at the studio we have the Halloween in Wonderland Papers shown in this video (We also have On the Boardwalk, A Proper Gentleman, and Romantique Collection Packs and selected papers). The 8x8 Christmas Past Collection Pack and the entire Steampunk Debutant Line will be in the studio soon. Also coming to the studio... the envelope albums in their "staples" line. Yummoooooooo....
Thanks for taking us through the booth, Aimee!! Enjoy everyone.

Leaving on a jet plane......

I am at the airport getting ready to board my flight to Chicago for CHA's Summer Show. I'm so excited! (...even if I was body scanned at security on my way through! *insert eye roll here*) I'll be schmoozing with other retailers, designers, distributors ... and manufacturers too and can't wait to share all the news!

Look for some show snippets here on the website. I will post as often as I can -- BUT ... why not come to the studio on AUGUST 21 for a real peek at what's to come!?

I will be hosting a CHA Craft N Crop in the Studio on Saturday AUGUST 21 from 10am - 10pm. $40 (plus HST) Lunch and dinner will be served. I'll be sure to give the whole scoop with visuals wherever possible *wink*. Wish me luck!! PLEASE EMAIL me to reserve your craft n crop spot

Hope you're having a great weekend

Off to CHA

... This Weekend!! CAN'T WAIT!

I'll be posting each night after the show festivities... so be sure to check in. If you will be in Chicago for the show, let me know. Love to meet up with you!

JEN WILL BE OPENING THE STUDIO:
Saturday July 24 11-4 and Wednesday & Thursday from 11:30 - 5:30

I will be back on Friday!!
See you in the Windy City!!

All good things!!

This is a long post today - BUT TRUST ME... it will be worth reading to the end!!

It's life's little moments that take your breath away....

One of the things I LOVE about CHA are the displays. They are so inspiring. "Life Moments" was part of a display I snapped at the Advantus booth. Advantus is the company that manufactures the Tim Holtz Ideaology line. Stunning! And yes, the papers I mentioned in an earlier post are even yummier in person. Can't wait to get them in ... I digress...

This year the Ranger Booth was all decked out in Melt Art (See..... yet another fabulous display)

I showed you Carmi's Designer challenge.... I thought you might like to see Tim, Claudine and Suze's pieces. Here they are.... Aren't they stunning and true to their styles!? Hard to believe they were given a box of the same stuff to do this... Isn't it?

And here is a picture of the wall with all the displays -- Scrapbookers may recognize Donna Downey & Jen Starr (I think you'll be able to see theirs if you click on the image below)

The Ranger booth is also always buzzing with demos by their artists.

OMG, Tim had an entourage if at least 15 - 20 people constantly when walking from place to place... and at least that crowding tables to see him work. No, I did not follow him around. :) He is the master marketer though. Kuddos Tim!!

Tim played with all his new stuff. Let's just say the inks are yummy and I am sooooooooooo glad that I have a sizzix machine. There are oodles of ideas running through my brain. It's hard to sleep! LOL

As you know, I am also getting Wendy Vecchi's stamps in the studio this release. Here is Wendy, caught ( a little) offguard, demoing away....

But back to the displays... wowsers!! :) LOVE LOVE LOVE this. hehe

Today is Tuesday.... soooooo for ASK KAREN.... How about a little of what's coming in? That is, after all, THE question people have been asking.

I am SURE there is no surprise that I will be bringing in the 12 New Distress Ink Colours. They are GORGEOUS!!

What you may not know is that I will be offering a PRE-ORDER BUNDLING SALE on ALL DISTRESS INK PADS (NEW and previously released) and ...why not... ALL THE NEW STAMPS from Wendy Vecchi and Tim Holtz!! YES!! I said NEW inks and stamps!! Both will be shipping in approximately a couple of weeks (all going well)-- SO.... Here is how this will work:

Buy 1-2 Distress Ink Pads/or Stamp Sets and receive 10% off

Buy 3-4 Distress Ink Pads/or Stamp Sets and receive 15% off

Buy 5-6 Distress Ink Pads/or Stamp Sets and receive 20% off

Buy 7 or more Distress Ink Pads/or Stamp Sets and receive 25% off

Buy all 12 Distress Ink Pads/or 12 or more assorted stamps sets (from Wendy and Tim's Collections) and receive 30% off

Starting tomorrow, email me for an order form.

Select your purchases, fill out the form and mail it back. A 50% deposit is required at time of ordering to secure your selections and guarantee your discount. You will be emailed a receipt as proof of your order. I will let you know as soon as your product arrives. You can either pick it up at the studio or an upcoming event for free or I will mail your purchases to you for exact shipping cost. (so yes, those who don't live near the studio.... this deal is for you too!!)

This offer ends SATURDAY January 30. Items will be at regular price when they come in.

I am getting the following Stamps from Tim:

And I will be getting all of the stamps from Wendy Vecchi that are found on her BLOG post except the words set.

Tim Holtz IDEAOLOGY will hopefully be shipped in March .... I am getting the entire line including his Paper Stacks!!

As will the NEW PERFECT PEARL colours!! CAFE!!

Yes, I will be getting the entire Tim Holtz "Alterations" line too ....but by PRE-ORDER ONLY. This is not something that I will be regularly carrying. I will, however, be getting this in for use in the Studio (and for my own personal use and classes) and will get it in by request too. Sooooooooo..... Look for a pre-order email soon -- there just might be some good "deals" in it. *wink* The expected ship date is MARCH/early April.

I also got in some fun canvas pillows to make art with. Some stretched burlap to play with and some some findings too.... perfect for jewelry making and mixed media projects...... Just wait until you see!!! Eeekkk... so exciting!

Well.... I think I have just about had it for the day (I need sleep! This red eye thing is for the birds - hehe ... but sooooooooooooooooooo worth it!!)

WAIT!! Hold the fort!! I have to post my ONE WORLD - ONE HEART give-a-way... I'll try to do that this evening ....EARLY this evening! LOL

Thanks for sharing my excitement with me!!

Been Seen.... at CHA

Hello ladies!! ...and gentleman readers :)
I really wanted to blog this last night but by the time I got back to the hotel it was 2am our time. The computer was turned on but.... I fell asleep typing on it. LOL I tried! :) Anyway, I'm up getting ready for a new day and just HAD to share. There will be a couple of posts today to watch out for :) ...and One World - One Heart will be posted tomorrow (I hope that will be okay with the organizer - crossing my fingers). Okay -- here we go.

I started the day by meeting Elizabeth (L) from A Scrapbookers Dream (Bolton) for coffee and look who we ran into? Yep - that's Kim from The Scrapping Bug (C) and Catherine (R) from Scrapbook and Cards Today! Great to see the Canadian stores represented. I also saw Juanita from Barrie and Sheila from Hamilton .... All is good!!

After coffee I officially opened my account with Stamper's Anonymous and made a fun order -- Tim Holtz and Wendy Vecchi stamps. I am a member of Wendy Vecchi's Yahoo Group so... yes, you will be seeing me play with these stamps quite a bit in the near future! Can't wait to get my hands on them. I'll post the stamps soon.... promise,
Yes, I also placed my Ranger order today too. All their new stuff will be coming in -- All of Tim's Ideaology, the New Distress Inks, the new epoxy.... yep everything. I will even be placing special orders for Tim new Sizzix line "Alterations" as well... so stay tuned. I have lots of plans up my sleeve. Pics to come.

One of the great things about the Ranger booth? My friend Carmi (I know you have read about her in other posts) was asked to do a Melt Art project for their Designer Challenge. Here's Carmi with her Frieda!! Love it Carmi! Photos don't do it justice!!
I also did Claudines Make N Take. Such a Great lady. I love her new Studio Medium "A little more time" glaze. I see so many fabulous possibilities with it -- and YEP ... it's coming in too!
Remember I said on Saturday night I spent part of the evening with the Kiki girls... Here they are!! LOVE the bright fresh designs from them .... I am crossing my fingers that they do come to the area (I hear possibilities are good!!) crossing my fingers! Great to meet you Girls

On a side note..... I did see Katharina and Leica from Canadian Scrapbooker today on the show floor too. I saw the yummy new issue .... I can't wait until it's been "Seen" hint hint. *WINK*

I spent the rest of the day looking at the show and getting ideas.

Then, I met the mod for my Wendy Vecchi Yahoo Group - Allie Gower for dinner. It was great to meet her... we had quite the discussions and creative jammering ons. We ate at Downtown Disney Jazz Diner - yummo - and ended the day Disney Style: ...and yes, Stephen (from Bark Avenue next door, I got your little Mickey! hehe)
Gotta go get ready for the day today.... It's going to be a long one.

I will be 0n the Red Eye home tonight and will open the studio tomorrow... but just in case of Delays, don't look for me to be there until closer to 2pm

Blog again soon!!!