I May Be Itty Bitty but I Make a Great Impression!

Just in are the new Donna Downey Itty Bitty Stamps! These fabulous foam mounted, red rubber cling stamp designed by Donna, are super versatile for every kind of project. 

There are 15 designs to choose from but my favourite is,
"The Greatest Pleasure in Life is Doing What Others Say You Cannot". 



These stamps are perfect for art journals. Speaking of art journals, our first Journalling Night for 2014 will be next Thursday, January 16th. Get to know fellow artists, share ideas and have lots of fun!
Give us a call to book your spot.

Fly Free - A Prayer Flag a la USTREAM...

I had so much fun broadcasting from the studio this evening with Alyssa Light - one of our instructors at Mixed Minded in May. Alyssa is teaching two classes on Fabric Dyeing (one is a wax free resist dyeing class) and we used some of her hand dyed fabrics as a base for a couple of Prayer Flags that were inspired by an article we saw in the current issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. The top one is my finished flag - below is Alyssa's work in progress....
Thank you to everyone who joined us online tonight! Loved having you a part of the process!! And Alyssa... we wanna see when you're finished!! *wink* Thanks for joining me.

Here is the recorded video

Video streaming by Ustream

Here are the products I used in the video that are available for sale in the studio

Donna Downey - Poppy Branches Stamp	Archival Ink	ChromaColour	Crafters Workshop clouds	Ringlets 6 Crafters Workshop
Chevron - crafters workshop LG	UTEE Clear 4oz	Cloth Paper Scissors - mar april 2012	Sticky Back Canvas - Natural	Sharpie White Poster Paint Pen

InLinkz.com

Have a creative day everyone!!

...and please note ... next weekend is Easter Weekend - there will be no broadcast on Good Friday. The following weekend (Friday the 13th) is ScrapFest and I will be at that show so there will be no scheduled broadcast there either. I will try to film a live from ScrapFest but that will depend on if there is reliable internet access in the arena. Live Broadcasts will return the following weekend.

I love my paintbrush!

I have been itching to paint since I got sick what seems like forever ago. Now that this silly flu is finally starting to leave my system .... and armed with some Donna Downey and Flora Bowley (whom I also love) inspiration, I enjoyed a little playtime yesterday!!!

There's No Place Like Home

Loved creating this.... see my Whimsical Houses Stencil from Crafter's Workshop? Yes, yes, yes.... *smile*

Hope you have a creative day.

And for those who don't follow Donna's Blog -- here's that inspiration (Click Here)

Can't wait until Donna comes here in May!!

Registrations for her classes at Mixed Minded are coming in... Hope you can join us!

InLinkz.com

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

On behalf of Donna Downey and I, I'd like to thank all 59 people who participated in Donna's class workshops this weekend. We had a fantastic time with you, loved seeing you create and relished in quite a few "Snap Moments" THANK YOU! Have fun with all your new techniques and don't forget to "live inspired!" Donna, thank you for sharing your energy and talents with us. You are truly an inspiration!! xo

Donna's Here!!

We had a great kick off to the weekend with Donna Downey Last night!! HOW fun!!
I am here at the hotel now listening to 35 ladies giggle and laugh and create away!! What a wonderful thing!!

Have you created today? Go get messy!!! :)

One More Sleep!

Registration packages are done!! :) Now, to pack up the studio so I can "move it" to the Holiday Inn this weekend for Donna Downey's visit with us!

Eeeeekkkk... it's getting more exciting all the time!

So, this is a reminder to you all of you that our Lancaster St Studio Location will be closed tomorrow and won't re-open until Tuesday for our regular studio hours (at 11am). You are more than welcome to come to the Holiday Inn, Kitchener (30 Fairway Rd S) and see us there.

One more sleep!!

prepity prep prep......

Okay, it's been brought to my attention (by more than a few of you.... *smile*) that I haven't posted in a while! Eeeeek.. So sorry!!! Where does the time fly?

I have been super busy getting things ready for Donna Downey's visit THIS WEEKEND!!!! I can't wait!

You all know me... I love event details! I saw on Donna's blog a while back some handmade name tags that she is making for her Inspired Workshops so I thought I'd do my own little homage to that and got out the sewing machine (and my new ruffler foot) to create some name tags for you!! See????? *Smile*

Wonder what else I have up my sleeve? You'll just have to come to find out!
THE ART JOURNAL CLASS is now SOLD OUT but there are limited seats available in the other classes Donna will be offering this weekend. CLICK HERE for those details.

A Donna Downey Stamp - two ways

Evening all... or should I say morning? I hope you all remembered to set your clocks ahead this evening. That's right - We "Spring Ahead" this weekend. I hope you don't all loose too much sleep!! :)

I had a wonderful day in the studio with Paulette (and some shoppers too). Paulette wanted to create a canvas using the New Donna Downey "Dress Form" foam stamp. She wanted to do it in the studio so that we could do it together -- ummmm.. SURE!!! How fun is that.

Here are the canvas' we created - same colours, same stamp, different styles! What could be better?

Here's Paulette's

And Here's mine. Note the sprayed background? Yes, not just for cards! :) hehe

I hope you are having a great weekend!
Be creative!

More "Stuff" - Prima

More CHA things came in today! Hurray!! It's like Christmas!

I'll post more tomorrow but -- until then, here's most of what came in from Prima today! Enjoy!

A Slight Schedule Change....

I'm happy to announce a slight change of plans in our Donna Downey class line up.

As you know, CHA was a couple of weeks ago - well, Donna came out with a new line of "stuff". Very exciting! We got word from Prima Marketing that the product will be available in time for Donna's visit with us... so.... Donna will be offering a NEW CLASS on our weekend. Yes, Kitchener will be the first place that Donna will be teaching this class - Butterfly Moments. YAY How fabulous!

Check this out!!! A fabulous 4x6 Canvas Album!

With layers of ruffles, trims, fabrics, and flowers we will create a textural blend of elements that give this album the look and feel of shabby chic with the bold punch of color. Distress as much or as little as you like and really make this album your own. - Donna Downey

Lots of product in this kit.... I hope you consider taking the class!

Saturday March 26, 2011 6:30pm - 8:30 pm - $70 (plus HST)

For more classes and registration information - click on the Donna Downey Workshops links on the right sidebar.

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.....

Beautiful Banners....

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I received my event banners in the mail.

Well, I wasn't kidding. *smile* Amy and I hung the Mixed Minded and Donna Downey Workshop banners in the windows and they are creating some attention -- YAY! That's what they're there for ....as long as people are still watching the road on Lancaster..... *cringe*

Here's how they look:

I picked up a HUGE floor mounted 6' Banner to use at the show too. (the one on the left is 5', I think)

Whatcha think?? ...sorry about the glare.... I neglected to take this photo earlier and now it's dusk and not ideal picture taking conditions :) But me thinks you get the idea! *grin*

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!

DONNA DOWNEY REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!

That's right -- I think we are all set with the confirmations and the information sooooooooooo.....
You can NOW REGISTER for the Donna Downey Workshop Classes that will be held here in Kitchener at the Holiday Inn on March 25-27, 2011. So exciting!

To Register -- Click to see Donna's Classes (they will stay on this website until after the event for easy reference) and then email me at thearthousestudio@rogers.com with your name, email, contact info (address with postal code, phone), your requested classes, preferred method of payment and we'll get it rollin! :) Sound good?

Class fees are due upon registration and all classes are on a first come, first serve basis. Methods of payment available are cash (in studio), interac email money transfer (by online banking) and visa (please call in your number or come see me in the studio. DO NOT put your visa number in an email for security reasons).

Have fun choosing your classes! Are you as excited as I am?

Okay... a bigger tease

I just posted the 5 Workshops that Donna will be teaching while she visits with us here in Kitchener. You can conveniently find them anytime by clicking on the "Donna Downey Workshops" page - there is a link on the sidebar to the right.

But for now you can find them by clicking HERE! :)

• REGISTRATION will open by 8pm Saturday.
• All classes are on a first come, first serve basis.
• Gift Certificates are available

Have fun looking -- let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to help.

A Life Inspired.....

Some of you have been looking at your calendars and are reminding me that it's November and I promised to post the workshops start registration for Donna Downey's workshops. Well.... I haven't forgotten. I am just finalizing things now BUT -- I think I can start dishing. Are you ready for the first tease? :)


Donna and the Art House Studio will be at the Holiday Inn, Kitchener March 25-27.

On March 25 we are planning a little "Meet Donna" time open to all those who wish to drop by and say hi from 5 -7pm THEN... Donna will be teach the first of 5 workshops - "A Life Inspired". This is a 1.5-2 hour canvas layout class where you will "learn the basics of color washing, alter fabric flowers and dimensional layering techniques as you learn to transform
literally a blank canvas into a unique mixed media scrapbooking layout that will showcase your heartfelt sentiments, and the creativity of your artist within."


Sound fun? More will be posted ..... gather round -- this is going to be GOOD!!

Hold the fort!!

Canada Post is here!!

And they have a box for me!! HURRAY! Part 2 of the Prima Order finally cleared and shipped! Now I'm chomping at the bit to DIG IN!

So Donna Lovers!! The Iron Ons are HERE. The Canvas Albums are HERE, the Canvas Embellishments are HERE!

YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!

Also in this week.... Somerset Memories and Stamper's Sampler!

I opened up the Somerset Memories Mag -- cause I had to be nosey :) - and what do my eyes spy? A few pages dedicated to Donna Downey's Canvas Pages/Album. How timely!!

They look like SUPER issues!!!

See you soon!!!!!! ....back to my cards :)

1/2 of a Great thing is still pretty Spectacular!

Oh how I LOVE CANVAS!!! And yesterday I was drooling over my latest shipment from Prima. Some of Donna Downey's Canvas and stamps! Yippee. The only downer.... this is only HALF of it! Canada Customs has seen fit to hold the other box a little longer I suppose so... I'll have to wait *sniff sniff* BUT Look at the great things I have to play with until the other items arrive!!! See pretty Spectacular, right? *smile*

I don't know about you... but I have a feeling that my computer will love getting cozy inside that Delicious tote bag (shown at bottom) and ... I'm loving the Camera Bags (SLR and Point and Shoot). OH OH!!! Those foam stamps! OMG!!! Look out ink!! Here I come!!!!!!! And only $8.75? Yippee!!!!! Can't wait to play!

If you love Donna's stuff as much as I - you'll want to come check it out.
As always... I ship! LOL

Have a great day everyone!

Aprons!! My Homage to Donna Downey

This is what I did yesterday!!
Well...I painted and stamped these four aprons on Friday and added the ruffle, yoyos and ribbon to them today. We needed new aprons to wear in the booth at ScrapFest next month and, with Donna Downey coming in the spring, I thought I would create a set of aprons for me and my helpers that embody the spirit of the occasion! Aren't they cute? *smile*

Now... before you start thinking that I, the NON SEWER, created something with a sewing machine..... believe me I didn't. I did use a needle and thread to do a quick running stitch through the fabric to make the ruffles BUT THEN I glued it to the pre-made canvas apron. Yep. Have I told you how much I love my 3 in 1 Glue? And have I mentioned it's waterproof and washable? LOL So, yes, this fabric project is non-sewer friendly! LOL

Hope you like and that you come see them in person at ScrapFest in Oshawa Oct 15th.

The Art House & Unity...

Well, I have a real hard time keeping secrets -- or so it seems. hehe

The fans on my Facebook Fan Page found out I got a shipment in the studio today. OMG. I'm so excited! And can't wait to play!

I WAS going to keep my CHA purchases quiet until the big REVEAL but... oh well, you can hear one... right? ;)

New to the Studio is UNITY STAMPS!

I got a selection of fun Itty Bitty Stamps. These are cling mounted red rubber stamps at a great price. I brought in 10 different Itty Bitty Stamps to start including these:

And I also got in some SUPER Donna Downey Stamps too!

These are Super Sized Stamps (Sizes as marked). They are wood slide mounted (thinner wood mount) and simply delectable. I have projects roaming around my brain at a dizzying speed. Just check them out!!!

And I also brought in a couple of Donna's New Stamp Sets too. These are also Cling Mounted Red Rubber Stamps. Yummy

Check out what Donna did with the She Set!! You can find this and other Donna Creations on her blog . You should check it out. I know you'll be inspired :)

Okay... that's it!!
Can't spill the beans again. Don't worry, lots to come!! Ekkk! So exciting!!