She's Crafty.....

While at CHA, I participated in a Flash Mob for charity!
Charity Wings organized a Flash Mob to an edited version of "She's Crafty" by the Beastie Boys. So much fun -- thought I'd share

If you can't find me, there is an issue -- I'm the rather large one on the right of your screen a head taller than the people around me. LOL Oh well ... Soooooooo much fun!



Have a Creative Day!

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!!

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!

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

Catalina Island.....

Sooooo pretty!

I loved walking around Catalina Island. It's what I imagine a small Mediterranean village to be like - especially with all the artful fired clay adornments on every building, bench and walkway -- check this out!

Some fabulous art pieces too - and quaint little boutiques and galleries. I even spoke to an artist that is bringing back the stone tile art that adorns the village. Meet Robin:

Gotta love meeting creative people. Art is everyone. Inspiration is everywhere.

Now go - create art!

Inspired!

The kid and I went to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) today... yes, I played hookie from the studio with Jen's assistance. THANK YOU JEN!!! We had a great day and I got some much needed time with my kid and family. Thank you!!!!

I am VERY lucky to have a kid who appreciates ART! She loves to sketch and is a big fan of Anime and Comics ... in fact, that's what brought us to Toronto to begin with. We attended a Comic Book "Speak Easy" at the Gladstone Hotel, stayed over in one of the hotel's designer rooms (the Felt Room, 416) and enjoyed a day in the city.... Yes, I'm sooooo lucky!!

Anyway ... we were both inspired by the Julian Schnabel exhibition at the AGO -- especially his Plate Paintings. The kid and I eagerly started planning a plate composition of our own. You should have seen the light in her eyes twinkle when I said I'd pick up some fun china sets so we could smash them and create art! Look out world. We're on a mission -- once our kitchen reno starts we'll create something very special to hang when it's complete. Makes me want to start the dreaded kitchen reno sooner rather than later. Whoa boy...... *smile*

I did snap a great pic of the kid. I loved it so much I played a little in photoshop when we returned. Hummm... I'm thinking fun transfer piece.... can you see it? *smile*

My mind is spinning.
I guess that's what happens when you're inspired and had a great day with a 13 (ahem, almost 14) year old! LOL Cheers everyone! Have a creative weekend!!

A little Birdie told me.....

that I needed to buy a torch - lol - yes, after my fun yesterday with Leanne's, torch..... I went out and got one too! Let the fun begin!!! Wait!! I forgot the glue! Oh well ... soon.

That's okay though. That same little birdie wanted me to create something for it! hehe.... I spent the day creating in the studio with Sheri and welcoming a few visitors. It was fabulous. The picture above is what I created using the new shadow box ornaments from Darcies. I simply decorated it with some 7 Gypsies "Conservatory" paper and hung it from a chain decorated with some strung beads and twigs. I think it's cute! Love these ornaments! I'll be putting a class together soon so be on the look out!

I took the family to see Evita tonight in Stratford. What a wonderful performance! We're heading back there tomorrow to see Kiss Me, Kate. I love having such a first class theatre festival in our own "back yard".

Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone!

Thanks gals!

As you know, the studio is closed on Mondays ... so I had the chance to go visit some artsy friends. HOW FUN!!!

If you've been reading my blog -- you've already been introduced to Carmi (left) and Nancy, a photographer, jewelry and encaustic gal whose work I admire (I have one of Nancy's art pieces on display in the studio) is on the right. We had a fantastic day chatting about art and even ScrapFest because they will be there with some fun Dove of the East Product. You must go check it out!!

Anyway - I just wanted to say thanks for such a great day ladies. And Carmi ... I still want to move in. Your studio is FABULOUS!! Wiggly puppy and all *smile*

You'll be hearing more about Carmi and Nancy again soon.... there might even be an encaustic workshop in the studio's future ... just saying :)

I'm in the studio tomorrow at 11. Hope you had a great weekend!

He's an Artist!!

This is Kevin's art.

He likes to play with Fractals. ....it's a geeky thing :)

Anyway, he entered this in a contest and won. His design "fractal flame" will be the cover of an upcoming Math Text (probably post secondary) - I'm so proud. He's had writing published but never his art! hehehehheee... it must run in the family!

Kevin found out that he won the cover contest today which also happens to be our 15th Wedding Anniversay. So -- Happy Anniversary, hun. And Congrats!!!!

My Day in ChiTown

I (finally) had the opportunity to actually SEE Chicago while here for CHA. I took the excuse to bring my camera and take pictures - just for the fun of taking pictures. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I love architecture!! And let me tell you, Chicago is a fabulous place to admire it! I spent my afternoon on a walking tour guided by the Chicago Architecture Foundation and learned lots. If you are ever in Chicago, I HIGHLY recommend taking one of their many tours!! Very rewarding.

I could show you many photos of building I took in "the loop" but I won't bore you with my passions *wink* ... but I can't resist just one for no other reason than its pretty! hehe

I also took some time to stop by Millennium park.
LOVED THIS. Never seen anything like it before. Two glass block tower water features flanking a "splash pad". On the towers were moving images of people and every few minutes they "spit" water to the waiting crowd below. OMG How fun!
I was mesmerized!!
Millennium Park is next to the Art Institute (which I didn't get to see today ... BOOOOO... I suppose I must make another trip *wink*) so I had to take a photo of those famous Lions flanking the entrance. Spectacular!

But even MORE FUN.....

I was walking on State St (near Randolph I think) and I looked up to see the Joffrey Ballet Company sign. Ooooo.... Ahhhhh...

Now look in the third floor windows. You can see those famous ballerinas practicing. *shock* ... I picked up my jaw from the sidewalk and snapped a couple of photos. Seeeeeeeee...???? Loving this city!!!

Well, what can I say?

All this and buildings like this too.......

What's not to love?

Bring on CHA!!

It's been a real busy day here in Kitchener.

An 5.0 earthquake (which I didn't feel personally because I was driving at the time but heard all about) and friends who live not too far away are still under tornado watches and warnings while experiencing extreme weather..... it was also my daughter's grade 8 graduation day.

I didn't know what to expect when we arrived for the ceremony. Imagine our surprise when we see in the program that our kid won academic awards in every subject but science (hehe),. But that's not all. She made the honour roll (that we thought might happen) and was also a recipient of the silver medallion (for extra curricular stuff - sharp shooters, wrestling, track, library helpers...) Holy Smokes!! How'd I get so lucky to have such a great, successful kid? I'm one proud mama over here!!

Anyway.... have an excellent evening. Stay safe .... blog tomorrow!

Looky Looky....

What was in the KW Record this Tuesday.

Yes, this is me... in my glory ... standing at the studio door by my trusty Block Parent Business sign. Did you see it?

Besides some obvious editing errors (my name is Karen, not Kim -- I was called both) and a few other grammatically incorrect things that spell checker missed.... IT WAS A FABULOUS ARTICLE for a fabulous organization.

My dear friend Scrubbie ( I know some of you out there read his blog ) just happens to be the president of the Waterloo Region Block Parent group (I hope I got the title right). He and a new crop of energetic volunteers are trying to give the local BP program new lease on life. As a result, Block Parents are becoming a little more "visible" every week and I hope that, in time, this organization thrives once again!!

Are you a Block Parent? Is there one on your street? How about a local business? Yes, I am a Business Block Parent. Essentially it means that while my studio is open people in trouble, who are lost or otherwise need assistance (hey, maybe this is why people choose to ask me and not my plaza neighbours for driving directions all the time! And here I thought it was my welcoming nature and winning smile! *wink* LOL) can come into the shop and ask me for help. Notice I said people, not kids.... It is becoming apparent that adults, SENIORS especially, are also using the program -- it's logo is a recognisable symbol for assistance... Makes sense to me. I haven't had anyone come into the studio for help as a result of the sign in my door -- but I'm there if they need me and that's what matters.

Anyway... just thought I'd share the photo and my thoughts... :)

Some Market Finds....

I know, it's Tuesday.... and it's ASK KAREN day... but I will have to post that tomorrow. I was in the States this morning to pick up some CHA orders (nope, no stamps yet.... I'll let you know) and was a little late getting back to the studio. I'll get the ASK KAREN stuff together and photographed when I get to the studio tomorrow and will post if for you then.... Sorry dedicated fans :)

BUT... I do have a little something to share with you.

I was in Barrie Sunday to watch the SuperBowl with my Dad .... but earlier that afternoon I skipped out to do a little Antique Market Shopping at the 400 Market. I was THRILLED to see the amount of PostCards, Vintage Photos and Ephemera they had there. Yep... I will be back.


Check out the stash I did pick up:

You'll see lots of fun turn of the century (as in 1900) postcards, a Music Book, promo materials for a builder in the 50s, some buttons, charms, ephemera, old stamps -- YEP I got a hull. I can't wait to look up some of those postcards online and get a little history on them. That's my favourite thing about collecting them: finding ones I like and then learning about them - THEN I will scan and make art with them. Yippee!


I also FOUND THE PERFECT book!!


I have been searching for the perfect book to create an art journal with. I wanted to have the spine say something that reflected what I want to put on the inside. I've been looking on and off for a few months and then presto!!!


The spine reads: A Woman's Heart and other Stories (De Maupassant - c1951).

How perfect is that for a personal journal? SOLD! It had to come home with me.

And look at what else I found!!

My mother remembers this book ... and I have heard it mentioned by others. Many women were introduced to their "monthly bill" via this informational pamphlet by Kotex. LOL, gotta love it! Do you remember it?

I LOVE this page -- on the left things you can do when you have your period, on the right -- things you shouldn't do! Basically you can clean yourself but don't do sports. WOW... how fun. The how to attach your pad to the belt page was a memorable one too! :)

I may be showing my age now but... I wasn't given the above like my mother... I was given this:

LOL..... Maybe I should have used this book for my journal -- NAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Enjoy! Now go make art!

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!!!

I'm Here!!!

In Anaheim for the CHA Trade Show.

I am on a whirlwind trip though. I arrived last night, I leave tomorrow night. But all is good!!

The show floor opens in about an hour. I am meeting Elizabeth from A Scrapbooker's Dream before we go in and.... I've already had the chance to catch up with Katherina from the Canadian Scrapbooker and Arantza and her team from Kiki Art (Quebec). It's going to be a fabulous show!

Off I go. Check back later... you never know what will happen at CHA!

Rain, Rain go away....

Yep -- it POURED in Belize yesterday while we were there. Oh well -- it's better than snow!

It did put a little damper on our planned exploring. We did book a covered trolley tour -- and we're so glad we did -- we certainly saw more of the city doing that cause we weren't going to walk it -- as it was we were soaked on the train! LOL Again, no complaints -- it wasn't snow :)

The rain did make the tender tricky though. If you are at all sea sick -- DON'T tender in the rain. We sat in front of the tender and pretended we were on a 25 minute Flume Ride at Disney! LOL... too funny! Didn't risk getting out the camera for that.

Rain go away today -- the kid and I are going to SNUBA in Cozumel!

Ahoy Mateys!

Greetings from Sea!

We are on our way to Belize this evening after spending the day docked in Costa Maya Mexico – or as my hubby and I call it: the pink fortress. It is a port created by the cruise lines (no village “really” existed before that) ... a true “if you build it, they will come” scenario that only opened a few years ago. It was quaint, typical and only spent an hour there... but it was fun. The kid did a little shopping :) Can't wait to arrive in Belize. I'm really looking forward to seeing it. I've heard great things.

We've met some great people on board. I have a beading/crafting buddy named Melody, we have a fabulous Quebecois couple we eat with every night (and practise our French) and Em has all her “new friends” she's been “hanging out with” - she's having a blast! The ship is amazing – but I knew that.... So much to do – and quite literally something for everyone. If you're my Facebook friend you would have seen what I've been beading.. and what I didn't scrapbook! LOL. Yes, they have a scrapbooking “class” on-board that is kind of funny – pretty basic and meant for people who don't know what scrapbooking is – I showed up with some of my supplies and freaked out the instructor. LOL It's all good. I shared :) All in all it's been great.

Looking forward to more tomorrow. Blog again soon...

tag 11 and the Miami Vice theme song?

Hi there bloggers!

I am in Miami getting ready to board the Liberty of the Seas for a fabulicious vaca with the family. Many thanks to my friend Darren (scrubbie for those who read is blog) who put the wearing of pastels and the Miami Vice theme song in my head this morning during a little Facebook chat. GREAT! Now I will be humming that darn tune all day! -- at least until we board the ship and I look for Issac to pour me "my pleasure" :) haha. yes, chillin's I'm in a good and spunky mood this morning. How could I not? I'm in Miami - the temp is already 10x warmer than when I left and there is no snow -- just palm trees and sunny skies. Yes, it sure is "a Wonderful Life"!

Before I left the Studio Friday night I completed Tim's Day 11 Tag -- so I thought I would share it with you today... :)

I LOVE Sticky Back Canvas! Those who know me and the studio do know this. I was thrilled when I saw it make an appearance on Tim's Tags. Here is Tim's Day 11 Tag.

Again, I am using a smaller tag than Tim -- so I didn't add the Reindeer and I don't have fun Christmas Rubs -- so you get my lovely handwriting instead :) I think these buttons are really cute! The ladies in the studio Friday night were amazed when they realized that the canvas just whips through the printer like regular paper. I know they'll be trying the canvas soon too! It's good stuff!!

Well, I'm outta here for now -- I will blog again in a day or so... with pictures :) I promise. Have a great week Land Lovers!

Tag-mas Day 4

So, I woke up this morning and made my way to the computer, logged on and went directly to Tim Holtz' blog. AND, by golly, what in my eyes did appear but a fun little tag and .... well -- you get the idea! LOL

LOVE this little house ornament - AND I know you do too 'cause I created this house at CHA this summer, brought it home and displayed it in the studio ... This is the "ornament" workshop scheduled for next Wednesday. I have 7 girls coming into the studio next week to create lots and lots of these for friends and family this Christmas! Here it is on a tag!! I think the ladies coming next week should do this too -- great packaging for those little houses!! I have the tags here. They're yours if you want them! *wink*

I have all the supplies at the studio to make these fabulous tags! Drop on by and make one for yourself! Love to see you.

On a different note... this was the FIRST picture I took with my brand new SLR camera. How did I do? I have lots of playing with it -- you know, to figure it out - but not too bad for my first snap, eh? For those who were about to ask: I got a smokin, couldn't be passed up, deal on a Nikon D60. I know I have a lot of Cannon purists out there -- but trust me... for my first SLR -- it was a great deal!!

I'll blog tomorrow with Tag #5! Can't wait to see what's next!

Jackpot!!!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

The kid and I spent the day at the Pinery Flea Market and "antiquing" at some of our favourite local haunts.... At one of our stops I stumbled on an eye-popping, mouthwatering collection of vintage photos, postcards and ephemera. OMG.... I was in heaven. The store clerk saw my mouth drop and promptly got me a stool. LOL... can you picture it?

I picked up some AMAZING little postcard gems circa 1910, 1902..... It was so hard to choose. When I get home I will scan some of them to show you. You'll be tickled pink. I'm coming back to the trailer on the long weekend.... three guesses where I am going (first two don't count). eeek!! Can't wait to play! I have a million crafty ideas floating through me head. hehehehehehe. This is the start of a beautiful obsession!



While we were out and about I also picked up some fun buttons and broaches that I plan to make molds from so that I can create some great 3D wax and/or UTEE embellishments. I also found some great itty bitty pewter figurines that I can mold or use in my art. and do you see in the picture to the left... one of the shops even had a cool unused wood-mount stamp with a vintage vignette on it that just had to come home with me. The kid found some books she wanted and some vintage comics that caught her eye. Yep, a great day had by all!