The winner is...

...comment #2, as done by the random organizer website...so thanks to everyone for your class ideas, and congrats to..Tara G...please call us at the store to let us know if we need to mail the dvd or if you will be by to pick it up.

We have some great classes planned for the next few months, and I will definitely work some of these ideas into our schedule. Watch for the next give-away!

What we have been up to lately

So, last weekend we had Angela Moen, from the Button Farm, http://thebuttonfarm.com/blog/ here to teach three classes. She is a terrific teacher and a great designer. The classes were filled. We will be having Angela back the first weekend in December to teach three Holiday classes.


We have had these very cool magnet boards in the store for a while so I decided to make up a sample. Dimensions are 14 x 20 inches, and it comes with three wood-covered magnets. See the photo below.
I used Claudine Helmuth's Studio Paint as a base, added Ranger Dimensional Pearls, in bright colors. After that dried I then rubbed Vintage Photo Distress ink all over and wiped most of it off. This softened the brightness while keeping the color scheme. Stamping was done in assorted Stazon ink colors. (The metal piece comes out for all this painting.) I added ribbon along the side of the metal backing before I put it back in. We also sell the assorted magnetized pieces that are attached, and I made a few magnets by gluing (Zip Dry) some of Tim Holtz' Ideology keys to small round magnets. I sprayed Grungeboard letters with Maya Road Mists, attached them to spell the store name, and added some Ideology gears and spinner arrows along the right side...again-Zip Dry.
Use your imagination...this can be done in any style. I will, of course, make one up as an Advent calendar, and year-round calendar for my house.



In honor of my actually returning to blogging, I am doing a Give-AWAY!! Leave me a message on the blog about what kind of class you would like to see us offer, and we will choose an entry randomly. The prize is the first Tim Holtz video DVD. We will announce the name of the winner and then you can send us your address and we will mail it to you or you can come in to pick it up. I would really love to hear what techniques or paper companies you would like to work with. I will give you five days to respond. I will make the random drawing at noon on Wednesday, July 1. If you live too far away to attend a class, we will happily accept your entry of a great class idea.

Back from Ranger U

I'll be on the infamous NJ Turnpike for a lot of the day tomorrow as I head north and home...I had a great time and really did learn a lot from the three great teachers at Ranger U...Tim Holtz, Claudine Helmuth, and Suze Weinberg. Some of the techniques we covered dealt with melt art and the melting pot, Perfect Pearls, Distres inks, Distress Stickles, all the Adirondack products, the new alcohol inks, sticky back canvas and Claudine's new acrylic paint and mediums, paint dabbers, pigment inks ...lots to have fun with...so, I am ready to start planing some great classes and kits. Stay tuned...

We've got Michael deMeng coming into town to teach here this weekend--very exciting...

I will be posting some info about our Woodstock-like event (without the rain or the music) which will take place when Ted Cutts and his travelling road show, Stampers Anonymous Trunk Show & Festival comes to town. I will be speaking with Ted this week to firm up the plans...I do know there will be lots of demos...This event will be happening here over the weekend of July 17-20...

More info to come...

Updating my blog...first post since feb of this year...new year's resolution was to blog more frequently...next year's resolution will be to actually perform the resolution...but I think I am getting ahead of myself...

so...what's new
I am heading down to NJ to attend Ranger University at the beginning of June. Apparently, the diploma I received on my last visit there is sadly out of date...either that, or the univ. regents have reconsidered my "degree" and have asked for a retake...that is always my worst nightmare...I never handed in that final history paper, and cannot even find the classroom...so, it appears to be coming true...no complaints here, tho...I will be spending time with my ex-fiancee, Tim, and practically blood-brother (blood-sister doesn't sound right) Claudine Hellmuth, as well as updating my hot pot skills with Suze Weinberg. I have seen the class list and I am really looking forward to being inspired by all the other students. This is going to be such a great group that I am already planning the yearbook and class reunions...

You all know what it is like attending a Tim Holtz class...you need to bring nothing!! So, we are being treated the same way...it will be delightful, and upon my return, I will regale you with hysterical stories of staying out drinking and dancing til all hours of the morning, spicy secrets shared among new friends and tales of gambling way more than we will all ever even own collectively...none of the stories will be true...but I will definitely regale you.

In the last few months we have had some great classes. If you are not on my e mail list, I strongly advise you to join. Right now the website is getting a revamping, so I can edit and add content myself. so, for now, to get onto the mailing list, send your e mail address to me at absolutelyeverything@gmail.com, and tell me to add you to the list.

I will be back tomorrow with more updates...wait, I think I may have said that last Feb., also...

Richard Salley Jewelry Classes Here at AE

The samples have arrived for both of the April 25-26 jewelry classes with nationally known and travelled jewelry artist Richard Salley. We are delighted to have Richard coming to teach here in April, on Saturday, the 25th, and Sunday, the 26th. Each day class runs from 10-4pm.

On Saturday, he will teach us to make our own bezels...this is way cool...class will be $85 for the day, and on Sunday, we will learn enameling on metal...again...way cool!! The enameling on metal class is $90. They are both all-day classes. We will begin taking sign-ups now. I will post supply lists below. Here are the photos that Richard sent me. He comes highly recommended by both fellow artists, and students. Check out the photos!! (but really...come in and see the samples in person!!)

Basic Bezels for Found Objects

One of the challenges in making ‘Found Object’ jewelry is how to properly showcase the object and a bezel is often the best solution for this problem. In this class we will explore a variety of ways to make and use bezels. Whether paper, plastic, wood or metal we will find a way to make a bezel to frame your special object. You can then use the completed piece to create a pendant, or brooch…or combine several pieces into a necklace or bracelet.
Supply List: (Kate's note-I will have all the necessary supplies here for purchase before the class. You may call to reserve your supplies over the phone.)

--A variety of objects that you would like to set in a bezel (see the photos for some ideas)

--Quick-set (5 minute) 2-part epoxy– sold in 1 oz. tubes

--24 or 26 gauge copper or nickel silver sheet approx 6 inches x 6 inches. Choose nickel silver if you prefer the silver look, otherwise choose copper. (I don’t recommend sterling silver because of the expense. Learn with the less expensive materials and graduate to sterling later.)

--Flat and round nose pliers,

--Metal shears or tin snips

--Dividers (like a compass but without a pencil…just two pointed ends)

--Small butane torch for soldering (crème Brule variety will work nicely)

--Soldering pad or firebrick for soldering on

--2 Small plastic containers to hold water for quenching and pickle solution-

--Files, fine sandpaper, sanding block or Scoth-brite type pad for cleaning and polishing

--Small inexpensive brush for applying flux

Instructor will supply the following: Silver solder and flux, Pickle solution, Torches

Here is the info on the Metal Enamaling...along with a few photos.

Torch Fired Enamel on Copper Jewelry

Enameling is one of the oldest methods used for creating colorful designs on metal. In this workshop students will complete jewelry projects by way of fusing powdered glass enamel on copper. Techniques and skills covered in the class will include: surface preparation of metal, types of enamel, basic torch-firing, solders to use with enameling, use of holding agents, sifting enamels, wet inlay, enameling tools and supplies, along with safety considerations. Students should be able to complete a pendant, brooch and earrings similar to the example photos. If time permits, experimentation on additional projects will be encouraged. You will leave the class with new skills for adding color and drama to your own jewelry creations.

Supply list: Kate will try to have these elements for sale at AE.

--Sheet copper ( 22 or 24 gauge) approx. 6 inches x 6 inches minimum. (The enamel, copper wire, leather neck cord and miscellaneous supplies will be provided.)

Tool list:

--Basic jewelry making tools will be needed, including round nose and flat nose pliers, wire cutters (flush cutters recommended)

--Metal shears or tin snips

--Small hammer

-- Jeweler’s saw and #0 or #1 blades

--Bench Pin

--Bench block (bring something for dampening the hammering noise such as a shot bag or towel)

--Hand drill or rotary tool (like Dremel) with 1/16th drill bits and grinding attachments.

Snow Report

It is now 4:30 pm as I write this and I am sending Barbara home. ....I'm pretty sure I will head out now, too...it is not nice out there...so be careful...we will be back to normal tomorrow.

Weather Update-Wednesday, Jan. 28

Another snow storm...and while I am away in CA??? All I can say is "Yikes!!" Here's our deal today. Sue is at the store right now and she will keep the store open until noon...but do call ahead just to be sure she is there. 978-887-6397. After that, stay home and make cards, mini books and scrapbook pages!! We will be closing the store at noon today. So, that means no crop tonight...sorry guys. Be safe and make art!! I will be back in the store around 2 pm on Friday, January 30th. See you then.