Some examples of our Artful Cafe...

This past week, Claudia created what could either be an apple or a pumpkin by altering a paperback book. Basically cut along the spine to make the book about half size...i.e. you are removing half the pages...go through the book adding color to the edges on both sides of the pages...glue the front and back sheets together, clamp and leave til dry...when dry-open the book up and spread the pages around in a circle...I found this on the internet, wish I could remember where so I could give credit. Oh, and don't forget to add a twig with a leaf for a stem.

Another class we did recently was this great Fall leaf in UTEE hanging ornament. Basically, take chipboard, color it with pigment inks, add Utee-one layer, and while it is still hot, set the leaf, or leaves, into it so they stick. Proceed to add 3-4 more layers of Utee--it sticks to the previous layer if it is still hot...if you get a phone call and have to answer it..add more emb. ink, and another layer of the UTEE...I like to sprinkle a bit of fine glitter in the top layer. I also reheat one area where Iwant to stamp (put emb ink on the stamp first as a release agent.) Stamp and let the stamp sit in the UTEE while it cools...about 15 sec. Then take any color, (I used white in one image and brown in the other) of Ranger acrylic paint dabber , smear it all over so it works into the impressions, and wipe the top off with a wet paper towel...now you will see the ink only in the word (or image) that you stamped.

Calendar Problems

Sorry to say...the calendar link is misbehaving a bit for the November & December pages...those classes that look very out-of-place probably are...be aware.

Tim Holtz Make-and-Take

Here is a photo of one of the very cool projects that Tim had us make at the "Holtz Holiday Festival. " It is a hanger that holds two pieces together. The top layer is one of the largest Fragment pieces, which is 4x4.( You could easily substitue the heavy acetate sheets, which will cut on your 12 inch trimmer.)

Behind it, but not glued to it is a piece of chipboard, or Grungeboard that has been collaged with holiday images. The Heidi Swapp alphabet is placed on top of the acrylic piece. Just add ribbon on top. Because it is not glued, you can change out the photos at your will.

We have the hangers in stock, $2.50 apiece. We have great holiday collage papers, and the Heidi swapp letters are due in soon.

Keith LoBue's Visit to AE

We are all delighted with our weekend experience in classes with the not-only-talented but the serene, wise and actually very cave-man-esque Keith LoBue. Keith spent an entire day teaching how to drill, etch...(did I mention that we drilled thru glass?...OK, maybe I impress easily, but that was way cool...in fact, it was Sweeeet!)...in all kinds of surfaces and materials. So much info...I could see some of the heads were happily stuffed at the end of the class. It was a lecture and demo class and I'm pretty sure everyone was thrilled with the amount of info.

On day #2, the students did all sorts of Wire Working, learning connections, chain elements, cleaning and aging...another home run by Keith LoBue. He & I are already plotting on how and when to schedule a return visit. I will give you all plenty of notice, because he will be having a three-day Precious Little Class , a Friday, Saturday, & Sunday...and we will fit in two other classes, on Wednesday & Thursday...the decorating with paper class and the Metal Etching Class. The first news will be seen in the newsletters, so keep reading and memorizing those for now.

Additionally, Keith brought along pieces of his art jewelry for sale, a Folio of photos of his work, digital collage prints, as well as a Dvd which shows him creating a jewelry piece. We have copies of the Folio and the DVD here in the store for sale. I think if Keith puts a comment here on this blog, he can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the price of each is $50.

As is my way with visiting artists, males, we did get briefly engaged, but broke it off rather quickly, and we will make every effort to remain just friends. Keith did get a chance to meet my husband, Greg, so, I guess it all worked out for the best.

The Holiday Festival...is over!

I'm pretty sure everyone had a great time this past weekend...special thanks to our guests, Tim Holtz, a man of many talents, and Mario Rossi, a jack-of-all-trades. We were treated to six fantastic classes, and three make-and-take projects at the Friday party. I will post pictures and directions of the three m&ts...as soon as I get my energy back. Hats off to my great staff for doing it all...more to come...

Looking for Hotel Rooms for the Tim Holtz Holiday Festival??

If you are coming from out of town and need hotel rooms, here are four options for you.. The first one is the closest. I believe, the others all about the same. The first two I know about...quality-wise, they are fine. The other two I do not have any knowledge of...they may be better or worse...talk to them.
Courtyard by Marriott-978-777-8630
Sheraton Ferncroft-978-777-2500
Residence Inn-978-777-7171
Comfort Inn-978-777-1700

Tim Holtz Holiday Festival

Just in...Tim has photos of all the projets on his blog. Go here:

http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/09/holtz-holiday-f.html

Tim Holtz Holiday Festival Information---You might as well just print this out...and get comfortable...

Here is all the info about the classes, the meal plan, and the "Friday Night Before Christmas" Holiday Party!!Please check it out carefully, and sign up for the classes that you want.

We are unable to give refunds for these classes. Think of it like a theater ticket or a football game...if you can't go, have a friend go in your place.

Saturday, September 27th

9am-12noon-
FESTIVE WINDOWS – $65 Currently this class is full. Waiting List available.
Layer your holiday memories, and images behind frosty and translucent layers in this one of a kind mini book. Discover the many uses for fragments and transparencies to create a journal filled with your most treasured memoirs. Learn painting with alcohol inks, distressing with dabbers, and layered elements as you adorn and embellish this see through book. Explore the possibilities and take a peek into the festive windows of Christmastime…

1:30pm-5pm
HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS –$75
Are you ever reminded of a certain moment simply by seeing an element of the past? In this workshop you will create a very timeless and holiday-inspired mosaic mirror filled with vintage treasures and Christmastime carols to make your holidays merry and bright. Learn uses for grungeboard, fragments, and some distress techniques with crackle paints and inks. We will assemble this home décor piece to display throughout the season. Be reminded by the nostalgic treasures of your holiday reflections…

6:30pm-10pm
CHRISTMAS PAST – $105
Get ready to deck the halls with this holiday keepsake box. Learn techniques with pearlescent paints, stamped imagery, and dimensional collage as you create a one of a kind treasure. Capture the nostalgic memories of this favorite time of year with vintage ornaments and décor as you create this illuminated assemblage. Remember the twinkle in your eyes as you experienced the magic of Christmas morning? It’s time to reminisce your Christmas Past…


Sunday, September 28th

9am-12noon
CHARMED TRINKETS – $65
Sometimes finding the perfect holiday gift for someone is one of the most difficult things. Well, not to worry – in this workshop you will learn how to create a very unique gift that anyone will treasure. Learn techniques on collage, and jewelry assemblage as we create a wearable trinket adorned with charms and findings that doubles as an art piece as we also design a mixed media frame to display this little treasure. Explore the creative wonders of these charmed trinkets – you might even have to keep this first one for yourself….

1:30pm-5pm
SEASONAL MEMOIRS – $75
The holidays bring such memories that seem to come and go in the wink of an eye. Capture those memories in this festive journal where you can tuck away those cherished keepsakes for years to come. Learn techniques on distressing, working with grungeboard, crackle paints, and more as we assemble this mini book full of pockets and pull outs. We will also collage a tiny windowed tin with timeless ephemera to house our creation. Cherish the moments of the holidays in your own seasonal memoirs…

6:30pm-10pm
WINTER WONDERLAND – $105
It’s time to bundle up and frolic in the snow – creatively speaking of course. Create a sparkling yet nostalgic canvas collage in this mixed media workshop. Learn techniques on painting with dabbers, masking, beeswax collage, and creating dimensional snow on this canvas creation. You will incorporate hand leafed accents, vintage holiday elements, and numerous letters to spell out the words of the season as you create a collage like never before. Be whisked away in a winter wonderland of your own creative muse…

Don't stop reading here...

There's an additional "Event" called The "Friday Night Before Christmas." We will have it here at the store on Friday evening, September 26, from 6-8:30pm. Basically, it is a social get-together with Tim. (Let's call it a Christmas Party--bring your own lampshade...and don't even think of making copies of any of your body parts...my office will be locked!!)

There will be three make-and-take projects which you can do at your leisure throughout the evening (we'll have all the materials & tools out, with directions, in the classroom--you need to bring nothing!!) Tim also has a little "holiday surprise" for all who attend. The cost of this event is $25, and to be able to register, you must be taking at least one of Tim's classes, as described above. However, spaces are somewhat limited for this event, and we will have to close the registration when it fills. If you are signed up for all six of Tim's classes, you will receive the Friday night party for free (if there is still room.)

As a bonus, there will be store specials available only to the party-goers on that Friday evening.

This will just be a congenial "hang-out-with-Tim" evening...but do dress accordingly. There will be a prize (a good prize!!) for the gaudiest holiday outfit...I know you've got that ugly christmas sweater in your closet...it looked so cute in the store, didn't it? But in the light of your real life...well, let's just say it hasn't gotten much wear, has it? ...Now is its time!!!

We will have holiday refreshments, holiday music, laughter in the air, and whatever else we can pay someone to do. Special Note: the store will close at 2 pm on Friday, September 26, to prepare for the festivities. There will not be any free demos scheduled as we are all going to be too busy having parties. Come take a class!

Meal Plan

We will be taking reservations for a meal plan for those of you who would like to eat here between classes, or just before or after a class. Lunches will be sandwiches, fruit drink, and dessert, possibly chips. Dinner will be a hot meal with bread and salad, drink and dessert. Last year the food was terrific. I will say no more.

I am anticipating that we will be eating outside in the "cafe by the lake" (By lake, I mean parking lot--use your imagination.) Here are the prices for different arrangements.

Saturday lunch-$8.00
Saturday dinner-$11.00 Saturday-both meals-- $18
Sunday lunch--$8.00
Sunday-dinner $11.00 Sunday both meals-$18

All four meals, Saturday & Sunday--$34

Pease sign up for the meals when you register for the classes. We will be able to add late meal decisions up to about two days before the events.

You may register here at the store, in person, or over the phone. NO E-Mail registering. Also, please be patient with us as we are expecting a lot of phone calls on Saturday morning. Use either of these numbers:
978-887-6397, or
978-887-5047