CREATE Chicago Here I come! New Stamp patterns!

Hey gang!  I'm so excited that the next CREATE Mixed Media Retreat is just around the corner!

Chicago (actually Lisle, a suburb of Chicago)  August 13-17, 2014

 If you’ve never attended a mixed-media event before, CREATE is a good place to start.  I took my friend Shelly to her first CREATE in NJ a couple weeks ago, and she is going gangbusters!  Her art has grown tremendously, and she's found a rekindled passion for working creatively! Not to mention she's met a whole TON of new art friends!  

This is my 4th year of teaching at CREATE Chicago and I am looking forward to it. Come join the party! Teachers travel in from all over the world to teach classes on bookbinding, art journaling, mixed-media sewing, jewelry making, collage and more. Visit the site to learn more and register quick, space is limited!

This year at CREATE, I am introducing a couple new stamp patterns, (and will have them with me at vendors night!)- I know you are going to love:  So hot they are not even up in my etsy store yet!  Both are the 8.5 x 11 size and they make BEAUTIFUL backgrounds!  

The first is "Vitamin C" it is based loosely on what Vitamin C looks like under a microscope!

The second is loosely based on what a certain wood cellulose fiber looks like, and I call it- "Natures Crochet."

Hope to see you there!

CREATE in NJ report

Halloooo!  (My favorite greeting to shout to my bud Jen Crossley on skype!)

Well, it's been a mind-blowingly busy week or two!  A WONDERFUL trip to NJ to teach at the CREATE Retreat there.  Was so happy to take my friend Shelly Grim with me!  The 12 hour car ride just flew by, we didn't even turn the radio on once!  Matter of fact, we actually reached Somerset before we realized it, and got to spend an extra day resting up and running last minute errands on the dreaded jug handles of NJ!  Just so happened, another good friend of ours, Barbie was in town for work, and we got to have a lovely dinner out with her!

My students were wonderful, and they created some wonderful wonderful art!  Friendships were begun, and healthy lifelong addictions were started!  (Not saying who Shelly Grim, but someone came home with a brand new Bernina!)



FOR ALL MY POWER WORDS STUDENTS:
Many of you said you wanted a visual record of the gallery samples-

Here is the link where to go to purchase the webinar, with supplies explained & where to get them, step outs of the process, and over 75 inspiration photos all detailed for you:)

I've already have several contact me and say they really appreciate being able to look at the step by steps at their leisure:)
 

Since I got home, I have been dealing with a painful torn and a- braised cornea.  I've had to limit computer time- reading with one eye makes me nauseous:(  A quick ER trip and it seems to be healing but too slowly for my taste!  I want to turn this train around and fast!  Been happily painting away with one good eye-(just not outlining, because my depth perception is off!)  I am getting ready for my local class on Saturday at Red Letter Journals.  It will be a bittersweet class, as our beloved local store is closing the next day!  We want to go out with a bang!  (Plus there will be fabulous sales for my students!)  There are still a few spaces left if anyone is interested- easy sign up on my etsy store.

 I've been working on step outs for this workshop, and trying to relax.  But today all my bank cards were frozen due to suspicious activity.  Sigh...  Off to the bank to work this out...

Winner Winner!

Hey Gang!  Happy to report that Kit Cochran from WA was the winner of my blog giveaway!  Kit if you are out there- please contact me with your snail mail details!  Kit will be receiving a copy of my Cloth Paper Scissors Workshop video!  If you didn't win, but would like a copy- here's a link for a digital download for instant satisfaction!  If you're like me and want a hard copy, here's a link for the hard copy!

Thanks for playing!

Local Grove City, Ohio Workshop

Howdy all!  I'm really excited to teach a local workshop.  I travel so much, and it's WONDERFUL, but I do like to give back to my hometown as well!  Oh to sleep in my own bed after a full day!

(I didn't even get a chance to post here before I got inquiry's from my Etsy peeps, but YES- if you are from out of town, you can still come in and take this workshop.  Email me for hotel suggestions if you wish!)

Click here if you are interested in more info about painting with me, (and sampling some of my FAMOUS pumpkin roll) on July 26th, 2014 in Grove City, Ohio!

I love fall, and getting ready for the harvest season can never start too early for me!  Think apples, pumpkins, gourds, scarecrows and cornstalks!

Lunch is included, plus MOST supplies.  You can sign up and register in my Etsy shop.

These are just a few examples- plenty more will be on hand for your inspiration that day!

A little something for everyone- no matter where your skill level, no matter your style!

Just while writing this link, I got 3 sign ups on Etsy- Hurry, seating is limited!

So Happy to be coming back to Dallas!

Join Kari this summer and CREATE something NEW! Kari McKnight-Holbrook, the instructor you know and love from the Great American Scrapbook Convention, will be back in Dallas teaching at the NEW mixed-media retreat, CREATE Texas September 17 - 21! Join Kari for classes like: Faux Faces  Frumpy To Fantasy Bound Birds & Blooms Gelli Print Joy

At CREATE Mixed-Media Retreats artists of all stripes come together to get messy and share "a-ha" moments as they learn about mixed-media techniques in friendly, hands-on workshops. The teachers are renowned artists who provide an inspiring, unforgettable art experience. You'll experiment with combining materials like paper, cloth, photographs, metal, and found objects to make fantastic, one-of-a-kind designs. CREATE is also a fantastic opportunity to shop! Attend the Artists' Faire on Friday night at CREATE to buy original art from your instructors and fellow attendees, as well as to stock up on unique supplies for your own artwork. Explore the hobbies you love-or try something brand new! At CREATE Texas, you'll choose from classes on: •    Bookmaking & Art Journaling •    Printmaking & Surface Design •    Mixed-Media Stitch •    Collage & Assemblage •    Mixed-Media Jewelry Space in each class is limited, so click here to browse the full schedule and reserve your seat today!

CREATE Mixed-Media Retreats Sponsors:

Adventures in Jo-Ann's

     

So yesterday, I was helping my friend Shelly prepare for her first CREATE Mixed Media Art Retreat.  I suggested we run to JoAnn's Fabric to pick up a few supplies.  

I wanted to make sure that I grabbed the new copy of MINGLE Magazine.   Have yall seen the new MINGLE magazine yet? You can run get your copy here- fully fantastic with all sorts of party and event ideas!  I'm so thrilled, it has an article by my friend Ricë Freeman Zachary on Art Is You.  If you have ever been curious, Art Is You is more than just an art retreat. It is an embracing, trans formative life experience.  Ricë says it so much better - I'll leave the fancy 'splaining to her.  I'm just THRILLED to be called part of the Art Is You family, and will be teaching there again next year.  Jump over here for a peek on the blog, and here for more info on how you too can be a part of this fantastic event!

So- wanting to support my friend, my events, my trade mags and my crafting industry has all paid off!  I am scurrying back and forth gathering a creative stash when what to my wondering eyes appear? 

Nothing other than MY OWN VIDEO!  There is was in all it's glory, Backgrounds to Bindings on the shelf proud as can be!  Okay, I have to admit that I got goose pimples!!! Having a product of mine on the shelves of a major retailer has always been a huge goal of mine- a career bucket lister you might say!  I could have been knocked over with a feather- I ran to tell Shelly, and tons of giggles ensued as we tried to get a photo of me with it on the shelves. (I was just the wrong height for the shelves, and certainly the wrong width for the camera-lol!)   I am so grateful to Interweave and Cloth Paper Scissors for taking a chance on me.  Pop in here for a video sneak peek, and see the reviews from other customers.  Here if you want to purchase a video and have it sent to you.  Or visit this site if you would like to download it instantly.

If you are interested my stamp line, used in the video, please visit my etsy store here.

If you are interested in a more in-depth step by step webinar download on the lettering technique used in my video, with over 75 photos and written instructions, called "Delectable Doodles and Beyond" please visit here.

THE GIVEAWAY

So-if you have read this far, I thank you! And as a little bonus- if you comment on THIS POST, I will be doing a drawing for a "celebratory happy dance" giveaway!  On July 20th, I will do a random drawing of the people who have left comments.  If I have more than 100 comments, I will give away 2 prizes:)

IF you already have one of my videos, THANK YOU! Mention that in the comments and what your favorite tip was, and I will send you one of my stamps!  IF you have one of my stamps, mention that in the comments, and  how you've used it and I will send you a video!

If you don't already have a stamp or video, please mention something YOU would like to learn in a video:)  Thank you all again!  My Heart is so full!

***edited July 21, 2014  Congratulations Kit Cochran from WA state- you are the winner winner catfish dinner!!   Please email me with your snail mail details! 
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