creatologie from carol wingert studio

Brand New Workshop to Go: "A Journey Remembered"!

 

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."

-Augustine of Hippo-

Twelve years of teaching has taught me this...most of you love to travel!  The most popular workshops, classes and kits have been travel journals...the next journey or destination is a frequent topic of conversation in every class...many of you have definitely read the whole book, so to speak, with all of the travel you've done!

Several weeks ago, we were talking about a very spontaneous last minute trip we had taken to Calgary, Canada a number of years ago.  We were trying to recall the name of the funky restaurant in Canmore that we totally loved...and just couldn't.  I jumped up and pulled out the little paper bag journal I had created for the trip and sure enough, there it was...Zona's!  Oh, I still remember the great tastes coming from that chef's kitchen!  Of course, I had to look through the entire book, which then sparked more stories and memories.  It's no wonder that we all love travel journals, is it?

So it's with great excitement that I present to you the newest Workshop to Go..."A JOURNEY REMEMBERED"!

This travel journal is a combination of a box/case, hand stitched journal and funky pin board...a fabulous way to capture all of the stories and memories from your journey.

If you're new here, a Workshop to Go is a set of downloadable project instructions...instructions that are filled with delightful pictures, easy to understand step by steps for techniques, extra notes and tips, supply lists and suggestions for substitute products.   There are so many ideas in this Workshop to Go...ideas that translate into other books, cards, scrapbook pages...a wonderful springboard to get your creativity jump started and moving!

I love that this project is a wonderful display piece.  The sturdy case is a fabulous way to hold a mini book and a pin board and the whole package will look wonderful on a book shelf or in a display case...definitely a project that will have people touching and looking.  I love the little table of contents pin board...a great way to display the dimensional treasures collected on your journey.  I also love the look and feel of the hand stitched mini book...large and sturdy enough to hold lots of pictures and embellishments, great spaces for your stories and lots of cool page layout ideas.  I know that you are going to love creating this one and putting your own touches on the pages!

There are some really cool techniques that you will learn...like how to transform an ordinary piece of textweight paper into a sturdy pocket or pouch.  Or, how to create a dimensional globe...or a map rosette...or a flag garland.  FUN!!!

While a Workshop to Go may not be for everyone, if you are looking for creative inspiration, if you've collected enough product to stock a store and need to use some of it, if you are ready to leave the comfort of a completely stocked kit and explore the world of using the ideas to do your own thing, you will love this Workshop to Go.

Take the creative challenge and order your set of instructions today!

Simply click on the Buy Now button below and PayPal will walk you through the steps.  When I get your order from PayPal, I'll send you an email with info on how to access the site to download your instructions (and vintage map image, too).  If you could give me about 48 hours to respond, I'd be grateful...since the only person reading and responding to all of the emails is moi!  

This really valuable source of creative inspiration is yours for just $18 and will remain on the site for just a short period of time.  Don't miss out on this really cool project...order your Workshop to Go today and start creating your fabulous, artful and dimensional travel journal.

As always, thanks for your orders and your referrals to friends and family!

From my studio to yours,

Carol

 

Order your Workshop to Go: A Journey Remembered here:

"A Journey Remembered"...just a few extra kits...

Spring is in the air!  

 

If you're like me...and like Fred, our turtle, the birds, and the "momma to be" duck who has taken up residence in our backyard (and who has now laid 2 eggs in 2 days :))...you probably have a ton of energy.  I've got a fabulous way for you to channel that energy into a funky, creative travel journal built in a really unique carton.

 

Next Saturday, I'll be hosting and teaching this project in a backyard workshop and I have a few extra kits that I thought I'd offer to my blog and email readers.

 

Although I've called it "A Journey Remembered", it's a generic travel journal which is untitled...and since the cover background is a chalkboard, you can name it whatever you want!

I love the large hand created rosette with the dimensional globe in the center...and I'll be teaching you how to make one of your very own.

 

The container (which, by the way, is made from recycled, eco friendly materials similar to an egg carton), opens into two generous spaces, one for a canvas "pin board" which is like a table of contents and a hand created book made from watercolor paper, ribbon and book cloth.

The interior book features 12 pages and is approximately 6x8" in size...perfect for your photos and stories.

Your kit will come with a set of instructions designed for the in home workshop...there are large pictures and, of course, I'm just an email away if you have any questions.

This very limited edition project kit is available to pre-order right now...for just $89, plus shipping (within the US, sales tax for AZ residents included in shipping cost).  Kits will begin shipping out during the week of April 8th.

If you've got travel plans coming up, or if you took a trip that you would love to display in a funky, artsy, creative way, this project is perfect for you.

Pre-order your kit today...you won't want to miss out on this fabulous way to channel all of your creative energy.

As always, thanks for your orders, and your referrals to friends and family!

Click below to pre-order your travel journal kit.

SOLD OUT!  THANKS SO MUCH!

 

 

"Artful Hearts"...a few extra kits! And, another "I Start, You Finish"!

 

"There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart ... pursue those."
Author Unknown

Do you have a go to embellishment that you use a lot?

I actually have a few...and one of my favorites is the heart!

With February just around the corner and Valentine's Day a few short weeks away, stores are just filled with heart stuff...candy, party decorations, wreaths, mobiles, muffin tins and papers...all sorts of things that catch the eye.

I designed a February workshop project around hearts...and called it "Artful Hearts".  The workshop pre-sold in the blink of an eye...quite literally...which is why I never posted about it.

There aren't any openings in the workshop BUT, I do have a few extra kits that are available for pre-order right NOW.  

Here's what the project looks like:

It's a repurposed hardback book with new pages that you will stitch inside.  The flavor is a bit of vintage Parisienne...deep red, black, ivory and some silver/pewter...somewhat elegant but with a bit of whimsy on some of the pages, too!

In addition to the book covers and interior pages, you will receive instructions and  goodies for a dozen pages...as well as a pack of extra trims, etc. for the other pages.  Plus, there's a lot of room for pictures, heart/love quotes and your own memorable stories.

You won't want to miss out on this fabulous book...lots of artful hearts and some fun new techniques or new spins on techniques that have been around for a bit.  

The kit for this multi layered and highly textured hand created book is available for just $87, plus shipping (within the US, includes sales tax for AZ residents).

To reserve your kit, simply pre-order today by clicking the buy now button below.   Kits will start shipping out next week after the workshop.

If the project has caught your heart, and I hope it has, you'll want to order right away as quantities are extremely limited.

To pre-order your kit, click the button below:

 

 

SOLD OUT!  THANK YOU!

A UNIQUE, ONE OF A KIND "I START, YOU FINISH" IS AVAILABLE, IN TIME FOR HEART MONTH!

It's been about 30 years since I made a quilt.

No kidding...totally serious here.

It had tons of pieces, but the killer for me was the hand stitching that I did to quilt the top.

I told myself that I wouldn't do any more quilts...and if it weren't for my daughter, Ashley, I probably wouldn't have done this one.   One of Ashley's friends is an avid quilter and she is currently making a really funky quilt for Ash. I got totally into looking at different patterns and finished quilts online with Ashley and the rag quilts really caught my heart.  I decided that I could most certainly do one of those...especially if it was sized to fit the top of an album. :)

So, it's with great enthusiasm that I present "Quilted Hearts", a funky rag quilt featuring beaded hearts.

 

This 11x10 (approx.) heavy chip 3 ring binder comes with the completed cover (rag quilt attached to textured linen), textured linen back cover and fabulous stitched fabric hearts and huge glossy buttons on the spine.  

This is such a fun way to work on a project...I start with the theme and color scheme and you finish with your goodies.  A great way to use your stash...and a super way to jump start your creativity!

This totally unique, one of a kind, rag quilted "I Start, You Finish" album is available for just $87, plus shipping (within the US, sales tax included for AZ residents).

Simply click on the buy now button below and your album will be on its way!

 

"I START, YOU FINISH IS SOLD.  THANK YOU.

As always, a heartfelt thanks for your orders and your referrals to friends and family!

From my studio to yours,

Carol

Brand New "I Start, You Finish" Albums...Lovely as can be!

 

"Start as you mean to go on."

I love this British saying...it's especially appropriate for starting a New Year, don't you think?

We have subscribed to this saying, almost superstitiously so, in my family.  For years, Vern and Ashley would head to the barn and take the horses out for a trail ride...obviously, they intended to spend a good part of the coming year riding.  Now me, unlike many of my friends and family members, would not spend New Year's Day taking down Christmas (the goal for that is to get it all down by Valentine's Day...grin) but would huddle in my studio with my fabrics, papers, stamps, inks, etc...creating whatever came to mind.  It was my hope that starting the year inspired would keep me inspired for the next 12 months!

This year was no different...I pulled out some fabrics and embellishments and got busy.  I didn't even realize until I had the albums all lined up on my sofa that I had a definite theme going on these projects :).

So, what did I create?

What I put together are some really lovely "I Start, You Finish" hand crafted books.  If you've not heard of my "I Start, You Finish" projects, they are books that I have made by hand and decorated, primarily on the cover.  I LOVE doing covers...but tend to dawdle over the interior pages...kind of a procrastinator in that area.  

What I've learned from so many of you is that you love these projects because they give you a jump start and a direction for an album.  You have a basic theme and color scheme and you can add your own lovlies to the interior pages...then finish it all off with pictures and stories.  

Right now, I've got six original projects...each are really one of a kind and won't be made with those exact materials again.  Which means that you really do have a unique project that becomes a joint effort between you and me.

Here's what I have today...and I'll start with Vern and Ashley's favorite...

"SWEET HEART" CANVAS ALBUM 

When I look at this cover, I can't help but think of a fabulous heart cake decorated with layered hearts and finished with frosting and silver dragees.  Yum!

The hand created album is made entirely of natural canvas/duckcloth and is approximately 8 1/2 x 10 1/2.  There are 14 interior pages for all of your wonderful collections.

The cover features a soft chenille background with layers of fabric hearts, finished with hand dyed ribbon and silver plated metal beads.  As a final touch, there are two large mother of pearl "Lucky" buttons and an antique silver brooch.  Each of the beads has been stitched on by hand...and that's a lot of sewing!!!!!

The last page is accented with a crinkled ribbon fringe (made by moi) and finished with a strand of decorative pearls.

This beautiful, sweet, hand created album can be yours for just $87, plus shipping (within the US, AZ sales tax included for AZ residents).  

To order this original album, just click on the buy now button below.

SOLD

"THE KEY TO MY HEART"

 A repurposed hardback book forms the structure of this fabulously textured memory album.  On the inside, you will find brand new cardstock pages in ivory, black and a deep, rich red, as well as music paper, tags, a doily, a Bingo card, dictionary paper, a kraft envelops and sewing pattern tissue.  A fabulous base to add your own paper, fabric, ribbons and trims.

You are going to love this cover...textured linen with fabulously layered fabric hearts, vintage lace, crinkled ribbon, a wonderful cast iron crown key and a vintage styled red rose finished off with a vintage foil backed crystal button.  Hand dyed crinkled ribbons finish off the spine in style.   Ohhh, definitely textured and lovely!

Included with this album is a small pack of additional fabric and some coordinating trims which you will have so much fun adding to the pages.  And, by the way, the album is approx. 6 1/4 x 9 1/4.

This "Key to My Heart" album and additional goodies can be yours for just $87 (within the US, blah blah).

Just click on the Buy Now button below for this original piece of art to be part of your collection.

SOLD

BLOOMING LINEN ROSES!

This was the first of the albums I created...I loved it when I finished it and still do!  The structure for this album is a heavy chip 3 ring binder (approx. 11 x 10") with chipboard pages inside.  There is some amazing detail on the cover of this album, starting with strips of dictionary fabric and toile all pieced together on canvas and sewn together with zig zag stitching.  

There are three hand created roses made from old French natural (unbleached) linen.  They are arranged together with quilted ticking leaves (made by moi), vintage glass teardrop pearls, old wedding veil tulle, and black leaf trim.  While the colors are neutral, I have to tell you that there is absolutely nothing boring about this cover.  You will be compelled to touch the flowers, the pearls that line the right side of the cover, and the wonderful pewter title plate.  The index plate is backed with a chalkboard panel so that you can add your title in chalk (and spray with a clear sealer to keep permanent).  

Lots more hand made flowers adorn the spine...love the dimension of that (can you picture this one on display????).

The back of this fabulous album is covered with the black dictionary fabric.  You are off to a great start with this one...just dip into your neutrals to finish!  Make this one yours for just $87 plus shipping (within the US...you've got the rest down pat by now :)).  Just click on the Buy Now button below.

SOLD

"LOVE BLOOMS"

My family asked me which was my favorite of all of the albums...and my response was definitely non-responsive...the one that I'm working on at the time is my favorite!  Since this was the last of the memory books I created, I guess it's my last favorite one (and not as in least favorite :)).

Black, ivory and red have long been a favorite color combo for me...I use it a lot in creating and in decorating too.  If you love those colors too, you are going to be smitten with this album.  There are some amazing fabrics that make up this cover...flax, toile, quilt calico, dictionary cotton, leaf trim, an old doily and textured linen.  The center flower is made by hand and each leaf is hand cut and applied by hand with a heavy linen thread (also vintage).  A vintage inspired, rhinestone rimmed clock forms the center of the flower.

The wonderful thing about all of these albums is that they are really generic...and though I've given some of them Love or Valentine themed titles, they are not necessarily intended for that.

You're going to love the leaf trim...attached to the cover with glistening glass beads...really lovely!

This book structure is made from natural canvas/duckcloth and is approx. 8 1/4 x 10 1/2 in size.  There are 14 interior fabric pages...and these books hold a lot because of the flexibility of the fabric.  The last page is finished with a crinkle ribbon fringe (made by hand by me) and some vintage French trim.  The back of the memory book is covered with flax and a row of hand cut fabric leaves is stitched on with heavy linen thread.  Perfect!

This wonderful "I Start, You Finish" book can be yours for just $87, plus shipping (within the US...).

Simply click on the Buy Now button below to make it yours.

SOLD

"I DREAM OF PARIS"

If you love all things French and you adore a shabby look, you will love this hand made journal.  Made from a repurposed book, this Parisian lovely is filled with brand new cardstock pages, some of which are decorated with various French elements.

The cover and those interior pages which are completed are lusciously layered...you are going to love finishing this one.  To help you, I am also including a glassine envelope with some additional coordinating elements (including a fabulous Eiffel Tower charm)...such fun!

This 6 x 8 1/2 vintage styled, shabby Parisian journal and the goodies can be yours for just $87, plus shipping (within the US...).  Just click on the Buy Now button below and you will be dreaming of Paris, too :)!

SOLD

And, last, but not least...

"MEMORIES IN BLACK AND WHITE"!

Well, technically the title would also have to include ivory, linen, pewter, etc., etc. but really, that's way too many words!!!!

I adore this book...the colors and the vintage elements have such strong appeal to me.  The structure for this book is a metal carrying case with a 2 ring binder inside.  It's approximately a 10 1/2" square and about 2" high.  Strips of neutral fabrics adorn the metal cover, which is finished with antique doilies, silk and linen hand crafted flowers, vintage lace leaves, rusty metal ivy vines and three zinc miniature roses.  Amazing textures and dimensions...makes you just want to touch.  The pewter name/title plate is backed with a chalkboard panel so that you can just write in your title.  The handle is finished off with lots of crinkled, hand-dyed ribbon.

I have included some pre-cut and pre-punched watercolor paper inserts for your photos, stories and elements.  Having metal interiors will give you a new element for creating...a magnet board, use of white marker to create a chalkboard look...definitely something to get those creative juices going!

This fabulous shabby black metal album with the finely detailed cover can be yours for just $87, plus shipping (within the US...).  Just click on the Buy Now button below and this original, one of a kind memory album will be on its way to your studio!

SOLD

WOW!  THANKS SO MUCH...CAN'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING FLEW OFF THE STUDIO TABLE IN LESS THAN AN HOUR :)!

OK...that's what I have for now!  I'm off to a good start this year...and hopefully, with an order of one or more "I Start, You Finish" albums, you too will "start as you mean to go on"!

By the way, if you meant to order the French Stitched Holiday Book Workshop to Go and got totally distracted by the holidays, don't despair!  I'll keep that up for a few more days...until Saturday, January 12th.  Just go to the post below this one and place your order.

As always, thanks for your orders and your referrals to friends and family.  Wishing you a happy, inspired and creative New Year.

From my studio to yours,

Carol

A Brand New Workshop to Go: The French Stitched Holiday Fabric Book

 

If you are looking for a new and exciting creative project this holiday season, you are going to be beside yourself happy.  It's so exciting to share this workshop to go with you...for a brand new, never before released creatologie hand made book.

If you love soft fabric books that make you feel like you want to cuddle it :), you are going to love this one.  When I taught this book at a workshop earlier this month, I can't tell you how many times I heard someone say that they just loved the "feel" of the book.

While the French stitched binding is not new and certainly not something I came up with, how it's put together, the theme, and the sizing is a creatologie studio original.

Here's what you will learn in this workshop to go.  I'll teach you how to create the fabric pages and what materials to use for the best results.  You will learn how to bind the pages together.

And, of course, there's the cover.  I am simply smitten with all of the layers and textures...and once you put your cover together, you will be too!  I'll teach you how to create the textured stocking...and for those of you who don't celebrate Christmas, you can do this book concept with a different theme and a shape like a heart, star, etc.  But if you are doing a stocking, you have to have great fillers!!!  I'll give you some ideas for that as well.

There are nine completed interior pages that I'll share with you.  Most of the materials used in this entire project are easy to find and if you are a collector of fabrics, trims, ribbons and buttons, you will be in heaven using things from your stash.  You are also going to love that some of the techniques can be used in cards and other projects, too.  Yay for practicality!!! :)

These instructions contain lots of pictures and I have written out the step by step process for making the pages, stitching them together, creating the cover and of course, the interior pages.

If you're too busy to create this fabulous book right now, no worries.  Simply order today, download the instructions to your computer and when things slow down a bit and you have the time, you can pull your supplies together and create to your heart's content!

You don't want to miss out on this workshop to go...it'll be available for a limited time for just $18...a small indulgence for a lot of creativity.

Simply click on the buy now button below to order.  PayPal will send me your order and I'll send you an email with the access info to the site.  Please let me know if you don't hear from me within 48 hours...sometimes an order will come in and I won't be notified.

Totally looking forward to seeing what you will do with your very own French stitched holiday fabric book.

Thanks for your orders and your referrals to friends and family.

Wishing you and your families a wonderful holiday season and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

From my studio to yours,

Carol

 

EDITED TO ADD:  AN ELEGANT VINTAGE HOLIDAY ALBUM...I START, YOU FINISH...ONE OF A KIND!

Doing step outs for Workshops to Go sometimes leave me with parts and pieces that just beg to be used.

Such was the case with the French Stitched Holiday Fabric Book...I ended up with a wonderful beaded stocking...just waiting to be filled with fabulous goodies from my stashes :).

So, I put together a canvas album with a padded cover and 14 interior canvas surfaces, just perfect for a holiday memory book.  The look is definitely elegant vintage, with old lace pieces from tablecloths, curtains and even wedding dresses on the cover.  The stocking is filled with vintage silver (the real thing) tinsel garland, rhinestone and carved ivory earrings, a vintage cherub, diamantes, vintage script paper leaves and flowers, and the most fabulous antique leaves made with tiny mercury glass beads and wire.  

I know that you are just going to love the feel of the cover...between the textured crinkle ribbon, all of the laces, the beautiful silver glass beads, the sequined lace trims and the stocking stuffers, it's like you are transported to an earlier time era when elegant details really mattered!

I've added a couple of fringes along the edges...one is a wedding lace fringe and the other is a button/crinkle ribbon fringe.

I know that many of you prefer to make your own albums...but maybe there's someone out there reading this post that just flat out doesn't have time this year.  If that's the case, this one's for you!  While you are celebrating and making memories, your album will be on its way to your home.  Then, after the holiday season, you can fill the inside pages with your pictures, stories and elements from your own elegant vintage collections.

This album, a totally unique, one of a kind, original is available for just $97, plus shipping (within the US, AZ sales tax included).  Just click on the Buy Now button below to make it yours!  Then, relax, enjoy the holiday and savor the memories!

SOLD.  THANK YOU!

Giving yourself a creative gift...

 

 Does your family need some help finding just the right gift for you this year?

You've come to the right place :).

I have just a few of two different project kits available from the creatologie studio. They are the perfect creative gift for you...or maybe for your mom, one of your friends, your daughter or even your granddaughter.

Or, maybe you've worked really hard this year...lots of hours and very little creative time.  A creatologie kit is a great way to reward yourself...and to get an artistic album that you will be proud to pass down to your children and grandchildren.

Here's what I've got today.

First, there's the Heirloom kit that built in a wonderful shabby black metal carrying case.  What a wonderful generic album that's fun to put together and fabulous to display in your collection of hand made books.

As you probably know, Heirloom kits are over the top and definitely in short supply, making them very coveted limited edition albums.  There are just a few remaining kits of this project...you will love spending time this winter creating the cover wreath and the interior elements, especially the hand created flowers sprinkled throughout.

Because this project uses elements not readily available in the scrapbooking marketplace, it won't be released as a Workshop to Go...so once these are gone, that will be it for the project.

The kit has been beautifully packaged in gift basket style with clear wrap and is all ready to go...so all your family has to do is to lift it out of the box and put it under the tree.

This creative gift is available for just $187, plus shipping (within the US).

You won't want to miss out on this special, unique and artistic memory book.

 

Just click on the Buy Now button below to place your order.

 

 

SOLD OUT.

This past Saturday, I hosted and taught a really funky Holiday album and there are just a few remaining extra kits that I made.  You are going to love this fabric, French stitched album...especially because I've sewn the fabric pages for you!!!!!  Yay!!!!!

This soft, oh so fabulous to touch, album features 18 pages inside and your kit will have parts and pieces for nine of those pages, plus an amazingly detailed front cover.  There's also a little bag of extras to add to your pages...which leaves you some space for your collections and your photos.

I did want to mention that the instructions which are included with this kit are written for someone attending the workshop...if you are accustomed to creatologie kits and projects, you will do great!  I have pre-stamped the images used in my sample...and there's extra fabric just in case you want to use your own images.

You will definitely have fun creating your clay "cookie" garland...and adding a bit of a sweet "lolly" to your holiday...great techniques that you can use in other projects, including cards.

These very limited holiday kits are ready to go...and they are available for just $110, plus shipping (within the US).  To order yours, simply click on the Buy Now button below.

SOLD OUT.  WOW...THANK YOU!

As always, thanks for your orders and your referrals to friends and family.  Hope you all have a fabulous holiday season!

From my studio to yours,

Carol

Just a couple of Heirloom project kits left...

I'm still on a bit of a high from the weekend Heirloom Event/Workshop.  It's always gratifying to see the expressions on the faces of the attendees as they dig into their kits and the satisfaction that comes with putting their own spin on the project.

This project is unique in that the metal case and some of the parts and pieces are not ones typically found in a craft or scrapping store.  The 12 interior pages are constructed from heavy, textured watercolor paper and are beautifully styled...just waiting for your pictures and stories.

There are lots of pockets and pouches...and several mini books are included within the main album.

Experience the beautiful textures and metallic and wood like finishes for yourself.  Learn some new techniques and build a unique project.

Due to the specialized products used to build this project, this Heirloom album won't be released as a Workshop to Go.  So, if you need this beautiful album in your collection, you'll want to order one of the remaining kits right away.

The kits are available for $187 plus shipping (within the US).  Just click on the Buy Now button below to place your order.

Thanks for your orders and your referrals to friends and family.

SOLD OUT.

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine a time when all news came in the form of a newspaper.  And, that sometimes a newspaper came out only once a week!

Once in a while, there was special news, big news, news that hadn’t made the regular paper printing and so a special edition of the newspaper was printed.

Young boys with their little caps and messenger bags would peddle these extra editions in the city streets, selling to the pedestrians and chanting “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!”

 

Catchy, isn’t it?  And, really, who wouldn’t want to read the latest breaking news?  We love being in the know, right?

 

So here’s the latest news from the creatologie studio that will get you excited!

 

It’s been a while since I deliberately made extra kits for the Heirloom projects that I teach in my boutique event/workshops but this time, I am making a limited number of extras, just for you!

 

Many of you have written, asking if I’d release more Heirloom kits…you tell me that you are going through withdrawal…you are craving a new artistic project!

 

Well, the good news is that I will be putting together some extras…and you can pre-order your kit today!

 

Heirloom Kits from the creatologie studio are special.  They aren’t “typical”…and they are both worthy of display and a wonderful piece of memory art to pass down through the family.  This project definitely fits the bill…and I know that you will love it.

 

This is a cool album…different than anything I’ve done in the past.  The cover/case is made of distressed metal, with a funky handle and a clasp to keep it closed for display.  The album pages are built inside and can be removed…also, more pages can be added if desired. 

 

The cover of the case is so dimensional…which is fabulous for display.  Add some artistic elements, beautiful fall colors, rustic metals and little touches of elegance and you have a wonderful family Heirloom…as well as a wonderful book for your pictures and stories…your memories.

 

I’ve called the project “Treasured Memories”…it’s very generic and adaptable for all sorts of themes…and, since it’s your book, you can choose your own title and theme.

 

Our memories really ought to be treasured.  I mean, can you even imagine a get together with family or friends without sharing memories?  How many conversations have started with “remember when…” or “remember the time…”?  So, take this rare opportunity to get your very own “Treasured Memories” album kit and record some of the things that have been so meaningful to you and those you love.

If you’ve not ordered an Heirloom kit before, they are real treasures.  Cool products, great packaging and detailed instructions are all trademarks of one of these special kits.  Added to that, they are a very small release…which makes them fabulous limited editions, in high demand and greatly desired.

 

Pre-order your kit today for just $187, plus shipping (within the US, please).  I will begin shipping out the kits during the week of October 23^rd, after the Heirloom Boutique Event/Workshop being held at my home.

 

 

 

Don’t miss out on this limited opportunity…treasure those memories, and preserve them in a fabulously artistic way…pre-order your special Heirloom kit today!  Simply click on the "Buy Now" button below and PayPal will walk you through the process.  Then, look for that glorious kit to arrive later this month!  

Happy Fall and Happy Creating...from my studio to yours!

 

 

 

INSTANT INSPIRATION: Brand New "I Start, You Finish" Albums!

Waiting for inspiration to hit can be like waiting for paint to dry, or a pot to boil, or a wash cycle to finish!

It's boring, unproductive and each minute feels like it's been exaggerated into an hour!

There's a better way to get inspired!

I've got three brand new "I Start, You Finish" Albums to help you fire up that creativity and get moving.

"I Start, You Finish" albums have a theme...loose and flexible...they have a completed cover and, sometimes, decorated spines.  They are meant to help you get started in picking your papers and embellishments...and they allow lots of room for your ideas and for your personality and style to shine through.

Here's what I've got today!

VINTAGE STYLE TRAVEL JOURNAL

Everyone can use a travel journal and this one is totally unique...one of a kind for sure!

The album is a heavy chipboard and bookcloth 11 x 9 1/2" 3 ring binder with lots of interior space for the tons of pictures that usually come with a fun travel experience.

The cover features a clipboard with a chalkboard panel which is perfect for adding your own title or journaling.  Simply erase what I've written and insert your very own lingo...easy and super flexible.

The metal pieces have been aged through a multi step, hand done process to give you just the perfect patina.  Even the die cut globe has been altered to give you the look of vintage metal.  Fun!!!

You will love the beautiful embossed paper, map pieces, hand aged chipboard title tiles, printed tape, hand dyed crinkle ribbon and unique embellishments (some which are "one of a kind" from my personal collections).  Then, on the spine, you will find hand stamped tickets sewn together and embellished with fun metal rimmed tags.

This perfectly inspiring album for the trip you just took...or one you have planned for the fall...is available for just $75, plus shipping (US only, please).

Just click on the button below and place your order.

SOLD!

 

 

VINTAGE METAL MEETS CASUAL ELEGANCE

This generously sized 3 ring binder (11 x 9 1/2") is fabulously detailed with metal, paper, mother of pearl buttons and fabric.  

Front and center on the cover is an embossed metal pocket with a woven wire handle...definitely unique but totally practical since you can use it to insert tags, photos, journaling, etc.  I've included three hand crafted tags...the blank backs are perfect to add your personal touches.

You will love this little bit of back story.  The button tag is actually a tag which was part of a display case at my local anthropologie store...I purchased the case and have been using the buttons in some of my projects.  

The cover also features hand made fabric flowers, hand dyed crinkle ribbons, a fabulous (and hard to find) vintage optic lens which is rimmed in black metal, and embellishments altered to create a vintage patina.  The old metal button and the solid brass dragonfly were the perfect embellishments to use for the patina solution...love how they turned out!

The cover and the spine feature a column of mother of pearl buttons, hand tied together to form a garland...you will love the elegance that they add to the cover.

This generic album can be used for so many themes...think nature/garden, a book for or about your mother or grandmother, a girlfriends book, or even a travel journal.

This one of a kind "I Start, You Finish" album can be yours for just $75, plus shipping (US only, please).  Simply click on the Buy Now button below to place your order and inspiration will be on its way to your studio.

SOLD!

 

 WELCOME!

Oh yes, this is one of my very favorites, for sure!

It could be an elegant New Home book for a friend or family member.

Or, a festive and elegant Welcome book for the holidays.

Or, just a beautiful book about open doors, opportunity knocking, keys to happiness, etc.

Whatever you choose as your theme, this repurposed hardback book with three hand stitched interior signatures is ready for your pictures, papers and stories.

The cover boasts a hand painted crackled finish in fabulous silver metallic and heirloom white.  There are hand stamped paint flourishes as accents.  The "door" is hand painted solid wood with a mercury glass knob (anthropologie), metal escutcheon, vintage key, vintage crystal and number charm...all festooned with ribbons and glittery fibers.  Finally, the door panel is crowned with a beautiful applique of shabby white flowers.

Add this fabulous one of a kind hand created book to your collection for just $75, plus shipping (US only, please).

Simply click on the Buy Now button below and this elegant piece of book art will be yours!

 

SOLD! 

Hope you enjoy the instant inspiration.  Thanks for your orders, and your referrals to friends and family!

THANKS FOR THE REALLY FAST RESPONSE!

Brand New Workshop to Go: The School Book!

The First Day of School!  

Oh, the drama that goes before it and with it...remember?  

New school supplies (including that oh so hard to find one that ends up never getting used), meet the teacher, new clothes and shoes (a must), finagling a ride so as not to have to ride on the bus,  the angst about not having BFF in the same class...the list goes on and on.

I don't know about you, but I LOVED going back to school.  We had our family vacation in July...always...and it seemed like August and half of September would just drag on forever.  I missed my friends...and I had enough of having to help with the canning in an unairconditioned house (I know, poor me :)).  Shopping for new clothes and shoes was definitely a must...loved that.  And, having new school supplies during elementary years was just fabulous.  Oh, the smell of a brand new box of crayons...intoxicating!

As I was thinking about the neighborhood kids heading back to school, it occurred to me that I had never done a school themed project before.  Can you believe it? 

The timing couldn't be better!  With back to school just around the corner in some areas and with the kidlets back in the groove in others, how perfect it is to have a school themed book available to you in the form of a workshop to go!!!!!

Now, it could be that you don't have a lot of personal school memorabilia...so maybe you could create school books for your children or grandchildren.  Or, maybe you can put together all of the school pictures from your ancestors...grandparents (or greats even), parents, aunts, uncles, etc. and create one family school book.  For me personally, I didn't have a lot of school pictures and saved papers, so I themed my book as "School Favorites", all of the things about school that I loved best.

As a group, you present me with a great challenge.  You are seasoned book makers and creators and you need new and different ways to present your photos and stories.

Thanks to a sleepless night and a lightening bolt of inspiration, I came up with a brand new structure that I've not seen created anywhere.  And, the coolest thing is that this structure is made from materials that are easy to find...if you have old books to repurpose (or access to some) and have a large craft store and a store like Target, Walgreens or Wal-Mart near you, you can make this book over and over again.

I've taken a page from some of today's famous chefs and have created this structure with just a few "ingredients"...just 7 items will give you a wonderful book...perfect to add your own personal design elements and bits and pieces from your stashes.

You are going to love the technique for getting the cover to look like salvaged wood...no kidding!  And that's part of the 7 ingredients!  And guess what, it's really simple!  Wow!

Not only will I walk you through repurposing the cover and building the interior structure (with lots of step by step instructions and pictures), but I will also share my design ideas, products I used (more than 7, guaranteed, ha!), and suggested substitutions for the cover and 12 interior pages...yes, that's right, 12 fully decorated pages with large pictures, supply lists and step by step instructions for what I did.

Now I bet you're wondering how you can get this fabulous Workshop to Go in your hot little hands!

Well, it's real simple.  I'm offering these instructions in a downloadable format (and there are a few images that I'm sharing as well) that you can save to your computer and print out when you are ready to create.  These instructions are on a password protected site and when you place your order with PayPal and I get notified, I will send you the access information to the site.  If you would give me up to 48 hours to respond, that would be awesome.  I try to get back as soon as possible of course, but not every night is a sleepless one :)!

To place your order for this brand new, unique, different, never before released, etc., etc. Workshop to Go, simply click on the Buy Now button below.  This very comprehensive downloadable workshop is available for just $22, and will remain on the site for a limited time.  

You won't want to miss this one...so make sure you get your instructions ordered today.

As always, thanks for your orders and your referrals to friends and family!

 

Click below to order your Workshop to Go:  The School Book!

NO LONGER AVAILABLE.