creatologie from carol wingert studio

The first ever Heirloom Collection Workshop to Go!!!!!

It's with great excitement that I release the very first Heirloom Collection Workshop to Go...BON VOYAGE!

So many of you have written to ask if I was ever going to release instructions for the Heirloom projects.  My standard response has been that "I am thinking about it".  Well today, I've gone from thinking about it to actually doing it!

Why did it take so long to go from thinking about it to actually releasing it?

As those of you who have purchased an Heirloom kit know, the projects are pretty over the top.  They aren't make in a day projects and each page contains layers of products, cool techniques and intricate details.  Many of the products are one of a kind and not readily available, which makes it difficult to reproduce a project.  So, the thinking process involved going through each project and deciding which one could actually be replicated in some format to come close to the original album.

Bon Voyage is the result of that process.

This project is a hand crafted book which you can make over and over again with differing themes.  I know that many of you love to travel and have lots of pictures and stories...this is a wonderful journal to make to artistically display those photos and creatively tell your stories.  To see more details and to check out the You Tube of my original project, click here.

Don't you just love the textures and how dimensional the album is?????

After spending days reformatting the instructions and photos, I figured out that what you are actually getting is the equivalent of about a 4 to 6 week online workshop...seriously, there are LOTS pages in this workshop to go.   Not only will you learn how to build the book, but you will also be given the sources to purchase the products you need for the structure.  Then, I take you through the book, from the cover to the last page, and give you the products used and suggested substitutions on a page by page basis.  As always, I include large color photos, tips, and cool techniques that you can use again and again.

This project was a real favorite with the ladies who attended the two Spring Heirloom events last spring.  In fact, I have had the privilege of seeing several completed albums...with the pictures and journaling artfully incorporated in each page.  All I can say is "WOW...AMAZING"!

If you've never purchased an Heirloom kit, let me tell you a little about these projects.  Most of the kits contain hundreds of pieces...and there is a lot of "behind the scenes" work done to get them ready.  Images are pre-stamped, cloth, trims and ribbons are dyed, vintage postcards are scanned and printed, templates are created...the list is really quite extensive, which is why the kits sell for around $197 and why they are so limited in quantity.

Some of you have told me that you'd really love to create one of these Heirloom albums, but you've either missed out on ordering or they've been a little over budget.  I totally understand...but now...NOW...is the time that you can get your hands on the instructions to make one of those coveted, hard to get projects.

Many of you have a lot of product stashed away in every crevice of your studio.  You have lots of one of a kind items that you have been hoarding for just the right project.  What you are looking for is some guidance to put your products together...a road map of sorts that will take you from a starting point to a finishing point...but will allow for lots of creative stops along the way.  If this describes you, then Bon Voyage is the perfect project for you!

Around our house, we have a little saying that goes something like this.  Some people like to fish, some like to buy their fish and others want to buy the fish sandwich.  Over the years, through classes and the creatologie studio, I've given you all three options.  There are "I start, you finish" projects...the fish sandwich which you take time to decorate.  There's the opportunity to buy your fish...kits with the products and instructions all packaged and ready for you to assemble, or classes/workshops.  And, finally, there's the opportunity to actually go fishing...an online workshop to go where you gather your materials and create your very own, one of a kind project.

If you are more of the type who likes to buy the fish sandwich, you will probably do better waiting for one of the "I start, you finish" projects to pop up.  But, if you love the process of hunting and gathering your products, enjoy some independence when creating, really get a kick out of layering your pages with cool stuff and techniques and ending up with a unique album of your very own, you will absolutely love this Workshop to Go.

Oh, and before I forget, not only do you get supply lists, substitution suggestions for products I used, step by step instructions, and photos, you will also get the images of vintage postcards and vintage maps from my personal collection, and templates you will need to make your cover torso and flowers.  What's so cool about that is that you can save these images and use them over and over again for albums, cards, posters, etc.  

The Bon Voyage Workshop to Go and accompanying images will be available for a limited time for just $24.87.  Wow, an amazing deal for the amount of information and the great ideas that you will get, plus, you'll be able to create when and where you want...and with products you really love and can't wait to use.  And, totally in line with what a typical 4-6 week online workshop would cost.  

But, don't wait...buy it now, as I will be removing the this from the site on January 19th.

Here's how it works.  You simply click on the buy now button at the bottom of this post and PayPal will walk you through the order process.  Then, I will be notified of your order and will send you the information needed to access the private, password protected site where you will find the downloadable workshop to go and all of the images.  You can then download and save the information to your computer, and print out instructions for later use.

I'm usually pretty good about responding quickly...but if you could give me up to 48 hours to send the site access info, that would be soooo appreciated.  If you don't hear from me by then, please email me and let me know...sometimes the order just doesn't come through.

You won't want to miss out on this really rare opportunity...an Heirloom Collection workshop to go at an affordable price...a fabulous travel album...an awesome project to challenge your creativity...and a fabulous source of inspiration to start 2012.

Just click the "buy now" button below and you are on your way to a creative Bon Voyage!

Thanks for your order...and your referral to family and friends.

From my studio to yours,

 

 

Inspiration comes in many forms, shapes and sizes...

Give yourself the gift of inspiration...and today, it's coming in the form of a grab box filled with delightful goodies to spur that creative spirit into high gear.

I am an unapologetic collector.  I collected paper as a child; I continue to collect unique and beautiful papers.  I loved ribbons, laces and trims...still do.  Buttons fascinated me and guess what?  I still love to play with buttons.  

What I have found through the collection process is that I have too much stuff...way more than I will ever use.  So, periodically, I open a box that hasn't seen the light of day for a while and see what's what.  Inevitably, I come across a lot of duplicate products, things left over from kits and massive amounts of trim and ribbon that will take more than a lifetime to use.  This month, I was moving things around to get to my Christmas closet and lo and behold, what did I find but boxes which were packed for later use and then promptly forgotten.  Well, my forgetfulness is your gain.

This time around, here's what the grab boxes will contain:

Patterned paper and a little bit of cardstock

Specialty papers (embossed, glassine, vellum, Florentine) from large parent sheets, cut down into smaller, usable pieces

Rub-ons

Trims, ribbons and laces

An album or mini book of some type (these will vary per box)

A set of unused Prang watercolors

Chipboard pieces

Rubber stamps

Glitter or glass beads

Bits and pieces...a variety of embellishments in each box

Sounds like great inspiration, doesn't it?????

Many of you who have ordered boxes have written and said that you loved what was included...and that the value of the contents far surpassed the price you paid!  That's always great to hear!  The contents of these boxes will be similar to what I've previously sent out.  I have a limited number of boxes and they typically go pretty quickly so if you are interested in a box this time around, just click on the PayPal button at the bottom of this post.  PayPal will walk you through the steps and will notify me of your order.  I'll be packaging the boxes over the weekend and will ship them out on Monday, December 19th.

These fabulous inspiration grab boxes are available for $87 and shipping is $18 (within the US).

Treat yourself to some fabulous surprises and feed your creative spirit with some new and different products.  You'll be all ready to hibernate during the cold months ahead...well, mostly ready, I should say.  Raid the pantry for hot chocolate or hot tea, break out the cookies, light the candles and put on the music.  Put on the PJ's and you are good to go.

Get your inspiration grab box ordered today...you'll have fun seeing the many forms, shapes and sizes and even more fun using them to create your amazing pieces of art!

Hope you have a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends!

 

 SOLD OUT...THANK YOU!

New Holiday Inspired "Workshop to Go": The Tree of Peace, Joy & Hope!

There is something about the holiday season that brings out the creativity in most of us, or at least makes us crafty wannabees.

If you doubt me, just check out the magazines in your local bookstore or grocery store.  Between the magazines featuring decorating for the holidays, craft magazines with every imaginable configuration of greeting card, popsicle stick craft and recycling and repurposing project, and cooking magazines that have you drooling all over yourself in the middle of the store aisle, you would probably have enough ideas to keep you going each and every hour between now and Christmas!

I know that being artsy and creative is part of your life.  And, if you have followed my blog and bought kits over the years, I know that you love artsy, creative and funky books that you make by hand.  I know that you love to decorate your books and that most of you have stashes that would rival your local scrapbook store :).

So, in thinking about what you love, I am releasing a new Workshop to Go project...a set of instructions for a new project with a tried and true book structure, the tag flag book.  

When I started designing the cover of this book, I wanted you to be able to use your stashes.  The design of this book came on the heels of going through my creative product bins, trying to decide what I needed and what had to go.  I came up with a box of little pieces of fabric...too cool to get rid of but too small to do justice to a large fabric art project...as well as lots of scraps of my favorite paper.  Like vintage 7 gypsies script paper, for instance...does ANYONE throw that away, ever?  

Enter "The Tree of Peace, Joy and Hope", a fabric "log" tree which graces the cover of this fun album!

What a great way to use your fabrics, papers, and one of a kind baubles.  And, what a great project to add to a pillow top or to frame in a large shadowbox!  If you don't celebrate Christmas, this would make an awesome blessings tree/gratitude book or a great dimensional nature book.

This Workshop to Go will teach you how to create your own tag flag book...and will provide step by step photos (always great to have).  But, not only will you learn a book structure, but you will also learn how to create the cool tree, how to make looped ribbon fringe, and how to make a button garland.  The instructions also include ideas on how to use this book structure (other than a holiday book) as well as ideas on how to decorate your tags.

If you are looking for a funky album to capture lots of pictures and stories, this is your baby.  There are nine tags that can be decorated on both sides, a front inside cover with a pocket to house LOTS of pages of pictures, as well as a back inside cover to decorate and add your photos.  

I guarantee that the viewers and readers of this book will not be bored!  We all know that kids absolutely love pop up books.  Well, truth be told, so do most ADULTS! :)  The pop up nature of these tags will have your family and friends picking up your album again and again (not to mention how many times you will want to look at it too!).

One of the beautiful things about a workshop to go is that you can download and save the instructions now and then build the album and decorate at your leisure in your own personal space.  I provide very detailed instructions and photos along the way so it's like you are taking a class without going anywhere.  Another beautiful thing is that you get to use products that you love...a great way to dip into your stashes and make them into something artistic and meaningful.

This Workshop to Go, complete with instructions, photos, and lots of ideas is available for a limited time for just $12.95.  Lots of info for that amount, for sure!

Here's how it works.  At the bottom of this post is a Buy Now button.  Simply click on it and PayPal will process your order and will notify me.  I will then send you an email with the access information to the password protected site where you can download your instructions and save or print them.  If you could allow me up to 48 hours to respond, that would be much appreciated!  If you don't hear from me by then, please email me to let me know.  Sometimes an order or two slips by without me knowing about it.

This project a perfect blend of art and craft...a structure that can be used over and over again for lots of different occasions and get this...it can even be used as the family Christmas card.  (Not kidding you...one of my friends used this book as her Christmas card...I got one and it was soooo cool.  Have no idea how long it took her but being on the receiving end sure was fun!  Thanks, Gina :))

Indulge your super enhanced creative spirit by ordering your Workshop to Go today.  This workshop will be available until November 25th, at which time the buy now button will be removed.  Order your download today...you definitely won't want to miss out!

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

From my studio to yours,

 

A twosome of "onesies"...

I am not a rocket scientist...thankfully!

But, I've figured out that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that you all really LOVE onesies!

Onesies are the one of a kind, totally unique "I Start, You Finish" books hand created in the creatologie studio by moi.  Onesies sometimes include coordinating products that you can use to finish your book art masterpieces.  They may or may not include storage containers for some of the product.  The thing about them is that each one is carefully thought out, carefully and lovingly created and coordinated and carefully packaged for a very special you!

Today, I'm releasing two more onesies!  Yay!

Here they are:

"BUTTONS AND BEZELS"

Vintage and shabby...neutral...generic in theme...and best of all, old buttons and bezels on each mini collage on the cover as well as on the spine!

This 11 x 9 3/4" heavy chipboard three ring binder is covered with natural duck cloth on the front and back.  The spine is constructed from multiple layers of fabric and finished with old buttons and bezels, each sewn onto the fabric.  The nine mini collages on the cover are created with lots of detail...tiny images, a hand made silk fabric rose, mini chipboard dye cut shapes, layers of paper, fabric, lace, twine, transparencies, envelopes and images...as well as a button and bezel on each one.   Can I tell you that pictures just don't do this cover justice?  You will want to touch each one of these little squares...and there's just so much depth on each one of them.

The inside 14 surfaces are left open for your personal creativity...BUT...I'm including lots of product to help you along the way.

This collection of coordinated products include a woven strand of mother of pearl buttons, two strands of wired buttons, printed tissue, dressmakers tissue patterns, trims, lace (some hand dyed), old button cards, several vintage vocab cards and even a vintage South African card of brown snaps...can you believe they come in brown????

I've also included a variety of fabrics and appliques...perfect to continue the vintage theme throughout the inside pages.

In keeping with the "mini" theme, there are mini images, more vintage buttons and bezels and even two Parisian clocks attached to old bezels!  I've pulled together 22 different vintage papers to be used inside...they are cut to 6x6...perfect for lots of mini collages.  Expect to see some vintage metal elements such as a key, rusted wire hanger, index plates and an optical lens.  There's even a large tin of buttons in shades of white and a spool of wire...perfect for stringing together to create a garland.

I think you will LOVE the variety of elements in this collection.  I'm including vintage music paper, vintage die cut paper strips, awesome mini chipboard pieces, French book paper, a couple of interesting frames and a sheet of rub-ons.  If you are a lover of vintage and mini's, can this be more perfect?

I'm here to tell you, "YES, it can!"

Why?  Well, because I'm including a fabulously distressed, scratched and dented white and black metal lunch box, complete with a lift out divided section to store those "littles"...of which you will have many!

Honestly, can you stand so much goodness in one place?

If this one is calling out to you, this entire collection can be yours for just $167...a fabulous project started for you, loads of wonderful coordinated product and a splendid container...definitely a great buy!  Shipping is extra (within the US please) and sales tax for AZ residents is included in the shipping price.

Simply click on the Buy Now button below and I'll ship this huge stash to you within a few days.  You won't want to miss out on this one!

IT'S GONE.  THANK YOU!

Next up is:

TICKING AND TOILE...BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!

For those of you who are lovers of all things French, what could be better than a book featuring two fabrics which are trademarks of French design and tradition?  Ticking and toile...a fabulous combination, especially when they are done in black and natural linen!

This 8 1/2 x 11 (approx) hand created book is totally made from canvas.  There are 14 interior surfaces on which to create and I've included some luscious fabrics to help you there.  The cover features ticking in black/ivory, hand created ticking roses in ivory/black and fabululous natural flax fabric in a traditional toile pattern.  The roses are secured to a beautifully patinaed chain...graphite in color...and includes fabulous black and silver charms which are attached to the chain between the roses.  There's also a woven garland of mother of pearl buttons as well as a metal index plate for your book title.  The open space is perfect for your own photo and guess what?  I'm even including a sheet of printable cotton canvas so that you can personalize your cover.  There's a fabulous sequin and bead trim attached to the inside back cover...oooohh la la...so very French!

There is something so warm and inviting, yet classy, about both the styles and the colors of the fabrics I've included in this collection.  In addition to large pieces of the cover fabrics, I've also added a piece of natural flax and a piece of the flax printed with a variety of French phrases, letters and documents.  Ballard Designs sells this fabric by the yard and they call it their "Document" fabric.  Some of the pieces are actually large enough to make an accent pillow!  

Speaking of Ballard Designs, I'm including a wonderful fabric bag, exclusively from Ballard in the Document fabric, as part of this collection.  The bag is brand new and is approx. 10x7x 3 1/2 (in the gusset area).  Oh just think of the possibilities...a great storage bag for some special treasures to take to an event, crop or retreat...a cosmetic bag for travel or to accent your vanity table...or just a wonderful display piece for your studio bookcase.  Yours will be filled to the brim...with awesome French trims (and a few made in the good old USA, too :)).

There are 16 different French trims, each at least a yard in length, that come from France (my trims are carded and labeled "Made in France" from sometime in the 1960's.  I've carded each of them for you...you'll be able to use them for more than just this project, for sure!  I've also included some black ball trim as well as a few others...a wonderful way to add interest and texture to your pages.

Appliques and mini doilies make great toppers to your fabulous fabrics and I'm including a kraft stamped pillow box filled with some gorgeous pieces...you will love them...plus, you can use the box for storage or gift giving.

Your collection would not be complete without some trinkets and treasures...so look for some great metal accent embellishments, a beautiful chandelier crystal, mini vintage images and a pack of rub ons...a perfect way to accessorize your amazing fabric book.  This will really be a work of art that you will treasure for years to come!

This treasure trove of ticking and toile (but that's not all) can be yours for only $127...a rare collection of goodies that you wouldn't find in one location anywhere.  Shipping is extra and for AZ residents, sales tax is included in the shipping charge.

Just click on the Buy Now button to make this part of your artistic collection!

SOLD.  THANK YOU!

I hope that you have enjoyed this twosome of onesies!  As always, thanks for reading, for your orders and for your referrals to friends and family.

Be on the lookout...more onesies are on the horizon!

From my studio to yours,

Carol

search...stash...share!

For a long time, probably eight years or so, I had been in the mode of searching and stashing, hunting and gathering, putting away for a rainy day (which could be a long time in Arizona :)) and just generally collecting some very cool bits, baubles and doodads.  Several years ago, I started sharing things from my collections...in Heirloom kits, in pieces of art, and most recently, in special one of a kind projects I've created especially for you!

Some of you have asked how I can part with my treasures.  I have to be honest with you...at first it was a bit tough.  You know how it is...there are things that can't be found again, those one of a kinds, scrapbook products that are no longer available, vintage items that I picked up in antique malls and flea markets that I'd probably never see again...all great reasons to hang onto the treasures and never let them go :).

There was something that happened when I started letting go of some of the bits and baubles.  I started discovering bigger and better things, finding great deals on items in bulk, discovering new sources for vintage stuff and get this, the ideas for new projects just started flowing like crazy.  What an amazing outcome, isn't it?  Since that time, I've found it easier and easier to share from my bountiful collection...the blessings just keep coming back, not just in more stuff, but in hearing back from you about how thrilled you are with what I've sent and how excited you are to create with new and different things.  Can't beat that!!!!

Today, I've got three more one of a kind pieces of art to share...I'm so excited about them...and, truth be told, it's been a teensy, weensy bit hard to part with them.  They are really right up my alley, so to speak, and soooo much my style...I was definitely in my "sweet spot" when I was creating them.  Here's what's new from the creatologie studio today!!!!!

AUTUMN SHIMMER (aka METAL MANIA!):

I absolutely LOVE this book!  It's a hand created hard back book with three interior signatures and 38 interior surfaces.  The inside pages are textured ivory cardstock, as well as textured ivory cardstock that has been glazed in a flourish pattern (perfect for inking).  The cover is built with a number of layers...background paint and metallic glaze on the book, paint and metallic glaze on the heavy textured paper, distressed and aged chipboard and hand aged, stamped and embossed copper metal.  Check out the detail on the copper...all done by hand...by moi!  And, you know what's so cool?  You can create your own title by stamping or writing in the index plate on the cover.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the spine...once you see it, you'll have to agree that it's definitely metal mania!!!!

Whoa, Baby!  Can you believe all of those charms?  There are actually 21 of them, each attached with a jump ring to a chain which is connected to the spine.  Some of the charms are quite old...a rusty key, an old copper flower, a token, a vintage glass pearl, vintage MOP buttons...and others are new with a vintage look.  You will love the look...and the feel...and the sound :).

If you were to make this one from scratch, I'd venture to guess that creating the structure, aging and embossing the copper, adding the other cover details, and attaching all of the charms would be a class that would take the better part of a day...i.e., lots of cool details!

There's more with this package!

I'm including a rusty trunk (the rust is sealed so that it won't rub off on your hands or on things inside) that is super cool.  It's 12" wide by 8" deep by 5 1/2" high...large enough to store a lot of treasures.

Inside the trunk, you will find some gorgeous coordinating fabrics (the color on a couple is showing purple but in fact it's a gorgeous, rich tobacco brown), 12" of copper mesh tubing (soft metal mesh that you can use to create little tubes or bags), velvet leaves and organza roses.  I'v also included some copper pieces...one piece that's aged, one that's not, plus two pieces of stampable mesh, one in copper and one in bronze.  You'll also receive some manila envelopes, library pockets and other envelopes, plus some 7 gypsies rub-ons to add to your pages.

There are 12 pieces of Florentine metallic papers (8 1/2 x 11) that are made in Italy which will be perfect for the inside pages of this book...you will LOVE them.

I've also included a collection of metal bits and bobs...all wonderful additions to decorate your pages.

All of this...the hand created book, the trunk, fabrics, paper goods and metal bits...can be yours for just $147, plus shipping (within the US, sales tax included in shipping for AZ residents).  Just click on the buy now button below and I'll ship out your "metal mania" goodies in a few days.

SOLD.  THANK YOU.

Next up:

BLESSINGS!

We are in the season of the harvest...and the season of giving thanks for our many blessings.  What better way than to put your thoughts, stories and pictures into one very special, very vintage, shabby and fall looking book.  I've called it "Blessings" but because the index plate is left open, you can title it whatever you want!

There is so much goodness on the cover of this hand created book.  It's a repurposed hardback, approx. 7 1/2" x 9 1/2", with 16 interior surfaces on which to create.  This book has a flap at the back, which adds a cool dimension, and the pages are actually heavy water color paper.  OK, how cool is that?  You can use an ink wash (and guess what, you'll be getting a jar of walnut ink crystals, too!!!!) or watercolor paints to prep the backgrounds of your inside pages.  What a super fun art challenge!

But, back to the cover!  There are layers of paint, glaze, vintage style patterned papers, and dyed cheesecloth to form the background.  Then, there's a fabric covered vintage spool cone that spills out vintage lace, an old doily, hand dyed and hand made flowers, a vintage pearl chain, leaves, hand dyed ribbon and a metal framed cameo.  This would be a perfect book to display on an easel...a very beautiful and feminine piece of book art!

This is another one of those books that would probably take a six hour (or longer) class to put together.  Here's the spine...gathered hand-dyed fabric and a mother of pearl button chain...yum!

On the inside of the flap, I put together something fun...a great way to count your blessings!

There's a whole strip of these hand painted metal numbers...from 1 through 6.

And, I'm also including some coordinated products with this book.  

There are vintage appliques, vintage lace, old dress pattern tissue, a wire hanger and wire note holders, some fun stickers, a journaling card and wonderful, old pearl and mother of pearl embellishments.  As I mentioned earlier, you will also have a jar of walnut ink crystals to create a page wash or to dye fabrics, lace, or ribbons.

I've also included some coordinating trims and fabrics, envelopes, library pockets, single slide mailers and even a little brass framed title block which says "blessings"!

This amazing piece of art, along with the coordinating products is available today for just $97, plus shipping (within the US, sales tax for AZ residents included in shipping charge).  Just click on the buy now button and I'll happily (remember the blessings :)) ship out your book and products.  Can't wait to see what you do with your book!

SOLD.  THANK YOU!

Now for the third!

LA MAISON RUSTIQUE!

If you are a flea market junkie...or you love going to antique malls, you know how hard it is to find vintage ledger books, especially large ones.  Well, this one will blow your socks off!  The ledger book, which forms this piece of art, is huge!  It's 11x14 (approx) and actually has writing inside.  The first entries are from 1932 and while there are some missing pages, there are still a lot of pages included inside that have writing and others that are plain.

La Maison Rustique...the rustic house, in French (of course)...is the perfect name and the perfect cover for this vintage/antique fabulous find.

The cover is a combination of vintage/antique finds and newer product.  There's an old bottle, vintage tinsel garland, an old metal key, vintage pearls and mother of pearl buttons, very old berries and little silver balls, vintage, glittered leaves, old crystal buttons and a new shimmery little bird, nesting quite happily on the crystal topped bottle.  This is really such a cool project.  I wish you could feel the flocked velvet paper, the old lace, the the coolness of the mother of pearl "Lucky" buttons.  And, to finish it off, there's shimmery flaked mica applied to certain areas of la maison.  La maison also boasts vintage music paper, vintage crepe paper, an old letter and old ledger paper.  Very fun!

Here are some details and a picture of the first entry in the ledger book:

For those of you who would prefer not to alter the interior pages, this would make a perfect display piece on its own.  And, to help you accomplish that, I'm including a metal easel, perfect for holding this fabulous book and cover.  Wouldn't "La Maison Rustique" be a wonderful addition to your holiday home this year?

I'm offering this wonderful, shabby ledger book with a completed cover and metal easel for just $97 (plus shipping, sales tax for AZ residents including in shipping charge).  Those of you who have looked at ledger books know that this package is a really good deal, as some ledger books alone can cost almost this much :).  Just click on the Buy Now button below and it will be YOURS!

SOLD.  THANK YOU!

I searched...I stashed...and now, I've shared!  I can't wait to have you share with me what you've done with the books and products.

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

From my studio to yours,

Carol

One of a Kind: The Old School House

Yesterday, the Arizona desert experienced its first fall-like day.  That got me thinking about the days when school would get started for me in Pennsylvania...usually about the middle of September and usually when it was starting to cool down quite a bit in the mornings and evenings.  That got me all inspired to create a school album and pull together related products...all of which I've called "The Old School House".  

I've completed the cover and spine of the 11 x 9 1/2" chipboard 3 ring binder and if you love good old fashioned vintage, you will love it!  I've used vintage 7 gypsies papers on both the front and back covers and quite a few of the products I've included on the cover are no longer available.  So, unless you have hoarded tons of 7 gypsies products (like I have), chances are pretty great that the pieces I've included will be hard to find.

The cover boasts an actual wood framed chalkboard which I stained, and decorated with paper tape, an old ruler, a knob, glass bottle charm, typewriter key charms, hand dyed binding, tiny Scrabble letters, a pencil, tiny name plate.  Add a picture and some journaling with actual chalk or a white Sharpie marker and your cover will be totally complete...and totally personalized to be your very own.

You have to check out the spine...it totally makes me grin!

Yeah, I know, you're grinning too!  

I was thinking about the possible uses for this album as I was putting together the many layers of the cover and spine.  Maybe you have a child or grandchild who is a senior in high school this year...this would be a fabulous way to summarize the oh so busy year with the many activities and all of the hoopla.  Or, maybe you've got a collection of school stuff from your children who are now grown and out of the nest.  Take the best of the lot and include them in this family school album.  The beauty of a 3 ring binder is that you can add to the 6 double sided pieces of indexed chipboard already included in this album.  Or, maybe you have school ephemera from your parents or grandparents.  This would be a delightful way to preserve those memories and showcase them in a beautiful, and artful book.

To make the completion of your book easier, I've included lots of coordinating products.  There are pieces of fabric in script, practice handwriting "paper", and music.  There are tags in a variety of sizes, some printed, some plain.  You will love the clear resin typewriter letters...perfect to spell out your own words.  There are charms-large pieces of 7 gypsies hardware, a key, typewriter key charms to spell "be", plus rubons, canvas labels, envelopes, a louvered card to store lots of littles, buttons, Bingo markers and gaffer tape.  I've included plain twill tape in ivory and black and there are several pieces of pre-printed 7 gypsies tapes that are no longer available.  Add to that some binding, rick rack and printed ruler tape and you'll have a such a blast finishing this book.

There are several pieces of vintage 7 gypsies 12x12 printed papers, all in keeping with the school theme, plus some handwriting practice paper, vintage ledger paper and an old school book called "Tall Tales", which will provide some 1950's flavor to your album, as well as a mini composition book (great for recording some of those stories).

And, as if that wasn't enough, I'm also including a black metal cigar tin, which stands about 6" high and is perfect for storing paper products such as tags, mini envelopes, rub ons, etc.  It can also be used as a pencil or marker case.  I love the fancy wire handle...perfect to hang, if you want.  There's also a vintage wooden cigar box (7" wide x 5" deep) with a brass clasp that will house some of your little embellishments.  

And, to top it off, or I guess to hold it all together, I'm also including an 11 x 13 1/2 French wire paper organizer (in black).  Oh, you are going to love all of these treasures!

This fabulous album and product kit, "The Old School House", is available today for just $147, plus shipping (within the US, sales tax for AZ residents included in shipping amount).  When you think of what you are getting--an album with a completed cover and spine, extra papers, ribbons and embellishments (some no longer available in the marketplace), a cigar tin for storage, a vintage cigar box for storage, and a fabulous French wire basket to keep all those papers together, that is a really good value.

To make this one of a kind kit yours, simply click on the "Buy Now" button below and I'll ship out all of the goodies within a few days.

Thanks for looking...and for your orders and referrals!

 

IT'S GONE!  THANK YOU.

By the way, check out the post below this one for a couple of really special canvas books, also with completed covers and coordinated products.  Maison de Provence is on its way to a new maison...but the other two very special one of a kind hand made beauties are still available.

See you soon...with more new projects to share!

P.S.  Thanks for the fast response!  What just happened is exactly what I was describing in the email.  Appreciate your orders and your continued loyalty and support!

An active mojo means more art!

My mojo has been going like crazy lately.  Maybe it's because I took off some time this summer and now it has to catch up :).  It's all good...unless it's 3:00 AM, which has been happening quite a bit of late! Then, I'd rather be sleeping!

This time around, I have three vintage lovelies that I called Dazzling Denim, Grandmother's Clocks and Buttons and Maison de Provence.  Sound wonderful, don't they?

All three are canvas books with completed covers and I'm including some additional product to help you fill the interior pages.  The books are all approximately 8 1/2 x 11 and all have 14 interior canvas pages on which to create.  Creating on fabric is so much fun...you can layer with other fabrics, paper, tissue glued on with  gel medium...or you can paint on it, stamp your heart out or even use rub ons.

I've got some pictures to share and then I'll follow it up with a little description of each.

"DAZZLING DENIM"

   

 

Dazzling Denim...a stunning contrast between sturdy utilitarian denim and beautiful feminine vintage lace, accented with fabulous and dazzling diamantes, rhinestones and crystals.

The natural canvas book is covered with a blue floral linen fabric from Ralph Lauren.  The next layer is a vintage doily, followed by an old denim pocket.  Handmade and hand dyed fabric flowers, dazzling Swarovski crystal ball beads (attached to the doily with jump rings), wired diamantes, old lace, a rhinestone button, ball trim and a canvas tag finish off the cover brilliantly.

You will love this blend of girlie, tomboy and vintage!

To help you finish this book, I've included two large pieces of new denim (one has a floral print woven into it, simply gorgeous), a piece of the Ralph Lauren floral linen, a set of appliqued angel wings, another vintage doily, several ivory colored appliques, a set of carded buttons, a piece of vintage gathered crocheted lace, two crystal stick pins, wired diamantes, a vintage rhinestone belt buckle, a vintage rhinestone waterfall brooch and 3 vintage crystal buttons (2 large and one small).  Oh yes, I've also included a Russian vocab card for the word "blue".

This book and product package can be yours for only $97...handmade and one of a kind...plus shipping (within the US, sales tax included for AZ residents).

Just click on the Buy Now button below to make Dazzling Denim part of your collection!

 

SOLD.  THANK YOU!

"GRANDMOTHER'S CLOCKS AND BUTTONS"

This book and the products remind me so much of my grandmother's house!  With her propensity to collect (which she definitely passed on to me), I could always count on having a huge cookie tin filled to the brim with buttons...and could always count on hearing a chime or two from her clock collection.  It's those memories that inspired me to create this book which I've called "Grandmother's Clocks and Buttons".  The fabric book boasts a ruched canvas cover, layered with beautiful lace and trims.  The hand created clock is rimmed with vintage buttons, each painstakingly sewn on by hand, and hangs from a vintage looking mini wire hanger, which is attached to a ceramic vintage clock knob.  Hand dyed binding finishes off the look.  LOVE it!

This book is accompanied by a small wooden box (5 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 2 1/4) which opens to hold an antique empty pocket watch case, perfect for creating a dimensional collage and added to the inside of the book.  There's also a length of mother of pearl button trim, several dyed shipping tags, 7 gypsies metal hardware charm with a Parisian clock inserted, and two vintage looking trinkets (a clock and a keyhole).  The clock trinket has a 1950's Japanese glass teardrop pearl hanging from it...also wonderful to include in your book.  In addition, you will receive another piece of the cover lace, a piece of script fabric and two old button cards.  

This is sure to be a favorite in your collection and it can be yours for just $97, plus shipping (within the US, sales tax for AZ residents included in shipping).  Click on the buy now button below and I'll ship out within a few days after receiving your order.

 

THIS ONE'S GONE, TOO.  THANK YOU!

"MAISON de PROVENCE"

Reminiscent of an old French farmhouse, you will love the linen and old, faded red tones of this product and accompanying products.  You may remember that I had posted a book similar to this one as an idea for how to use a patterned fabric cover...well, in fact, it's the same book with a few added embellishments, like buttons and charms.  Truth be told, I knew that I wouldn't be creating the interior pages for a while...so much to do and so little time, you know.  So, I wanted to share the book and the amazing collection of coordinating fabrics with you.  The cover features a hand made flower from hand dyed ribbon and vintage stamens.  A vintage applique, vintage leaf trim and hand dyed binding finish off the display.  There are buttons on both sides of the flower.  The title can be stamped on the canvas which covers the large oval metal sign.  Pearls and a couple of charms finish off the sides of the sign.

The background fabric of this book is a striped linen/cotton blend from Moda/French General.  This fabric was part of just one print run and is difficult to find.  I've added 8 additional pieces of no longer available coordinating French General fabric from my personal collection to use throughout the book, as well as a piece of natural linen.  Six gorgeous trims (4 of which are shown), including a length of mother of pearl button trim and a couple of vintage crocheted laces, finish off the product portion of this offering.

This gorgeous, French flavored book and coordinating fabrics can be yours for just $97, plus shipping (within the US, sales tax included for AZ residents).  You will love working with the beautiful fabrics and trims...a real beauty, especially if you love rouge!

SOLD!  THANK YOU!

 

As always, thanks for looking and for your orders!  My mojo is calling...be back with more later!

From my studio to yours,

Carol

NEW WORKSHOP TO GO: TRAVEL MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME!

Last week, we officially said goodbye to summer.  It's the season that is often spent traveling and taking vacations, gathering for family reunions and picnics, being outdoors gardening, playing with kids and grandkids at the park or on the beach,  splashing in the pool and just generally having lots of fun and enjoying life...i.e., creating lots and lots of great memories!

Fall usually brings back our normal routines...and that means you are probably back into the mode of creating and looking for new and different ways to preserve those great memories!

I can't think of a better way to capture some of your summer memories, especially a trip you've taken or a special event, than the new "workshop to go" that I'm releasing today.

It's a structure that's really unique but easy to make...and that many who learned how to make this book during a class told me that they have created a lot more of them for different occasions.

"Travel Memories for a Lifetime"is what I've called my book...but it's really easy to change out the title to make it all yours!

If you are new to the site (and many of you are), you may not know what a "workshop to go" is and how it works.  

A "workshop to go" is a detailed set of instructions (with pictures, of course), available as a download, based on a project that I created for a class or online kit.  It  contains no product, but does have a tool and a generic supply list for the things needed to build the project.   Since a lot of the papers and embellies come and go so quickly, this is a great way for you to use some of the things in your personal collection.

Is this "Workshop to Go" for you?  

It is if you are a self-starter and like following written instructions.

It is if you have a huge collection of papers, ribbons and other supplies you'd love to use.

It is if you need to jump start your creativity or just need some new inspiration.

It is if your time schedule doesn't allow  for you to take classes.

It is if bookmaking classes aren't available in your neck of the woods.

It is if you need an easy to make, easy to fill project.

It is if you are looking for an affordable project workshop that you can purchase online.

 

If you fit into one or more of these categories, you will really love this "workshop to go".

I originally taught this project at the very first Creative Escape back in 2006.  The inspiration came from one of those happy accident "aha" moments...and I've been building these books for myself ever since!  (If it tells you anything, I have five of them :)!)  I later released this project as a monthly creatologie kit, which sold out really fast.  So, if you missed out on the first Creative Escape, and the creatologie kit was gone before you had a chance to order it, now is a great time to get your hands on this project idea.

Created from an office supply folder, patterned papers and cardstock, this 4 3/4 x 11 1/2" book provides an amazing amount of surfaces and spaces for your photos, stories and ephemera.  It's a perfect size to insert maps and pamphlets...with great pockets to hold them in place.

In addition to teaching you how to create this unique book structure, I'll also show you how I decorated my pages and offer suggestions for ways to duplicate what I did.  I've also included a how to on stamping with bleach with lots of little tips that I've learned by doing.  And, there are also step by step instructions on creating an image transfer onto canvas.  Wow, that's a lot of information.

If you've never ordered a kit, taken a class or downloaded a workshop to go from me before and you're wondering if it's too complicated for you to do, let me set your mind at ease.  You can do it!  Over the years, people have told me that my instructions are easy to understand and follow, and I provide pictures to show you the major steps and each decorated page.  You will be so tickled when you finish your project, guaranteed!

How do you go about getting this fabulous "workshop to go"?

It's available for a limited time right here on this site for just $12.95, a pretty small investment for all of that information and inspiration.

Simply click on the "Buy Now" button at the bottom of this post.  After I've received your order, I will send you an email with access information to a private site, where you will have links to download and save/print the instructions.  I've also provided the antique map image that I used on my cover.

Please allow 48 hours for me to respond and if you don't hear back from me within that time frame, please email me...sometimes orders don't get forwarded for some reason.

If you've taken a trip this summer, or earlier in the year, or are planning an autumn getaway (maybe to see the leaves in New England), or island cruise to chase away the winter doldrums, this travel journal is sure to be a perfect fit for those memories and pictures.

Order your "workshop to go" today...it'll be available for a limited time only until October 9th...a small investment to keep your creative soul humming and happy!

Thanks for your orders and referrals to friends and family...looking forward to hearing from you.

From my studio to yours,

Carol

 

 

The flavor of the day: Neapolitan Ice Cream!

This morning I woke up really early.

I padded around the kitchen, making coffee, trying to be quiet.  But, as hard as I tried, our 13 year old Bouvier, Bodie, heard me and came out to start begging for food.  Missy Bea, as she is known around here, has very selective hearing and a great appetite...which means she never misses a sound that comes from the kitchen!  

I went outside with Bodie so she could do her "thing" and after feeling the heat in the air, wondered if summer was ever going to end.

My next thought, weird as it was, was that some Neapolitan Ice Cream would taste awfully good!

OK, that was really strange for that early in the morning, especially since I don't typically eat ice cream for breakfast and I don't buy Neapolitan Ice Cream!

What wasn't so strange was that my brain immediately made the connection to a new product kit...which I'm delighted to share with you today.

If the colors of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla are part of your favorite palette, you are going to love this exclusive, one of a kind kit.

The creatologie studio is excited to share with you the flavor of the day: Neapolitan Ice Cream!

This hand selected and coordinated, exclusive product kit comes packaged in its very own special decorated chipboard box with a magnetic flap.  The box is 12x10x6, and is a beautiful display piece with the practicality of providing a lot of storage.

I filled the inside of the box with 50 bundles of trim.  Each is at least 1 yard in length...and I think you will love the variety.  I've included silk, organza, satin, grosgrain, binding, fancy elastic, eyelash, pearl. lace, rick rack, leaves, silver beaded and hand painted organza, eyelet and crocheted ball trim in solids and a variety of patterns.

Then, there's the handmade canvas book.  Made by moi, it's approximately 7 1/2 x 10 1/2 with 14 inside pages.  If you're fairly new to the site, you may not know that these canvas books have formed the base for a couple of my Heirloom kits...they are real favorites, especially once they are filled with special fabrics and trims.

I provided a decorating idea for the cover...none of the items are attached, although they are all included in your special kit.  You will love the dark chocolate velvet and embroidered flower applique that I've shown on the cover...it's definitely one of a kind.

This wonderfully sumptuous product kit also includes a round tin with a variety of buttons, some vintage, some mother of pearl, a couple of charms and a few unusual flowers.

I've also included more than a dozen appliques and flowers made from paper, satin and crocheted mohair.  The materials I've included in this kit come in a variety of shades...milk chocolate to dark chocolate, creamy strawberry to strawberry jam and  natural vanilla bean to ultra white vanilla.

Finally, there is a bundle of 13 fabrics included in this kit.  Many of them are about 1/2 yard, which means that you will get a lot of use from them.  I've included quilt cotton in coordinating florals, dots, strips and harlequins, vintage wedding lace, shantung silk in vanilla bean, dark chocolate jacquard and creamy strawberry taffeta.  

Oh yes, there are a couple of rolls of dark chocolate gaffer tape...a perfect topping to the fabrics!

Wow, are you feeling like dessert yet?

This fabulously coordinated kit is the absolute BEST dessert...it's indulgent, can be used to create something that will last for a long time and satisfies the craving for creativity...plus there are no calories attached, guaranteed!

If you just have to have "Neapolitan Ice Cream", it can be yours for just $147, plus shipping (within the US, includes sales tax for AZ residents).  I'll ship out this exclusive box of goodies within a few days of your order.

Your dessert is just a click away...click on the Buy Now button below...savor and enjoy!

 

 

SOLD.  THANK YOU!

Today, there are TWO!

One of my very favorite things is to collect all sorts of things that work well together, put them in a fun container and offer them to you as a product collection or kit.

Today, I have TWO such offerings...and they are as different as night and day...or black and white...or (you fill in your favorite here but you get the point :)).  Let me introduce you to what I have and let the collections speak for themselves.  And, speaking of black and white...drumroll, please...please allow me to present:

THE ULTRA CHIC BLACK/WHITE/IVORY COLLECTION!

Yum, yum, yum!  This color combo is a big favorite with the creatologie fans, for sure.  I've gone through my boxes, trunks and baskets and found some of the coolest black and white trims and fabrics, a few embellishments and a hand created houndstooth cloth book, AND A TRUNK...JUST FOR YOU!

OK, what's in this delectable collection?

It starts with a highly distressed shabby black metal trunk with its fair share of dings and scratches.  The trunk is 12x8x5 3/4 and I know that you will love it for its display properties, not to mention the storage possibilities!  I've filled the trunk with 48 pieces of trim, each at least 1 yard in lengh and some with 2-3 yards for your creating pleasure.  You will find lace, printed and plain twill, printed and plain grosgrain, trims made in France, satin, rayon binding and velvet as part of the collection.  There's also some vintage rick rack (you will love how SOFT the pieces are) as well as other vintage lace and trims.

Also included in this fabulous collection is a bundle of 14 fabrics. They vary in size and shape, but each is large enough to be usable.  You will find lace, embroidered cotton, printed quilting cotton and wool in this beautiful collection.

And, oh yes, I did mention the houndstooth cloth hand made book.  Well, take a look at this ultra chic goodness!

Can I just say that it was love at first sight for me?  Between the fact that it's fabric and black and ivory, IT'S HOUNDSTOOTH!!!!!, one of my very favorite patterns.

The exterior and interior covers of this 8 1/2 x 11 (approx) hand made book are made from houndstooth canvas and the remaining 12 interior pages are solid natural canvas.  The black organza flowers are just a design idea...they are included but are just temporarily pinned in place, which makes for easy removal to work up your very own creative cover.

For this collection, I also provided a few fun embellishments and 10 delightful appliques, including collars, a square, a shield and a flower.  The little embellies are packaged in a black and clear damask zippy bag which you can use for storage after you've made your project.

 

If you love what you see and you just have to make this delightful collection yours, I'm offering it for just $167, plus shipping (within the US only, sales tax included for AZ residents).  When you see what's included, you will have to agree that it's an exceptional value...and exceptionally chic, too!

Just click on the Buy Now button below and I'll ship it out within a few days of receiving your order.

SOLD.  THANKS!

 

FOR A STUDY IN CONTRASTS, PLEASE ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE THE NEXT OFFERING...COLOR ME HAPPY!

This one is sure to make you smile!

I envision this one as a possible holiday gift for a daughter or granddaughter who loves color...or maybe something for you to brighten up a corner of your studio.

This collection includes a "I Start, You Finish" class sample, a very fun and funky apple green lunch box, fabrics, trims and flowers.

The album is a 9 x 8 1/2 heavy chipboard 3 ring binder decorated with lots of bling and bright, happy colors.  There are 16 interior surfaces and each one of them is decorated with at least background papers, many of them have a lot more.  You will love finishing this one with your pictures and journaling and the trims, fabrics and flowers I've included in this collection.

The metal lunch box is slightly distressed with a few pings and dings.  It has a beaded handle which would be so much fun to embellish.  It might be a fun project to further distress the lunch box with some sandpaper and a bit of white gesso...hmmmm, everything we touch is alterable, right? :)

I've included 25 bright and happy trims in this lunch box.  Most of them are at least a yard in length and many of them are ones I purchased in my travels around the country...I'm delighted to share them with you!

The trims include hand woven, uniquely patterned trims, funky elastic, grosgrains (mostly printed), chenille, tulle, ball trim, and rick rack.

There are five delightful fabrics in this collection as well.  Three of them are brightly colored organza...yum!

You will also find two collections of flowers...stitched, brightly colored felt and wonderful paper flowers.   Yummy!

Color yourself happy with this book, lunchbox and trimmings...all for just $87 (plus shipping in the US/sales tax for AZ residents).  And yes, that's not a typo...it's a REALLY great value!

Just click on the Buy Now button below and I'll ship out within a few days of receiving your order.

 

Thanks a bunch...and happy creating!

From my studio to yours,

Carol