creatologie from carol wingert studio

An Antidote to the World Screaming in Your Ear…

 

We live in interesting times.  We are surrounded by technology that is supposed to make our lives easier but, instead, it seems like life is more complex and busier than ever.

If you are like me, there are times that you just want to turn off all of the noise and experience that quietness, personal sanity and balance that you crave.  Think about a typical day…there are emails, phone calls and texts (most come with notifications), kitchen and laundry appliances that beep endlessly until we respond, various alarms and notifications on our calendars and phones, social media that encourages us to react or interact immediately, and of course, those oh so helpful voices to give us info and navigate us through life…Alexa, Siri, Bixby, etc. etc.  Is it any wonder we feel overwhelmed?  The world really is screaming in our ear.

But, never fear, there are antidotes…and I’m about to share my favorite one…CREATIVITY!

Some of you who have spent time with me know that I have a motto that I genuinely live by…”Do Something Creative Every Day!”.  “But, Carol”, you may say, “You have an ax to grind…you are in a creative business.  Of course you are going to promote creativity.”

It may surprise you that it’s pretty common in the world of psychotherapy to recommend creative pursuits for people going through some challenges in their lives.  Here are just a few of the positive benefits of creativity:

1. Stress Release. OK, that’s a biggie since most of us would probably say we live with a lot of stress.  Here’s how it works.  When we put our time and energy into creating something we love, it brings us happiness.  And, of course, happiness helps to relieve stress.  Here’s what I would add to the equation…put away those electronics that distract…they add to the stress and take us away from focusing on the creative challenge.
2. Freedom. Creativity encourages us to take risks, to try and learn new things, to think and do outside the box.  As I often tell workshop attendees…there are no right or wrong ways to create your book pages!  In a world where we seem to always be mindful of saying and doing just the right things, wouldn’t it be a huge relief to have a least one daily activity, a creative one, where the pressure is totally off?
3. Authenticity. Have you ever looked at a project, a piece of art, a well-designed room or other result of creative effort and figured out who the artist or designer was just by the style?  Here’s the thing…when you develop new ideas and try new techniques long enough, you will develop your own style…and that, my friends, is authenticity.  It doesn’t matter what your BFF’s are doing with their projects, you know what you love and aren’t afraid to express it.  And that leads to the next benefit…
4. Confidence! When you learn that the work you have created has value…maybe not monetary, but certainly psychic, you develop a confidence in your abilities that carries over into other avenues in life.  Wow!
5. Problem-solving. That’s another biggie!  Exercising the brain, practicing flexibility, experimentation…even in just one area…trains it to do the same in other areas.  The result…a strong creative mind!!!

Those are some pretty incredible bennies…just from practicing one antidote every day. 

Now, it may be that you were once into scrapbooking, memory art, altered art, etc. and have totally lost interest.  There are just so many other areas of creativity that you can try…other areas of art such as painting or sculpting, sewing/quilting, cooking, gardening, photography, interior decorating, creative writing…and the list goes on.  Go for it!!!

But, if you still have an interest in memory art (you haven’t gotten rid of all of your stuff 😉 ), but the world has been screaming in your ear for far too long, may I encourage you to take some time every day (even if it’s just a few minutes) to work on something that you love.

And, if you are needing something new to get you jumpstarted, consider pre-ordering my newest creatologie album kit, “A Softly Spoken Spring”.  It just may be the very best antidote to the world screaming in your ear.  The previous blog post gives some details and pictures and here are a few more to whet your appetite!

To pre-order your kit today, simply click on the Buy Now button below.  I’ll be shipping the kits starting March 9^th. 

So, get creative and here’s to a better life with some quietness, personal sanity and balance!

From my creative studio to yours,

Carol

SPRING KITS ARE SOLD OUT!  THANK YOU!

Brand New Project Kit "A Softly Spoken Spring" Now Available for Pre-Order!

Hello and Happy February!

Last week, our Spring forecaster, Punxsutawney Phil, apparently did NOT see his shadow, which predicts an early spring!!!

I'm guessing that many of you who don't like the cold or are eager to start your garden or get outdoors a lot more did a little celebratory fist pump and cheer!  You did, didn't you???  Grin.

I can't think of a better way to celebrate the coming {early} spring than to create a gorgeous hand made album featuring some of the iconic symbols of spring...birds, bunnies, butterflies and buds.  

Enter "A Softly Spoken Spring", a truly beautiful book with its soft fabrics and colors, its upbeat vibe and its classic symbols of spring...all that in one super pretty project.

For those of you who regularly order my kits, you know that there are so many layers and textures that a photo just can't capture.  It's hard to put in words how impactful and interactive a completed project is.  Last week, when I was flying home, there was a very chatty young guy sitting next to me on the plane.  He wanted to know what I did professionally and here's pretty much what I ended up telling him...I teach people how to make their own books and then add artistic elements to each of the pages to create what would best be described as a memory art journal.  And this one totally fits the bill.  Each page can stand on its own artistically, and there are fun pockets, niches, pouches and flaps for the pictures and stories you may want to add.   And, best of all, I provide the materials (beautifully packaged in a reusable muslin gift bag) and walk you through the techniques with detailed instructions and large color photos.

Here are just a few of the inside pages you will receive...plus, the blog banner features two of the book pages.

Do these pages speak Spring to you..can you just feel it???

If you said yes, then this would be the perfect project for you and the perfect time to pre-order one of the album kits!

The kits are available for pre-order right now for $119, plus shipping (within the US, sales tax included for AZ residents) and kits will begin shipping the week of March 9, a perfect jumpstart for Spring!

To pre-order one of these kits, simply click on the Buy Now button below and PayPal will walk you through the steps.  Then, starting March 9th, I'll be shipping kits and emailing you the full set of digital instructions.

I honestly cannot wait for you to build your book and see/feel it in person!

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

From my studio (where spring has already arrived) to yours (where it's coming soon),

Carol

 

SOLD OUT!  THANK YOU!

 

"Winter Wonderland" - an exciting new kit from the creatologie studio

"Sleigh bells ring
Are you listening
In the lane
Snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland."

I haven't always lived in the desert.  In fact, my hubby and I both grew up in Pennsylvania, and back when we were kids (many, many years ago), we had some of the most amazing snowstorms ever, which, of course, I started thinking about when I was working on this new album, Winter Wonderland.

Let's go down memory lane. 

Do you remember the feeling of giddiness and delight when you fell back into a snowdrift to make a snow angel?

Do you remember screeching and shrieking when someone hit you with a fresh snowball?

Do you remember building snow forts...perfect for hiding from those fresh snowballs?

Do you remember wet mittens and scarves...and delightful hot chocolate to warm you up?

And how about the awe-inspiring hush that came with watching the snowfall...and seeing the glistening trees and bushes? 

Or maybe romantic walks through the snow with your sweetie?

It could be that you experienced the exhilaration of skiing down the slopes of fresh snow, or skating on the thick ice of your local lake or pond...or how about the whoosh of coming down a hill on a sled, toboggan or inner tube?

It could be that these memories are way back from your own childhood...or they could be recent ones in spending time with your own kids and grandchildren.  Whichever they are, this handmade album, "Winter Wonderland" is the perfect way to awaken and display those memories with your pictures and stories.

The book cover is made from padded fabric (pre-sewn for you) and the interior pages are sturdy watercolor paper...perfect for layering the elements that make up each page.  Think ice skates, trees, sleds, snowflakes, and more snowflakes :) all pulled together to create a shabby, vintage and somewhat rustic piece of art in book form.    You will love the imported German clear glass glitter sprinkled here and there throughout the book...just like glistening snow!  And, I know that you will be so excited to play with the different textures...pure wool fibers, twigs, fabrics, paper, glitter, and metal.  Working with neutral colors on each page allows the beautiful colors of your winter pictures to stand out...you know, bright hats, mittens, and coats, and all the other funky winter gear.

If you've put together one of my book projects, you know how much I love incorporating pockets, pouches, flaps, and folded cards on each of the pages...a perfect way to display art and design as well as giving you room for pictures and journaling.

Adding a bit of whimsy is always so much fun!  Wild and wooly for sure! :) 

"Winter Wonderland" is available for pre-order right now and shipping will begin the week of December 16th.  Wouldn't this make a perfect holiday gift for yourself or for a friend...or maybe one for each of you so that you can spend creative time together?

This unique and limited edition project kit is available for just $119, plus shipping (within the US)...kits will start shipping December 16th.

Don't miss out on this delightful project...dig out those winter photos, or better yet, put on some winter gear and make some new memories!  Then, kick back with some hot chocolate, mulled cider or wine, and all of your creative stuff and hand make this display-worthy piece of memory art.

Simply click on the Buy Now button below to pre-order and reserve your kit.

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

From my studio to yours,

Carol 

SOLD OUT.  THANK YOU!

 

Something new and different...THE BARK BOOK!

"Dogs leave pawprints on our hearts." 

-Unknown-

A life-changing moment.   We've all had them, right?

Let me tell you a story about one of mine.  I grew up without any pets...not even a goldfish was permitted into our home!  About a year after I was married, my hubby (who grew up with all sorts of pets), asked me if I would consider getting a dog.  I was a little hesitant...I had very few interactions with dogs and one of those wasn't all that positive...memorable, but not in a good way.  My adventurous side won out and I agreed to the possibility.  Back then (and I'm certainly dating myself here :)), we used the classifieds in the newspaper and Vern found a listing for an adult golden retriever who needed to be re-homed.  We got a good vibe in talking to the owner on the phone and set up a time to meet with the owner and the dog.   Linda, the owner, invited us into her home and got us settled in the living room before bringing in the dog.  When the dog, who was an absolutely gorgeous golden retriever, walked into the room, he immediately came over to me and laid his head down on my knee.  That, my friends, was one of those life-changing moments for me.  I was totally charmed and instantly in love with him.  Dusty came home with us that night...he was a model citizen and a huge part of our lives until he passed at age 10.  He definitely left a pawprint on our hearts and for the majority of time in our marriage since then, we've had a dog (or two) in our home.

You know, someone once said "Everyone thinks they have the best dog.  And none of them are wrong."

So today, I have something fun and different for you to make for your very best dog (or dogs).  After years of creating memory art albums for occasions, holidays, travel, etc., I decided to create a project just for those amazing canine loves of your life.  

Enter "The Bark Book", a lively and whimsical hand made album that will totally make you smile.

Couldn't help but smile, right?  And guess what, you'll keep grinning throughout the book as you create each specially designed and themed page.

There are lots of pockets and flaps throughout the book so that you can feature both the art you create and the photos you want to display.  Think of the possibilities...you could create your masterpiece for one very special dog you either had or still have, or maybe a compendium of all of the dogs you have had as part of your life, or maybe even a grandpuppy or two (like I have now).

Doesn't the picture above just say it all for some of those pups in your life???

And, speaking of treats, how fun would be it be to treat yourself to this layered, textured and whimsical Bark Book?  It's a very limited edition and is available right now for pre-order.  Kits are available for $119, plus shipping (within the US), and will begin shipping the week of October 21.  

Your kits will come with the parts and pieces you need to build the book and pages...you'll just need your tools and a bit of craft paint.  You will also receive a complete set of digital instructions to put your project together which will be emailed to you.

Your dog is the best...your dog is a star...you are not wrong.  Your dog deserves an album, for sure.  Keep the canine memories alive and pre-order your Bark Book kit today!  Just click on the Buy Now button below and PayPal will process your order, which will ship out the week of 10/21.

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

From my tail wagging and sometimes bark filled studio to yours,

Carol

SOLD OUT.  THANK YOU!

"Mermaid Magic" Extra Kits...Gotta Have One!

"Worry less...Mermaid more!"

I recently came across this little quote on a sign and it made me laugh.  It. Is. Perfect.

Why worry when you can create?

And, why create something mundane and ordinary when you can create a mermaid album?

Why indeed?

Enter "Mermaid Magic", a handmade album filled with delightful pages of shells, seahorses, glitter, and, of course, mermaids!

The cover is sure to give you a giggle or two...especially when creating your very own mermaid hairstyle.

You will love the dimension, textures, and layers incorporated into every page of this hand-stitched watercolor album....and the glimmery, shimmery mermaid tails???  Oh my...fabulous!!!

Each interior page is designed for you to add photos and journaling, a perfect medium for your wonderful beach vacations and cruises.

If you love the beach, the colors of the ocean and the magic and fairy tale of the mermaid, you will love putting this book together.

Whimsical and fun...creative...artistic..and put together in creatologie style...all fantastic to erase the worries of life.

I was able to make a few extra kits in addition to the ones created for the workshop I taught in Texas last week...and, of course, once they are gone, that's it for the mermaid kits.  These kits are perfect for retreats, crops or just working alone in your own studio.

This project kit is a really fun treasure and it's available for just $119, plus shipping (within the US).  If you don't want to miss out on this limited edition project kit, simply click on the Buy Now button below and your kit will be shipped out to you.  Instructions are digital and will be emailed to you when your kit is shipped.

Erase the worries...create the mermaid!  Order your kit today.

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

From my worry-free studio to yours,

Carol

SOLD OUT!  THANK YOU!

 

The Love Book...your not-just-a-Valentine album kit is available for pre-order!

"Nobody has ever measured, even poets, how much a heart can hold." — Zelda Fitzgerald

Hello to All!

We are just about through the first month of a new year and we are approaching what is romantically considered the "month of love".  

Enter "The Love Book", an artistic journal/album that is designed to be a lot more than just a Valentine book.  Love is meant to be celebrated...not just one day a year, but every day, right?  And, of course, love is about a LOT more than just romance.  Consider the love you have for your children or grandchildren, your parents or grandparents, your friends, your pets and even those that have passed on that you still hold so dear in your heart.

So, when I set out to design a book to celebrate love, I decided to make it flexible...to honor a spouse or significant other, to celebrate your friendships, to feature an engagement or wedding, to celebrate the birth of a child or grandchild, or just simply to include all of those who are so special to you.

This is a custom designed album with a structure that is unique but actually fairly simple to put together.  The outside covers are structured to hold the inside pages as well as provide a frame to keep the book standing up.  The inside pages are cut into heart shapes and are stitched together in a unique way so that the book pops when opened.  It's meant to be a display book...the interior pages are thick and look best when placed open on a shelf, table, or other display areas.

Just about every page gives you space to add your photos and stories...pockets, flaps, and foldouts are a great way to express your creativity and still give you room to add your memories!

You are going to love the detailed and layered pages, the combos of fabrics and papers, and the neutral colors that are so perfect for coordinating with your photos.

And, of course, you will be provided with downloadable step by step instructions with full-color pictures of each page.  

If you are looking for a distinctive and very fun project to create, whether at home or at a crop, this one's for you!

This complete album kit is available for pre-order for just $119, plus shipping (within the US).

You can pre-order right now and the kits will begin shipping February 12th.  Simply click on the Buy Now button below and a kit will be reserved for you.

Don't let this one slip away...celebrate love by celebrating your loved ones in this artsy and funky memory book.

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

From my celebrate love every day studio to yours,

Carol

SOLD OUT!  THANK YOU!

 

This One's For You!

Don't miss out on this VERY special holiday kit...there are just a few left and they are ready to be shipped to YOU!

For more details and pictures, scroll down to the next post.  If you're ready to order, simply click on the Buy Now button below.

Thanks...and Have Yourself A Rustic Little Christmas!

 

SOLD OUT!  THANK YOU!!!

"Have Yourself A Rustic Little Christmas" Project Kit Available for Pre-Order!

"We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime."

~Laura Ingalls Wilder~

If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you probably know that the Christmas season is one of my favorite times of the year.  And, for sure, those that read this blog know how much I LOVE creating and sharing handcrafted memory art albums.  So, when you put the two together, especially with an album that I am simply tickled with, I have the gleeful spirit of a child...for sure!

And, for those of you who also love the holiday season and love learning new techniques in putting together an artsy album, I wanted to share the opportunity to have that same childlike glee and excitement.

With that being said, I'm so happy to introduce "Have Yourself A Rustic Little Christmas", a handmade album just filled with beautifully detailed pages, perfect for your photos and stories.

Starting with the cover, this album has so many fun techniques to stretch your creativity.  From weaving a background to creating a teardrop styled dimensional tree, you will love the amazing layering...a perfect introduction to this fabulous album.  You can custom tailor the banner for a word of your choice or the year you are featuring.

Inside, every page carries the rustic theme...rusty, metallic and woodsy embellishments, metallic paper, chippy paints, and layered, textured backgrounds just begging to be touched.

The pockets, pouches, and flaps offer lots of space to record your holiday memories and those surfaces are designed in keeping with the rustic theme and the holiday spirit.  There are some fun techniques used inside the book that are sure to get those creative juices going...like a sliding waterfall mini album...and a barn door that actually slides back and forth (for real!)!!!  That sliding barn door totally blissed me out...I truly felt like a kid at Christmas and I know you will love it too!  And, of course, techniques like these do require some detailed instructions and I'm happy to say that you will be provided with step by step digital instructions on how to put your pages together.

Creating a tiny woodland scene totally satisfied my love of all things "trial-sized"!

And, really, what holiday book would be complete without some jingle bells...little metal ones as well as a beautifully aged and patinaed copper one?

If you have caught the excitement of this post, and if you too want to experience some of the childlike glee of creating a special holiday album, the album kit is now available for pre-order.   This is a limited edition kit and once the kits are sold, they are truly gone and will not be repeated or taught at a later time.  Translate:  if you are interested in this kit, don't wait to order!

The kit is available for just $119, plus shipping (within the US, sales tax for AZ residents included in shipping cost).  This is a pre-order and kits will begin shipping out the week of November 12th.  

If you love Christmas, adore books done in shades of white, love the comfortable and homey feel of the rustic vibe, want to stretch your creative self, and want to experience the childlike excitement of putting this album together, then this one's for you!  Simply click on the "Buy Now" button below and your kit will be reserved and will ship out the week of November 12th.

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

From my rustic holiday studio to yours,

Carol

SOLD OUT.  THANK YOU!
 

 

 

"House of Spook"...Fun, Funky, and Fabulous Haunted House Project Kit!

"Oh, Halloween's frightful but the candies are delightful, and since there's no place to go, let it boo, let it boo, let it boo."

~Unknown~

Hello to All!

This is a FIRST!

The first time in the 16 years I've been creating and teaching memory art projects that I've actually created a Halloween project!

Putting together a haunted house album was a request from my friend and store owner who wanted that project taught at her store.  I was reluctant at first because it had been a while since our household participated in anything Halloween related, but I was also moved by the challenge to put together something that I hadn't previously done.

If you are looking for a lighthearted and fun project with just the right amount of creepy to qualify it as Halloween-ish, look no further...this one is IT!

From the highly layered, textured and dimensional front cover to the decorated back cover, this book is filled with all sorts of haunted house elements, all artfully put together to create fabulous pages.  The many pockets and pouches give you the space you need to add the pictures and stories...so you get the best of both worlds, art and memory keeping.

You will love the variety of materials used to put this handmade book together...wood, metal, paper, and fibers all contribute to well-designed, mixed media pages.

Maybe you don't actually "do" Halloween these days, but, if you were a child, have a child or grandchildren, chances are pretty great that there are some Halloween pictures hiding out somewhere that would be absolutely perfect to use in this book.  

I created some extra kits for the workshop I taught and there are just a few left...a great opportunity for you to be able to get one of these very limited, exclusive kits.

Order your kit today for just $119, plus shipping (within the US, sales tax for Arizona residents included in shipping)...simply click on the Buy Now button below and I will ship out your kit to you.  Detailed digital instructions with large color photos will be emailed to you after I've shipped out the kit.

Don't miss out on this rare opportunity...16 years may be a long time to wait for another Halloween album.  Grin.

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

From my studio to yours,

Carol

 SOLD OUT!  THANK YOU!

 

"Beach Town": A Brand New Project Kit Now Available for Pre-Order!

"Because every day should feel like a day at the beach."

If you are a beach lover, you can totally relate to this quote...just hearing the word puts you into a relaxed and laid back state of mind, right?

Most people I know love the beach...we feel so renewed and refreshed after hearing the ocean and breathing in all that fabulous salt scented air...and the feel of the sand between the toes when walking along the shore line, finding that special shell, and laughing at the antics of the silly shore birds just add to the unique appeal of the beach.

One of my favorite vacations while growing up was when my family, along with the families of my mom's two sisters, rented a beach house along the Jersey shore.   I loved getting into that bathing suit first thing in the morning (and staying in it ALL day), and spending the day by the ocean was such an amazing time.  There was always a new sand castle to build, a new shell to find, cool water to splash in, and, of course, the waves to play in.  By the end of the day, we were totally exhausted, but a good kind of exhaustion...well, at least for us cousins (can't really speak for the moms :)!).

Those fabulous memories exploded into a brand new album being launched for pre-order today..."BEACH TOWN"!

If you love the nostalgic and vintage-shabby look of many coastal towns, you will absolutely love the look and feel of this handmade, artsy album.

One look at the  super dimensional cover and you are taken there...for sure, the colors and textures of the cover set the tone and create the vibe of a slightly shabby, but totally relaxing, happy place.

The album is a hand-stitched journal style book made with sturdy watercolor paper, perfect for creating those painted/stained backgrounds on each page.

There are lots of pouches and pockets throughout the book...perfect for all the photos and journaling.

There's even a page filled with tiny hand-stitched books...what better way to add those little pics and tell those stories, right?

What beach town would be complete without fabulous beach "cottages"...some bigger than others, of course!  And, in this album, you get to design your own with how you arrange your windows and the colors you paint your house, trims, windows and door.

Oh, yes, people.  Just move me in!!!!

And, of course, beaches and bikes...kind of like a PB&J kind of thing.

OK, are you there yet?  Can you feel the breezes and smell the ocean air?  Maybe you've been transported back in time to that special family beach vacation, or it could be you are giddy with anticipation for a beach vacation you have coming up.

If you are there...and are "feeling all the feels"...then this is the perfect album for you.

There are twelve background surfaces on which you will be creating...and lots more when you count the tags and mini books pages included on those backgrounds.  Each detailed page is kitted for you with cool papers, trims and embellishments (many of which you will learn to create)...you'll just need to add paints, some crackle texture paste, and some alphabet rubber stamps to make the book uniquely yours.  The kit comes with a full set of instructions with lots of photos...those instructions will be sent to you digitally after the kits are shipped.

This project is available for pre-order right now...and kits will begin shipping the week of June 18th.

The kit for this beautifully layered and textured album/journal is available for just $119, plus shipping (within the U.S., sales tax included in shipping for AZ residents).

Pre-order yours today...this is a limited edition kit and won't last long! Just click on the Buy Now button below and your kit will be reserved...and will ship the week of June 18th.

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

Love you to the beach and back, my friends!

Carol  

SOLD OUT!!!  THANK YOU!