I like to make books but rarely use them. Generally for me, it's the process rather than the outcome, so this is a change: a project I'm really using. I've been looking forward to its publication in the August 2008 issue of Crafts 'n Things so that I could share detailed pictures.
With patterned paper as a foundation for the cover (Bo-Bunny Press Shabby Princess Collection,) take a closer look at this twist on a traditional book binding technique.
The ATCs on the cover and inside used one stamp, the Tim Holtz Hotel Collage (Stampers Anonymous.) Of course, I used some of my favorite Ranger products: Adirondack® Color Wash™, Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink Pads, and Archival™ Ink. I used Melt Art™ Mold n' Pour™, my Melting Pot®, Melt Art™ UTEE Brightz™, and Perfect Pearls™ to create the fuchsia embellishment. I think this is the perfect touch.
Inside the book, you'll find a dozen ATCs made with the same stamp. (I find it a challenge to navigate the Stampers Anonymous catalog. Check out page 9 in the Winter 2008 Supplement 8.2 to see how versatile the image is.)
For detailed instructions, check out the August 2008 issue of Crafts 'n Things.
Look what I made!
After two days of workshops at Random Arts with Katie Kendrick, my husband asked how many times I'd drawn faces in the past. If you don't count adding a smiley face to a stick figure, the answer to that would be never! Needless to say, this was a weekend that pushed me completely out of my comfort zone.
When I first saw Katie's whimsical dolls in the Winter 2006 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, I was intrigued. The dolls just smacked of personality, a factor that I would learn came straight from the heart of their maker. And now, Katie was coming to Random Arts to teach.
The first workshop was listed as a mixed media wall hanging. I've done some quilting in the past, so a "no experience necessary" project to reflect on the my "quirky side" sounded like fun. (More on this later after I finish my quilt.)
The second workshop was described as "freestyle intuitive doll making" without fussy cutting or fussy seaming. I couldn't wait to find out how to use simple pattern pieces to design a doll body and completely ignored the mention of learning to "paint an original face on my creation." After all, Katie was going to provide a face for us to use if we wanted to. Although I'd packed paints and other supplies, I never thought about this again until after class began.
Katie is a self-taught artist unspoiled by the rules of a formal education. As she described her journey into art and her path to creativity, we were inspired to see where our hearts would lead our paint brushes. (The group included several professionally trained artists with others who like me had never attempted more than stick figure art.) We drew faces with our non-dominant hand, laughed, and followed her instructions for transferring our work to muslin. After learning how to create flesh tones, the work began in earnest. Katie was there to encourage and guide, seeking to provide input and assistance. Here are pictures of Katie, one of her dolls, and the face that she painted while we watched.
You would never have believed that this was a group of novices. Each doll had a distinctive personality; many were intricately pieced. Although I had brought along a box crammed full of fabric, after framing my doll's face with Turquoise Phthalo, I knew that the beaded trim and appliquéd heart were all that needed to be added to this beautiful fabric from my mother's quilting stash. Whether or not my doll appeals to anyone else, I now have a sentimental treasure. Beyond that, I enjoyed a challenging weekend. If only I lived closer to Saluda!
When I mentioned my visit to Random Arts earlier this spring, I was generally met with a quizzical expression. It's difficult to explain why it is truly "worth it" to spend the time and gas for a trip to Saluda, North Carolina. Granted, this spring our vacation to nearby Asheville brought us to the area, but last week end I made the journey just to take classes. My spring pictures highlighted the outside of the shop and the quaintness of the area. This trip, we'll look inside.
When you walk into the Random Arts, this is the view to your right. I think the title of this post says it all: sensory overload. In addition to the stamps you find displayed throughout the store, there are treasures tucked into every nook and cranny. Don't miss the collage bags in the lower right hand corner of this photo - color coordinated offerings: ribbons, buttons, and tidbits for the multi media artist, stamper, or scrapbooker looking for that perfect embellishment. The fabric hanging below the bags is simply luscious. In the bottom left, you'll find magical solutions to transform mesh or metals and samples to stimulate experimentation. It will be difficult to move on, but there is more to be seen.
The picture above should give you an idea of why it's easy to spend an afternoon in this relatively small shop. I couldn't resist looking in every drawer and browsing through the related books. The displays will allure you to try something new.
Looking for inspiration? Above, the walls provide an endless bounty of ideas to touch and explore. Jane Powell and her staff are knowledgeable and more than willing to share their expertise. Below, the cash wrap is almost buried under product and samples. I've never resisted adding something to my purchase while checking out. This time, it was newly arrived bird charms.
If this sounds like a commercial for Random Arts, I can't help it. Friends share their favorite places with friends. I just wish I lived a little closer!
