Thursday, June 30, 2011

Kelly's Samples and More!

I have a few awesome ATC samples for you by Kelly Burton using the NEW Collage Sheets! For the above sample, Kelly used the new Vintage Steampunk ATC Backgrounds Sheet. Kelly also used a bit of German Dresden as an accent.

For this gorgeous ATC, Kelly used the new Mixed Grunge Stamped Sheet as well as The Applegate Family Sheet.

Thanks Kelly!

Yesterday I was scanning in a pair of custom earrings in the works for a customer. I had a printed Vintage Candy Striped ATC Collage Sheet on hand (one of my favs) so I placed it behind the earrings before scanning. I love how the serendipitous "xo forever" appeared! It made me think how lovely this sheet would be for creating earring/jewelry display cards for shows or gift giving!

Finally don't forget to email me your Accessory Cut-Out Contest entries! Deadline is July 15th so you have just over 2 weeks!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Please Welcome Our Newest Supply Shop Design Team Member!

I'm thrilled to announce the latest addition to the Retro Cafe Art Gallery Design Team, Gerri Herbst!

"My style is definitely vintage inspired. In my pieces, you will see lots of sparkly bits, shiny paper, vintage images and word snippets. Embellishments rule! I believe vintage images hold a special story and it’s up to us to listen closely, so we can bring them to life."

And what better way to celebrate the addition to the team, but with a piece of art! Below is Gerri's first art sample!

For this piece Gerri used the Fancy Frame 4 ATC Frame, Best Friends xoxo Digital Collage Sheet, and a Provincial Resin Frame. The text is from an old science fiction book. Gerri painted it with watercolors to match the ladies' dresses, and notice the wonderful crackle paint on the frame. Fantastic Gerri!

Be sure to check out Gerri's blog for even more inspiration. Welcome to the Retro Cafe Art Gallery team!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

16 GORGEOUS NEW Collage Sheets!

I couldn't be more excited to share these 16 BRAND NEW Retro Cafe Art Gallery Collage Sheets with you! As always, available in digital and paper formats. Though I adore them all, the sheet above is my absolute favorite! Several of the sheets are sized just right for ATC backgrounds and many would make great tags for special gifts! And here they are in no particular order...




And check out these AMAZING samples by Design Team Member Jennifer Ingle!In the above card, Jennifer incorporated 3 images from the new Mixed Grunge Stamped Collage Sheet.For this sweet box Jennifer used an image from the new Movie Ticket Stub Blue Stripe Collage Sheet. She also added a Game Spinner and gold German Glass Glitter!Here is a close-up! I just love it!And last but not least, Jennifer highlighted the Vintage French Mason Jar Collage Sheet on this adorable ATC. The crown is from the Vintage Candy Crowns Collage Sheet and the fairy is from the Vintage Fairies Collage Sheet. She also added a cream paper rose.Thanks for sharing your brilliant samples Jennifer!

So, out of the 16 Brand New Digital and Paper Collage Sheets, which one is your favorite?

* Blog Special*

Mention this post and for every 5 you buy, you will get 1 free. Simply leave me a message at check-out!

IndySWANK, Homespun, and the Brick Street Art Walk

I wanted to share a few updates and photos with you about my latest handcrafted jewelry adventures! Above you will see my new display at one of my favorite stores, IndySWANK! The owner, Jennifer, recently found this GORGEOUS antique dresser to move my display to. My mouth dropped open when I saw it - totally LOVE!

Also, I'm excited to announce that my Naptown Roller Girl jewelry can now be purchased at Homespun, one of my other favorite stores! I had been making the jewelry for the bouts, but now you can purchase it year round! A percentage of sales also goes directly to the Naptown Roller Girls! There are rings, necklaces, bobby pins, and even cufflinks for the guys.


Last night I did a show in Zionsville called the Brick Street Art Walk. I just adore Zionsville and I'm lucky that it's only a 10 min. drive from my house. Main Street is a brick street lined with restaurants, antique stores, coffee shops, and other fantastic shops! I just love the atmosphere.

Next up, you can catch me and my jewelry at Carmelfest July 3rd & 4th in the Arts and Design District!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Vari-tone Ink and Teresa's Salvaged Chandelier Workshop

The fabulous Teresa McFayden is currently running an amazing workshp called The Salvaged Chandelier and one of the products she is featuring is our Vari-tone Ink! Just look at this gorgeous tag made by Teresa using the Vari-tone ink. I love it!

You can find details about Teresa's amazing workshop HERE. We have also arranged for a giveaway, and one lucky workshop participant will win some Vari-tone Ink!


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Bianca's Latest Fabric Book

WOW, check out this amazing fabric book by Bianca Mandity! You can check out her blog post for more information on her process! For the above cover Bianca used a few of the Coffee Break Design Stencils and the Shift Key is from the Steampunk Parts Collage Sheet.

On this page you will find the 8 Pane Rounded Window. As you can see the ATC Frames are great for more than just ATCs!

On the above page, Bianca used Fancy Frame 2 and Lucy!


I love the use of the Night Sky Stencil on this page!


On this spread you will find Wings in Masonite, which are very sturdy and perfect for gluing to heavier things like keys, a 2" envelope, Sylvia, and Fancy Frame 3.


On the last page you will find the Tree Frame as well as William and AnnA! I love the look of the portrait in the Tree Frame. "Family Tree". And overall I really adore the blue/brown color palette of this book!


Amazing book Bianca!

Jennifer's Steampunk Mini Assemblage

I'm excited to share Jennifer's first official Design Team creation with you. For this piece Jennifer used painted Steampunk Gears (in chipboard), a Mustache Cut-Out, a Monocle, Game Spinners, a Fractured Doll, and a touch of Glass Glitter. What a fantastic piece! The jewelry artist in me can totally see this as a necklace or pin too. Awesome Jennifer!

This piece also makes me more excited for the Accessory Cut-Out Contest. I can't wait to see the entries!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

INDIEana Handicraft Exchange Last Weekend

Many of you know that in addition to running the supply shop, I also make handcrafted jewelry and attend several art/craft fairs throughout the year. At this point I have around 65 under my belt, and I still enjoy every minute of it!

Last Saturday was one of my favorites, the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange! And as usual, it didn't disappoint. We had huge crowds, and great weather, which made me happy for my friends set-up out doors. Above is a shot of my booth. As you can see I was well stocked, which was tough since I had a show the weekend before. But the late nights were worth it.

I would have to say that my favorite part of the show was my booth neighbor's "Craftball Machine." My brilliant neighbor, Abbydid, filled it with buttons, rings, and other small craft trinkets. It was too cute!

Abbydid also had the most amazing plush creatures!

My other neighbor to my right was Mile 44 who designs the most awesome gig posters. He also designed the poster for the show, which was also printed on the 50 swag bags that were given out.

The other fun part about this show is seeing all of my other crafty friends. There are so many amazing artists and crafters at this show that I won't even try to list them all, you know who you are :).

I have another 12-15 or so shows coming up for the season and I can't wait!
In the near future I'll be at the Zionsville Brick Street Art Walk this Friday June 24th from 6-10pm along Main Street, and then you can catch me at Carmelfest July 3rd and 4th. It's going to be a busy season, but I love it! I'm also extremely grateful to have my good friend Joanie helping me now. Never underestimate the value of a bathroom break! xo

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Jenni Bowlin Sale! Some items up to 40% Off!

All Jenni Bowlin is on sale this week! Get it HERE while it lasts. Some items up to 40% off!

12 NEW Paper Cuts and New Paper Flowers!

I just listed 4 fantastic new styles of Paper Roses! 3 new medium sizes and my favorite, the Curly Petal Rose! See the roses HERE!


I'm super excited about the 12 new sets of Paper Cuts! Several are awesome for your Steampunk and Halloween creations! Check out the new Paper Cuts HERE!
Paper Cuts are laser cut from card stock, so you don't have to cut them out with scissors. They are all set for your projects. And the detail is incredible!

Of course these Cupcakes and Teacups are my favorites among the new Paper Cuts!