Thursday, November 22, 2012

A Free Thanksgiving Collage Sheet for YOU!

 
To show our thanks and appreciation for all of our wonderful customers and friends, we have a FREE Turkey Trot Collage Sheet for you! You can download the high resolution version right HERE! Have a wonderful holiday!
 
And just a little reminder, Holdiay Swaps are due December 3rd! xo

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Jennifer's Steampunk Theatre Shrine + a GIVEAWAY!

 
WOW, check out this amazing Steampunk Theatre created by Design Team Member Jennifer Ingle! In addition to our Steampunk Theatre Shrine Kit, Jennifer also used Circus Paper-Cuts, Theatre Character Stands, and a Mini Lightbulb to create this masterpiece!
 
To celebrate, we are hosting a GIVEAWAY for a $25.00 Retro Cafe Art Gallery Gift Certificate on Jennifer's blog. Hope on over and ENTER!

 
Such a gorgeous piece Jennifer!

 
Go say "hi" and enter the GIVEAWAY!
The winner will be announced next Friday on Jennifer's blog.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

New Victorian Exploding Carousel Box, New Washi Tape (+ a sale), and More!

 
Hi everyone! I hope you're having a great week so far. I have some fabulous NEW goodies to share with you today. First off, another addition to our line of Victorian Exploding Picture Boxes. This particular box can be used as a carousel, circus tent, birdhouse, and more. It just might be my favorite of all the exploding boxes. Scroll down for more details on how I created my box!

 
Also new in the shop are several fabulous minis, perfect for your Christmas crafting. Many of them are new, unused vintage stock so grab em' while you can. I'm in love with this 14 piece nativity set!

 
We have also added over 50 new Washi Tapes to our already extensive line! AND if that wasn't awesome enough, all Washi Tape is ON SALE through the weekend to celebrate. Stock up for yourself and maybe get some for your friends. Washi Tape is a great stocking stuffer for your crafty buddies!

 
Now back to the Carousel Box... Of course I started with our new kit.

 
Initially, I planned on covering my box with paper, however I was in a journaling mood, so I pulled out my journaling supplies instead.

 
 
To begin, I painted my pieces using white acrylic paint. Gesso would work too. I painted alternating panels with pink acrylic paint, and then added some stenciling. Using a circle punch, I punched out some vintage text and attached the circles using Mod Podge. Next came some fun doodling!
To finish the lid, I added Silver Scalloped Dresden around the edge (it fits perfectly!) and created a flag. The little flag was created by painting a toothpick and attaching a bit of washi tape. To insert the flag into your lid, simply drill a small hole in the top or create a hole with an awl. Glue if needed.
Before attaching my Circus Animals, I created small "poles" by trimming off the scallops from the Dresden border. I created a bit of dimension with the animals by attaching them using double stick foam. I love that our Circus Paper Cuts are the perfect size and are ready to go. And that's it!

 
 
On the inside, I did lots of stenciling and stamping. I plan to hide a fun surprise inside. Maybe some candy?

 
And I couldn't resist creating an animation so you could see all 6 sides. Can't you just hear the carousel music playing?
 
I hope you enjoy the NEW goodies! Don't forget to grab your FREE Christmas Collage Sheet if you haven't already. And remember your Ornament Swaps and Artist Village Swaps are due December 3rd! Happy Creating! xo Kristin
 

Sunday, November 4, 2012

A Free Christmas Collage Sheet for You!

 
Hi everyone! To get you in the holiday spirit,  I have a FREE Brand New Christmas Collage Sheet for you! You can download the High Resolution PDF HERE on our site! And join in the new Art Challenge too.

 
Check out the latest NEW goodies including 16 adorable Cling Mount Christmas Rubber Stamps!
And don't forget to check out our section dedicated to everything Christmas!

 
Our first entries for the Layered Chipboard Ornament Swap have already arrived. These gorgeous ornaments are by artist Sherry Matthews. Don't they make you want to come play too? Still plenty of time! Ornaments aren't due until December 3rd.