Friday, September 30, 2016

SIX Brand New Tombstone Book Kits + More


Happy Weekend Everyone! We're really excited about our SIX Brand New Tombstone Book Kits in the shop! You can thank Design Team Member Sherry Matthews for the inspiration behind these awesome kits! (See below)

As soon as I saw Sherry's tombstone project, I knew what had to be done. And I couldn't stop at just one! I hope you love them as much as I do. 


Worth another look: If you missed the Artisan Powder video I posted last week, you can catch it HERE





Art Time Feature Chrissy Colon!  

Come see what Design Team Member Chrissy Colon has been conjuring up! Her 2016 tombstones are packed with amazing detail and lots of techniques! Plenty of rusting, glittering, crackling, and more! So cool Chrissy! Hop on over to Chrissy's blog for the tutorial: http://twistedmusedesigns.com/2016-tombstones-from-retro-cafe-art-gallery/

 Be sure to check out the full tutorial!






Inspiration By Amy Nieman  

"Fight for the fairy tale, it does exist", by Amy Nieman! A beautiful collage with a beautiful message. We're loving the amazing colors and cool textures. Wonderful as always Amy!
Cotton Spun Mushrooms: http://ow.ly/B7lO304BUdD
She Also Used Our Mini Trees and Deer Charm





Inspiration By Teri Reed!  

These absolutely adorable Misfit Monster Magnets by Teri Reed are making me giggle this morning! The color and stamping is perfect, and oh, those EYES! So much fun Teri! We love them!
Misfit Monster Cut-Outs: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_7188/Misfit-Monster-Cut-Outs--6-Pieces.htm
Oh, how about some Glow In The Dark Eyes: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_3073/Glow-In-The-Dark-Googly-Eyes--100pc.htm




Inspiration by Sherry Matthews!  

We're so in love with this Tombstone Book by Design Team Member Sherry Matthews! Such a clever way to use those Tombstones, and so cool how this spooky journal can stand up, displayed on a table or shelf! This piece is so inspiring Sherry. Love it!
Gothic Tombstone ATC Set V: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_7130/Gothic-Tombstone-ATC-Bases-V--NEW-2016--Set-of-4.htm
She also used our Skeleton Paper Cuts, Gear II Cut Outs, Steampunk Paper Cuts, Word Paper Cuts, and Tim Holtz Quote Bands

Friday, September 23, 2016

Brand New Artisan Powder Colors + Brave Heart Niche Shrine by Cat Kerr


Happy Weekend Everyone! The gorgeous new Artisan Powder Colors are in the shop and ready to ship! I love all four colors, however I think French Sage is my favorite! I'm also partial to Antoinette Pink as well, but part of that may be the cool name! 


If you missed the Artisan Powder video I posted last time, you can catch it HERE


While I was perusing Youtube, I also stumbled across and amazing Rust Paste Camera video and photo by Anna Dabrowska (Finnabair)! And since we just received more Rust Paste stock, I thought I would share. Check it out HERE.




Art Time Feature Cat Kerr!  

Design Team Member Cat Kerr has a wonderful new take on Art Journaling for you today! See how she transformed her page into a 3-D work of art using our new Niche Shrine Kit. The perfect piece to place on a shelf or desk to admire over and over again! So wonderful Cat! Find the full tutorial with supply links on Cat's blog: http://inthelightofthemoon.blogspot.com/2016/09/brave-heart.html

 Be sure to check out the full tutorial!





Inspiration By Kim Collister!  

Stunning ATCs by Design Team Member Kim Collister! Such beautiful colors and sentiments! So lovely Kim!
Medieval Magick Collage Sheet: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_73/Medieval-Magick.htm
She Also Used Our Doll Head Paper Cuts




Inspiration By Bonnie Ashurst!  

Bonnie Ashurst is sure to make you smile with her fun and funky "Halloween Bingo Caller"! We love how creatively she used our Paper Mache Skull. He has so many wonderful details, including his thick spectacles! Awesome job Bonnie!
Paper Mache Skull: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_7179/Paper-Mache-4-Inch-Halloween-3-D-Skull.htm
She also used several of our Skull Beads, Brass Wings, Brass Gear, Letter Beads, and Brass Crown




Inspiration by Sandra Brandt!  

We're loving these gorgeous DOTD Ornaments created by Sandra Brandt! So many wonderful details, including the way she cleverly used those cigar bands! Beautifully done Sandra!
Small Mini Dash Shrine Kit: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_290/Small-Box-Shrine-Kit-Small-Mini-Dash-Kit-PACK-OF-TWO.htm
She Also Used Our Tiny DOTD Fairy Shrine, Winged Heart Cut Outs, Mini Rum Bottles, Paper Flowers, and Vintage Cigar Bands




The Tombstone Contest is Underway!

Some of you have already completed your 2016 Tombstone Set! And the rest of you still have plenty of time to play along with us! Come see what everyone has been up to in the new Facebook Group! (You can find the link on the Contest Page)

Tombstone photos are due October 14th! So you still have just under a month to play along!

I created not one, but TWO Digital Collage Sheet prizes for everyone who plays! If you've submitted a photo already, your Collage Sheets have been emailed to you! If you don't see them, check your junk email box and let me know. Sometimes things get lost in cyber space. I hope you enjoy "Pumpkin Patch" and "Witching Hour", created especially for the challenge! And special thanks to Sherry Matthews for the cool skeleton dictionary page image! 

Friday, September 16, 2016

New DOTD Goodies + a Cavernous Tomb By Sherry Matthews


Happy Weekend Everyone! We have some fun new goodies in the shop! Awesome Dimensional Embellishments, cool beads, and oh my that Paper Mache Skeleton! The skeleton is super cool on it's own, but you can also embellish him or her further with rhinestones, flowers, lace, and more! 





Art Time Feature With Sherry Matthews!  

Design Team Member Sherry Westfall Matthews has a brilliant tutorial for you! You won't want to miss how she created this incredible "Cavernous Tomb"! Hop on over and watch Sherry work her magic on this fantastic piece of art! https://sherrymatthewsart.wordpress.com/2016/09/03/a-cavernous-tomb/

Be sure to check out the full tutorial!





Inspiration By Gena Boone-Curtis!  

We are in love with this Sea Maiden by Gena Boone-Curtis! The texture is absolutely brilliant. Notice the beads? And we love the maiden's flowing hair! Incredible piece Gena!
Medium Octopus Sea Maiden Doll Kit: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_6483/Medium-Octopus-Sea-Maiden-Articulated-Art-Doll-Kit.htm
Santos Head Paper Cuts II: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_5282/33-Santos-Art-Doll-Head-Paper-Cuts--Set-II.htm
She Also Used Our Chipboard Coral Cut Outs and Dresden




Inspiration By Kim Collister!  

Design Team Member Kim Collister has some wonderful tombstones to share with you! They are sure to inspire. Hop on over to Kim's blog post to have a closer look! She also posted some incredible pieces from last year that are definitely worth a second peek!
http://www.imgirlwithoutwings.com/2016/08/tombstones.html

And just a reminder, you still have a month to join in the 2016 Tombstone Challenge. Posted photos are due October 14th. Find the full details here: http://www.retrocafeart.com/pages/TombstoneContest.htm
(P.S. Design Team Member tombstones are for inspiration and are not included in the contest winners.)




Inspiration by Cindy O'Neal!  

This amazing DOTD ensemble was created by Cindy O'Neall! We adore how she transformed the Santos Dolls to create this festive pair! Don't miss all the wonderful details! Just fabulous Cindy!
Medium 3-D Santos Doll Kit: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_4991/3-D-Articulated-Santos-Cage-Doll-Shrine-Kit--MEDIUM.htm
Stencil Board Picado Small: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_7116/Stencil-Board-Papel-Picado-Cut-Outs--5-Sizes-Available--10-Pieces.htm
She Also Used Our Skull Beads

Friday, September 9, 2016

Welcome Design Team Member Sherry Matthews + More


Happy Weekend Everyone! We have some really fun new goodies this week! Of course our favorite are the brand new Misfit Monsters! HOW scary cute are they? We can't wait to play! And the Mischievous Cats and Black Cats now come in a super handy MINI size! We also have several new must have Halloween Charms waiting for your Halloween and DOTD projects! 





Art Time Feature With Kim Collister!  

Boil, bubble, toil, and trouble! Design Team Member Kim Collister has a fantastic tutorial for you today! If you weren't already in the Halloween spirit, you will be after feasting your 'eyes' on this gem. Hop on over to Kim's blog post to see what those frisky little skeletons are up to inside this stunning shrine! So many incredible details you won't want to miss. Amazing Kim! http://www.imgirlwithoutwings.com/2016/09/the-wardrobe.html


Be sure to check out the full tutorial!





Inspiration By Kim Rayko!  

Kim Rayko will have you walking the plank with her fabulous skeleton assemblage! We love his pirate gear, and of course all the wonderful embellishments! Awesome piece Kim!
Graveyard Skeleton:
http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_4536/Plastic-Graveyard-Skeleton.htm
Tim Holtz Coffin:
http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_7147/Tim-Holtz--Idea-ology--Brown-Wooden-Vignette-Coffin-Box.htm
She Also Used Our Skull and Crossbone Charm, Ship Wheel Cut Outs, and Medieval Weapon Cut Outs




Welcome to the Design Team Sherry Matthews!  

We're absolutely thrilled to welcome artist Sherry Westfall Matthews to the Retro Cafe Art Gallery Design Team! Many of you have seen how talented Sherry is, and have watched her work her magic on our goodies in the past! Of course, you'll be seeing even more of her stunning creations in the months to follow! Please help us in welcoming Sherry to our stellar team! We are very excited and look forward to sharing her amazing work with all of you!

About Sherry:
Sherry Westfall Matthews is a self-taught Southern artist who lives and creates in Alabama with the support of her two kids, three dogs, and a cat.  Sherry believes creating art keeps you young at heart through looking for the magic of inspiration in the world around you and continuing to grow by experimenting with new art techniques and products.  She is a long-time loyal Retro Cafe Art Gallery customer (she says that's where the Art Supply Fairy lives!).  Her work has been featured in numerous publications including Somerset Studio, Holidays & Celebrations, Somerset Gallery, Art Doll Quarterly, and Jewelry Affaire.  You can see more of her work at dalaimomma.etsy.com or check out her blog at sherrymatthewsart.wordpress.com. You can also follow her on Instagram (@sherrymatthewsart) or find her on Facebook at Sherry Matthews Art/Dalaimomma.


Inspiration by Sherry Matthews!  

We are absolutely in love with this incredible piece by Sherry Westfall Matthews! The way she transformed her 2016 Tombstone, is absolutely amazing. Time to ride right into Halloween folks! Stunning piece Sherry!
2016 Gothic Tombstone ATC Bases:
http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_7130/Gothic-Tombstone-ATC-Bases-V--NEW-2016--Set-of-4.htm
She Also Used Our Small Wheel Cut Outs, Victorian Flourish Cut Outs, Medium Baroque Cameo Frames, Ornate Flourish Cut Outs Style 4, Inka Gold, and Skeleton Paper Cuts


Once again, welcome to the team Sherry Westfall Matthews!!! We can't wait to see even more of your incredible talent!




The Tombstone Contest is Underway!

Several of you have already completed your 2016 Tombstone Set! And the rest of you still have plenty of time to play along with us! Come see what everyone has been up to in the new Facebook Group! (You can find the link on the Contest Page)

We can't wait to see what you create with the New 2016 Tombstones! Find all of the details HERE!

Friday, September 2, 2016

New Halloween Paper Mache + More


Happy Weekend Everyone! We have some fun new goodies in the shop! I'm really loving the Paper Mache Skulls and Pumpkins! With a little bit of paint (and maybe some glitter and rhinestones), they will really come to life! See a cool painted sample here! We also have several other fun skeletons themed goodies, and lots of amazing back in stock items!





Above is a great shot of the new Sandra Evertson Bohemian Jewels just listed in the shop last week! Sandra sent me this photo, and I had to share it with you! Get some jewels for yourself HERE.

And the long awaited RUST PASTE is finally back in the shop! We've been waiting for a bit, so grab some while you can. 
(Art sample below by Linda Cain!)





Design Team Member Linda M. Cain has in incredible tutorial for you! Her Embossed Metal Butterfly Shrine is full of awesome techniques. We especially love how she created her fabulous "tiles" for the front of the shrine. You won't want to miss this one! Wonderful tutorial Linda! Find the details on Linda's blog here: http://goo.gl/LJTQzz

Be sure to check out the full tutorial!





Inspiration By Karenliz Henderson!  

An adorable Tiny Mermaid Assemblage by Karenliz Henderson! We love everything about this piece! The seashell, the glitter, the wild hair! Perfect for a Monday don't you think? Absolutely fantastic Karenliz!
Tiny Articulated Mermaid Doll Kit: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_5545/Articulated-Chipboard-Mermaid-Art-Doll-Kit--TINY--Set-of-TWO.htm
Chipboard Seaweed Cut-Outs: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_7063/Chipboard-Seaweed-Cut-Outs--5-Pieces.htm




Inspiration By Josefina Freidwall!  

A sweet Mini Santos by Josefina Freidwall from Sweden! We love her entire piece, but we especially adore her elevated bird added to the cage. And her doll's Dresden arm cuffs! Awesome piece Josefina!
3-D Mini Santos Doll Kit: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_5120/3-D-Santos-Cage-Doll-Shrine-Kit--MINI.htm
She Also Used Our German Dresden




Inspiration by Rebecca Sandbek!  

A stunning Flourish Shrine by Rebecca Sandbek! This gorgeous shrine is packed with so many awesome objects, and the color scheme is perfect! These are great little shrines for Halloween or any theme really! Fantastic job on this beautiful piece Rebecca!
Ornate Flourish ATC Shrine Style 1: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_6431/Ornate-Flourish-ATC-Shrine-Kit--Style-1.htm
She Also Used Our Amber Bottles and Frozen Charlotte