Shadow Box Shrine Kit Giveaway Winners, Vintage Train Tickets, Free Shrine Kits, and More!

Woohoo, it's time to announce the Shadow Box Shrine Kit winners!

The winners are #10 francine, #12 Kade,  #78 lindacreates, #130 Francine Cronos, and #135 Cheryl! Please email me at retrocafeart@gmail.com to claim your prize and let me know if you are a Facebook Fan when you do to double your prize!

I wish I could give all 143 of you a prize. Maybe I can? How about this, spend $30.00 or more (before shipping) in the shop, and I will send you your choice of one Shadow Box Shrine Kit FREE as a gift! Simply let me know in the comments section at check-out, which kit you would like. Make sure you tell me the style, size, and whether or not you would like a charm loop. Shrine Kits will not be included automatically, you must let me know your choice and mention this post in the comments section at check out. Not valid for orders placed before this post. Offer ends February 6th!

There are also several new goodies in the shop including these fabulous Vintage Train Tickets! Along with 17 new German Dresden pieces, new Land of Enchantment Valentine's Day Collage Sheets, and more!

I couldn't wait to play with the Vintage Train Tickets so I made this sweet card. I attached everything using Incredi-sheets which worked great especially on the thin vintage paper. The little hearts were created using the Small Heart Background Stencil. I quickly colored them in using a pink Copic marker and then outlined them while the stencil was still in place using a fine black Sharpie. I also used a stamped Vial Label.

The flower is my favorite part, created from scratch using vintage dress pattern tissue. I simply cut out circles in various sizes, stacking them large to small. I then used my Tiny Attacher Stapler and stapled them in the center (so quick and easy!). Next I added some flat back pearls to cover the staple and then crinkled the entire thing. I sprayed it lightly with Silver Glimmer Mist to give it a bit of shine, and then finally attached it to my card with a small square of Incredi-sheet. So easy and so cute. It's also very lightweight, which is nice for the card. Oh, and see the little star on the Train Ticket? It was already punched like that. Sweet!

I have to thank my friend Mel from Ephemeraology! She told me about Feedburner, which allows you to sign up and receive blog posts via email! Feel free to sign up below, and Retro Cafe Art Gallery posts will be emailed to you! Now it will be easier to keep up with our many giveaways, sales, and contests! Simply click the link below to sign-up!

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Finally don't forget to enter the current Gift Certificate Giveaway and enter the Valentine's Day Contest. Check out the awesome entries we have so far! xoxo, Kristin

Denise's Valentine's Day Cake Inspiration and TWO 25.00 Gift Certificate Giveaways!

The wonderful Denise Phillips of Bird Nuts Mixed Media has created another fabulous cake for you as well as a few other inspiring projects! In celebration of Valentine's Day and sharing the love, we are BOTH having a giveaway on our blogs for a $25.00 Retro Cafe Art Gallery Gift Certificate! SO you have two chances to win! Before we get to the giveaways, let's check out Denise's lovely pieces!

Denise used several Retro Cafe Art Gallery products to make her amazing Valentine's Day cake including Paper Mache  Boxes, Incredi-tape and sheets (to attach her papers), German Dresden (Fancy Silver Scalloped), Red German Glass Glitter, Silver German Glass Glitter, Stand-Up Bus Stop Lady, a Large Broken Heart, and Black Alpha Beads.

The topper is my favorite part! I love how she used the Large Broken Heart and Bus Stop Lady. Seriously brilliant!

Denise also created 2 projects usig the MEGA Circle Shrine Kit. Rather than making one shrine, she opted to use the pieces in another way! For the shrine above she used 2 of the shrine pieces along with Bus Stop Lady, Red German Glass Glitter, White Alpha Beads, Black Alpha Beads, Mini Bottle Caps (SO fun how she used them!), Silver Stickles, and the Small Heart Background Stencil (my favorite part!).

She cleverly displayed her shrine on a Clear Acrylic ATC Stand (not just for ATCs as you can see!).

Denise used the third piece of her MEGA Circle Shrine Kit to create this lovely work of art. It's a recycled CD case! So cool how the case is also the stand! She also used White Alpha Beads, Black Alpha Beads, and a 3" Distressed White Metal Heart.

Thank you Denise for the awesome love day inspiration! We have some love for YOU too in the form of TWO giveaways!

GIVEAWAY Details:

1. To enter a chance for the gift certificate on this blog, simply leave a comment on this post!

2. Next, hop on over to Denise's blog, where she will also be giving away a Gift Certificate. Sign on as a follower of her blog and leave a comment. Then you are entered in BOTH giveaways with two chances to win!

3. I will use a random number generator on February 10th to select the winner! Denise will do the same on her blog.
4. As you know I always like to sweeten the pot. If you are a winner on this blog and also a FACEBOOK fan I will make the Gift Certificate on my blog $40! Let me know in your comment.


There are also a few new goodies listed too including some lovely new Land of Enchantment Valentine's Day Collage Sheets and gorgeous new German Dresden in some hard to find colors and styles. And my new favorite, FUSCHIA! I'm proud to say we now carry 157 different types of German Dresden, and at great prices too!

Collage Sheet Giveaway Winners, New ATC Frames, and More!

Last week I posted some fabulous NEW Collage Sheets along with a giveaway and now it's time to pick the winners! Drum roll...

The winners are Blessed Serendipity, francine, Lizzieta, Trisha Bee, and Compass Rose! Congrats!
Please email me at RetroCafeArt@gmail.com to claim your prize and also let me know if you are a Facebook Fan when you do!

And in other fun news, we have 4 brand new Crow Stencils, which were requested by my friend Maryjo Mcgraw! You can never have too many crows.

We also have these fun new Valentine's Day Red Acrylic ATC Frames! Each set comes with 2 ATC Frames, the inserts, and some sweet hearts. Supplies are limited on these fun sets. I love how they are semi-transparent and the image underneath peeks through just a bit.

Here is a cute Valentine's Day ATC I made using the new 4 Crows Stencil and the new Valentine's Day ATC Frame. I started with a Masonite ATC Blank and attached one of the background images from Collage Sheet DP253 using Mod Podge. I painted the background lightly with white acrylic paint and then doodled lightly with pencil. Next I stenciled on the crow using red and black ink pads and Color Dusters. The Color Dusters work great with our stencils. I also used them to add the light brown in the background. You can build layers so your ink can be light (the brown) or darker (the crow). The other awesome thing about our stencils is that they are made from stencil board which is treated with oils to help absorb the ink and paint so you don't get feathering or bleeding out! To finish the piece I did more doodling with a fine Sharpie. Note, the string spells out "love" (you may have to turn your head a bit) and there is also a small heart which I filled with Silver Stickles, though the silver is difficult to see in the photo. Finally I attached the Red Frame using 1/8" Crystal Clear Double-sided Incredi-tape which worked beautifully and was totally invisible once attached! The finished ATC is displayed on a Masonite ATC Stand.

Be sure to check back in on Thursday. We have yet another fantastic dual giveaway. Denise just might be "baking" again for us! xoxo

20 BRAND NEW Collage Sheets, Alice in Wonderland Goodies, and a GIVEAWAY!

I'm beyond excited to announce a new line of Collage Sheets available in the shop! Gorgeous, colorful sheets created by the talented Cassandra VanCuren of Cassi's Creations! Cassandra is a long time friend, amazing artist, and all around sweet gal! Cassandra and I go way back, and come to think of it, she was one of the first online artists I ever swapped an ATC with! You should definitely check out her blog. She posts the most amazing eye candy! I'm thrilled to be working with Cassandra, and her sheets will be available exclusively at Retro Cafe Art Gallery. As always they are available in digital (jpeg) and paper formats!

Here are just a few of my favorites. There are 20 fabulous new sheets and you can see them all HERE!

Mermaids, Maries, Cakes, Borders, Words, Stages, Flowers, and more oh my...

And how about some art samples?

Design Team Member Jennifer Ingle whipped up this beautiful "Spoolie" using the new Rosey Marie Pink Collage Sheet, Pink Stickles, and a Memo Pin. Isn't she lovely? A huge thanks to Jennifer for making her so quickly too! I kind of sprung it on her last minute, but she handled it like a crafting pro!

I wanted to play too. When I saw the Alice in Wonderland ATC Collage Sheet they immediately reminded me of bottle labels. I knew right away I wanted to incorporate them with the Corked Vials. Of course the sheet makes great ATCs too!

I also knew I wanted a few embellishments to dangle off the bottle so Card Suit Charms were born! They look awesome in the red and black acrylic or you can get them in Masonite if you want to alter them yourself.

And what is an Alice in Wonderland bottle without a "Drink Me" tag? So I made some of those too! The font is pretty darn close to the tag in the original cartoon.

The Alice in Wonderland Tags come in a set of 4. Either two of each or 4 of one design!

And here is my finished Alice Bottle.


The bottle was really easy to make. I started by Shrinking down the Alice in Wonderland Collage Sheet and printing it out at 45% for the largest bottle in the Corked Vial set. After cutting out the image I peeled off one side of an Incredi-sheet, and placed my image on the sheet. I then cut out both layers, and was left with a perfect label sticker! I inked the edges of the image a bit, and then peeled off the backing of the Incredi-sheet and stuck the label on my bottle. Since the Incredi-sheet is double sided, permanent, and crystal clear, it worked like a DREAM to attach the label. (fun tip: you can decorate the back of your image prior to attaching the clear Incredi-tape, and your design will show when you are looking through the back of the bottle). Next, I tied a piece of cheese cloth to the top of my bottle (any ribbon or fiber would work). I attached the Drink Me Tag using a 7mm jump ring, simply pushing it through the cheese cloth. I also added a jump ring to the Card Suit Charm and then just for fun attached it to the cloth using a Mini Pin. Finally I filled my bottle with glitter! I plan to use the bottle as a cute, glitter storage container! Hope you enjoyed this mini tutorial!



I think you know what I'm going to say next - let's do a GIVEAWAY! We'll make this one a quickie!

1. Leave a comment on THIS post and let me know your favorite new Cassi's Creations Collage Sheet.
2. On Tuesday January 24th I'll use a random number generator to select FIVE winners to receive one of the new digital collage sheets!
3. If you are a winner and already a Facebook Fan, you'll receive TWO sheets! Go here to 'like" us. Let me know in your comment if you are a fan, and please only leave one comment.



You also have until the 29th to enter the Shadow Box Shrine Kit Giveaway if you haven't already, and until February 14th to enter the Valentine's Day Contest. Check out the awesome entries we have so far! xo

27 BRAND NEW Coffee Break Design Shadow Box Shrine Kits and a GIVEAWAY!

I'm excited to announce a BRAND NEW line of Coffee Break Design Shrine Kits - Shadow Box Shrine Kits! There are 27 different styles, each available in 3 different sizes. The styles are really fun, and best of all each comes with a clear acrylic front, so you can trap in loose treasures if desired! Below are just a few of my favorites...

 Pocket Watches

Gothic Arches

Gears and so many more...

Of course I couldn't wait to play with the new Shadow Box Shrine Kits! You can see a tutorial featuring the samples above right here.

I think this calls for a GIVEAWAY don't you?

1. Leave a comment on THIS post and let me know your favorite new Shadow Box Shrine Kit.

2. On Sunday January 29th I'll use a random number generator to select FIVE winners to receive a fabulous kit!!

3. If you are a winner and already a Facebook Fan, you'll receive TWO kits! Go here to 'like" us. Let me know in your comment if you are a fan, and please only leave one comment. Good luck!

Shadow Box Shrine Kit Tutorial

Introducing, Shadow Box Shrine Kits by Coffee Break Design! A new line in addition to our other Shrine Kits. These kits are special because then come with a clear acrylic front that easily mounts to the top frame. This means you can add your art in addition to loose objects if desired. You can add glitter, beads, watch parts, sequins, shells, sand, and so much more. Or you can just use them to protect your lovely work. They are even cooler in person. The acrylic is so clear that the pictures don't really do them justice. You have to try some Shadow Box Shrine Kits for yourself! Below I will show you what I did with a few of mine. While these were fun to design, they were even more fun to play with. I did the pieces below in just under 2 hours which included time for photos!

Here is a small sampling! There are 27 different Shadow Box Shrine Kits, each in 3 different sizes! They are available with our without a charm loop. Great for making necklaces, ornaments, charms, pins, and so much more.

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I started by assembling a medium Retro TV Shrine Kit (one of my favorites!). They are easily assembled with just a bit of glue (I used Mod Podge) and they come with instructions though you could probably figure it out on your own. It's super easy. First I painted my TV with some silver acrylic paint.
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Our Screen Sirens Collage Sheet is perfect for this kit! I cut out an image and attached it using Mod Podge. Tip: Prior to assembling your Kit, use the middle piece as a template to cut out your image. Lay it over the image and trace it. Another option is to roughly cut it out and glue it to the back piece before attaching the middle piece. I planned to paint the inside of the kit so gluing the image in after was a better option for me.

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Next I pulled out a few goodies to attach. Some watch parts, sequins, and small beads to glue in as the "knobs".

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The star sequins are not attached. The will more around freely within the shadow box once I attach my clear acrylic front.
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Remove the protective paper from the included acrylic front. If desired, clean with some glass cleaner prior to attaching. My piece ended up covered in glitter so it was necessary :).

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To attach the acrylic, add a small amount of clear drying glue to the small ledge on the front of the kit. I used a small amount of Diamond Glaze. If you squeeze too much out, blot with a paper towel before attaching your acrylic front.
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Drop in the acrylic piece and you are all set! Tip: If you have added loose objects within your shrine, resist the urge to shake it up until the glue has dried. This will prevent any of the loose object from sticking to the glue before it has dried!

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I wanted a necklace so I added a 7mm jump ring and some silver ball chain to complete the piece. The TV also makes a wonderful pin or brooch. You can purchase any of the Shadow Box Shrine Kits without a charm loop for this purpose.

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For my next piece I started with a medium Pocket Watch Kit. After assembling I colored it using Inca Gold Gilders Paste. I just brushed it on with my finger.

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Next I stamped it with some archival black ink.

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I layered the inside with the watch movement image from the Steampunk Parts Collage Sheet, and then added a Masonite Gear that was colored with Violet Gilders Paste.
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I added a Mini Masonite Gear (unpainted), and then attached my acrylic in the same way I did on the first piece. The Shadow Box Shrine Kits are the perfect depth for adding the two Masonite Gears. I love how it looks like an open face pocket watch!
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Finally I added a brass pin back using E6000.
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For this piece I stared with a small Coffin Kit. To color it I simply rubbed it around my archival ink pad! Easy!

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You can allow the ink to air dry or blast it with a heat gun.
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I shrunk down the skeleton image from the Skeleton Doll Collage Sheet, and printed him out on card stock.
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I mounted some red felt to the back of the coffin using Mod Podge (it doesn't have to be cut perfectly since you can kind of squish it in) and then using a bit of Mod Podge mounted my cut out skeleton and a Tiny Brass Crown to the inside.
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Attach the acrylic, add a jump ring, and done! For a fun 3-D look you can mount your cut-out on a foam mounting dot.
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For this piece I started with a large Square with Scalloped Edges Kit. I painted the frame a dusty rose with acrylic paint and then glued in an image of my grandmother on her wedding day. Isn't she beautiful! To finish the image I edged it with Silver Stickles. Make sure you let the Stickles dry fully before adding any loose objects and/or attaching the clear acrylic front!
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To finish the piece I included some loose dried rose petals from my grandmother's services and then attached the acrylic front. Finally I attached some adhesive pearls to the frame and added a silk ribbon through the charm loop for hanging. I now have a super sweet and special ornament keepsake.
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For my last piece I had something of a beach house in mind. I started with a medium House Shadow Box Shrine Kit and quickly painted it with white acrylic paint.
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I sprayed the painted house with several shades of Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist. I wanted a "blotchy" look to mimic water stains so I purposely sprayed it on thick and only in certain areas, blasting it with my heat gun to give it a water color, blotchy look. I did several layers until I was happy.
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The Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists adhered quite nicely to the painted shrine. And just look at that lovely shimmer!
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Next I added the mermaid image from the Sand and Sea Squares Collage Sheet.
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I finished the piece by adding some loose glitter and faux moss on the inside before attaching my clear acrylic front. And finally attached a small shell from a previous vacation using E6000.

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I hope you are inspired to play with some Shadow Box Shrine Kits. Trust me, they are addictive! I had a blast making these. As always feel free to use any tips, techniques, and/or designs shared in this tutorial! Happy Creating! xo