New Goodies + Two Fabulous Tutorials‏

Happy weekend everyone! We have some wonderful new goodies in the shop! SIX absolutely stunning Collage Sheets, Minis, Dresden, and more! The brand new Collage Sheets are super perfect with our new Chunky ATCs! If you like stunning backgrounds, you love the new sheets!

  CHECK OUT THE NEW GOODIES HERE

Find the entire Valentine's Day Section HERE.

And our Coffee Break Design Valentine Section for tons of unique products HERE.

Extra Savings: All Valentine's Day goodies are 15% off this week!

Art Time with Linda Cain!

An incredible Valentine Shadow Box by Design Team Member Linda Cain using several of our brand new goodies! We adore the depth she created using the Escutcheon Plate and wait until you see how she achieved her cool backgrounds in the box. Check out Linda's post for the full tutorial and some awesome techniques! http://cain81art.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-valentine-shadow-box.html

Art Time with Chrissy Colon!  

Feast your eyes on "Tabitha", an incredible Steampunk Santos Doll by Chrissy Colon! We are loving her fabulous patina finish, and amazing combination of materials. A glorious work of art Chrissy! 

Stop by Chrissy's blog for more stunning photos, information, and the full supply list!

http://www.thetwistedmuse.com/2016/01/meet-tabitha-steampunk-santos-doll.html#.Vp2EqTZ0WRs

Inspiration By Cat Kerr!  

We love how Design Team Member Cat Kerr "dressed" up our Cupid Charm. The gorgeous patina really brings out the details. So stunning Cat!

Brass Cupid Playing Mandolin Decoration: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_6883/Brass-Cupid-Playing-Mandolin-Decoration.htm

Inspiration By Sherry Matthews!

A fun little valentine with a wonderful Steampunk flair by Sherry Matthews! We really love the sentiment she used combined with the cool map background! Just lovely Sherry!

Layered Masonite Steampunk Heart Ornament: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_4971/Layered-Masonite-Steampunk-Heart-Ornament.htm

She Also Used Our Word Paper Cuts and Gears

More Valentine Inspiration!

Cupid Sticks are really fun to alter. This beauty is by Design Team Member Amy Nieman!

More New Valentine + House Shrine Tutorial by Cat Kerr‏

Happy weekend everyone! We have some fabulous new goodies in the shop! Tons of embellishments for your Valentine's Day projects and more! We're especially loving that CUTE stamp set. Perfect for so many projects. And OH MY those ADORABLE mini rings! They are vintage, and totally fabulous! Grab em' while you can! xoxo

  CHECK OUT THE NEW GOODIES HERE

Find the entire Valentine's Day Section HERE.

And our Coffee Break Design Valentine Section for tons of unique products HERE.

Art Time with Cat Kerr!

"Use Your Wings", an incredible House Shrine by Design Team Member Cat Kerr! We especially adore the way she created a nest inside the roof. And oh my, that texture! So stunning Cat! Grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage and find the full tutorial on Cat's blog: http://inthelightofthemoon.blogspot.com/2016/01/use-your-wings.html This is just one of Cat's fabulous process photos. Check out her post from MORE!

Inspiration By Gerri Herbst!  

Feeling the love with this super sweet vintage inspired valentine card by Design Team Member Gerri Herbst! Anyone else craving some chocolate? Such an adorable piece Gerri!

I Heart You Collage Sheet: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_3678/I-Heart-You-Collage-Sheet.htm

She Also Used Our Heart Cut Outs and Arrow Cut Outs

Inspiration By Amy Nieman!  

A sweet as can be wood magnet by Design Team Member Amy Nieman! We love her wonderful layers, and of course the message! Great piece Amy!

Victorian Dollie Collage Sheet: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_1684/Victorian-Dollie-Digital-Collage-Sheet.htm

She Also Used Collage Sheet SC10, Rectangle Blanks, and Round Magnets

Inspiration By Sherry Matthews!

"Empowered", an absolutely stunning assemblage piece by Sherry Matthews. We adore the stunning texture she created, and her brilliant combination of materials. Such a cool piece Sherry!

Fancy Flaming Heart Milagro Shrine Kit:

http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_1633/Fancy-Flaming-Heart-Milagro-Shrine.htm

Sandra Evertson's Relics & Artifacts Rising Spirit II:

http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_6331/Sandra-Evertson-RELICS-and-ARTIFACTS--Archival-Cast--Rising-Spirit-II.htm

More Valentine Inspiration! We love these little Valentine Minis by Design Team Member Linda Cain! Check out her post HERE.

New Chunky ATC Kits + a Tutorial + More‏

Happy weekend everyone! I'm super duper excited about this weeks goodies! Last week when I was designing the Basic Shadowbox Kits, I started thinking about Chunky ATCs and how much fun they are to create. I've been itching to work on some regular ATCs for a while, but I do like to go more of the assemblage route with my art, so the Brand New Chucky ATC Kits were born!!! BEST OF ALL, you can get them with a keyhole nail hanger on the back so you can hang them on the wall. I'm telling you, they are addicting! They are perfect for gift giving, swapping, selling, keeping, and more!

We also have some fun new Cut Outs in the shop, as well as new Dresden. I do love Dresden for Valentine's Day. Lots of the Dresden has been restocked too, so if you've been waiting for something, check out the Dresden Section! 

 

  CHECK OUT THE NEW GOODIES HERE

Find the entire Valentine's Day Section HERE.

And our Coffee Break Design Valentine Section for tons of unique products HERE.

Art Time!

 Chunky ATC Kit, Collage Sheet SC72, Brass Ornate Heart, Gold Dresden Arrow, Crowns II Cut Outs, Sunburst Cut Outs, Silver Faux Rhinestone Ribbon, Vintage Lace Keyhole Heart, Gold Fleur Dresden Border, Small Onomotoholes Stencil, Valentine's Day Word Paper Cuts, Diamond Glaze, Mod Podge, Sanding File Set, Sepia and Black Ink, Ink Blending Foam

I had so much fun playing with the New Chunky ATC Kit and I can't wait to make a ton more! Since it's the season, I went with a Valentine's Day theme, however you can use these kits for any theme under the sun. The options are LIMITLESS!

(Oh, and I put all of the ATC Products ON SALE! Woohoo!)

I started by picking out one of my favorite ATC Size Collage Sheets. That was the toughest part, since we have so many! I cut out pieces for the front and back and then I cut out a piece of scrapbook paper for the sides. 

This is one of my favorite parts about the kits. If you cut a piece of 12" scrapbook paper in the correct width (.75" in this case), it will wrap perfectly around the sides. I started my seam on the bottom center. (2.5" + 2.5" + 3.5" + 3.5" = 12" = awesome!)

After I attached my papers, I sanded, inked, and painted the edges. I stenciled on some circles too.

I really like the way my brass heart turned out. I painted the center with acrylic paint, added a paper cut word, covered the whole thing with Diamond Glaze, and while still wet, sprinkled in some glitter!

On the back I attached my Ornate Lace Heart. They are gorgeous folks! And I finished attaching my other bits.

I had a blast with this project, and I've found my love for ATCs once again! I can't wait to see what you guys come up with!
Happy Creating! xoxo 

Inspiration By Linda Cain!  

As a little treat, Design Team Member Linda Cain has put together a "Year in Review", highlighting some of her favorite Retro Café Art Gallery project tutorials! Her post links to each specific project she created. Grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage and enjoy! http://cain81art.blogspot.com/2016/01/2015-year-in-review-for-you.html

Inspiration By Amy Nieman!  

A wonderfully sweet mini journal page by Design Team Member Amy Nieman! We especially love how she used the butterfly button for a whimsical touch! Also note the faux rhinestone ribbon, adding awesome texture. So lovely Amy!
Santos Head Paper Cuts: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_4985/24-Santos-Art-Doll-Head-Paper-Cuts.htm
She Also Used Our Silver Faux Rhinestone Ribbon, Wood Butterfly Buttons, and Gelatos

Inspiration By Tracy Delisle!

We adore this cool Frida Shrine by Tracy Delisle! The textures are amazing, and Frida looks beautiful adorned with the flowers! So stunning Tracy!
ATC Elevated Shrine Kit: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_6087/Elevated-Shrine-Kit--Large-ATC.htm
She Also Used Our Frida Collage Sheet, Paper Flowers, and VerDay Paint Set

Inspiration By Cat Kerr!

Collect Beautiful Moments, by Design Team Member Cat Kerr. We love the way Cat combined our Basic Shrine Kits to create an amazing assemblage piece! The Sky's the limit! You can see more photos and purchase this piece in Cat's Etsy Shop too! (http://ow.ly/WXArB)
Basic ATC Shrine Kit: http://ow.ly/WXABu
Basic DOTD Shrine Kit: http://ow.ly/WXALu
Any of our new Basic Shrine Kits would work too! http://ow.ly/WXAYL
She Also Used Our Wood Butterfly Button, 3" Candlestick, Plastic Egg, Wood Spool, Glass Bottle, Gear Cut Out, Tiny Chipboard Numbers, and Figureheads

Free Collage Sheet Reminder!

In case you missed it, don't forget to grab your FREE Digital Collage Sheet! This sheet would work great with the new Chunky ATC Kits! Grab the sheet HERE.

More Valentine Inspiration!

This Mini Crown Shrine is definitely one of my favorites! And many of the techniques work perfectly with our new Basic Shadowbox Kits and Chunky ATCs! You can find the tutorial HERE.

8 Brand New Basic Shadowbox Shrine Kits + More‏

Happy weekend everyone! I'm really excited about our new Basic Shadow Box Shrine Kits! By request, I've added several new larger sizes, each in two different depths! The largest is a generous 8" x 10"! 

The deeper shrines are awesome for adding box feet! And of course they are all perfect for any theme! I can't wait to see what you guys come up with using these limitless kits! There are some new Valentine's Day goodies too!

  CHECK IT OUT HERE

Find the entire Valentine's Day Section HERE.

And our Coffee Break Design Valentine Section for tons of unique products HERE.

Art Time With Linda Cain!

Check out this gorgeous Valentine's Day Angel by Design Team Member Linda Cain! Stop by Linda's blog to learn her easy, brilliant secret for creating the lovely body! You'll find the full supply list too! So awesome Linda!

http://www.cain81art.blogspot.com/2016/01/its-time-to-make-valentines.html

Inspiration By Amy Nieman!  

We adore this super sweet ornament by Design Team Member Amy Nieman! Especially the lovely mini paper flowers!
Small Layered (not just for Christmas) Ornaments: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_6715/Small-Layered-Christmas-Ornaments--Set-of-4.htm
She Also Used Our Mini Paper Blooms and Collage Sheet SC16

Inspiration By Kim Heil!

These fantastic steampunk horses were created by Kimberly Heil! We love the way she cleverly combined her elements in these fabulously creative creatures. So wonderful Kimberly!
Carousel Horse Cut Outs: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_5128/Carousel-Horse-Cut-Outs--4-Pieces.htm
She Also Used Our Antique Skeleton Key Cut Outs, Gear Charms, and Metal Roses

Inspiration By Cat Kerr!

"Still Becoming", an incredible layout by Design Team Member Cat Kerr! The quote Cat used is especially perfect for the beginning of the new year! We're looking forward to a wonderful, creative 2016 with all of you! So inspirational Cat!
Butterfly Paper Cuts: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_2832/24-Butterfly-Paper-Cuts.htm

More Valentine Inspiration!

This crepe paper Vintage Valentine is still one of our favorites! You can find the fun tutorial HERE.

New Scalloped Heart Kits

Happy weekend and HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! We hope you had a safe and wonderful holiday. Here's to health, happiness, and endless creativity!

This week we put together some adorable Heart Ornament and Heart Magnet Kits. Each kit includes goodies to make 4 sweet pieces. And of course I had to test them out. LOVE THEM! 

  CHECK IT OUT HERE

Art Time!

Heart Ornament Kit, Heart Magnet Kit, Collage Sheet SC93, Peerless Watercolors, Mod Podge, Gold Signo Pen, White Signo Pen, Sepia Ink, Tiny Brass Crown Charm, Tiny Brass Heart Key Charm, Small Skeleton Key CharmThese sweet hearts were so easy to make. I started by coloring my watercolor paper hearts using peerless watercolors. They I stamped them, collaged them with the new SC93 Collage Sheet, and doodled on them with my Signos. I attached the cardstock hearts to the masonite using Mod Podge, and finally added some charms and bling!

Inspiration By Amy Nieman!  

Adorable Alice in Wonderland Magnets by Design Team Member Amy Nieman! This is a great project, with unlimited theme ideas. And we're loving the great shapes of the glass domes! So cool Amy!
Mod Podge Podgeable Shapes Glass Domes: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_6856/Mod-Podge-Podgeable-Shapes--Glass-Domes--6-Pieces.htm
She Also Used Collage Sheets DP271 & DP322, Modge Podge, and Round Magnets

Inspiration By Lisa Roulier Wiktorek!

We're staying warm by the fire with this gorgeous little assemblage piece by Lisa Roulier Wiktorek! We're loving all the fantastic details. Especially the little stockings hung with care. Just wonderful Lisa!
Fireplace Shrine Kit:
http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_5890/Fireplace-Shrine-Kit.htm
She Also Used Our Miniature Rag Doll, Miniature Fireplace Accessories, Miniature Candlesticks, and Miniature Ornaments

Inspiration By Lynn Stevens!

We adore this stunning fabric collage by Design Team Member Lynn Stevens! Her layering is awesome, especially the way she attached the Charlotte arms to the dollie image. We love the little flaming heart too! So stunning Lynn!
Hello Dollie Fabric Collage Sheet: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_415/Hello-Dollie-German-Doll-Heads-Collage-Sheet.htm
She Also Used Our Flaming Heart Tiny Trinket, Charlotte Doll Arms, Valentine Bingo Card, and Gold Dresden Angel Wings

More Inspiration By Amy Nieman!

An adorable dollie Valentine ornament by Design Team Member Amy Nieman! How sweet is the face in the center of the ornament. And the flourishes look beautiful as an accent. So pretty Amy!
Small Layered (not just for Christmas) Ornaments: http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_6715/Small-Layered-Christmas-Ornaments--Set-of-4.htm
She Also Used Our Hello Dollie Collage Sheet, Small Brass Crown, and Ornate Flourish Cut Outs

More Valentine Inspiration!

We love this Valentine Cupid Cameo by Design Team Member Linda Cain! You can find the full supply list HERE on Linda's blog!

This Large Heart Ornament is also a blast to play with. Lots of room for collage and embellishing!