Blog Candy Winners!

Drum roll please.....

and the winner of the lovely eyelet set is number 18 scarycheri!!!!

and because it's Halloween I wanted to give out a few more treats so I let the random number generator pick 2 more winners to receive a digital collage sheet.

Those winners are number 6 crooked heart art~ tabby and number 98 altered rounte.

Thanks for playing! I just might have another eyelet set to give away next month so check back!

On another note, today at work we had a pumpkin decorating contest. Each department had one to decorate, and my department - Therapy won first place! Below is our spider pumpkin. Yes, her body is the pumpkin, which was painted black and covered with glitter spray. It was my first time altering a pumpkin!

But what I'm really in love with are the babies. I saved one to keep at my desk :). Happy Halloween!

Frozen In Time

I finally had a chance to play with the XXX Small Frozen Charlottes, and this necklace is what I came up with. It's called "Frozen In Time" (the "Bezel" is a watch case) and it's listed HERE on my site. The tiny doll is set in glass-like resin :).

I also listed a few pair of arms and legs and an Xlarge doll head here.

UTEE Fun

My friend Bianca showed me a few tricks with UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel) on Friday, and this is what I made! I loved using it with the Memory Frames! You simply tape the frame on top of a rubber stamp, pour in the melted UTEE, and rub with perfect pearls after it is cool enough to remove from the stamp! The small cab was done in a similar way, but with a cookie cutter. I just LOVE the texture and it's SO easy. Thanks Bianca!

German Inspiration :)

The above art is by mixed media artist Beth Quinn! For your inspiration, I've added a whole gallery of her lovely work to the site! See it HERE!

German Dolls and Parts!

I've just added LOTS of GORGEOUS antique German Dolls and parts to the site. Frozen Charlottes in SEVEN sizes, Frozen Charlies, Hand-painted German Doll heads and MORE! I'm completely enamored with these and didn't want to let them go, but I'm certain you'll give them good homes!

All excavated from the grounds of old German doll factories.

These beauties date back from 1880-1900!

Please note: some of them are in limited supply so get them now :).

You can find them all HERE!

The story of frozen Charlotte and frozen Charlie: It is said that these dolls were named after an old poem, which the author based on a story read in the newspaper. In the poem, dear Charlotte and Charles set off in a carriage to attend a New Year’s Eve ball. The night was frigid, and Charlotte’s mother begged her to put on a coat. The vain Charlotte refused as she didn’t want to wrinkle her dress. When they arrived to the ball, Charles extended his hand, only to find that she had frozen to death. The mourning Charles soon died of a broken heart.
In Germany, these small porcelain dolls were also baked into Christmas cakes and puddings. The lucky child who found the doll was entitled to a prize!

Blog Candy Giveaway - "Eye"let Candy!

(Click on the photo for a larger view)

Okay, this is one giveaway you will DEFINITELY want to enter - Courtesy of Coffee Break Design.

I have for you an INCREDIBLE eyelet setting kit full of scrumptious eyelets that have been discontinued! If you win, you will get:
An eyelet setter, THREE leather punches, and 1200 unique eyelets (these are EZ set aluminum eyelets that set beautifully and don't split on the backs)

the types and shapes of eyelets include heart mixture, angel mixture, triangle mixture, teddy bear mixture, halloween mixture, pastel yellow, star mixture, diamond mixture, lavender mixture, square mixture, butterfly mixture, and holiday mix.

To Enter the drawing: Post about this giveaway on your blog and link back to my blog (a giveaway like this should be shared), and then leave me a comment.

I will draw one lucky winner (using a number randomizer) on Oct. 31st, Halloween! Trick or Treat?

xoxo,

Kristin

And...

Soldered Necklace

Tim Holtz Idea-ology

I just finished listing some yummy products from the Tim Holtz Idea-ology line on my site. Below are just a few of the goodies. See them all HERE!

I've also listed several of the Memory Frames and glass HERE. Supplies are limited right now, but I'll be stocking up again soon.

Altered Tin Swap

I made this little piece for an altered tin swap I have this weekend for Indiana Altered Arts. I used an Altoids tin and some things I had laying around my studio.

The outside of the tin in textured and aged like so. Doesn't it look like burnt marshmallows? Makes me want some s'mores!

Shop For the Cure

I wanted to share this gorgeous tag made by the talented and strong Sherry Smyth using the Lucy collage sheet. Sherry has a blog called Shop for the Cure and all proceeds from sales will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Be sure to stop by Sherry's blog, say hi, and maybe purchase some lovely art for a noble cause.

Weekend of Vending and Crafting

What a weekend! Here's my set-up at the Indieana Handicraft Exchange and the Harrison Center for the Arts. I had a blast selling my jewelry, and met SEVERAL fantastic artists and crafters. We were also graced with live music throughout the event. I can't wait for next year!

Friday night was VERY busy!

Moi. Now you see why I've been quiet lately. I didn't even have enough room on my table for all my stuff!

Indieana Handicraft Exchange

I know I've been a bit quiet lately, but I've been preparing for this upcoming craft fair! I'll be selling my jewelry (typewriter key, resin, etc.) and I've been a busy bee making lots and lots. The fair will be really cool - basically everything you would find on Etsy. The woman who started the fair is trying to make it similar to The Renegade Craft Fair that takes place in Chicago each year. Here is more info:

Far removed from your grandmother’s craft fair, the Handicraft Exchange is a bizarre bazaar, featuring handmade wooden rings, fanciful undergarments, custom vintage-inspired western wear, plush animals, hand-screened rock and roll poster art, and much more. The fair is free to the public and will open in conjunction with IDADA’s hugely popular First Friday event. Raffle tickets will be sold for $2 each for a chance to win prizes donated by vendors and event sponsors. Patrons are being asked to bring a children's art or craft book or supply for donation at the door. In return, they will receive an additional raffle ticket for each item. All patron donations and raffle proceeds will go to local public school art programs and the Marion County Children's Guardians Home.

Indieana Handicraft Exchange

Friday, October 3 - 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday, October 4 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

@ The Harrison Center for the Arts

1505 North Delaware Street

Indianapolis, IN 46202

I'll post pictures when I can!

Thanks Roni!

The very sweet Roni of Ink Stains (also a fellow hoosier) picked me for this award! You really must check out her blog - she features lots of new products and techniques, sure to inspire! And of course her own art is very lovely!

Now for the easy part, I only have to pick one person to pass this on to. Does that really make it easier? One? Oh my! Well, I adore all of the blogs to the right, but my choice is Sherry Smyth of Espirit D' Art. She's always extra sweet to me! Be sure to stop by her beautiful blog and say hi!

New Gothic Arch Shrine Kits

I'm really excited about these new gothic arches! They were created special for a swap through Indiana Altered Arts, and I am now very pleased to bring them to you!

Here are mine in action - I found the small clips to be a great help in holding the pieces together as the glue dried. I must say these were a blast to make, and best of all you will get 4 shrines for just 5.00! They make fantastic ornaments too.

These beauties were created by Ariane Cagle and Bianca Mandity. I received them in the swap. Lucky me!

These were the pieces I created. I also used the Happy Hallow II Collage Sheet.

You can get your Gothic Arch Shrines HERE!

Exciting News - New Collage Sheet Paper Choices!

I'm excited to announce that Retro Cafe Art Gallery now has FIVE paper choices for the collage sheets! I'm most excited about the new FABRIC sheets and the new sticker paper! Here is more information about each paper type that is now offered.

Semi-gloss Paper: Laser printed on 32# premium semi-gloss paper. This is a thicker paper, perfect for gluing. Images are bright and crisp.

Transparency Film: Laser printed on high quality transparency film. Perfect for layering images!

Fabric Sheets: Inkjet prints on white cotton fabric. Ready to sew onto your project. Fabric sheets will be shipped with a removable backing to keep your sheets sturdy and happy until you're ready to use them. They are not machine washable. You will LOVE these!

Sticker Paper: Laser printed on matte white sticker paper. Sticker paper is thick and durable, with adhesive backing on one side. You will still have to cut out each image; however you can simply peel away the backing and stick to your project. No glue required! A great way to speed up your projects, not to mention your images won't bubble from too much glue.

Vellum: Laser printed on premium white translucent vellum. Be sure to try sewing vellum onto a project. It's lovely!


The sticker paper is also very cool! You still have to cut the images out, but then you can just peel away the backing and stick on your project! SO easy!

SALE! In honor of the new paper types, from now until Oct. 1st if you spend $20 or more on collage sheets (any type) I'll include 2 FREE semi-gloss sheets of your choice. Just leave me a note in the comment section when you order to tell me which sheets!

See all the sheets HERE!

Bird Trinkets

Check out the ADORABLE art Karen Brown (aka Kaz) created with the bird trinkets! As Kaz pointed out, these would make great Christmas ornaments. You can get them HERE.

New Design Team and Guest Artist Art!

Check out these GORGEOUS samples!