i started the massive undertaking of reorganizing and sort my inventory from the home studio and our store on monday. can i just say OHMIGOD i have a lot of rubber!!

i visited ikea and bought a new storage cabinet to go with the fixture we brought home from the store and assembled it on monday night before the ‘big dig’ [as i like to call my re-org] began. it looks fabulous! it holds lots of inventory in clear bins and pristine white/silver ikea boxes plus it has great display potential with space for small art projects, mini-books and cards. love that!

i will be taking some pics of the ‘big dig’ results soon so you can see the massive improvement. i did forget to take pics of the before though… but just imagine 20 boxes of inventory, haphazardly placed store fixtures, cluttered studio table and boxes of giclee prints and mixed media artwork… not to mention the boxes of rubberstamps i had at home BEFORE i brought home MORE inventory!! wowsers!

so… here is a tease for the studio/warehouse sale. so far i have collected in 9 FACS boxes the following:

• 2 boxes of magazines - somerset, legacy, creating keepsakes, papertrends, scrapbook trends, cloth paper scissors, old and ends, and a few handmade altered art zines [these will be sold as a set]
• 2 boxes of art and craft books including books on painting techniques and faux finishes, book binding and journal making, altered books, knitting, interior design and paper crafting
• 1 box FILLED with UM rubberstamp sheets and general overstock. we’re talking discontinued christmas stamps for 65% off the regular retail price. yep… i’m blowing these suckers OUT. each quarter sheet will be $4, each half sheet will be $6 and full sheets for $12. crazy i know, but i gotta make room for new stamps!!
• 1 box of UM singles [and more to come] that will be put into grab bags for $10-15 each.
• 1 box of chipboard embellishments and other ’stuff’ for your artwork
• 1 box of odd and end embellishments, fabric, and ’stuff’

there will also be a bunch of my paper arts artwork from class samples for sale too. most of them are framed in cool 8×8 ikea frames and will sell starting at $15 each. all are signed and value for the frames alone is $9. so you will be getting some of my original artwork for cheap cheap =)

lots more to be done… will hopefully get some pics shot tomorrow evening of the new storage/display unit. i have BIG plans for this space and it’s really nice to see it starting to come together.

have a good day people =)

for my online image transfer class… this is the ultimate image transfer class and you will learn so many ways to transfer images that your head will literally spin with ideas and new projects!

previously, this class has only been available locally in vancouver at our store, but since our store is now officially closed, i am offering this class online for the first time.

the class start date was delayed due to my surgery, so… if you are interested in registering for my 6-week ultimate image transfer class - the art of transference ONLINE - please click on the link on the right and you too can be part of this innovative and exciting image transfer workshop.

complete class details and faqs are available here and here.

don’t miss out on the registering for this class… the class will not be repeated until october/november. registration closes June 30, 2008.

registration for the art of transference online class is now open.

registration closes midnight sunday june 22, no exceptions!

the class will not be available again until october 2008.

for complete class details please see the course outline and additional faqs!

i’ve received a few questions about the art of transference online class… so here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

Q: how much will the supplies cost for the class?

A: tough to say. it really depends on what you already have in your home studio. pricing for the class supplies should be in the neighbourhood of around $50 depending on what you already have and what you have to purchase. here is an outline of what you will need to have on hand for the course curriculum:

• 8oz Golden Soft Gel Medium - runs between $8-11
• 8oz Golden Heavy Gel - Matte or Gloss - runs between $8-11
• 8oz Golden Acrylic Gesso - $8-11
• small tube of light coloured acrylic paint - $2-10 depending on colour
• Costco Kirkland brand of glossy photopaper - 125 sheets for $25: http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135013
• Apollo Inkjet Transparencies Non-Fast Drying - 50 sheets for $22-28: http://www.amazon.com/Apollo-CG7031S-Inkjet-Printer-Transparency/dp/B0008GM20C
• 1-2″ cheap chip/bristle brushes - i get mine at home depot for $5 per bag of 5 brushes
• small bottle of rubbing alcohol - available at any pharmacy for $1-2
• 1 or 2 smallish atomizer/mister bottles - $1-2 dollars each
• packing tape: dollar store $1
• Chartpak Blender Pen: Colorless Blender $1.95 - OPTIONAL Item if you are sensitive to smells
• Nail polish remover $1-2
• receiving surfaces will vary and i encourage you to use what you already have… but suggestions for surfaces will include watercolour paper, fabric, unpolished stone tiles, metal flashing, plexiglass etc. there should be minimal addition cost with this aspect of the class since I’m teaching you how to transfer on what you likely already have around your art/craft room.
• printable image transfer sheets will be provided and available for download from the private blog. you can download and print the transfer sheets yourself and everyone will have access to the same images.

Dick Blick has really good pricing and they deliver to your door! I get alot of my gesso, paint and mediums from DB or locally from a manufacturer of acrylic mediums in vancouver called Kroma.

Q: when printing my images for the transferring class, what kind of printer should I be using?

A: for printing inkjet prints, I recommend that you use a pigment based ink system like that of the Epson Durabrite system. you will also need to have access to a laserprinter/copier for colour and b/w prints. If you don’t have your own, you can use any Kinkos, Office Depot, copy shop to print your laser/toner images.

Q: is the polaroid stuff still available?

A: the polaroid stuff is still available in limited supply and the DayLab Copy System is what I use to ‘print’ the photo before transferring.

polaroid film is now being looked at by Ilford and Fuji film for continued production, so it may become more readily available in the longterm.

this component of the curriculum does not dictate that you HAVE to do polaroid transfers… its mainly a demo and information session for people who are interested in this older transferring process as opposed to newer medium/h20 and alcohol based transfers. i discuss the pros and cons of the polaroid, do multiple video demos and art samples, etc.

there is NO EXPECTATION that you as students must run out and buy an expensive polaroid system or film… however those who are interested in polaroid transfer will probably find that this part of the curriculum will help them to decide whether they want to pursue it artistically or not. it’s a pricey process, but the rewards are pretty amazing!

Q: i sometimes work slowly, is this going to be a problem? what if i can’t keep up?

A: the course is designed as a self-paced program load. the main thing is to get you doing transfers successfully, repeatedly and with confidence.

if you only do a few transfers using the techniques I’ve taught you and your good with that, then that is cool with me. however… there will be encouragement to try specifically designed art projects with image transfer and opportunity to share those projects created with your transfers. it’s totally up to you how much, or how little you do.

Q: what happens if i miss a class or two?

A: the content on the private site will remain active and available for up to 30 days following the last class. everything will be downloadable, so you can always save and review the lesson plans at a later date.

I hope that clarifies a few of your questions. feel free to email or contact me with any additional questions not covered in the above q & a

hello!

i have some exciting educational news to share with you… since our store and rubydog’s art house is closing in the next 3-4 weeks, i’m going to have limited opportunities to teach classes directly to my students and customers. so, with that in mind, i have decided to offer my locally taught, consistently sold-out, Art of Transference class ONLINE!

yes! you better believe it! this class, up until now, has only been available to local vancouver area residents and to a few lucky people in toronto. however, with the internet and my vastly enhanced video capabilities [my flip camera lol!] i can now offer my art of transference class to anyone interested in taking it, from anywhere in the world. technology is cool.

Art of Transference Online Class:

Image transfer is a much used technique in mixed media, collage, paper and memory arts today. Through my image transfer teaching experience, I have learned that image transfer techniques need to be learned VISUALLY to ensure success. In this ‘all you ever wanted to know about image transfer’ class you will learn how to make your own image transfers using 10 DIFFERENT techniques covered over 6 weeks. Throughout the series you will be transferring provided vintage images and stock photography onto a variety of surfaces including watercolour paper, vintage paper, tile, fabric and metal using different mediums and techniques.

This workshop includes lots of video demos of techniques and encourages hands-on time for student to experiment with new techniques or perfect ones you may already know. And as a group, we will discuss ways to incorporate image transfer into your artwork, memory projects, ideas for gift giving and more.

NOTE: this is a technique/process-based class where you will create a large number of samples. Also please note that one method of transfer produces STRONG fumes. If you are sensitive or allergic to chemical smells, please consider this carefully before signing up for the workshop.

Class fee: $65 CAD (6 weeks)

here are the details…

• registration for the Art of Transference ONLINE class begins june 14 june 6 and will remain open until june 22, or until the maximum ‘classroom’ capacity is reached.
• please click on the ‘pay now’ button in the right column to complete your payment and registration before june 22 to be included in this first session of the Art of Transference ONLINE class.
• the first class will begin on june 30 with the first technique workshop and will include:
  • a downloadable PDF handout with supply list, step by step instructions and photo-support
  • BONUS downloadable PDF image transfer sheets with vintage images and stock photography. new sheets will be provided each week.
  • a comprehensive, high quality quicktime video tutorial for each technique covered plus supplementary videos where appropriate
  • an online chat to discuss problems/successes and project ideas for weekly technique(s).
    date and time to be determined based on student poll
  • access to private flickr student gallery and discussion board where students can submit their class examples and the projects
• classes will be held through an online, password-secured blog.
  after completing and payment for your registration is received, you will be given access to the blog with a provided login id and password.
• payment: all online class payment is through paypal. paypal now accepts credit card payments in addition to paypal account payments, so if you do not currently have a paypal account don’t worry. the transaction process is easy and relatively painless =)
• refunds: refunds will only be processed up to 24 hours before the first class is launched on june 30. all refunds requested after 12:00am, june 29th, 2008 will be denied.

planned course curriculum outline [this may be subject to minor schedule changes]:

• week 1: b/w and colour toner based transfers part i - 2 techniques
• week 2: b/w and colour toner based transfers part ii - 2 techniques
• week 3: inkjet transfers using acrylics part i - 2 techniques
• week 4: inkjet transfers using acrylics part ii - 2 techniques
• week 5: inkjet transfers using alternate solutions - 2 techniques
• week 6: polaroid image transfers - 2 techniques

IMPORTANT NOTE: This class will not be repeated until october 2008. please register today if you wish to take part in this first session.

so that is the scoop my friends. i hope that by offering this workshop series online, that i am giving more artists an opportunity to acquire new skills and empowering them with techniques that can bring new excitement to their artwork.

see you in class!

hey gang…

a number of you have ordered the calendared vinyl that kal used at inspired through us. we’ve had a slight delay and will not be shipping your orders until next week. the initial batch of product was flawed and they are sending me new product to cover the bad batch initially sent to me. i expect it in hand on monday or tuesday this coming week. so hang in there, it’s on it’s way…

also… i’ve not been able to get my other shipping out this past week as initially planned, due to a ridiculous work schedule. i normally ship on wednesday and take the 2 hours out of my day to ship orders through point roberts, washington. unfortunately i’ve been working on some major deadlines and wasn’t able to go earlier in the week as planned. then, and here’s the real kicker, my right eye has been pretty much swollen shut since thursday and i can’t drive. nice.

i have this chronic eye condition called blepharitis which affects my upper eyelids. it is extremely uncomfortable and adversely affects my vision due to major eyelid swelling. it’s caused by stress and man, have i had a lot of that in the last 7 days!  i know i know… more information than you wanted to know, but i did want you to know that if you’re waiting on an order, it’s ready to go. the main delay is that the eye condition affects my depth perception and i just can’t drive safely at the moment. once i get this flare up in my eye sorted out, i’ll be well enough for the 2 hour round trip drive into the usa.

so thanks for your patience… i appreciate it! hang in there, your orders are coming out just as soon as I can get across the border. thanks!

hey gang…

anyone interested in taking my textile anthology workshop in the vancouver area? if so… i’m teaching at clipper street in coquitlam on saturday april 26 from 11am to 3pm.

this class will be kitted with the floragraphix fabric seen in the sample below and will include a super cool image transfer technique that can be later used with your own photos!

there are a few seats left in the class, so if you’re interested, please contact clipper street today and register. see you on saturday =)

colour me happy!

the amazing and talented ali edwards’ latest blog post mentions me and my textile anthology class from inspired. can i just say one thing… woot!!

it’s so cool to get mention on the creative miss ali’s blog. thank you, thank you, thank you!

ali also posted about my etsy kits. there are only a few left at the moment, but never fear… more are on their way! i just have to figure out how many additional ones i can squeak out of my current fabric stash [there will be lots of the floragraphix ones very soon…] and will post them throughout the week. i also just restocked on all my seed beads - 200 vials in 8 yummy colours - so kits will be hitting etsy very soon!

thanks for looking and checking out the blog… have a great day =)

there are so many possibilities for these wonderful textile anthology fabric projects… here are a few examples for your consideration:

using large grommets and your crop-o-dile punch, create binding holes along the left edge of your fabric page so that it can be included in a traditional binder album like a maya road chipboard binder. this is a great addition to any paper based scrapbook album since it infuses unique textures and tactile qualities of fabric into your memory project.

use grommets and fasten multiple textile anthology pages together with binder rings to create a 100% fabric book. yummy!

add grommets to both sides of your main page and add additional fabric pages to the sides to create an accordion album! so cool and infinitely touchable.

make two fabric panels that are the same size, then create two narrow sides panels and a bottom panel that when stitched or fastetned together make a ’soft’ box! this is so great for holding collectibles and memorabilia in a baby’s room or as a gift for grandparents…

more ideas and photos will be coming soon!

i’m all jazzed up about making more of these touchable, lovable and huggable fabric projects. i just can’t stop touching all my fabrics and embellishments… it’s a bit of an addiction lol!

i’m off to the quilting store again this afternoon to pick up more lovely fabrics and then this weekend will be spent stitching new projects and sifting through my embellishments so that i can put together the most wonderful textile anthology kits. ahhhh… nothing like a little enabling huh?

since the first etsy kits are nearly sold out [wow! that was fast…] i thought i would add a few more to the mix in different colour palettes.

each kit will come with the same basics [see the etsy listing for complete details] and the embellishments will be adjusted to coordinate with the colour palette of the foundation fabrics. here are the new kit colour ways:

just a reminder…

these kits do not come with the image transferring transparencies, fluid medium or transfer fabric. the textile anthology kits are made up of the patterned fabric seen here plus coordinating embellishments including thread, beads, ribbon, buttons, silk flowers, batting, image transferred graphics and interfacing.

tomorrow, i’ll post some additional images and ideas about how to use these wonderful, textured and tactile fabric pages… in the meantime, happy stitching!

p.s.: i have amy butler fabric arriving in about 2 weeks from her new spring collections. these will be posted in my etsy store shortly after they arrive. thanks!