What's In Your Journal?

Yesterday was another fun day in the Workshop as everyone welcomed Rebecca Janousek and her beautiful Art Journaling to CraftFusion.  With paints galore, pens at the ready, and all sorts of other goodies ready to make their blank pages sparkle, everyone went to work.  When the Workshop finished, all of those blank pages had been transformed into nothing short of true works of art.  Here are a few behind the scenes . . .

Rebecca in her "before" shot at the ready for her eager students!

Left:  Holly Mulder & Sherrie Moore listen intently as Rebecca

shares some of  her secrets

Right:  Holly proudly shows off her work in progress

 

Left: Sherrie Moore smiles brightly as she applies paints

to her journal page

Right: Rebecca offers up more tips & tricks

The "After" Shot . . . everyone proudly displays their art

(left to right) Rebecca Janousek (teacher); Holly Mulder;

Sylvia Rivera; Sherrie Moore

If you missed out on the fun yesterday, be sure to make your plans now to join Rebecca in her Command Performance of this exciting Workshop on Saturday, June 18th.  You really don't want to miss it!

And if you want to learn even more tips and techniques for your Art Journaling, be sure to make your plans to join Rebecca for her "Art Journaling Summer Camp", Wednesday through Friday, June 15th - 17th.  Come and get a little messy, learn a lot of new techniques . . . or brush up on old ones . . . in a creative atmosphere, and generally have some great fun!  Check the Website for all the details, but don't wait too long to save your seat . . . they won't last long!

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads behind Bank of America

(located next to Catherine's & King Buffet)

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday

www.craftfusionaz.com

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Messy Hands & Big Smiles = Fun Times!

We're still savoring the excitement of having our VSG (Very Special Guest), Dina Wakley, in the CraftFusion Workshop last Saturday.  Everyone was all smiles and had loads of fun while creating beautiful art in their journals.

Dina demonstrates one of her techniques

Dina shares information with the group

Jerilyn Olson (L) & Sheri Kempe (R)

Pat Taviss

Diane Kundrat (L) & Gayl Staffler (R)

Ellen Castenelli (L) & Debi Sprouse-Fierro

Patty Mowery

Photos courtesy Sylvia Rivera

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads behind Bank of America

(located next to Catherine's & King Buffet)

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday

www.craftfusionaz.com

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Play Day with Shawn . . .

"Gather"
Mixed Media Collage Workshop

with Shawn Petite

Cost: $60.00 (includes lunch)

* * * *

Saturday  -  October 17, 2015

10:00am – 3:00pm
   

ONLY  1  SPACE LEFT!  Join Shawn in another popular and exciting Workshop!  In this Workshop, you’ll explore and play with all of the new products from the DecoArt Media line – modeling pastes, texture sand, crackle paste, crackle glaze, and antiquing creams.  You’ll also have the chance to experience with fluid acrylic and DecoArt Media misters.  You’ll have lots of practice and play time as you work on several practice pieces.  Then you’ll create and complete your final piece, “Gather”, with all the knowledge you’ve gained from your practice time.  Shawn will provide all the DecoArt Media products you’ll need to create your masterpiece, as well as plenty of stencils, stamps, papers, and other basics so your finished piece will truly be unique and one-of-a-kind.  But if you have something special you’d like to include in your piece . . . a special paper, stamp, stencil, or color of paint you’d just love to use . . . please bring it!  Designed for all skill levels, this Workshop is perfect for all Crafters from beginner to advanced.  SEATING IS LIMITED TO ONLY 10 STUDENTS, and is already beginning to fill up, so call right away to save your space and be prepared to have a truly creative experience!
     

Supplies to Bring:  Basic Craft Kit (BCK) including CRAFT SHEET or mat; HEAT GUN; and anything special you’d like to include in your finished piece.  All other supplies and materials will be provided.

 

     

     *  *  * ONLY  1  SPACE  STILL  AVAILABLE!! * * *

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads behind Bank of America

(located next to Catherine's & King Buffet)

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday

www.craftfusionaz.com

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It's Time to Get Your "Spooky" On!

“Halloween Laboratory” Workshop

with Charmaine

Saturday ~ October 3, 2015     10:00am – 4:30pm

Cost:  $75.00  (includes lunch)
     

It's almost Halloween and what better time to join Charmaine in her newest Workshop as you create your own unique "spooky" laboratory!  With skeletons and magic potion bottles galore, you'll have fun customizing your laboratory just as you like, making it truly one-of-a kind.  The perfect decoration for the person who loves Halloween . . . a little bit of spookiness with just a hint of whimsy.  You'll also learn techniques for creating an aged and rusted look for the outside of your shadowbox to give it a vintage spooky charm using products from the DecoArt Media line.  Everything you'll need to successfully complete your shadowbox will be provided, but you're invited to bring any special pieces of ephemera, jewelry, buttons, or charms you'd like to use to make your finished project truly unique.  When completed, your shadowbox will be the perfect addition to any decor, whether you decide to hang it on a wall or sit it on a shelf.  Make your reservations early because SEATING IS LIMITED TO 8 students only, and this Workshop is already on it's way to filling up!  Call now to save your space and don’t miss your chance to create this unique holiday project!  (Designed for the intermediate to advanced crafter)

Supplies to Bring:  Basic Craft Kit (BCK), including craft sheet; heat gun; paper trimmer; scissors; X-Acto knife (or similar); brayer; ruler; pencil; Glossy Accents; your favorite wet and dry adhesives (i.e. tape runner, Scor-Tape {1/2" or 5/8" & 1/8"}, etc.); and your favorite ink to give a vintage look (suggested colors - Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, or your favorite brown) with blending tool and foams.  All other materials and supplies will be provided, but if you have something special you'd like to add to your project, please feel free to bring it with you.

Call now to save your space . . . only 3 seats left!!

  

  

Stop in and check out the project sample . . .

if you're a Halloween fan, this is the
perfect project for you!

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads behind Bank of America

(located next to Catherine's & King Buffet)

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday

www.craftfusionaz.com

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Come & Play With Shawn!

"Rigid Wrap"
Mixed Media Collage Workshop

with Shawn Petite

Cost: $60.00 (includes lunch)

* * * *

Saturday  -  September 26, 2015

10:00am – 3:00pm
   

 
ONLY  1  SPACE LEFT!  Join Shawn for another exciting, textural, grungy Workshop!  In this Workshop, you’ll play with creating texture with Rigid Wrap, a versatile, high-quality plaster gauze product made to the specifications of artists and craftspeople.  You’ll play with creating texture on tags, journals, a mini piece, then move on to creating your own, unique masterpiece.  You’ll have the opportunity to create freely while learning the techniques needed to make your one-of-a-kind sculpted piece.  In addition, you’ll learn how to create composition, best paint your texture, and how to seal and create incredible focal points and backgrounds, all of which you’ll want to use in many of your future projects.  There’ll also be an assortment of papers and vintage ephemera to use, but if you have something special you’d like to include in your piece . . . a special paper, stamp, stencil, or color of paint you’d just love to use . . . please bring it!  Designed for all skill levels, this Workshop is perfect for all Crafters from beginner to advanced.  SEATING IS LIMITED TO ONLY 8 STUDENTS, and is already beginning to fill up, so call right away to save your space and be prepared to have a truly creative experience!

Supplies to Bring:  Basic Craft Kit (BCK) including CRAFT SHEET or mat; and HEAT GUN.   In addition, if you'd like to bring any special paints, stamps, or stencils you'd like use, as well as any special papers or ephemera you’d like to include in your finished piece, please bring them with you.  All other supplies and materials will be provided.

 

     

   *  *  * ONLY  1  SPACE  STILL  AVAILABLE!! * * *

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads behind Bank of America

(located next to Catherine's & King Buffet)

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday

www.craftfusionaz.com

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Join Us For Some Fun!

“Altered Wine Bottles” Workshop

with Charmaine

Saturday ~ August 22, 2015

10:00am – 3:00pm

Cost:  $40.00

Whether if you're cleaning up after a backyard barbeque with family and friends or from a special event, you probably have a few empty wine bottles left over.  Usually, most of us wouldn't give them a second thought and would just dispose of them in the trash or recycling bin and be done with them.  But if you were to take just a minute to look at them with the creative side of your brain, what would come to mind?  What would or could you create?  Where would you start?  If you take just a minute and think outside the box, those glistening, empty bottles are actually blank canvases, challenging your artistic talents.  Join Charmaine as she invites you to do just that!  Follow along as she guides you in the application of an ordinary household item to create a beautiful "faux" leather look you'll be able to repeat on any surface.  You'll also learn techniques in applying acrylic paints and highlights to create depth and dimension that you'll want to use in many of your future projects.  Seating is LIMITED TO ONLY 8 students, so call early to make your reservations because you won't want to miss a minute of this fun and creative Workshop!

       
Supplies to Bring:  Craft sheet or mat; scissors; and your favorite wet craft adhesive that DRIES CLEAR (The Ultimate works well) or hot glue gun.  If you'd like to customize your bottle with a favorite color acrylic paint or embellishment, please feel free to bring them along.  All other supplies and materials will be provided.

  

Stop in to see the project sample . . .

you won't believe the difference from start to finish!

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads behind Bank of America

(located next to Catherine's & King Buffet)

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday

www.craftfusionaz.com

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We're Dylusional!!

The new Dylusions Paints from Ranger and Dyan Reaveley are unlike all other paints . . . and we have them!  Designed to Dyan's specifications, these new paints are easily blendable, yet waterproof, and dry quickly to a matte finish. In 12 gorgeous and vibrant colors, they're the perfect compliment to the complete line of Dylusions Ink Sprays.  Dylusions Paints come in a two ounce jar with a wide opening perfect for art tools, brushes, and even fingers, and clean up easily with soap and water.

You'll definitely want to add Dylusion Paints to your crafting arsenial, but you'll need to hurry . . . they're going fast!

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads behind Bank of America

(located next to Catherine's & King Buffet)

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday

www.craftfusionaz.com

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New From Shawn . . .

"Texture, Texture, Texture!"
Mixed Media Collage Workshop

with Shawn Petite

Cost: $65.00
(includes lunch)

* * * *

Saturday  -  June 27, 2015

10:00am – 3:00pm

     

ONLY  1  SPACE LEFT!  Join Shawn in another great Mixed Media Collage Workshop!  In this exciting Workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to play with every kind of texture, embossing, modeling, and crackle paste on the market today . . . as well as drywall compound!  You’ll get to see how each performs on a substrate, see how they dry, and what types of sealers and layers you can combine with each medium.  Once you get the basics down, you’ll have time to create your own unique masterpiece from start to finish.  You’ll also be using found objects, paper ephemera, and just about anything else that can be placed into drywall compound!  Many of the tips and techniques you learn in this Workshop will also work well with your art journals, tags, cards, and other original art, making it the perfect art form for everyone.  Shawn will provide a rainbow of acrylic paints, pens, and pastels for your use, along with stacks of stencils and buckets of stamps, and all the texture pastes & compounds you’ll be using.  There’ll also be an assortment of papers and vintage ephemera that you’ll need, but if you have something special you’d like to include in your piece . . . a special paper, stamp, stencil, or color of paint you’d just love to use . . . please bring it!  Designed for all skill levels, this Workshop is perfect for all Crafters from beginner to advanced.  SEATING IS LIMITED TO ONLY 8 students, and is already almost full, so call right away to save your space so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!
     

Supplies to Bring:  Craft sheet or mat and heat gun.  In addition, you’ll also need to bring a palette knife (you won’t be able to create without it); any special paints, stamps, or stencils you want to use; any special papers or ephemera you’d like to include; and any special items you’d like to embed in your finished piece (keys, feathers, buttons, metal, etc.).  All other supplies and materials will be provided.

     

   *  *  * ONLY  1  SPACE  STILL  AVAILABLE! * * *

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads behind Bank of America

(located next to Catherine's & King Buffet)

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday

www.craftfusionaz.com

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Between the Pages . . .

Several months ago we discovered a few posts of Challenges from our "ATC Workshop & Swap" Group that hadn't make their way to the Blog.  So, in an attempt to correct this oversight, and with apologies to the artists, here's the next installment in the series of what we'd like to call "The Forgotten Posts" . . .
     
Have you visited a library lately?  Are you familar with the area where old, discarded books are kept, usually sold for a dollar or less?  A lot of us these days do our reading on our computers or Kindles, so while these old books might seem like useless objects to some, to an artist they can easily be altered into glorious and fantastic works of art.  They might become the starting point for a wonderful album or maybe the start of an exciting art journal . . . the possibilities are endless!  When you look at an old book and you're told "be creative", what comes to your mind?  What would you create?  Where would you start?  That was the Challenge given at our "ATC Workshop & Swap Challenge" Group last November.  If you take a just minute and "think outside the box", each old book is actually just blank pages begging for all sorts of artistic touches.  Take a look at some of the amazing and creative results from our extremely talented group of artists . . .

     

This month's Challenger, Jeanette Lee, who just happens to work at the library, couldn't stop with just one ~ book that is!  To go along with the season, Jeanette created her first altered book in the shape of an Halloween "jack-o-latern" after carving its shape from an old discarded library book. To continue with the illusion, she pulled all the book pages together to meet and adhered them, forming a circular shape, then inked the page edges in bright orange.  As a finishing touch, she inserted a twisted floral stem into the center of the pages, and viola . . . it's a pumpkin!
Her second book was again created from another discarded library book into a beautiful art journal where she practices her many artistic talents & techniques.  To camouflage the original covers, she wrapped front & back with a favorite paper, then added fabric to the spine where she wove in coordinating beads & ribbons.
     

Charmaine Conway approached the Challenge in a little different direction.  She created deep texture & depth on the outside surfaces of her book using texture paste, then pressed a woodgrain embossing folder into the paste.  The embossing folder was removed while the paste was wet, leaving a wonderful moon crater-type surface.  When the texture paste was dry, a coating of rust was first applied, then highlighted with various metallic acrylic paints.  The book pages were adhered together along the edges, as well as to each cover, then painted in several shades of gold & copper metallic acrylic paints to give the illusion of an old book.  Nuts from the hardware store & pearls to mimic rivets were added as embellishments before painting, with a vintage style jewelry piece placed as the center focal point.
     
Deb Schinzel was another to play with layers & textures when creating her gorgeous altered book.  After collaging & layering torn book pages to the front & back covers, she then applied texture pastes using some of her favorite stenciling techniques.  Her choice of cool green & blue, along with warm cream, paints & accents set the color pallette both for the cover & throughout the pages of her book.  Wood & metal embellishments were added to the front cover, as well a dramatic "fly", which she first stamped on Clearly for Art plastic with archival ink, then heated to shape to create a 3-D effect.  Interior pages were first gesso'd, then stenciled & painted to continue with the overall feel & theme of the book.  To give the book that old & well-worn feel, Deb distressed the page edges before painting & inking in golds & browns to coordinate with the overall color scheme.  For those interested in seeing Deb's book in person, visit the store where it is proudly displayed.

Lylia Hagerty took the title of her discarded book, "Blue City", to heart.  First painting the exterior hard covers of her book in shades of blue, she torn out the title & cover art from the paper sleeve & applied each as embellishments.  Pages that were removed from the book were torn in random pieces & collaged on the back cover, allowing the embossed publishers mark to show through. Everything was then painted in the same blue shade as the front cover.  Inside pages were glued together, then carved out to form a shadow box effect, where Lylia added embellishments to emphasis the idea of a "blue city".  Each piece, if not originally blue, was first painted before being placed in the cut-out area. Beautiful background paper was added for additional interest, as well as Lylia's hand drawn cityscape.  To camouflage the existence of the cut-out, Lylia left the first few pages of the book in place, including the coversheet, but painted them to coordinate with the entire blue city theme.
     
Jean Hamrick is an artist who loves to draw, paint, & so much more . . . all of which she shared in the pages of her altered book.  To hide the lettering on the front cover, Jean painted a canvas board to match the color of the book , then adhered it to create a flat surface. Once secure, she hand drew, then painted, her beautiful Phoenix rising design in oranges & yellows to signify her art as always developing in new & exciting directions.  A second Phoenix was drawn & painted on the back cover in beautiful shades of blues & creams. Leaving the original pages of the book as they were, she emphasized words & phrases with markings in pens & inks.  She also added more of her hand drawn art, as well as collage pieces & everyday stamps & stickers to add to the feel of this book as a work-in-progress journal.  Jean has appropriately named her altered book "create" & says that she continues to do just that when a new thought comes to her or she learns of a new technique.  Just goes to prove that even an old book can make the perfect canvas for displaying your artistic thoughts & talents!

Shiela Rose was another artisit who ran with the Challenge by creating two books.  Her first has been created in an art journal style, the perfect place to keep many of her favorite techniques & designs.  With pages overflowing with collage, Zen Doodle designs, & the use of stencils & stamps, as well as beautiful colors of inks & sprays, Shiela has created the perfect "go-to" techniques reference book.  Prior to the addition of any technique, gesso was applied to each page to give her a clean slate for her designs.  Front & back covers were also decorated after a coat of gesso using her favorite paints, then stamped & stenciled with many of her favorite designs.  Shiela is a firm believer that it's not a true work of art without a stamp or two, and she's definitely proven that with this book!
Her second "altered book" didn't begin its life as a book, but actually as a plastic case to hold one of her grandchildren's DVR movies!  After first covering the case with plain white paper to create the shape of book covers, Shiela then added some bright  & springy patterned paper for her covers. To camouflage the spine of the case, she added glittery coordinating paper in pink, tying in the whole color scheme.  When finished, she's created a clever hiding spot for small items in a "book" that can easily be stored in any bookcase.
     
Any member of the group can "Challenge" the others with creating something special and unique.  Anyone who takes part creates one Challenge Item for "Show & Tell" using everyday mixed media materials . . . embellishments, paints, papers, stencils . . . whatever strikes their fancy! Without any themes or other guidelines, the ultimate goal is to showcase each artist's personality through the type(s) of embellishments, decorations, or techniques used.

Please join us in congratulating & thanking each artist for a job well done!  We'd love to hear what you think, so please leave us a comment . . . or two! . . . and share your thoughts.  And if you'd like to take part in our monthly "ATC Workshop & Swap" or Challenges, join us the second Thursday evening of each month from 6:00pm-8:00pm and you too can begin to think big in a small way!  No membership required and it's FREE!  Hope to see you there!

Watch for our next Challenge Results ~ Altered Hearts ~
coming soon!

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads behind Bank of America

(located next to Catherine's & King's Buffet)

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday

www.craftfusionaz.com

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