And the Results Are In . . .

It's once again time for the results of our "Challenge" from our monthly "ATC Workshop & Swap" group.  If you follow our blog, you know we're frequently given "Challenges" by any member of the group.  There're no "rules" other than anyone that participates is asked to create 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 only goal is to show each artist's personality through the type(s) of embellishments, decorations, or techniques used.  The Challenge given in November was to create "Fascinators" in whatever design we wanted to share at the January Workshop.  The results have been long in coming, so without any further ado . . . 

"A fascinator is a headpiece, a style of millinery. The word originally referred to a fine, lacy head covering akin to a shawl and made from wool or lace, but mostly feathers. In the modern usage, it refers to a woman's alternative to hat for formal attire; it is usually a large hair decoration on a band or clip with elaborate trimmings and decoration like a formal hat and it can incorporate a base to make it a miniature hat designed to be worn on the front, side, or back of the head." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascinator)

  

Charlotte Fern created her fascinator from scratch using papers, ribbons, and images based on her favorite movie, "Alice in Wonderland" with Johnny Depp.  Don't you think she's captured his likeness exactly with the style of her little hat?

Charmaine Conway couldn't stop with just one.  Known for her "steampunk" style, Charmaine surpised everyone with her first fascinator using a formed felt hat with feathers, blooms, ribbons, trims, and touch of bling, without a gear or spot of grunge in sight.  But for her second hat, she stayed true to her steampunk style using gears, trims, feathers, ribbons, and even a touch of touch of bling.

  

Deborah Schinzel surprised everyone with her super dressy fascinator using an ordinary headband  and sparkly, out-of-this-world looking embellishment from a present she'd received as a gift.  Just goes to show what a little ingenuity can do!

 After watching a YouTube video demonstrating the how-to's of creating blooms from burlap, Jeanette Lee decided to try the technique for herself in her light & airy fascinator.  Designed to be worn as either a headpiece or pin on a springy blouse, she's created the true multi-purpose art piece.

It seems Nicole Durst was another artist who couldn't stop with just one!  With a dressy version created from a pattern piece she designed herself, it's the perfect accompaniment for any outfit.  With her second design, Nicole stepped "outside the box" a bit, using a small wire birdcage that she placed over her formed felt hat which she crackled painted to resemble  tree bark, then added flowers, moss, and even a bird nest & eggs as embellishments.

Terri Durst raided her stash of  goodies & embellishments and went wild in creating her fun and colorful fascinators.   Using a formed felt hat for her first design, she embellished it with ribbons, feathers, blooms, and of course, a touch of bling.  Using a pattern piece she created herself as the base for her second creation, she added embellishments that would compliment any fall ensemble. 

If you'd like to see more photos or details of any of these fantastic creations, drop us an e-mail.  You'll be absolutely amazed at the creative nature of all of these wonderful artists!

Join us in congratulating and thanking all of these great artists 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!  There's no membership required and it's FREE!  Hope to see you there!

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

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

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

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads in the Mervyn's Plaza

(located between Zoe's Quilts & Catherine's)

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

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ATCs Galore!

WHEW!  It's hard to believe that another year has passed, but here we are into 2014!  Even though it's a new year, though, the "ATC Workshop & Swap" is still going strong with a fantastic group of artists who are always anxious to share their talents.  And last Thursday evening was another great example of what extremely talented artists will create when thinking big in a small way!  With the new format of having 4 categories/themes to choose from, it was obvious just how talented this group of artists really is, and as usual, we definitely weren't disappointed with the results.  With themes of "Ladies Shoes", "Recipes on ATCs", "Yin & Yang", or "Femme Fatale" to pick from, each card was truly a work of art . . . just take a look for yourself!  Better yet, if you haven't already paid a visit to our expanding ATC Gallery, stop in and check it out because this is an absolute must-do as photos just cannot do justice to these fantastic mini works of art!

TOP ROW:  "Victorian Slippers", Nicole Gibson-Rice;
"Yin & Yang", Deborah Schinzel; "Femme Fatale"; Charlotte Fern
MIDDLE ROW:  "Femme Fatale Avec Des Chaussures" (Lady in Shoes), Lylia Hagerty;
"Ruby Red", Nicole Durst; "Ladies Shoes", Kristen Johnston
BOTTOM ROW: "Shoe Sale!", Terri Durst; "Ima Badwunn", Charmaine Conway
Stop by & check out these & all of the fantastic works of art
in our ever expanding "ATC Gallery"!

For those who missed this month's Workshop, make your plans now to join in the fun next month.  Mark your calendars & save the date . . . Thursday, February 13th . . . when the monthly themes will be . . . "Victorian Ladies", "Marie Antoinette", "Key to My Heart", or "Flappers & Gangsters".  Pick just 1, or mix-and-match from 2, 3, or all 4 categories, but start “thinking big in a small way" and we'll see you then at this fun NO COST workshop.  From experienced to novice . . . you’ll definitely want to see what it’s all about for yourself!   Just create 12 ATCs using the monthly themes (keeping 1 for yourself & bringing 11 to the Swap) . . . all the same or each one different . . . then come and share with others in a true workshop atmosphere. Or just stop in and see what's going on with other artists, ask questions, share information, have fun, and become inspired!

Remember to save the date . . .
the second Thursday of each month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm . . .
we look forward to seeing you there!

The group is growing, but there's always room for more!

Don't forget to watch next month for the results of our next "Challenge" for the New Year ~ creating an "Altered Postcard"!   Each Challenge is voluntary and the "rules" are easy ~  for everyone who takes part, create 1 Challenge Item for "Show & Tell" using everyday mixed media materials . . . embellishments, paints, papers, stencils . . . whatever strikes your fancy!  The outcome is sure to be amazing so stay tuned!  And be sure to watch for the results of this month's Challenge,"Fascinator Hats", in an upcoming post soon to follow!

Upcoming Month's Themes -

   February 13th ~ "Victorian Ladies", "Marie Antoinette",
        "Key to My Heart", or "Flappers & Gangsters"
   March 13th ~ "Celtic/Ireland", "Paris in the Springtime",
       "Collage or Mixed Media", or "Cook's Choice - ATC Pockets"*
   April 10th ~ "Art Deco", "Favorite Animals", "Complimentary
       Colors", or "Busy Bees"

*ATC is a pocket or has a pocket with insert for ticket, tag, picture, etc.

If you'd like to join us at this fun & exciting NO COST workshop, call (480) 821-3758 for more details or information and let your imaginations & creative juices flow!

(If you can't make the Workshop, but still want to take part in the Swaps, call and let us know.  We'll be your "Swapper"!  We'd still love to have you participate!)

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'Tis the Season!

Last evening's "ATC Workshop & Swap" was another great example of what extremely talented artists will create when thinking big in a small way!  With this month's themes of "Winter Trees" and "Olde St. Nick", it was obvious just how talented this group of artists is, and as usual, we definitely weren't disappointed with the results.  Full of the Holiday spirit, each card was simply a masterpiece . . . take a look for yourself!  Better yet, if you haven't already paid a visit to our expanding ATC Gallery, stop in and check it out because this is an absolute must-do as photos just cannot do justice to these fantastic mini works of art!

TOP ROW:  "On the Naughty List!", Nicole Durst; "Winter Trees", Kristen Johnston;
"A Cold One!", Terri Durst; ""Olde St. Nick", Charlotte Fern;
"Olde St. Nick Ornament", Charmaine Conway
BOTTOM ROW: "Winter Trees", Jeanette Lee; "Merry Christmas Santa", Deborah Schinzel; "Winter Trees", Mimi Lawrence; "Old St. Nicolas", Lylia Hagerty
Stop by & check out these & all of the fantastic works of art
in our ever expanding "ATC Gallery"!

For those who missed this month's Workshop, make your plans now to join in the fun in the New Year when we experiment with a new format.  Mark your calendars & save the date . . . Thursday, January 9th . . . when the monthly themes will be expanded to 4 categories . . .  "Ladies Shoes", "Recipes on ATCs", "Yin & Yang", or "Femme Fatale".  Pick just 1, or mix-and-match from 2, 3, or all 4 categories, but start “thinking big in a small way" and we'll see you then at this fun NO COST workshop.  From experienced to novice . . . you’ll definitely want to see what it’s all about for yourself!   Just create 12 ATCs using the monthly themes (keeping 1 for yourself & bringing 11 to the Swap) . . . all the same or each one different . . . then come and share with others in a true workshop atmosphere. Or just stop in and see what's going on with other artists, ask questions, share information, have fun, and become inspired!

Remember to save the date . . .
the second Thursday of each month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm . . .
we look forward to seeing you there!

The group is growing, but there's always room for more!

Don't forget to watch next month for the results of our first "Challenge" for the New Year ~ creating a "Fascinator Hat"!   Each Challenge is voluntary and the "rules" are easy ~  for everyone who takes part, create 1 Challenge Item for "Show & Tell" using everyday mixed media materials . . . embellishments, paints, papers, stencils . . . whatever strikes your fancy!  The outcome is sure to be amazing so stay tuned!

Upcoming Months -

   January 9th ~ "Ladies Shoes", "Recipes on ATCs", "Yin & Yang",
        or "Femme Fatale"
   February 13th ~ "Victorian Ladies", "Marie Antoinette", "Key to My
        Heart", or "Flappers & Gangsters"
   March 13th ~ "Celtic/Ireland", "Paris in the Springtime", "Collage or
        Mixed Media", or "Cook's Choice - ATC Pockets"*

*ATC is a pocket or has a pocket with insert for ticket, tag, picture, etc.

If you'd like to join us at this fun & exciting NO COST workshop, call (480) 821-3758 for more details or information and let your imaginations & creative juices flow!

(If you can't make the Workshop, but still want to take part in the Swaps, call and let us know.  We'll be your "Swapper"!  We'd still love to have you participate!)

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Veterans in the Kitchen . . .

Last Thursday evening's "ATC Workshop & Swap" was another exciting gathering of extremely talented people.  With everyone's busy schedules we were missing several people, but that didn't stop the creativity that was still flowing strong with themes of "Remembering Our Veterans" and "In the Kitchen".  As usual, those that were able to come were ready to show off and share their artistic talents, so that once again we definitely weren't disappointed in the results . . . just take a look for yourself.  Better yet, if you haven't already paid a visit to our ATC Gallery, this is a must-do because photos just cannot do justice to these fantastic mini works of art!

TOP ROW:  "Gingerbread Cookies", Terri Durst; "My Dad", Mimi Lawrence;
"War Posters from Home", Charmaine Conway; "Our Fly Boys", Sherrie Moore; Remembering out Veterans", Deborah Schinzel
BOTTOM ROW: "Nor Shall Their Story Be Forgotten", Charlotte Fern;
"Thank You for Your Service", Jeanette Lee; "Jammin'!", Nicole Durst
Stop by & check out these & all of the fantastic works of art
in our ever expanding "ATC Gallery"!

For those who missed this month's workshop, make your plans now to join in the fun next month.  Mark your calendars & save the date . . . Thursday, December 12th . . . when the monthly themes will be "Olde Saint Nick" or "Winter Trees".  Start “thinking big in a small way" and we'll see you then at this fun NO COST workshop.  From experienced to novice . . . you’ll definitely want to see what it’s all about for yourself!   Just create 15 ATCs using the monthly themes (keeping 1 for yourself & bringing 14 to the Swap) . . . all the same or each one different . . . then come and share with others in a true workshop atmosphere. Or just come and see what's going on with other artists, ask questions, share information, have fun, and become inspired!

Remember to save the date . . .
the second Thursday of each month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm . . .
we look forward to seeing you there!

The group is growing, but there's always room for more!

In our last Workshop, we were given a new "Challenge" to share in this month's Workshop . . . what can you create on a MOO Card?   Even smaller than an ATC at only 1-1/8" x 2-3/4", Moo Cards or Mini Moo Cards, were originally created from people's Flickr photos.  These cards became so popular that folks started making their own artwork, and they are now traded the same way as ATCs.  Be sure to watch for the exciting results in our next Blog Post!

In addition, we were also given a new "Challenge" for our first Workshop & Swap of the New Year ~ create a "Fascinator Hat"!   For each of those who take part, each Challenge is voluntary and the "rules" are easy ~ just create 1 Challenge Item for "Show & Tell" using everyday mixed media materials . . . embellishments, paints, papers, stencils . . . whatever strikes your fancy!  Watch for the final results of this fun Challenge in our January Workshop & Swap!

Upcoming Months -  Watch for new Themes for 2014 coming soon!

Join us at this fun & exciting NO COST workshop! Call (480) 821-3758 for more details or information and let your imaginations & creative juices flow!

(If you can't make the Workshop, but still want to take part in the Swaps, call and let us know.  We'll be your "Swapper"!  We'd still love to have you participate!)

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