Getting ready for Blowing Rock

Imagine 60 creative women all gathered together in
a very special place in the mountains of
western north carolina.
Each one of us, bringing our own creative soul
to Kristi Steiner and Susan Edmonson's
Believe in Yourself Retreat

This is our 3rd year to do this retreat as a vendor
selling our "assorted goods for creative mindfulness".
Each of these women bring something new and exciting
to the retreat whether it be an interesting new
technique for dying fabric, or inspiring each of
us to tap into and own our creative spirit
and to take that journey with everyone there.

My journey starts with preparing months in
advance for setting up our booth.
These pics tell a behind the scenes story
as to what goes on way before the show starts.

It's Here!!!

Kelly Rae Roberts' new book "Taking Flight" is here!
We are so excited and before you know it - they will all
be sold and gone!
This book is everything that I expected it to be
including all the full color photos of all
her work and pages & pages
of step by step techniques.

I think, that I have had more inspiration from the feature
articles that she done for Cloth Paper Scissors
than any other artist ever.

I just love her innocent faces & the fanciful wings.
Contributing artists include
Judy Wise, Stephanie Lee and others.

She includes thought-provoking prompts and quotes-
along with encouraging stories, insights, & gentle
guidance for finding your bliss, whatever
your art or craft.
Available now at Random Arts

Golden Paints in Saluda

Wow, what a weekend with Patti Brady! She is so amazing, so talented, so calm, so creative and ya da ya da ya da..... I could go on and on. So, now that she has taught us how to do "exactly" what she does with Golden Paints and Digital Grounds, we will be equally as talented.... or not.
2 full complete fun filled intensive days with Patti was only the start, as all of us now want to continue on this journey of making skins and slipping them through our printers.
Here we go.

First try and we have a winner!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone listened really well,most of the time,
and watched intently as Patti demonstrated
several techniques using almost every possible
Golden medium out there.

One of our "lessons" was to do a color wheel
with 3 of the primary colors of Golden Paints
that Patti placed on our table. Vivian had fun
with a series of modern translucents on
a paper plate. She loved those colors with
micaceous iron oxide... (me too)

Patti looks somewhat happy to know
that the book that she has written is
complete and sent to publishing. It's due
out in December... and we are planning
a book signing of sorts for her at that time
so we will keep you posted of date and time.

Again, a multitude of techniques were demonstrated
by Patti and then of course, we got to play!

It's here!

I have wanted to own Anna Maria Horner fabrics for some time now but with all that goes on in my daily life, it became "back burner" to other things.
Alas, it took the serendipitous arrival into my shop of a lovely mother and daughter team who own a fabric store in Columbus, Ohio. As they browsed the selection of ribbons and other assorted goods here, we finally arrived at a harmonious conclusion: they sell the fabric at their store and I wanted it. They eagerly agreed to package up a beautiful collection of Anna Maria Horner's beautiful fabric and send it on to me once they got back to Ohio. So today is the day that my sweet little package was delivered...

If you have an
extreme desire for these juicy fabrics, like I do,
go to their blog to see other yummy items
such as fabrics designed by Heather Bailey,
Micheal Miller (both of those... ones that I really love)
Heather was demonstrating her famous hair ties
and yo yo's at the Donna Downey Inspired Artist
Retreat last year in Concord, NC. and that's
when I fell in love with those bright, clean colors
that she designs in her fabrics.
Not only does Sew to Speak have a talent for choosing these
awesome fabrics but sharing them on their blog
with their amazing photos is even better if you can't
get there in person. I know for sure that I could
spend a lot of extra cash just by going to their blog.
Check out their patterns and classes as well and
when you are in Columbus, Ohio be sure to stop
in and see this lovely treasure. It's right in the middle
of trendy High Street (Short North)where my daughter and I had a great lunch
back in July,at The Northstar Cafe.
Unfortunately for me, I wasn't aware of Sew to Speak
at the time or I would have stopped for sure.
Sew, what am I going to do with this fab fabric?
Right now I am going to look at it, touch it
and appreciate the beauty of it. Someday it
will inspire me on a new project. . . until then...

Taking Flight

COMING SOON

In Taking Flight, you’ll find overflowing inspiration—complete with a kindred spirit in author and mixed-media artist Kelly Rae Roberts. Join her on a fearless journey into the heart of creativity as you test your wings and learn to find the sacred in the ordinary, honor your memories, speak your truth and wrap yourself in the arms of community.

Along the way you’ll be inspired by:

• Step-by-step techniques—learn the most-loved mixed-media methods of the author and seven talented contributing artists, and combine them in fresh and unexpected ways.
• Thought-provoking prompts and quotes—along with encouraging stories, insights and gentle guidance for finding your bliss, whatever your art or craft.
• Plenty of eye candy—pages and pages of the author’s endearing artwork, along with the varied works of the contributors.

Polymer Clay Artists Wanted?

Anyone need a pasta machine
with a motor for polymer clay?
It's only $30. but you have to
come pick it up or pay the postage.
I would be happy to box it up
and mail it.
it works, and the motor is the bonus.
plug it in, turn it on and presto
your clay is in perfect form.
First come first serve.

Believe in Yourself Retreat

Believe in yourself Retreat. . . coming up in less than 3 weeks. . .

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at the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock, NC

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We're on the road again!

Come see us at the Green Park Inn
in Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Sept 4th & 5th
Kristi Steiner & Susan Edmonson
present their 3rd annual
"Believe in Yourself Retreat"
nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

We are making it easier for you to
shop with us as we hit the road again.
We will be here daily from 9am till 7pm.
You are welcome to come visit
while the show is going on.
Meet Kristi & Susan, see their
amazing project for this year's retreat
and get a big dose of creative inspiration.

Just a few pics of the "assorted goods for creative mindfulness"
that we will bringing to Blowing Rock
Sept 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th.

Reminder...

Don't miss out!
Last chance to register!
The Digital Image and Everything Acrylic
Sat. Aug 23rd and Sun. Aug 24th

with Patti Brady
Golden Paints Art Director
Sponsored by Random Arts
Saluda, NC
Space is still available for this 2 day workshop

In this two day workshop we will explore a multitude of surfaces created
with gels and grounds. Patti will cover new digital grounds that allow you to
print images on a multitude of flat surfaces: non-porous papers, acetate,
acrylic skins, even aluminum foil. We will cover some of the technical
challenges of working with inkjet printers and explore ideas for
incorporating these images with gels, in a textured collage. Explore
inventive combinations of images and acrylic gels in unique and surprising
applications. This workshop will be all about "ideas" not necessarily
creating an end project.
Cost includes 2 days of instruction, catered lunch and morning coffee & pastries
$195.
Supply list provided at time of registration.
Registration can be completed by phone 828-749-1165
email: randomarts@charter.net
paypal: randomarts@charter.net

Look what's NEW!

Making Connections, by Susan Lenart Kazmer
includes nine different chapters using appropriate cold joins used for connecting metal and mixed media. Beyond the traditional rivet, this book includes chapters featuring fiber related attachments such as stitching, weaving and crochet, as well as chapters on trapeze attachments for objects that require swing and movement. Prominent artist contributors include Robert Ebendorf, Eric Silva, Boris Bally and Arlene Fisch, to name a few.
Limited supply - Call or email and save 10% and get FREE shipping!

Copic "Spica" Glitter Pen Set

Water Based Pigment Ink

Acid-Free

Non-Toxic

Archival

Micro Glass Flakes for Maximum Sparkle

Twice the writing length of other pens, 360 yds.

Perfect for Card Making, Scrapbooks and Doodling

Transparent Ink, Great for Color and Bling Overlays

13 Colors - Black, Clear, Silver, Gold, Lemon, Orange, Pink, Red, Lavender, Sky Blue, Turquoise, Olive, Melon

Quilting Arts Magazine^® hosted its eighth annual calendar contest in the spring of 2008, with the theme of “Celebrating Home.”

Readers were challenged to show us in stitch, fabric, and embellishment how they celebrate “home,” whatever home might mean to them. A stunning array of entries from more than 200 artists, each with a unique perspective on the theme were received by Quilting Arts Magazine. There are 13 winning quilts that you will enjoy viewing in your own home, month after month.
Available now here at Random Arts

Pastel set includes 15 colors, two shades per color for a total
of 30 fabulous choices. Also included are a medium and
large cotton ball for each color as well as one alligator clip.
Packed in a tin storage container.
Great for shrink plastic jewelry.
Recommended and used by jewelry artist & author
Louise McClure
Available now at Random Arts

Folded Books

Marsha Dupris stopped by recently to
share some of the book projects that
she completed at Arrowmont.
Marsha is an avid bookbinder and
a lover of origami, so blending the
2 in this week long class from
Joan Micheals Paque was a
dream come true.

Artist Trading Cards - growing in numbers!

( L to R. ) Candy Cooper - Deni Corbett - Mary Kline
These 3 school teachers (aren't they adorable?)
from Orlando, Florida, come to see me at the shop
every year and each time I get to know them all a little better.
They were enthusiastic, creative and hopeful that their inspiration
gained from us here will catch on at their school. Last year we discussed in detail,
Artist Trading Cards, they bought Artist Trading Card Workshop

book by Bernie Berlin and with that information & a little
inspiration from me, they instituted an
ATC program in their literature classes. Please
feel free to check out their program for kids.
I am sure that they would be honored
if you followed their lead and started
an ATC project like theirs in your school.

Chicago adventure

Here we are just soaking up the excitement of the game
at Murphy's Bleachers for a quick burger and
some pre-game celebration. If
any of you have been to a Chicago Cubs game
you know what I mean. You can't go to
Wrigley Field without stopping at the local
establishments like the Cubby Bear Lounge
on Addison right outside of Wrigley Field
front entrance. Hey Hey Hey== Go Cubs Go.Here is where the red line L drops you off
as you stumble off the train feeling a breath
of fresh air after being squished in with
hundreds of people trying to get to the park.

Yes, the cubs have their own band right outside
the gates at clark and addison. Ok Ok
I am a little crazy and I still think that I
am 30 yrs old, but at a Cubs Game at Wrigley
Field.... I AM!
Only those that have been there
and experienced all of this can understand.
It's been 14 years since my last game
and it was time to get back into the
swing of things with the band.
Go Cubs Go.
Go Cubs Go.
Cubs are gonna win today!!!!
and...
they did!

Material Matters

Along with 4th of July activities in Columbus (upper arlington) Ohio, the Material Matters
quilt show display was at the Columbus Museum of Art.
"Quiltmaking in the 21st Century".

Trip back home... Chicago

The city looks better than ever , especially with the addition of Millennium Park
and Navy Pier. Although the park has always been at Randolph and Michigan
it has been greatly enhanced since we lived there 14 years ago. Below is a pic
of the Lurie Gardens located in the park. Truly amazing was the sharp contrasting
textures and colors of the prairie flowers with the amazing architecture of the
the surrounding areas. The flowering perennials and grasses cover a large area
of the the park and pleasant paths allow for quiet and peaceful walks through
every nook and cranny of the area.
At night we wondered about in Streeterville, an area located along the Chicago River from
Michigan Ave to Navy Pier and took fabulous photos of every possible building and skyline
including the new trump tower that Bill from the apprentice is working on. We even stopped into that hotel along the way to lunch. The building is not completed, but interestingly enough
the hotel area is open at only $695 a night for a basic room. Every day the building grew a little more as we watched the cranes hoist i beams, lumber, glass and more to the very top.

Topping off the week was a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Even
though we didn't have tickets we boarded the heavily crowded, body to
body, squished in Red Line L to the ever famous Addison stop. Everyone
piled out of the train and into the ever popular bars in and around the filed.
We, of course, did the same at Murphys and the Cubby Bear at Clark and
Addison.
Just like the "olden days" we looked for tickets only to find out that
#1 - scalping tickets is LEGAL now
#2 - there were plenty of tickets available on the street
#3 - the price isn't $1. anymore, for bleacher seats ; try $100!

Happily for all attending, except the Cinci fans, Cubs win, Cubs win, Cubs win!!!!!!!!
And I guessed the total attendance... 41,360! A win for me, too. (only cubs fans will
know what that one means)

Buying trip

What have we all been waiting for since last September? You knowwwwwww.... the ATC wizard
templates from European Papers. I had to drive all the way to Columbus, Ohio to their shop to get them and of course the other bonus was getting to see Lisa Ohmer, the owner of The Columbus Center for Book Arts & European Papers. Knowing that she had a Miniature Book show in the gallery here gave me additional
incentive to make every possible effort to get here to see her shop. I met her at a
international hobby show for retailers several years ago and wanted to reintroduce
myself to her, see the show and shop shop shop. With a 3 year old grandson in tow
it was difficult to get as much time in the shop as I wanted. So this little bit of
magic was enough to hold me over until the next trip.

What a joy that was to explore, if only for a few short moments, this gem hidden in a quaint carriage house in a great little artsy area of Columbus.Not only was I able to carry back a supply of ATC wizard templates, Lisa told me
all about an ATC Swap that she is doing with some playing card type atc's that
are pre-printed and ready for you to do your magic. Anyone interested in joining
in can stop by and I will give you a set of these cards to work on.

I have more details on this that will be posted when I get back, so stay tuned
and if you want the cards, please let me know asap. I will save you a set.

Space available this Sat. June 28th

When Kristi unveiled to us, this past February, her fused fabric & paper booklace we knew immediately that we had to get her on the calendar to come teach in Saluda. Finally the time has arrived. This Sat. June 28th Kristi will be in Saluda for a full day workshop and she promises... that we can complete this in one day.

This is how she describes her one of a kind "booklace"


Take some of your favorite fabrics, add bits of old papers, mix them together in a fanciful collage, top off with your own hand embellishments, bind all into a beautiful book, wire on a wonderful chain and you have a captivating booklace!

Learn how to use new fusible products to create your booklace base. Tips for striking collage combinations and thorough adhesive information are demonstrated. Hand embroidery stitches are explained as well as ideas for adding yummy embellishment details. Play with tinting techniques for colorful book pages, then learn how to bind them easily together. Simple wiring methods are explained for adding your favorite charms and beads to the metal booklace chain.

You will be proudly wearing your dear creation home with ideas dancing in your head for the more enchanted booklaces.

Call or email to register for Saturday's class.
828-749-1165
The cost: $95
The time: 10-4
Includes: pastries and coffee at 9am
a full day instruction with Kristi
a catered lunch
a supply kit
and...
a guaranteed full day of fun and creativity!

Can you feel the magic?

Gifts, Thank You's & More Pics

Thank you Katie Kendrick for
this delightful creation. Is it a fish?
A doll? A worm? A funky folk art doll?
No matter what
it is, I love it and I SO
appreciate Katie's thoughtfulness.
This will find a good home in
my studio.
While Katie was here in Saluda she taught
a Funky Folk Art Doll workshop
which included her quick & easy
lessons on how to paint these unique faces.



Above is Meg Fowler's completed
doll, although her creation is a
not really a doll, it's Sunshine,
a local raccoon that finds
food and shelter on top of
her mountain near Saluda.
There's plenty of stories about
her raccoons that she is happy to
tell including the one about this
sad little gal that lost part of her
tail recently... poor baby.
I think that Meg made up for
that loss with the multitude
of beads and baubles that
she hand sewed on this one.

Below is Sharon Kolbye's
interpretation of the Folk Art Doll.


Sharon Kolbye attended Katie's class
class as well and completed her
blooming creation the very next day.
Really really cool Sharon.

LAST MINUTE ADDITION:
Go to Lynn Roberts' blog for
more pics & news about Katie's classes

Jean Moore of Asheville brought along
one of her sweet little paper doll creations
(Look closely, she put my name on this one)
that were published in Artful Paper Dolls.
How adorable is that? What a good
idea as a place setting for a tea party
or a bridal or baby shower.