karenboudreau

A CHA Fashion Show

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Fashion Show from CHA...

Somebody's husband.

My Artistic Friends

2012-02-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

The highlight of my trip was to meet Christy Tomlinson, a very special Mixed Media Artist. She is the reason I dove into the Mixed Media world. Her SheArt pieces spoke to me and I've been splashing color on canvas ever since.

And, she has a new line out with Pink Paislee...papers, rubons..all of it fabulous! Check it out.

And, to top it off, I smoozed with these other artists...Hope some of their talent rubbed off on me!!

Ruth Rae
Fabric Mixed Media, Jeweler, Author- sweet and kind

Jenn Mason, Mixed Media Artist, Editor of Cloth Paper Scissors, Author -

talented in too many ways to count

Heidi Grace Kress
Owner of Clever Handmade, Designer---a fun lady and wonderful Mom

Traci Bautista

Mixed Media Artist, Author - friendly and engaging

Joanne Fink, Designer, Calligrapher, Art Licensing Guru - Beautiful Lady

It was a privilege to meet and speak with each of them.

CHA CHA CHA

2012-02-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

For those that don't know, the Craft and Hobby Association has two trade shows each year. Vendors from the craft industry showcase their products, put on workshops, introduce artists and shopkeepers from all over come and buy goods for their stores. It's a fun, exciting, high energy event and one I was fortunate to attend.

Waiting for the show to open on Day 1.

Flash Mob Ladies

My friend Lindsay waiting for the show to open...Isn't she cute?

The Graphic 45 booth is loaded with fabulous projects. Everywhere you look...another ahhhh moment!

Which is my favorite?

Diane Schultz, Designer and CEO of G45 and me. I want a hat like that.

Canvas Corps..really great products and ideas!

I want to make this!

Simple and cute.

to be continued....

2012-02-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

Last week I was in SoCal for a CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) trade show. BUT...before all that started I spent time with my older sister. We went to the beach, ate, talked, visited the Getty Museum, ate, talked, shopped a bit for me, ate and talked. (is there a pattern here?)

While at the beach we saw this man drawing an incredible maze in the sand.

Another visitor to the wharf.

Love this critter!

My sis..isn't she beautiful?

The next day we visited the Getty Museum in LA. This was my first visit but certainly not my last. The buildings were incredible, terraces had wonderful views all around, and the art...well, let me say I was so enthralled with looking at it that I didn't take many pictures...just enjoyed.

Beautiful.

Tomorrow...pictures from CHA...stay tuned!

Into the Year!

2012-01-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that we're already 14 days into the new year. I'm still finding stray Christmas decorations around the house. It happens every year...I go around the house making sure I've got everything then BAM...all of a sudden there's a cute little Santa looking at me...right out in the open. Do these things hide during the day then come out when we're sleeping? That's my theory...and I'm sticking with it!

When I'm not finding Christmas decorations, I've been sewing. I've really missed this. I love the feel of the fabrics, the colors, the threads all over the floor! I haven't been doing anything too elaborate...more aprons and few surprise projects that I can't reveal until our Spring Art Retreat. But I am having a great time!

My granddaughter went shopping with me and decided she needed a new apron so she could craft with me. We came home with the cutest fabric then added a few pieces from my stash and came up with this cute little apron.

As simple as it is, it was a real pain to make. Ruffles are not my friend. Her comment when she tried it on..."Mamu, I think we have a problem!" I looked over at her and the bib was almost at her waist. Once I shortened the neck strap we were ready to craft. Now her sister wants one. Back to the store!

Or maybe I'll convince her to shop my stash!

Crafty Girls Club

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Lindsay with a hand painted ornament, Cory with her ceramic ornaments and me with a mixed media canvas.

You know all those craft fairs that go on in the fall? And how we always say we should be in one, selling our little works of art. The only thing that gets in our way is time...we start too late.

Well, here come my friend Lindsay Ostrom to the rescue. She is starting the Crafty Girls Club. The idea is to motivate us to get an early start so we can be the one's selling instead of buying someone else's stuff. . When you join you commit to make 1 large project a month, 5 medium projects a month or 10 small projects a month. Then put them into a brown grocery bag and staple the bag shut until the fall. You will then have enough goodies to take to a craft fair or at least give as gifts. There is no cost to join. Just a commitment to create all year.
Go to http://lindsayostrom.blogspot.com/ and get all the details.

No ideas...check out PINTEREST...it's full of great ideas. Be warned...it's a time sucker, so much to see! You'll get caught up in the creativity and lose track of time. Set a timer so you still have time to make those lovely little items!

Good idea?...I think so. I did 2 craft fairs last season. They were small ones but I made enough to make me happy!

A FRESH START FOR THE NEW YEAR

2012-01-01T14:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New year, my friends! May this year be filled with hope, good health and laughter! I think there are times when a fresh start is needed. 2012 is going to be a FRESH START for me.

My lonely unused sewing machine

Some of you may know that I used to sew...a lot! I loved to make baby quilts with hand appliques. Hand applique was my favorite part of making those little labors of love. As my fabric stash grew and grew, I was sewing less and less. The arthritis in my hands was making it hard to hold that little needle and sew those tiny stitches. One day, after painfully trying to hand stitch a little wall hanging, I threw my hands in the air and decided I wasn't going to sew any more. It was just too frustrating. I gave/sold a lot of fabric but kept more than I planned. Maybe there was something in the back of my mind that said I would use it...someday.

Fast forward to a few days ago. I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself. Just because I can't hand stitch doesn't mean I can't run that lonely sewing machine again. So I decided to make a quick apron..easy pattern, no hand sewing, nothing fancy or complicated, about an hour of time...maybe I could do this. Guess what...that apron was a piece of cake! It went together so fast and easy that I decided to make another one, then another and another. Yes, four...count 'em, four aprons in three days. And I took down the tree, did laundry and visited my mom...all within that time. Ready for the best part? My hands didn't hurt!

My sewing machine is now happily humming along, I have a few new aprons for work and one for my daughter-in-law and I'm ready to try a few more things. Of course this could be a dangerous thing...I may need to start adding to my fabric stash again...just saying!

This is my favorite.

This is for Mondays when I need a coffee jolt!

A reversible apron...for when one side gets really dirty!

And this is what awaits my FRESH START!

You know that old saying...when one door closed, another one opens. I found that open door.

I'm Back!

2011-12-27T19:11:00.001-08:00

My intentions were good. Start a blog and share lots of great stuff with my internet friends. Then LIFE happened. Not anything earth-shattering...just everyday life. Next thing I know, it's almost a year and I haven't posted a darn thing. Not that I haven't had lots to share...it's just that sitting-down-and-posting thing!

With that said...I'm going to be a bit less ambitious. I will not post everyday but when I have something great to share, I'll be right here...words and pictures!

Today I've posted some of my recent mixed media pieces. Yes, I know Christmas is over but I just wanted to share before the new year starts.

This cool Christmas Tree was made on a canvas with paper background, layered with paint, Glimmer Mist, and glitter. Then I piled on rolled sheet music, ribbon, cardboard, more paper and paint. I used my favorite tools...stencils, bubble wrap, key cards, whatever I found laying around. This is my new favorite thing to do these days.

I created these as ad samples for Ben Franklin Crafts and Frames in Grass Valley. I love using papers from Authentique. Those cute little girls are my granddaughters. We had to pretend it was Christmas time to get these great pictures (it was about 90 degrees that day) Worth it, I'd say!

And last, but not least for today, is a rolled flower wreath. This one made from old dictionary pages. I rolled and rolled, then rolled some more to make enough to cover the form. Added a bow and it's done. During the Christmas season, the bow was changed to Christmas colors and is still on display at Ben's. I've done about a million (or may a hundred) demos on making these fun and easy flowers. Yet, when I'm ready to move to something else, someone comes along and wants to know how to do this. So out come the scissors, paper and petal roller, and I'm off again!

Enough for today but I'll be back again...PROMISE!

2011-02-24T12:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy week and it's only Thursday. Tuesday was demo day at Ben's and this week was all about the new Claudine Hellmuth layer stamps. These are two-part stamps: the first step is using a foam stamp that creates a solid figure: next step is using a clear outline stamp around the solid image. They are slightly offset, giving a unique look. Both the foam and the clear stamps can be used together or separately. And they can be used with ink or paint...lots of opportunity to create some very unique images.

This is a little canvas that is covered with old pattern tissue. I used the foam stamp with some acrylic paint, added buttons and ribbon along with a few words. Fast, easy and fun!

Little birds stamped with paint then ink for the outline over some colored paper and on a small canvas tag. The hardest part of doing these is waiting for the paint to dry (I used a heat gun...I'm just too impatient)

And just for fun...I'm posting a picture of my granddaughter, Lilu's, diorama on Mozart. It was a family project, that we all were involved in...Mom, Dad, Sister, Papa, Mamu (that's me!) and Lilu.

Doesn't this just look like Mozart should be sitting at this piano and playing something wonderful?

The snow just started to fall and we're expecting a giant storm and probably some power outages so if I don't post, you'll know why. Last storm knocked out the power for a few days. Let's hope this one is kinder!

For now...stay warm!

Power's Back!!

2011-02-19T12:37:00.000-08:00

So what does a blogger/crafter do when the power is out for a few days?! Not much! We've had a couple of storms come through and drop quite a bit of snow at our house. Then trees starting coming down on power lines and it took a while to get everything back in order. The phone land line is still out but who needs a phone anyway. And our alarm system started beeping in the middle of the night...very annoying!

I tried finishing some projects in the dark and cold...nope, that didn't work. I needed my glue gun (gotta get one of those battery operated ones!) or my heat gun or better light. No, I got it, a generator!!! OK, I'm saving up!

Now that the power is back on, the first priority is showers for everyone! Then we can do dishes, laundry, vacuum, and on to more exciting stuff...finishing those projects. So stay tuned tomorrow (as long as we still have power) and I'll post the results of today's work.

Stay warm wherever you are!

It's Snowing....

2011-02-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

Two posts today...I couldn't resist.

The predicted snow arrived last night and continues today. It's beautiful outside in spite of the wind, cold and satellite outage. If the power goes out I'm ready with a headlamp so I can keep crafting!

Backyard

Driveway

Side yard

Other side yard

It starts to look the same!!!

It hasn't frozen but I need to get the snow off our hummingbird feeder.

Stay warm wherever you are!

Cosmo Cricket and Tim

2011-02-17T06:04:00.000-08:00

I love Cosmo Cricket! Not only do they have really cool paper and embellishments but the folks at this company are just plain nice. At CHA 2011 they debuted 3 new lines: Social Club, Salt Air and Upcycle.

First up: Social Club

I saw this display and couldn't resist. Reminds me of my high school years...maybe a few years before high school.

What can I say...my kind of entertaining.

Oh...manly.

Need I say more about Social Club?

Second: Salt Air

So colorful.

Makes me want to go to the beach.

And now: Upcycle

Th precious book was filled with great paper and photos.

This wreath was a work of art!

Love these cards!

And this one...

And these...

Last but not least...a few pctures from the Tim Holtz Ideaology booth.

Love this typwriter

Wonderful typsetter box!

Makes me want to sew again.

Me, Tim and my hubby....I think he's still recovering from CHA (hubby, that is).

A fun little project...

2011-02-16T06:12:00.000-08:00

Today I used Imaginisce's Petal Roller to make a few flowers then put them on a project I saw from Melissa Frances. Measuring approximately 8"x5" and made with chipboard, paper, along with ribbon, rick-rack and pom-pom trim it took almost no time to put it together. This container would make a cute little catch-all for a girls room. It can hold barrettes, pony tail holders and other small items. Or just fill it with flowers for a pretty accessory.

Shhh...don't tell my granddaughter she's getting this one for her birthday!

CHA...all about color

2011-02-15T08:07:00.000-08:00

I love color so I thought I post some of the wonderful colors that I saw at CHA..... yarns, papers, pens, clay, buttons, ribbons, bead and more...it was a rainbow!!!

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

From me to you...Happy Valentines Day!

CHA...Graphic 45

2011-02-13T06:14:00.000-08:00

My favorite booth at CHA was Graphic 45. I was blown away with the new designs...Le Cirque and especially Curtain Call. I can't wait to get my hands on these wonderful new papers.

Graphic 45 Team

New hardware

Wish I could live here!

Le Cirque...without scary clowns! Bright and full of color.

Curtain Call caught my eye as soon as I walked up to the booth. The black and cream pallet is timeless. Looks great doesn't it?

I may need to make one of these.

This is, by far, my favorite display! Loved the piano keys.

More Curtain Call.

Tick tock.

Great display.

I want to be Diane Schultz in my next life!

A Day of My Own

2011-02-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy the last few weeks that I haven't had much time to craft. But today as diferent...with hubby not feeling well and the grandkids playing quietly, I was able to put a few things together. Feels good to get back into the swing of things!

This is a 4x4 canvas with dictionary pages Mod-podged then a bit of oil pastels to highlight.

I'll be doing a demo at Ben's next week showing hte Imaginisce Petal Roller. It's like a quilling tools and makes the coolest flowers. This tag was so easy!

A "Bee's Eye" view.

My friend, Lindsay, with my fun flowers.

Just had to throw in a picture of our recuperating kitty. When I wasn't making something, I was giving her medicine and a few extra hugs.

And, yes, I finally downloaded all my CHA pictures and will share them. Maybe tomorrow!

So Glad...So Sad

2011-02-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

It's been a great couple of days. Lindsay has some great connections, my demos have gone well and the show is really fun. The sad part is that my pictures won't upload. Not being a techie person, I'm not sure what's wrong but as soon as I figure it out I'll get them out there. Visit Lindsay's site for the latest and GREATEST news! lindsayostrom.blogspot.com

CHA...Day 2

2011-01-29T06:39:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of set-up...first stop...Press Room. Looks great doesn't it?

Next up is the booth...coming right along.

Kurtis and I are just putting the finishing touches on a few things.

The banner with Lindsay's signature tree and heart.

Miss B is styling in my hubby's hat!

This should do the trick! Her art looks fantastic on these walls. Doesn't it just say "Come on in Hallmark and sign her up"?

Oh, those puppies can hurt after a long day!

It's been a great couples of days. I personally have met some great folks. Designers, vendors, convention personel...all have been friendly, helpful, and just plain nice. That makes for a wonderful start! Stay tuned for more.

Day 1...Set up

2011-01-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

We arrived at the LA Convention Center this morning at the crack of noon. Car parked and unpacked we started the hardest job of the day...hauling everything into the center. We got to Lindsay's booth to find we we're missing two of three walls. But not to worry...Joe, the CES guys, to our rescue and we had our missing walls in a shake.

We created 3 accent panels, then Lindsay sorted, punched and tied ribbons and directed our activities, Alli and Kurtis began hanging art and I manned the iron. It took us a while but the booth started coming together by late afternoon, After a quick trip to Wolfgang Pucks for nourishment we finished up the walls (almost) and decided to call it a day. Another couple of hours tomorrow and we'll have a complete booth with Lindsays fabulous designs! Then we're off to a few workshops and maybe a bit of refreshment.

No pics from me today. I took them but the camera's in the car and I'm too pooped to make the trip to the garage to get it. But look tomorrow for a peek at the booth and maybe a bit more! My guess is that Linday will have some pics on her blog tonite so check it out.

So it's off to bed for me after my cheesecake dinner for some sweet dreams...no wait, that's the cheescake...anyway, check back tomorrow for the next chapter in our adventure.

(

I've arrived!

2011-01-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

We made it down to LA last night without incident. Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and down for a good nights sleep. Today is visiting with my sister and her husband, then tomorrow is a busy day, setting up Lindsay's booth. No pics today but look for lots once we get set up!

Sunday in the City

2011-01-24T19:27:00.000-08:00

We spent yesterday in the city with our youngest son and his family. We did all the tourist stuff...Alioto's for lunch, Pier 39 to watch the seals and the aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf for the Wax Museum and Ripley's (yes, I know...they talked me into it!), Lombard Street....a beautiful sunny day. We're pooped but it was such fun.

Girls in a sea bubble.

Sleeping seals at Pier 39.

Blonde...made of empty food boxes.

A zebra made of athletic shoes.

My new friend.

Always a good idea!

Rockin' Wall

2011-01-24T15:39:00.000-08:00

Don't know why but I love the rock, the pattern, the sun on this wall at the park. Could be a new Zentangle!

Need I say more?....

2011-01-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

January 23 is National Pie Day. Those who know me, know I LOVE PIE!. Almost any kind and almost anytime. My favorite (at the moment) is Double Lemon Creme. I remember my Grandmother making pie crusts, her hands crippled with arthritis, working the dough in a way that made you think it would turn out hard and not so tasty. But it was flaky every time. And the filling was heavenly. She tried many times to teach me but I never had the knack. I'm always on the hunt for a pie as good as Grandma's...it's a hard job but I'm willing to try as many pies as needed!

A Pile of T's...

2011-01-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

I've been applying some of my friend Lindsay's art onto T-Shirts that we'll be wearing next week at CHA. It's been a long time since I've done so much hand sewing. I almost forgot how much I love it and how much it hurts my poor old arthritic hands. But it was worth every minute. I still have 4 shirts to go and they'll be ready to pack. We're gonna look great!

This is a tote bag from last years CHA. I added a "Lindsay Tree" and it will go with me next week.

Another tree with a star. Perfect for my husbands T-shirt. Yes... he's going to help us and for that, he gets a T-shirt, too.

Nature...

2011-01-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

This fabulous watercolor and ink work was created by my UGRA buddy, Janet Chance, for a friend of hers. A breathtaking work of art. Janet, you are so talented. Thanks for sharing.

Getting ready....

2011-01-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

Only 5 more days until we leave for CHA and we're scurrying around finishing up all the last minute details. Today I'm finishing the T-Shirts that we'll be wearing during the show. We'll be wearing "Lindsay" art. Just too, too cute, but what do we expect from the "Creator of Cuteness"?

Best Job in the Wrold

2011-01-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times...I have the best job in the world. I demonstrate products/techniques at the best craft store in our area...Ben Franklin Crafts and Frames in Grass Valley. I also teach a few classes. Can you believe it...I get paid to do what I love!

Today I demo'd a handy little tool from We R Memory Keepers called Sew Easy. This tool was developed to make stitching on your paper projects simpler Each Sew Easy Piercer makes a different pattern of holes and allows you many options for stitch design depending on how you thread the embroidery floss through the holes.

The Sew Easy stitch piercer (roller-type tool) creates indentations, or perforations, on your surface. Use the piercing mat to protect your dining table! Then with a handy needle that comes with your tool, and some Sew Easy floss, you can make some hand-stitched, groovy borders, focal areas and embellishments along the tracks that you've made. There are scallop, zigzag, and blanket stitches to name a few.

Try it out...it's pretty cool!

2011-01-16T21:02:00.000-08:00

Today was all about helping my friend, Lindsay, get ready for CHA...that's the Craft and Hobby Association Conference and Trade Show that takes place in LA later this month.. She has her own booth this year in the Designer area. We collated, cut, glued, labeled and packaged press kits, notebooks, banners, water bottles...lots of great stuff. By the end of the day we were pooped but it felt good to get so much done.

Lindsay working on her tree.

Paula collating color books for the press kits.

A guest book.

Claudia is REALLY POOPED!

But it was a great day!

2011-01-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

My friend Lindsay and I met at the local mail box shop to send out our Sketchbook Projects. Check out Lindsay's cute art in the on-line library. http://arthousecoop.com/users/scribbles1

I had a love/hate relationship with this project. I loved the idea and hated the pressure to get it done. But when I decided to let it go and just have a good time with it...all went well. Will I do it again?...Probably. In fact, I've already signed up for Pockets, another Art House Co-op project. This one's a lot easier and just up my alley. Check it out. http://arthousecoop.com/projects/pockets

It's done!

2011-01-14T10:47:00.000-08:00

A few more pages from the Sketchbook Project. To see more visit http://arthousecoop.com/ The sketchbooks go on tour then will reside in the Brooklyn Art Library. Tour details can be found at http://arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject/exhibitions .

Great fun and so glad it's done!

Sketchbook Project

2011-01-12T15:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a page for the Brooklyn Library Sketchbook Project. My theme is "....in 5 minutes." It's got to be in the mail by the end of this week. Draw, Karen, Draw! www.thesketchbookproject.com

A Confession and a Promise

2011-01-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

I must confess...I'm terrible about taking pictures of my projects. Then to make it even worse...I give them away and can't remember what I've done or how I did it! I have made a promise to myself that I will keep my camera beside my worktable and use it frequently.

Here's a fun project that I DID photograph. I took an old 45 record, tied string around it then tucked pieces of an old tissue pattern under the string. With a plaid ribbon, it looks quite festive. Thinking ahead to spring, I think pastel tissue paper, maybe with some pretty patterns will add a nice touch to my craft room. Back to the basement to rummage through my old records!

Old Books, New Life

2011-01-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

I love old books and have about a million (well, maybe not quite a million). Some I read and re-read, others I just love to touch, feel the pages and look at the covers. So when I first saw an old book made into an art journal, I knew what I was going to do with some of my collection. These are the first two I "converted". A small zoo book and an old Hardy Boys adventure. Removing the front and back covers and keeping a few of the inside pages, I added sketch papers, bound them with my Zutter and now they're ready for new art! Fun and easy.

Never too late...

2011-01-04T08:17:00.001-08:00

I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions. I know myself too well. BUT, this is a new year and I'm ready to start fresh. Here's my short list:
1. Clean out every cabinet/closet in my house...a daunting task but I have all year to finish!
2. Organize my craft room...keeping it that way will be another issue.
3. Finish my UFO's. That's the one that may do me in!
4. Organize my picture folders.

Right now I'm working on a Zentangle design that somehow got set aside and forgotten. Stay tuned for the finished piece...soon.

Here a tangle, there a tangle....

2011-01-03T20:31:00.001-08:00

I admit it...I'm addicted to Zentangles! My friend Loretta introduced me to this art form during a get together with some fellow artists a few years ago. Little did I know I'd soon have stacks of paper and about a million Micron pens, all over my house. Of course, any normal person only needs a few sheets of paper and one pen but I don't do normal.

For those who don't know, Zentangle is a very detailed looking drawing that is built one stoke at a time. Simple designs are combined to create amazing pieces of art. It was developed by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas as a tool to be used by both artists and non-artists. But the best part is it helps focus your mind, lowers your stress and builds confidence.

Here's a butterfly I did recently.

I'll be adding more more tangles but in the meantime, visit zentangle.com to get more information about the process and see some truly wonderful examples.

Welcome!

2011-01-03T17:37:00.000-08:00

Hi, my name is Karen and I'm a paper artist. Welcome to my blog. I'll be posting art projects from my craft room along with many from my artsy friends. I'm fortunate enough to belong to a couple of art groups made up of the most talented women around. I hope you will enjoy seeing their work as much as I do. As soon as I get better at blogging (yes, I'm a bit behind the times on this) I'll be adding links to my favorite places and maybe a surprise or two. So stay tuned. There's more to come soon.

A special shout out to my pal Linsday for getting me started. Not only is she a talented artist, she's a great friend. Love ya, Lindsay!