Groovie!!!

                                     

Peace, love.....and a 60's themed BIRTHDAY BASH!!! Kept Creations is one year old! Join us for a celebration of YOU....the folks who made our first year a success. There will be raffles, sales, demos, free make-it-take-its. Have your picture taken in our VW bus booth and then try the Hero Arts neon inks to embellish your picture easel. And did someone say CAKE??? 

Wear your favorite tie die. Rumor has it there will be extra raffle tickets for "theme dressing".

Friday, Saturday and Sunday.....see you there!

What is an ‘Inchie’?

An 'inchie' is a 1x1 inch piece of art. Pick a medium to work on; it can be cardstock, 2 or 4-ply matboard, wood, glass, acrylic, or even tile. Then embellish it using stickles, buttons, ribbon, brads, flock, glitter, etc... As long as it fits with in the 'inchie'; just about anything in a scrapbooking or card making stach can be used on it. These 'inchies' are great to embellish ATC's, cards & scrapbook pages.

At KEPT Creations we have an 'inchie' swap every month. We pick a theme and then make enough to swap with the entire group the next time we meet up. We also have a 'challenge' theme which can be a little more difficult to create but you only have to create one to show but you can also make one for every in the group too. Pretty much anything goes when creating the 'inchie' the only rule we have is that it must fit the 1x1 inch format. Also, when you join the group we give you a little welcome to the club gift with lots of goodies to create your own 'inchies.'

Be sure to join us for the next 'inchie' swap on Sunday, September 15th from noon-1pm. Our September theme is 'exercise' and the challenge is 'healthy food.' The store has lots of supplies to create 'inchies' from the 'inchie' squares to a huge assortment of little trinkets and other embellishments. Call the store to sign up so we can have your 'inchie' goodie box ready for you. 781-447-4010

Thanks to Donna Marie for a great class!

Oh, gosh....this was an amazing workshop! Donna Marie taught us to draw whimsical faces. We learned so much about composition, shading, details. So awesome. I have no ability, skill, or training- but with Donna Marie's help, I did a face I just love. Check it out!!!

Kept Creations is turning ONE! Come celebrate with us!

It's almost here!  

Kept Creations 1 year birthday celebration is coming!

We invite you to stop on by for some refreshments, raffles, demonstrations, make and takes and more!

Our celebration starts Friday, August 30th and continues through Sunday, September 1st!

Kept Creations is located at 15 South Ave, Whitman, MA  781-447-4010.  We are a unique paper crafting and mixed media retail store.   We carry a ton of great product for all types of paper crafts; scrapbooking, cardmaking, mixed media and more!  We don't just have product for you but we have a great staff of instructors that offer a large variety of classes!

Here's a list of our Demo and Make and Take Schedule:  Come on in for one or stay for them all!

Friday, August 30th from 10AM - 5PM

10-5 - Mixed Media Make and Take
10-5 - Photo Booth Dress Up Time!
10-5 - Embossed Jewelry Make and Take
10-5 - Quick Button Make and Take

Saturday, August 31st - 10AM - 4PM

10-12 - Dylusions Demo
10-4 - Quick Button Make and Take
10-4 - Mixed Media Make and Take
10-4 - Photo Booth Dress up Time!
11-1 - Embossed Jewelry Make and Take
11-2 - Felt Fun Make and Take
11-2 - Origami Make and Take
2-4 - Stenciling Demo
2-4 - Mail Art Make and Take

Sunday, September 1st - 12PM - 4PM

12-4 - Quick Button Make and Take
12-4 - Mixed Media Make and Take
12-4 - Photo Booth Dress up Time!
12-2 - Embossing Demo
12-2 - Glitter Demo
 2-4 - Origami Make and Take
2-4 - Felt Fun Make and Take
12-4 - Mail Art Make and Take

60's Inspired Photo Bus

Come in your Tie Dyed Shirts, Shorts or Bandanna's! We will have a photo booth for all three days and you are invited to have your picture taken!  We have some cool photo props for you to make your photo booth experience even more FUN!  After you've had your photo taken, bring your photo over to the Mixed Media Make and Take to make it even better!

Giveaways!

Our August raffle will be drawn on Sunday morning.  Stop in any day in August, fill out a raffle ticket with purchase.  Only one raffle ticket per day.  The prize?  A $200 prize pack basket!

We'll also have a few raffle drawings throughout the weekend, just to make the Birthday weekend even more special!

Stop in on Friday or Saturday for Cookies and Punch.  Sunday we'll officially celebrate our 1 year birthday with some birthday cake!


Be on the lookout for our in-house specials too!

And More!

ATC and Inchie 'station'.  Our theme is 'Birthday'.  Sit down and create!  We will have an array of supplies for you to use.  Create an ATC or an Inchie and we'll make your creation part of our front window display!  Just another way to get your creative juices flowing!




We will have special products for purchase during our weekend.  Supplies are limited, so stop in and see!

We look forward to seeing you Friday, August 30th, Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st!

Chris Dindy's Distress Marker technique

Hey "distressed" fans!  That technique that Chris is doing with the Distress Markers is super fun.  Did you know that Tim Holtz didn't know how to do it?  Chris educated him really fast.  Super fun, super easy.  Check it out!

Congrats to our instructor Donna Maligno!!!

Huge congrats to Donna for being published AGAIN! This time, she is featured in Steampunk magazine for her punky cool altered bottle. Don't know about you, but when I get my copy, I am going to want it autographed!

Product Review 4 U- Art Anthology

No, no, no. I tried to talk myself out of buying more paint. I really tried. But darn it, these Art Anthology paints have got something special going on. The colors are just....well, the words "rich, warm and vibrant" come to mind. Honestly, these colors will bring out the artist in you.

For those of you who missed Jen Starr's amazing workshops at Kept, this is her line. The paints come in two forms- sorbet and velvet. Sorbet has mica flecks in it for shine and sparkle. The velvet dries in a matte finish.  A thick coating gives you a gorgeous opaque coverage. For a translucent look (perhaps you are painting over an image or words that you want to show through), you can water down the paints. These paints can also give you dimension- they can be sponged on or you can use a palette knife and stencil. These paints are versatile enough to be used on any type of project, but I think the art journalists will go crazy for them. 

Footnote: the paints dry to a glorious smooth finish that looks like it will not take a marker or other inks without smearing. This is deceptive! I have found that I can journal or Zentangle directly over these paints with Micron pens perfectly. I can also stamp over them with any brand of permanent ink or color with markers.

Distress Marker Technique

Here's a new technique for you! These were pieces of shrink plastic cut with Sizzix dies. Using Distress markers, I scribbled on some splotches of color (ink will not cover completely. It will bead up, but that's ok). Use 2-3 coordinating colors. Then I placed drops of Diamond glaze on each piece. Place as many small drops as you can, but do not allow the drops to touch. Give a few minutes for the glaze to set. Go back and add more drops wherever there are spaces between the first drops. Allow to set. Repeat this process a third time.  If you like a bit of extra bling, you can sprinkle on a tiny amount of mica powder, but don't overdo!

Quick message

We are working on the final details for our 1 year birthday.  Our celebration is coming up on August 30th, August 31st and September 1st.  Kim will be posting details tomorrow!  Be sure to keep a look out!

Product Review 4 U

Tim Holtz Distress markers by Ranger

I admit to being hesitant about these when they first hit the market. After all, I do already own a boatload of Copic markers and I do love my Copics. Why would I need a second set of markers? I am glad you asked. I have grown to love these markers and I use them every day. Their properties are quite different from Copics, so here is a side by side review- pros and cons!

Colors: nothing can beat Copics for their vast spectrum of colors. The first release of Distress markers came in 37 colors. They are excellent colors, but are the  earthy distress shades. Great for vintage projects. Those of us who love these markers were unhappy that we had no bright shades. Ranger just released 12 more colors- they are the bright seasonal colors- so our pleas have been answered. Distress still can't compete with the color choices of Copic, but the available shades are good.

Blending: both brands blend beautifully.

Refillable: Copics, yes. Distress, no.

Bleeding: Copics will bleed through to the other side of cardstock. Distress markers do not.

Use with stamping: You cannot color a stamped image with Copics unless you stamp with Memento brand or emboss first. All other inks will be smeared by Copics. Distress will work well with any permanent die ink.

Water: Copics do not react to water. Distress markers are very reactive to water. This means that you can color a bit onto your craft mat, spritz with a bit of water and paint on your image for a nice watercolor effect. You can also take a colored image, lightly spritz with water for an interesting pebble look, or flick droplets of water onto it to get those ghostly splotches. 

Nibs: replacement nibs are available from both companies.

Use with nonporous surfaces: Copics yes, Distress no. ( say you wanted to color a button to match your project, Copics would work).

Recommendations: if you do art journalling, Distress markers will make you very happy. They will not bleed through your page, and there are lots of fun effects you can achieve because they are so reactive to water.

Footnote: Distress markers have a nice tight cap to prevent drying out. When placing the cap back on your marker, be sure you hear that little snap that tells you the cap is fully engaged. 

Die of the Month Club

Kept Creations hosts a Die of the Month Club, with instructor Donna Maligno. The classes are held on the first Friday of every month, at 7pm to 9pm. You can sign up for a single class at $30. or you can register for a 3-month block for $75. (Great savings).

The class includes the die and instruction for 2-3 beautiful, unique projects using that die. Donna will teach you new, interesting, outside-the-box uses for your new die.

Please bring a basic tool kit- scissors, adhesive, etc.

Need more details? Call Kim at the store, or comment on this post.

Summer fun!

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Here is some summer fun for the kids (and the kids at heart). Bubble paper! Kids love to help with this and even the youngest can participate. When you are done, you will have a stack of gorgeous background paper for your card, collage or scrapbooking projects.

In a cereal bowl, put a good squirt of dish washing liquid, a good squirt of acrylic paint, and about a half cup of water. Mix well.

Have your paper ready. Different types of paper will have different looks with this technique. Absorbent paper will have a mottled look, and coated paper will have crisp, clean lines. Have lots of paper ready, as this is very addicting!

Place a straw into the bowl and blow until you have a big froth of bubbles on the surface. Lightly touch your paper to the surface to pick up bubbles and froth. Place paper aside. Do not pop bubbles.

Once you have done this with all pieces of paper, repeat entire process with a second color. Two to three coordinating colors looks great. More than 3 can get a bit murky, so don't overdo!

Leftover paint solution can be stored in plastic bottles or containers 

Mixed Media with Donna-Marie...

 Hi gang!  Donna here and I'm back from Stampaway in Cincinnati and am so excited about the next mixed media class coming up at Kept with Donna-Marie!  Yes, you read that right -- THIS Donna is excited about mixed media!  I'm slowly coming out of my box.  I met Donna-Marie last year in NH and we formed a great relationship.  When I checked out her blog, I immediately called Kim to get her on board at Kept Kreations.  You all know that I am not a mixed media artist, but I just love Donna-Marie's style and am chomping at the bit to do one of her "faces" projects.  As a reminder, here's her project:

I don't know why these faces call to me, but I'm on board.  Don't miss out on this class - she's a great teacher and is talented in so many mediums.  And this comes from ME - a non-mixed media teacher!  So call the store right away and reserve your seat.  I'll be the one sitting right next to Donna-Marie so I can drink in all of her gloriousness with these faces.  Can't wait -- save the date - Saturday, August 24the from 11am to 2pm.  I might even have Charlie bake!  Quick, call the store.

Kept Kafe

Day crafters! Here's a special event just for you! The Kept Kafe is held twice a month, the 1st and 3rd Thursday, from 10:30am to noon. Donna and Kim have created lots of fun card kits for your crafting pleasure. The $10. fee includes two card kits of your choice, Donna's expertise, coffee, a yummy treat, and lots of laughter! Please bring a basic tool kit (which according to Donna must include scissors, adhesive and a sense of humor! Apparently this Kafe bunch can get a little rowdy...) You won't find a deal this great at Starbucks!!!

De-stressing

Everyone has stress. It is a part of life. A bit of stress can even be healthy as it sharpens our perceptions and keeps us alert. But too much is...well, too much. So, keeping things in balance in our lives is important. 

How do you de-stress? For me, it has always been crafts. Some women de-stress with a nice manicure. I am happy when there is paint under my fingernails. Some women relax with a shoe shopping spree. I kick back with a embossing powder purchase. Some women sip wine from crystal glasses. Oh, yeah, I do the wine thing too, but it is usually from a paper cup...in my craft room! 

Whatever your best de-stressing technique is, be sure to make time for it. Women are hard-wired genetically to be the nurturers of the human race. Admit it- when you are mentally reviewing that to-do list, how often do YOU land in first place? To be the best that you can be for your family, friends and coworkers, you must first take care of yourself. 

So, give some thought to nurturing you today. I know you are like me and love crafts, or you wouldn't be reading this blog! So, head on over the the store website and see what's up. Think about scheduling yourself some time for a class or workshop. Pencil in some personal time for a little shopping. Think about how much fun (and how relaxing) it would be to take a class, join a collage or mailart social, to make some ATC's or participate in Altered Arts Workshop. And don't ever feel guilty about moving yourself up the to-do list. When you take good care of yourself, you are better able to take good care of everyone else. It's all about balance.

Take care. I will see you in the embossing powder aisle!

Product Review 4 U

Here is a brand new product- Kroma Crackle. Yeah, I know...ANOTHER crackle paint. But if you are a crackle fan, you may want to consider this one as it is very different in concept.

Kroma sells for $8. in a 150ml tube. It is a pretty big tube, so you get your money's worth. The big difference here, is that Kroma is not actually a paint. It is a texture. It has no color. It goes on as a clear gel and dries white. Just like the paints, a thin coat gives you a fine crackle, and a thick coat gives you big crackle. And the key point is- no color. Now, I am a loyal fan of Distress crackle paint, but you end up buying one of every color, and sometimes those colors just don't match your project. Once the Kroma dries, you simply color it whatever shade you desire. The dried Kroma sucks up color like a sponge. Initially, I worried that I would be limited in the types of products I could use to color it. But, happily, Kroma grabs everything I throw at it- sprays, Inka Good, acrylic paints, markers. Everything.

Now here is the drawback. Kroma takes a very long time to dry. A thin coat takes 24 hours. Thick coats can take 3-5 days. So, this product is not for you if you like instant gratification. But if you are patient, or if you are making something special that is worth the wait- I would give this two thumbs up.

Footnote: you really do need to be patient because damp Kroma does not grab color properly. Look at the red sample above. It is mostly dry except for the darker part at the bottom edge. That part feels dry to the touch, but it really isn't. For best coloring results, wait until the Kroma is completely white.

Another footnote: I have put Kroma on a bunch of different cardstock pieces and just threw them in a drawer when they dried. I think they will come in handy when I am in that instant gratification mood!

Altered Arts Workshop, Kept Creations

On the last Sunday of each month, the Altered Arts Workshop meets at Kept Creations, Whitman , MA. We pick a different object to "alter" each month. To date, we have altered cigar boxes, whiskey bottles, paint brushes and many other items. The fee for each session is $10., covers the item and gives each artist access to the classroom tools and supplies. Participation every month is not mandatory, but-fair warning- this is very addicting! Stop by the store to see some of the amazingly creative items our workshop participants have made. If you love mixed media, enjoy crafting in a social setting, or perhaps might like a little something to kick start your creative juices, this is the workshop for you.

Viva Decor paints, Art Anthology mists- Kept Creations, Whitman MA