Whitman First Night - 2015

Stop on in and pick up your Whitman First Night button.  All proceeds from the button will go to the Whitman Food Pantry.

Celebrate Spring with DeNami stamps

Yes, it’s still winter but DeNami released their new stamps in early January and they just scream Springtime! 

I made several cards with this new release and using a couple of die cutting techniques to make these cards ‘swing’ into Spring. 

We’ll also be utilizing a new die cut set from Sizzix that will make these cards easy to cut and assemble but it will look like you spent hours creating them.

I'm teaching this class at Kept Creations in Whitman, MA Sunday, February 9th from 1-3pm. Click on this link for the DeNami class or class the store to sign up 781-447-4010.

A New Year = A Crafty YOU!

Winter is the perfect time to start something new. 

Did you know that the top 5 most chose New Year resolutions are:
Loose weight
Get more organized
Save more money
Enjoy Life to the fullest
Learn something new

Over 45% of Americans make a New Year resolution.  If you are one of those that are looking to learn something new, we may have some classes for you!

Kept Creations has eight wonderful teachers that are on the schedule monthly and several others that guest teach here frequently.  There is always something fun to learn. 

Don't think your crafty?  No worries!  It's proven that the more you are creative, the more creativity will come to you.  It's like working out a muscle in the gym; use it and it will be more flexible, more fit and ultimately you become happier! 

Are you ready to work out your creativity in 2014?  Check out our class schedule for a class that might interest you.  We have  die cutting, jewelry making, water coloring, Copic markers, wool felting, home decor, quilling, stamping, knitting and more!  We even hold regular swaps for inchies, ATC's, altered arts and cards. (not sure what language I'm speaking?  Inchies are 1"x1" pieces of art and ATC's stands for Artist Trading Cards - these are 2.5"x 3.5" pieces of art).

We have a little bit of something for everyone!

Kept Creations is even hosting it's first retreat this coming March, 21-23rd, 2014.  This is the weekend to immerse yourself in mixed media.  Learning everything from image transfers to assemblage and more!

 If you've been thinking about creating a more crafty you in 2014, you may want to join Kim for Basics 101 on Wednesday, January 22nd.  Kim will go over just the basics you'll need to start.  Cutting, embossing, layering, stamping and more.  If you can't make January 22nd, give us a call at 781-447-4010 and we set up a private class for you!

Get creative in 2014!

Mixed Media Madness Retreat Announcement

Catherine Scanlon Designs and Kept Creations, LLC is proud to announce their first weekend retreat.... Mixed Media Madness!

Are you ready to learn new techniques?  
Create beautiful art? 
Laugh, smile and get messy?
Have fun? 

We are thrilled to bring you a one-of-a kind art retreat in beautiful and historic, Plymouth, Massachusetts. 

Want to know more?  Well, get ready to immerse yourself for an entire weekend in the Mixed Media Madness!

Mixed Media Madness Retreat Dates:

Friday, March 21st through Sunday, March 23rd

Mixed Media Madness Retreat Location:  
  John Carver Inn, Plymouth, MA 

Click here for more details about hotel accommodations.

Mixed Media Madness Retreat Details:

Get ready for a total immersion in art, techniques and classes!  Two fabulous artsy classes with published artist Catherine Scanlon, one assemblage class with Mandy Fariello and a fantastically messy class with Chris Dindy!  Each attendee will get their own space in the community room for creative alone time;  a place to work in your art journals, to finish up some projects you might have or just for some company and laughs.  We'll have raffles, goodie bags, trunk show, food, fun and art!  What more could you want from a mixed media weekend?

Pricing:

$350 for retreat weekend.  

Hotel accommodations need to be made separately.  

We have a block of rooms for $127 plus tax, per night

We are offering Payment plan options.

A deposit of $100 will hold your place for registration.  All payments must be finalized by February 22nd. If you have not paid in full by February 22nd, we will have to cancel your reservation.  You will receive no refunds if not fully paid by February 22nd.  We have outlined a payment plan for those that would like one below:
November 22nd, 2013 - $100 deposit
December 22nd, 2013 - $100 payment
January 22nd, 2014 - $100 payment
February 22nd, 2014 - $50 payment - this would be your final payment for the retreat fees.

  

See below for Paypal payments or pay by cash, check or charge in the store.

Here are the details of the weekend:

Friday:

• Arrive on Friday night, check into the hotel and grab one of your goodie bags at the registration desk.
• Drop off your crafty things in the community room - everyone gets their own seat to be able to work on your own projects whenever you'd like!
• Head over to the make and take table and work on your first project with the guidance of one off our talented instructors.  
• Greet your fellow crafters in the community room while enjoying some delicious hors'deurves.
• Part one of Mandy's class will start at 8pm.  This class will need overnight drying time, you'll finish it up on Saturday!  
• Enjoy some free time in either the community room, at the indoor pool, enjoy your reserved time at the spa or head to the tavern for some drinks and company.  All this without leaving the hotel!

 Saturday:

• On Saturday, wake up to a warm and hearty breakfast buffet.  
• Catherine starts part one of her first class (you'll need some drying time for her project too!)
• Enjoy about an hour of free creative time, work on your projects, take a swim or enjoy some company!
• A beautiful lunch buffet will be served.  
• Later in the afternoon we will tackle part 2 of Mandy's class!
• Chris will step in after that and you should plan to have fun and get messy!
• That evening, enjoy some time at the Spa (book your time early!), enjoy dinner at the tavern or out on the town.  There are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.  Relax with friends and or work in the community room.
• After dinner, plan to come back to finish up your morning class with Catherine.  
• We'll also enjoy some evening snacks and coffee.
• Once you have completed Catherine's project, you'll have a few hours of free time to get creative in the community room or visit with your friends and others attending the retreat.

Sunday:

• On Sunday, plan on another hearty and yummy breakfast buffet.  
• Don't think we are done yet!  Catherine still has another class up her sleeve! 
• You will have some more free time before you need to pack up and head for home.  

This weekend is going to be intense, fun, inspirational and creative!

What can you expect for the weekend:

• 2 Two-part classes.  Each of these classes will give you approximately 4-5 hours of instructor time.
• 2 additional classes with approximately 2 hours of instructor time.
• 3 make and takes with approximately 20-30 minutes of instructor time each.
• Goodie bag of mixed media goodies valued at about $100.
• Raffles with prizes.
• Trunk show.
• Opportunity to take advantage of the hotels pool, fitness room, spa, full service restaurant, tavern and business center.  The hotel does have free wifi.
• Friday night Hors d'ourves, Saturday breakfast buffet, lunch buffet and evening snacks, and Sunday breakfast buffet.
• And that's not all!  We are still working on some fun things for you to do during your mixed media madness weekend.  

It's going to be madness!  

Don't miss out on the fun!  Sign up today, in store or here online.  This is a very limited event and we expect it to sell out quickly.  

If you have any questions, please contact Kim at keptcreations@gmail.com or call 781-447-4010.  We also accept payment/s via credit card at the store location... Kept Creations 15 South Ave, Whitman, MA  02382


Click here for more information and to sign up via Paypal.

Bring out the quilts the cool weather is here

I just love this time of year. The leaves start changing and the temperature starts to drop. It's fall and I it's a great time to get out those warm quilts out to take the chill off.

I stumbled upon this steel cut die a few months ago and couldn't wait to make a class out of it.

It looked so versatile to use for cards. Three different patterns makes it so you can make so many cards for so many different occasions. At this time of year you can use them for fall/thanksgiving cards along with those holiday cards coming up just around the corner.

I created a class with this die and will be teaching it this Sunday, Oct. 13th from 1-3pm here at Kept Creations. We'll be making two cards with a little homespun look. If you haven't signed up for this class call the store 781-447-4010 or you can sign up via the website using paypal.

Hope to see you this weekend!

Susan C.

White pens accents

This is the final post regarding white pens. I wanted to showcase how these pens work on an actual design with the different mediums from the previous post. It's nothing fancy but this should give you and idea how these will work when you use them in your creations.

I used the same six pens from the previous post each one is on a separate part of the design that is seen in the photos.

Tombow markers...

Faber-Castell india ink...

Faber-Castell color pencils...

Gelly Roll metallic...

Faber-Castell watercolor pencils...

Faber-Castell gelatos...

Winston-Newton watercolor paints...

I think the pens look best on the Faber-Castell PITT pens with the india ink. I hope these posts have helped you see the differences in these pens. I hope you enjoy using the white pen in your projects.

Susan C.

White Pens on different mediums

Back again for part 2 of 3 on white pens. Today, you'll see what these pens look like on different art mediums and surfaces.

The samples are on a mixed media paper. One is the surface as is and the other is coated with gesso. I used the top six white pens with tombow markers, gelly roll metallic, water color paints, and an array of faber-castell products (india ink, color pencils, water color pencils and gelatos).

First up is plain surface...

Now gesso...

Yet again not all surfaces or mediums are the same.  The white pens don't seem to work at all with the Tombow markers on either surface. Except for the Faber-Castell watercolor pencils on the plain surface the white pens perform about the same. I think the gesso coated samples look the best but that's just me.

Call the store KEPT Creations 781-447-4010 and let Kim know you one these products.

This is the second of three posts, so check back tomorrow to see how these pens look when used to accent a design colored with the different mediums you saw in this post.

Susan C.

Quest for the Perfect White Pen

Not sure if anyone else is searching for the perfect white pen but I am and it's been a long journey. I've tried so many over the years and haven't found the perfect one yet. As I get more into art journaling I find that a white pen is a good alternative to the regular black to switch it up a little. 

Recently, I went on the quest again. I cut up several sheets of black cardstock and wrote the name of each pen along with a little squiggle and few doodles to see how the pen would work for writing and doodling. You might be wondering why there are two of each sample, well as many of you know not all cardstock is equal. I wrote on two different pieces, one is a little slick almost has a a mottled look to it and the other if more like regular smooth cardstock.

They appear in the order I think from best to worst....

As you can see there are many white pen out there and they are not equal. Hands down the Uniball Signo broad wins. I've had this pen several years and it does seem to be the best out there. Depending on how you use the pen will determine which one you choose.

I will warn you that some of these pens don't give instant gratification. What I mean by that is the Sakura Glaze and soufflé pens come out clear and as they dry they turn white so don't crumple up your paper or throw away the pen because you don't see what you wrote, just give it a minute or two and it should show up. Others are good if you want that white-washed look too. Most of these pens are gel or water based, I included the Sharpie oil based pen so you could see the difference and not pick up the wrong one at the store. Water-based is good for paper and oil based is good for wood, metal, pottery, rubber, glass, plastic, stone and more but not paper.

If you do pick up one of these pens be sure to use it often, maybe once a week or so, even if it's just to doodle a little. This will keep the pen from drying up or getting clogged which seems to happen to a lot of my white pens.

Call the store KEPT Creations 781-447-4010 and let Kim know you one these white pens.

This is the first of three posts, so check back tomorrow to see how these pens look on different mediums.

Susan C.

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