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Store Hours
Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun: we are closed
For Four evenings on Thursday, we are open until 7 pm
October 22 and 29, and November 5 and 12, 2015

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Absolutely Everything
30 Main St, Topsfield, MA  01983, 978-887-6397, www.absolutelyeverything.com
 
 
Newsletter for Friday, June 27
Will the 4th of July holiday weekend be lucky for you?? 
Come in on Saturday or Sunday, July 5th or 6th (we are closed on the Fourth!) and for anyone with a minimum purchase of $25, you can spin the lucky wheel. The prizes include an immediate $5, $10, or $15 to spend right away in the store...or you might win $10 or $15 off of your next visit...you can even win a free in-store class!

All winnings are for this summer, and expire on August 31, 2014.
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New stuff in the store!!
 
Just in the nick of time for summer, the great dies of the sand dollar, seahorse, and starfish have arrived from Sizzix...along with a new wave of debossed words, and an embossing folder that fits right in,...bubbles and waves.
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The Ice Resin company has released their new colors of the Iced Enamels...and we have assorted new papers, in 12 x 12 and 6x6 pads, perfect for summer...
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Dina Wakely Classes--Open for registration!!
 
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We are delighted that Dina Wakley will be here at the end of August, for four great classes.Dina's specialty is artistic art Journaling, as well as mixed media creations, specializing in acrylic paints. She is a signature designer from Ranger and has a line of stamp, stencils, and paints with them.  In her own words, "My “Art Journal Play” classes are all about exploring and playing with art journaling techniques. The goal is to learn techniques, experiment, play, and make finished journal pages. We’ll be working in journals, but the techniques apply to all mixed-media projects (canvases, book-making, etc.).

You can check out Dina's work at these sites:
Dina's website
Dina's blog
Dina' Facebook page
Dina on PInterest


Students should bring the following to each class, and listed by each class will be any extra stuff you will need to add to this list.
Your basic tool kit for all of these classes is;
non-stick craft sheet, paint brushes, a rag or cloth, pencil, scissors, water container for brushes, palette knife, baby wipes, paper towels, old gift card to use as a scraper, paper plate or palette paper,
Also, please bring to each class-
white acrylic gesso
soft gel matte medium
acrylic paint s(white, red/pink, yellow, dark neutral, plus your favorite colors...)
your art journal-recommended-the Dylusions art journal, either size
black archival ink pad


Here are the details of the Dina Wakley  classes at AE:

Friday evening, August 22, 6-9 pm,  $55
Art Journal Play-- Delightful Painted Deli Paper   
"Join me as we create random painted deli papers. We’ll paint, scrape, rub, stencil, and stamp. Then I’ll show you my favorite ways to use the deli papers in your journaling and mixed-media projects."
Please bring: all materials as listed above
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Deli Paper
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Deli Paper
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Deli Paper
Saturday, August 23, 10am-1pm,  $55
Art Journal Play --Beyond the Ink Pad
"In this class, we’ll explore one of our favorite addictions, rubber stamps. But we are going to go beyond the ink pad and use stamps with Pan Pastels, acrylic paints, crayons, gelatos, and more. I will show you techniques for creating and then we will build finished pages on top of our stamping–that means we’ll consider color, composition and layers as we finish our work.
Please bring, in addition to the list at the top of this article:
  • Rubber stamps–bring your “muses.” I will have some to share, too!
  • Black Ink Pad (I like Archival by Ranger). I will have several to share, if you don’t have one.
  • Pen(s) for journaling onto your pages
  • Optional: PanPastels, Gelatos, Neocolor II crayons. Bring these if you have them…if not, don’t worry, I will have plenty in class.
  • Optional: your own ink spray and stencils. I will have plenty for class use, but if you have your own, you won’t have to share.
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Beyond the ink pad
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Beyond the ink pad
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Beyond the ink pad
Saturday, August, 23,  2-5 pm,  $55
Art Journal Play Series--Strong & Powerful Women

"Join me and let’s create art journal pages that represent strength and positive thought. We’ll use my new rubber stamp sets and stencils to create pages that are both beautiful and meaningful. We’ll use my new stamps sets, Scribbly Women and Face in the Crowd, to create figures for our pages. We’ll talk about composition and create the pages from the bottom layers up. Come and play with my stamps and stencils and have lots of fun!"
Please bring:
  • Optional: Your own black Archival ink pad. I will have some to share, but it’s nice to have your own.
  • Optional: Your own ink sprays and stencils. I will have some to share, too.

 
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Strong women
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strong women
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strong women
Sunday, all day, 10-4pm  $110
Art Journal Play Series--My Face Book         

" We know that Facebook is all the rage, but come to class and make a meaningful art journal Face Book–a book of hand-drawn, unique painted faces.  Don’t know how to draw faces?  Don’t worry, this class is for you. I will teach you  the formulas for how to draw quirky and fun art faces, and we’ll practice them in our “Face Book”–a brand new Dylusions art journal that you’ll receive in class. Even if you already keep a journal, your “Face Book” will be the journal in which you concentrate on exploring faces. We’ll do several background layering techniques, and top it off with drawing and painting. Your faces can come from imaginary worlds, be characters in a story, or even represent you! Once we conquer the 100% face view, we’ll tackle the 3/4 view. We’ll also try some fun, artsy drawing techniques that will push you. You will come away with many pages done in your Face Book, and lots of mojo and inspiration to continue creating art!

In addition to the list at the top of this article, please bring:
Optional: your own ink spray and stencils. I will have plenty for class use, but if you have your own, you won’t have to share.

 
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face book
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News From the Gelli Art Print Front!!
We have new items to use with the Gelli plates coming in all the time, mostly because I am finding it to be extremely inspiring, and tons of fun. If you are starting out at home, I would suggest that you begin with less expensive acrylic paints...we have the Americana paints from Deco Arts, for a bit over $2 per bottle...lots of colors...and I would probably use either copy paper, or our inexpensive set of cardstock...50 sheets for $4.99  Once you want to start doing really artsy stuff, you can move to the Golden paints or the new Dina Wakely heavy body acrylic paints, which have a great open time. For card stock, you can use our basic white cardstock, watercolor paper, or even printed scrapbook 12 x 12 papers.

New items in for Gelli printing are at the beginning of the "What's New" article below.

So far, the following classes are on the schedule:
Friday, July 11, -Intro to Gelli Printing,  5pm-9pm- $44
We will use stencils and plates...everyone will receive a 6x6 gelli plate in class to take home, and we will make a mini Art Journal with our prints, with a bit of embellishing the book at the end of class.
  Students should each bring a soft rubber brayer and a supply of acrylic paints, your choice. $44
Also, great news, the company is now making the plates in small sizes, 3.5 x 5 inches, and a 5 x 7 size...and, yes, they are on the way to the store now!!
(See more class dates below.)

Gelli Plates--Beyond the Print ,  Tuesday, July 8, 10am-1pm,  $45 ($35 for anyone who took the Intro and brings their plate)  Class includes a 6x6 Gelli Plate to use in class and take home. Students should each bring a soft rubber brayer and a supply of acrylic paints, your choice. 
We will be making some very cool resist prints, and clear prints, as well as printing on fabric and deli papers. We will be covering a paper mache box with a piece of the printed fabric.
In addition, there will be a station with a large (12 x 14) Gelli Plate and everyone will get a turn using this big style plate.

Intro to Gelli Plate Printing-
New date added--Tuesday, July 22, 11-3:30
or, Saturday, August 9, 11-3:30
Gelli Plates-Beyond the Print--Thursday, August 14, 10am-1pm



Gelli Plates-Beyond the Print--Thursday, August 14, 10am-1pm


The photos below show the books we are making in the the Intro class...you can choose either form.

 
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This photo shows the box we will cover with printed fabric, along with some Gelli prints on Deli paper in the "Beyond the Prin"t Class.
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Intro Class
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Intro class
Gelli Printing Art Canvas Sunday, July 20, 1-4pm,  $40 (or $30 if you bring a gelli plate from a previous class)
Using our knowledge of the Gelli Plate, we will be creating 2 canvases, and then embellishing these with our paints and brushes. Each student will receive a Gelli Plate to keep. Wear an apron, and bring your acrylic paints, two brushes,  (a 1/2 flat, and a #8 or 10 round, or in this vicinity) A cup for water, a brayer

Intro to Gelli Plate Printing-
New date added--Tuesday, July 22, 11-3:30
or, Saturday, August 9, 11-3:30
Gelli Plates-Beyond the Print--Thursday, August 14, 10am-1pm

 
Planning Ahead...for the Summer...and  a great "Kids' Class"

Terri has great plans for a 4-day Kids' week of classes.  Save the dates of Monday, July 14-Thursday, July 17 for this great series.  These class sessions are for 9-12 year olds. Cost for the 4 days is $100.
time of classes is 10am-1pm.
Bring a small lunch or a snack.

So, kids!!...What are you doing with all your ticket stubs, awards, photos, secret notes, favorite friendship bracelet, postcards, ski passes, and your girl scout, 4-H or cheerleading memorabilia??   You know...all those little things you are collecting but don't have a real home for...
Start gathering them up now!!  Because...
 We are going to create a scrapbook, so they all have a great place to be, and you will have a beautiful memento book. You don't need to bring anything but your memories. We will provide the scrapbook, page protectors, 12 x 12 papers, tape, and various embellishments. Plus, we will be doing some die-cutting right here in the store.

Additionally, Terri will be offering an "after-school" scrapbook class during the rest of the year, on the last Wednesday of each month, from 3:30-5:30 at a $20 cost. This way, you can keep your scrapbook up-to-date.  Each class will include page protector, 12 x 12 paper, and embellishments
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More Classes at AE

To see complete class info, please use the link to the Calendar Page, here


The dates for the upcoming Card Club classes are as follows:
June 20 (Fri.) and 24(Tues.)

Summer-Friday, August 8 and Tues. Aug. 12.
September 19 (Fri.) and Sept. 23 (Tues.)


 
***Newly Scheduled Class
 
Here are the details on all the Dreamweaver Stencil classes for the summer.
 Basics of Dreamweaver Stencils
Thursday, July 3, 11-1pm, $40
Each student will receive two stencils and the picasso tool, along with two brushes. We will be learning the basics of embossing the stencils, (there is definitely a trick!) using the Big Shot,applying paste to a metal stencil,  and coloring the flat and embossed images. We will make three cards from our artwork.

Dreamweaver Stencils--Basic Black Techniques, Saturday, July 12, 10am-1pm, $40
Each student receives 2 metal stencils, a paste spreader, and a palette knife. we will be learning about the pastes, foils, and special effects powders in this class. You will have two finished cards to take home.

Dreamweaver Stencils and Zentangles, Friday, July 18, 6-9pm, $35
Each student will receive two stencils for the outline image.
Please bring your pens, pencil, and blending stump, for creating the tangles. I will review some basic tangles. Feel free to prepare a few of youre own favorites. (Basic Zentangle class is a prerequisite.)  See photo below.

Dreamweaver & Zentangle Class, Sunday, August 3, 1-4pm. All details as above.

Dreamweaver Stencils with Special Effects,  Tuesday, August 5th, 10am-12:30,  $40
Each student will receive two stencils, and a screen tool. All the "effects" materials will be provided in class. Please bring a picasso tool.

I am preparing these classes now and all photos will appear shortly.
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The Art of Handmade, & Hand Sewn Books and Journals
Who's ready for a little book-making??
Join Terri on either Wednesday, July 23, 6-9 pm, or Friday, July 25, noon-3 pm for the first in a series of bookmaking classes. This first class will be the Japanese Side Stitch Binding Journal.
We will be using Japanese washi paper, and handmade note paper on the inside, and you will learn a handmade ornamental closure for finishing it off.  Book size is approximately 4 x 6 inches.
In this class, you will learn:
-the Japanese Side Stitch
-the art of seamless, mitered corners using the washi papers
-the technique of creating a resin closure
-the art of using waxed linen

Class is $40, and includes all materials.


The second Handmade Book class will be on Wednesday, August 20, 6-9:30, or Friday, August 22, noon- 3:30 pm.  This will be the Coptic Stitch Sewn Binding, book size is about 4 x 6  inches.  Class is $50, and includes all materials.
 
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Japanese Stab Binding
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Coptic Stitch
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Inside of Coptic stitch book
Card Club is Ongoing...
The cards below were done by the group in past Card Club meetings. For $20 per month, you will receive a kit with all the materials to make eight cards that have been designed for each month...new kit each month. Card Club is open to all, requires a 3-month sign up, continue as long as you like. We are taking sign-ups for April now. You have the choice to attend each month, either on  Tuesday morning, 10-1pm, or a Friday evening, 6-9pm. Current dates are listed at the top of the class article.
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Silhouette Ongoing Learning...
We now have a Silhouette group that meets here once a month and they have their own blog.  All the info about meetings, what to bring, when to come, can be found there. If you would like to join our group, there is no fee, and you can bring your Silhouette machine and laptop, as we have wifi in the store. Find the Silhouette Blog here.

Here is the update for the next meeting, Monday, July 7, 11am-1pm...  from Cathy.
 
"Is summer really here???  Hope to see you all for our continuation of learning the new Silhouette Studio software update.  We covered the top right icon bar and I expect to do the left top icon bar and also move down the tool bar on the left side too.
 
We'll go over the results of our survey on what we want to learn on the Silhouette and schedule some for the coming months.
 
Now,  since there was interest in doing a challenge using your Silhouette, I have come up with a theme for you to make and bring to this month's meeting:
 
                                SUMMER SUN
 
Take that theme and make anything:  tag, card, layout, bookmark, cupcake topper, sign, etc., etc. etc.   When you tap into your creative side, think about what first comes to mind when you read those words..  For me it is colors, but it can be millions and zilliams and billions of things.  Beaches, vacations,camping, recipes, flowers,  insects, frogs bees,, food, holidays, events.  Think out of the box.  Surprise us!! and as a little incentive (really little) I will have a box of small prizes for our favorite.  If you want to throw something in the box,   Absolutely Everything has stuff as little as a dollar.  
 
Really am excited to see what y'all come up with!!
 
Till then, have some summer fun.   Cathy
Save the Dates...

October 4th and 5th--Richele Christiansen is returning for a few cool Vintage/distress classes.

November 7-8-9, --Joanne Sharpe!!

 
 
 
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