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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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30 Main St, Topsfield, MA 01983, 978-887-6397, www.absolutelyeverything.com
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Newsletter for Friday, July 18
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We still need more room!!! (Read below about the great new stencil company we found in England...and the stencils are here!!!)
Stay COOL while you Shop More!! HOT Sales
We have gathered the Hero Arts and Stampendous stamps into a wall section (Does not include the newest Halloween & Christmas), and we are doing a 50% off sale on this section, as well as on the Dylusions stamp sets and stencils. This sale will be for this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, July 19 & 20.
Additionally, for each $15 you spend in this sale area, you will also receive a free Copic marker.
I am still collecting thoughts on classes, themes and times...thanks so much to all who have answered my request. If you haven't had a chance to answer yet, here is what I wrote last week. "Please help me out with an opinion poll. I am trying to match class themes and times and days of the week to what works best for all of you. I would love an e mail in response to this newsletter, telling which of the following themes you prefer:
card-making, glitter cards, Copic classes, Gelli Printing, stencil classes, Art journaling, mixed media, book-making.
also, what days and times are best for you:
weekday daytime
weekday evening
Saturday daytime
Sunday daytime
We will be planning our classes based on this info!! |
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| Here is the lowdown on the new English stencil company, Clarity Stamps...I don't think I really got all the stencils into pics as there are so many...check them out... |
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These bird stencils also include the mask.
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| The stencils below show two different types...one is a "wheelie" which allows you to put your alphabet letters, ergo, words, and also numbers or chess pieces, individually, by turning the wheel, and it protects the rest of the page beneath it...pretty cool idea. The second set, girl on the swing, combines the stencil and complex pieces of masks together in one set. I am showing the front and back of the same package. |
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| These four photos below show new arrivals from Stencil Girl...perfect for Gelli Plates!!,...and I see recently, that there are new stencils at their site by Traci Bautista,...and I will definitely be getting them... |
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| Two of the new magazines that have arrived... |
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| This great book takes you from the very beginning of a journal, all the way to completion, as you create it for yourself from scratch...a great inspiration. |
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| We are completely re-stocked in our Zentangle department, and a new addition is the small size tiles, Bijou (guessing it means snail??) These are little 2x2 tiles, perfect for a single tangle, or a few mini ones..we now have white gel pens, white pencils...lots more...it's all in the rear of the store in the Zentangle area. |
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| As the newest Ranger products come out, we are ordering them in...so far, here's what's in...the new black cardstock, similar to the tag manila card, ...there is a small tin that will hold 12 of the mini Distress ink pads, very convenient,...new Stickles, new Liquid Pearls, and a new "Texture Paste." |
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Dina Wakely Classes--Open for registration!!
These classes are starting to get full...don't miss out!!
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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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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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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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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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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:
Saturday, August 9, -Intro to Gelli Printing, 11 am-3:30 pm- $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 , Thursday, August 28, 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.
The photos below show the books we are making in the the Intro class...you can choose either form.
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This photoabove 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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Gelli Printing Art Canvas Sunday, September 7, 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. |
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More Classes at AE
To see complete class info, please use the link to the Calendar Page, here
Card Clubbers!!! Please Note date change!!
The dates for the upcoming Card Club classes are as follows:
Summer-Tues. Aug. 5 and Friday, August 8 (NOTE!!)
September 19 (Fri.) and Sept. 23 (Tues.)
Friday, October 10, and Tuesday the 14
November 14 & 18, Friday and Tuesday
December 5 and 9, Friday & Tuesday
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"Come Away with Me" Vacation Travel Book
Sunday, August 10, noon-4pm $50
You weill join Marcia to make this 8 double-sided page book, including the front and back cover embellishments...it is truly great!!
Please bring the following to class: 12-inch trimmer, 12-inch score tool, foam tape, Distress ink pads and blending tools, your choice of colors, tape runner, ruler, scissors, double sided heavy duty tape, like our "Super Adhesive Tape" or Scor-Tape, and your basic tool kit. |
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Here are the details on all the upcoming Dreamweaver Stencil classes.
Basics of Dreamweaver Stencils
Thursday September 11, 6-8 pm, $40 (new class date)
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.
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Dreamweaver Stencils--Basic Black Techniques, Saturday,August 2, 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 three finished cards to take home. |
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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, Saturday, September 13, 10am-1, $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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Inside of Coptic stitch book
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Advent Calendar Circle Wreath
Saturday, September 6, 10am-4 pm
It's never too early to start on your handmade Advent calendar...You move the pointer around as the days before Christmas dwindle...Terri is teaching this class, limited to eight people. We get the calendars from Europe so this was out only delivery for this year. We will supply all the paper and embellishments. If you want to add something personal, bring it along. Students should bring the following with them to class: 3/4 inch paint brush (or close,) a sanding block or sanding paper, your basic tool kit, a cup for water, and your lunch (or you can order at Daybreak.) Class is $60. |
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Card Club Update
Note date change above
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.
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A bit of Summer Inspiration...
It's Bee Season!! ...we are using the new Tim Holtz bee die, and it comes with an embossing folder.... we die cut the wings fromImagine Crafts "vertigo" paper...crazy see-thru with a wild and changing pattern... and embossed them, before using alcohol inks to color them. |
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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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