Merry Christmas

My 12 Tags of 2013 for December.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

New Classes for November 2013

Exciting News!!

Jen Starr will be traveling in the area and will be stopping by to teach two classes.


Mixed Media Christmas Book
Wednesday, November 20th 6pm-10pm
We will be using Jen's absolute favorite products from Viva Décor, Art Anthology and Ranger to produce a beautiful and unique 6x9 (and 3” thick!) chipboard book with boxy extensions that will flip out to the sides for even more interest and room! While incorporating mists, Distress stains, Inka Gold, a variety of shimmering texture mediums from Viva and Tim Holtz dies and stamps to embellish you will learn a plethora of mixed media techniques to create some fabulously festive effects to celebrate the holidays in an artistic way!
Click here for more details and a list of materials needed for class.



Mixed Media Canvas Class
Wednesday, November 20th 1pm - 3pm

 (every canvas will be unique... these are just 2 examples!)

Working on a 12x12 stretched canvas you will create a mixed media masterpiece full of color and texture with a variety of surfaces! You will learn fun and unique ways to use a variety of mists and paints from Art Anthology and beautiful mediums from Viva Decor to create gorgeous dimensional effects that will bring your art and photo to life! No previous painting experience is needed!
Click here for more details and a list of materials needed for class.

Call Cafe Crop (219-661-1624) or stop by our new location at the Old Lake County Courthouse.

October 2013 Tag

This month's tag used the new Distress Glitter. I had a jar of Victorian Velvet, which just didn't scream Halloween. So my challenge was to try to use the glitter I had. The more I thought about it snowflakes came to mind (I do like snow).

First, I created the background with Chipped Sapphire, Picket Fence, Victorian Velvet and Brushed Pewter Distress Paints.  I stamped the snowflakes using Adirondack Pigment Ink in Snow Cap and Distress Ink in Victorian Velvet. Next, I cut out snowflakes out of Grungeboard and stained them with Picket Fence, Chipped Sapphire, and Victorian Velvet. Then, I added Victorian Velvet Distress Glitter, Distress Stickles Glitter in Clear Rock Candy. Finally, I stamped the "let it snow" and added ribbon stained with Victorian Velvet.

Cafe Crop Special Events for November 2013

Thoughtful Thursday
Thursday, November 7th all day no reservations needed
Thursday, November 21st all day no reservations needed

Stop by to make to cards, one to give to Operation Write Home and one to take home. Operation Write Home provides handmade cards to our troops overseas to send home to their families. This is your chance to give back. The cost is $2 and all you need to bring is your tape runner.

Operation Write Home provides handmade cards to our troops overseas to send home to their families! This is your chance to give back. - See more at: http://www.cafecrop.com/event/thoughtful-thursday-give-n-take/?eID=6506#sthash.ZkF1yQiT.dpuf

Operation Write Home provides handmade cards to our troops overseas to send home to their families! This is your chance to give back. - See more at: http://www.cafecrop.com/event/thoughtful-thursday-give-n-take/?eID=6506#sthash.ZkF1yQiT.dpuf

Operation Write Home provides handmade cards to our troops overseas to send home to their families! This is your chance to give back. - See more at: http://www.cafecrop.com/event/thoughtful-thursday-give-n-take/?eID=6506#sthash.ZkF1yQiT.dpuf

Pumpkins on Parade

Remember our Pumpkins on Parade from last year.  There were some unique entries.
We will be having our second Pumpkins on Parade in November. Pumpkin art (no real pumpkins) can be dropped off beginning November 11th, voting will begin November 18th and winners will be announced on November 23rd. Click here for complete details.

Eclips Cutting Machine Demo

Saturday, November 9th
Stop by to see the Elcips in action. I will be demonstrating many features of the Eclips machine.

Crafter's Home Bag Day
Friday, November 29th

Bring in your reusable Cafe Crop / Crafters Home Bag for your purchases on Bag Day and receive a surprise . . . it may be a gift or a percentage off your purchase. . . you'll have to come in to find out! - See more at: http://www.cafecrop.com/event/cafe-crop-bag-day-crafters-home/?eID=6602#sthash.3RmNtmWY.dpuf

Bring in your reusable Cafe Crop/Crafter's Home for your purchases on Bag Day and receive a surprise .... it may be a gift or a percentage off your purchase... you will have to come in to find out.

Bring in your reusable Cafe Crop / Crafters Home Bag for your purchases on Bag Day and receive a surprise . . . it may be a gift or a percentage off your purchase. . . you'll have to come in to find out! - See more at: http://www.cafecrop.com/event/cafe-crop-bag-day-crafters-home/?eID=6602#sthash.3RmNtmWY.dpuf

New Location and Classes for November 2013

It has been a busy few weeks at Cafe Crop. We began moving into our new location on Thursday, October 10th and were open for business on Monday, October 12th. We still had a few boxes to unpack, but were back in business. New lights have been installed in the store and are being added to the classroom. 

We have had our first Give-N-Take and Make-N-Take. Next week we will begin our classes and crops.



  

Fall Card Class

 
    Tuesday, October 29th 11am-1pm
    Wednesday, October 30th 6pm-8pm





Very Merry Christmas (2 page layout)

Tuesday, November, 5th11am-1pm
Wednesday, November, 6th 6pm-8pm






Christmas Mini Album (using the envelope punch by We R Memory Keepers)

Make a mini album with lots of secret places for pictures and journaling.



Tuesday, November, 12th and Tuesday, November, 19th11am-1pm

Wednesday, November, 13th and Wednesday, November, 20th 6pm-8pm
          This is a 2 part class.





Zentangle 101

     Friday, October 25th 1pm-3pm
     Tuesday, November 26th 11am-1pm










 Crops
     Friday, November 1st 5pm-11pm
     Friday, November 15th 5pm-11pm
     Saturday, November 16th 10am-11pm


If you are interested in signing up for a class or crop, please call 219-661-1624 or stop by to reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to prepare materials or plan for meals.


Watch for my next blog post. It will have information on special events at Cafe Crop for the rest of November.

September (and August) Tag of 2013

It has been a busy 2 months at Cafe Crop.  I finished my version of Tim Holtz'a 12 Tags of 2013 for September. The technique this month was using stencils. I haven't purchased any of Tim's new stencils yet, so I used some of the many stencils I have in my stash. I like how the 2 tags turned out  slightly different.  

I was so busy I didn't get my 12 Tags of 2013 for August finished in time, but I did make it. I shortened the tag to make it fit on an A2 card, which I sent to my sister for her birthday.

Cafe Crop August '13 Classes

Hard to believe it is already August. This month is filled with some fun classes which includes layouts, cards, a mini album and several Zentangle classes.

It's not too late to sign up for the 2 page layout classes using Authenique paper.

Journey Layout $11

Tuesday, August 6th 11am-12pm

Wednesday, August 7th 6pm-7pm

 

Sweet Layout Treats $9 

Tuesday, August 6th 11am-12pm

Wednesday, August 7th 6pm-7pm

Technique Card Class  $10

Saturday, August 10th 1pm-3pm,

Tuesday, August 13th 11am-1pm

Wednesday, August 14th 6pm-8pm

Fabulous Flip and Fold 6x6 Mini Album  $27

Tuesday, August 20th 11am-2pm

Wednesday, August 21st 6pm-9pm

For the week of August 26-30th, we are pleased to have our Guest Certified Zentagle Instructor (CZT), Sharon Caforio teaching a variety of Zentangle classes.

Zentangle: Tangled Bouquet $40.00

Monday, August 26th 11am-1pm

Zensational Tangled Trio on Black Tiles 

Sharon Caforio

Our guest Certified Zentangle Instructor (CZT), Sharon Caforio - See more at: http://www.cafecrop.com/event/zentangle-tangled-bouquet/?eID=6563#sthash.z7BAhODC.dpuf

Our guest Certified Zentangle Instructor (CZT), Sharon Caforio - See more at: http://www.cafecrop.com/event/zentangle-tangled-bouquet/?eID=6563#sthash.z7BAhODC.dpuf

Zensational Tangled Trio on Black Tiles $35  

Tuesday, August 27th 11am-1pm

Wednesday, August 28th 6pm-8pm

Zensational Tangled Jewelry $35

Wednesday, August 28th 1pm-3pm

Zentangle: Beyond the Basics $35

Thursday, August 29th 1pm-3pm

Zensational Tangled Earrings $35

Friday, August 30th,  1pm-3pm

Celebrate Life Everyday - July '13 Tag

Here is my version of Tim Holtz' July '13 Tag. 

I used the Mini Old Glory die and cut additional stars to use on my tag.  

I was reminded this month how quickly things can change and that is important to live everyday.

Disress Glitter

Ready to Tangle

Craft Matt and I were up early to Tangle with Tombow. Here is our completed project.

I will be taking it to the Towbow both to enter it into a drawing for prizes.

 

Here are some of the goodies waiting at our spot.

Summer Showcase - Spellbinders

Craft Matt is getting ready to play with some new products from Spellbinders.

Crafter's Home Showcase Summer '13

Craft Matt is ready for Day 1. Look at all goodies he found waiting at the on the table.

Refreshing.

Time for a cool drink.

Craft Matt's Adventures Continue

Matt enjoyed his first 3D movie at M&M World.

Vegas here we are!

Craft Matt, Tina, and I are on our way for a day of fun before CHA starts.

June Tag of 2013

This is my version of Tim Holtz's tag for June. I used Distress Markers to color the flower stamp. Next I aged it with some distress ink on the edge and a waterbrush. For the tag, I used Distress Ink, Stain and paint on my craft mat to create the marble background. Then I added a word stamp to the background. Last I attached the watercolor paper to the tag. I love how the background turned out.

Copic Certification

This weekend I am learning to be a certified Copic instructor. Yesterday was so fun.

 These were the goodies I found on the table. 

 

Here are samples from the first day.

 

Here are the goodies for today. 

Look for more Copic classes on the calendar.

Adventures of Craft Matt at Kids Kamp

Craft Matt came to Kids' Kamp today at Cafe Crop. He had a blast making an Explosion Box with the kids. He plans on coming back next Monday to make an awesome Red, White, and Blue Mini Album.

If you are looking for something fun to do, you can check out the details on the Cafe Crop calender. Please register for class by Saturday June 29, so materials can be prepared. Matt is looking forward to making the album. Come join us!!!

 
Matt had so much fun he decided to take a nap. Good thing there was the neat blanket that was just his size. It was made with one of the 12"X12" dies from Sizzix.

Cafe Crop's New 2 You Garage Sale

It's less than 1 week to 

Cafe Crop's 3rd Annual New 2 You Sale!!!!  

Last year, it looked like the day after Thanksgiving. We had 40 people lined up outside the store before 10:00am.

Do you have extra scrapbook supplies new or gently used that you just can't throw away, but would like to get some new items? Then here is your opportunity... sign up to be a seller at our garage sale (consignment sale). Click here to check out all the details.

Are you on a budget, but "need" some new scrapbook supplies? Stop by and check out the deals. The sale is Saturday, June 15th, 10:00am-5:00pm. Come early for the best selection. 

My May Tag Inspired by Tim Holtz

 

Just in time, I was able to finish my tag for May. I played with the Remnant Rubs. They were easy to use, and I really liked the choice of words and phrases. I was able to find just the right words to add to the charm. Then I added Glossy Accents to seal them on the charm.

Tombow's April Challenge

I saw a post on Tombow's blog about a new monthly challenge by designer Debbie Fisher. I needed some craft therapy, so I decided to give it a try.

I decided to create a Teacher Appreciation Gift Bag for some friends. 

All the pieces were cut using my eClips. The bag is from the Albums, Bags and Boxes cartridge. The book and thank you are from the Starter and Rockin' Janie Cartridge.
The background on the bag I stamped with Distress Ink in Festive Berries using the Mixed Media set from Stampers Anonymous.

The challenge was to use three Tombow products to create a tic-tac-toe on the game board. I used the Tombow Multi Liquid glue to fasten the side of the bag. I let it get just slight tacky before joining the seam. By doing this I don't have to hold it as long.  I also glued the apple button to the top of the flap.

The Fastner Tab was used to create the closure on the bag. I now what I but inside the bag won't fall out on the way to school. I used the Mono Permanent Adhesive to attach the book and words to the front.

Inspired by Tim Holtz's April 2013 Tag

LOVE the new Distress Paints!!!!!

I really like that you can dry a layer then add more color without changing the first layer. It took a little practice (first background didn't quite turn out, but I did save it to use later). 

It works great on the metal embellishment pieces. The number 13 almost looks the the paint has started to peel off. For the corner piece, I used the Distress Paint, dried the paint and sanded the raised areas. It created a worn metal look. I didn't use the Metallic Distress Stains because they haven't arrived yet.

Meet Craft Matt

Tina and I had the opportunity to take a series of classes sponsored by Globecrafts Memories and Piccolo Decor.  Among the list of supplies we needed to bring was a craft matt. Of course we realized it must have been a typing error, but thought it would be fun to bring a craft matt. So begins the journey for Craft Matt....

with a long drive to Midland, Michigan. When we arrived at our hotel, we thought we might have taken a wrong turn or two because in front of the hotel was a red double decker bus, a red phone booth and a funny looking mailbox. Did we cross the ocean in the dark? Maybe it will look different in the morning.

 

No they were still there. So we took a few minutes to take pictures for Craft Matt's scrapbook. 
Now it was time to head to our classes. 

Our first project was an home decor project with the clear globes.

We used 3D enamel gels to add color and dimension to the butterfly and an ultra thick UV resin to finish it off.

We used vintage copper embossing powder on the frame.

On to the next project, a card using the vintage copper and gold embossing powders to make book board embellishments look like old metal. Love the patina look to the embossing powders.

Matt was excited about making the next project. He was able to help change bookboard embellishments into rusted gears. It was an involved project as there were multiple steps.  The rust embossing powder created a neat effect. In some steps we heated it, while in others we just used it loose. To finish off the project we added Piccolo Ultra Thick Instant UV Resin. Now it is ready to wear.

The last project was a pendant and earring set. This used the embossing powders, 3D enamel gels and the Ultra Thick Instant UV Resin. The finished piece looked that a heavy metal piece. I did wear them out to dinner, everyone thought they were metal and couldn't believe I made them.