Jack and Cat Curio

Graphic 45 & May Art Blog Hop / Tropical Travelogue Altered Lampshade

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:43:00 +0000

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Tropical Travelogue / May Arts Ribbon Lampshade

Happy Monday!

Today is our day to post a featured project for

the Graphic 45 & May Arts Blog Hop.

So welcome everyone to the blog and more.

Here is a recap of what is happening all week long.

Graphic 45 and May Arts are teaming up

for a super fun blog hop December 12-16th!

Design teams from both companies are going all out to

bring you the most enchanting crafts!

Have fun and get inspired every day of

this fantastic blog hop with Graphic 45 and May Arts!

Below is the schedule for the week if you want to follow along.

Also two prize packs will be given away for this hop.

Leave a comment either on the design team members blogs or

on the G45 Facebook Page to be in the drawing for this weeks prizes.

Winners will be randomly chosen and announced

on Monday, December 19th on the G45 blog.

So lets start this hop!

What did we do for this this hop?

We started with this skeleton of a lampshade that we found in a

pile of junk at this estate sale.

Took it home and sanded some old glue off of it.

Spray painted it black.

Then we let the creative games begin.

We decided to wrap the skeleton with May Arts ribbon.

Our first choice of Graphic 45 paper was the Curtain Call collection.

Then we switched to Steampunk Debutante.

Then we eagerly settled on Tropical Travelogue.

All fantastic paper choices for this project.

But the new Tropical Travelogue offers alot of color punch.

Plus we couldn't get the zebra print out of our minds.

Then we created a template for the side panels.

This was the only tricky part.

It took a few attempts before we got the perfect panel.

But once we got it.

Started cutting, sanding, inking and layering.

Quite happy with the end results.

Attached below is also a supply list for those that want to know.

All lit up.

Placed on top of another lampshade.

Perfect mood light!

Thanks everyone for making the hop.

Below is a supply list and a schedule of the other blogs for this weeks hop.

Also some fine information about these two fantastic companies.

Happy Holidays.

All the best,

- Jack & Cat Curio

Tropical Travelogue Lampshade

Supply List:

Lamp shade frame, hanging lamp set

G45 Tropical Travelogue Collection: Tropical Travelogue, Garden Isle,

Jungle Fever, Botanica, Hibiscus Heaven, Paradise Postage,

Tiki voyager, Exotic Destination, Tropical Travelogue sticker collection,

Alphabet sticker collection, die cuts chipboard 1 & 2, Graphic 45 Trim

May Arts ribbon

Wondertape

3L foam mini dots

Ranger ICE Stickles-Crystal Ice,

Ranger Distress Ink-Vintage Photo, Rusty Hinge, Wild Honey

Small wooden spools, craft flowers, bakers twine,

pearl and crystal chain, chandelier crystals,

Making Memories - Garment Pins

Blog Hop Schedule:

Monday, December 12th
Lynette Carroll - http://www.lynettecarrolldesigns.typepad.com/
Jane Tregenza - www.janetregenza.blogspot.com
JackandCat Curio - jackandcatcurio.blogspot.com
Candy Rosenberg - http://candyscraps.typepad.com/scraps/
Latrice Murphy - http://www.latricemurphy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, December 13th
Ellen Sosnoski - http://closeyourears.blogspot.com/
Charlene Driggs - http://www.paperandinkplayground.com/
Melaine Forbes - www.melanie-forbes.blogspot.com
Jen Shears - http://jenshearsdesigns.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, December 14th
Robin Shakoor - http://robinshakoor.blogspot.com
Yuka Hino - http://nsnlso.blogspot.com/
Jenifer Cowles - http://scrapbooking-n-more.com/default.aspx
Gloria Stengel - www.gloriascraps.blogspot.com
Jingle - http://www.justjingle.blogspot.com/

Thursday, December 15th
Jinky Kowalski - http://jinkyscrafts.blogspot.com/
Sherry Cheever - http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Britta Swiderski - http://brittaswiderski.com/
Hilde Janbroers - http://hildejanbroers.blogspot.com/
Karen Baker - http://thebalddragonfly.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 16th
Tara Orr - http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com
Kimberly Jones - http://serendipityvintagestudio.blogspot.com/
Nancy Wethington - http://art-from-the-heart.typepad.com
Peggy Cain - http://www.createwithbubbe.blogspot.com/
Nicole Eccles - www.NicoleEccles.blogspot.com
Vera Yates - http://www.lingshappyplace.blogspot.com/

Want to learn more about Graphic 45 and May Arts?

Graphic 45 an award-winning scrapbook and paper crafting company- owned and operated by a mother and her two daughters. Together we create vintage inspired crafting products that capture the flamboyant style of the 1920's and 30's - with vibrant color, irresistible texture and imaginative design to create products with decades-old appeal that's both fresh and familiar. Let our products inspire your next scrapbook layout, card, album, altered art project, or home decor DIY project.

May Arts is a ribbon wholesaler, based in Riverside, Connecticut, serving over 16,000 customers worldwide. We offer an exceptional selection of ribbons, including sheer, satin, grosgrain, silk and a variety of patterns and prints. We also maintain a steady stock of inventory so that orders can be fulfilled immediately. As one of the country’s leading wholesalers of decorative ribbons, May Arts has been providing superior products and the highest level of customer service for over 25 years.

12/11/11-Creative Weekend, Freebie & Graphic 45/ May Arts Upcoming Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:13:00 +0000

A teaser photo of our project for tomorrows G45 & May Arts Blog Hop

Lets start this post with another holiday freebie download.

More Santa for ya.

(Just click on the image and it will take ya to the freebie page)

The weekend is coming to a close.

Getting prepped and ready for another full week.

Hope that you all had a wonderful weekend.

We sure did!

We taught some fun classes last week.

Filled with holiday cheer, laughs and damn fine projects.

Thanks everyone for coming out during this busy month to create with us.

Last weeks glitter ornament class at CraftFusion was a huge success.

Custom ornaments from Leaky Shed Studio & glitter from the

Art Institute Glitter made for a fantastic festive night!

If you are not aware of these two companies!

You should check them out.

Thanks Bill & Wendy for all that you do for us!

Also thanks to those that came out to the

Second Friday Night Out event in Mesa.

Thank you Mystic Paper for letting us set up our

traveling gypsy camp of artistic wares and holiday goods.

On Saturday we traveled up north to teach all day at Paper & Metal Scrappers.

We spent the day in the company of a grand group of ladies.

Thank you ladies for sharing your creative talent and humor with us!

Thank you Melissa and Barb for being such great hosts!

We might be back this week for a quick visit during your coffee klatch.

One more quick announcement before I leave this post.

For the week of December 12-16th.

Graphic 45 and May Arts are teaming up for a super fun blog hop.

It will be a week filled with tons of inspiration,

fabulous prizes, incredible crafts and more!

Behold the magic that happens when Graphic 45 vintage-inspired

papers and embellishments join forces with gorgeous May Arts ribbons!

Both design teams are going all out to bring you the most enchanting crafts!

Have fun and get inspired every day of this fantastic

blog hop with Graphic 45 and May Arts!

Below is the schedule for the week if you want to follow along.

Also two prize packs will be given away next week.

Leave a comment either on the design team members blogs or

on the G45 Facebook Page to be in the drawing for this weeks prizes.

Winners will be randomly chosen and announced

on Monday, December 19th on the G45 blog.

Below is a peek at this weeks prize.

Good luck everyone.

Thanks for reading.

- Jack & Cat Curio

Monday, December 12th
Lynette Carroll - http://www.lynettecarrolldesigns.typepad.com/
Jane Tregenza - www.janetregenza.blogspot.com
Jack and Cat Curio - jackandcatcurio.blogspot.com
Candy Rosenberg - http://candyscraps.typepad.com/scraps/
Latrice Murphy - http://www.latricemurphy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, December 13th
Ellen Sosnoski - http://closeyourears.blogspot.com/
Laura Denison - www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com
Charlene Driggs - http://www.paperandinkplayground.com/
Melaine Forbes - www.melanie-forbes.blogspot.com
Jen Shears - http://jenshearsdesigns.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, December 14th
Robin Shakoor - http://robinshakoor.blogspot.com
Yuka Hino - http://nsnlso.blogspot.com/
Jenifer Cowles - http://scrapbooking-n-more.com/default.aspx
Gloria Stengel - www.gloriascraps.blogspot.com
Jingle - http://www.justjingle.blogspot.com/

Thursday, December 15th
Jinky Kowalski - http://jinkyscrafts.blogspot.com/
Sherry Cheever - http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Britta Swiderski - http://brittaswiderski.com/
Hilde Janbroers - http://hildejanbroers.blogspot.com/
Karen Baker - http://thebalddragonfly.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 16th
Tara Orr - http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com
Kimberly Jones - http://serendipityvintagestudio.blogspot.com/
Nancy Wethington - http://art-from-the-heart.typepad.com
Peggy Cain - http://www.createwithbubbe.blogspot.com/
Nicole Eccles - www.NicoleEccles.blogspot.com
Vera Yates - http://www.lingshappyplace.blogspot.com/

December adventure, classes and freebies

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:02:00 +0000

Good morning bloggers!

We miss you. Its been too long.

An entire month and more since we blogged last.

As one friend put it to us this weekend her

RSS feed has become lonely. LOL.

The long and short of it ... nobody paid the ransom.

Joking. My health has had many complications

in the last month. Without going into great gross and boring details.

I will just say... a few key words... ulcers, abscessed tooth, salmonella.

On the mend...but we got so behind on things.

Poor Lesley... I don't know how she has put up with me.

Nothing worse in the house-than a sick adult man.

We whine... we gripe... we over exaggerate our

pain at being the worst in the world.

Most men when sick are big babies.

Especially me.

I'm also a frantic sick man...

I hate being sick. I don't like to believe it. So I fight it.

Instead of sleep..I will jump out of bed with a fever and then attempt

to build the greatest multi-media shrine box the world has ever seen..

Only to pass out sleeping on the work table with

my head in glue after ten minutes.

My logic goes out the door as well.

When my abscessed tooth caused my head to swell three

times its size and I had extreme chills.

Lesley left me alone to go run errands.

She came home to to find me in the carport in my pajamas

with my swollen head attempting to film a

crafty "youtube" video about glitter and adhesives

in the carport on a poker table.

With our two dogs and the mail lady as my audience.

Make of that what you will.

Needless to say you might not ever see that youtube video.

On the mend...yes.

To make up for lost blog posts...

We have created several freebie holiday collage sheets

for your downloading pleasure.

We will continue to post such goodies on

a regular schedule until the New Year.

So we hope that you will check back often.
Also posted below is a list of our last classes of the year.
This last weekend we did two holiday shows.
We want to thank everyone who came out to see us.

All the best,

-Jack & Cat Curio

Upcoming Classes:

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

Winter Glitter Ornaments

CraftFusion

in Chandler, AZ.

7:00- 8:30pm

.......................................................................................................

Saturday, December 10th

All Day Teaching Event

Two Classes

Paper and Metal Scrappers

Payson, AZ

An ABC Primer Tab Book

9:30am - 1:00pm

"Basics of Beeswax Collage"

2:30- 4:00pm

In this technique class you will be introduced to

the use of beeswax for collage and scrap booking.

.................................................................................................

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

"How-To -Do-It!" Series

Topic:Vendor & Trunk Shows,

Consignment & Boutiques

CraftFusion

in Chandler, AZ.

7:00- 8:30pm

......................................................................................................

October Classes & More

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:38:00 +0000

Hello Everyone!

I hope that you are all getting ready for a fantastic October weekend!

May it be filled with great weather, spooky events, and family and friends.

October has arrived fast and furious here at Jack & Cat Curio.

We have had the oppurtunity to meet some fantastic individuals

in classes, shows, and more in the last few weeks.

We are only halfway thru our favorite month - and we have two more huge weeks of

pure non stop artistic, spooky, crafty happenings planned.

Here are just a few upcoming events to share with you all.....

Tonight we will have our booth set up at the 2nd Friday event in Mesa.

Zombies and Robots is the theme.

Ghost tours, Zombie walk, costume contest and more.

Then on Saturday morning at Mystic Paper in Mesa

we have a special holiday class prepared.

We will be teaching our Spooky Panels class from 10:30-1:30pm.

Creating a 6x9 wall decor piece.

Playing with fabric transfers and a few grunge techniques.

Spooky Panels Class at Mystic Paper

Then in the late afternoon from 3-6pm we will be over

at CraftFusion in Chandler, Az.

To teach a a Halloween themed make n take.

All-day tomorrow the store will be

hosting a Make N Take extravaganza event.

Other upcoming classes...

Wednesday, October 19th

"Beeswax Open Lab"

Mystic Paper
Mesa, AZ.

Thursday, October 20th
Technique Night

"Beeswax Basics"

CraftFusion
Chandler, AZ.

Friday, October 21st
"Third Friday Arts Market"

Phoenix AZ.

Craft/Art Booth

Saturday, October 22nd
"Dark Wings Shadowbox"

CraftFusion
Chandler, AZ.

Sunday, October 23rd

"Lost Dreams Printer Tray"

Paper and Metal Scrappers

Payson, AZ.

Wednesday, October 26th

"Beeswax Open Lab"

Mystic Paper
Mesa, AZ.

Thursday, October 27th

Technique Night

"UV Resin"

CraftFusion
Chandler, AZ.

Friday, October 28th
"Spooky Panels"

Mystic Paper

Mesa, AZ.

Friday, October 28th

"Nightmare on Main Street"

Mesa, AZ.

Craft/Art Booth

Thursday, November 3rd

"The How-to-Do-It-Series!
How do you choose and set up your online store?"

CraftFusion

Chandler, AZ.

Special Announcement! Ice Resin Creative Design Team!

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:40:00 +0000

Expect a big post on this tomorrow.

We are running out the door for a beeswax/ encaustic prep

at the moment and then off to teach a class.

But we wanted to share great news.

We have been selected to be part of the Ice Resin Creative Team!

Congratulations to the other team members!

Incredible work.

A big "Thank You" to Susan Lenart Kazmer for
being such an amazing inspiration.

Thanks Jenn for your support, big heart, and grand talent.

These two ladies are such role models...

Can't wait to get started...

Ice Resin Creative Team

2011-2012

Jack & Cat Curio

Cat Kerr

JoAnnA Pierotti

Andrea Ring

Tina Schiefer

G45 Magic of Oz Trick or Treat Blog Hop!

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

If you are a new visitor to our blog from the hop

we welcome you to our site.

We hope it inspires.

For those that don't know...Graphic 45 is having a fantastic

Magic Of Oz Trick-or-Treat Bag

Design Team Blog Hop this week.

Today is our highlighted day.

Below is the list of the other blogs from the

rest of the G45 design team.

We hope that you make the hop on over to share with

their talents and creative bags.

As you hop we encourage you to leave comments.

At the end of the week G45 will choose two random

winners from the design team member's blog comments

and announce them on Friday, September 30th on their blog.

So at the end of the week you could possibly be chosen

to win this grand package of goodies shown below.

So here is the list of the other design

team members and the chosen day to share.

We hope that you take a look and enjoy all the eye candy!

Monday
Lynette Carrol: http://lynettecarrolldesigns.typepad.com/
Jane Tregenza: http://janetregenza.blogspot.com/

Tuesday
Laura Denison: http://www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com/
Robin Shakoor: http://robinshakoor.blogspot.com/
Tara Orr: http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com/

Wednesday
Sherry Cheever: http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Jack & Cat Curio: http://jackandcatcurio.blogspot.com/
Nicole Eccles: http://nicoleeccles.blogspot.com/

Thursday
Nancy Wethington: http://art-from-the-heart.typepad.com/
Hilde Janbroers: http://hildejanbroers.blogspot.com/
Yuka Hino: http://nsnlso.blogspot.com/

Friday
Melanie Forbes: http://melanie-forbes.blogspot.com/
Gloria Stengel: http://gloriascraps.blogspot.com/

We are so happy to share with you all!

Here are a few pics of our bag.

Thanks for visiting!

- Jack & Cat Curio

First Week of Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:13:00 +0000

Happy Monday Morning Everyone.

Hope that you had a great weekend.

Batch one of the "OZ" kits have been sent out.
Thanks again everyone for your support and patience!
Online tutorial and more for the
Emerald City Chipboard Album will be posted this afternoon.

A big "Thank You" to those that came out for classes last week
and also those who attended Saturday's "Oz" album workshop at CraftFusion.

Don't forget to bounce over to the G45 Blog today.

Lots happening this week.Halloween Rejuvenation projects and voting
will be occurring on the G45 Facebook.

This week we also have an exciting
Trick or Treat Blog Hop with Graphic 45.
Check the info out at the G45 Blog!

One week a way from another October month.

October always holds high hopes for me.

Ever since I was a kid.

I have a Halloween filled heart.

Sweet Salvage on 7th Ave.

I crave pumpkin patches, crisp air, corn mazes,

pumpkin ale with cinnamon, outdoor festivals, long nights,

ghosts stories, haunted houses and spooky decor.

Just a few of my favorite things...

October is also the month I met Lesley.

The month we fell in love.

I have two brothers who also fell in love

and married in this month.

Every year it is filled with something new.

We expect this year to be no different.

I find that living in Arizona as an artist you sometimes go into hiding

or retreat mode in the summer.

The heat can make you shut down.

We spend our summers creating personal journals and sketching ideas.

Then in the fall we attempt to bring those ideas to fullness.

We have great plans this holiday season.

Also a few exciting announcements coming soon.

As an artist its important to take inventory of

your achievements and look back at your work.

Look at how you have developed your skills, techniques and storytelling.

In order to know where you are headed

you need to look back at where you have been.

Then create your new road map for artistic possibilities.

The first day of Fall was last Friday.

We are glad to have the summer behind us..

Happy Fall 2011 everyone!

- Jack & Cat Curio

Fiskars & G45 Blog Hop/ Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:02:00 +0000

Today is day four of the G45 Blog Hop/ Challenge with G45 & Fiskars.

Our project is featured along with the

fantastic Sherry Cheever ( Aka Bad Sherry) today on the G45 blog.

Also we created a little fun video for your delight.

We encourage you to take a look and participate in the prize giveaway.

I blurked this from the G45 blog.

Yes- to blurk is to fondly blog borrow from another.

Or to lurk on ones blog without leaving a comment. LOL.

Welcome to a super fantastic week of fun as we team up with the fine folks at Fiskars all this week! We'll be sharing some marvelous crafts from the Graphic 45 and Fiskars design teams. Plus we've got two ultra deluxe Graphic 45/Fiskars prize packs to give away! Here's how it works. Leave us a blog comment for your chance to win the prize pictured below. Then venture on over to our Facebook page to enter to win an exclusive Facebook prize pack! Fiskars is also offering a big giveaway on Facebook. Just leave a comment on the Graphic 45 Facebook and Fiskars Facebook page saying "Graphic 45 + Fiskars= ______" (fill in the blank with your own words). It's just that simple! Lots of prizes and easy ways to enter for your chance to win! How cool is that?! We will announce our random winners this Friday on our blog and Facebook page! Take a look at this awesome blog prize! A Curtain Call and Le Cirque 8x8 Paper Pad, Tim Staples, Envelope Tag Staples, Fiskars Paper Crimper, Detail Burnisher, Everywhere Punch, Border Punch, Tear Edger, and a MyStick adhesive dispenser! Wow! Check out our Facebook and the Fiskars Facebook page to see the exclusive prizes offered there!

Some mighty fine projects from everyone!

Damn we love us some Fiskars!

Have a great day everyone.

- Jack & Cat Curio

G45 Halloween Rejuvenation Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:39:00 +0000

Graphic 45 Halloween Rejuvenation Challenge

Ok my friends.... We have been neglecting the blog lately...

but we are back and with a vengeance.

We have been keeping busy with classes, kits, and more lately.

We have some fantastic things to share with you all in the next few months.

If you are a fan of this blog ( and of us) you know that every fall we kick it into high gear.

This year will be no exception.

October is our favorite month of the year.

So lets kick things off with this.

For those of you that may not know already.

Graphic 45 is having a "Halloween Rejuvenation Challenge".

Deadline for your creative spooky goods will be September 26th.

I have taken the info from their blog to share with you all.

I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

So dig thru your piles of treasured trinkets and spare parts.

Grab some G45 Paper and start creating!

Good luck.
If you have any questions, concerns,

or just want to shop talk... shoot us an email.

Halloween Rejuvenation Challenge!

Fall and Halloween are definitely on the way and we thought it would
be fun to have an altered art challenge that's inspired by this colorful season.
We're asking you to take an old object and bring it back to life with Graphic 45!
We've all got stuff around the house that could use a little dressing up.
Maybe it's something you found at a garage sale, thrift store, or even an old
item that's been sitting in the basement since forever.
We want you to create a beautiful Halloween or Fall-themed altered art
project from any old, random objects you
might have using Graphic 45 products.
It's the perfect craft challenge to jump-start your holiday crafting!

The submission deadline is September 25th.
Email submissions to charee@g45papers.com.
On September 26th all of the submissions will be
uploaded to our Facebook photos and you will get to vote for your
favorite submission by "Like"-ing it!
Voting is from September 26th to 7am on September 30th.
The TWO projects with the most likes win!
Winners will be announced on Friday morning
at 8am on our Facebook and on our blog.

The prize?
You could win our entire Christmas Emporium collection!
A 12x12 and 8x8 Paper Pad, both coordinating chipboard
die-cuts and one of each cling stamp!
That's a $76 value! Wow! We can't wait to see what you create!

Cowgirls, Glitter, & Mini Steampunk Journals

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:54:00 +0000

Cowgirl "Lillie Mae"

Howdy kids.

Hope that you are all having a fantastic Thursday.

We are doing fine.

Wanted to share a few things.

We have cowgirl fever here in the studio.

Must be to go with the Arizona heat.

Created and posted a new cowgirl collage sheet this morning in our shop.

Here are some web images from it to inspire.

Calamity Jane

Mabel Strickland

Yesterday we had a fun afternoon teaching glitter techniques at Mystic Paper.

Twenty four hours, two showers, and after a swim,

we are still finding glitter in curious places.

Glitter Techniques

Next week at Mystic Paper we venture into "Image Transfers" of all types.

Tonight we will be hanging at CraftFusion in Chandler, Az.

For our weekly technique night...tonight is Perfect Pearls.

Come and learn how best to get more shimmer and shine in your pieces.

Perfect Pearls Technique samples

Also jump over to G45's blog today for our video tutorial

on how to alter those very cool G45 Metal Tags.

After we altered these fine pieces we transformed them into a

mini steampunk journal necklace.

We will go into further detail on this project here on the blog on Monday.

Have a great Thursday all!

- Jack and Cat Curio

Steampunk Weekend, Collage Freebie, and End of A Great Hop!

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:42:00 +0000

Image from the Paris Beauty Collage Sheet

What a fantastic week.

We loved the G45 &amp;amp; Want2Scrap Blog Hop.

Creative projects, new friends, beautiful inspiration.

Thank you to everyone that visited the blog and store.

Fabulous comments and fun emails.

As our way of saying 'thanks' we posted a freebie

collage sheet on our store for your downloading pleasure.

We hope it inspires.

Just click on the image below and it will guide you to the front

page of our shop where you can download it.

Thanks again!

Also last night we kicked off our new weekly technique

night at the new local store CraftFusion.

Charmaine the owner was a pure pleasure.

She even had dinner for us all.

A fun night of laughter, technique, inks, and a bucket of chicken.

Plus we were able to play with the new

Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink Snow Cap Mixative ..

Very cool!

Carin Cappuch from Vegas you made us laugh,

thanks for checking us out!

This Saturday we will be back at CraftFusion for some steampunk crafty

creating as we alter cigar boxes into mini memory keepers and decor pieces.

We will be teaching our project

'The Invention'.

That's all for now.

We are now out the door to do some junking and hunting.

Then we need to prepare and set up our booth

in downtown Mesa for the Second Friday Street Fair

As long as the weather holds.

Clouds are quickly making an appearance.

We wish you all the best!

Have a great weekend!

-Jack and Cat Curio

G45 and Want2Scrap Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000

Its Blog Hop Time!

Welcome to our blog for the third day of projects and prizes.

In case you just came over today for a random visit...here is the lowdown...

Graphic 45 and Want2Scrap™ Designers have teamed up all this

week to share a creative and inspiring week of projects and prizes.

The Blog Hop kicks off on August 8th and continues until the12th.

Each day an incredible project will be shared and unveiled on a designer’s blog.

Plus both Graphic 45 and Want2Scrap™ will be giving away a $25.00 prize

on two of the blogs and on each company's Facebook page.

That's a total of four chances to win in one week!

The prizes will be hidden on two of the blogs (one for each company) so be sure

to visit all of the blogs and leave a comment to increase your chances of winning.

For Facebook they will be picking a winner from all of the

comments made during the week long Blog Hop.
Have a great "Blog Hop" week everyone!

We hope that all the hopping inspires great creativity and fantastic projects.

Don't forget to leave comments as you hop.

Good luck and have fun.

Be sure to check out all the other featured design team blogs today as well.

W2S: Heidi Blakenship - http://embellished-dreams.blogspot.com/
Sherry Cheever - http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Yuka Hino - http://nsnlso.blogspot.com/

Graphic 45 Facebook

Want2Scrap Facebook

So here is our project for the day.

"Curtain Call/Want 2 Scrap"
Altered Album

We had gold fever when we created this little piece.

Gold makes everything better...

Gold and bling.

A happy day in the studio.

"Curtain Call Want 2 Scrap"

Altered Album

Materials:

Want 2 Scrap 8 x 8 Decorative Design Album

Want 2 Scrap Chipboard Embellishments "Laurie"

Want 2 Scrap Nestabling Fancy Tags Two black

Want 2 Scrap Say it with pearls Swirls 2010 - White Pearls

Want 2 Scrap Say it with Bling Black Rhinestones

Graphic 45 Curtain Call Collection:

Pantomime, Moulin Rouge, Let’s Dance,

Applause, The Cinema, Tour de France,

Leading Ladies, Top Billing, Curtain Call

Graphic 45 Staples Trims

“Paris” Chipboard-Jack and Cat Curio Cut

Eiffel Tower Laser Cut-Leaky Shed Studio

Crepe paper

Ranger Stickles- Black Diamond, Champagne

Ranger Embossing Tinsel-gold

Ranger Distress Ink-Antique Linen, Tea Dye

Ranger Distress Embossing Ink

Spellbinder Nestabilities -Labels Seventeen

Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Mini Paper Rosettes

Cuttlebug

UHU stic, SOOKWANG double sided-stick tape 3mm,

Tulle, metallic ribbon, vintage lace

Thanks for visiting!

All the best!

-Jack and Cat Curio

August Kit-Lost Dreams Printer Tray

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:43:00 +0000

August Kit is up and going...

After much debate and lots of emails asking about the project...

We decided to go with

"The Lost Dreams Printer Tray"

for this month's kit.

This will be a limited kit.
Due to its contents and size we will on be doing 15 of these kits.
Its a biggie... and it will be filled with all

kinds of treasures, trinkets and found objects for your storytelling.

Lost Dreams tells a story about youth, lost love,

high hopes, romantic travels and a touch of mystery.

Create a one of a kind mysterious and romantic piece of eye candy.

With this kit you will combine lost and found objects, ephemera, trinkets and treasures

and several papers from the 7 Gypsies Camden and Lille paper lines into a

rich story using the Tim Holtz Idea-ology Print Tray,

a bag of curio treasures, plus a full set of instructions.

Featured kit will be shipped on August 31st.

For ordering or more information click here.

Thanks everyone!

Graphic 45 & Want2Scrap Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:18:00 +0000

Hey Bloggers!

Check it out!

Its Blog Hop Time!

Graphic 45 and Want2Scrap™ Designers have teamed up all this

week to share a creative and inspiring week of projects and prizes.

The Blog Hop kicks off on August 8th and continues until the12th.

Each day an incredible project will be shared and unveiled on a designer’s blog.

Plus both Graphic 45 and Want2Scrap™ will be giving away a $25.00 prize

on two of the blogs and on each company's Facebook page.

That's a total of four chances to win in one week!

The prizes will be hidden on two of the blogs (one for each company) so be sure

to visit all of the blogs and leave a comment to increase your chances of winning.

For Facebook they will be picking a winner from all of the

comments made during the week long Blog Hop.
Have a great "Blog Hop" week everyone!
Thanks for visiting and good luck!

Here is the link list for you to follow along:

Graphic 45 & Want2Scrap Hop
August 8th-12th

Graphic 45 Facebook

Want2Scrap Facebook

Monday, August 8th:
W2S: Elise Durenberger- http://mamacowcreations.blogspot.com/
G45: Laura Denison - www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com
Tara Orr - http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com

Tuesday, August 9th:
W2S: Dana Gustafson - http://paperdaydream.blogspot.com/
Mimi Leinbach - http://mycharmingblog-scrappermimi.blogspot.com/
G45: Nicole Eccles - www.NicoleEccles.blogspot.com
Jane Tregenza - www.janetregenza.blogspot.com

Wednesday, August 10th:
W2S: Heidi Blankenship - http://embellished-dreams.blogspot.com/
G45: Jack & Cat Curio - jackandcatcurio.blogspot.com
Sherry Cheever - http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Yuka Hino - http://nsnlso.blogspot.com/

Thursday, August 11th:
W2S: Terre Fry - http://terresscraptherapy.blogspot.com/
G45: Gloria Stengel - www.gloriascraps.blogspot.com
Nancy Wethington - http://art-from-the-heart.typepad.com
Melanie Forbes - www.melanie-forbes.blogspot.com

Friday, August 12th:
W2S: Karen Taylor - http://creativeyearnings.blogspot.com/
Lori Craig - http://loricraig.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Lynette Carroll - http://www.lynettecarrolldesigns.typepad.com/
Robin Shakoor - http://robinshakoor.blogspot.com

Upcoming Classes for August 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:55:00 +0000

Good morning everyone.
Happy Saturday!
Before Lesley and I head out the door to check out Art Unraveled,
catch up with a few friends, do some incredible junking,
and check out some very cool artistic inspiration.
We wanted to share a list of upcoming classes for this month.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
The call went out for more technique classes.
So we added several basic to more advanced to the calendar.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Do something creative and unruly!
I know we will.
Talk more later...
-Jack & Cat Curio

Wednesday, August 10th
"Technique Class-Textures Part 2"
Mystic Paper

Mesa, Az.

Thursday, August 11th
"Ranger Series-Alcohol Ink"

CraftFusion

Chandler, Az.

Friday, August 12th

"2nd Friday Downtown Mesa"
Mesa, Az.
Craft/Art Booth

Saturday, August 13th
"The Invention Altered Cigar Box"

CraftFusion

Chandler, Az.

Wednesday, August 17th
"Technique Class-Glitter Techniques"
Mystic Paper

Mesa, Az.

Thursday, August 18th
"Ranger Series-Perfect Pearls"

CraftFusion

Chandler, Az.

Friday, August 19th
3rd Friday A.R.T.S. Market
Phoenix, Az.
Craft/Art Booth

Wednesday, August 24th

"Technique Class-Image Transfers"

1-2:30pm

"Carte DuCirque"

A-Frame Journal/Album Workshop

Mystic Paper

Mesa, Az.

Thursday, August 25th
"Metal Tape Curio Board"

"Ranger Series-Distress Ink"

CraftFusion

Chandler, Az.

Saturday, August 27th
"Lost Dreams Printer Tray"

Mystic Paper
Mesa, Az.

Wednesday, August 31st
"Technique Class-Tiles"
Creating embellishments with UTEE,
Polymer Clay, Fragments & Grungeboard
Mystic Paper
Mesa, Az.

Thursday, September 1st
The How-to-Do-It-Series!
"What is D.I.Y. crafting? How do you make money,
self promote and market your creativity?

CraftFusion

Chandler, Az.

Thursday, September 8th
"Ranger Series-Embossing Powders"
CraftFusion

Chandler, Az.

Saturday, September 10th
"G45 Ornate Cuff Bracelet"
&
"Curtain Call Shabby Necklace"

Paper & Metal Scrappers

Payson, Az.

Mixed Media Manic Monday "An ABC Primer"

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:13:00 +0000

So we missed a week...

Last week was a mad blur.

The studio is jammed...

Art work space has spread to every room in the house

Several ongoing work tables.

Rusty things in the kitchen.

Etched copper in the family room.

Jewelry and photo station in the dining room.

Graphic 45 in the studio.

Trunks of flea market finds for vendor shows spread everywhere..

Its a gauntlet for dogs and artist alike.

Plus we have muddy foot prints all over the place.

We have white tile in the house.

With the current monsoon season upon us... the dogs like to go in and out...

Currently we are not hosting any friends or parties...

Its a good thing.

The outside of the house has become a huge eye sore to the neighbors...

We have easily become those people.

Also kits are leaving the house today!

So expect yours soon.

But enough of our hectic craze.

Lets talk art.

For today's Manic Monday.

Our project is a tab book that we

created for Graphic 45 using the new "An ABC Primer" paper.

Love it! Paper will be arriving in stores soon.

If you blog jump over to the G45 blog and leave a comment you

might win some of this fab paper before it reaches the store.

So here are a few peeks at the book and a supply list.

This paper line aged like a fine wine...

Sanded, stained, distressed and looked fantastic.

This is one of our favorite projects of the year.

We used a Leaky Shed Studio tab book as a base.

Also we used several Leaky Shed letters for the cover.

We hope that this inspires.

"An ABC Primer" Altered Book

Versa Chipboard book-Leaky Shed Studio

Chipboard Alphabet- Leaky Shed Studio

Chipboard Embellishments-Leaky Shed Studio

Graphic 45 An ABC Primer Collection:

Calico Kids, Games and Playtime, Happy Go Lucky,

Grammar School, The Three R’s, One Two, Buckle My Shoe,

Jumping Joan, An ABC Primer, School Days,

Building Blocks, Alphabet Soup, Bedtime Stories

PVA Glue

Staples

Vintage Library card

Graphic 45 Staples Trims

Graphic 45 Staples Envelope Tags

Graphic 45 Staples Chipboard Buttons

Vintage seambinding

Ranger Distress Ink: Walnut Stain, Wild Honey, Black Soot

"Lost Dreams" Printer Tray Class

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 03:44:00 +0000

"Lost Dreams" class at Mystic Paper

Curio stash unleashed.....

Every once in awhile we like to come up with a unique project that

we can share all kinds of cool salvaged treasures, old collected images and ephemera,

and our huge inventory of odd findings.

As we hunt and gather these items

they can start to take over our studio.

As a teacher you always look for things in multiples.

When you find that golden stash... you don't need

time to think about the purchase you just buy it.

But then what happens is you

always have this huge inventory too large for your own artistic needs.

So projects like this are perfect for those stock piles of rich goodness.

This weekend we have put a surprise class

on the schedule at Mystic Paper in Mesa, Az.

Its highly inspired by the likes of Joseph Cornell and Mr. Holtz.

We have decided to take one of Tim's Configuration boxes...

the biggest one of the collection; the Printer Tray.

Your challenge if you decide to accept it... is to fill it with a tale as big as the box.

Using all of our fantastic goodies and images.

Along the way we will introduce splash and spray inks, textures with

molding paste, rust effects, and layering.

We hope that you come and join us for this wild ride of an all day class.

If not we will share as much as we can and a few pieces

with you on our Mixed Media Manic Monday.

Like always all supplies will be provided.

Feel free to bring your favorite pair of cutters, your creativity,

and perhaps a few trinkets or images of your own.

Have a great weekend everyone!

-Jack & Cat Curio

LeCirque A-Frame Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:04:00 +0000

New kit just added to the store.

Le Cirque A-Frame Kit
In this kit you will be guided into how best to create

a wonderful circus themed memory keeper, journal or card.

You will receive a kit filled with an
assortment of Graphic 45’s LeCirque paper,

chipboard embellishments from Leaky Shed Studios, a bag of curio,

a collage sheet full of imagery and a box of animal cookies.

Kit Includes:

One Leaky Shed Studio 5x8 Chipboard A-frame w/ image frames

Nuts and bolts hardware

1 pair of Graphic 45's Stamped Geometric Metal Hinges

1 Graphic 45's Stamped Metal Button

Sheet of Graphic 45's Extravaganza 12x12 2-sided paper

Sheet of Graphic 45's Greatest Show On Earth 12x12 2-sided paper

Sheet of Graphic 45's Magnifique 12x12 2-sided paper

Sheet of Graphic 45's Circus Parade 12x12 2-sided paper

Graphic 45's LeCirque Tags Die-cut Sheet

Leaky Shed Studio G45 Chipboard Tag Set

Jack and Cat Curio Collage Sheet Vintage Circus #38

1 Box of Animal Crackers

Jump rings

Rusted Plastic Animal

1 Plastic Ballerina

*Plus a full set of directions and techniques for completion.

To find more information on the kit just
click on LeCirque A-Frame Kit.

Mixed Media Manic Monday "Rusty Things"

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:44:00 +0000

"Rusty Doors" Idaho City, Idaho 2009

Morning Everyone!
Would have had this up sooner....
but Blogger was giving us all kinds a trouble this morning...

Rust: iron oxide..that reddish brittle coating that can be

found on something with age..

Caused by years of exposure to moist air and perhaps hardships.

How we love this reddish brittle coating.

It can really add to the right piece...

For me a coating of rust somehow validates a mixed media piece.

Makes it more believable..

Or it builds credibility for the piece..

It makes me think vintage...

The thought that passes in my head is

this piece has put in some time in the world...

It deserves our attention...

When I first started creating pieces
I had a fascination with rust... still do.

I hunted and gathered

as many rusty things as I could find.

Then I ran around creating faux rust with

acrylic paint and a bag of Golden paints.

"Pumpkin Orange" is a good bet for most things...

However that wasn't enough for me...

So then I began looking for home mixtures...

These next methods are what I found.
But be warned these are nasty.
You need to be careful and cautious with these next few
recipes for rust. You will be creating a chemical reaction.
For these two recipes...
-Wear gloves...
-Work in a well ventilated are
-Be careful of fumes
-Keep children away.
-Please be safe.
These first two recipes are for working with real tin.
Your metal should not have a sealer or finish.
If it does sand it or rough it up.

Peroxide and Salt
Supplies:
-Tin or Iron Pieces
-Spray Bottle or Mister
-Table Salt
-Hydrogen Peroxide

Directions: I suggest you do this outside....Pour peroxide into the spray bottle. Generously mist the pieces you want rusted with your Peroxide. While still wet add a layer of salt. The reaction should start rather soon...Let the pieces dry on their own. Then rub away the salt. Instant rust....This was the first method I really played with.... some things work ..some do not... it needs practice. You can achieve some cool effects. I know a guy that uses a bag of potato chips for this effect...( No.. he does not eat the chips afterwards) but he does use the salt in the bag to get the desired effect.

Vinegar and Bleach
This method works damn well.
Just be sure to do it outside.
Be very careful the fumes are nasty.

Supplies:
-Tin or Iron Pieces
-Bleach
-Vinegar
-A container ( this container will be thrown away once done)

Directions: Mix two parts bleach to 1 part vinegar in your container.Whatever you are trying to rust needs to be submerged fully into the solution. To help with the process if you have something with lots of rust already on it.. like a nail ... add it to the mixture. This will help start things....How long you leave your items in the solution depends on the desired amount of rust that you want. I usually let my items sit over night. When you remove your items from the container be sure to wear something unwanted and wear gloves. You also might want to lay out several sheets of newspaper for your items to be laid out on as they dry. I love the result of this technique. The negative to this technique.... the fumes are nasty... your neighbors may complain...LOL... you need to also discard your container of rust sludge when done... not so easy for some of us.... I had a friend do this in an art loft... needless to say she had problems..
.

After the last two methods I wanted more....

I wanted to do non metal things... non tin... I wanted to rust doll heads,

gears and cogs, wings , keyholes, etc...

So I expanded the search....Because I wanted to rust anything.

Modern Options Sophisticated Finishes
Usually can you find this at Michael's.

Supplies:

-Sophisticated Finishes Iron Metal Surfacer

-Sophisticated Finishes Rust

-Paint brush

-Heat gun

Directions: Paint your desired item with a fine cot of Iron Metal Surfacer. Let it dry. Then paint on your Rust Solution. In about 3-12 hours you should start to see some rust. You can add more Rust solution for more desired rust. Benefits: this works on just about anything...

Negative: Wait time... I find that I wait forever... and usually need to repeat the process once or twice...

After playing with Modern Options I moved

away from playing with rust for a bit...

I found myself waiting for rust reactions...

I'm an impatient fellow... so I moved on.

Until a friend turned me onto this.....

Modern Masters Metal Effects

For the local folk you can find it at

Mystic Paper in Mesa, Az.

Or at

Paper and Metal Scrappers in Payson, Az.

It is also a two part paint process.

This seems to work on just about anything and everything.

Things begin to rust within about ten minutes...

I also find that you can increase the dry rust time by using a heat gun...

Obviously be careful because it depends on what you have attempted to rust.

But I have used it to rust game pieces, army figures, chipboard albums, and more..

This is the most studio friendly process I have ever found for rust.

Supplies:

-Desired items to be rusted

-Modern Masters Metal Effects Iron Paint

-Modern Masters Rust Activator

-Paint brush

-Spray Bottle

Directions: Paint your desired item with a fine coat of Metal Effects Iron Paint. Let it dry. Once dry you can apply rust activator either with a brush or a spray bottle. In about ten minutes you should start to see rust. The warmer the environment the better..... If needed add a little heat with a heat gun to help the process... if more rust is desired add more Activator.

A few samples of Modern Masters on plastsic....

We love this stuff!

There are several sealers made to work with these products.

Or you can spray most of your rust items with a matte sealer to complete things.

We hope that it inspires some creative projects.

Remember to be safe and have fun....

If you have any questions you can always reach us at jackandcatcurio@gmail.com.

Or if you would like to share any of your rusted pics and goods.

We would love to see them.

Happy Monday everyone!

7/15/2011 - Glitter Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Rusted plastic cowboy figure.

Wow.

Who would have though that glitter could spark so much magical chaos.

We had a fantastic time reading and receiving these comments and emails.

Thank you to all that shared with us this week.

The winner of this week's giveaway is

Janeen the Suburbngypsy

Congratulations Janeen if you email us

your address we will send it out to you.

Once again thanks to everyone that got back to us.

We had a crazy week filled with artistic stress and deadlines.

Your stories were a short escape from the grind.

Our packages all made it off to CHA this week,

design deadlines have been met,

new goods created, new classes have been figured.

Now its time for a restful weekend.

With a little crafting....

On Monday we will be discussing rust techniques.

Hope you catch the post.

Here is a sneak peek...

Have a fantastic Friday everyone!

Mixed Media Manic Monday & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:34:00 +0000

Morning Everyone!

I hope that you all had a fantastic weekend.

We spent all weekend in the studio....

Finishing some goodies for G45!

Creating fall projects and trying to get a jump back on kits.

Above is a sneak peek at one of our G45 pieces...

Can you guess what this might be for...

We had green glitter on every inch of the studio...

I'm not good with glitter....

I get it everywhere... no matter what I try...

Glitter lingers....

I find that it has a way of hauntiong

all of my out of home travels... at the store... the bank... etc...

I look in the mirror... and notice that somehow

after many days of non usage...

it can still be found dusted into my eyebrow..

I'm sure that we as artists

share similar stories.... also the dirty fingertip problem...

Anywho...

HOW ABOUT A GIVEAWAY!

Its been awhile on this blog....

But lets jump into it...

You tell us about your best or worst glitter experience.

Post it as a comment any time this week.

We will choose one random winner and announce

them here on the blog on Friday, July 15th!

This week's giveaway...

A paper pack of our favorite paper ever...

Communique from G45

and a pack of G45 Metal Tag Staples.

Can't wait to read your stories.

Next on the list for this Monday...

We have received several emails

about our creation the "Invention".

This was a project we created for G45 last month.

So we have posted it here on the blog

with the supply list and some quick notes.

Here is what we said about the piece....

"We are highly influenced by the works of American artist Joseph Cornell. Always on the lookout for an altered box craving to be transformed. Here in Arizona the Steampunk movement has been on the rise for several years... At weekly art events we often get several requests for Steampunk treasures....This last month we attended the Phoenix Comic-con event....it was Steampunk overload...we came home and created this little piece...a mixture of sci-fi and movie set magic. We hope that you enjoy the piece." -Jack and Cat Curio

So the main question we have received... is about the texture of the piece.

How did we achieve that rich texture on the sides of the box?

Directions for outside of box:

Start by adhering your selected cut imagery to the sides of your box.

We like to use PVA glue as our adhesive.

Burnish... then sand and ink if you like.

Stamp on your sides with Archival or StazOn Ink.

Then apply Molding Paste to the sides.

Similar to frosting a cake.

Frost your edges and sides of imagery.

In thicker layers you can stamp once it begins to set.

It can be tricky.

But if you want it... you need to work for it.

Once your molding paste is dry....

You can sand it down in areas of your choosing.

Then apply a colored glaze over it all.

A thin watered down acrylic paint will work.

Or even Tim's new Distress Ink Stains.

While the piece is still lightly damp add Perfect Pearls.

Perfect Pearls will attach to the areas of moisture.

Gently brush the Perfect Pearls into

as many texture points as desired.

Add more Distress Ink and Perfect Pearls until

you achieved your desired coloring.

Supplies:

Cigar Box
Graphic45 Collection:

Steampunk Debutante
Steampunk Debutante

Modern Marvels

Eclectic Emporium

Time Warp

Nouveau Artistry
7gypsies Tissue Paper NUMERO
Geometric Metal Door Plate and Knob Staples

Tim Holtz Idea-ology:

Foundations Box Feet

Ink:

Distress Walnut Stain
Black Soot
Spiced Marmalade

Archival Ink Jet Black

Liquitex Molding Paste

Claudine Hellmuth Multi-medium matte,

Claudine Hellmuth Studio Acrylic Paint:

Altered Orange

Blank Canvas

Kaisercolour :

Terracotta

Golden Glaze Burnt Umber

Ranger Perfect Pearls:

Mandarin

Mint

Stamps: Hero Arts H2365 Old French Writing, small numbers

Salvage:

Glass bottle

Light bulb

copper tape

Wooden finial

Metal gear

Shells

Mini pearls

Floral Fiber

We hope this has inspired and we wish you all a great Monday.

More coming soon!

-Jack & Cat Curio

Happy Summer Everyone...

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 18:25:00 +0000

Hope that you all had a great weekend.

A fantastic 4th of July!

Filled with family and friends.

Decided to jump on here and leave a quick post...

Lesley and I spent the majority of the weekend working our

vendor booth at several shows in the extreme heat.

117 to be exact...

A labor of love....

Thanks to everyone who came to visit.

Saw some old friends and made some new.

Every night this weekend we were able to sit outside

with friends and watch fireworks overhead.

A calming way to end each day.

However as calming as they were

We are back into the mighty rush of things...

We have some very hot days and long nights ahead

as we prepare for the upcoming CHA show

and also begin to put things in motion for a fantastic fall.

Here is a small sampling of our favorite vintage Americana...

We hope it inspires....

Also be sure to check out the

sneak peek of the new paper at G45!

We love "An ABC Primer"

We will be getting back to emails and

updating information soon.

Thanks Everyone!

- Jack & Cat Curio

Beeswax Collage, Grungeblocks, Graphic 45 and More...

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 15:23:00 +0000

OZ Postcard #1

Morning everyone!

I hope that you all had a great week.

Today we are off to teach two classes as part

of our "Graphic 45 Exploration Celebration" series.

This event will be held at Mystic Paper in Mesa, Az.

A day filled with great projects, cool prizes, and of course lots of Graphic 45!

In the morning it will be all about the bling!

We will be creating our"Curtain Call Shabby Chic" pendants.

In the afternoon its all about summer style

with our "On The Boardwalk" beeswax collage.

Here in the studio we are getting ready for CHA.

Putting the final touches on display projects and goodies.

Above is a download for your paper art creativity.

Its a sample of some "Wizard of Oz" imagery

that we have created for a few projects.

More coming next week...

More technique classes have been

slated for the calendar for next month.

New dates and class descriptions will be added this weekend.

But for now you can take a view on Mystic Paper's site.

The last class for this month will be

next Wednesday, June 29th at 1:00pm.

At Mystic Paper, Mesa, Az.

We will be teaching Beeswax Collage Basics.

Here is a sneak peek at the sample board.

Also this week we launched the new store

addition to Jack & Cat Curio.

Curio 33 can now be found on the world wide web!

Shiny & Curious!

We hope that you take a look.

The support that we have received from everyone

with both stores has been incredible.

We thank you again for your patience and kind words.

Now the real work with the stores begins.

Loading them with great kits and goods.

Be on the look out!

Here is also a quick peek at those completed Grunge Blocks.

One of our favorite products of this month.

These are going to be incorporated in a very big project next month.

For a tutorial about Grunge Blocks check out Tim's blog.

Before

After

I will ink a few... but I kinda like the grey and black look.

Have a great weekend everyone!

G45 Curtain Call Shabby Chic Necklaces

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:44:00 +0000

G45 "Curtain Call" Shabby Chic Necklaces

So a week ago these fun little creations and tutorial came up on the G45 blog.

We thought that we would re-post here for those that might have missed it.

We hope that you enjoy....

Oz on the brain... Part 3- Skottie Young

noreply@blogger.com (Jack and Cat Curio) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:27:00 +0000

Since I needed to repost a few things...

I thought that I would spend a little more time with this next illustrator.

I love his work. I love his style...

Artist Skottie Young.

Skottie is a comic book artist and illustrator who creates for Marvel Comics.

I had always seen his work and much enjoyed it...

But when I saw his images for the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.. he won me over completely.

For years I wished for someone to come along and

redo the series in a graphic novel.

Then it happened...

His series The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the follow up

graphic novel The Marvelous Land of Oz went as high as the

New York Times Besst Seller List and won an Eisner Award.

They have now begun work on the third book in the Oz series "Ozma of Oz".

Here are a few images... Hope it inspires.