Art Gel! I'm in love!

So, while at the amazing Alexanders Beads on Roosevelt, I asked about two part epoxy resin in jewelry grade. I always ask, to no avail. I suspected they wouldn't have it but it's been my experience at that shop to continue to ask for things and they often appear for sale. Either from the back room or because people have asked so many times.

Well, to my surprise, he pulled out a bottle of Art Gel and some samples.
They looked great so I had to bring it back to the studio and give it a try.

Results? LOVE!


Unlike the many other 1 part resins coatings and gels, it goes on clear and without bubbles. It flows well, dries in about 12 hours, is only $10 for 4 fl oz. It does still soak into the paper and threaten to run if you are using a home printed photo but even glue does that. Nothing a little Modpodge sealing can't handle.

Product: the Beadsmith DG3 Art Gel

Location: Alexanders Beads - 6307 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle, WA 98115

Changes and Crafting

With all of the changes in the first quarter of the new year it will be so easy to make art and creativity a low priority.

I decided that I'm not going to let it slip into last position on the priority list. I've started a 2nd blog as a challenge to keep me on track.

"365 at BDS"

Stop in, follow if you want or be creative with me!
I always love to swap art so if there is something you want to make also, I'm happy to trade. If you want to take the challenge yourself, let me know how to find you and I'll link to your blog.

Some projects will be small, some will be big. Sometimes I may only have time for an ATC or a necklace but my goal is to complete as least 1 project each day. I'm not a tutorial type person but I'm happy to share if I'm using an out of the ordinary technique.

Find it here: http://365atBDS.blogspot.com

Yes, It's True

Yup, Black Door Studio is moving!

While we love our space and worked so hard to make it all pretty, it's just not laid out the way it needs to be.

We need WORKSPACE!

The two spaces we have narrowed the search down to are both big, huge, open studios that we can arrange much better than our current space that's separated into rooms.

The BONUS!?! BOTH places are a part of the monthly Art Walk in Everett!

Meanwhile, Phase 1 of the inventory and supply reduction SALE is underway. Watch for special days that we are bringing out new merchandise by following our Facebook page:

http://facebook.com/BlackDoorStudio

Guess what we're doing!?!?!?!?!?

Halloween Decoration Art Party!

During the Day!

Tuesday the 26th if you want to join in, 10am at the Studio

We will meet at the Studio and move on to Goodwill Outlet to find ourselves pieces to remake with paint, paper, cobwebs & whatever other scariness we can come up with. I'll have the truck and can carry 4 additional persons and haul "stuff".

You are welcome to take your own car to the Everett Goodwill Outlet if you prefer. If you need to come a little later, meet us at the Outlet on Casino Rd, just off Airport Road.

Low key, no participation fee, bring your own lunch and any creepy stuff you want to add to your decorations.

I will set up space outside if you want to spray paint. (you will need to bring your own spray paint) I'll also have the sewing machine set up (for banners or ? and some basic power tools; drill, chop saw, bench grinder.

** You will need to buy your own things at Goodwill Outlet. For those that haven't been there, everything is sold by the pound. My last trip I came out with two giant bags of wooden things and doll heads and it only cost $11 ***

Donations accepted but not required

You can RSVP on the website or meet-up or just plain show up!

Fall's Wild Ride

Here we are, mid-October and no classes posted.
My husband and I have moved our home, still in transition in fact, and I haven't had a pinch of mental or physical energy left for anything else.


I've moved my jewelry bench and all of my supplies into the studio's back room Which means there are still boxes everywhere. My focus for the rest of the week is to make inventory for the

EtsyRain pre-Holiday Show

that's this weekend at the Intiman Theater.

Next week, I'll be posting a class schedule, finishing up Halloween decorations and getting ready for our

1st Hallow-versary, Art Party

that will be at the studio on the 28th, 29th and 30th.

More info to follow!

on the road again...

Black Door Studio is takin' it on the road!

This Saturday, July 17th we will be at the

Bull Moose Festival

in the Roosevelt district of Seattle.

Come for breakfast and meet the Seafair Pirates!

Pay no attention to the address on the poster. It's actually on
NE 68th and Roosevelt Way :)
(68th NE would be in Lake Washington.)

Thursday Night Live!

I expect this will be a fun evening!

Join us for Junque Journals
this Thursday 07-15-10 from 6:30 to 9:00pm (or when we're done)


Find your simple supply list and RSVP at the Art Space Meet-up
HERE

Looking for Vintage Photos?

Need old photos for your Art? An Instant Relative photo? Vintage travel photo?

Look at this awesome discovery:

Library of Congress


All of their photos are copyright free.
Have fun!

2 more chances

to take the
"Yard Art - Flower Stakes" workshop.

This Saturday, July 3 at 11am
OR
Sunday, July 11 at 12 noon

Follow this link to sign up: http://blackdoorstudio.ning.com/

$35 workshop & supply fee and All supplies are included, just show up!
I also have a selection or teacups if you want to make your own Mad Hatter's Tea Party for your garden :)

The Jewelry Bags are in!!!

So.
My source for all of the awesome vintage jewelry I have been using over the years for my recycled jewelry line has brought a TON of jewelry goodie bags to the studio for me to offer to my friends and customers!

That is YOU!

Here is just a small bit (20-ish 4x6 bags) that will be available on Thursday night at 5pm at the studio.


His prices are very reasonable. He has $10 goodie bags, $5 goodie bags, a $1 bin a 50 cent bin and quite a bit that is individually packaged. First come, first pick :)

I know what you're thinking and NO, I did not pick through and take out the best bags. In fact, I haven't picked out any. He brought me a big box so that I'd keep my hands out of this stash for you :)

Smart man. Yes, a very smart man.

Nearly Every Wednesday!

Black Door Studio will be at the

South County Community Farmer's Market

every Wednesday, except 1st Wednesdays, through August!
How Fun!

It's a very diverse market in it's eighth year in the same location. You can buy produce, plants, cut flowers, books, recycled art (from us of course), jewelry, soap, honey, handmade toys, etc.

There are multiple food vendors and a children's play area including a "jumpy castle". Yes, that's a technical term :)

This Wednesday, June 30th, there will also be a GIANT tent filled with Fireworks!!!

Stop on by and say hello. 4:00pm to dusk.

You just have to see...

what we made last week:

Yard Art!


We had so much fun making them and they turned out so wonderful that I think we will be repeating the workshop for June!

CLOSED Saturday May 8th

The Studio will be closed Saturday May 8th

because EVERYONE is going to be at the

EtsyRain Spring Craft Show
at the Intiman Theater on Mercer St in Seattle!


More information here: Spring Show!

another New Adventure!

Black Door Studio has launched a new etsy store.

5 Dollar Studio

It's a mix of vintage, supplies, kits and handmade goodies but best of all, EVERYTHING is $5 each.
Each item is packaged for gifting or you can keep it and treat yourself!


Here are just a few of the offerings:


Most items will also be available at the studio while supplies last.

Studio Themes!

Today I had a suggestion from one of my awesome EtsyRain teammates, (of which there are now 790!) She mentioned that one of the local, Washington Arts Council stores that she consigns with has 60-90 day "Themes".

I LOVE the idea

and think I'm going to sit down with the calendar and make this happen!

Having the workshops, weekly art exploration groups and the Studio Store all work together sounds like fun! Of course, the popular workshops and vendor items will always be present. I may try to figure out a way to work them into the theme with a few tweaks though.

SO.
If you have a theme you would like to see, post it below :)

Intro to Soldering (jewelry) Workshop

Black Door Studio
is so lucky to have a seasoned pro teach us the ins and outs of soldering.

This Saturday, February 6th, we will have 2 workshops!

Steven Sheely will be our instructor for this workshop.
He has a long history as a metal smith jeweler and stained glass expert.

The project in this first class will be a simple microscope slide pendant giving you 8 inches to improve your technique.


You will leave knowing soldering safety, basic soldering, how to solder a glass pendant, how to add a jump ring to a piece of metal and of course, with your new pendant.

What you put in your pendant is up to you! You can use an old postage stamp, mini collage, a picture, dried flowers, sheet music, old lace, pretty paper, etc. Basically, anything that is flat and can be pressed in glass.

All tools and supplies will be provided.

* There is a $45 supply and instructor fee.

** Space is limited so you must RSVP

I HAVE 2 OPENINGS LEFT!!!
email me to claim one.

It's a Big Deal!

Black Door Studio has teamed up with the
Bayside Art & Farmers Market

Starting in May, the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month will be a bustling, Outdoor Market. There is a full service produce market on site, an espresso stand, live plants and lots of local artisans!

Info coming in February about how to apply for the market!

IT'S OFFICIAL !

"HAPPY (crafting) HOUR"

Every Friday from 4:00pm to 9:00pm
drop in/drop out



Bring your own supplies, spread out on one of the tables, chat, create, inspire and be inspired by others!

OR

Buy supplies or a kit at the Studio, spread out on one of the tables, chat, create, inspire and be inspired by others!

Black Door Studio
237 Elm St
Everett, WA 98203