Black Door Studio

Whew!

2011-02-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

Well here we are already February.

The studio is nearly empty yet the new one is not quite ready. Guess where everything is. Yes, one of my garage bays. Thank goodness it is a tandem bay.

Much more has been packed in here since this photo. I tried to pack in an organized manner. As I'm sure you know, that only works for the first 75%.
So look at this photo and know that I have NO IDEA what is in 25% of those boxes.
:)

So. it's no secret that we are moving to 3231 Creatives at 3231 Broadway in Everett.

We will be primarily a workshop space and still have open crafting time on the schedule. Workshops will be Thursday - Saturday and Wednesdays will be Appointment Only and private groups.

Third Saturdays will of course be: Art Walk!

The online stores are slowly but surely ramping up to handle 80% of the retail business.

Watch for our announcements to come via FaceBook, this Blog and our Networking site!

Art Gel! I'm in love!

2010-12-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-27T15:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

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!?!?!?!?!?

2010-10-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-07-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-07-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2010-06-28T17:16:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-06-26T12:01:00.001-07:00

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...

2010-06-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-04T11:08:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-11T22:54:00.001-08:00

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 !

2010-01-07T23:14:00.000-08:00

"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

Redecorating!

2009-12-31T09:06:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's time to add more workspace. Already.
We are crazily working away and rearranging, cleaning and redecorating!

When you come into the Studio in the new year, you'll see new vintage treasures, furniture and art & craft supplies for sale. There are new items from local Artisans, more table space to spread out and a new workshop calendar.

Pictures coming!

BDS has a new Meet-Up!

2009-12-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to have started a meet-up for the studio! I think this is a sure-fire way to build our art community.

The 1st Thursday of every month at 6:30pm will be a "Let's Meet" mixer.

Members will be able to meet each other, have space available to work on a project, show off their art, be inspired by others, see what the studio has to offer (changing all the time) and have input on groups, events and the direction of the meet-up group(s).

Here's the link: ArtSpace at BDS
Hope to see you!

More announcements to come!

On with the Holiday shopping!

2009-12-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

Punk Rock Flea Market was a great success but, alas!

As of this date, there are still 15 more shopping days until Christmas!
You can find handmade treasures, vintage goodies, odd supplies for your crafter-friends and vintage holiday decorations right here in the
Studio Store at 237 Elm St, Everett, WA 98203

Today we feature *drumroll here*

Pepo Park

The local owner and creator, Kim, makes many products. Some, I am lucky enough to have in the Studio Store and some you can pick up from her etsy shop.

My favorite Pepo Park item? The Pet Soap. It has Tea Tree oil which is a natural anti-bacterial and soothing to the skin so no more after bath, itchy puppies! At $6 a bar it's a steal! The Salve for dry winter hands knees, elbows and feet is also wonderful and a perfect size for a stocking stuffer.

Come by and shop Tuesday thru Saturday, noon to 7pm

BDS Closed on Sat, Dec 5th!

2009-12-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

WHY?
My favorite quarterly event!

$1 admittance fee goes to LIHI (Low Income Housing Institute)
Come by and say hello! I'll be one of the "Handmade" Vendors.

Before 8pm, browse the handmade and vintage market. After 8pm, enjoy a beer or two and live music!

Holiday Gift Goodness!

2009-11-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

Take a peek at some of the incredible hand made treasures featured at the studio this weekend!

How can you resist!?!
And there's much more!

Open Sunday 10am to 6pm
237 Elm St
Everett, WA 98203

This Weekend!

2009-11-25T09:15:00.000-08:00

Holiday Open House!

When?
Saturday and Sunday November 28 &29

Where?
237 Elm St Everett, WA 98203

Why should you come?
Beautiful offerings from many Local Artisans, holiday decor, gift items and more.

Shop Local and Shop Handmade this holiday season!

Studio CLOSED 11-21 & 22

2009-11-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

Why will the studio be closed this weekend?

Because of this awesome show in Seattle!Did you notice the words, "Swag Bags"? Yes, I know it's only for the 1st 50 people but that's the 1st 50 people EACH DAY!!!

Not just that! You also get to bring a piece of new or gently used winter clothing for a foster kids. There will also be a raffle to benefit the kids and 4, yes four, lucky winners will win a basket filled with full size products made by our very own Local Artisans!

Now come on down!

Beginning Workshops!

2009-10-28T10:03:00.001-07:00

I've added a section to the left ~~>>
that shows the scheduled workshops for the upcoming month! Yay! A real calendar. Of course if there is something you're interested in and the time just doesn't work, email me and we'll figure something out.

I'm always interested in feedback regarding different times of day and new ideas for workshops. Workshops can range from beginner to intermediate.

We have many talented artists and artisans in the community that would love to share their craft! If you are one of them and haven't let me know, please do :) The workroom is available for you to be the host your own workshop OR for you to be a guest instructor.

Meet the Mascots

2009-10-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

This is
Sir Roy,
formerly Roy,
formerly Corduroy.

When joining us in the Studio, if you have allergies or other adverse kitty reactions, let me know and I will send them to their room! (It's the entire upstairs so not a problem).

They will also likely be upstairs during workshops as Zoey has the insatiable need to "help" with everything you may be (trying) to work on.

This is Zoey.
formerly Kitten Face,
formerly Sparkles.

It took about a dozen photos per cat to get these with the least amount of movement. As you can see, it wasn't a complete success.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

2009-10-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

Black Door Studio's Grand Opening Celebration!

237 Elm Street, Everett
Thursday October 15th
Open House from 3:00pm to 8:00pm

I've held back some special treasures and all of the Local Artisan goodies until this very day! There are a few other surprises, too. You'll have to come by to find out!

The Test-Run

2009-10-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

Last night I had some of the WCW (Wildly Creative Women) girls come by.

Not always the brightest bulb in the pack, I forgot to take pictures until clean up was well underway and everyone was packing up to leave :( Thought I'd share those I did get!

We had an awesome beginning Batik lesson from Jeannie and Kate. Boy were everyone's creations beautiful! While we were waiting for them to dry, Heidi showed us how to make little wire spiders. We switched from wire to fuzzy pipe cleaners so we could all figure it out. My sparkly gold spider may not be the most realistic but I learned how and the world could use a little more sparkle. Don't you think?

OH: The chairs came!!!!
Just barely in time. Yes, "Amazing Demo Handyman Carpenter Chair-put-together Guy" was putting them together as fast as the girls were arriving.

Sneak peek at the Bead Drawers!

2009-10-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Beads!
Vintage, new, semi-precious, glass, metal, some findings. 384 cubbies of them! (And more stashed away.)

Yes, the drawer cubbies are custom made by the "Amazing Handyman-Sign-Carpenter Guy"

Another Quick Before/After

2009-10-07T09:05:00.001-07:00

There are still some naked walls, lamps with no shades and some empty spots here and there, but getting closer to being ready for the Grand Opening Celebration on October 15th!

Yet another "Amazing Handyman-Finish Carpenter-Etc Guy" creation! A breathtaking front desk!

Almost open!!!

2009-10-05T21:30:00.001-07:00

So, I order these chairs. 8 of them to be exact.

The website says shipped from Texas within 2 days, UPS ground. Yay! I order them on the 20th knowing UPS ground can take as long as 7-10 days. Here I sit, (on my other chair) holding my breath. 12 business days is tomorrow, Tuesday, and I have my 1st group gathering at the studio on Wednesday evening. "What about your fatally optimistic attitude?" you ask.

Well, I would have faith and chant my "It'll be fine" mantra like I usually do...

BUT:
When I called the company to get my UPS tracking number the non-english-speaking Texan gave me another number to call. That led me to a slightly-english-speaking Texan who told me he would call me back with tracking info. Never did. I persisted with another email, (the previous unanswered email was 4 business days BEFORE the phone call) and was given a tracking number. As I was putting in the tracking number on the UPS website, imagine my surprise to find out that the number they gave me to track my package was MY ORIGINAL TRANSACTION NUMBER and not a tracking number at all!

SO:
Ladies of WCW, I have 4 tall chairs if I bring my tall chair from home. Some of us may get to stand :)

It will be fun!

The Front !

2009-09-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

Before :(

After :) Ta-daa!

Believe it or not, that sign is 8 feet long. It was so HUGE inside my entry at home and it looks so small on the wall. By the time we finished up today, the sun was setting over Puget Sound behind me as I took the picture. I know you can hardly see the sign but it's the best I could do with the reflection. Most importantly. It's pretty much done from the front!!!

Here is the upshot of the sign. See the reflection of the letters? That's because they stand a little more than an inch off the base. I can thank Amazing Handy-Demo-Sign-etc Guy for that!

Progress

2009-09-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

We got tons done on Saturday!
More to come today.
I'll post pictures when I get home tonight.

It's here, it's here!

2009-09-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, the new awning! I was sure that it would never arrive. Amazing Demo -Handyman -you know the rest Guy started to put it up last night but darkness and screws meant for children's toys beat him. The next post with be the front with the new awning! Yay!

Today,

2009-09-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

I painted. Again. uhhhhh.

OK. Couldn't resist !!!

2009-09-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

A couple before and after sneak peeks. Still under construction.
Workroom right:

Workroom left:

Sneak Peek!

2009-09-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well, Amazing Handyman-Sign Cutter-Demo-Contractor-Floor Sanding-Painter Guy has really outdone himself this time! Check this out:
Not only did he make it but yes, he's hanging the sign all by himself. How did I get so lucky??? I'll have to take you a better picture of just the sign. It's so cool. The letters are all individual pieces and stand up off the backing.

2009-08-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

I actually returned to home sweet home on the 29th!
Wowie! What an adventure!

This quote from a blogger friend's blog sums it up perfectly,

"Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working."

Thanks for being my voice, Tracey http://acottageindustry.typepad.com

2009-08-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

We have a little monkeywrench.

A friend in need, my sister-from-another-mother, is making a huge unwanted but necessary cross country move to Richmond. Not our little West Coast Richmond... the far away Richmond. I've been helping (kinda) to pack, offering support, moving lots-o-stuff around and now will be helping drive one of the two giant trucks across country. 3 people, 2 trucks, finding a place to live all in six days.

Now, you may think this is insane but hey, it's how I roll. Hahaha! WHEN I WAS 20! This sister would do it for me so, I'm there.

What this all means is: my progress in the studio is going to come to a dead stop but, Amazing Handy-Sign Cutter-Demo-Contractor Guy is going to add "Finish Carpenter" to his title. He doesn't have to but he says it's better than being home without me. Awwwww. What a keeper he is.

I'll be leaving the 16th and back in action on the 23rd or 24th.

NO, NO, NO! Not the 23rd now. It's been moved to the 26th.

2009-08-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

August 1st.

I knew it would pass us by without a care. They're only goals.
As I type this, my right hand is reminding me of two things.
1- it's been a long time since I held a paintbrush with a death grip at the top of a ladder trying to make a beautiful seam between ceiling and wall.
2- There's a lot more of it to come in the next week or two.

At least the progress is steady. I seem to have my head stuck on the whole "floor thing" but Amazing Contractor Guy says it's nooooo problem.

I just keep to my back rooms painting, humming and trying not to fall off the ladder.

OH MY.

2009-07-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

All of the tear out is done!
We did run into some live, on-the-wall wiring with no idea how to turn it off. None of the breakers seem to do the trick. Oh, and also the live natural gas lines attached to the interior wall with handy little valves. The landlord gets to solve those two challenges. So. That means we are done with tear out except for the awful carpet over the glued down carpet from the 1960's. I was going to paint the ceiling before we started that little adventure BUT, my Amazing Demo Guy tore it out, cut it up and tossed it out before I even had a chance to say, "what are we going to do with all this garbage?". He's pretty awesome. So my next job is tsp and an old floor mop for the walls so I can go in with KILZ and fresh paint. His next job is the floor-remover-sander-thingy. On the floors, of course. I'm thinking by Monday I might have a couple "mid-way " pictures.

Ahem. That August 1st date is going to come and go. But hey, a girl's allowed to be an optimist.

2009-07-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

I finally have keys in hand to the new Studio/Store!

There is a ton of work to do.
What I'm going for is "European Flea Market meets Art Space with Odd Supplies".

Think: Recycle, Decor, Art supplies, Workshops.

There are basically 3 rooms.

The largest room is to be used for the retail space. Here I will be offering antiques, refurbished flea market finds, odd collectible and decor items, creations from local Artisans and supplies. A few "normal" supplies but mostly supplies to inspire new projects that focus on altered art and recycling.

The adjoining room is a workroom. A place to have workshops and host meetings, a home to art tools, a deep sink, and a giant worktable for projects and refurbishing.

The third room is a smaller space that will be similar to my personal studio at home. It's a great place for my smaller projects. Also a computer and wrapping area, storage for my etsy store items, a tabletop photo booth, etc. It's also the room with the little kitchenette and the path to the restroom.

Upstairs is a wonderful unfinished, low ceiling, attic area with shelves lining the wall. A perfect place to store those treasures that have yet to make their debut or that still need to be cleaned up and refurbished. The shelving is also a wonderful spot to store the supplies and "work in progress" items from our workshops.

So far, I've picked colors for paint, ceilings and trim. Chosen window coverings, ordered an awning, designed business cards and started working with the company on an exterior sign. I still have to choose lighting for the retail area and figure out what to do with the floors. I'm hoping that under the carpet is concrete and I can do a light stain and some polishing. My fingers are crossed. I have the "Amazing Handyman & Sign Cutter-Guy" as my helper. Who am I kidding? I'm his helper. kinda.

Time to get busy!

2009-06-29T22:50:00.001-07:00

Coming Soon!

I have a couple great "before" photos. I can hardly wait to have some "after" photos so I can post them all!