Hometown Paper Collection Pre-CHA Release

Last weekend, while we were at Art at the Edge, I had a little special gift for everyone who attended...everybody at the event received some samples of a brand new product line I've been working on for the past few months...

And, somehow, a few pics got posted and before we knew it, we had people from all over the country, and all over the world, asking where they could get this new product. 

It's called "Hometown." It's a collection of craft papers, designed using images from the small river-town where I live, Newburgh, Indiana.  The collection is reminiscent of life in a simpler time, with images of historic homes, vintage patterns, and local landmarks and is rooted in home, history and family. It's a beautiful collection of craft papers that will be perfect for home decor projects, mixed media projects, heritage scrapbook layouts, handmade cards, and especially masculine cards.

 

We hadn't planned to release the collection until January 2015 at the Craft and Hobby Association Show in Anaheim California, but because we've had so many folks asking, we decided to do a limited, Pre-CHA release.  A limited number of sets will be available in late November. I can't give out all the details yet, but I wanted to give you a little peek and a little heads up that the Hometown Collection will be available in late November. Keep an eye out at your local scrapbook stores and art supply stores...I think you're going to love the nostalgic feel of this collection. 

I can't wait for you to see it!  

Art at the Edge...Studio Open House and Tour

Art at the Edge was a really special time for me...It was the first time that I've ever organized an event independently and the first time that I've ever invited people from all over the world to come to my home in Newburgh, Indiana to make some crafts.  Although, our classes were held across the street from my home/loft/studio...it was the perfect opportunity to throw the doors wide open and let everyone come in to see where I live and work. 

 

And honestly, it gave me an excuse to sweep the floors and get the place spruced up a bit. My space is really unique in that it is an historic building with 12" thick brick walls, and some cool architectural details. A business of some kind has occupied the space since 1803...at first a livery stable, then later a theater, then a place called the Scuffletown Saloon.  Needless to say, there's a lot of local history within these walls.  

While I had people in the house, I took the opportunity to show some cool die cutting techniques with Stick It, embossing powders, micro glitters and dies.  

 

It was kind of cool to invite everyone into my workspace to play. 

 

And since I've only been in this new space for a few months...I loved getting to share it with my friends at the "Edge." 

 

What you don't see in any of these photos are the amazing water views I have from every window...the river right outside my windows is a never ending source of inspiration. 

 

I loved getting to show everyone how using Stick It can make gluing even the most intricate die cuts in place a breeze.  

 

And this was really cool...the Vice President of my local bank popped in for a visit...come to find out, she's a lifelong friend of one my best crafting buddies...it really is a small world.  

 

Naturally, I had a few Halloween decorations out...like a doll head under a cloche...creepy and elegant at the same time. 

 

I loved sharing my creative space and some diecutting techniques with my friends at the "Edge." It was one of the things that made Art at the Edge really fun for me. 

Art at the Edge...A Behind the Scenes Look

Art at the Edge has come and gone...we created some beautiful art and created lots of memories.  When I had the idea to create an art event in my sleepy little riverfront town, Newburgh, Indiana, I had no idea that we'd draw attendees from 12 states, some traveling long distances to attend. Here's a quick look at what we did at Art at the Edge...I'd never planned an event like this by myself before...it was really fun! 

 

We created 2 beautiful projects at Art at the Edge...an altered metal frame, 

 

and a beautifully embellished scrapbook.  

 

Although I provided the materials and supplies needed and the basic design for the projects, each student had the option to create their pieces to their own aesthetic...

It was amazing to see everyone add their touches to the projects. 

Since Newburgh is a rivertown, I thought it would be fitting to hold Art at the Edge at The Edgewater Grill.  We met in one of their beautiful river front dining rooms with panoramic views of the Ohio River.  The natural light in that room is wonderful...it was the perfect place to hold an art event. 

And really, I just wanted to use this post to tell the story in pictures...we had an amazing day. '

Here I'm with some of my crafting friends from St. Louis.  We've been friends for years and I was really honored that they came. 

I had quite a few special guests at Art at the Edge...my cousin Charlotte came.  We're very much alike, she is an amazing crafter, she loves geneology and she's a gardener too...It was great to see her there. 

 

 My parents were very helpful throughout the event...they even helped me pack class kits and sort paper...I am very thankful for them. 

 
And just at the end of the day, my little brother and his family popped in for a visit.  I am glad they came, my nieces and nephew were able to help Art at the Edge attendees carry their tools, supplies and finished projects out to their cars.  

One of my favorite things about Art at the Edge...during our event, the town Halloween parade went by...and our town band (Called the Old Dam Band) played...

We went outside on the veranda to listen to the band and to watch the trick or treaters parade by.

 

At the end of the day, as Art at the Edge was drawing to a close, we were treated to one of those wonderful sunsets over the Ohio...the sunsets in our neck of the woods are spectacular!

I hope everyone who came had a wonderful time, and would like to thank everyone again...it seems like everybody liked Art at the Edge...a lot!  I am already planning for next year!

How to Use Stick It on Card Stock

You may not have heard about this yet, but I've been working with a new adhesive especially formulated for die-cutting.  The new adhesive is called Stick It...it's a micro thin, adhesive sheet that is acid free, archival,

Here's a quick "How To" video that you're going to want to watch...you'll learn how to use Stick It with card stock on a very intricate die template.

Here's how easy it is:

1. Cut a piece of card stock that is the approximate size of the die you're going to cut.
2. Cut a piece of Stick It Adhesive sheet the same size as the card stock you've just cut.
3. Remove a strip of the release liner on the back side of Stick It to reveal the micro thin adhesive.
4. Press the adhesive to the back side of the card stock.
5. Die Cut as you normally would.
6. Remove release liner from the back side of the die cut paper.
7. Press into place and make sure to press all edges and die cut pieces in place.

You are going to be amazed with the ease of affixing intricate die cuts with Stick It...there's no more sticky mess, no fiddling with a glue pen, no more trying to pick off the excess adhesive...it's quick, simple and clean!

Stick It has just hit the market, check with your local scrapbook store or online retailer for availability in your area...this stuff is going to change the way you use die cuts...you are going to LOVE it!

I'd love to hear what you think...let me know.    

I am a little in disbelief!  Art at the Edge is SOLD OUT!  

Now, there's still lots of preparation going on...and I'll be keeping myself busy with that...but we got a full house! 

Breakfast After Art at the Edge

Hey, I have a special recommendation for breakfast after Art at the Edge...

If your travel plans allow, make sure to try breakfast at The Edgewater Grill in Newburgh, Indiana.

They only serve breakfast on Sundays (8:00am-12:00pm) and it's best in the Tri-State!

It's my usual Sunday breakfast spot...it's really good!

If you'd like to make a reservation, call (812) 858-2443...it's one of those things about Newburgh that you won't want to miss!

Ken

It's Less Than 2 Weeks Until Art at the Edge...

With less than 2 weeks until the first Art at the Edge, preparations for the event are in full swing at Ken Oliver Crafts LLC!  (that is code for "panic mode").

Last night, I started preparing class kits...and I just stepped back for a minute and thought, WOW! This event is gonna rock!

The supplies and materials have been ordered, paid for, shipped and received and have been sitting in my living room and studio for a few weeks...and seemed more to me like a pile of boxes that I've had to step around and move a few times...

But last night, when I started opening the shipping cartons...it all started to seem real.  Art at the Edge is going to be a really unique event...I didn't set out to produce a "grand" event...I simply wanted to invite a few friends over, to experience the quaint river-town where I live and to craft for a couple days...

and was I ever surprised...people are coming from 12 states and traveling some great distances just to attend!  Art at the Edge is turning into a world class, boutique style art event that is going to blow the minds of everyone who comes...

Realizing that money is tight for everyone...I wanted Art at the Edge to represent a great value...so I did my best to keep the cost to attend really low...but at the same time provide an excellent "retreat" experience....here's an example of the value packed in to Art at the Edge, 

This class kit is just amazing...it's loaded with lots of stuff...it represents a retail value of about $100!  

It has scrapbook paper, a paper pad, a BIG scrapbook album, flowers, ephemera, stick pins, a full bolt of lace...all from Prima Marketing's Forever Green product line.  

When I saw all this stuff laid out together...I was excited about the class!  

 In addition to all the amazing supplies, the class also has some cool paper crafting techniques like paper sculpture and incorporating paints into scrapbook layouts...again, another great value.

This is only one of the classes at Art at the Edge...there's another Altered Frame class that's just about at cool as this.

So, I spent my Friday night, with my mom and dad, packing class kits...it was a big job,

But, we got a system going, a production line, and really made a fun family night of prepping for Art at the Edge...and really the fun we had and the memories we made the work really fun.  I like working with my parents...they like to take breaks to update their Facebook statuses...

So if you're coming to Art at the Edge, here's a little list of some tools and stuff to bring:

Supplies:

Small Bottle of Aleen’s Tacky Glue

Glue Sticks

Tape Runner

Tools:

Scissors

Small Scissors for Fussy Cutting

Bone Folder

Heat Tool

Small Glue Gun

Paper Trimmer

And, bring anything else you like to have on hand when every you craft and scrapbook....if for some reason, you forget something, I'll have extra stuff on hand, no worries!

As Art at the Edge approaches, I am getting more excited every day...I'll be spending the next few days, assembling kits for the other class and prepping for ICE at the Edge...and hopefully everything will get done...I am meeting with the event planner at The Edgewater Grill later today to finalize the meal selections...this is gonna be fun!  

  

And, if I am lucky, between now and October 24th-25th...I'll find a little time to relax and clean up my house...I'm planning to have an "open house" at my studio and home during the event...

It's gonna be fun!