creatologie from carol wingert studio

TELL ME YOUR STORY!

Last month, I did a blog post about telling stories and what I learned is that most of you love to either tell stories or hear stories, or both.  I had been thinking about doing a book that consolidated stories and your responses cemented the thought.

 

Enter "Tell Me Your Story", a hand made, hand stitched book with 22 interior pages, all dedicated to capturing stories.  They can be stories about one person, or stories about a variety of people, including yourself.

 

You will learn how to create and cover a hinged book that you stitch together...with great tips on how to create professional looking covers.  The interior pages are a mix of cardstock and patterned papers, which add a lot of interest.

 

The papers are a blend of graphic 45 Communique and Jenni Bowlin...all in an eye pleasing vintage palette of black, ivory, brown and a splash of red.   Add to that funky pockets and pouches (which give you more creating spaces), a mirror, altered paper roses, a vintage watch crystal, hand stamped images, and altered wallpaper...you will LOVE it.  I have to say that this project is one of my favorites to date...because of the color palette and because it is really such a meaningful theme.  I can't wait to put the stories into mine...I've been planning them page by page as I've built my sample :).   As always, this is just like a classroom delivered to your door...you will get step by step instructions (I've started calling them instruction manuals since they are so comprehensive).

 

 

I've been creating online kits for 18 months and to me, creatologie is both a passion and a business.  The passion side of this has kept the prices stable...the business side tells me that won't continue to work because my expenses haven't remained the same.  I've kept up on kits that are available online and know that creatologie kits are an incredible value (so many of you have written and told me the same thing).  Some of the things that make creatologie kits different is the attention to detail, the variety of products included, the fact that it's a completed project, the comprehensive tutorials, plus there are so many  techniques that are taught...which is really giving you a lifetime of learning.  

 

That being said, this month's kit will be offered at $49.00.  HOWEVER, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO PRE-ORDER YOUR KITS, THERE WILL BE A DISCOUNT AND KITS WILL BE OFFERED AT $45.00. 

 

Once kits have shipped out, the price will then become $49.00.  Here's why you get the discount for pre-ordering:  Pre-ordered kits get readied for shipment in assembly line fashion...boxes are set up and filled at the same time, labeling gets done in large batches and the Postal Service comes and picks up everything at once (given the unpredictability of pickups, someone needs to be around for most of the day).  Once those kits go out, each subsequent order is handled individually, which takes a lot more time.  YOU DEFINITELY BENEFIT FROM THE TIME SAVINGS BY PRE-ORDERING YOUR KIT.

 

Shipping charges will remain the same:  $9.00 within the US, $14.00 to Canada and $20.00 to all other international locations.

 

To pre-order your kit, simply go to the PayPal storefront on the left sidebar.  You will see three boxes with pictures of the cover...just look for the one that says where it will be shipped.  Then click on the picture and PayPal will walk you through the steps and email me your order.

 

PRE-ORDERED KITS WILL BEGIN SHIPPING THE WEEK OF JULY 26TH.

 

For those of you who are local, I will be teaching this project at Scrapbooks, Etc. on Thursday evening, July 30th, at 5:00 p.m. and Friday morning, July 31st, at 10:30 a.m.  You will want to call the store to reserve your spot today...the number is 480-854-2303.

 

Don't forget...get your pre-order in today...quantities are limited and you get the benefit of a discount...can't beat that! 

 

As always, thanks for your orders and for passing the word along to others.

 

From my studio to yours,

 

 

P.S.  I forgot to mention a couple of things...the book size is 8x10 and also, in addition to the journaling provided in the kit, I will also give you a list of prompts and ideas for interview questions.

 

A "Glovely" Garden Party

When I started planning out June's kit, here's what I knew I wanted.

It was going to be white, there was going to be a white glove on the cover, and there would be all sorts of pretty ribbons and lace throughout the book.

As I started gathering materials to build my sample, I came upon a patterned paper from October Afternoon which was just the perfect shade of green...a garden green.  I decided to change up the white book just a bit...by adding spashes of color here and there.  When I built my cover, I knew exactly what I was going to call this kit...A Glovely Garden Party.

It's totally reminiscent of garden party days...with dotted swiss, polka dots, lace and ribbon, flowers, pearls, glitter, and vintage images, all tied together in a handmade, handstitched, repurposed hardback book. 

The colors and feel of the book are as refreshing as Perrier with a twist of lime.  Yum...I feel cooler already :).

To pre-order your kit, simply head over to the PayPal storefront on the left sidebar of this blog, and click on the box that describes where your kit will be shipped.  While you are waiting for your kit to arrive, you will want to find a hardback book to repurpose (this saves on shipping).  Look for one with a sturdy spine...you can find great ones at a bargain at local library sales, thrift stores and garage sales.  Kits will begin shipping out on June 26th.

For those of you who are local, I'll be teaching this project at Scrapbooks, Etc. on Thursday, June 25th, from 5:00-8:30 and Friday, June 26th, from 10:30 to 2:00.  To reserve your spot, just call the store at 480-854-2303.

Looking forward to hearing from you...treat yourself to a refreshing project...a class delivered to your door...a fabulous way to bring in the summer!

As always, thanks for your orders and for your referrals...you are the best!

From my studio to yours,

THE BOHEMIAN "BETWINCHIE" (TM) JOURNAL

 

In case you're wondering if I'm lacking in sleep, or am having some challenges with spelling, or am just plain looney tunes, never fear...I'm not (well, maybe a bit on the looney side)!  I LOVE making up new words, and there is actually a bit of logic behind the banner and the title of this new creatologie kit.

 

In the past year, there have been lots and lots of swaps in the paper arts world that are about inchies and twinchies.  What in the world are inchies and twinchies?  Well, they are little pieces of artwork...inchies are 1"x1" and so twinchies would then be 2"x2".  Clever, no?

 

As I was planning this month's kit, I knew I wanted to work in miniature scale and neither the 1x1 or 2x2 format looked good on the cover.  ENTER THE BETWINCHIE (TM)...it's between 1x1 and 2x2...which makes it 1 1/2" x 1 1/2", also known as a "betwinchie" (tm).  Isn't that fun and doesn't it just make you grin?

 

This month's project kit is a large folio (approx. 9 1/2 x 12 1/2), which is a great size for lots of pix and journaling.  Because a folio is really just a binder and we certainly need way more than just a binder for a project, you will be adding a signature to the inside...which gives you 12 more pages, each 6x12 inches.  Awesome!

 

This journal is VERY flexible...you can use it for travel, for an event, or just because...and you can substitute some of your own little photos for the betwinchies (TM) shown on the cover. 

 

If you had a marriage between 7 gypsies and graphic 45, this journal would be it (hence "bohemian").  There are gorgeous papers that just flow together, as well as fabulous 7 gypsies transparency pages and journal pages, plus handmade papers from moi.  Then, of course, there are 7 gypsies stickers, funky tags, fabric pieces, lots of ribbons and trims, and, oh yes, did you happen to catch the amazing handle?

 

All this can be yours this month for just $40, a bargain for a classroom delivered to your door!

As always, the kit comes with photos and step by step instructions, and I will let you know what tools and supplies you will need.

 

IF YOU LIVE IN ARIZONA, I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I'LL BE TEACHING THIS PROJECT IN MY CREATIVE GENIUS WORKSHOP CLASS AT SCRAPBOOKS, ETC. ON THURSDAY EVENING, MAY 28TH FROM 5:00-8:30 AND FRIDAY MORNING, MAY 29TH FROM 10:30-2:00.   IF YOU WANT TO MAKE THIS JOURNAL IN A CLASSROOM SETTING (YOU GET THE ADDED BENEFIT OF MY COLLECTION OF FUNKY RUBBER STAMPS :)), JUST CALL THE STORE AND RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY.  THE PHONE NUMBER IS 480-854-2303.

 

If you aren't in Arizona and you want your classroom delivered to your door, this kit is available for pre-order immediately.   Just head over to the storefront on the left sidebar and click on the square that describes where the kit will be shipped.  Shipping within the US is $9.00 (that includes sales tax in AZ), $15 to Canada and $19 for all other international locations.

 

SHIPPING WILL BEGIN THE WEEK OF MAY 26TH. 

 

You will be tickled with this kit...so, don't delay...look for the PayPal storefront on the left sidebar, find the image for where your kit will be shipped and CLICK.  PayPal will walk you through the steps and will notify me about the order.  Then, your kit will be custom coordinated and shipped to you the week of May 26th.  Simple, right?

 

Don't miss your chance to join the betwinchie (tm) craze!  Preorder your kit now!  You're going to LOVE it!

 

As always, thanks for reading, for your orders and for telling your friends.  You are very appreciated.

 

From my studio to yours,

 

 

 

P.S.  There are some kits left from previous months...if you order more than one kit, and they are shipped together, I will refund any excess postage. 

 

 

 

 

 

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!

 Life is beautiful...and when I say it, I just can't help but smile.  Try it...doesn't it make you smile, too?

It seems like there are so many negatives and challenges that surround us on a day to day basis.  I think that a great way to balance out the negativity is to reflect on the positives in our lives...to think about what makes your life beautiful.  That was the inspiration for this project but, as always, you can choose to create a title and theme to suit your needs!

The book is made from scratch.  It's hand stitched and ribbon bound.  It's got hard chipboard covers and beautiful patterned papers, ivory cardstock and assorted colored cardstocks as the pages. 

The size is 6x12...a size not previously used in any creatologie kits.  There are 30 interior pages to decorate.  I will provide additional papers and embellishments to cover many of the interior pages and the remainder will be for you to add your special touches.

When I first saw these Webster's Pages papers at CHA, I knew that I had to incorporate them into a project kit.  They are bright and happy with vintage and shabby elements to them...a perfectly beautiful blend of color and style.  Add to that metal charms and bits...beautiful ribbons and trims, custom made papers, and hand dyed cloth.  I'm really excited about sharing this book with you...I love the look and feel of this particular size. 

Kits are available for pre-order right now and they will ship the week of April 27th...just in time to put together for Mother's Day or for a spring wedding or bridal shower.

The price of the kits remains the same as previous kits-$40.00.  Shipping within the US is $9.00 (in Arizona, that includes sales tax), shipping to Canada is $14 and shipping internationally is $19.

You won't want to miss out on this kit...as always, the numbers are limited and once they're gone, they are truly gone.

Also, if you order multiples or in conjunction with a previous month's kit, you may have a refund of extra shipping coming your way.  Once the kits are ready to go and I have an exact amount, I'll return the difference to your PayPal account.

To pre-order your kit or kits, simply look for the PayPal storefront on the left side bar, and click on the box or boxes that describe the kit/place to ship.  PayPal will walk you through the steps to complete your order and then they will notify me.  Kits will begin shipping the week of April 27th.

Celebrate a beautiful life...this classroom delivered to your door will help you focus on those fabulous and wonderful things!

While we are on this topic, I just want you to know that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!  I appreciate all of you so much.

Thanks for reading, for your orders and for your referrals to friends and family.

Let's celebrate the things that make our lives beautiful!

From my studio to yours,

Spring Fling

  How about indulging your creativity with a little spring fling?

Enter this month's creatologie kit...a very springy, hand made piano hinge book...a total spring fling!

This is a generic book...that is, the title is up to you.  I can see this as a spring book, a Mother's Day gift, an Easter book or maybe a wedding or bridal shower gift.

The book is approx 5 1/2 x 7 1/2 and there are 30 interior pages...the products include papers and gorgeous stickers from Basic Grey, rub-ons from Hambly, paper lace, clear glass glitter, sheer organza ribbons, fun flowers, plus all of those little embellishments that will make your pages shine.

As always, the kit comes with step-by-step instructions and color photos to help you construct your project.

If you're buried in snow, or you just can't wait for winter to be over, why not invite some spring into your home?  Simply pre-order your kit now and I will begin shipping them out the week of March 23rd.  All you need to do is to locate the PayPal storefront on the left sidebar of this blog, find the box that has the kit you want shipped to your location and CLICK...PayPal will then walk you through the steps and your kit will be reserved.

As I'm writing this, the orders are beginning to come flying in...I know that so many of you asked for a kit based on the piano hinge book and I was happy to deliver since this is one of my very favorite book structures.

Once you have learned how to put it together, you will want to make tons more of this one.

Oh, just a little note about machine stitching...you probably noticed some stitches on the cover of the book.  They are totally optional...kind of a bonus for those of you who need to fire up your sewing maching.  For the rest of you, I'll show you how to create a similar look without a single stitch.

  The cost of this classroom delivered to your door is just $40...what a bargain for a spring fling!

Shipping within the US is $9, shipping to Canada is $14 and shipping to all other international locations is $19.

 

Hope you decide to join in this Spring Fling...you will have so much fun...guaranteed!

Looking forward to hearing from you!  As always, thanks for looking, for your orders and for spreading the word to others.

From my studio to yours,

Love Notes

  With Valentine's Day falling right in the middle of the month, February is often considered the month of love.  The commercial aspect focuses on romantic love...giving fabulous gifts of jewelry, gourmet chocolate, or dozens of roses...purchases of special lingerie...weekend getaways...you know, you've been seeing and hearing the commercials, too.

 

My take on this month of love that there are all sorts of levels of love to celebrate.  Of course there's romantic love, but then there's the love of a child or grandchild, the love of a parent or grandparent, the love of a pet, friendship love, loving a classroom of children...the list could go on and on.

 

This month's project is a celebration and reminder of love on all of those levels.

 

The project starts with a galvanized metal dimensional envelope, complete with a hook on the back for hanging on your wall.  The envelope is approximately 9 3/4" wide and is approximately the same height from the bottom of the envelope to the rounded peak.  There is an opening in the envelope, which allows you to store bits and pieces.

 

The envelope is altered with paper and gesso, and is then embellished with a vintage inspired deep red velvet flower and leaves (the flower alone is about 3.5" wide), beautiful crinkled and silk ribbons, leaf ribbon, and an altered chipboard heart which hangs below the envelope.

 

I had actually purchased one (or maybe more :)) of these envelopes back when I was teaching at Memory Lane, but in true Carol Wingert fashion, I put them in a box during one of my organizational moments and haven't been able to find them.  Imagine my delight when I came across them from one of my sources...they were a must have for a creatologie kit.

 

I love putting together memory art with home decor...it's practical and usable.  The envelope itself is a neutral color and the heart and flower add a bit of red.  I recently read an article in a home decor magazine where an interior designer talked about putting a bit of red into every room.  It really gave a room a punch.  Thinking back to the days before I was using red in my home quite a bit, the rooms where there would be a bit of red (the kitchen with hens and roosters, for instance), definitely stand out in my mind.  So, here's that little bit of red to add punch to your room!

 

The kit comes complete with the parts and pieces you will need to create a shaped book, which fits perfectly into the pocket of the envelope.

There are 14 interior pages for your love notes, with coordinating papers and embellishments provided to tie your book together.

 

On the cover of the book are some hand made ribbon flowers...you will be walked through the process of creating them...fun and totally gorgeous!  I think you are going to love the process, plus it's something new and different...something I've not included in a kit before.

 

The inspiration to create a love notes book came several months ago.  I was having "one of those days"...just feeling really down on myself.  You know...we've all had those days.  I was checking my emails late in the day and I had two of them from women who had taken my class the previous week.  The emails were so positive, filled with gratitude and just made me feel so good.  It was amazing how quickly my perspective changed...can you relate to what I'm saying?  You have a rotten day and your hubby comes home and compliments you on something...or tells you how much he appreciates what you do...or your kidlet wraps his/her arms around you and whispers "Love ya, mommy!".  It can just warm the heart and make you feel so great!

 

So, I thought about creating a book to write down some of those moments, or to print out the emails and tape them in there, or to save the little note cards from friends and family, or to print out a special picture and put it there, or to save a special piece of art drawn by a favorite child...this is that book.  As you go through your days, be on the lookout for those little love notes or special gestures of love.  Print them out, write them down, photograph them...and then insert them into your love notes book.  Then, on a down day, just pull out your book and remind yourself that you are truly loved!

 

The kit retails for $40, with $9.00 shipping within the US, $14 shipping to Canada and $19 shipping to all other locations.

 

As always, the kit will come with instructions and colored photos of the steps.  There's a lot of texture and just plain vintage beauty in this project...you won't want to miss out.  I waited 3 months to get these metal envelopes (but I have them now!) and they were in short supply so there is a limited number of kits that I can make.

 

Shipping of the kits will begin February 24th.

 

To pre-order your kit, just look at the left sidebar of this blog where there is a PayPal storefront.  Look for the image of the project you want and there will be verbiage that says where the kit will be shipped.  Simply click on that image and PayPal will walk you through the rest of the steps.  Then, start collecting those precious notes so that you can start filling the book later this month.

 

Do you know what's so cool about this project?  Once your book is full, you can just follow the instructions to make another one...and keep doing that until you have a library just filled with love notes.  I can guarantee you that you will feel blessed by acknowledging the love and kindness of other people.

 

So, don't delay...get your pre-order in now.  Looking forward to sharing this project with you!

 

As always, thanks for reading, for your orders, for building your kits and for sharing your love for them with others!  I appreciate you!  There, another love note...wink!

 

Happy Love Month!

 

From my studio to yours,

 

Yes, there will be a February kit!

Thanks for all of your emails asking about it!

February's project is fun and definitely different than anything previously done.

I'm fine tuning it right now but thought I'd give you a peek...just so you know that there really is one!!!!  These are some of the hanging things.

Yes, it is about love.

No, it's not a Valentine book.

Enough said...for now.

Stay tuned...if you're on my email list, be on the lookout for your preview email in the next day or so.

Looking forward to sharing this one with you!

"Going Places"

  It's a new year and with that, for many of us, comes a new energy, renewal and the desire to learn, grow, and explore new things.  One of the best ways to do all three is by traveling.

Whether you are planning a trip or two (or more) or have taken trips that you haven't yet recorded, "Going Places" is a great way to tell your stories about those travels.

It starts with a 5 1/2" x 8" album with a heavily layered cover.  There are altered pages, pages with pockets, pages with envelopes...all put together to give you maximum storage for your photos and stuff.

The colors are predominantly black and ivory, with bold touches of red and faint touches of light blue...a great way to enhance those photos with beautiful blue skies :).

The papers and embellishments are from Collage Press, Jenni Bowlin, 7 gypsies and Tim Holtz, just to name a few.

And, while some of the pockets are traditional, there are a couple that I haven't done before...always good to introduce something a little different, right?

The kits come with a full set of instructions with color photos and are available for pre-order right now.

KITS WILL BEGIN SHIPPING JANUARY 29TH.

The kit cost is $40.00 and shipping within the US is $9.00.  Shipping to Canada is $14 and to all other international locations, $19.

To place your pre-order, simply go to the PayPal storefront on the left side of this blog (or the right side of my personal blog) and click on the box where the kit will be shipped.  PayPal will walk you through the steps...it's just that simple!

Due to the popularity of travel journals, you will want to get your dibs in early...you don't want to miss out on this one!

Here's a little peek at some of the inside pages...lots of color and movement throughout...a great way to capture the energy of being in a new place!

There are still some leftover November and December kits available and if you order them together with this kit and are willing to wait to have them shipped together, there will be a reduction in the shipping price and I will refund the difference.  Just let me know in the notes section of your order, OK?  Otherwise, I'll assume that you'd like the kits that are ready to go shipped out immediately.

I'm hoping that the year 2009 is a positively memorable one for you...and that you are truly "going places" in life by energetically meeting your goals, by dreaming large and then working on making those dreams come true, and by putting yourself into new places in life, whether through a trip, or just simply by trying new artsy techniques or by doing something you previously put off because it took you out of your comfort zone.

Wishing you a happy, inspired and creative New Year!

From my studio to yours,

Year End Sale!

WOW!  Can you believe that 2008 is almost over?  And, that there have been 12 months of creatologie kits that have gone out?  It's been a whirlwind of a year and such an exciting one! 

In order to get ready for 2009 and the product already coming in for January and February kits, I decided to reduce the price on the few remaining November and December kits. 

  Each of the kits will be reduced to $30 (a 25% savings to you) and shipping will be $9.00.  This sale is limited to shipping only in the US.

For those of you who plan ahead, maybe you can consider one or both of these kits for gifts for the coming year. 

I'm looking forward to sharing new creatologie kits with you, as well as some other things that I have up my sleeve for the new year.

It's really been a pleasure getting to know so many of you...and I appreciate all of your orders, your kind comments and your referrals.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU...hope you take some time to create this holiday weekend.

CELEBRATE THE JOY OF CREATING!

 

It's hard to believe that almost a year has gone by since I released the first creatologie kit.  It's been a fun and wild ride and definitely calls for a celebration.  Enter the "CREATE" banner (which can also be put together as a book), a great way to remind yourself about how fun it is to create and also a great way to reward yourself for all of the fabulous creating you have done this year.

I know that it's a busy time of year but don't forget to take time to feed and enrich that creative spirit...getting back into the creative habit can be tough less you keep on creating!

This six panel banner is filled with layers and textures...fabrics such as chenille, felt and cotton, vintage French trims, ribbon, old lace, gorgeous papers from jenni bowlin and Bo Bunny...and the end result is a striking combination of black, ivory and red that you will be proud to hang in your studio or craft room.  In the event the colors don't compliment your decor, there are rings for fastening your panels together and you will end up with a fabulous flip mini book.

You won't want to miss out on this one...quantities are limited in that one of the fabrics has been discontinued and some of the pieces are in short supply.  Kits are available for pre-order now and WILL BEGIN SHIPPING DECEMBER 23rd.  If you have any time off during the holidays, wouldn't this be a great way to spend some of it?

In addition to the six panels, there's also a dangling butterfly and (of course) a bird.  Someone in my class last week mentioned that I obviously love birds because I include them in everything! :)  There's also a variety of pockets included in the project.  To accent your pages, there are fabulous flourish rub ons...you will love them.

Kit cost for the CREATE banner/book is just $40.

Shipping within the US is $9, to Canada is $14 and to all other international locations is $19.

I hope that you take time to celebrate the joy of creating with a special celebration kit from creatologie.

Wishing you and your family the very best holiday season!  Enjoy your celebrations and don't forget to record those stories!

From my {just now decorated} studio to yours,