Dazzling New Demos

Here are two new dazzling demo’s that arrived in the store this week…

“You are Wonderful” Printer’s Tray created by Tara Smith

This project used Basic Grey Konichiwah paper line, Prima’s new resist canvas,

and 7 gypsey’s printer tray, and Echo Park brads.

“You are You” Hanging Note Center  by Tara Smith

Kaisercraft hanging keepsake, Tim Holtz ball chains, Tim Holtz drawer pull, Simple Stories paper

line, My Minds eye buttons, clothes pins and a post-it pad. 

You can see both of these inspiring projects along with many others and all the materials to make these projects in our store. So stop by today and get inspired!

No Introduction needed.... continued

ANDREA MANARD

Andrea Manard is a self-taught mixed media artist based in Memphis.  She has been creating paintings, art objects, and jewelry for the last 12 years. Her work has appeared in Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, along with instructional articles she has written, and she has a piece currently on the cover of their 2012 calendar.  She also appeared on HGTV’S “That’s Clever” October 2011. We are excited to have her join our Eclectica family!

When asked about her style and type of art, Andrea responded "Mixed media art, mostly collage using vintage papers." I have a huge collection of vintage and vintage-looking papers and objects that I use in my work, and a lot of my inspiration comes from these materials. Everything I collect speaks to me in some way. All of these vintage materials have lived a long life, and you can see traces of their history in the wear from years of use. I like to daydream about where these often discarded items have been and when an imagined story whispers in the back of my mind, a piece of art is born. In addition to the materials themselves, I am inspired by nature and history (especially Memphis history), books, music, and tv (which I consume in mass quantities!), and I am especially inspired by things like science, maps, numbers, anything technical. While my favorite medium to work in is collage and acrylics, I tend to get bored easily, and that is the great thing about mixed media- it can mean just about anything. Just about any type of art or craft can be included. I have used polymer clay, needlework, stained glass techniques, printmaking techniques- I dabble in anything that sparks my interest. I do what I do because I have no choice. It is who I am. If I go too long without creating, I get grouchy and feel like something is missing. Something about me- I love animals. I have a rabbit, two guinea pigs, and a huge dog that spend most of the day with me in my studio.”

Andrea is one of 13 local artists chosen to turn a Memphis Flyer newspaper box into art and there is going to be an unveiling reception it is open to the public. http://www.facebook.com/events/264645200285997/

Andrea’s Upcoming Class:

In the Studio – Using Texture in Collage & Mixed Media

Saturday, March 31 at 10:30 AM -- $27

Mixed media is a fun and rewarding way to express your creativity. In this class we will explore different ways to add textures to a mixed media collage.  We will use a variety of materials and techniques to create a piece of art full of textures.  Please note: In addition to your basic tool kit, please bring a variety of synthetic paint brushes (the Claudine Hellmuth pack is perfect!), detail scissors and a ruler.  Please note this is a workshop length class. Spaces are filling up so call today and reserve your place. Call us at (901)-377- 0730

Tips & Tidbits from The Garden

     Today's Tidbit is about Craftworks New Candi!       Candi are high quality paper circles that are just like brads....only legless. This means easy and inexpensive application. Well, while playing in the scrapbook garden we discovered a cool idea. Why not use these cute blinged out little circles to create flowers!  Simply use your favorite liquid glue or for less mess a Gluber on a large circle for the base of the flower. Then using the candi upside down place three in the center to start your flower. Next continue in a circle adding candi and slightly overlapping them and tucking them slightly under the previous layer until your flower is the size you desire. Need more help or a closer look at these cool flowers?  Well, you can find Craftworks Candi and this demo in our Store today!

No Introductions needed...

     These next few weeks we will be spotlighting our 2012 instructors. While they are no strangers to the Eclectica family, We thought it would be a great way to get to know them a little better. This week we will start with our newest instructor:

                                                             Tara Smith


     While Tara's projects and smile are no stranger to us at Eclectica, We
are proud to introduce her as Eclectica's newest instructor. Tara has been working with paper arts for 15 plus years. She is a busy mother of 4 and loves that scrapbooking preserves the memories and the love of family.

    Tara has a Masters in Mental Health Therapy and has specialized in using art to work with children in the field. When asked about this focus, Tara responded, "I find that paper arts and scrapbooking can be so beneficial, healing and therapuetic for the mind and soul".

    Tara's style is very textured and hands on and she believes in accepting
 even the "mistakes" as special and unique attributes of yourself, the artist.

Tara's Next Class:                     

 Fabulous Flower Chalkboard- $20
 Saturday, April 14th at 1:30 pm


 Tara will be using her fabulous flower skills to alter a 7x10 wooden chalkboard. Whether it’s for jotting notes or as a hanging piece of art, this chalkboard will be a beautiful addition to any home. Perfect as a Mother’s day gift or simply as a gift for yourself! Need a certain color to match your decor? You will be able to customize with your choice of paper! Even if you've never "altered" or "flowered" before, this is the perfect class to get you going and will thrill paper crafters of all levels. Tara will teach 3 easy to create flower styles that will cascade and enhance your chalkboard. In addition to your basic tool kit, please bring a foam brush or paint dabber, scrappy glue, micro tip scissors and brown chalk ink.

Spaces are limited so dont miss out.
Call and reserve your seat today.
1(901)-377-0730