Inspiration Thursday: Fabrics in Italy

This video made me see clothing designers in a new light. It is a quick watch, but I love the idea of searching for fabrics in Europe. (I found this video here.)

Wouldn't you just love to touch those gorgeous books? And the fabrics? My goodness.

Have a great day!

xoxo
Bethany

Recent Publications

I'm a smidge behind on posting my newest publication news, but that's just what happens sometimes. I'm not sure how your April went, but mine sped by lightening fast!

I'm quite excited that I appeared again in Somerset Apprentice as one of the Pros! (I think that I fell off my chair when Jana emailed me about being an actual PRO. Don't worry, the bump on my head didn't hurt too much. hahaha)

The article is a mini interview of my creative process and I'm pleased with how it turned out. Thank you again to Sara Jarvie for taking that awesome pic of me!

Here's a pic of the layout. I didn't realize how wordy I was until I got the magazine. Whew!

I'm also thrilled that I appeared three times in the last Somerset Studio.

Here are the projects.

Oh, and I forgot! I'm also in the latest Somerset Memories!

Here are my projects.

Boy, I'm a lucky girl, aren't I!

Inspiration Tuesday: Jealosy vs Inspiration

This quote has been floating around FaceBook for a bit. (I snagged it from Sasha Burns Holloway.) I found it quite insightful and wanted to share it with you.

"To be jealous of another is to see their greatness and want what they have. To be inspired by another is to see their greatness and suddenly realize you have it within you as well. Jealousy keeps you stuck where you are while inspiration opens your mind and heart to new and unlimited possibilities. Be inspired by someone today." (Reposted courtesy of Nicole Zass)

Have a great day!

B

Giveaway: Miss Arts Subscription

I can't tell you how much fun I had chatting with everyone during my class last Wednesday! It was so stimulating that I had trouble sleeping. I seriously love teaching! I hope that everyone that attended got just half as much out of the class as I did. If you missed the class, you can view it on UStream. I recorded it so it will be available forever. Yipes!

This is the last week before Miss Arts opens on May 1st! Yeah! Unfortunately, this means that today is the last day that I'll have a giveaway for a free month's subscription to Miss Arts. Make sure you leave a comment so you'll be entered. I noticed that most people's fave supply is paper! So tell me your fave paper company in your comment. I think that my fave would be My Mind's Eye. Anyone else love them lots?

I'm so excited to announce that last week's winner of a month's subscription to Miss Arts is RUTH! Yeah! Congrats! Ruth, email me and I'll hook you up.

My class is winding down, but the famous Stacy Cohen is next month's teacher. This girl is so talented! And so sweet! She accidentally received one of my layouts in the mail (long, strange story) and when I sent her a check to pay for the shipping costs to return it to me, she tore it up. (I'm just abiding my time. She will get reimbursed...someday...giggle.)

Anyway, here's the description for Stacy's class. I'm so intrigued!

There once was a girl who found her escape in a secret garden. While she worked to bring the flowers to bloom and the garden to life her soul was refreshed, and her creativity was sparked. In “The Secret Garden” Layout Class, teacher Stacy Cohen brings you layouts and techniques inspired by both flower gardens and by the “Madeline’s Song” Miss Art’s Papercrafting School kit.

Join Stacy in this 201 class to learn techniques for creating a shadowbox effect on your layouts, adding dimension through layering, and creating beautiful floral clusters. You will also have the chance to see a step-by-step demonstration on how Stacy creates her crocheted pages. Join Stacy in “The Secret Garden” on May 1, 2011.

Have a great week!

xoxo
Bethany

Inspiration Thursday: Easter Bunnies and Pretty Dresses

I won't believe you if you tell me that you didn't sigh when you saw these adorable bunnies.

Seriously people. Aren't these just the cutest? They are snagged from the Purl Soho site which, by the way, is a major source of inspiration. Just the colors on the banner have my heart flippy flopping.

Oh, and since we are on the topic of inspiration, check out Lily Pulitzer's design house for some beautifully unique clothing using these gorgeous fabrics.  (Insert sigh...)

Aren't those cakes (in the top left corner) just delish enough to eat?

Good Gravy, I love spring!

Happy Thursday!

xoxo
Bethany

Today's the Day!

Just a quick reminder that tonight is my FREE LIVE mixed-media memory mini-class. Whew. Try saying that three times fast. We'll be starting at 7 PM Pacific/ 8 PM Mountain/ 9 PM Central/ 10 PM Eastern.

I'll be demonstrating a cute boy memory project then I'll open up for questions.

All you need to do to participate is to follow this link.


See you very soon!

xoxo
Bethany

Inspiration Tuesday: Just Be You

I was recently directed to this talk given by Caroline Casey via a good friend, Ruth, and I was so inspired that I wanted to share it with you. It isn't too long and it is well worth listening to.

Did that bring tears to your eyes? She certainly is gifted in the art of speech.

I found this video of Caroline Casey amazingly inspirational because of three main reasons.

1. I'm awed that her parents were able to raise her without labeling her or coddling her. Kudos to them.
2. Her resiliency when she discovered her limitations at age 17.
3. Her amazing spirit of adventure and fearlessness.

I feel like a stronger person today. I hope you do too.

Join Me Wednesday

This Wednesday I'll be teaching a live class for Stash-to-Treasure at 7 PM Pacific. (8 PM Mountain, 9 PM Central, 10 PM Eastern) So exciting! Here's the project that I'll be demonstrating.

Here are a few close-ups.

It is a boy memory canvas. I think that the world needs more cute boy stuff so I'm trying to do my part. (giggle)

Miss Arts will be having live classes and chats each month which I think is really awesome. I love the idea of "meeting" other artists and gleaning great tips from them. This is sure to be a program that you don't want to miss.

Make sure that you leave a comment for a chance to win a free month's subscription to Miss Arts! I think that this will be a wonderfully creative site! Because I'd like to get to know you a bit better, when you leave a comment, please tell me your favorite art supply. Do you like paint? paper? clay? glitter?

See you on Wednesday! Be there or be square...

xoxo
Bethany

Just Call Me Tiger

My boys have a thing for tigers. Q spends most of his time growling and roaring while crawling on the ground. C is only slightly less obsessed if only because he is aware of the opinions of others. So when we went to a cool-dude birthday party last week that had a face painter, C requested a tiger face. Boy, did he get one.

Is that not impressive? I think I may have found a brand new medium to explore...

Another Miss Arts Winner

I'm so pleased to announce the lucky winner of a month's subscription to Miss Art's...Becky! Yeah! Congrats!

Tune in next Monday for another chance to win!

xoxo
Bethany

Live Mixed-Media Memory Class

I'm very excited to announce that I'll be teaching a LIVE mixed-media memory class April 20, 2011 at 7 PM Pacific time. (That is 8 PM Mountain, 9 PM Central and 10 PM Eastern.)

Here's a sneak peek of the project that I'll be demonstrating.

I'll post the entire project later this week.

After the demonstration, I'll be opening  the floor to a question/answer session. Now is your chance to ask me all your creativity questions. (I'll do my darnest to answer them all too!)

As if the thought of chatting live with me isn't enough.....giggle....everyone who attends will be entered into a giveaway for a free bottle of Shimmerz Coloringz in my favorite color: No Yolking.

This is one hour you won't want to miss. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 20, 2011!

Here's how to get into the virtual classroom. Follow this link on 4.20.11 around 7 PM Pacific and wait to see my lovely face. (I'll be wearing a brand new gorgeous green flowered apron that my momma just made for me strictly for TV appearances.) No password is required. This mini-class is free to everyone!

See you soon!

xoxo
Bethany

More on Miss Art's Papercrafting School

Today I'd like to chat a bit more about Miss Art's Papercrafting School.

Miss Art's Papercrafting School is a virtual academy for every student who wants to learn the latest
techniques from the industry's leading experts. Subscriptions to our monthly classes start at $5.00 and include live online chats and personal email responses from your favorite designers. Consisting of 2-12 videos with unlimited monthly access each class is the perfect blend of individualized crafting and supportive learning.  You may purchase our reasonable kits to compliment your course or pull items from your
own stash using our detailed supply lists.  Learn why going back to school has never been more fun at Miss Art's Papercrafting School.

 

Here is a breakdown on prices.

$5 201 Subscription 

 Miss Art's 201 classes are composed of 10-12 videos, and are perfect for the crafter seeking to learn new moderate to advanced skills and detailed techniques.  In these monthly classes, our industry-leading teachers bring you 8-12 videos taking you through a detailed project, and teaching you every technique they usealong the way.  As a 201 student, you will have the unique opportunity to participate in a live online chat and receive personal email responses from the teacher.

$10 101 Subscription
 Miss Art's 101 classes are posted every 10 days, and are designed for the crafter who loves having a constant flow of new ideas, fun tips, and techniques.  These classes are video based, and range in length from 2-6 videos. As a 101 student, you will have access to live online chats with some of your favorite designers and teachers, as well as personal email responses every time you have a question.

$15 Extra Credit Subscription
Miss Art's Extra Credit subscription includes access to all of our classes, at the 101 and 201 levels, providing you with a total of 4 new classes every month.  As an Extra Credit student, you will also receive a
Library Pass, which will enable you to see classes that have been posted for 90 days and archived in the library.

The class that is ongoing right now is All About Me (my class!) which is considered a 201 level class. Here's a basic description for you.

We all want to be remembered for the vivid and complex lives we have lived.  In the All About Me 201 level class we will go beyond everyday journaling to convey our emotions and personality, while we create an album that will project who we are to those who will wonder years from now who we were. From selecting the perfect embellishments to learning customizable mixed media techniques, I will guide you via more then 10 videos on a voyage of self-discovery, teaching you the fun and crafty secrets of leaving an honest and truthful legacy all along the way.

Stampington's Create With Me

I've got very exciting news! Check out this link!

Here's the info copied directly from the site. (I don't think they'll mind...)

New Publication Available July 1st!

Summer 2011

The premiere issue of Create With Me brings together a wonderful variety of fun and  inspiring artwork from artists of all ages. Six-year-old Beech Love sent us his softies, which  he designed and machine stitched himself. Bethany Kartchner and her daughters, Danika and Zoey, are sharing their Power Plaques — pieces of mixed-media art that celebrate self-esteem. Pictured here are handmade art portfolios made by Lilly Grace Oles and Olivia Oles for a safe and special place to keep their treasured works of art. Within the pages of Create With Me you will also find inspiring blogs, ideas for artistic outings,  heartfelt stories, and much, much more. Share the joy of art with a child in your life,  and pre-order Create With Me today!

I can't wait until July 1st! If you are interested, you can pre-order Create With Me right now.

Miss Art's Winner

Thank you for all of your supportive comments about Miss Art's! I'm so pleased that you like my class! I randomly chose a winner from the comments so....

Congratulations to Melissa W! She is the winner of a free month subscription to Miss Art's!

Be sure to check back next Monday as I'll choose another winner.

See you soon!

Miss Art's Papercrafting School

Have you ever wished there was a school which only taught your favorite classes, that had the best teachers and where tuition was so affordable it left you plenty to buy the most stylish school supplies?

Miss Art's Papercrafting School is a virtual academy for every student who wants to learn the latest techniques from the paper crafting industry's leading experts and it is opening its doors for the first time in 26 days.

Subscriptions to our monthly classes start at $5.00 and include live online chats and personal email responses from your favorite designers. Consisting of 2-12 videos with unlimited monthly access each class is the perfect blend of individualized crafting and supportive learning.  You may purchase our reasonable kits to compliment your course or pull items from your own stash using our detailed supply lists.  

To countdown to our grand opening select teachers and staff will be participating in a month long blog celebration. Be sure to check back each Monday as I will be sharing information about Miss Art’s with you.

Right now my class, All About Me, is running. We are making a personal mixed-media album and I'm really excited about it! Here's a little tiny sneak peek.

You can see more sneak peeks in my video.



Here is a sample lesson for your perusal. (This lesson is not part of the 16 videos that are included in the class.)



Nervous about trying something new? Most new students have a few first day jitters so we want to give you the chance to get to know us better. 

Here's the important stuff! Read the next part carefully!

Each business day (Monday-Friday) in the month of April we will be giving away one free monthly all access Extra Credit subscription to a lucky winner who leaves a comment on the staff member of the day’s post and posts our count down blinkie in their sidebar! You can pick up the countdown blinkie right here. (Just copy the code (Control-C) and paste it into your sidebar using the Add HTML/Java option in your DESIGN tab in blogger.)

Miss Art’s Papercrafting School Blog Celebration Schedule

Monday: ME!

Tuesday: Heidi Kelley

Wednesday:   CarrieAnne Deloach

Thursday: Stacy Cohen

Friday: Alyssa McGrew

Thanks for stopping by and celebrating with Miss Art’s as we count down to the best first day of school ever!

Today's the Day!

Today is the first day of my All About Me online class! If you haven't signed up yet, head over to Stash-to-Treasure to do so!

Because I had so much info, we had to divide my class into 10 days. Also, if you purchase Shimmerz for the class, please let them know that I sent you. (Just mention my class in the notes section of the order form.)

I hope that you enjoy class!

xoxo
Bethany