papercuts & gluesticks

Trying to figure out the YouTube thingy...

2009-02-13T14:49:00.004-05:00

I have been busy trying to figure out this YouTube stuff. I posted a free inchie tutorial on it late last night. You can find it on the left sidebar of this Blog.

SwapBot swaps have been keeping my collage juices flowing. It always amazes me how long it takes me to do each one. I am so OCD with that kinda stuff. lol...with EVERYTHING I make I'm OCD!

I don't get alot of readers on my Blog anymore because I abandoned it for so long so I am going to have a contest. Why not. In order to be included in the drawing, you must read my Blog and leave me a comment on at least two posts (starting with today) and watch and comment on my first YouTube video here: here. I will pick a winner after 20 people have left comments.

Sounds like alot of effort...for what though...well, how about a fabulous piece of artwork..something new, not something I've had laying around the studio for months! AND, a grab bag of little goodies, just for fun. Sounds good right! And in case you don't know much about my artwork, maybe you could check out my Flickr pics.

hi, I missed you

2009-02-04T21:48:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note to say Happy New Year (all be it a couple months late) as well as give you some insight into the things Josh and I have been working on these past few months! As you may or may not know, much tragedy was brought to my family at the end of this year. And because of it, much of our life has changed. The changes we have made are all positive and has brought a sense of hope, fire and excitement to our lives. Although my gallery is now closed, BIG things are yet to come! I will be selling ALOT of my gallery inventory on both my website and on ETSY. Included will be artwork and supplies as well as a few kits and surprises. Everything will be on sale and all orders over $50 will include free shipping.

Many of you have emailed me over these past few months requesting my new teaching schedule. I will continue to teach a variety of classes at both the Orange Art Center and at BayArts, please follow the links to check dates and availability. I have decided to not teach classes at my home studio, but instead to offer classes online. I have had an overwhelming response to this notion! I myself find it hard to travel to other states where classes I wish to take happen to be. Airline and hotel costs plus the cost of the class and supplies is just ... well... too much! Also, packing all of the supplies to take... what a pain! So the world of online teaching...here I come.

So, you want to know what the BIG news is...I know I have promised to reveal what it is Josh and I have been working on. Well... We have secured a studio space! A fabulous studio space. It is located in Lakewood, Ohio in the old Lake Erie Screw Corporation Building on Athens. Josh and I have decided to share the studio space, for now. Josh, carpenter extraordinaire, will continue his woodworking business and with our newly acquired studio, be able to continue to design and build custom furniture out of reclaimed wood and architectural elements on a more full time basis. I on the other hand have greatly reduced the art I have been producing. I feel that I am working in too many mediums and have decided to simplify my art. Teaching will be the place where I can play in a variety of mediums, but as far as seriously producing work, I have decided to limit it. I will continue to produce mixed media collage, as it has been a passion of mine for FAR too long and it is who I am. In addition to collage works on wood, I have decided to push myself further into metal smithing. It has always been a goal to incorporate the two mediums. Through collage, enameling, and silversmithing, I will reach the artistic goals I had been searching for! When all is settled into the new studio space, Josh and I plan to host an Open House where you can see all that we have been working on. We hope that to be in mid April.

I'm here...kinda

2008-10-05T21:43:00.004-04:00

I said things were changing, but I didn't know HOW things were going to change. After everything that has happened over the last two months, everything in my life is changing. These THINGS are BIG!

For starters- I am (very sadly) closing the gallery.

It has been a difficult decision, but it must be done.

There has been much sadness felt by many of you because of my closing and for that I am sorry. But ladies dry those tears, because when one door closes another one opens!

First of all, you can find me teaching at Orange Art Center, and also at BayArts.

wait it gets better....

I have been urged by MANY of you, including those of you outside of the Cleveland area to teach all around the country...and I need to be with my family right now.

kisses-kari

Everything is changing....

2008-09-13T00:12:00.002-04:00

I thought if I wrote it out, saw it all up on my computer monitor it would lighten the load. I thought that if I shared the last six weeks of my life with the world, it might help.

Tonight at about 9:45pm my mother-in-law passed away. I was unable to tell her I love her and be by her side, but I have faith that she knew we all loved her very much. Deb Lake was 53 years old. She died from complications from Whipple surgery...

It all started about six weeks ago when Josh's mom (Deb) called and told us she had been in the emergency room for 2 days and learned she may have pancreatic cancer. To make matters worse, the doctors said it may be in the late stages and she may not have long...she would need surgery right away. However, this would prove to be difficult becuase she had just not been able to afford her medical insurance since her divorce just several months prior.

Cancer seems to be everywhere!

As a matter of fact just several weeks earlier I had learned my Grandfather had Cancer...liver Cancer...and back Cancer. His wife, my Grandmother, is a Breast Cancer survivor. My father came in from Germany when he learned of it and was pretty hush hush about the whole thing.

Back to Deb, she needed to go to many specialists and have lots of tests done and figure out how she was going to pay for it all! I was making lots of phone calls to the Cleveland Clinic to see if they could do anything for her. Oh- Deb lives about 7.5 hours away in Northern Michigan, so you can imagine her location was yet another hurdle to jump in an attempt to get her medical care.

It was possible for her to come here to Cleveland and have the surgery and stay here for a couple months to recover. But as it turned out, the University of Michigan would be able to provide her with the surgery she needed and that was about 5 hours away (for her) Good News!

Then word that my Grandfather had passed away at the age of 89.

I was numb with all of the Cancer invading my life- I think I shut down in the head. I found it difficult to be in my pretty gallery with pretty things- so I took off for three days and stayed at home.

Upon returning- I opened the gallery door and smelled GARBAGE! Really smelly, fowl smelling dumpster garbage! GROSS! What in the world is that smell! I dont have that kind of garbage- just paper bits and what not. This went on for three days! Then one day I needed something from the basement where I have a play room set up for my daughter when she comes to work with mommy and as I walked down the stairs- there it was, that smell getting stronger, and stronger with each step I took! OMG- the basement had flooded!

Are you kidding me! My wool rug- ruined (and reaked of a horse barn) all her tables and little pink stool, a box of legos... where was the water coming from- I dont know and there was no drain down there. I checked the storage closet, shipping boxes-ruined, box of vintage papers and one of my FAVORITE ledgers, soaked. Half of a vintage set of encyclopedias-gone Oh I wont bother to go on about those things- The leak was from the street above (thats my guess anyway) Everytime it rains the parking area in front of my gallery floods and the sewers are cracked- they are due to be replaced, that was supposed to be done this year, and was then put off until 2009. As of five days ago- will not be corrected until 2010!

A week ago, last Thursday, Deb went in for her surgery, the procedure took about six hours. She came out and was doing fine. And the best news of all... it was NOT CANCER! Days later she wasnt doing so well, throwing up her broth, lots of pain, not sleeping. By Thursday, she was determined to go home ASAP- she was drinking her broth and wanted to not take all the pain meds, they said she may be home by the weekend. Hours later, she was in pain, needed more pain meds and was throwing up her broth...not good. Then at about 3:30 am my sister-in-law called and said that they had moved her to the ICU- she had a clot and they were going to do a CT Scan and another surgery. Josh hopped in the car and drove 3 hours to be with her. After the CT scan and checking her artery with the scope-nothing was found- they needed to go back in. Josh came home- we both are unsure why, but I think he felt it was okay to. He got home around 8 oclock and we ate dinner, he still had a bite left on his plate when his sister called.

She said the Deb was- well she wasnt going to make it. The surgeon went in and saw that her bowels had,

died.

She was on ventilators and Josh needed to come. We called our friends to come stay with the kids and we got in the car and we drove.

We got about 30 minutes out and the cell rang- she had past away, she was gone.

We turned around and we came home. We leave tomorrow for Michigan. The gallery will be closed. I will reopen on Friday.

I am not sure what the future holds- I am healthy, Josh is healthy, as are the kids.

I know that on Friday I am not returning as the same person I once was, I know that change is more than coming, it is here. I know that from the food I put in my body to the business I run- NOTHING will be the same again.

I am making the changes- forcing them upon my life for the better. In an effort to create positive change from all that we have gone through these past six weeks. I will change the direction we are going- I have to.

We have wasted too much time.

I am 33 years old and feeling that I have wasted alot of time. I plan on living for a long time, to see my kids grow up, to watch them have babies and get a head full of white hair. I want to be the old lady you yell at for driving slow and the one who takes forever in line at the bank. I am going to make the most of whatever time I have left, because I guess you just never know when that might be. Its funny- my parents bought my sister and I a dog (Maggie- bearded collie and the BEST DOG EVER) when I was six, my mom told my dad it would be a good idea to get a dog in order to teach us kids about death. Maggie was about 18 when we had to put her down! My Grandfather was the first of my Grandparents to pass away, and Deb was my kids first. With all my love, may your heart have wings to fly you to God- we will miss you

Things are different now, everything is changing.

I'm in love

2008-08-07T18:47:00.003-04:00

Okay, it is not often that I really...I mean REALLY want something. And I admit, when that does happen to me...I gotta have it...and I gotta have it right now! SO this is what I'm after:

Can you see the need? Do you love it? I drug my husband up to the bike shop today so we could see it...drool over it, and I... begged for it. Oh....why couldnt I have seen this earlier...what a fabulous birthday gift...oooh CHristmas is coming, RIGHT? Oh my gosh I think I would be willing to ride it in December! No wait...not my beautiful bike in the snow...thats no good...I would be tortured all winter long (and Cleveland winters last FOREVER!) THats okay, I promise to take good care of it...and then ride her with pride come Spring! I think I am going to create 6 pieces of artwork strictly for the purpose of saving for my dream bike! OOH, I must get started right away, before some other gal comes along and snags her for themselves. That would be bad...so I'm going to call dibs...that right ladies, Kari's got dibs on that beautiful and sassy little number, that gorgeous Electra Gypsy coaster... my hot little 3 speed...oooh, I think I'm gonna sleep good tonight!

Guess who came to the gallery?

2008-06-26T21:56:00.003-04:00

Oh my gosh, you will never guess! Picture this....I am in the gallery all Sunday morning with the prospect of a full cleaning of the space...organizing, painting, washing floors, etc. My hair is a frizzy nightmare because of the humidity so I have it pulled back with a dirty t-shirt on to top of the extreme casual look I have going. My daughter came with me today to paint (shes four in case you didnt know) and we are in the gallery arguing about how she is using too much paint...okay so in walks.....Sarah Ogren! I had never met her before and obviously wasnt expecting her, or I would have brushed my hair, changed my clothes and had the cleaning frenzy the night before....so SURPRISE here she was...I was so glad to have met her in person. She was on a road trip with her dad on their way to DC. She was just "passing through and thought they would stop by." I was so happy and bummed at the same time- I know that there are so many people who have purchased her art from my gallery that would have loved to have met her too! Sarah, if you are reading this, please come back again, I will throw ya a party or something and we can all make some art together! Thanks again for stopping by. I know that this should be a lesson learned, like the one your mom always taught you about wearing clean, no holes underwear in case you are in an accident and an abulance comes for you and you got yer...well you know that infamous...I shouldnt be wearin' these anywhere, anytime, throw them away already undies...the ones the paramedics are all laughing about right NOW!

Anyway...thanks Sarah..thanks for stopping by and saying wonderful things about the gallery...It was nice that you made the trip!

Busy, busy, busy

2008-06-08T20:56:00.006-04:00

Okay, I know that I have not posted in QUITE a while....I have been quite busy! I have been trying to organize the business end of the gallery as well as trying to fix all of the problems I have been having with my email. All is well now, and although I still have much to do to prepapre for the big website changes, I will keep up my posting!

ATC SWAPS POSTED BY MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!

Calling all ATC artists...and those who have NEVER made an ATC before! Check out the website at midnight tonight for the new list of SWAPS to particiapte in! ATC swaps are easy and fun and allow you to trade artwork with people all over the world! New rules for the ATC swap this time around: All swaps will be limited to 20 particiapants per swap, after the sign up deadline, an email will be sent to all those who have signed up with how many ATC's are to be created for that swap. Example: if 12 people sign up for the "Birds and nests" ATC swap, you must create 11 ATC's (one less because you won't be sending an ATC to yourself- unless you really want to!) If 20 people sign up, you must make 19, if 9 people sign up, you make 8 ATC's...get it?

I also have 2 collaboration art journals and a tag book collaboration project I am posting. All of those details are posted on the website as well. If YOU want to start a collaboration project on papercuts & gluesticks website, please email me your thoughts and I can get it started! I love to particiapte in art collaboration projects!

GALLERY UPDATE....BLOGGER readers, you heard it here first: I will be putting several artworks on sale at the gallery this week! The sale will only run through SUNDAY....so be ready!

What goes around comes around...

2008-05-07T20:02:00.007-04:00

okay, time to greet the "Good Karma" at the door!
So much has been going on... so many hurdles to jump! I know that I promised that the new class schedules would be out on the 1st, however many things are contributing to its late arrival. Paper copies will be available in the gallery on Friday (as well as available online). I have been working on getting the website ready for new Swaps and Collaborations as well as all of the fun vintage goodies and kits I have available to all of my local friends will now of course be available for ALL! If you are interested in participating in any of the Collaborations,
please visit the website here
for a complete list of collaboartion opportunities as well as all of the particulars. ALL are welcome to submit examples of their work for a chance to be part of the collaborations at papercuts & gluesticks!
The "$5 Quickie" list will also be available Friday on the website as well as in the gallery. This is a chance to make something in the gallery that is quick, simple, and nothin' but fun for just 5 bucks!
I am off to work on the website now...mean people have left the building and I believe the good Karma is knockin' on the door...I best go and answer that! Take care- xo

2008-04-25T23:49:00.005-04:00

Many of you know that part of my ceiling in my front window display fell out due to some water leaking from an upstairs radiator in the apartment above my gallery! FUN right....so I have this gaping hole and it put me in a bad mood...obviously. Two days later...Sunday, I couldn't stop looking at the hole while working. The plumber told me I should not fix the hole for at least a week to make sure he had fixed the problem...Great...that'll look terrific for my gallery night! So ok its Sunday....this lady walks into the gallery and I say "HI, how are you?" She says....nothing. There is an uncomfortable pause and I say, "I just want to tell you a little bit about what we...." and the lady interrups me and says, " I know what you do here, I saw your website!" She continues to tell me that my website is difficult to use and that she almost did'nt come because she could NOT find my address on the website. She said that I should put my address on the HOME page. THEN she said that after EXTENSIVE searching she found it on the CONTACT US page but she had to scroll ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM to find it! I could almost not keep my jaw off the floor, my mouth closed...so I turned and left the area...Honestly, I wanted to leave...leave my own gallery at that point. Are you serious...are there really people out there who act like this...in a public place, to another person...a nice one at that (if I do say so myself)in such a pretty environment, like mine...(again, if I do say so myself)...WHO WAS THIS WOMEN, WHY DID SHE COME HERE...I will never know...she walked around and looked at each and every artwork, said nothing and walked out the door...which by the way I kindly said, "Goodbye, have a GREAT day!" for which she replied, NOTHING.

Welcome Ladies....

2008-04-21T23:30:00.003-04:00

I am going to have a special group of ladies in the gallery on Wednesday night!

Rocky River Junior Women's Club will be holding their meeting inside the gallery Wednesday April 22nd from 7-9pm. I am looking forward to having them!

I have decided to include 1 day workshops to Offerings No.3 (in case you don't already know, Offerings is the name of the booklet that lists class descriptions, dates and fees available at papercuts & gluesticks). Offerings No.3 will be available after May 1st. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please email me. Otherwise, just stop in and see what's going on!

Also new at the gallery...FREE demo's and $5 Make N' Takes will be available in a couple weeks! A list of the demo's and the Make N' Takes will be posted on the website May 1st!

The website is also going to have some AWESOME new features! SO MANY emails and phone calls have been made to the gallery inquiring about artwork, kits and supplies! I have sold may an artwork from phone sales alone that I will soon post artwork on the website that will be available for purchase with a "buy it now" feature, or if you prefer, call us on the phone to make your purchase.

The emails are still pouring in about when I am going to make papercuts & gluesticks kits and supplies available to all of you not local to the gallery. Well, to all 492 of you the answer is....(((drum roll))) May 1st! Yeah! Blogging about this by the way is much faster that responding to each and everyone of you who has inquired about it! And I am trying SO very hard to answer all of my emails in a timely manner!

SO, to sum up this babbling....May 1st is the day to watch for...stay tuned, you won't be disappointed!

THE WEBSITE IS UP!

2008-04-04T09:19:00.002-04:00

You must go check out the website now! It has taken far too long, but the wait is over! I hope you all find it easy to use! FINALLY....thank you for being so patient! Now go, go and visit the website.

I said go!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

2008-04-04T09:07:00.004-04:00

WE MADE IT INTO THE PLAIN DEALER! I am so happy that Laura DeMarco from the Plain Dealer featured us in Shop Talk in the Friday section of the Plain Dealer! It's in color too! WhoooHooo! Run, DON'T walk, and pick yourself up a copy! (unless of course you already get the Plain Dealer delivered right to your door... uhemm, unlike myself).

So I'm in the market...

2008-04-01T00:20:00.004-04:00

Yes, it's now official...I need to purchase a digital camera. I should be ashamed of myself for not doing it sooner, and really, I SHOULD have done this by now...but I haven't. I really like using film cameras. I like everything about them. I have realized I like the details about them like loading film, and taking a picture wondering whether or not it was going to look the way I wanted it. Then I would have the film developed...wait an hour or a week if I forgot I had film processed and then arrive at the store, pay for my prints, and left holding THEE bag which contained my envelope full of mysterious prints.

It was so exciting...the waiting, the wondering, hurrying back into the car...it was like Christmas I tell ya, the suspense just KILLING me! I would open the package and look inside. Hoping to find a couple of well lit, well focused pictures inside! Usually I got something I liked. It was always hit or miss. But I liked it. So, SLR cameras like mine however are not so good for using when you are trying to post pictures on the web. Nope, then you have to get them put on a disk or scan them, and well, who's got the time? Certainly not me at present. I'm aging faster than I'd care to analyze right now! I do have a digital camera...but it is SO outdated, and the pictures come out so bad, that I never use it. (((here comes the embarrassing part))) So what I have been using to take pictures is...oh my gosh, I can't believe I am admitting this... my phone....yeah, I said my phone...Its quick, its easy, I already own it, and know how to use it (its obviously not rocket science to push a button)... yeah, I said my phone... its an iPhone, I know that doesn't count, Does it?...no I guess not. ((Hey all you Mac/Apple lovers-I am NOT putting down the capapbilities of the camera on the iPhone, the pictures are fabulous when compared to ANY OTHER phone or even some digital cameras (like mine)its just...I need a REAL digital camera...with a flash and zoom and bells and whistles, some of...most of which I probably won't use cuz I don't bother with things like instuctions)) I need to break down and buy a new digital camera already. I know, its like a BASIC requirement these days, it is the 90's! ha ...I know, I know, I will, I swear. I might need counseling after all this!

I would like to think that I am a girl, a woman, who likes change and to try new things. I have ALWAYS thought that about myself. I always have watched as little old lady's (or little old men...let's not leave them out) shop, whether it is at the grocery, or department store, whatever, you just KNOW they have done things the same way for YEARS... like forever! I, God save me, have kinda sorta well, giggle about them when I see it. And you KNOW that if there are changes in things that they use, it is more than likely due to the fact that their product of choice, that of familiarity, is no longer produced. I had come to the conclusion long ago (when I was 23 or so) that a person once they reached about 25, pretty much dressed (clothes, hair, make-up/ladies only on this one I hope) the way they would for the rest of their lives. This theory of mine also translated into other parts of a persons life as well; things like whether or not you had a clean home or a messy home, the type of music you listen too, the brand of mayo or peanut butter you buy...that kind a thing. Well, I have reached 25...and 30, ((OK, I'm 32...ssshhh) and I can say that my theory is...TRUE! ARGGHG...some of you are in denial right about now...saying, "I listen to new music all the time"...really...on the same radio station you ALWAYS listen too I bet. I am sure there are exceptions, and this is only my theory, and this is my Blog, and your reading it, so work with me people, work with me!

So...((clearing my throat)) I want to thank all the people that came by to see me and my new little gallery on Friday night! So many wonderful new faces! A HUGE special thanks to two wonderful ladies I met...Valerie from ArtAddict and
Arabella over at Burning River Arts! You both took AWESOME photos and are super sweet! ((sweeter than the chocolate covered...anything!)) I hope you all come by again! I mean that...and I know where to find you now...so DON'T be strangers! If you want to check out pictures from the last gallery night, I highly suggest a trip to each of their links. (you know MY pictures aren't any good!)

**Oh I wanted to let you know why this had taken me SOO painfully long to post...its because my little girl got a cough that sent us on a trip tp the hospital! She's okay...just one SUPER overacting, paranoid...you'd think I'd never sone this before mom...who ended up with one very expensive popsicle! She has been up with this "cough" now for three nights...its no fun, and we are a lttle cranky because of the lack of sleep. So sorry, I am a bad Blogger...but I'm working on that! Oh yeah, I can;t believe I forgot to mention this:My website is an hour away from completion! I had to scrap my first one ((I know this will upset many of you because I got SO many compliments on its appearance))) however, HTML is not my thing and it was taking far to long...so I decided to go with something much simpler until time or money falls into my lap in order to complete the original one. I think though all will appreciate the ease of use of the new one. GO check it out now ((this is where you click it))...cuz I'm outta here for now!

Available FRIDAY (the 28th) !

2008-03-25T23:04:00.008-04:00

the newest class offerings at papercuts & gluesticks!

Offerings No. 2 has more class choices and dates to choose from.

Also, by DEMAND, the Mom & Me / Dad & Me class offerings have also been added to the line up! Seats are limited, so please register early!

The Art Swap and Collaboration sign up boards will also be available on FRIDAY! Come in and sign up for a chance to participate with local artists as well as artists around the world!

*Never participated in a Swap or Collaboration? No worries, Newbies are ALWAYS welcome...its good to learn new tricks!

*Also I should mention that ANYONE who is reading this Blog is welcome to participate in the Art Swaps and Collaborations. If interested, please email me.

ATC meet ups will begin Sunday March 30th in the gallery @ noon. All are welcome to attend.

From those who have NO idea what ATC stands for, to those who have collections that would boggle the mind, come in and meet with others to share inspiration, make some art, and trade. Bring supplies with you or use the studio for $10 and walk away with some fun new art!

*Are you ready...

Our second Gallery Night at papercuts & gluesticks will be held this Friday March 28th at 7pm! ((( YEAH! ))) All are welcome to attend! There will be lots of new art on the gallery walls. Hors d'oeuvres will also be served.

20119 Lake Road in Rocky River
(next to Wild FLour Bakery)
Call 440.799.4344 if you have any questions.

So many lists have piled up on my desk and have been stuffed in my bag. I swear I spend half a day writing and rewriting lists, over and over and over again. OCD...NO, close, but no. Until next time!

Hey...I hope to see ALL of you there on Friday night...

Cheers!

Its begining to look alot like Springtime....everywhere I go

2008-03-18T20:37:00.003-04:00

...feel free to humm the rest... I am very happy about the snow that is now melting...very, very HAPPY! Now the clean up begins. We have a couple of large tree limbs that went down because of the storm and we have to chainsaw them and get them out of the backyard, and off of our garage. The ground is a muddy nightmare and it comes in our house twice a day thanks to the dogs. Thanks Benj, thanks Sadie, I don't know what I would do with myself if I did'nt get to clean up all those muddy pawprints!

Another gallery night is coming to papercuts & gluesticks! Yeah, all are welcome to attend. The date is set for March 28th @7pm. Most of the people in this city however will be out of town for Spring Break, but it should be a good turn out none the less. The website is going to be comlete in a couple of days, and I am very excited about that. 5 months is a long.....a l o n g time and I am ready for that project to be completed. All of the classes and swaps and such should be up and running. Other than that, I will be posting some more new pictures, and hey, thanks to everyone who commented on my "Peeping Toms"... with the weather starting to warm up and all, the open door seems to be bringing them in!

Smiles and hugs to all of my readers, also to all of the wonderful people I have met since the gallery has been open, and a special thanks to All of the out of town buyers in Chicago, San Diego, and New York!

Peeping Toms

2008-02-29T22:20:00.006-05:00

For the past couple days, I giggle as people walk up to the gallery window...They look in, they are smiling and pointing, but they don't come in! Why I wonder...come in...don't be shy. I checked and double checked my gallery hours I have posted...checked to make sure that the "open" sign was there...hmmm, just peekin in, what's up! Then today, I figured it out. This lady and three young girls came to the window...and all of em' were pressing their faces on the glass, for a couple minutes. (remember, I'm in Ohio...its SUPER cold and snowy out) then...the woman comes inside and leaves her three girls outside saying, "stay there...I'll be right back." She came in I said hi...I said, have them come in, its okay! She's wasn't sure, but let them in anyway. She said she didn't want them to get the floor messed up. I explained it was okay, I am not a stuffy art gallery, and to make themselves at home. They all walked around, asked questions...and mom could'nt wait to come back, alone. Well, that's it, somehow people are affraid to come in...I guess for most art galleries, kids wouldn't come in...but not here...this is a place for everyone. hmmm...what to do...I think I'm just going to have to stand on the sidewalk and pull them in! Somehow it needs to appear MORE casual. I think it does... doesn't it? Do you think? Here are some more pics as promised...late...sorry...I have been a little stretched.

This is the picture I took today after I closed...it is so pretty... I just put the pots and tissue flowers there last night.
I noticed alot of people coming to a screaching hault to look in the window...Please, drive carefully! Just park your car, and stand on the sidewalk with your face pressed on the glass and peek inside TOM...just kidding...COME IN! I won't bite, and son't worry about the floors...I can clean em' up! Until tomorrow. P.S. Thank you to EVERYONE who participated in the opening, cam in, bought art, signed up for classes, baby sat my children, put up with my CRABINESS this past few weeks with everything I was trying to get done! It really means the world to me! I NEVER dreamed it would be so much work, money, stress...but it is my dream and now a reality! I know it has not sunk in yet..it will. But for now, it is time for me to just say thanks! So THANK YOU...from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! kisses for all (on both cheeks) and big hugs! I couldn't have done it without you! -Kari

They are just starting to arrive...

2008-02-24T20:58:00.004-05:00

This is one of my favorite photos of our new little "baby." Isn't she pretty. Today I sat inside just looking around admiring the cuteness of it all. The space is so relaxed...far from stuffy. I was in a bad mood when I got there though...my husband put up the window decal today (((well, he tried to anyway, he tried for hours))), it is now sadly in the garbage, and we must wait for a new one in the mail on Tuesday and give it another go. So, I was mad about that...but got happy quickly just looking around the freshly painted space. You can still smell how new everything is. (((its a good smell))) This is just a peak of the space, I will post more pictures very soon. Give me a couple hours longer...

Ta Da.....

2008-02-24T00:39:00.014-05:00

So, I'm in a panic trying to get all these pictures together, and I am just not diggin' the quality of the photos. So I have decided not to post any until I can take some good ones........just kidding! The pictures are not so great...but I will post them so you can take a look. Tonight I will post some of the artwork I currently have up in the gallery. Tomorrow I will post pictures of the gallery. I am waiting on some friends to email me some photos thaey took...PLEASE...if you do not see a pic of your work...I will get one...it only means the pic was soo bad that it wasn't worth posting! Okay ready...set...

And I do promise to get all of the gallery shots together so you can see what a great time everyone had on opening night, and how cute (if I do say so myself) the gallery turned out! All night there was compliments...not all about the gallery...ALL ABOUT THE ART! I can't tell you how many people raved about it! How nice it was- how refeshing a change it was from the "norm." Also, there were several people who recognized some of the artists from the internet. The wine was drunk, the food....eaten...the art...enjoyed. ((( a special thank you to Claire Mojher for being at the gallery for the opening...its nnice to have you here in Rocky River...must be why you landed here!)

THANK YOU...all you beautiful people, my beautiful FIRST LADIES of papercuts & gluesticks grand opening! You are wonderful, talented artists, kind-generous-PATIENT-understanding-trusting...you wished me luck and gave words of encouragement...it is you who grace my gallery walls and make it a wonderful a place to look and to be in. It will bring inspiration to all who come to see the art, and those who come to make it. I wish you all the best of luck and I will be in touch with you all very soon. I will post pictures of the gallery tomorrow and some blurbs about the preparation for the opening.

I just couldn't do it

2008-02-16T00:16:00.006-05:00

Well, I know I promised so many of you that tonight I would start posting pictures of the gallery and its remodel...but...I couldn't do it. I have about 200 photos of it so far, and about 90% of them are tragic. Really. Like this one:

oh the floors...I love old hardwood floors, but these poor things have been through, well alot...look at the little wood plugs in those holes...holes, yes holes, the ones that previous owners years past thought were a good thing? Please don't drill holes in your floors people...please. I wish it were only two...its more like 52! My husband decided to put the plug in em'...he said he did'nt want me or anyone else's high heeled shoe to fall deep inside of one of those little black holes.

Or then there was this picture:

Oh, did I mention how much my husband LOVES to drywall? 12 foot ceilings, on an 8 foot ladder, by himself? Oh he does...he does in comparison to the mudding, taping...and his MOST favorite part, the SANDING! He was walking in the door at midnight for a week looking like he got in a fight with a 10 lb. bag of flour...now there's a picture ((should-a, would-a, could-a, but I did'nt)) or then there was this picture he showed me late one night after the painter had come:

Folks, I wish I could say that that was just condensation on my front window because it was like 2 degrees that night...well that was part of it...but not just any old water...that was paint! Yes paint. It was so warm in the gallery and so cold outside, the trim around the window got wet, cause the window got wet, which made the paint drip...well more like run, down my window. Okay, not what I wanted to see. Looks great I tell ya, just great!

Okay, so there ARE some good pictures...but your going to have to wait a little bit longer, just a couple more days...and then you can see our cute little gallery, all freshly painted, all as white as the snow. ((sigh)) she's such a sweet little gallery. I love her new posts and beams, her new beadboard, and her beautifully refinished floors. I can't wait to hang all of the art on her walls. Oh the art...I really can go on and on about how wonderful the art in the gallery is going to be. Speaking of artwork:

I sat in a sea of bubble wrap and packing papers the other day after unwrapping some of the artwork I got in the mail. I loved peering thru the plastic trying my hardest to make out the image underneath. Oh how it feels like Christams!

Ladies Night

2008-02-10T22:48:00.000-05:00

So it dawned on me tonight as I sat here flippin' through all of my new found paperwork, that the opening will consist of all female artists! I swear this was unplanned and just how it worked out. There are plenty of male artists I will be showing at the gallery, just not for the opening few months. Huh...so then that got me to thinking "how many male artists was I looking into?" Actually, only about 7 or so...I suppose that number is quite low when I look at sheer numbers. So then THAT got me to thinking about the type of art I like and who is creating that art... women...they are almost all female artists. It has to be the subject matter or the softness, or...I dunno what...its something though...and I like it. Funny also how the gallery opening night banner has been designed....with a group of women ((see previous post)). Again I swear, sheer coincidence! So Ialthough this will not be a formal name for the current exhibit, it will be after all, Ladies Night. ((but when you come for the opening...feel free to bring your man...and his friends too!))

ok ok, here's the banner...Quit buggin' me...

2008-02-05T13:26:00.000-05:00

So this is the banner that will be hanging in the gallery window in about a week. Do you like, or is it...too busy? I am a pretty detailed gal and it astounds me at how many details I have to consider. Plus I am a perfectionist and a control freak, my thinking being if you want it done right, you gotta do it yourself. I thought in the beginning I was going to refinish the floors, paint the walls...and the ceiling, redo the restroom...but alas...between the electricity being off for over a week and all of the other things involved like ordering supplies, checking in artwork, designing banners...the floors are getting done by the professionals, as are the walls, and those high ceilings. My neck and back have been saved! I promise to ALL that have asked...which by the way is 27 of you...I will have pictures up by the 17th.

WhoooHooo!

2008-02-04T20:18:00.000-05:00

The lights in the gallery are ON! Thank you CEI! Now that that mess is cleaned up, and the phone was turned on today, credit card machine is up and running...I think...construction can continue. I think I will have another glass of wine tonight, just in case.

I was sitting at the computer rummaging though my pictures and found this picture
Ahhh...that has to be about 1979..what a year. Just me and my beautiful blonde sister Lisa, eating our afternoon snack of oranges and juice on my grandma's patio in St.Louis...in our jeans...funny thing about us sportin those jeans. My sister and I would only go visit my NaNa & PaPa in the summer, so I'm guessin' its somewhere between 90-110 degrees...WHY...WHy are we wearing those jeans? At least we had juice. I can remember those summer vacations to their house like it was yesterday.

I dream in fonts....I mean I have nightmares about fonts!

2008-02-03T23:17:00.000-05:00

So I have been sitting at my computer for two days now trying to figure out a useable font for the vinyl lettering on my gallery window...not an easy task. I could really pull my hair out over it! I should have known it was going to be just like my website. Speaking of my website, I have a message to all graphic designers and anybody who creates websites for sale...this is your shout out...I bet your worth every penny...EVERY LAST RED CENT! I mean that. It took me over 9 days just to decide on the background...and I still might change it! Then there is picture placement, graphics, colors, tabs, FONTS....arrgghhhh! oh my gosh, did I mention the crazy HTML stuff to do....((oh why oh why did I not fork over the $ to have it done... hmmm.... control freak...who me???))

My hubbie and I tried to finalize the last three weeks of construction and set up for the next few weeks...rather the last 18 days we have left. Really...only 18 days till we open! Too bad we have been without electricity for over a week now...thanks CEI! Really, its not like we need it for anything, who needs light or power tools. I like candles...the scented kind, the ones that smell of pear or linen...those are nice....and who needs heat....its only 10 degrees here with a wind chill of zero...I can wear mittens! I am determined to open February 22nd! ((this is the part where you cross your fingers for me)).

Okay- I need to drink this glass of wine and C H I L L..and then get back to ordering supplies like these

and this

((sip, sip)) and these

Thanks Dick Blick ... you and my VISA know just how to make it all better!

Oh, did I mention all of the art that has been arriving! Everything is GORGEOUS... I carefully unpacked it all and inspected each piece...I want them all! I then carefully wrap each one again to tuck it in a safe place until I can hang it up. Placement will begin when all of the artists participating submit their work ((by the 15th)). I was telling my husband about the fear I have that on opening night all of the artwork on the gallery walls is SOLD! Which would be GREAT...but then what about the next day, when those who were unable to come to the gallery night preveiw show up to see what this gallery is all about, and find NOTHING...just a bunch of nails in the walls where all of this artwork once briefly hung... maybe all of those drawings by my three year old daughter will come in handy!

Still writing the class list....

2008-01-13T14:34:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I think that I am way over my head when it comes to all this "business stuff." My husband thankfully is much more sure of "me" than I! There is just so much left to do, and I'm running out of time!

Opening night WAS set for February 1st, but the the wood floors now having to be refinished, and with my nephew having surgery on that day, it doesn't look like that is the night to have the opening! So I have had to reschedule...not so easy. The new opening date is now set for February 22nd 2008...no matter what!

The art is already starting to come in and my trip to Ikea is coming up to purchase the chairs, organizers, etc. OMG...I really am so excited and scared...oooh it is going to be so much fun!

My sister is finally coming over today to help me with the website. it has been "under construction" for far to long!

I have been (for months) working on the list of classes I will be teaching in the studio. So much good stuff; from altered books to beeswax collage, art journaling and mini art quilts...there will be something for everybody! Also the SWAP board, for which I will play permanent hostess, (gives me reason enough to wear an apron...I was looking for one ya know....a reason that is).

Speaking of aprons, I have been wanting to sew my own for some time, but I think I will buy one instead. I have had my eye on these:

or this one:
both are from Anthropologie...and they have LOTS to choose from. But again, I should probably take the time and mae my own...maybe something like this:

(made by artist Sharon Wisely) I think though I will need a full size apron for full size messes! And I make plenty of those! As soon as the class list is done I will be sure to post it on my blog...well a sneak peak anyway.

and so today I journal...

2008-01-07T14:44:00.000-05:00

So today I started a quickee journal project. My plans are to turn it into a zine. I plan to teach it at the gallery. Zines are a wonderfull way to share your journal pages without having to use EVERY part of your precious journal...some things you can share, and others can be kept private. I have gotten many zines over the past few years that I love! People are SO creative I tell you!

Excuse me, I think someone just asked, "what is a ZINE?" Well a Zine (pronounced ZEEN, like magaZINE) in an unpublished, non-commercial magazine of sorts. These little mags are loaded with creative thought, poems, pictures, drawings, collages, WHATEVER. Really anything. One can make 10, 20, 100 copies, whatever, and give them away or sell them for a nominal fee of 1-5 bucks. I have even done a ZINE swap, or trade, and that was F-U-N! OOhhh, speaking of ZINE swaps, I am hosting one as soon as the gallery opens. Post your email address and I will send you all the details if you are interested.

I have been torn for WEEKS now on which lights to get for the gallery. I have all of the halogen lights picked out, its the fun lighting I am torn with. Choice one are these beauts from IKEA
or these woderful creatures:

I love both! I soo have a split personality...I must. They are both so different. I think though that I should go for the IKEA pendants because it would bring in that bit of modern the gallery will need for some of the artwork that will be in there. EVERYTHING else in the space has a vintage feel to it....okay, please HELP ME!

The gallery is coming... the gallery is coming!

2008-01-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

A new year........a new beginning, a fresh start. This year will bring many changes. The gallery is "moving right along" (I borrowed that from the Muppet's). The contracts are finished and have been emailed out. What really is giving me a headache is the website! UUUGHHH...I thought I was computer savvy...this makes me think, "computer savvy...not so much." So, I will be patient until my little sis can figure it all out for me!

I have been having dreams lately of opening night and there is just one, one sole collage hanging on the gallery wall. The piece only measures about 1" x 1" square and there is a sea of people gathered up to see it. Where is the artwork I keeping saying outloud, where are the assemblage and sculptural pieces, where is my beautiful worktable my wonderful husband built for me, where are the chairs that took me FOREVER to pick out...and then I wake up. Okay, I was just dreaming...I hope!

I will be at the gallery on Monday checking up on the progress so I will make sure to take some pictures for all of you that have asked. *not to worry to all of you who would rather see the pictures of the completed gallery, because you like surprises! As soon as ALL of the contracts have been returned to me, I will post a list of the artists that will be exhibiting their work in the gallery. There are so many wonderful artists that have accepted so far, and the work that will be shown for the opening is surely going to be spectacular!