Valentine's Card Making Explosion!

Just after 10am, papers were everywhere! Paper heart confetti dazzled the floors! And glitter was being shaken over the perfect valentine love quote, as dozen of people joined us for our Open House Valentine Card Making event, Saturday Feb 14th from 10 to 1.

A heart shaped Thank You for everyone who came! We had a blast and think you did too!

This was our third year of creative valentine making! And we had many regulars show up as they made it part of their Valentine's tradition!

We even set up a mini Hammered Metal demo to give folks a little fun in an Art Night Out™ workshop! While papers were being tossed to find the perfect piece, you could hear the pounding of hammers and laughter as folk were delighted with their results!

Every month we will host an Open House! Bring that project you can't seem to finish for some inspiration, check out our demo of the month, and sometimes, we even have FREE make and takes! Check back for more upcoming events.

NEXT MONTH: Sat March 14th 10am to 1pm

We will have a waxing and dyeing demo with Sue Drown-Trout!

Family Fun Private Party

With February dragging out winter, everyone is looking for something fun and inspiring to keep them warm!  Try a Private Party!

Saturday Feb 7th, a family of 5 joined us for a private party in Hammered Metal taught by our lovely Betina Clark!  Mom and Dad joined us with their 3 children, the youngest was a bit too little to play with the fun hammers, but we helped create a fun beading project so that the entire family could have a day of fun!

Hammered Metal Jewelry is a classic Art Night Out™ that everyone loves!  Shaping and forming heavy gauge wire, students can texture their creations using many different types and shapes of hammers.  

If you have friends, family or co-workers that are looking for something to inspire them these last few weeks of winter, we are offering a Private Party Special, now through the end of March!

Chose ANY Art Night Out™ class of your 

choice, arrange of group of 5 or more, and you come for FREE!

It's a great idea to pull the group together and 

be creative as the snow starts to melt...or, to encourage us to THINK SPRING!

Fine Art Drawing Fun!

While jewelry making and stained glass are well known Art Night Out classes, we also offer fine art drawing and painting as one day workshops!

Francis Carlier joined us one Saturday to share his love of drawing and phenomenal skills in the medium! Experimental Drawing brought in a range of students who had great curiosity and enthusiasm. Many took the class to learn formally, with no prior experience, and others, to improve their painting skills!

Through the class Francis guided students to explore the depths of their drawing skills. Using rulers, and pencils and other simple tools, everyone was able to gain understanding of what they were seeing in their photographs and still lives to translate onto their paper.

The results were amazing! One student was thrilled that she was able to push herself to draw bigger. Another LOVED how she was able to define a boot with clarity. The students were thrilled with their developped skills and were excited to return home to continue drawing!


It was the perfect afternoon dose of fine art!

Valentine's Open House

Join us Valentine’s Day, Saturday February 14th from 10 am to 1pm as we invite everyone to join us for a card making Valentine extravaganza!

Grab your friends and family and get out of the house and join our card making workshop.

We’ve got great lighting, bright colors, warm cookies and inspiration that'll keep you toasty!

Whether you are looking for a fun valentine’ activity for the family, or need the inspiration to make that fabulous valentine for that someone special, Artacope Studios is the place to be!

Artascope Studios

Valentine's Card Making Workshop

Saturday February 14th

10am to 1pm

FREE!

Inspire yourself with this Journal!

On Monday January 26th, Artascope Studios introduced a new Art Night Out™ workshop, Inspirational Journal. Kim Dubay returned to teach for this one night of fun! Kim is a phenomenal collage artist and rug hooker and often a visiting instructor here. We love when Kim comes to play with us!

With a fabulous new tool for the class, a die cut template for book pages, the class was ready to jump into fun and easy book binding, collage and memory making! Students made their pages out of paper, canvas, cardboard and even fabric and embellished them with their own photos, cool papers, paint and other items from our brilliant collage collection.

One of our long time members, Betsy and her friend , Deb, joined us. Also, Julie and Megan attended, who travelled all the way up from Georgia to create with us! We were excited to have them visit and get a chance to experience an Art Night Out™! I hope they enjoyed all the snow and cold! Catherine, our fearless leader, even stopped by to join in the fun (she’s behind the camera)!

Julie wasted no time spreading out and being inspired! Red is definitely her color!

Betsy made a page dedicated to her granddaughter and proudly shared it with everyone!




It was great to see students excited and sharing their books with each other! We had a great time and loved that such a fun group was able to introduce a new class to Artascope! The next offering of Inspirational Journal is Monday March, 16th from 6 to 9pm.

Artist Series 2009 kick off!

Keeping warm and creative, this round of Artist Series classes includes two Metalsmithing classes, Decorative Painting and Fine Art Acrylic Painting!

In Studio 2, the jewelry studio, Metalsmithing students are learning about the fine skills to create beautiful objects with different techniques, such as soldering, annealing, shaping and creating bezels! Students have really enjoying learning how to set stones as they create fabulous silver rings! Our next session starts Monday March 16th. thru April 20th (10am – 1pm).

Can’t make it in to the morning class? We also offer a Tuesday evening Metalsmithing course with Clint Fulkerson. Clint’s next session starts March 17th thru April 21st (6-9pm)

Upstairs in the Painting Studio, Libby is inspiring her students with bright colors, fun designs and creative techniques in Decorative Painting! Students have begun their exploration by applying their new skills to creating gorgeous painted floor cloths. As this series continues, a few students would like to move their decorative painting talents to chairs, stools and other small pieces of furniture! For Session II, Libby will be taking a small break from Decorative Painting, and instead, share her Book Binding knowledge on Thursdays, starting March 9th thru April 23rd (10am-1pm)

Also, going on for Winter Session I in 2009 for Artist Series, we have Fine Art Acrylic Painting with Liz Prescott. This session we are really excited because it is the first opportunity we have to present the new open line of acrylic paints, acrylic paints that have many qualities of oil paint, and the students are loving them!

The next round of Artist Series start up Monday March 16th! We are offering Monday AM Metals with Christina Taylor, Tuesday PM Metals with Clint Fulkerson. Sewing for Adults returns with Diane Brakeley. Ashley Wernher-Collins explores Needlefelting with us and Liz Prescott shares more of her love of painting with Fine Art Acrylic Painting. Unlock secrets of Stained Glass with Gayle Rapos OR learn Dye Painting with Suzanne Drown-Trout. Ann Liller joins us for Precious Metal Clay (PMC). Libby Barrett puts on her Book Binding hat and introducing a new class to our Artist Series workshop, Alternative Techniques in Acrylic painting with Matt Owens!

Creating Needle Felted Ornaments

Just before the Holidays kicked into full gear, new Artascope teacher, Ashley Wernher-Collins shared her love and skills in needle felting! Students spent the evening creating their own Felted Ornaments!


Chosing from delicious colors of wool rovings and fun fibers to accents, this new class rocked in the season! Ashley taught students about the different types of wool roving and touched base on the different techniques to felt with wool. Needle Felting tools in hard, with their colorful selection of wool chosen, everyone had a blast!


Check out some of the fabulous ornaments that the students made! They were super creative and colorful. The snowman was great inspiration for some snow creations in the days that followed!



Interested in learning more about needle felting? Deadra will be teaching Felted Critters Saturday January 3rd from 2 to 6pm, spaces are filling up fast!

Happy New Years!

Fun Handmade Gifts While Supporting the Community

Artascope’s 3rd Annual Holiday Show and Sale kicked off December 12th with many new and inspiring additions!


Wrapping to feed the community!
Three of our neighborhood girls were invited to share their card-making and wrapping skills with us! All of the money collected went directly to the South Portland Food Pantry. They made adorable cards and envelopes made from old books and magazines. And anyone who needed their gifts wrapped, could be gift wrapped in style! Thanks gals!

Also new this year was the Silent Auction to benefit the Community Crisis Ministries Fund of South Portland and Cape Elizabeth. With over 40 items donated by local Artists, when the Auction wrapped up Sunday Dec 21st, over $1,300 was raised to help those in need! Great job everyone! Thank you for your goods and your bids!

We hope you are still enjoying your Holiday Season! During this vacation week, we are open! Our Holiday Sale will remain up through the end of the year and our new schedule is ready! Treat yourself to some creative R & R in ’09!

Happy Holidays!

Artist Spotlight-Suzanne Kiertianis and Judy Babin's Show in CT

Suzanne Kiertianis, Artascope Studios fantastic manager, and Judy Babin, one of our fabulously talented stewards and teacher, were featured artist at the Guilford Free Library in Guilford CT in November. Their jewelry exhibit was up all month and featured their work in a beautiful enclosed case! This was their 3rd annual showing at the library. Both Judy and Suzanne are Connecticut natives and have a strong following back in their home state. Their show was well received and they were both able to make it down to meet and greet the show goers.

Suzanne and Judy will both be showing their work at our upcoming Artascope Holiday Show and Sale this Friday, Dec 12th. Judy will be showcasing her gorgeous silver work and Suzanne will have a taste of her jewelry talents with some other great items, such as handmade cards and prints. So when are you coming by to see their work? You can check out Judy Babin's work at http://www.judybdesigns.org/, but I would highly recommend seeing it up close, so plan on adding us to your holiday weekend plans. Suzanne is always there to show you around and give you a sampling of her latest endeavours!

Gift Certificates and our Well Stocked Store

Gift Certificates
We know how hard it is to pick out the perfect gift for your crafty friends and family, so why not purchase a Gift Certificate from Artascope Studios that they can use towards Workshops, Supplies and Artisan Goods. Try one out for $25, $50 and $100. Gift certificates are also available in class amounts, such as an Artist Series, ArtEscape! and even Memberships! Treat someone you love to an inspiring night out filled with creativity.

Do you know someone who has been wanting to take one of our Art Night Out™ class? Give them the gift of Inspiration! Gift certificates can also be used in our supply store and even in the Gallery-filled with handmade goods by local Artists!

Artascope Art Store
Does someone on your list LOVE to make things? While we offer supplies to supplement our classes, we also have books, magazines, kits and other items to settle that creative outlet that is on your shopping list. Check out the fun art supplies that filled the store! From beads and findings, to paints and brushes, to mosaics and glass, and even collage and fiber arts materials. There is even some Gocco materials - while supplies last! You are sure to find something special to inspire the ones you love!

'Tis the Season-Wire Wrapped Ornament

'Tis the Season! Can you hear the holiday tunes at every turn....it's Christmas time again. Suzanne got in the holiday mood with a Wire Wrapped Ornament class! What a fun idea to make your own ornaments for your tree.

Bette is showing off her two ornamental creations. She even played with beads and fabric to finish her work. She will be using these great decorations to adorn a few packages this Christmas. What a great way to make your gift giving a personal touch!

There is lots of time this month to come and try your hand at a new craft. Maybe something you could proudly place under the tree?

How about our FELTED ORNAMENT with Ashley next Monday night, December 8th from 6-9 PM? You will create these darling ornaments to adorn gifts, your tree or even decorate your home! Learn techniques of needle felting as you embellish with wool roving, beads, ribbons and small charms. You will make 2 ornaments and the cost is $65. Sounds like a fun time!

What about a MINI FOLDED BOOK to put some of your favorite memories from the past year to give to a loved one this holiday season? Pat will be teaching this great class next Thursday, the 11th from 6-9 PM. This mini-book is a simple and easy, no-bind book! Learn cutting and folding techniques to create this fabulous miniature! For only $35, it's a holiday bargain for sure!

Please check out all of our current listings at http://www.artnightout.com/dec2008.htm and remember you can always purchase a gift certificate for your crafty someone!

Artascope Studio Stars

Suzanne Drown is one of our batik specialist at Artascope Studios. Long time steward and teacher at Artascope, Suzanne also runs her full time business, Sunfire Batiks. Using the ancient process of batiking, Suzanne Drown creates colorful and unique images for framed artwork, scarves, pillows, prints, pins and cards. She is very well known for her beautiful work all over Maine and has quite a busy schedule of shows throughout the year. We are excited that she will be ending her busy crafting season with us. You can learn more about her work at http://www.sunfirebatiks.com/ .

Diane Brakeley, owner of Della Mano Designs, is a popular teacher at Artascope Studios. Diane has also had a lasting relationship with our studio as steward and teacher. She is primarily a fiber artist, using fabrics and fibers in different ways to enhance wearable art. Diane also have an aversion to throwing anything away (her Mom survived the Great Depression) so she has branched off into found object jewelry. She loves giving things a second chance, so you’ll find her recycling most anything. Always unique, stylish and fun, Diane's work is definitely work a second look. So come check her out this December.

Artascope Studio's 3rd Annual Holiday Show and Sale Excitement

The Holiday Buzz
As we watch the thermometer dip and the last of the leaves falling off bare branches, we can sense that winter is on its way. And with this arctic chill approaching, so is all the excitement of the holiday season! This year Thanksgiving seems to be coming a little late on November 27th. But no matter, there is so much to celebrate!

Here are Artascope Studios, we are gearing up for our Annual Holiday Show and Sale. With over 20 artists ready to share their works, this will be a sale to remember. In the next few weeks, I will be highlighting the artist participating in our yearly event to give you a taste of all the treasures you will find here at 352 Cottage Rd. So make sure to stop by this December and feast your eyes on our beautiful, artistic bounty! Something for everyone!

ArtEscape Weekend-All Tied Up!

Recycled Necktie

Artascope was up to our necks in ties a few weekends ago. Diane Brakeley taught her Recycled Necktie ArtEscape Weekend to a very excited group of students. Each student learned how to weave a chair seat, make headbands and even skirts with a collection of some pretty cool silk neckties.

Everyone had a blast working on their chairs! A balance of simple sewing, good color palettes mixes and a few tricks up their sleeves...their chairs were phenomenal! Talk about a weekend to remember. Check out the great photos we took over the weekend.

Think you would like to try out one of our fabulous weekends? What are you doing November 21-23rd? Here's our offerings for you! Rug Hooking with Special Guest Teacher: Kim Dubay
Just like knitting, rug hooking is back! In this class you’ll learn the basics of how to hook rugs. Students will be encouraged to start with a smaller project; a pillow, wall hanging or purse, and will use this project to learn the process from start to finish. Students will also be taught edge binding techniques and how to properly care for your finished piece.
$175 class / plus materials kit
Pre-register$20 non-refundable deposit

Metalsmithing with Christina Taylor
Here’s your chance to learn metalsmithing in a fun, relaxed atmoshpere! Learn how to handle the equipment necessary to create fantastic silver jewelry. Master the torch, drill, rolling mills, hammers, mandrels, and other tools to create gorgeous rings, bangles and earrings. Great for beginners or returning students.

$175 class / plus materials kit
Pre-register$20 non-refundable deposit

http://www.artnightout.com/artescape.htm

Kid's Art Party-Tie-Dye Fun!

Tie-Dye Kid's Art Party!

What a great way to celebrate your birthday with your favorite friends! Sue Drown Trout taught a wonderful Kid's Art Birthday Party at Artascope Studios a few weeks back. Each partygoer created their own design that they drew on their tees with wax after creating the final design on paper. Sue taught them how to dye the decorated shirts in fabric dye, twisting and dipping to create the "tie-dye" effect. Talk about a cool birthday party favor to take home and wear!

The group worked hard on their special shirts while having a ton of fun. There were cake to eat and presents to open at the end of this birthday event.

So when you are planning your children's next birthday event...why not consider our talented staff and great location for one unforgettable party. Check us out at http://www.artnightout.com/parties.htm

Crochet Wire, Sewn Jewelry and Sea Glass Class Reviews

I am sure you have figured out by now that our Metalsmith Studio is a very busy place here at Artascope Studios. Jewelry of all kinds is constantly being introduced in our classes which makes us so unique with our offerings. Here is what we produced over just the past few weeks.

Crochet Wire Necklace
Suzanne Kiertianis taught a Crochet Wire Necklace Class as part of our Art Night Out Program. Her students learned the basics of crochet, applied it to wire and learned how to add beads as a way to make fun, unique necklaces! Suzanne used both 28gauge and 26g wire, depending on the students. Her students took the class to create some handmade Christmas present. I think the recipients of these fantastic necklaces will not be disappointed.

Sewn Metal Jewelry
Betina Clark was back in the studio last week teaching her Sewn Metal Jewelry Class. Like always, her students created some fantastic results. Our photos show one of her students putting on the final touches on her gorgeous pendant. Wonder if she's been wearing that one around town yet.

Drilled Sea Glass Pendant
Drill baby drill!(I just couldn't resist) Lynne Holland was very busy at her Art Night Out Sea Glass Pendant class, teaching the students how to drill into sea glass and create beautiful personal pendants. Here are a few examples of their fun and colorful pendants