» Susan Pickering Rothamel

Sue’s ‘Point of View’

Susan Pickering Rothamel — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:27:09 +0000

I’m not particularly thought of as a steampunk artist, but I wanted to give it a whirl, especially since Joe inspired me with his work, and our new napkins for HSN were calling my name. Steampunk from my

”Point of View”

Start with a frame. Frankie’s dad made this one years ago and she gifted me with some of them a long time ago and I’ve saved them forever. PPA and Duo are a must, as well as Gildenglitz – Silver and the MicaColor – Metallic palette. A good brush and your ready to go…and, some of our gorgeous new napkins that will be on HSN March 6th.

I began by coating the frame with PPA to prime it. When dry apply the Duo. When dry apply the silver. When silvered, apply napkin bits using PPA. When dry, apply watercolors. When dry apply PPA to seal it thoroughly. I used Prills-Ice Queen around the interior of the frame because it’s a bit out of kilter and they disguise that kind of thing…with panache! I scribbled a bit on this too, enhancing the trees and fleur de ‘lis, having gotten carried away with the paint a little. I built a box for the back and patiently put it together, attached it to the back and cut a hole in the top to hang the free-hanging focal point.

The interior elements are from my collection of stuff. The glass disc has a portion of the napkin applied to the reverse side, then Duo’ed and silvered. It’s framed with a rusty old drain thingy. The hanger is from some ironing board part & a hook from my old jeans. The pigment bottles are authentic pigment from the 1800s, the mica bits are cut, and the tags aged using Perfect Pigment Glaze – Sepia. I applied PPA – Gloss over the entire Prilled area, and stuck on the glass. It dried in about an hour, so that I could photograph it. The faux corner pieces are Mica Rings – Small and buckshot that my friend Mer gave me. There’s a very cool old eyeglass piece from Mer too. It magnified the word ‘Paris’ quite nicely.

New 2012 USArtQuest Design Team

Susan Pickering Rothamel — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:00:39 +0000

We are so honored to be announcing the 2012 USArtQuest Design Team! Check out our website to see all the products, techniques and projects we have to offer. The ‘artsy’ in you will be inspired all over again.

Each of our designers have been selected because they not only have blogs, videos and projects to inspire you, but the best of creative talent too. Read about them here, and then visit their blogs. Be sure to become a follower, so that you can see their updates and projects each and every time they post a new USAQ inspired project.

Now introducing….

Terri Sproul

USArtQuest Design Team Leader

Terri Sproul is the producer of a DVD called “MasquePen Magic” and has her own Youtube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/terrisproul. Terri is a diverse and experienced designer, design team leader and instructor for multiple companies in the paper craft world including “ Robin Nest” “Creative Paperclay®”, “Stewart Superior”, “Sakura Hobby Craft” and “Viva Las Vegastamps!” just to name a few!

Terri and her husband Marc have the pleasure of living in San Diego County On top Of Palomar Mountain. She has received a Bachelor of Scrapbooking Arts from Creating Keepsakes and Bachelor of Scrapbooking Education from EK Success. Terri’s passion is teaching fellow Scrapbooker’s and Stamper’s new techniques and to think ‘out of the box’ and ‘off the Page.’ Visit her website and blog to see “all the exciting stuff” she does at http://www.terrisproul.com– link to blog is also there.

Leslie Venable

I am a self taught mixed media artist living in Virginia with my wonderful husband Art, and our furry family of 5. Raised by a traditional yet artistic mother, we were blessed to be exposed to many different artists in our visits to fine art museums across the America. Although my college days led me to a business degree, it was my love of art that moved me into taking fine art and photography classes over several semesters. About 8 years ago, I was introduced to mixed media, in particular vintage imagery. It reminded me of some of my favorite museum works!

Ann Krier

Ann Kristen Krier is a self-taught, mixed media artist who began creative pursuits in early public school, supplementing formal learning with art workshops at the University of Vermont. Later, inspired by the talents of grandmothers and aunties, who willingly shared their ”art stuff” from fibers to watercolors, she began to combine materials into new creative techniques for mixed media. Her creative life includes a commitment to sharing ideas through books, articles, workshops and her artist’s statement: “The artist’s journey should never stop, but rather pause temporarily to share with all the world, what she has been fortunate to discover.”

Born in upstate New York, Ann and her husband Jim currently live in the Piedmont region of North Carolina with three of four “children” – lax man, soccer girl and “Murphy” the eighty pound lap dog.

Becky Thackston

Hi everyone! I am so excited for this opportunity with USArtQuest! I have been a scrapper for over 18 years now. Over the last few years I have added painting and quilting, and even started drawing again after a 20 year hiatus. I love all forms of art, and nothing makes me happier then to lock myself away in my craft room and just be creative all day long. You should try it. It’s very therapeutic! I love looking around and grabbing ideas from signs, pictures and odd-ball items. Married for 13 years, to the sweetest guy in the world, my guy doesn’t mind my crafty addiction in the least! I am a mother of 2, ages 21 and 18. My youngest will graduate next year, giving me even more creative time. I am also proud grandmother to a sweet 10 month old named, Danie. She is the light of my life. If it involves paint, glue, paper…I’m in!

Sally MacDonald

Sally Lynn MacDonald has been an avid mixed-media artist since 1998, when her first child was born. But it was after the birth of twins that she quit her high-tech career at IBM to be at home with her growing family. ”This is when creativity became a survival skill!” she says.

She has been a professional instructor for several years, specializing in techniques and multi-surface applications. She travels extensively, teaching workshops at stores and events throughout the United States and Canada. Her most recent assignment was becoming Creative Director for Art-C, one of many brands with the C-Thru Ruler Company. She is a member of the Copic Marker Design Team and was on the certification instructor team for the past two years. She does sample and catalog work for several companies, including Faber Castell. In addition she has been a certified and/or endorsed instructor for 7 Gypsies, Graphic 45, Little Yellow Bicycle, Prima, Ranger, attered Angels, Websters Pages and Clear Scraps. Her prior design team and guest blogger experiences include such wonderful companies as Cosmo Cricket, Hero Arts, Kanban Crafts, Prima, Spellbinders and Tattered Angels. You may have seen her on a couple of nationally televised segments on HGTV’s popular craft series,‘That’s Clever!’. She is developing self-paced, video and instructor-led online workshops for 2012.

Sally Lynn and her husband Neil have been married for twenty-four years and live in Connecticut with their children, Brianna and the “Twinkies,” Cameron and Courtney.

Lea Cioci

Lea Cioci CPD CPT, is a freelance designer and serves as a demo artist, instructor, and design consultant to several companies in the hobby industry. Lea’s work has been published in many paper arts magazines, C&T publication books, Design Original books, and contributions to other published arts and crafting books. Lea has worked as a demonstrator and educator for Plaid Enterprises as well as a USAQ Pro. Currently, Lea is also a Ranger Ink Educator and Certified Copic Designer. Lea’s journey led her to the creation of stamp images to give the artist the freedom to create a very personal self-expression. Lea’s recent works for C&T Publishing include Scrap Your Stuff, Board Book Play, and Creative Art Concepts for Papercrafts -Lea’s own book: Creative Art Concepts for Papercrafts, launched Feb., 2007. In 2009, several art projects were highlighted in 1000 Handmade Greetings, and additional work in Somerset Memories with new work in Somerset Digital in the fall issue of 2010.

Joe Rotella

Joe’s mom always enjoyed crafting so he grew up in a crafty home. He loves detail and 3D work and paper piecing is his specialty. Joe’s work has appeared in Scrap & Stamp Arts and Just Steampunk! magazines. He’s filmed a segment of Crafting at the Spotted Canary with Joy Macdonell (airs on PBS Fall 2011) and has won Archiver’s One-of-a-Kind Wall Art contest (Ohio, August 2011). He’s on the Viva Las Vegastamps! Design team. When he’s not designing paper art projects, he works as CTO at Delphia Consulting.

Kristi Parker Van Doren

Hello, my name is Kristi Parker Van Doren and I live in Missouri, the Show Me State! I live with my husband of 23 years and our 2 children. I have been involved with paper crafting for over thirty five years. I was introduced to stamping at the age of 12 and over the years, I have taught many classes at the local stamping and scrapbooking stores. I have also worked the retail side and am a previous store owner. I love to create a large spectrum of projects with a broad range of styles. I have been blessed to attend CHA and demo for several companies. My style varies depending on the materials I have on hand and what is called for on any given project. I have worked with some wonderful companies and have been published in a variety of magazines. I love creating cards, altered arts, home decor, and scrapbooking. In my spare time I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, jewelry making
and recently started woodworking! I also love to combine different companies together to create unique and fun projects. I am getting ready to start my second term with Dreamweaver Stencils January of 2012. I just try to enjoy life’s moments.

Wow! Now that’s one amazing team.

Wow, what an amazing team..

Terri Sproul

Look Whats One Dollar at USArtQuest.com

Susan Pickering Rothamel — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:21:16 +0000

This is USArtQuest.com’s Weekly Special.
The Lowest Price Ever! So make sure to stock up!

Rockin’ and Rollin’

Susan Pickering Rothamel — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:31:50 +0000

We’re all working like crazy at USAQ! While Julie takes care of the every day business, and I’m working on the HSN specs., our crew is busy pullin’, rollin’, and rockin’. Here Sue is pulling Silver Dicrofibers to weigh them. Every color times 18 is .15oz.

Then Norma is ‘rollin’ each one so that the Dicrofibers each look so beautiful in the box. Aren’t these gorgeous!

And, don’t think for a moment, this is all work. Oh, no sirree…Here Sherri is rockin’ the house, showing off her new idea for Dicrofibers…now, if she can just make it stick to the side of her head! That’s Lorna at the big table, and Sherry, Norma, Sue and Rose – having lots of giggles.

Your seeing the back of the art department with all the assembly tables moved into it, because the assembly area is staged for all of those HSN palettes we’re all working hard to prepare before Christmas!

Studio Cloth Napkin Collage Calendar

Susan Pickering Rothamel — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:14:31 +0000

I taught a terrific class of multiple projects while in York, PA. at an Heirloom Show. We had so many projects, in fact, that no one was quite able to finish one of them. So, I promised directions on the blog. I’m a couple of weeks late, but finally because these are actual Christmas gifts, I wanted to get them all started, middled, and completed…I’m started and middled, but there’s still lots of completing to do.

Today I am making a beautiful painted and collage calendar cover. Join me!

Begin with Studio Cloth. Studio Cloth is unique and can be cut like paper. It doesn’t fray, and is super strong and flexible. It is one of my preferred surfaces because if functions perfectly every time, and gives me a REAL product, not just an ethereal paper product.

A Studio Cloth - Table Runner is 13″ x 54, making it perfect for 12 of these particular covers – 6.5″ L x 8″ W. However, you’ll need to measure the calendars you find, and purchase the right amount of yardage for your calendars. Measure them fully opened, and add at least 1/2″ for the fold. It will be trimmed later, so extra room will make it easier in the long run. I had two small pieces left, which I’ll use to make credit card cases for my sisters.

I cut all the pieces and laid them out on my studio table, along with the calendar, a decorative paper napkin and the name of the person receiving the gift. This was important since I’m making so many and had to keep checking my list more then twice. Everyone here was nice though…not a naughty one among them.

Begin by slathering a VERY LIGHT TINT of paint over the entire piece of Studio Cloth. Let that dry. Tear off all the back layers of the decorative paper napkin, and use the images as the design. Make sure to put plenty of Perfect Paper Adhesive under and over each image. I used Gloss. It will keep the cloth flexible, washable and sturdy.

Don’t worry about edges that overhang, leaves or design parts that are cut off. Just glue them down. Remember the right-hand facing side will be the front of the calendar cover, so you’ll want the strongest imagery on that side. Add more color as you go, but always start with the lightest tones first. If a leaf is missing a tip, paint it in. Don’t forget to overpaint all the images with lots of beautiful Perfect Pigment Acrylic paints. This makes them uniquely your own, repairs missing parts, and provides an opportunity to integrate color and design to make a pleasing composition.

When the piece is completed and dried, give it one more light coat of PPA, to ensure it will withstand water and handling for years and years. When that is dry, give it a light sanding with 0000 sand paper. I use a nail block for most of this work. Sanding will make it super smooth and nice to touch.

Carefully trim the edges. I left enough overage from the beginning so that it was easy, but still I cut teensy bits off at a time. You can’t glue it back on, so take your time on this part.

If your calendar has a plastic sleeve, like mine does, then slide the finished art into the sleeve and poke a hole through both pieces simultaneously. If it does not have a sleeve, then open the calendar to the center, and poke through the center of the calendar and Studio Cloth simultaneously.

I used a piece of wire to help pull through an elastic cord which was very easy. Save the wire.

Tie a knot in the elastic and slide the wire through the base of the knot. Then twist it once. This will keep the knot from ever coming back through the hole. I also use bobby pins for this technique, or cotter pins if I have one the right size.

Finally, I decided that the white elastic was a bit too white, so I pulled it back out and painted it a yellow ochre color. I’ve done this on other projects and the color holds up nicely, even though the elastic gets lots of handling. The elastic also keeps the calendar from flopping around in your purse, dog-earring the pages. I like things finished, and knowing that it might get seen at some time, I also put a light coat of paint on the flipside of the artwork. I hope you enjoy making these little special gifts as much as I do.

Bloomers!

Susan Pickering Rothamel — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:41:12 +0000

These fabulous no-sew ultra-fast Christmas projects are made of Studio Cloth. Once you get started, you’ll want to make some for yourself AND for gifts! Remember that Studio Cloth cuts like paper, is super strong, and completely washable when painted with Perfect Pigments and sealed with PPA. I used PPA matte and PPA Gloss, depending on the finished look that I thought would look best for the project. The photos are pretty self-explanatory, but I’ve also included complete directions and patterns at the very end of this section. You have my permission to copy and paste them, print and then use them for your own Bloomers.

Frankie and I fooled around all weekend and they are addicting to make. But they can be cut into any shape from animals to abstract, geometrics to any figurative shape. Here is a table setting which includes a wine topper, candle, parfait and wine glass embellishers, and napkin rings. Wouldn’t these just make the cutest gifts!

These are painted in a more ‘folk art’ style. Simply paint them in solid colors and use lots of dots and color to decorate them.

Layering various shapes and colors was fun, and I can mix them up for different looks. I called these the more contemporary designs.

Here is a napkin ring, and place cards for each person at the table. I put a small ornament in the center of each flower, and used a small pipe cleaner to hold them into place. They can double for wine glass charms because they have the little curvy cut that barely shows when they are hooked on the stem.

This parfait glass is used for desserts or even olives or pickles, but just to make it pretty, I used more ornaments.

This glass has 3 different Bloomers on it. I thought it was fun to have various critters, so each glass had a different bug or butterfly.

This is such a pretty presentation as a gift. The Bloomers can be used as napkin rings, a wine towel holder, or even a coaster. The bottle looks just as pretty sitting on the flower as it does wearing it. Bloomers would be pretty on Olive Oil bottles too.

Bloomers are so pretty in hair too! Here Lizzy has put her ponytail through it, and teased it out. She said she might be a little old for this look, but being a good sport let us use her as a hair model.

Lizzy helped to make these, using various rubber stamps, and all the bright colors.

Of course if you give napkins as the gift, or anything else for that matter, you can use the Bloomers as the wrapping. Just pull the ribbon through the center and tie the bow!

Here are some patterns you can print out and use. I even included some designs to paint onto the them.

Of course the ladybugs are just too cute. So here are patterns for them too. The directions are on the pattern.

Design Team Call

Susan Pickering Rothamel — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:41:31 +0000

The USArtQuest is looking for a few awesome artists that enjoy a wide array of creative styles – such as altered arts, home decor projects, mixed media, jewelry and paper crafts – you know the ones! We’re talking about the kind that can really showcase the USArtQuest products!! So, even if you only LOVE paper crafts, but use lots of ‘bling’ for layouts, cards & projects, then show us what you love to do!!

We are looking for talented artists who really know how to inspire others!

What’s expected of a USArtQuest Design Team Member?

The ability to showcase the awesome array of USAQ products!
Take good photos or scans of projects
Interact with other creative members on Facebook, Twitter, and through blogging.

What would make an ideal DT member, but isn’t an expectation?

Someone who already loves to create using USAQ materials.
Someone who enjoys creating home décor, personal accessories and unique projects, as well as all of those wonderful paper projects.
Someone who can make short videos for their personal blog showcasing their talent and USAQ products.

The Details

USArtQuest Design Team is for 6 months from Jan 1, 2012 – June 31, 2012
Create a minimum of 2 projects per month posted to both your blog, and the USArtQuest blog. (Your dates will be provided when the entire team has been chosen.)
Participation on the Facebook is a MUST.
Submit work for publication
Participate in one Blog Hop during the 6 month period. (Date to be provided later.)
Promote USArtQuest by posting the above layouts/projects on other online galleries and blogs with working links to USAQ’s online store (.com) and blog.

The USArtQuest Design Team will receive

New release products.
Your bio and picture featured on the USAQ blog.
Several USArtQuest products for your term, shipped in 3 shipments, at the beginning of each two month period. (If the above criterion is only minimally or not met, then the second and third shipments will be delayed or not occur.)

How to Apply

Send your bio, blog address and Facebook and Twitter info to both:
Terri@ultimatescrapbookretreat.com and AQSue@aol.com, with the words “DT applications” in the subject line. (This way you won’t get deleted – we get lots of spam mail) This information MUST be received to both emails by Dec 11st, 2011.
Submit/Post 1 project on your blog on Dec 15th, 2011 by 12AM EST to be viewed.
This post must have our logo (you will be sent logo when you send your bio, to Terri Sproul) and step by step directions on how you make your project link to the USArtQuest blog and Facebook pages.
Your project can be anything you love to make, Altered Books, Scrapbooks, Cards, Mixed Media projects, Fine Art, Textiles, Quilting and so much more!
All entries MUST utilize a Mixed Media technique. If you can use our products, even better!
Work submitted must be recent and can be previously published or displayed on blogs or online galleries.

Just Think out of the box and impress us!
Join our FB and blog! It is a MUST and so important to the success of our team!

Remember: Deadline to enter December 11, 2011 (12PM PST)

Here’s what to include with your emailed submission.

We want to know all about you! – Your basic information along with a bio.
What’s your style?
Why would you like to be on our team?
Are you frugal, organized, have great product or marketing ideas etc? If so, share them with us.

USArtQuest really wants to know what you can bring to our team.

Link to your active blog and Twitter page.
Are you active on any Forums or Message Boards? (Please List)
Give examples of classes or techniques you would like to share with others. If you have some previously done, please send us the links too!
Details of any other manufacturers or store/kit DT’s for which you are associated.
Do you have a scrapbook resume, or a link to a gallery? Share that too!
Final decisions will be made on Dec 20ish and the USArtQuest Design Team will be announced shortly thereafter!

Good Luck!!!!!

USArtQuest Design Team Contract

Your Requirements:

Agree to a 6 month period – Starting: Jan 1, 2012 ending June 31, 2012
Post two projects per month on both the USArtQuest blog and your blog.
Link to the USArtQuest website and blog.
Project submissions must include quality images of the project in .jpeg format along with instructions and links for making the project.
Post your blog and USArtQuest blog link on your Facebook, Twitter page to advertise both yourself and USArtQuest.
Join one Blog-hop during the 6 month period. (Date to be provided.)
The USArtQuest Design Team Member grants permission to USArtQuest, Inc. to use
all projects for display at any time, on Susan Pickering Rothamel’s and Terri Sproul’s personal blogs and FB pages, as well as USArtQuest’s Website, Facebook Page, and blog.

Big Cyber Weekend Sale at USArtQuest

Susan Pickering Rothamel — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:37:55 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our USArtQuest Friends! USArtQuest is celebrating Thanksgiving with a very big special and we are giving you a sneak peek on our weekend sale! But remember…the sale starts tomorrow and runs through Monday!

So please visit our website and browse around! It’s a great sale, and if your saying to yourself that you already have the DVD, just think what a great Christmas Present it will make for a family member or friend, plus you get 25% off orders of $50 or more!

Happy Thanksgiving from the USArtQuest Gang!

A Close-up Look!

Susan Pickering Rothamel — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:26:24 +0000

Hello – If you haven’t already signed up for 1 or all 7 of these Amazing Technique Classes at the Birch Run Deer Widow’s Weekend, in Birch Run, Michigan, there is still plenty of time to sign up! Spots are filling up quickly, so don’t wait too long, because it’s this weekend!!!
November 11 – 13th. $10 per class, so indulge your creative self!
Call Julie at 1-800-766-0728.

Here is a close-up look at some of Classes Susan Pickering Rothamel, Frankie Fioretti
and Crystal Copperstone will be teaching:

: “Chills & Prills” Taught on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at 10:45am.

: “Napkin Collage” – Taught on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at 11:45am.

: “Watercolor Extravaganza” taught on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday at 12:45pm.

"It's a Calender, Girls!" taught on Friday, Saturday, at 1:45pm. The rest of the classes include: "Dicrofiber Fabulous" taught on Friday, or Saturday at 2:45pm."Cut! Bond! Create!" taught on Friday, or Saturday at 3:45pm. "Micalicious" taught on Friday, or Saturday at 4:45pm.

All Materials Included for these classes.
Click here to get more class information and descriptions.
Call Today and Sign-Up – 1-800-766-0728.

7 USArtQuest Classes Next Weekend

Susan Pickering Rothamel — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:23:32 +0000

Super excited about teaching at Birch Run…especially since Frankie and Crystal will be there too! They are so much fun. And, Cris will be there on Friday. She’s very special…but, you’ll have to ask my why when you get there! Hope you all can come and be creative with us. Click on the link below to see the classes we’ll be teaching. So call right away and reserve your classes. Spaces are already filling up! They’re chuck-full of info and not just what’s shown, as anyone whose taken a class with USAQ will attest to.

Click here to PRINT the Deer Widow’s Weekend Class Flyer.