'Great Birthday Month Celebrations!

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome,

Traditionally, in September, I celebrate my birthday month. When I was working full-time, I celebrated my birthday week. But since I've retired, I expanded my birthday fun for the whole month. This month I celebrate my 50th and 65th birthdays. (I didn't celebrate my 50th birthday fifteen years ago because, as I was preparing the invitations, the 9/11 tragedy happened. God rest their souls.)

Here are some pix from my celebrations this September! I'm so lucky and grateful to have friends and family like these to celebrate with me!



  Party '1' - Two September Birthday Gals-

 LuLu and Michelle

(Sep 10)

 

 

 Party '1' - Crop at Chris' home  (Sep 10)
LuLu, Chris, Michelle 1, Michelle 2

Sunday 9/25/2016 outside this 'Aussie' restaurant
I had seafood, Dave had steak. Loved it!

Party '2' - Ladies Only Game Night - with my sisters,
Marcy and Angela, and my good crafting buddy, Becky -
on my 65th birthday
at my new studio The SPlayce (Sep 27)


 

Party '2' - Ladies Only Game Night - with Kathy W.

(Kathy modeled one of my scarves I was commissioned to crochet)

at my new studio The SPlayce (Sep 27)

Day after my birthday Dinner - outside

Allgauer's Restaurant in the DoubleTree Hotel (Sep 28)
 

Party '3' - Ladies Only Crafternoon Soiree -

with Chris and Yvette at my new studio The SPlayce

(Sep 30)

 Party '3' - with Yvette (Sep 30)

at my new studio The SPlayce

 

 

Thanks for stopping by - please become a Follower, and check back often. More exciting news coming soon.

 

Peace,

LuLu

 

 

 

 

 

'Blogger changes will affect my blog!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome,

Blogger has announced changes effective on 9/29/16 which will massively affect my blog. Please be patient as I try to fix my blog.

Meanwhile, click FREEBIES while you can!

Thanks for visiting.

Peace,
LuLu.

'Exciting News - New Studio and Gelli Plate Workshop at BAC!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome!

Exciting news! 

The Beverly Arts Center in Chicago has added one of my mixed media workshops to their summer 2017 curriculum! I will be teaching a monoprinting workshop using ‘Gelli’ gelatin plates at the BAC on June 20, 2017.

Stay tuned to my blog for details in 2017 and updates at www.lulu-too-beaucoup.blogspot.com

My new studio in historic downtown Blue Island, IL is almost ready. I'll be celebrating my birthday there next week with a Ladies Only Game Night and a Crafternoon Soiree.

In late October, if all goes well, the studio will be ready for Crafternoons on three days a week! I've waited a long time for a larger studio space. Can't wait to unveil it!

Meanwhile, here is a new digital collage I made today.

'Big Bang Galaxy' -
 digital collage
using Microsoft Digital Image Editor

Thanks for stopping by. Please become a Follower and come back soon. Giveaway is coming in October!

Peace,
LuLu

Mary Lou ‘LuLu’ Haynes

'Where's Alma?!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Forty-one folks are in this photo from my Family Reunion that I co-organized with my father this past Saturday. I survived, with the help of my husband and a bullhorn!

Can you find Aunt Alma?!

 

Thanks for stopping by  - and check back often.

 

Peace,

LuLu

'...and she Scores!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and welcome,

Over the weekend I scored 3 of these Ikea 'Alex' carts at a local art studio's going out of business sale. Got them for $25 each. Normally one cart is $120! I can't believe I now own Ikea furniture. They roll as smooth as butter. Can't wait to load 'em up with supplies.

 

These are just a few items I got in a GI-nor-MOUS haul that day for my new studio. Still have a LOT of work to do before I post studio tour pix. So stay tuned.

 

FREEBIES AND TUTORIALS

While you're here, don't forget to grab a freebie or check out one of my tutorials!

 

Thanks for visiting - and come back often. More SUPER exciting news is just around the corner!

 

Peace,

LuLu

 

 

 

'Staying Cool with Star Trek Beyond!

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

The heat wave is so bad here that my hubby and I went to get cool at the movie theatre.

We both give the new Star Trek Beyond movie 5 stars and 4 thumbs up. Spectacular action, adventure, humor and effects in this iconic sci-fi flick.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2660888/mediaviewer/rm3553760768

YOUR TURN

Do you like sci-fi? Are you planning to see the new Star Trek Beyond?



Did you checkout my FREEBIES and FREE Tutorials while you're here?

Thanks for visiting - and please become a Follower and come back soon!

Peace,
LuLu

'Our 40th Anniversary Present from Mother Nature!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and welcome!

Like clockwork, every spring in mid-June, just before my husband and I celebrate our wedding anniversary, the cacti on our property bloom in a profusion of fragrant, yellow flowers.

For our 40th anniversary this year they started to bloom on June 11th and the last flower closed on June 21st. This cold-climate species of Prickly Pear cactus, named Eastern Prickly Pear, that grows like a weed here in Chicago, IL is described here.

Our patch grows, from a small neighbor's cutting taken 20 years ago, between our house and driveway, in an area sheltered from winds. These cacti are bathed in full sun with both south and west exposures. They brilliantly survive the cold weather and being buried under mounds of snow during our long winter months.

 

When we first bought our house, the previous owners had planted a wild rose bush where the cacti are now. But the ground was such a dry desert there that hubby removed the roses and we planted succulents - and later the small cactus cutting that started it all.

The cacti took over the succulents. Good thing we have the house and driveway and 'landing pad' as barriers on all sides. Otherwise those cactus plants would overgrow everything!

The yellow cactus flowers are gorgeous and their aroma is intoxicating. We enjoyed over 50 blooms this year!

YOUR TURN
Do you have cactus plants on your property? Do they flower? What is your climate? What city, state or country are your cacti in? 

Did you checkout my FREEBIES and FREE Tutorials while you're here?

Thanks for visiting - and please become a Follower and come back soon!

Peace,
LuLu

'Grab Your Seat for Art Journaling Worklshop in Chicago, IL!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

A few seats are still available for the 2-day workshop I'm teaching at the beautiful Beverly Arts Center in Chicago, IL on Tuesday 6/14/16 and Thursday 6/16/16.

It's a Mixed Media Art Journaling workshop - an intense and immersive 2 days.

This fun workshop is 3 hours each day from 1pm - 4pm with 15 minute setup before class and 15 minute cleanup after class on  both days. Doors open at 12:45pm each day.

Hope you can join us.

Click here to register

Info here

'Incredible News - My New Studio!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome,

I've been swamped and not able to post much. And for good reason - I finally found my new studio space!

It's walking distance from my house in Chicago - and just a short, 5 minute drive. Here are some before pix. I'll post more pix when I can. For now, I'm deep in the throes of packing and moving multiple rooms from my house to the new place.

I'm exhausted - but so far I'm loving the new space!

Before - photos of the front porch at home, where I stored many supplies.

 

 

First Stage of Moving

into new space below.

 

 

 That's me in my new space. View East.

 

 

View East from 'zone' 1 - a.k.a. the 'Foyer'

View West of doorway.

View South West

View West with doorway.

 

Dimensions of this space are  about 27'L x 18'W x8'H. I need multiple workstations - so I had my helper, Kevin, measure and adhere painters tape on the floor to divide it into 9 'zones'.

Each of the nine zones is about 9' x 6'.

 

Kevin, my helper, does all the heavy lifting. All those boxes are in 'zone' 9 - the center of the room. I named it 'Central Processing'.

 

 

 

Furniture placement after movers left. Most everything has changed and is different now.

 

'West Wing Warehouse', view South from 'Foyer'

'Office' on the South wall = and shelving units on East side of  'Warehouse'

 

 

'Kitchen and spray painting 'booth' along south wall in the 'West Wing Warehouse'.

 'Office' on South wall, next to a free mirror hutch!

Long 8' counter was a gift from the building janitor, Scott, who is also a musician.

His counter was in a larger space that I looked at, but decided not to take. Too cold!

Scott, also a carpenter,  put casters on it for me.

 There is only one small, clerestory-type window.

So hubby bought some full-spectrum fluorescent lights.

We installed the lights in front of mirrors that we confiscated from home, to reflect more light into the room.

My husband and Carpenter, Dave. What a trooper!

 

Carpenter Dave attached casters on just about every piece of furniture in the space.

 

The 'Foyer' and 'Janitor Closet'. Dave laid the tile in a checkerboard pattern for me.

 

View EAST along South wall

The 'Library Nook'  for reading, research, and day dreaming.

The chair was free - and very comfy.

 

 

 My fave dog, 'Spot' usually sits on the arm of this chair. Spot is my fave dog because being stuffed, he doesn't affect allergies, asthma and bronchitis.

The radio/cd player was a gift from a couple who relocated to Arizona a few weeks ago.

I 'inherited' a lot of their stuff - including a laptop computer, that works!

 

We have a lot more work to do, but I wanted to let you know what I've been up to lately. Thanks for stopping by. Please come back soon!

 

Peace,

LuLu

 

BAPA Press Release - 2016

BAPA Press Release 2016

Week of May 29: West of Western

---

Events

Registration is open for a 2-day mixed media art journaling workshop with local artist Mary Lou Haynes, Tues., June 14 and Thurs., June 16, 1 to 4 p.m., Beverly Arts Center (BAC), 2407 W. 111th St. Registration/info.

Marcus Jones, author, Chicago cable talk-show host, motivational speaker, to speak Wed., June 1, 6:30 p.m. Free. Chicago Public Library Beverly Branch, 1962 W. 95th St. 312-747-9673.

Beverly Unitarian Church, 103rd and Longwood Drive, will host a Flea Market on the Lawn, Sat., June 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendor spaces are available for $25. Save the date to join neighbors who are looking for bargain! Info: 312-618-1814.

The Super Sunny 5K, an event that benefits adults with intellectual disabilities at Garden Center Services, will be held Sat., June 4, 8:30 a.m., Newcastle Park, Burbank. Info and registration.

'I picked the KY Derby Winner - Nyquist!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Once a year, my hubby and I host a KY Derby  viewing at our house for my father and his fiancée after we return home from lunch together.

This year I wagered on the favorite, Nyquist (along with other horses) because last year the favorite won, and I had not wagered on him. This year,  Nyquist jumped out at me when I was reading all the horses' stats last night - because he has come in 1st for every race he's ever run. I thought to myself that 'this is the horse that will win'.

And he did win -  yay! Watching that 2 minute race was very exciting!

Luckily I'll recoup my wagers, plus a little extra to go out to dinner...good thing I don't play the horses regularly!

Next year I'll be scrapbooking on the 1st Saturday in celebration of National Scrapbooking Day!

YOUR TURN

What did you do today? Did you watch the KY Derby on TV? Did you do any scrapbooking? Crafting?

Thanks for stopping by - please become a Follower, and leave a comment.

Peace,
LuLu

'Mixed Media Prep 101: Art Journaling - Conquering the Blank Page' - Summer 2016 in Chicago, IL.

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes
 

“Mixed Media Prep 101: Art Journaling – Conquering the Blank Page”

You’re invited to a 2-day Art Journaling Workshop in Chicago this summer! 

 

FAN of Sample Art Journal created by Mary Lou Haynes 

 

Samples of Art Journal created by Mary Lou Haynes 

 

 

 

 WHAT: Summer Mini-Camp: 

You will explore multiple mixed-media art techniques in this fun summer mini-camp. Anything goes in Art Journaling!

 

WHEN: Tuesday June 14, and Thursday June 16, 2016. 1pm-4pm both days. Doors open 12:45pm.

WHERE: Beverly Arts Center, in Beautiful Beverly Hills / Morgan Park. Chicago, IL 60643

WHO: Adults Ages 15+ 

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Lou ‘LuLu’ Haynes 

HOW: Click for Details and Supplies List http://www.beverlyartcenter.org/_camps/adult.php

 

' Exciting Announcement - New Art Journaling Workshop this Summer 2016 - and You're Invited!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes



Howdy and Welcome,

I am pleased to announce that I have been selected to teach another Mixed Media Art Journaling class this summer in Chicago at the Beverly Arts Center. That's two years in a row that I will be teaching at the BAC.

And I would like to invite you to join us
!

"We're Not In Kansas Anymore"
Tangling Doodle by LuLu Haynes
 

'Fan' of an art journal I created

A Page in an art Journal I created

Hope you will plan now to join us!

Registration and Art Journaling Workshop Details here or click the CLASS tab above.
Limited seating. Workshop size is limited to 8 students.

LODGING
Closest hotel is the Hilton Chicago / Oak Lawn, IL. This Hilton hotel offers a FREE Scheduled Shuttle in addition to an indoor swimming pool and other amenities. Hilton Hotel in Oak Lawn, IL

Thanks for stopping by - and please become a Follower.

Come back soon - two more exciting announcements are coming soon. (Shhhhh! Could one announcement be a Giveaway?!!!)

Peace,
LuLu

'Mixed Media / Art Journaling Workshop - Summer 2016, Chicago!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome,

This summer,  for the second year in a row, I've been invited to teach at the Beverly Arts Center in Chicago!

I'll be leading a 2-day mixed media workshop focused on Art Journals. Here are some samples of my Art Journals.

Paris Commission 1 - Back Cover

 

AJ - Front Cover
 

 

AJ - Silk Ribbons on wire binding

Save the date and mark your calendars now!

Starts: Tues June 14, 2016 - 3 hours

Concludes: Thu June 16, 2016 - 3 hours

Time: 1pm to 4pm both days.

Doors open: 12:45pm both days

Doors close: 4:15pm both days

Hope you can come to Chicago for this fun workshop.

Registration info coming soon!
Thanks for visiting - please become a Follower and come back soon!

Peace,
LuLu

" I was at Becky's Crafty Day last month!'

 

 

 

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

I was crafting with Becky and some other Scrap-A-Holics members at her clubhouse in the far western suburbs of Chicago.

I played in an art journal. Later, I did some knitting and crochet.

Great time, as usual! Thanks for having us, Becky.

Gayle, Becky, Maria

(Photo by LuLu)

Becky, Marisa, Gayle

(photo by LuLu)

Me - LuLu
 

Here are selfies and pics by Maria.

Becky and Maria

Gayle and Maria

 

LuLu and Maria



Gayle's 5 painted mini-canvases on easel - Becky in background

My Art Journal cover - washi tape collage - before white gesso

Thanks for stopping by - and please become a Follower.

Check out my FREEBIES while you're here, too!

Peace,
LuLu