'I saw STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS in IMAX 3D on opening night Thursday 12/17/15 - twice!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy,

I'm back for a hot minute - in between the retreat I just hosted and the holidays.

I saw the new STAR WARS - and loved it of course. I'm a STAR WARS fanatic. Bought my tix online months ago - the day they went on sale!

Click for more info STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

I was 3rd in line at my favorite local IMAX 3D theatre. Only had to stand in line 1 1/2 hours for my best seats! I like the top row under the projectionist booth.

Me - on opening night at the IMAX movie theatre in Country Club Hills, IL!

 

My view - while waiting in line for 1 1/2 hours until seating started.

Perfect movie!

Tuesday I get to see STAR WARS for the third time - with my hubby on senior discount day. Can't wait!

BACKGROUND

I saw the first STAR WARS movie (Episode IV: A New Hope) 19 times at different movie theatres during the summer of 1977!

I LOVE to read science fiction. I read the STAR WARS book in 1976 (a birthday gift from my new hubby).

While I was reading the book, I ran into the room where he was and excitedly announced that it was the BEST sci-fi book I had ever read - and that they should make it into a movie. Hubby said, 'they ARE making it into a movie' Upon which I replied 'OHHHHHHHH! I can't wait for STAR WARS to come out! It'll be a huge blockbuster!'

Did I call it - or what????



YOUR TURN

Are you a sci-fi buff? If so, have you seen the new STAR WARS movie yet?

Thanks for visiting. Please become a Follower and come back soon. Huge announcement coming for 2016!

Peace,
LuLu

'Just one week left until Scrap-A-Thon 8 Weekend Retreat and Getaway - only 4 spots left!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

 

Ladies,

Only 4 Individual Weekend Passes are left for Scrap-A-Thon 8 - a three-day, fun-filled and relaxing weekend retreat and getaway at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Aurora, IL (near Chicago) during Halloween Weekend 10/30/15 - 11/1/15.

Who couldn't use up to 50 hours of crafting and playtime?!

Due to popular demand, Last Minute registration period for Individual Weekend Passes has been extended through 10pm Thursday 10/29/2015 for Scrap-A-Thon 8 retreat and getaway!

Don’t be left out - order your tickets now. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/scrap-a-thon-8-fall-frolic-craft-crop-weekend-retreat-tickets-14943486370

Retreat info here: http://scrap-a-thon-scrapbooking-retreat.blogspot.com

Hope you can join us!
Thanks to all of our Sponsors and to those who already registered. See you soon!

Mary Lou 'LuLu'

'On Sale Now! Weekend Passes for 2016 Retreat and Getaway!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

 

 

On Sale Now!

Do you like to plan ahead for your crafting retreats and getaways?

 

2016 Early Bird SPECIAL registrations are available now (3-day Weekend Pass is $50 USD per person) to Scrap-A-Thon 9 Retreat and Getaway  during Halloween Weekend.

 

·        Same place! (Hampton Inn and Suites, Aurora IL - near Chicago, IL)

·        Same time! (3pm Friday through 5pm Sunday during Halloween Weekend)

·        Deadline for EB Special Weekend Passes: 11:30pm on December 31, 2015.

 

EB SPECIAL Weekend Passes are available for Individuals only. Not valid for Groups.

Group sales start in 2016.

 

Transferrable.

Non-refundable.

Not tax-deductible.

 

Hotel discount code will be published in early 2016.

 

If you like to plan ahead, this $50 USD registration price is your best value for 2016 Scrap-A-Thon 9 weekend retreat and getaway passes!

 

Makes a great Christmas gift for your crafty friends - or for yourself! Click here to register:

http://tinyurl.com/SAT9-EB-Special

Hope you can join us!

 

2016 Retreat info: http://scrap-a-thon-scrapbooking-retreat.blogspot.com/p/2016-early-bird.html

 

 

 

 

 

keywords tags

 

2014, 2015, 2016, 3 days, altered books, art journal, art journals, artist trading cards, ATC, book binding, bookmaking, CQ, cabinet cards, card making, card making, Chicago, Chicagoland, craft, crafting, crafts, crazy quilts, patchwork, crochet, cropping, Early Bird, EB, ephemera, fat books, fiber arts, free, freebie, getaway, glue books, knit, knitting, knotting, mixed media, paper arts, paper crafting, prizes, quilting, retreat, Scrap-A-Holics, scrapbook, scrapbooking, sewing, smash books, washi, washi tape, weave, weaving, weekend 

 

'Hotel discount deadline for Scrap-A-Thon 8 retreat!

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes



Greetings and Welcome,

Hotel discount deadline!

Ladies, the countdown is on for our fall frolic getaway! Have you registered yet to Getaway next month? We still have a few seats open.

 

 

The October 30^th 2015, Scrap-A-Thon 8 Weekend 3-day Retreat and Getaway in Aurora, IL (near Chicago) is filling up; very limited seating with some seats still left. Buy your ‘Weekend Pass’ or ‘Day Tripper’ ticket before 11:30pm CT September 30^th when prices will increase.

Hotel discount expires on September 29^th! Retreat registrations end in 2 weeks.

This is a retreat for all crafts, not just gelatin monoprinting or scrapbooking! Arrive when you can – leave when you need to.

Enjoy up to 50 hours of unstructured, no frills, crafting!

F    FALL FROLIC!

No Frills - Ladies Only - Craft 'n Crop Weekend RETREAT and Getaway!

Bring your sisters, mother, aunts, daughters, nieces, BFFs and girlfriends for an enjoyable pre-holiday 'ladies only' weekend getaway! 

• Up to 50 hours of cropping and crafting and social time!

• Bring your stuff - unpack once!

• In/Out privileges to the same table!

·       Unlimited beverages, snacks, and more!

·       Saturday Pizza and Salad dinner included for Weekend Pass holders and Saturday Day Tripper ticket holders.

• Work on whatever craft you want! Gelatin monoprinting, journaling, scrapbooking, art journals, card making, weaving, altered books, beaded jewelry, book binding, quilling, knitting, crocheting, quilting, collage, glue books, smash books,  painting, sewing - whatever!

• Grand Door Prize! (for Weekend Pass holders only, must be present Sunday to win) Prize includes a Gelli Plate from one of our sponsors, Gelli Arts!

 • Lodging not included (except for $300 'AI' Weekend Pass package).

·       Discount for Groups of 2 or more! Group Leader must be selected.

·       Discount code for hotel lodging! Expires September 29, 2015

http://scrap-a-thon-scrapbooking-retreat.blogspot.com/p/passes.html

Hope you can join us!

Peace,
Mary Lou
registrar@scrap-a-thon.com

'Getaway Retreat - Registration deadline for Groups is soon!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy Ladies,

For those who want to attend the all-crafts retreat getaway that I’m hosting, Registration deadlines are rapidly approaching.

 

• WHAT: GETAWAY! 3-day weekend crafting retreat - for up to 50 hours.

• WHEN: Getaway retreat is Halloween weekend 2015.

• DURATION: Times and dates for getaway are: from 3pm Friday October 30th, through 5pm on Sunday November 1st.

• WHO: All crafters are welcome to attend and spread out, and work on whatever you want to work on.

• ELIGIBILITY: LADIES only.

• WHERE: Venue is the Hampton INN, Aurora, IL. (near Chicago)

• DISCOUNTS: Discount code is available for hotel lodging.

• COST: Cost of Weekend Pass for groups (of 2 or more) is $65 per group member - in advance via PayPal.

• Weekend Passes are valid for all 3 days.

• Weekend Passes include in/out privileges to SAME table, plus prizes, plus more.

• Group registrations close soon - deadline is September 15, 2015.

• Individuals can register after Group registrations close.

• To attend for ONLY 1 or 2 days, you can register after Group registrations close.

• GROUP DEADLINE: Group registration closes September 15, 2015.

• DRESS CODE: None - tiara and pajamas, optional :-)

• MORE INFO and for REGISTRATION LINK visit: www.scrap-a-thon.com

·       QUESTIONS? email Registrar@scrap-a-thon.com

 Flyer is below.

Hope you can join us!

'My Great-great grandparent's family photo!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes


Howdy and welcome,

Here's a photo that my 99-year-old grand-aunt just gave me to scan.

It shows her mother, Emma (at right end ) and my grandmother's parents (George and Mary, seated with baby in lap) and 8 of 13 siblings (plus one cousin, 2nd from left).

Photo was taken in front of the family homestead on their tobacco farm (formerly a plantation owned by a Fulton Tobacco's owner) in Mount Airy, NC, USA - circa 1902.


 
 
 























The parents were formerly slaves as children working at neighboring plantations. I'm still researching the parents of my great-great grandfather (center) on ancestry.com.

One family legend say his father (my great-great-great grandfather) was a 'Cherokee Indian hog drover'. And I have a copy of a sworn affidavit that indicates his father was a 'Cherokee Indian'.

However,
recent research this month has revealed a surprisingly different story about the ancestry of my great-great-great grandfather. So  I'm curious to know the true story whenever the facts are substantiated!


YOUR TURN

Do you have old photos of your family?


Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment and become a Follower - come back soon.

Peace,
Mary Lou

'Just a little Something, Something!...and get your Freebies'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes


Howdy and Welcome!

Thought I'd share this digital piece from my archives. I love the color orange. Orange makes my soul smile.

'Floor Tiles on Steroids' -  

architectural building floor mosaic digitally enhanced by Mary Lou Haynes

Photograph by D. C. Daruszka

Used with permission from the photographer

ca. 2009

 

I used 2 software products on this piece:

• Microsoft Digital Image Editor
• Adobe (PSE) Photoshop Elements

 

 

YOUR TURN

 

Do you ever use digital image editing software? If so, which products? What are your top  3 favorite things about them? Top 3 gripes about each product?

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

MORE GOODIES

 

'Refractions Series 2015 - Semi-Precious Gems'

 

Hybrid - Paints, Photography, Digital Image Editing

by Mary Lou Haynes

Copyright June 2015

• For more Freebies, search this blog, keyword 'Freebies'. You have my permission to use this original artwork 'Refractions Series 2015 - Semi-Precious Gems' for your personal use, but not to sell in any form.
• For Mixed Media Retreats, search this blog, keyword 'mixed media'.

 

Thanks for stopping by. Please become a Follower and comment. I love to see your comments! Come back soon.

 

Peace,

LuLu
www.scrap-a-thon.com

'Freebie! and - It's Official! I'm a Celebrity! Well, sort of....Art Journal Class I'm Teaching!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome,

'Globe on Steroids' -

architectural building sculpture digitally enhanced by Mary Lou Haynes

Photograph by D. C. Daruszka

Used with permission from the photographer

I'm in the newspaper! I'm officially a celebrity!
well, sort of a celebrity...One of our local newspapers here in Chicago, featured an article about me and the mixed media Art Journal class I'm teaching next week at the Beverly Arts Center in Chicago, IL.

We'll be using all sorts of goodies, including washi tapes, scrapbooking paper and doing all sorts of techniques including: collage, frottage, laminating, doodling and more!

Would love for you to join us if you are in Chicago, Illinois the week of  June 23 and June 25, 2015!

Click here for the article.

Click here for the workshop info (Adult Mini Camp by Mary Lou Haynes) scroll to bottom of page.


Meanwhile, here's a freebie background I created. This is a black-and-white version of an excerpt from a tangle/doodle I drew in one of my sketch journals. You have my permission to use this in your artwork - for your own personal art, but not to sell. Enjoy!

 'Moisture on Mars (BnW)' -

by Mary Lou Haynes

 

Please become a Follower and comment. I love to see your comments. SPread the word about the fun Freebies you find on my blog! Come back soon.

Peace,
LuLu

'Schedule of Craft Events - Published!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes


Howdy and Welcome,

Here is my current schedule - hope you can join me this year! The two retreats that I am hosting near Chicago, Illinois, USA in 2015 will be loads of fun - and relaxing, too!

Sample Art Journal views - by LuLu Haynes

SCHEDULE

2015

Jun

·        17                          Scrapbooking and Crafternoon – AnniversaryPotluck Crop, Michaels, Tinley Park, IL, USA 1-8pm

·        23 and 25                Art Journaling 2-day Workshop, Beverly Arts Center, Chicago, IL, USA, 1-4:30pm

July

·        17                          3^rd Friday Crafternoon – All crafts (Art Journaling, etc), BAPA Room, 11109 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL, 60643, USA, 1-8pm

Aug

·        14 – 16                 Retreat with Workshops, Hampton Inn, Aurora, IL, USA, 3pm Friday – 5pm Sunday

Sep

·        18                          3^rd Friday Crafternoon – All crafts (Art Journaling, etc), BAPA Room, 11109 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL, 60643, USA, 1-8pm

Oct

·       30 – Nov 1           Retreat, Hampton Inn, Aurora, IL, USA, 3pm Friday – 5pm Sunday

Nov

·        20                          3^rd Friday Crafternoon – All crafts (Art Journaling, etc), BAPA Room, 11109 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL, 60643, USA, 1-8pm

Dec

·        16                          Scrapbooking and Crafternoon – Holiday Potluck Crop, Michaels, Tinley Park, IL, USA 1-8pm

 

2016

Jan

·        15                          3^rd Friday Crafternoon – All crafts (Art Journaling, etc), BAPA Room, 11109 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL, 60643, USA, 1-8pm

Mar

·        18                          3^rd Friday Crafternoon – All crafts (Art Journaling, etc), BAPA Room, 11109 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL, 60643, USA, 1-8pm

 
BAPA Room (Beverly Area Planning Association Community Room) - map and schedule
 

YOUR TURN

Have you ever attended an art retreat? If so, when and where? Did you get a lot of art work done?

Thanks for stopping by. Please become a Follower and come back soon!

Peace,
LuLu

'Make IT! Mark IT! Mask IT! Mixed Media Midwest - Chicago Retreat!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes


Howdy and Welcome,

These are the current SPONSORS of our August 2015 retreat.

Many thanks to our 2015 Sponsors of Make IT! Mark IT! Mask IT! Mixed Media Midwest Chicago Retreat for their generous support.

• Patron - Highest Praise Dance Fitness
• Friend - Creative Media Wizards
• Donor 1 - Aurora Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Donor 2 - GOLDEN Paints
• Donation - GELLI Arts
• Donation - Piles to Smiles 

Click here to register or for M6 mixed media retreat info. Hope to see you in August!


Thanks for stopping by. Please become a Follower and come back soon.
Peace,
LuLu

2015 mixed media retreat, Chicago, altered books, assemblage, collage, artist book, book binding, art journal, prizes, smash book, steampunk, washi, workshops, playtime, fabric, scrapbooking retreat, fusing, workshop

'Invitation to my Art Journaling class in Chicago, IL, USA!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome!

You are invited to join me, Mary Lou Haynes, for the summer 2-day intensive Art Journaling workshop ‘mini-camp’ that I will be teaching in Chicago, IL, USA at the Beverly Arts Center! BAC members enjoy a discount on workshop fee.

·        Tue, Jun 23, 2015 from  1pm – 4:30pm

·        Thu, Jun 25, 2015 from  1pm – 4:30pm

Sample of an art journal Cover (Paris) by Mary Lou

(SU15) Basic Mixed Media Prep 101: Art Journaling - In this 2-day workshop ‘mini-camp’, you will explore mixed media and in the process, transform a blank journal into a fun art journal! Art techniques include: laminating, frottage, collage, under-journaling, resists, glazing, masks, stenciling, and tangling. Once you learn these techniques you’ll never look at a blank page the same. The instructor will bring her personal collection of art journals for ideas and inspiration. See supplies list for items to bring to class – also, some FREE supplies will be provided.

Ages 15+.

Instructor: Mary Lou Haynes

Please contact the Beverly Arts Center with questions. Or click Registration info

 

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

Peace,

LuLu

keywords: art journal, camp, Chicago, class, collage, doodling, free supplies, frottage, gesso, glazing, laminating, masks, mixed media, resists, stenciling, tangling, under-journaling, washi tape, workshop

'Mixed Media RETREAT - Early Bird DIVA Playroom Pass - $75 through 4/30/15!'

Come play in our PLAYROOM all weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday - up to 50 hours!
Limited seating.
For Ladies 18 and up.



Make IT! Mark IT! Mask IT! Mixed Media Midwest - Chicago Retreat!
August 14 - 16, 2015
Hampton Inn and Suites
Aurora, IL, USA

1) Get full details here OR register below. Select Early Bird DIVA Weekend Pass through 4/30/15 for $75 USD.

This is the best value for those not wanting workshops - just 3 days of PLAY time!

Online event registration for 'Make IT! Mark IT! Mask IT!' - PLAYROOM powered by Eventbrite

'My First Digital Photo Restoration Commission!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and welcome,

Here are the BEFORE and AFTER pix of a photo restoration I just completed for a commission using two software products:

• Adobe PSE (Photoshop Elements)
• Microsoft Digital Image Editor

BEFORE

AFTER

YOUR TURN!

Have you ever restored old/damaged photos using digital image editing software? If so, what is your fave software tool?

Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment and become a Follower. Come back again soon!

Peace,
LuLu 

Coordinator / Producer / Founder

Mixed Media Retreat: http://makeit-markit-maskit-mixed-media.blogspot.com

Scrapbooking Retreat: www.scrap-a-thon.com

 

'WOYWW - Springtime in Paris!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome


On the table is my entry for the 'Springtime In Paris' contest sponsored by Michaels. This is the assemblage cover of an art journal I created for this contest with a Paris theme. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a peek at more artist studios for WOYWW, visit Julia's blog here.

 

Thanks for stopping by - please comment, become a Follower and come back soon

 

Peace,

LuLu

http://makeit-markit-maskit-mixed-media.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

 

'What's in my Travel Art Bag!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome,

Glad you could stop by. Being knee deep in preparations for the August 2015 mixed media retreat that I'm hosting, does not leave much time for posting - or anything else!

But I wanted to share with you what's in my new art bag! My hubby gave me a 'Voyager Riggers Bag' (from harborfreight.com) earlier this month. I posted one photo on Facebook and got requests for the dimensions and to show what is in it.

 

Also, I enjoy surfing youtube.com and watching other 'what's in my bag' videos.

Enjoy!

Here's what I loaded into this travel art bag, which has (62) wet supplies for creating art journal backgrounds.

Since I took the photos, I also lightly spray painted the bag.

ITEM Description

apron

brush - foam

brush - small (duplicate)

brushes - sml, med, lge

catalog (for gluing)

clip - large binder

clips (3) - mini-binder

cotton swabs (3)

cough drops - Ricola (2)

Distress Inks (3)

Distress Stain (1)

gel pens - glitter - (5)

gesso - black

gesso - clear

gesso - white

gesso mix - clear + matte medium

glazes - my DIY (8) - decanted into used hotel shampoo bottles

gloves - I bought a box of 100 gloves from Sally Beauty Supply (with my Sally discount card)

glue - Stickles - Distress 'Picket fence' glitter glue

h2O pencil set (in recycled 'Stampin up' container for colored pencils)

h2O spray 'mini-mister'

matte medium (2)

Multi  medium (Claudine Hellmuth) - matte and gloss

old key cards (3) - as squeegees

old key cards (6) - as squeegees (duplicates)

paint - Smooch - gold

paint - water brush - filled with Dylusions Wash 'teal'

paint - watercolor paint pens (9) - Elmer's

paint (2)  acrylics (Ranger Dabbers) - gold, silver

paints (5) acrylics - red, yellow, green, brown, white

palette - palette paper

palette - recycled plastic container lid

palette knife

palette knife - texture palette knife

paper - mini-notepad

paper - painted wax papers

paper - palette

paper - wax paper sheets

paper - wax paper sheets (duplicate)

paper towel squares

paper towel squares (duplicate)

pencil  - #2 mini

pencil - mini-automatic  (Pilot 'Dr. Grip' xs 0.5)

rag square

rag square (duplicate)

rag square (duplicate)

sponge

sponges (3)- duplicate

tablecloth

tape - double-sided Scoth magic matte

tape - masking, 1"

tape - washi tape on used key cards (4)

texture - bottle cap

texture - bubble wrap

texture - bubble wrap (duplicate)

texture - corrugated cardboard square

texture - my DIY circle stamp

texture - plastic grocery bag square

texture - punchinella strip

texture - stamp

vitamin bottle, large - recycled for h2O (rinsing brushes)

wipes     Thanks for visiting - while you are here, please become a follower, make a comment -  and come back soon! And if you like to play, please plan to join us at the mixed media, art, craft and scrapbooking retreat August near Chicago, IL, USA!   Peace, LuLu