2024 - New Job! 'I'm on my first Design Team!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes - Artist and Bricoleur

Happy New Year!

One Paper Place in Frankfort, IL has hired me for their Design Team! 

Thanks to owner, Chris Rispoli, for this crafty job!

Some samples of my work:

Art Journal Planner

(from Annette Green class at OPP July 2023).

Supplies: provided by Annette Green

Front Cover

Technique: Stencils + glitter paste

Inside back cover:

Technique: My original MLH stamp + unknown stamp

Assemblage

(from Finnabair class at OPP July 2023)

Techniques: 3-D collage, painting, gilding

Supplies: gesso, acrylic paints, embellishments 

[from Finnabair class and from home stash]

Thanks for stopping by - please leave a comment!

Peace, 

LuLu

'Happy New Year + Freebies!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes - Artist and Bricoleur

Howdy and Welcome,

Happy [belated] New Year!

Lots of Life happening lately [including ER visit due to chest pain, 

which was a false alarm - NOT a heart attack. Just muscle strain.. So

I've been spending less time spent online and blog posting...

Wanted to let Followers know that I AM still alive. 

Super busy.

I'm feverishly purging/donating much of my stash/

destashing and packing so we can move ASAP.

Giving - and have given - many art supplies, washi tapes,

 jewelry supplies and beads away - most 

to our local Arts Center.

Probably we'll stay in the Midwest - 

wherever the temperature and weather are milder.

Ha! Is that even possible?!

Freebies are below - have fun. 

Permission granted in this post to copy images below.

[Right Click on image to copy].

Negative - edited

Original (Photo used with permission from D.Daruszka) - edited

Please comment AND visit my other posts - 

for lots of other Freebies for you here on LuLu's blog!

Thanks for stopping by.

Peace,

LuLu

'WILD News during my September Birthday month! 'Baby #2 leaves the nest!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy!

 

I know... it’s been a long while since I've posted. Now I’ve got news that I just have to share... 

On Saturday 9/21/2019, I sold ANOTHER of my mini art journals (3.5” x 4”) in a deal to an artist [Tanako Konishi] that I showed it to during  the annual Beverly Art Walk here in Chicago! This book is number 2 in a series of 3.

 

'untitled '
2/3
Mary Lou Haynes
c 2019

 

He loved it – turning pages and gushing over it. He really wanted to buy it - even though I explained that it is full of my experiments and tests, image transfers, a self-portrait, and custom washi tapes. It is not even titled. I suggested a trade because I really wanted one of his (pricey) pieces hanging on the gallery wall. He agreed - so we settled the deal right then and there. He took one of his very pricey art works off the wall (a digital collage under glass) and handed it over to me on the spot. He explained his inspiration for the piece, layering, the collage imagery, and symbolism.

Someone standing nearby took photos -  one of me and my husband holding Tanako's piece (about 36” square) and one of me with Tanako holding my teeny, tiny, little mini book. This all happened SO FAST! Less than 10 minutes – it’s blur. I was in shock! I’m STILL in shock. When we walked out of that gallery, my hubby told me that I’m a great ‘negotiator’! J

Now, to replace that book (which I already miss), I’m resuming work on the final mini art journal of that series (3/3). I had started all 3 at the same time in 2013. When I get another opportunity like that, I want to be prepared! (The first mini art journal of the series (1/3)  I ‘lent’ to someone to look at ‘when she had time’. But she never gave it back to me when I asked for it...so I wrote that one off to experience....)

 

Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment.

 

Peace,

LuLu

 

 

 

'Halloween Weekend Retreat 2017 (near Chicago) is rapidly approaching!

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Hello Crafters, 

Do you need some crafting time before the holidays? We still have a few retreat tables available for the weekend of October 27-30, 2017! If you need to get some crafting done before the holiday rush, then Scrap-A-Thon 9 / Crafter’s Paradise 4-day Retreat is the place to be in 2017! 

The cost of the Full Weekend Pass (4 days – 40 hours) is just $50.00! Or come for a day.

Friday $35. Saturday $40.00. Sunday $45.00. Monday $50. 

The Full Weekend Pass includes complimentary use of all studio tool and supplies and materials! Unpack once – leave your stuff setup all weekend! Easy in/out. Come when you can – leave when you need to.

 

For info and to register visit  www.scrap-a-thon.com   

Hope you can spend time with us in a couple of weeks!

 

Mary Lou ‘LuLu’ Haynes

Producer / Creative Director / Founder
www.scrap-a-thon.com


tags

2017, art journal, ATC, books, Chicago, crafts, crochet, crop, fabric, Halloween, Illinois, knit, needlepoint, October, quilt, scrapbooking, sew, washi, weave, weekend retreat, bujo, journal, planner

 

 

 

 

'October 2017 Retreat near Chicago!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

I'm hosting a Ladies Only Weekend Mini-Retreat and Getaway at my art studio in October 2017!

For details visit www.scrap-a-thon.com.

Hope you can join us.

Peace,
LuLu
www.lulu-too-beaucoup.com

2016 Scrap-A-Thon  Mini Retreat

tags

2017, art journal, books, Chicago, crafts, crochet, crop, fabric, ATC, Halloween, Illinois, knit, needlepoint, October, quilt, scrapbooking, sew, washi, weave, weekend retreat

'4-day Weekend Retreat Getaway in October 2017 near Chicago!

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome!

'Stretch Break - at  S-A-T 8'

I'm hosting Scrap-A-Thon 9 Mini-Retreat in October during the 2017 Hallowe'en weekend!

4-days for $50 USD!

This is a no-frills, ladies only getaway!

For details or to register, visit www.scrap-a-thon.com

Thanks for stopping by and please become a Follower. Only Followers are eligible for my Giveaways.

Peace,
LuLu

tags
2017, art journal, books, Chicago, crafts, crochet, crop, fabric, ATC, Halloween, Illinois, knit, needlepoint, October, quilt, scrapbooking, sew, washi, weave, weekend retreat

'What's On My BuJo Desk - Washi Edition!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome,


Here's a tiny peek at part of my washi tape collection. This is washi storage on my BuJo desk in my office where I do planning. I love journaling, Fountain Pens, stationary, and bullet journals.

YOUR TURN
Do you BuJo? Do you washi?

Please leave a comment and become a Follower. Followers get first announcements about the events, classes/workshops I teach, and retreats that I host!

Thanks for stopping by.

Peace,
LuLu
www.thesplayce.com

"Ladies' Art Journaling Workshop (near Chicago) is Rapidly Aproaching!"

Ladies!
 

Our fun Art Journaling workshop is just days away! Come and learn fun techniques to start your own, unique Art Journal. No crafting or art experience required. Most supplies provided.
 

Snacks, beverages, and pizza dinner are included!
 

JULY 2017 at The SPlayce (in historic downtown Blue Island, IL, USA – adjacent to Chicago border)
 

 Sat, 7/22/17: Workshop - Art Journaling: 101 ($45 USD p/p includes dinner and more).
 

For detailed description and info, visit www.lulu-too-beaucoup.com/workshops
 

                Click Art Journaling (download PDF file)
 

To register, visit www.lulu-too-beaucoup/events
 

                Select Workshops, click Art Journaling
 

 

FOR ALL EVENTS AT THE SPLAYCE
 

• Time is 1:30pm to 11:30pm (except workshops/classes) - come when you can, leave when you need to. All lady crafters, 18 and up, are welcome.
 

• Sherpa - our Helper (Dave) is available at 1:30pm and 11:30pm  (except workshops/classes) to carry stuff from/to your car!

 

• Accessible! No stairs - easy ramp to ‘The SPlayce’.
 

• Food
 

 Snacks, soft drinks, bottled water, ice, paper products, and utensils are included.
 

 Pizza Meal – to eat pizza dinner, send your choice at least 72 hours in advance to: lulu@nuvoclassic.com
 

Please include:
 

• 1. DATE you are attending
• 2. your pizza preference (meat OR veggie).
•  

 Menus - Complimentary menus are also available if you prefer to order out on your own. No refunds given if you decline pizza dinner.
 

 OPTIONAL: BYO – fridge / freezer / microwave oven are available if you want to BYO food. No refunds given if you BYO food and/or decline pizza dinner.

 

• Secure – Call LuLu’s cell phone (workshop day only) upon arrival for entry to ‘The SPlayce’.
 

• Registration - Advance online registration is required. Payments are non-refundable.
 

 

Come join us!
 

Mary Lou ‘LuLu’ Haynes

www.thesplayce.com

Historic Downtown Blue Island, IL 60406 (located on southeast border of Chicago, IL)

''Celebrate National Scrapbooking Day and other 2017 Crafting events at The SPlayce (near Chicago, IL)!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

 

Ladies!

Are you hankering for a lot of crafting time? Want to come play for a leisurely ‘Crafter-noon’? Do you need space to spread out your project? We offer generous time slots PLUS ample table space at ‘The SPlayce’ for you to play and do your crafty things!

 

·        MAY 20, 2017 at The SPlayce

Sat, May 6^th is National Scrapbook Day, and we are celebrating at ‘The SPlayce’ on Saturday May 20^th. We would love for you to join us! Not just for scrapbooking – all crafty ladies are welcome. (3 seats open - $15 p/p)

 

·        JUNE 30, 2017 at The SPlayce

Fri, June 30^th, celebrate National Beading Month at ‘The SPlayce’! All lady crafters welcome. (2 seats open - $20 p/p)

 

·        JULY 2017 at The SPlayce

·        Sat, 7/22/17: Workshop - Art Journaling:101 at ‘The SPlayce’ (4 seats open - $45 p/p). For info and workshop registration visit www.lulu-too-beaucoup.com/events

 

·        Tue, 7/25/17: Celebrate Chicago Crochet Conference at ‘The SPlayce’! (3 seats open - $35 p/p)

 

·        AUGUST 2017 at The SPlayce

Tue, August 8^th: Celebrate Weaving at ‘The SPlayce’! (3 seats open - $20 p/p)

 

For all events at The SPlayce:

 

Time is 1:30pm to 11:30pm, come when you can, leave when you need to. Helper available at 1:30pm and 11:30pm to carry stuff from/to your car! No stairs - easy ramp to ‘The SPlayce’.

 

We now have a fridge/freezer and microwave oven if you want to bring food for your Crafter-noon play day at ‘The SPlayce’!

 

Ladies only. All lady crafters and all crafts are welcome. Seating is limited. Advance online registration is required.

 

Hope you can join us!

 

Mary Lou ‘LuLu’ Haynes

www.thesplayce.com

Historic Downtown Blue Island, IL 60406 (located on southeast border of Chicago, IL)

 

 

tags

2017, art journal, ATC, books, Chicago, crafts, crochet, crop, fabric, Illinois, knit, needlepoint, October, quilt, scrapbooking, sew, washi, weave

'and the Winner is.................!' Giveaway closed.

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Drumroll...........dat, dat, da, da!

NikkiC!

Congratulations NikkiC! You have won the Giveaway goodie package! You have been contacted for your postal address.

You will love these Giveaway prizes! This prize package contains:

 

• a top zip tote bag - with pocket and removable shoulder strap,
• a scoring board,
• Strathmore sketch pad,
• background stamp,
• adhesive backed foam,
• multi-tool,
• tape,
• die cuts,
• stickers,
•  embellishments,
• Ranger blending tool, and
• MORE (not pictured)!  

This fun prize package also includes a small cosmetic bag - I use mine as a mini Art Journal Travel Kit!

 

Thanks to all for entering!
Look for more Tutorials in the following months!

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

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 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

'WOYWW - My Neat and Tidy Table - huh?!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome,

After the Scrap-A-Thon retreat I hosted during Halloween weekend and the holidays, my table was a disaster.

I finally had a chance to tidy up a bit recently.

LuLu's Art Studio - Northern exposure - Chicago IL, USA

And I actually sat down and played in a couple of my Art Journals! But mostly I've been practicing my knitting and crochet - which I think are great for cold weather.

Want to see more studios? Head on over to Julia's blog - click here.

Thanks for stopping by - and check out my FREEBIES on this blog!!!

Peace,
LuLu

'FREEBIE - Background Text for Art Journal and Altered Books!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome!

Here is a FREEBIE to use in your personal artwork only.
Do not use it an any work that you sell.

 Collage text background -

antique book page, clip, printer symbols dump paper -

created by LuLu Haynes

 

 

Enjoy!

 

Please become a Follower - and comment on this post - or any of my other FREEBIE posts!

 

Peace,

LuLu

"How to Travel Light with Wet Art Supplies - or What's In My Art Kit and Travel Bag?"

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and Welcome,


How to Travel Light with Wet Art Supplies!

I'm a Mad Scientist At Work!

This travel bag  is another experiment to try to travel light with a small amount of wet supplies in my art kit for Art Journaling on the go. I'm using small travel-size bottles - store bought, old film canister and empty vials from complimentary hotel toiletries.

 

SUPPLIES - WET ART KIT

1. Clinique clear makeup pouch (I found a 'lot' of used makeup pouches at a cheap price on eBay)
2. snack baggie - vertical/portrait
3. snack baggie - horizontal/landscape
4. water brush - fine tip
5. water brush - broad tip
6. wet glue pen - 2 way (perm and repo)
7. medium - matte medium 'Liquitex'
8. medium- gloss medium 'Claudine Hellmuth 'Studio'
9. h2o
10. acrylic paint  - gold 'Lumiere' fabric paint - opaque
11. acrylic paint - glitter - gold
12. gesso - white  'Claudine Hellmuth 'Studio'
13. gesso - clear
14. gesso - black  'Claudine Hellmuth 'Studio'
15. homemade acrylic glaze - warm color
16. homemade acrylic glaze-  cool color
17. glitter glue - silver 'Stickles'
18. hand sanitizer gel
19. clip - 'bulldog' binder clip

Note: The book with embossed map cover is from sale at Michaels craft store. It's my travel diary, not an AJ. It's to prop up the supplies. I bought several because I really like the map cover.

YOUR TURN!

Do you separate your WET supplies from DRY?  Do you travel light with your art journal supplies? Or lug 'the kitchen sink'? Do you like to use the new water brushes by Tim Holtz, etc.? Have you tried filling them with colorant instead of water? India inks? acrylic inks?

I would love to see what's in YOUR art kits/travel bags! Reply to this post with a link to your blog post.

Thanks for stopping by - and stay tuned. Fun posts are coming soon!!! Please become a Follower if you're not already.

Peace,
LuLu

'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