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

GIVEAWAY! LIBRA De-stash! FREE Giveaway! Deadline: Extended! More pix! More Info!

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes  

You could win these supplies!

Sample journal of what you can make with the mixed media supplies in this huge Giveaway!

Sample of what can be made with Giveaway supplies!

Is your birthday coming? Have you had a birthday? Post a comment - you could win!

LUCKY LIBRA LADY FOLLOWER - BIRTHDAY FREE GIVEAWAY!

September is my birthday month and I'm celebrating with my Followers by offering a FREE giveaway! 

So if you are a Libra lady celebrating your birthday on Sep 27th or celebrating your birthday on Sting's birthday Oct 2nd, indicate that in your comment and you could win!

I have put together some HAPPY MAIL / de-stash items for one lucky Libra (or other) birthday girl! See list of free GIVEAWAY goodies!

ELIGIBILITY

Any LIBRA lady in continental USA is eligible over 18 years of age. If your birthdate is Sep 27th or Oct 2nd (or close to those dates) you could be the winner! You must have an email address.

You do not have to be a Follower to enter.

But there is a Bonus for FOLLOWERS! Followers get a extra little something-something!

See below if your birthday is in September or October!

WHAT IF MY  LIBRA BRITHDAY IS NOT YOUR'S OR STING'S?

A birthdate on, or closest to, either of these 2 dates (9/27, 10/2) will be the lucky winner! Up to two winners - one lady born Sep 27th and/or one lady born Oct 2 (or closest birthday).

WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE GIVEAWAY?

Giveaway de-stash items will be a grab bag of new and gently used mixed media supplies selected from my various studios. These supplies are ideal for creating junk journals / smash books / glue books / flow-ish journals / bullet journals / art journals.

Giveaway Includes:

Update: (a $450 value)

1. ·          A5 bullet journal - partially prepped/setup/page numbered by me with pen test pages, index pages, Key / Icon / Color Code page, plus stamped page title borders, and page title cartouches (ESSENTIALS, 8”x5.5”, dot grid, archival, acid free, ribbon bookmark, back pocket),A5 calendar / journal  – dated, obsolete, blank, twin-wire,
2. ·        junk mail journal – ready to paint and embellish (wirebound by me),
3. ·        Tote - 18 pocket tool tote – foldable,
4. ·        Tote - crocheted hobo purse (thrift store find),
5. ·        Adhesive - glue stick,
6. ·        adult coloring pages – assorted sizes (owls, nature, mandalas, etc.),
7. ·        book pages (vintage, old, foreign, dictionary, etc.)
8. ·        colored pencils (in repurposed marker tin) – warm tones,
9. ·        craft mat – new (RANGER), 
10. ·        embellishments (metal, resin, paper, TIM Holtz, and more),
11. ·        embroidery floss on bobbins – wound by me (primary colors),
• NEW! Embossing supplies for heat embossing,
12. ·        envelopes - assorted sizes, types, materials 
13. ·        Fabric - Designer upholstery fabric samples,
14. ·        fabric scraps -  quilter’s cotton,
15. ·        Fiber - Twine (striped),
16. ·        file folder -decorative for coloring,
17. ·        lace seam binding,
18. ·        markers - STM, FINELINE + MORE (assorted warm & cool tones),
19. ·        papers - deli paper (plain and painted),
20. ·        Papers - gelli print papers, 
21. ·        papers - painted wax paper,
22. ·        Papers - scrapbooking papers - patterned scraps, 
23. ·        papers - vintage sewing patterns,
24. ·        pen - fountain pen with refill cartridges (JINHAO),
25. ·        pen - FRIXION erasable pen with refills,
26. ·        pen pouch - clear with elastic divider loops (KAREN FOSTER),
27. ·        pens – glitter gel, black gel,
28. ·        Post-its – 2”,
29. ·        Ribbons - assorted lengths,
30. ·        Rub-ons with craft stick - Asian style alphabet,
31. ·        Scissors – one pair micro scissors,
32. ·        Stamp pad - STAzON permanent ink pad,
33. ·        stamp pads - Dye ink pads – assorted minis,
34. ·        stamps - clear with acrylic block – assorted themes,
35. ·        Stamps - Rubber stamp set – mini alphabet in Mimi pouch + divider tray,
36. ·        Stencil – mini alpha-numeric,
37. ·        tabs – adhesive back,
38. ·        tins – Altoid tins - empty,
39. ·        Tool - water brush,
40. ·        Tools - watercolor brushes – assorted tips/sizes,
41. ·        washi tape rolls – partial,
42. ·        washi tape sample cards – wound by me,
43. ·        yarn samples – super bulky,
44.          plus more mystery goodies [not shown],
45.          plus free complimentary shipping.

HOW TO ENTER GIVEAWAY

 

Leave a comment on this post only with your name and birth date - birth year not needed.

WHEN IS EXTENDED DEADLINE?

EXTENDED Deadline is 12:00 midnight CT on Nov 30, 2020.

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

I'll announce winner's name during the week of Dec 15th on this blog, in a new  post.

HOW DOES WINNER GET PRIZE?

INFO NEEDED FROM WINNER in DECEMBER 2020 - 2 IMPORTANT DATES

          Before midnight Dec 22, 2020 CT, Winner must email me (use the 'Contact' form in right           sidebar) with their email address.

          I will contact the Winner via email  requesting the following info that Winner must email           to me before midnight Dec 27, 2020 CT.        

1. copy of their ID (see below) - in body of email,
2. their snail mail address (no P.O. boxes)

About COPY of ID  

To claim your prize, winner must email me a photo copy (in body of email - not as an attachment) of their ID  showing your name and your birthdate.  ID copy can be your state D/L, your real ID, your passport.

IMPORTANT: (On your copy, be sure to mask out/cover your SSN and address and any other private/confidential info before uploading to body of your email).

WHEN WILL WINNER GET PRIZE?

After I get the above info by the deadlines.

          I'm planning to ship the Winner's prize around Dec 31, 2020. I'll email tracking                         number to Winner.

FREEBIES and TUTORIALS

Also, check out all the Freebies and Tutorials while you are visiting my blog.

Thanks for stopping by - Happy Birthday and GOOD LUCK!

'WOYWW - Back in the Fray with Planners and BuJo's!

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes



Howdy and Welcome,

I've been MIA from WOYWW for a while.

Here is my office/planning desk today. There are about 4 different projects going on this desk. I need to re-organize and FOCUS!

There are 2 Passion Planner journals, my current planner/calendar (Paperpads.com), 5 collections of washi tape, fountain pens, Frixion erasable bens and markers, turntable with divided platter of handy supplies, BIC wite out tape runner, stamps, sticky notes,  and more, and, more, and more, and...etc.

If you want to see my exciting news, check out my previous post today!

If you want to see more artists desks on Wednesdays, visit WOYWW here!

Thanks for stopping by - and please leave a comments.

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

 

 

 

"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)

'Art Journal Pix - and The GIVEAWAY Winner Is!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and welcome,

I just found some great pix today of an art journal I made a while back. These are really great close-up shots. What do you think?

Also, stop by my YouTube channel to see the Paris Art Journal I completed for a commission last winter! And there's more info about components and supplies at my eTSY shop...

Front Cover

Top

 

Front fan

And now the winner of my 4th Blogoversary GIVEAWAY is....

Sara UT!!!

Congrats, Sara!

To receive this  spectacular prize package, send me your postal mailing address - click Contact page. Thanks to every one who participated.

Fun Prize Package for 4th Blogoversary Giveaway!

 

Thanks for stopping by - and please join my blog as a Follower. Would love for you to leave a comment, too.

Peace,
LuLu

'WOYWW - 01/30/2013 - A Peek at Pretties in Smash Book / Scrapbook / Art Journal!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes


Howdy and welcome,

This week for WOYWW, take a peek at my current commission on the work table. It's a smash book/scrapbook/art journal of my client's Paris 2012 vacation!  These pix show the progression of assembling the front cover - and a glimpse of the back cover. All photos were taken under 2 Ottlites, except where indicated.

When I first visited Paris, way back in the mid 1990's, it was wintertime. The weather was cold and dreary. So I didn't get to see Paris in all her glory. But I DID manage to have lunch in the Eiffel Tower - delicious food, but tres expensive! Next time I will go to Paris with my hubby - hopefully for our wedding anniversary celebration some June, when it's nice and warm.

I was thrilled to get this commission - and because of my previous visit, I was able to coach my client in advance and give her lots of tips on what ephemera and other goodies to bring back for her book.

Five handmade paper flowers (whick took FOREVER)

 stuck to a piece of freezer paper. (The flower in top right is not used).

Flowers made with many layers of different brands of

dies cuts using textured Bazzill paper.

After assembling and gluing the flowers I 'painted' them with

various Stickles using a tiny brush and toothpicks.

I learned how to make paper flowers by watching a

slew of youtube.com videos.

 

Smaller flowers (store bought) in center right that I hand

painted red, spray painted gold (Heidi Swapp spray shines) and added Stickles.

Center left is a painted black mesh ribbon that I added MANY dots of Stickles

(this took FOREVER too)

The 'Stickled' mesh ribbon attached to front cover

over a piece of patterned scrapbook cardstock.

 That's a tiny castle on far right. It's game token that

I painted and added glitter glaze - very sparkly -

in homage to Disney Paris.

Dotted black tulle is floating over front cover -
tulle is adhered adjacent to the spiral binding
 under the 'Stikled mesh ribbon

Glimpse of back cover on right,
ruffly ribbons in center spiral binding,
tulle of front cover on far right

 

Front cover,  with temporary
placement of my handmade paper flowers

 

Front cover (right),  and another temporary
placement of my handmade paper flowers
+
titles and a sparkly round mirror top right

 

Front cover (right)
+
strand of faux pearls placed temporarily on left with
glass cabochons cascading from left to right and top to bottom

  

Same as above except with Ottlites off

Front cover with flotaing black dotted tulle

Front cover with 'sandwich'

(gold glitter netting + holiday wired ribbon + scrap of red netting to cover castle token)

floating OVER black dotted tulle

 

Vice Versa:

Front cover with 'sandwich'

(gold glitter netting + holiday wired ribbon + scrap of red netting to cover castle token)

floating UNDER black dotted tulle

Everything is glued down, or will be glued down with heavy gel medium (Golden) or soft gel medium (Golden). I'll publish the final version of the completed cover soon.

QUICKIE POLL
I'm not sure wich I like best - the black dotted tulle OVER or UNDER the netting 'sandwich'. I'm using the tulle and the netting sandwich to 'hide' the cover. The 'sandwich' has a little arrow on it so the viewer knows where it opens. These are interactive elements added  to make exploring the book more mysterious!

I'm leaning towards the black dotted tulle floating UNDER the 'sandwich' Which do YOU like floating on top?
1) Black dotted tulle?
2) Netting 'sandwich'?

Fyi, I made the sandwich, by ironing the gold glitter tulle with the scrap of red netting inside. I used my dedicated craft iron (my old beat up iron that I never used to iron clothes anyway) with a sheet of parchment paper under the iron and the sandwich on top of my heat resistant craft sheet (Ranger). The sandwich was a work-around, because I didn't have any MistyFuse or Angelina fibers on hand. Waa-aa-ah!

YOUR TURN
Have you ever been to Paris France? What did you like most about your trip? Least?  If you haven't been to Paris, do you want to go? What are the 3 attractions you most want to visit?

Thanks for stopping by and check out the Giveaway in the side bar!

Visit more artist studios here at Julia's WOYWW.

Peace,
LuLu

'WOYWW - 02/29/2012 - Art Journals, Ribbons, Metal Tapes. Oh, my!'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and welcome,

For WOYWW this week, I thought you might like to see some of my Art Journals in progress. Last year I fell in love with ribbon and now adorn the wire bindings of my AJs with ribbons, ribbons and more ribbons.

On the left is a stack of metal tape (aluminum repair tape), on the right a 'gaggle of glazes' that I concocted. Click here for my tutorial on how to emboss and paint metal tape.

These are two of my AJs using my fave books - Canson Montval Field Watercolor Book (Acid Free, 140lb cold press, Watercolor Paper).

MOST RANDOM GOODNESS:

All ribbons were selected randomly from my stash - and then randomly tied onto wire binding. I prefer not to have matchy-match colors.

Do you create Art Journals? What brand is your favorite store bought blank book to use for journals? Have you tried Canson watercolor? Moleskine watercolor? Do you embellish your bindings with ribbons, and other goodies?

Thanks for stopping by. Would love for you to Follow me and comment on this post - or any of my other posts. Also, check out my MUSIC tab!

STAY TUNED for my spring Giveaway coming in March! And see more artists desks at this fun hop WOYWW!

Peace,

LuLu

'Fun with Furry Fringe'

by Mary Lou 'LuLu' Haynes

Howdy and welcome,

My sister and I are just back from a girl's road trip this weekend. We are SO funny! For a 1-night overgnight trip, to St. Charles/Geneva, IL we each brought 4 bags!!! Will we EVER learn how to pack light?!?!?      :-)

Meanwhile, here's a peek at a 'furry' fringe I made last week from lots of ribbons I bought at the recent Scrap Cabana retreat I attended - made by www.handdyedhobbies.com

These are lovely silk ribbons shot through with gold threads - so pretty! What do you think of this fringe on my art journal? Would love to see your comments about this post - or any of my posts.

Thanks for stopping by and come back soon!

Peace,
LuLu