SuzeBlogz

The Artsy Soul

well...today I wandered into HEAVEN !!

Quite by accident...one link on Facebook led to another which led to another and the next thing I knew...BINGO...I was driving 30 minutes south into a whole new experience.

THE ARTSY SOUL

59 North Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ

(609) 549-6350

 

I just have to share this experience...cause that's what it was...a visual Disneyland-like experience. Like being in a book store, a bead shop, an art supply store all at the same time...and, with dolls and product and samples everywhere !

Colleen is quite well known for her sculpture and her gorgeous art dolls. I can't say for sure that she personally made all of these dolls (some may have been students in her classes)

but they were simply gorgeous.

she offers workshops with other instructors and there are tons of samples everywhere.

she does very cool things with tin soda cans !!

you have never seen so many supplies and baubles in one place done with such flair !!

a classroom area that can seat up to 12

(R U a teacher in the tri state area...give Colleen a call!!!...SERIOUSLY...SHE'S LOOKING FOR GOOD TEACHERS, dont be shy)

did I say lots of product..??.....LOTS of product

hard to find product.....!!

 colorful product !!

exciting product

 necessary product

everywhere you look...PRODUCT !! GREAT prices.

papers, and molds I'd never seen before !!

Think UTEE !!

so....what can I tell you....I found a zillion things I HAD TO BUY....(as if I dont already have enough!!)...so,  if you want to make a lovely drive to the shore area please be sure to stop at

THE ARTSY SOUL (opens at 11 am)

You can contact Colleen at her email and be sure to like her FB page.

 

inquisitive minds want to know

For some people this post will make sense......for others it'll be a "Duh" moment...but I'll do my bestest to explain...

In North America today, there are basically three main branches of Judaism. They are Orthodox, Conservative and Reform...and,  within these denominations themselves there is a great degree of variation in practice and observance. 

I belong to a Reform Congregation. You've probably heard me talk about many of the things I've done with my Temple friends. Reform Judaism is a bit more liberal or progressive. We try to practice the religious beliefs according to the Torah but more specifically we try to adapt them to more modern times. 

In Orthodox Judaism the Torah is taken literally with no room for changing things around. The Torah is the law of God handed down to Moses on Mount Sinai and Orthodox adhere to the interpretation and application of the laws and ethics of the Torah at all times and in all places. 

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Last night our group of ladies were invited into an Orthodox Jewish home....VERY different from what we, as Reform Jews,  experience day to day. With modesty being a very key factor (Orthodox Judaism requires both men and women to substantially cover their bodies. This involves covering the elbows and knees. One of the reasons why most Orthodox women don't wear pants: 'kli gever' - the prohibition for a woman to dress like a man.)

so.....we all found the skirts that were lying around our closets and got them out !!! I haven't actually worn a skirt in years...I'm totally a pants girl !!

It felt really nice. I might have to do it more often.

The object of the evening, as we all sat around a huge dining room table, was to ask each other lots of questions about how the other lives.

I was so happy to learn that women are endowed with a greater degree of "binah" (intuition, understanding, intelligence) than men. LOL....good to know !!

We were served wonderful treats especially delicious kugel...(which is a baked pudding or casserole, similar to a pie and most commonly made from egg noodles or potatoes). and we sat around the table for 3 hours just asking questions (on both sides) and learning...learning...learning...

For one thing there are NO televisions in the house. They study Torah instead. I can't even imagine what I'd do without my 'programs' !!

The evening was so incredible and so filled with amazing dialogue that we already have it in the works to do a repeat performance. It's very important, in this 21st century,  to be knowledgeable and tolerant of differences.

Now...please bear in mind...Im NOT an expert on this subject..so if you need to know more...try GOOGLE !!!!

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Now..on to ETSY....

Have you visited my shop lately...lotsa goodies...I am especially proud of this really special piece I finished today using lots of Vintaj, NUNN Design, Kabela Design and other brass findings.

I also used Epoxie clay resin...a 2 part putty that air hardens 

stay warm East coasters..... go shopping on ETSY !!! 

Keeping busy

I've never blogged from my iPad before... I've always used my computer. Not even sure how this works, so, just giving it a try by posting the latest necklace I designed & put on ETSY.
I picked up the Tree of Life pendant when I was in Puerto Rico...
Check it out...http://www.etsy.com/shop/suzeweinberg

finishing up at CHA

 

well...there was just so much rushing around on my last day that I snapped a million pix...I'm gonna share them now....just enjoy..

Gourmet Rubber Stamps has a new line of stencils

I made this in a Make it Take....isn't it just the cutest!!

I got to experience Fairy Wings !! (BTW...since so many asked...the blue streaks in my hair are a hair mascara I picked up at Sephora)

 

 

Make it Take at the Clearsnap Booth 

with the multi talented author, designer, Calligrapher Joanne Fink (c).. my friend for over 30 years ! and author, designer, inventor Norma Rapko Vargas (who has a VERY exciting product coming soon...secret till then !)

Joanne's ZENspirations

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Beadalon has made a brand new Jewel LOOM designed by the always amazing Julianna Hudgins 

Use the Jewel Loom™ Beading Loom to create continuous woven creations from seed beads. 

Some new stuff at Ranger

New "Rue Romantique" line for Ice Resin

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Lauren, The Chain Maille Lady has a new tool

snub nose pliers...so comfy..I played with them.

and she has a new chain maille travel kit

AND she makes beautiful things

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Think UTEE !!

Hammered metal at the Unicorne Bead booth

at Judikins

at NUNN Design

and...back at the hotel...LOL

guess you can tell it was a great week !!

 

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Now..for those of you who asked me about

The Looper Tool...

that amazing new must have....

it will probably ship from the mnfr late February...and when it does I will initially have 19 to sell (keeping #20 for me ). I think they will retail for about $30-35.

It will be a first come/first serve...but..PLEASE don't panic..I can always order more.

let there be more....

Wendy Vecchi...that most talented artiste..has some very fun new product from Blossom Bucket

I loved them...

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something else I REALLY fipped my marbles over....the Printable Jewelry Film from Craft Attitude...OMG...I say OMG because this film works on ANY surface..it's not just for jewelry

It will apply over fabric, wood, canvas...even sneakers!!

Just take 5 to see some of the collages that were done by Canadian designer, artist and instructor Trudi Sissons using the printable film...I wish I had the space to post  a hundred of her collages

now remember....these images (which she created in her own style) were printed on the film using an ink jet printer

the film will adhere to ANY surface using an ordinary glue stick. In these pieces Trudi used canvas. She opted to seal in the pieces with a liquitex sealer. She also layered her film using multiple printouts.

are you flipping out too ??!!

Here the film is layed over patterned scrapbook paper so the pattern comes thru. Altho you think this is like a transparency it isn't...it's a film.

and..if you use a non-stick craft sheet over it you can heat it with an iron.

I'm sold !!!

and, look at it on Candie Coopers jacket and boots....could you just flip??!!

 

craftattitude.com

 

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some random images seen on the show floor

Barbara from Art Institue of Glitter made this (below)...just too damn fabulous !

well...there's still more...but it's time to have dinner...so...come back again tomorrow...I'll be home by then but I'll be sure to give you the rest of the show !

keep calm and walk on..

leave it to Fiskars to hand out some cool stuff...like this oversized T-Shirt that reminds you about what their newest product is all about. 

It is a letterpress and die cut system all in one pass....I'm gonna have to try and win one !!

The wax gals (Daniella, Wendy & Judy) fell head over heals with it

and they had such a cute booth

OOOOOOH......and speaking of my sisters The Wax Girls....Judy's raffle ticket won her an IPad Mini at one of the show booths...can you imagine !!! Judy shares her good fortune with the beautiful Pam Carriker !!

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then I hopped over to see Terri Sproul demoing her newest mica powders for Sakura. I remember the very first time I ever saw my name on a product so I know just how thrilled Terri must feel !! Go and 'Friend' Terri on FB to find out all the things she's got her hand in and click above for her blog !

and...did you know that the old standby Crystal Lacquer now comes in a UV formula as well...brilliant !

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I would never want to miss a single demo by the queen of color and flair...The exciting Miss Joanne Sharp!

Joanne was on the cover of Cloth Paper Scissors this month and had the original piece with her

and she does amazing things with her stencils (made by StencilGirl) and 

she was demoing for Leslie Ohnstad (r) at her new company "Splash of Color"

Leslie is the President of Product Development and Manufacturing

Leslie & I go back a looooong time and I've watched her really great product, Luminarte Paint brand,  evolve. Now she has partnered with Jack Behlmer, previous owner of Creative Imaginations to form their new company! All the best guys !

Remember they now have those FABULOUS Viva Decor products too !!

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a little run past the Crystal Clay booth because I am such a fan of the two part epoxy clay for jewelry and it comes in a million colors.

wonderful demo on making a ring using Crystal Clay as the product that binds everything together

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now how is this for a glue system...the brand new 'Gloodle'

with its specialized assortment of snap on tips (including a brush) and glue cartridges (which will also include glitter glues!) you will be able to apply a whole range of glues with total precision. Watch for it in stores soon.

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Now I stop at one of my very favorite jewelry booths to visit Becky Nunn at NUNN Design. Becky has exquisite samples

I bought a ton !!!

 

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Okay...wait till you see what BeadSmith has in store for you jewelry makers...you had to pre-order....this tool "The Looper" is OUT OF THIS WORLD....

what does it do ??...well....after inserting the bead on a head pin you squeeze the looper together and viola...

it makes the loops for you...I MEAN SERIOUSLY...I am flipping out !!! I preordered 10 ...I will wind up selling 9 of them...don't all rush at once !!!

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so...you know there will be more...much more....but I'm about ready to drop...

come visit again !

I promise more !

walk, walk, walk....

well...good morning crafters....Anaheim greets you to CHA...

its a whole lot colder here then you'd expect for Southern California..in fact, in keeping track, it's been warmer in cold New Jersey then here...but...when you are greeted by this wonderful sight first thing in the morning who cares what the thermostat says !!!'

The 'oh so delicious' Joe Rotella in his custom made hand painted, glittered and ruffled "Support of Breast Cancer Awareness" T-Shirt and the wonderfully talented Susan Pickering Rothmel of U.S. Art Quest.

and then running into the queens of crafting Margot Potter and Julianna Hudgins...who, oh so coincidentally, wore almost matching outfits

and walking...walking...walking to try and see all the amazing booth and new products.

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I was SO excited over the partnering of jewelry artist extraordinaire Susan Lenart Kazmer and Spellbinders on a fabulous jewelry concept called Media Mixage. It involves a new tool called The Artisian X-Plorer!! A new roller press perfect for cutting, embossing and pressing with a multitude of materials and will make working with the new Media Mixage line of products a snap ! I NEED ONE....LIKE YESTERDAY !!!

so...what does this incredible partnering offer..well..Susans bezels, blanks and ephemera paper and Spellbinders dies will coordinate with each other and nest with one another like you've never seen before.

My heart is racing !!!

and, as always, Spellbinders dies are leaders in their field

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Spesking of Susan...her own line has taken on its first signature designer..the Rue Romantique bezels from Kristen Robinson. Think of using transparancies in them !!

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Susans ice resin line has added a new enameling powder

which you finish off by using her ice resin on top.

Of course my mind goes right to UTEE....would be perfect for filling those bezels too...Right !!

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and...speaking of UTEE...things were hopping over at The Ranger booth melt art demonstration...

look at the Make-It Take It...FAB !!!

Some of the amazing art on display at Rangers booth using Dyans Dylusions

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a drop by the E-6000 booth introduced me to their brand new ODOR FREE spray E-6000...this sounds incredible...I'm anxiously waiting to get me some. The bottle design is very cool and I watched them use it...really...can't wait ! Think Glitter !!

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another VERY VERY exciting product comes from Canada..

Kroma Crackle

this is an artist grade crackle. I first got to use it when I took a class in Portugal from Michael deMeng who LOVES this product!! We all went nuts over it..you can see why !! I hope it'll be everywhere soon cause I want to get me some!!

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Now..you know I have to spend another whole day today walking...walking...walking and taking more snaps...so..I'm going to cut it off here so I can get started

C'mon back now, y'hear!!!

island hopping

so, I've unpacked the cruise clothes and repacked for the slightly less warm California climes (still overpacked Im sure !) and tomorrow I'm off to CHA. I may be retired (2 years already guys !) but I love to see old friends and keep up with what's new in craft & hobbyland !

Got more pix to share from the cruise...so...

let's tour together

view from the Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico

these open up and become purses with lots and lots of zippers !

Lots of great baseball players have come out of the Dominican Republic

some local art

and some wonderful times on the ship

Bronze pieces for sale by artist Nano Lopez

crazy statues in the disco lounge

alright now.....California I'm ready !

the start of a new year

Did you miss me?

Could I have been any luckier....?

the floor of the synagogue is made of sand.�There are two theories behind this unusual occurrence. One is to represent the�Israelite�journey through the desert. Another theory is that it represents the�Conversos�who were forced to convert to�Catholicism. Many continued to observe Judaism, so they usually met in their cellars and would use sand to muffle their prayers.

via suzeweinberg.typepad.com

Be sure to see how 2013 began for The Weinbergs!!

the start of a new year

Did you miss me?

Could I have been any luckier....?

The Lenster and I decided to spend New Years Eve

with 2,000+ strangers

on board The Norwegian Gem (I loved this picture I took one early evening from the dock)

sailing out of NYC and going to the eastern Caribbean. It was a fantastic WOW experience !

for one thing...we met some of the most wonderful people...

Our week was made after meeting Arnie & Wendy Yudell from Toronto...we hung with them almost the entire cruise.

Now I have no actual idea who this guy is...but obviously a sports fella (from Europe I was told) who I'm sure plays basketball !!!

7 foot 6 inches next to my 5 feet...hilarious ! I look like his pet !!!

Thought I'd show some amazing highlights, like the Holocaust Memorial built in 2012 in San Juan.  Puerto Rico has one of the largest and most important Jewish communities in the Caribbean.

When we got to St. Thomas we were delighted to go to Shabbat services at the oldest synagogue on the island.

and...an even bigger honor to meet the Rabbi and to be able to sing with him

the floor of the synagogue is made of sand. There are two theories behind this unusual occurrence. One is to represent the Israelite journey through the desert. Another theory is that it represents the Conversos who were forced to convert to Catholicism. Many continued to observe Judaism, so they usually met in their cellars and would use sand to muffle their prayers.

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The ship was delicious !!

I'm not particularly a sun worshiper but I did soak in some rays each day we were at sea.

I also got to sing with their FABULOUS entertainer Laurie Anne Gardner. Take 5 minutes and watch one of her super enjoyable videos on YouTube.

In the pix below we are singing "Time to Say Goodbye"...only Laurie is singing in Italian and I am faking it !! It was a damn good laugh! I fell in love with her...as I'm sure everyone who meets her does.

THEN....we come to find out the funniest thing EVER....the 6 degrees of separation theory...

In the course of completely casual conversation we find out that Lennys sister Jane was also Lauries doctor when she lived for many years in Nashville.

GO FIGURE !!!

the ship had wonderful shows and terrific talent

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Now...here's some island life photos that I hope will take you on the journey we made

Coffee beans

that concludes todays tour....I have to unpack and repack tomorrow cause on Friday I head out to California for CHA....so..I'll share more of our trip tomorrow

stay tuned...