Checking in....

Yes, it's true.... this blog is woefully out of date. One of the hazards of social media is the requirement for consistency and continuity in posting. That said, I find it extremely difficult to make blogging a priority when I'm pressed with other activities in the shop. Oh, and don't get me started about tweeting... who can actually say ANYTHING in 140 characters...geez, not me! Of course there is news to share, products to tout, classes and projects to describe... but not so much time, it seems. I do endeavor to update our website regularly, including the Products section where I list new products that arrive. Typically I don't list standard supplies like tape and glue and rulers, but I do post information about new and restock of the various inks, tools, dies, stamps, and ephemera, and I always keep the publications list current, as new editions arrive from Stampington and Interweave.

The Classes section of the website is the most used and most edited part of queensink.com, and I update it at least weekly as new workshops are finalized and descriptions/project photos are updated. Please feel free to call and ask about a particular class listed, or let us know about classes you'd like to see in our offerings. I work with Patti to develop a monthly schedule of classes, both guest artist one-and-done workshops and regularly scheduled classes (tags, Zentangle, Ink Paper Scissors, cigar boxes, etc).

Okay... that's it for "housekeeping", except to say that I'm going to TRY to be a more regular blogger, but only with the promise from Patti, Terry, and Kate that they will provide me "newsy" stuff to discuss. I'm spending next week in Nashville, listening to great music, people-watching, and relaxing, and not posting to this blog (but maybe the Queen will have something to say :-)

We had three great workshops with guest artist Kass Hall in early August, who brought along many examples of her journal pages, sure to awe. Kass lives in Australia, is rather new to the international teaching circuit, and was a delightful guest, including her fun accent. Kass taught a workshop called "Make It Big" during which the students created a two-panel work of art. Patti's finished masterpiece is shown (right).

Yesterday, our very own Laura Hummel guided a large group of enthusiastic students through the creation of personal travel journals, complete with partially decorated pages, sewn signatures and a beautiful, unique cover. She provided numerous examples of completed travel journals from her adventures far and wide, in which she documented interesting sites, sounds, people, and included ticket stubs, menus, photos and other memorabilia that she collected and tucked into the journal that lived in her purse for the duration of her trip. What a great way to capture the memories while still fresh! We're looking forward to another class with Laura in September, already nearly full. I'm certain we'll convince her to continue offering journal workshops at the shoppe! In the meantime, come for a visit, and watch the website, blog, and Facebook for updates on shop happenings.
LK