Ten Two Studios

Valentine’s Day is two weeks away, so it’s time to get those little gifts and cards going! Before I start in with the Valentine’s Day eye candy from the design team, here are just a few items you might want to get started now…

Let’s start with a few altered matchboxes. They’re simple to make, but look so pretty and unique when they’re done. Tuck a few little personal goodies inside for your friend or beloved.

These are Victorian Hearts matchbox shrines:

And these are Filigree Hearts matchbox shrines:

Want something even simpler? Try these Cupid’s Hearts matchbox wrappers:

Or these Queen of Hearts matchbox wrappers:

Thanks to everyone who put their creative goals in writing for the Creative Resolutions Giveaway. Here’s hoping we all complete our goals, and grow as creative beings in 2012.

102 resolutions mean I owe you 10 free subscription winners—and here they are:

Linda Conover
Phoebe D
Susan Salyer
Lisa Jacob
Linda Jowers
Jeneen (Weekes1066)
Shelby (Shelbyparker01)
Adriann (adriann7)
Kelly (kshannoka)
Patty (animatarian)

I’ll email you later today with instructions for completing your subscription.

Happy new year, everyone. Now get off the computer, and go make something!

(Artwork by design team member Patti Monroe-Mohrenweiser.)

Class begins on Friday, January 20th.
The final lesson will be posted on Monday, February 6th.

What do you do with an altered book once it’s finished? Wall Books will show you how to create books that hang on the wall, like canvases, allowing you to display and enjoy them like the art objects they are.

This four lesson class will take you through the process of creating a wall book, step-by-step, using short videos. You’ll watch me put together my own books, learning all my little tips and tricks, including how to fake real photo postcards, how to age realistically, and how to assemble a book that looks as though its various pieces have simply been blown together by the wind. You’ll hear my thought process as I pick books, gather objects, and make design choices, and will have my ear as you make them yourself. At the end, you’ll have a lovely piece of book art to hang on your wall.

How online classes work:

• First, you’ll need a computer that can view Flash videos, like this one:
  

• If you can see and hear that video, you’re good to go! Purchase the class using the Add to Cart button above.
• Your payment will generate an email with a link to The Classroom message board. Go there, and register.
• Within 24 hours (M-F), I’ll log in and approve your registration, and set up permissions for you to view the class. You’ll receive an email letting you know you’ve been approved.
• On January 20th, 23rd, 30th, and February 6th, I’ll upload lessons to the class board. The class lessons are broken up into short sections, most of which include a 5-10 minute video. Work through them at your own pace, building your book.
• If you run into trouble, ask questions on the message board. I’ll be there to answer your questions daily.
• At the end of the class, you’ll have a new book, ready to hang on the wall.

You’ll need these basic supplies:

• At least one large glue stick.

• A liquid solvent-based glue like E6000 or Goop.
• Super glue.
• Tacky glue, or a thick white glue.
• A craft knife, or a heavy Xacto knife.
• Clamps or chip clips.
• Paper clips.
• An awl.
• Wire cutters.
• Off-white cardstock.
• Chalks.
• Cotton swabs or chalk applicators.
• Chalk inkpads.
• Distress inkpads.
• A green kitchen pot scrubber sheet.

The first lesson in the class discusses choosing books, and includes information about the supports and hangers you’ll need to create the wall book structure. You will have to obtain these items after watching the videos that discuss them. I strongly recommend that you not choose a book until after you’ve watched the videos for the first lesson.

The books shown on this page were made while I was shooting the videos for this class. Some of the images used in creating them are also included in the class lessons as printables.