We've experienced some critical issues with our internet service at the store. The weekly email was supposed to go out today; but, Comcast couldn't correct the problem today and hope they will be able to by some time tomorrow. So, here's the weekly email . . .

“I don’t mind going back to daylight saving time.  With inflation, the hour will be the only thing I’ve saved all year.”  Victor Borge

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward (any that still need setting)…this Sunday marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time once again.  We like having it light later; going home in the daylight is a definite plus!

Classes, Classes

We just got class descriptions on two fantastic new April classes from Marj!  On April 12 from 1:00-4:00, Marj will offer a class using a completely new technique:  Inlaid Watercolor Die cuts.  Inlaid die cuts are a stunning look, and watercolor is really hot right now, but this combination takes both to a whole new level!  You don’t want to miss this class and learn this technique.  Class is a bargain at $30.00.

Marj will be offering another class in April, and this time she will be bringing back her favorite stenciling techniques.  We have had SO many questions about how to use the beautiful Dreamweaver stencils, that Marj has agreed to teach this class.  If you just have not gotten your stencils out in a while, or if you just don’t know what to do with them, this class is for you.  Marj has worked with Dreamweaver Stencils for many years, and travelled to Great Britain with Lynell Harlow to teach these techniques, so we are very lucky to have her right here to teach us.  Sunday, April 27 1:00-4:00.  Another bargain at $30.

Spots in other classes are filling up Quickly!  We still have some spots left in Debbie’s two March classes:  “French Country Cookbook” on March 22nd, and “Fly Into Spring” on March 29th.  Call and reserve your spot in these unique classes - you can view the samples at the shop.

Terry Medaris will be here on May 31st, with his classes in color pencils.  Terry’s classes are nearly full, so if you are interested in either class, please call and sign up right away.  If you have never had his classes, the beginner class is a prerequisite.  There are only two spots left in the June classes given by Els from Elizabeth Craft.

Featured Artist

Our new featured Artist for the month is Nancy Bishop.  Nancy has been coming to the shop and taking classes since it was Quackers, and she has been stamping for longer than that.  Her work is beautiful, and we have a nice selection of her cards in the shop on display, along with a bio that she provided for us.  Be sure to come in and have a look, and if you know Nancy, be sure to congratulate her when you see her.

Playday!

Our next Playday is Friday, March 21st, and the theme is sidewalk crack art!  Come in and view some pieces Susie has done using this unique art form.  You can also view these on the blog.  If you like Zentangle, you will love this.  Susie and Debbie will be there to show you some tips.  Bring mixed media paper, a light box if you have one, pencil and art eraser, some fine line pens (Micron is best), and your favorite coloring medium, i.e., Copics, Tombows, watercolors, colored pencils, Pan Pastels, etc.  OR, you can just bring whatever you want to do and spend the day with us!

What’s New

We got in the Hero Arts stamp set, “A Little” and we have a few extra for those who didn’t order one.  You should definitely see what Marj has done with this set, and also imagine it on shrink plastic.  Amazing!

A little bird told me that the Imagine CraftsTsukineko order will be in on Friday.  We can’t wait to get in the new Irresistible sprays and other goodies!

PENNY BLACK catalog is now open!  Come in and view the latest catalog.

Hope to see you soon! 

Art ’n Soul

Susie, Debbie, Dianne, Patti, Deb, Marj, Sue and Sharon

909 Sleater-Kinney Rd. SE, Suite 12

Lacey, WA  98503

(360) 357-6820

Be sure to check out our blog:  www.bellacartaatartnsoul.blogspot.com You can now also access the latest class/event schedule on the blog.

Impression Obsession is having an "In the Garden" challenge. One of their Design Team members created this "In the Garden" card.

by Kittie Caracciolo for Impression Obsession

Click on this link to go to Kittie's blogsite for the step-by-step directions (I love how she made those water cans so vintage!):  http://kittiekraft.typepad.com/kittiekraft/impression-obsession/

Click on this link to go to the Impression Obsession blog to enter the challenge yourself and also see other Design Team projects:  http://mitrafriant.typepad.com/impression_obsession_news/

From the Magenta blog, a 'clean and simple' beautiful card . . .

by Mariette van Leeuwen for Magenta

Click on this link to go to the Magenta blog:  http://lestylemagenta.blogspot.com/

From the Splash of Color blog, I loved this mixed media project featuring the use of the Silks that we love so much at Art 'n Soul.

by Lisa Gregory for Splash of Color

This link will take you to the Splash of Color blog for more information on Lisa's project:  http://creativeimaginations.typepad.com/creative_imaginations_blo/lisa-gregory/

From the Imagine Crafts' blog, look at this beautiful journal cover from Sharon Morrison . . .

by Sharon Morrison
Artist-in-Residence for IMAGINE Crafts

Click on this link for the details:  http://imaginecraftsblog.com/

Remember that Hero Arts' stamp set that Marj discovered? We really liked it -- how could we not with all of the beautiful and inspiring sample cards Marj created and shared with us! Well, the order is in and there are a few extra sets to be had. Be quick!

by Marj Marion

Demo by Marj Marion

All of this blustery weather seems to be the perfect excuse to stay inside and make something. What have you been creating with the beautiful stamps, papers, ribbons, inks, coloring art mediums, stencils, and dies that you've purchased at Art 'n Soul? Need to replenish your supplies or add more treasures to your stash? Come on over to Art 'n Soul . . . we'd love to help you out, rain or shine!