Crafty Collage Catchup - November News
Crafty Gifts for Christmas ...
If you are shopping with Art by Jenny during November 2025, you will find handmade surprises in your parcel ... little festive envelopes with a groovy tag!
Every little envelope is different, so showing off my crafty efforts won't spoil any surprises. Took ages longer than I expected but I enjoyed every moment, especially the rummaging through my stash and sticking bits down. Lucky Dyan's Dylusions glue dries fast and holds the papers and string really well, so no waiting. Fa la la la la 🎶 walking in a crafty wonderland.
Each one is made out of Idea-ology Christmas Backdrops using the Tim Holtz Sizzix Thinlits "Postale" envelope die cutting template.
I've decorated the front of each envelope with various pieces of Idea-ology ephemera, layers and stickers.
Inside each envelope is a Christmas paper biscuit (cookie) cut out of Tim's Heavystock Kraft and white cardstock using Tim's Sizzix Thinlits "Christmas Cookies".
The piece of red and white string is Idea-ology too, glued using Dyan's papercraft glue. I've tidied the back with a tag shape cut from the Backdrops packaging.... the packaging has all the designs in miniature, perfect for cutting up for collage!
I've made enough for the next 2-3 weeks. When I run out, I will dream up something else to share. As I do 😻 The only thing about online shopping is you can't see and feel products in real life, which is why I love to share samples. Everything is better shared, especially art supplies!
I'm also learning to embrace filming video with the camera on a stand, which will be great because then I can use both hands to create. It's tricky navigating interruptions but I was reminded recently, that you can always press pause! 😂 It feels odd talking to the camera but I will improve!
Link to my video on YouTube : https://youtu.be/IyMygsl2uUU
Tim Holtz Sizzix Thinlits used : Christmas Cookies (no.665566) and Postale (no.665927).
Papers used : Tim Holtz Heavystock Kraft, Watercolour, Idea-ology Ephemera, Layers, Backdrops, Collage Strips, Cello Tape and Stickers.
Latest Shop News ...
Time evaporates fast! It's already November, Melbourne Cup was raced and won by a horse, and today, Adelaide has had their annual Christmas pageant in the city! Our local pageant will be soon too, on 23rd Nov 🎄
Dyan and Dina have both announced wonderful new arty treasures for us to love, buy, collect, share and use to make smiles! It's all arriving soon too :) Gnomes, Christmas, Inks and much more!
For all the new release updates and excitable arrivals, check out our What's New shelf for details.
Arty Treasures Found ...
A Flying Bat, Angel and Reindeer ... Shaped Paper Mache Characters to make personalised hanging ornaments, a mobile, home decor decoration or simply enjoy some arty crafty fun because it feels good to get paint everywhere.
While wandering about my wholesaler, I found these premade paper mache shapes and simply had to have them to alter. Paper mache isn't hard to do, however premade is a great shortcut to the decorating!
My plan for mine is to use maybe Dyan's colourful collage sheets, and or Dina Wakley's or Tim Holtz's paper tissue, along with Idea-Ology ephemera and maybe some splatter of paint, some Spritz or Mica Spray, some wobbly eyes and whatever else I find while rummaging through my craft cupboard (looking for the eyes).
Customise paper mache using all your favourite arty treasures - tissue paper, scrapbooking or cardmaking scraps, collage prints, fabric, felt, ribbon, string, yarn, glitter, texture paste, grit paste, paint, ink sprays, wax finishes and more.
The paper mache base is not primed, therefore it may be a good idea to apply a thin coating of clear, white or black gesso to stop colours from soaking into the kraft substrate, enabling your layers of tissue papers, inks and paints to dry at their true colour.
When I've finished mine, one day, I'll add a photo but don't wait for me to do this before you buy one because it might be a while before I get to play. Something to do with some bright spark wanting to make 213 little Idea-Ology envelopes with cookie tags within. Feel free to roll your eyes outloud while rolling about laughing at me :) Laughter is the best medicine!
These are bit different to what we normally stock but they are so totally cool, I know you'll love them too!
Business Hours ...
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - open 10am to 5pm (ACST, SA time), these are the days we answer phones, reply to emails, pack parcels, shop for more and do bookkeeping :)
- Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday - closed (days off for arty humans).
- our online shop is open 24/7, 8 days a week . our shop never sleeps!
fyi, if you do have questions out of hours that cannot wait for a work day, please use FB or Insta messaging, or a text message to 0428 898 120 - preferably during daylight hours!
Christmas Break ... Advance Notice - 16th Dec to 14th Jan.
... December is rolling in fast and being November has reminded me that while I enjoy time off between mid December to mid January, I haven't set firm dates yet. However, whatever I decide, the Post Office is open right up to Christmas Eve as well as the business days inbetween Christmas and New Year's, so if there is anything urgent you need in this time, sing out via text message before or after you order. Always happy to help :)
Thanks so much for readings this far! I know I prattle on and on and on 😂 But it's all helpful 😁
Have a creative arty crafty Happy day!
😻🎨🌻
Jenny
