FOUND - whimsical art, vintage treasures, fun finds!

May 2011 photos at FOUND. Drawing for camera earrings!

This post is going to have LOTS of photos.  A couple months ago, I got a new camera.  I'm still playing with it and have lots to learn, but this is fun!  Can you tell the difference?  Look these pictures over, then comment at the end of this post to register for a chance to win a pair of camera earrings.

 

This guy brightens up the shop.  I just grin when I look at him.  Handmade in Michigan.

 

"Josephine's Studio" is the name of this mother and daughter crafting duo making these whimsical bird pins from discarded upholstry fabric samples.  Their names are both Josephine, aka Joey and Jo.   

 

Notice the table surface under the pin above - we have a set of tables made from recycled metal cans!

 

We had the Josephines bring in a second batch last week.  If your mom likes eco-funky pins, this would be a great Mother's Day gift.

More button jewelry has arrived!  Button bracelets and pins.   We have 3 different jewelry artists creating with vintage buttons.  All made in Michigan. 

 

 

 

 

This framed button message is great  - "Friends are flowers in life's garden."

 

 

All charms & chains are 15% off through Mother's Day!

 

 

Sylvia and Katina restocked us with scrabble pendants.  Do you play words with friends?

 

 

Found more keys.  Fun to incorporate in jewelry and assemblage.  As are these clock parts...

 

Vintage pots for your spring flowers or just to gather on a shelf.

 

Antique book.  Practical Midwifery.  I should have focused on the spine title...  I'm still learning composition and lighting tricks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed seeing photos of the shop. I'm loving my new camera. 

And I'm lovin' these cute camera earrings...

 

If we get at least a dozen comments on this post, we'll do a drawing and one lucky poster will win  these cute camera  earrings (combined comments from blog or facebook). 

Smile and say cheese.... and comment below for a chance to win!

 

Madness!

After a busy weekend at the shop, the last 2 days have been fairly calm.  But not for long...on Friday there will be MADNESS in Kerrytown. 

Midnight Madness, that is! 

 The first Friday in December, downtown Ann Arbor merchants host an evening of festive shopping with special sales and events.  This year that falls on December 3rd.  At FOUND we start our sale at 10:00 in the morning.  It ends at Midnight.  The Kerrytown District is an especially fun place to shop!

 

Our special that day is 20% off almost everything in stock  (handmade artisan things will be 10% off), which can be combined with "Merry Multiples" savings of over 35% off.   Merry Multiples is our season-long special where if you buy 5 of something, you get a 6th one for FREE!   That can amount to some pretty great deals during Midnight Madness on presents for those on your list (and yourself) when combined with the 20% off sale.  Here's how it works - if you need 6 sock monkeys to tie on packages or decorate your tree, take 20% off AND get one of them for free.  Need made in Michigan candles?  Take 20% off and get a free one when you buy 5.  A great day to stock up on stocking stuffers, tree ornaments, chocolate filled candy canes and more!

 

Can't make it in on Friday????  We love the hub-bub of Midnight Madness, but some prefer a calmer shopping experience.  We understand and have a plan.  If you're reading this, you're special, so you can get the magic words to extend this to a 4-day sale.  Say the magic words when you come in for the 2 days before or 2 days after Midnight Madness, and get the same great deals as on Friday.   As Bing crones in all those holiday albums, "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas" - those are the magic words you can use anytime between tomorrow, December 1st, and Sunday, Dec. 5th to make your own sale day!

 

 

 

 

Thursday Sunshine Club

 

Want to make Pateras with the resin that cures in sunshine, but not sure we'll have enough sunshine?  For the first 3 Thursdays in December, we'll have our UV lamps plugged in - makin' some artificial sunshine for those of you who have Patera projects to finish.  Stop in Dec. 2, 9 or 16 between 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.  Start your Patera Pendants at home and use our complimentary big bottle of gel du soleil and UV lamp to cure the resin. 

 

This Thursday, Cyndi will be here showing simple wire wrapping techniques as well.  We've gathered game pieces, charms, buttons and other little things that can be added to a charm bracelet or necklace.   Stop by December 2nd between 4:00 and 7:00  and she'll help you walk out the door with something special.

 

 

Holiday Hours

 

Monday - Friday   10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday   9 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sunday    10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Annual Chippy China Sale August 14th @ FOUND

 

I've finally gathered enough less than perfect dishes to offer this year's Chippy China Sale!  For this event we bring out chipped plates, cups without saucers (and saucers without cups), crazed dishes, broken platters and even some perfectly good "left-over" china from estate sales - then we sell it for $1 per pound.  We put an old scale out in the hall with piles of dishes, you just gather and weigh what you have a use for, rounding to the nearest quarter pound.  Pay $1/pound and pack it up!

There is a great selection for mosaic projects!  I've seen old china incorporated in to jewelry designs and other interested recycled crafts.  Less than perfect plates are great to use under plants or to line the garden walk.  Odd bowls work as cat dishes.   A pretty saucer works as a soap dish or to hold jewelry.  Many of these are actually just fine for using to eat on if you like to mix and match patterns. 

This sale begins Saturday morning, August 14th at 9:00.  And will last until it's all gone.   We're open until 6:00 on Saturday, and from 11:00 - 5:00 on Sunday.  Come early for best selection.

Regards!

Mary

Winner of art junk - Barbara Carson!

We have a winner from those who commented on the Whipple workshop posts.  Barbara Carson - your number won!   We have a selection of background music, misc. ephemera, rusty zig-zag metal, game pieces and little odds 'n ends that you can pick up at FOUND.  With a cigar box to stow it in until the inspiration hits to make something out of this stash.  Stop in any time - I'll have it behind the counter with your name on it.

First day Whipple Workshop photos

The first of 3 Super Fun Mixed Media Workshops with Lynn and John Whipple was today.   I was planning to get some work done at the shop, but just couldn't resist when Lynn suggested I stay and play....

 

We tried lots of messy techniques - layers built up and wiped away.  More layers added.  Ouey, gooey.  Painting and drawing and smudging, oh my!  Lynn's  sewing machine was loaded with cheery red thread.  Zig-zaggy red thread!

   

 
  
Some of the people in the class are accomplished artists, but they stretched to learn something new, too.  That was encouraging for a novice like me. 

 

 

John kept telling us to be fearless...work fast and loose...

 
 

 

 

 
 
  

 

 

At one point I was almost ready to sneak out the door and mumble that I had something to do at FOUND...  but I kept adding more layers, then sanding them down and remembering that the process of exploring something new is more important than the actual product.   It's good for me to get out of the routine and leap without knowing where I'll land. 

 

In the end, I had lots of fun playing.  But I think I'll go back to being the finder at FOUND!

Happy regards,

Mary
   
 

Fun Finds! London and Ann Arbor

This morning I went to the Portobello Market in LONDON! !!

  But before I left Ann Arbor, we added a LOT of fun vintage merchandise to the mix....

wheels, wheels and more wheels!!!

lamp part to make things from.  great found building materials for assemblage!

wood spindles that can be combined with antique tart tins to make little candle stands for votive candles.  fun for outdoor parties or anytime..  Katina made these by just using one little nail to attach them.  we ordered nice quality votives in 4 differnt colors.  aren't these fun?

post a comment below to enter to win a FREE candle holder and candle!!!

happy regards,

Mary
 
 
 
 
 
 

Lynn & John Whipple Mixed Media Workshops in July!

 

photos courtesy Lynn Whipple

We're thrilled to announce that Lynn and John Whipple will be coming to Ann Arbor in July to teach three days of SUPER FUN MIXED MEDIA WORKSHOPS!  Over the years, these Florida artists have stopped by after the Ann Arbor Art Fair to shop for vintage (and sometimes rusty) treasures.  This year Lynn and John will be at FOUND the weekend before the art fairs showing us a whole new way to make art and play with found objects and images.

Featured in galleries and fairs throughout the country, the Whipples often exhibit side-by-side, but have very distinctive styles.  Even if you don't instantly recognize the names, if you've wandered the Ann Arbor art fairs in recent years, you'll recognize their work.  Here's a peak at their artist profiles on this year's Original Ann Arbor Art Fair website:  Lynn Whipple / John whipple.  Creative interpretation of ideas and alternate use of materials is inherent in the collage, sculpture and paintings they create.  Here's the link to Lynn's website: www.lynnwhipple.com . check it out!

The classes:

Friday, July 16.  2-D Collage and Altered Found Images.  An exciting day of exploring collage!  Alter found images with a combination of drawing, painting, sewing and more.  Lynn's overall philosophy of freedom, play, exploration and FUN makes this class perfect for seasoned artists as well as beginners.   Register here for Friday's workshop.

Saturday, July 17.  Working with alternative materials.  Lynn & John LOVE to experiement with unconventional materials, finding that so many ideas come from venturing to unfamiliar playgrounds.  8 1/2 x 11" wood panels will be dramatically altered using, among other things, their "secret surface making materials".  This workshop is designed to allow students to work in fresh ways with materials, opening up new ways to create while learning techniques for use in mixed media and assemblage projects.  Register here for Saturday's workshop.

Sunday, July 18.  Working outside the box - inside a box!  In Sunday's class, you'll explore ways to combine collages with found objects and alternative surfaces in the box format. This class offers great ways to add dimension to your collages and build new ways to work with assemblage, as you create within a found box such as a cigar box, doll suitcase or small drawer.  Register here for Sunday's workshop.


All classes will be held from 10 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Kerrytown Concert House (across the street from FOUND).  The cost per workshop is $150, with registration through our website or at the shop during regular business hours. 

If you have friends who might not be on our email list, but would LOVE to take a class with Lynn or John Whipple, please pass this post on the them.  Thanks a bunch!


Happy regards,
Mary @ FOUND

 
 

photos from earlier workshops, gettin' messy with Lynn!  
 

Lynn & John Whipple Super Fun Workshops coming to FOUND!

Lynn Whipple photo

 

We're thrilled to announce that Lynn and John Whipple will be coming to Ann Arbor in July to teach three days of SUPER FUN MIXED MEDIA WORKSHOPS!  Over the years, these Florida artists have stopped by after the Ann Arbor Art Fair to shop for vintage (and sometimes rusty) treasures.  This year Lynn and John will be at FOUND the weekend before the art fairs showing us a whole new way to make art and play with found objects and images.

Featured in galleries and fairs throughout the country, the Whipples often exhibit side-by-side, but have very distinctive styles.  Even if you don't instantly recognize the names, if you've wandered the Ann Arbor art fairs in recent years, you'll recognize their work.  Here's a peak at their artist profiles on this year's Original Ann Arbor Art Fair website:  Lynn Whipple / John whipple. Creative interpretation of ideas and alternate use of materials is inherent in the collage, sculpture and paintings they create.

Here's what will be offered:

Friday, July 16.  2-D Collage and Altered Found Images.  An exciting day of exploring collage!  Alter found images with a combination of drawing, painting, sewing and more.  Lynn's overall philosophy of freedom, play, exploration and FUN makes this class perfect for seasoned artists as well as beginners. 

Saturday, July 17.  Working with alternative materials.  Lynn & John LOVE to experiement with unconventional materials, finding that so many ideas come from venturing to unfamiliar playgrounds.  8 1/2 x 11" wood panels will be dramatically altered using, among other things, their "secret surface making materials".  This workshop is designed to allow students to work in fresh ways with materials, opening up new ways to create while learning techniques for use in mixed media and assemblage projects.

Sunday, July 18.  Working outside the box - inside a box!  In Sunday's class, you'll explore ways to combine collages with found objects and alternative surfaces in the box format. This class offers great ways to add dimension to your collages and build new ways to work with assemblage, as you create within a found box such as a cigar box, doll suitcase or small drawer.


All classes will be held from 10 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Kerrytown Concert House (across the street from FOUND).  The cost per workshop is $150, with registration through our foundgallerywebsite. . 

If you have friends who might not be on our email list, but would LOVE to take a class with Lynn or John Whipple, please pass this email on to them.  Thanks a bunch!


Happy regards,
Mary @ FOUND

 Here's the link to Lynn's website: www.lynnwhipple.com . check it out!

Mom's Day Button Bouquet Make-n-Take. Saturday 12-2.

 

Mother's Day is just around the corner.  Here's a fun gift  kids can create for Mom or Grandma at a "Make-n-Take" session May 7th.

Drop in this Saturday between noon to 2:00 at the back table in the shop to make a bouquet of five sweet flowers from vintage buttons.  The cost is just $3 to cover materials.  And we'll provide a gift box, so it's all ready for giving!   

Here are some other things that Mom might like:

 

Little pocket mirrors (made in Ann Arbor) and fabric covered pins at just $7.50 and $2.50, respectively, are priced to fit a child's allowance.

 

Wonderful soldered pendants and book marks by Nieka just arrived this week.  Check them out!

 

Mini domino earrings.  Choose you favorite number combinations - perhaps the kids' ages?

 

How about an Archipelago Soy Milk Gift Set?  This lotion has been a FOUND favorite for the past 4 years.  Moms like soft skin. 

 

These 100% pure soy candles from Green Daffodil in Ferndale are amazing.  I'm burning the tangerine one as I write.  Lavender, patchouli clovebud, cucumber melon and lemon verbena are just a few of the natural scents we carry. 

 

And of course, our bud vases made from a knife handle and spoon are perfect for lily of the valley, a tea rose, dandelion or even a button bouquet!

Other ideas for Mom: 

Fork art angel, vintage cake stand, pendant or ring made with Patera findings, Burlap Boutique shoulder bag, candles shaped like asparagus or pea pods or paint brushes, a card you make yourself, pretty vintage plate... and of course, what Mom really wants is for her kids to love each other the way a family should. 

Happy Mother's Day! 

Mary
 

5th Anniversary Sale this weekend @ FOUND

 

 It was five years ago - May of 2005 - that FOUND opened it's doors.  We're starting May 2010 with a 2-day sale to celebrate!

We'll be open Saturday, May 1st from 9:00 til 6:00.   While Obama and our graduates will be at the Big House on Saturday morning, we'll be in Kerrytown kicking off a month of celebrations. We have a feeling that this side of town will be very easy to navigate between 9:00 (when everyone has to be in the gates of Michigan Stadium for security clearance) and around 1:30 when graduation is expected to end.  By then, you'll aready have a good parking spot in Kerrytown!  Sunday we'll open at 11:00 and be here until 5:00.   Parking is free on Sunday and the neighborhood is a great place for a relaxing day.

What's on sale?  EVERYTHING!  10-40% off for 2 days only

30% off all Patera jewelry making supplies

10% off all fork art and a few newer handcrafted items by local artists: fork art, Burlap Boutique bags from recycled coffee bags, perky Celibeth! purses from menswear ties and framed Ann Arbor prints from Katherine Larson.

At least 20% everything else in the store  (and that's a lot right now - new, vintage and new stuff made from old...)

Free soy milk lip balm or travel lotion with any $20 Archipelago purchase

40% off select items with a 2 day "Yellow Dot"

 

We have a fresh supply of Patera pendant frames and great rings to put your own photos or artwork in - we usually use the gel du soleil quick cure resin in them, but our customers have all kinds of adaptation.  Someone who plans to fill them with colorful felted wool was in this week.  At 30% off for these 2 days, it's a great time to stock up for future projects. 

 
Celibeth! tie bags, made in Ann Arbor - perfect for a night out - just sling it over your shoulder with your cell phone and a few little necessities.  If you want to get up and dance, it won't weigh you down or get lost.

A more utilitarian tote, made in Michigan out of recycled coffee sacks will even hold your laptop!  We have about a dozen Burlap Boutique bags right now.  They make great graduation gifts for your eco-conscious friends.  The long handle on this one is a man's belt and the lining is remnant.  It features lots of pockets to keep organized.

 

Have you seen these tapers shaped like paintbrushes yet?  Perfect for your next arty party or as a gift for your favorite artist friend.

 

A fresh batch of bottlecap necklaces from Jen Roder came in last week.  Most of them are from beer caps, but these Izzy soda caps are extra cute.

 

These earrings remind me of Life Saver candy, but they are really made from the neck of an old wine bottle. 
 

I have lots more to show, but I'll save some of it for another day.  I'm updating the website and Jenny Murray is taking pictures for it.  I cropped some of them for this post.  Thanks Jenny!

Regards,

Mary

oh, and a quick reminder:  check out the post directly below this  for info on our month long photo contest -show us what you've done with something you purchased at FOUND and you'll be entered for a chance to win a $50 FOUND gift card and a bucket of junk.

and another contest for those who come into the shop during May:  Come into FOUND this weekend or thoughout May for a chance to win a $50 gift card (must join our email list or be a fan on facebook by the time the drawing is held to win)