FOUND - whimsical art, vintage treasures, fun finds!

Patera making supplies and help dates

 

Many of our customers are now familiar with these little jewelry frames called Pateras.  They are made by a small Washington state company, started by Becky Nunn, called Nunn Design.  The word Patera is a Latin noun for an ornamental amulet.  Many different materials and techniques can be used with the Pateras, but we like to insert mini photos or bits of vintage papers in them, then use a quick cure resin called Gel du Soleil to produce personalized pendants.  Many people use photos of special people (or even pets) and add their Pateras to a charm bracelet or design a necklace, keychain or ornaments using these great little frames.  The technique is quick and easy to do.

 

The photo above is from the Nunn Design website.  We carry all the materials for this project.  The basic 4-step technique is:  glue image into patera frame, seal top of image, allow glue to dry, apply thin layer of Gel du Soleil UV resin and place in strong sunlight for 20 minutes to cure. 

Simple!  But wait... this is Michigan, where many days in late November and December have no strong sunlight.  No worry, we have UV lamps designed for this purpose.  You can purchase them at FOUND or come to the shop on designated Thursdays in December to finish your project by using our UV lamps, if needed.

While we don't have the space this year for a full fledged workshop, you can start your Pateras at home, knowing you can come in for tips or a bit of artificial sunlight in plenty of time for gift giving!   We'll have our UV lamps plugged in and complimentary Gel du Soleil from our big bottle from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on these Thursdays:  December 2, December 9 and December 16th. 

Ready to make some gifts!

Mary

P.S.   We have an excellent selection of styles right now - stop in soon, while it's on sale at 15% off

even MORE whipple workshop photos!

Finally had time to get back to my photos tonight.  Downloaded some that Lynn had sent me more than 10 days ago.  Plus more from my camera.   I'm still in awe of the energy and creativity that filled the Kerrytown Concert House for those 3 fun-filled days with the Whipples.

  

 

Wish I had remembered to take pics at the trunk show and during the few days that the middle section of FOUND was filled with Lynn and John's art - it was too much fun!  Art Fairs are in the past for another year.  Storms closed it down early 2 days, but not before I had time to make a couple purchases!

What a great week we had: workshops with Lynn and John,  Ann Arbor Art Fairs, tons of people stopping by FOUND, Lemonade Days and Margarita nights.  Ahhhh...

Enjoy the rest of these summer days,

Mary
 

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
   
 

Lynn & John Whipple Mixed Media Workshops start FRIDAY

In a couple days Lynn and John Whipple arrive to teach three days of SUPER FUN MIXED MEDIA WORKSHOPS! 

This will definately be one of the highlights of the year at FOUND - we just love these guys and know you will, too.  Lynn and John  mix things up in unanticipated ways.  I've been following Lynn's blog and looking forward to seeing what new things she'll bring for this year's Ann Arbor Street Art Fair.  And I just found John's blog today.   Always changing and keeping things fresh with new ideas and techniques! I love Lynns posts on embracing things you're not necessarily good at.  And learning new things, always. 

We're also looking forward to seeing what little treasures Lynn and John will bring to the Trunk Show at FOUND this Saturday night (before the art fair..).  That evening will be a fun chance to spend time with the artists before the bustle (and heat) of the fairs.  Hope you can join us this Saturday, July 17th between 6:30 and 9:00.  We're upstairs in the Kerrytown Market & Shops, 407 N. 5th Avenue.   Stop by and say hello!

Just saw that Lynn won best of show in Madison this weekend. We're in for a treat!  

Hope to see you this weekend!

  

questions?? contact the shop at 734.302.3060 or email me :  mary @ foundgallery.com (use a subject line, cause I've been inundated with spam lately). 

complete info and workshop registration on found website

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!  
 

Busy May

Registration begins tonight for the workshops that Lynn Whipple and John Whipple are doing this summer.  We expect them to fill up quickly.  We are SUPER excited to have them coming - read the previous post for information - registration is through the FOUND website.

I've spent some time away from the shop lately, trying to get a little sunshine, some  inspiration and planning for the coming year. For me, getting in the car and driving  clears my head and helps me plan, so on Mother's day I headed to Illinois to plant flowers with my mom.  The color green in springtime has the most amazing variety of shades.  So fresh...the perfect setting for hatching fresh ideas.

 
 
Stopped in Chicago and went to the Matisse exhibit at The Art Institute with Laura.  We also spent some time wandering through the new modern wing, then over the connecting walkway to Millenium Park.  It's great to have a daughter in my favorite city! 

This was the back of my van when I returned earlier this month.  It took some elbow grease and time getting these things and stuff from the basement prepped and in to the shop last week.

 

Those are shutters with heart-shaped cutouts and a "as found" wicker doll carriage.  I think it would be cute overflowing with flowers.   The blue metal lawn chair is a good heavy vintage one.  I picked up two of them. 

I have 11 boxes of old bottles and tins, some of which made their way in to the shop last week.  All sizes and shapes.  When I opened a small Evening in Paris bottle, the scent immediately took me back to when I was 6 years old and my mom was getting dressed up to go out with Dad... 

Old product names amuse me.  The Dogzoff bottle has a comical illustration.  I like the simple typography on this old unopened can of Ant Food.  

We added more buttons to the stash at the shop last week.

 

Last night I returned from another trip to Chicago - this time for the Seniors Honors Gala at DePaul for my favorite daughter.  It's good to take some time off and celebrate life's accomplishments. 

No buying on this trip.  Laura and I packed lots of city fun into 36 hours!   But I did hit an interesting estate sale before I left Ann Arbor Saturday morning.  Photos of that later....

Regards,

Mary

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
 

Sweet Plum Vintage Button Jewelry Trunk Show & workshops

 
 

Sweet Plum Vintage Button Jewelry Trunk Show

Saturday, March 27th  from noon to 4:00 at FOUND

Meet artist Cara Rosen as she presents a special selection of timeless jewelry, handcrafted in her Ann Arbor studio from antique and vintage buttons.  Cara is a treasure trove of information on old buttons and her designs are one of a kind!

And that's not all - following the trunk show, Cara will be rolling up her sleeves to  teach a 2 hour workshop called Berry Button Cluster Necklace.   There are a couple spots still open.  Another button workshop will be offered just in time for Mother's Day, a fun button bracelet class on Friday, April 30th from 6:30-9:00 p.m.  Register for either (or both) at www.foundgallery.com.  Click on the workshops tab.

Here are a few photos from the Sweet Plum Vintage collection:

Hope you can join Cara and FOUND on March 27th!

Regards,

Mary

 
  
 

New arrivals AND spring cleaning continues

Cute recycled box necklaces arrived on Tuesday - just $10.  Made just a few miles from here in Pinckney, Michigan!

Some other recent arrivals:

 
More button jewelry from Cara Rosen at Sweet Plum Vintage - this Ann Arbor artist will be teaching 2 button jewelry workshops at FOUND this Spring.  More about that in the next post.

Sweet little button pins and mirrors from locally owned Minds Eye Design:

Darcy Bowden brought in a half dozen sweet appliqued flower and bird pictures - perfect for a little girls room.

 
Other recent locally made arrivals:  more Fancy Felting knit pins in Spring Colors, another style of button jewelry from Elizabeth at A Fresh Eye, additional charm holders and napkin rings and more spoon rings from John Marcello.... 

Still Spring Cleaning and organizing the shop... our Spring Cleaning sale is clearing out LOTS of things and making room whatever fun things I find next.  In addition to what's on the clearance table in the hall, our 30% off all vintage paper and cloth will continue through Sunday.  Yesterday Ann put together some more background music packs for paper arts.  They just went out, but are still 30% off.  This is a good time to stock up on all kinds of things.

 

Remaining copper foil is half off.  Not much left...

These things below are more than half off.  See anything you can use?

 

The sunshine lately has brought really good traffic through FOUND.  The new Easter / Spring stuff and all the vintage pottery has been turning over quickly.  Displays are in constant flux - and we like it that way.  I never need an excuse to go find more stuff for the shop!

Hope you're having a good week!

Sunny regards,

Mary