Sanctuary of Davidson

Winter Art Classes are Open for Registration!!

2012-01-15T10:15:00.001-08:00

Winter Art Classes for
Young Artists and Adults
are open for registration!
Classes begin Monday, February 6th.

Our art classes have been filling up fast so don't miss out on any of our fabulous offerings!

Classes for Young Artists

	Appalachian Art

	Ever made a lantern out of a tin can? Or a pet snake out of soda pop lids? How about a banjo out of a pie tin that you could really play? Young whipper snappers will love this cool class that teaches all about how to make your own fun with the items you have in your home ('cause there aren't any craft stores up in the hollers!) . Join Ms. Krissy as she shares crafts and stories that tell all about where she grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. Instructor: Kristen Feighery Mondays, 4:00 - 5:00 Ages: 4-8 2/6/12 - 3/12/12 $70.00 Click here to register

	Painting With Young Masters

	We will continue to study the works of famous artists and their individual painting styles. Students will incorporate these techniques into their own masterpieces!! Instructor: Gerry McElory Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:00 Ages: 8+ 2/7/12 - 3/13/12 $70.00 Click here to register

	Cross Stitch Basics

	Both boys and girls will enjoy hand stitching a pattern that they design into fabric. Basic hand sewing skills will be taught, like threading a needle and sewing using an embroidery hoop. Each child will come home with a framed piece of their artwork that they designed and stitched, displayed in a frame that they painted. Come create a keepsake that could be treasured for a lifetime. Instructor: Anne Harkness Wednesdays, 11:30 - 12:30 Ages: 5-9 2/8/12 - 3/14/12 $70.00 Click here to register

	Let's Make Machines

	From prehistoric times through ancient Greece, to Davidson... simple machines are all around us. We will combine art & science to explore principles & create machines. Get ready to get messy! Put your tool belt on & let's do some learnin' ! Instructor: Di Partridge Wednesday - 4:00 - 5:00 pm Ages: 5 -10 2/8/12 - 3/14/12 $70.00 Click here to register

	Fashionista

	A great class for budding fashionistas & those that love to explore their creative side! We will deconstruct, reconstruct, embellish, sketch, learn about color & sewing basics. Our class will end with a fashion show for friends & family. We will provide all basic supplies, but to really get funky, our fashionistas will bring in garments to rework and deconstruct. Instructor: Di Partridge Thursday - 4:00 - 5:00 pm Ages: 6 -10 2/9/12 - 3/15/12 $70.00 Click here to register

	Animal Mania

	Sanctuary's Going on a Safari! Join Ms. Lori in drawing, painting, building, stenciling, stamping, and creating all things animal. Students will even participate in creating a large paper mural for the walls of Sanctuary! Instructor: Ms. Lori Ages 4-5 Fridays, 11:00 - 12:00 2/10/12 - 3/16/12 $70.00 Click here to register.

Tween, Teen and Adult Classes

	Photograph Your Life

	The artist within you is waiting to conquer your digital camera! Our first session will focus on how your digital camera works and why the heck that manual is so big! We'll learn what is most important to making beautiful images, how to control your camera so you can capture your toddler, your garden..... or whatever makes your heart happy...and how inspiration and patience make better pictures. Instructor: Gayle Shomer Thursdays, Feb. 9th, 16, 23 and March 1st 9:30 - 11:30 $80.00 Click here to register.

	Trash into Treasure

	In this funky class, we will use cast offs, scraps and recycled items to create truly unique pieces of art! An example of items we will incorporate will be pop tops, tissue papers, ribbon, starbucks cups, stencils.......and whatever else we can get our hands on! You'll be amazed at what we'll create! All materials are included but if you have something fun you'd like to incorporate into your artwork, bring it along!! Instructor: Kristen Feighery Ages: Tweens and Teens Friday, February 10th 6:00 - 8:00 $25.00 Click here to register.

	Explore Collage Art

	Learn to loosen up and trust your instincts to create a fabulous mixed media masterpiece! We will use collage papers, rubber stamps, stencils, acrylics, crackle medium and more! Bring along any found objects or special treasures and we will find a way to incorporate them into your finished artwork. Instructor: Kristen Feighery Mondays, February 13th and 20th 6:00 - 9:00 $85.00 Click here to register

	Art Journaling

	We will create personal art journals that can be used for thoughts, artistic expression, travel diaries and more!! Incorporate collage, painting and sketching in your creation. If you have any special photos, or mementos, bring them along!! Instructor: Gerry McElroy Friday, March 9th 6:00 - 8:00 Ages: Tweens andTeens $25 Click here to register.

	Funky Mermaids

	Learn to loosen up and trust your instincts to create a fabulous mixed media masterpiece! We will use collage papers, rubber stamps, stencils, acrylics, crackle medium and more! Bring along any found objects or special treasures and we will find a way to incorporate them into your finished artwork. Instructor: Kristen Feighery Mondays, March 12th and 19th 6:00 - 9:00 $85.00 Click here to register

	Open Art Night

	Want to mingle with other artists and get a little artsy, too? Come to 'Open Art Night' at Sanctuary! We will have all our art supplies at your disposal! Come with ideas, friends, wine.....and enjoy a night of artistic fun. No instruction provided but Kristen assist with your ideas and provide lot's of great supplies! Come get your 'art on'. Friday, February 24th Friday, March 30th 6:00 - 8:00 $15.00 Click here to register for February 24th. Click here to register for March 30th

Check us out in Lake Norman Magazine!!!

2011-11-13T04:10:00.001-08:00

Slideshow

GAYLE SHOMER
a ladies night out event held at the Sanctuary of Davidson.

Ladies first

By Kelli Robinson

Posted: Friday, Oct. 28, 2011

Gals, it’s time to text your BFFs and book a night on the town just for you. The holidays are coming. Between attending office parties, organizing your kid’s teacher gifts and getting ready for your family’s own festivities, time for yourself will quickly evaporate.

Forget drink specials (are they really that special?) or free cover charges (is free really worth it?). What you really want is the chance to spend quality time with friends. Very often a bar’s loud din or a club’s claustrophobic dance floor is less civilized than the crazy chaos you left at home. Three local establishments are helping to put the ladies back in Ladies’ Nights Out.

Carried Away from it all

Amy Suggs, owner of the Mooresville shop Carried Away, says she knew she wanted to do something outside regular day-to-day business when she opened the gift store in March 2010. “Women devote so much of their lives to everyone else and rarely take time for themselves,” she says. “Once a month we give them the opportunity to get away from it all!”

Ladies’ Night Only takes place the first Thursday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m. “We call it drinks, desserts and deals,” Suggs says. “For three hours women chat, enjoy a cocktail and shop a store full of unique items that are on sale for that evening’s event only.”

From personalized wine glasses to collapsible totes, the rooms at Carried Away overflow with great gifts for the new homeowner, the new mom, the teacher…or yourself! About the only thing the merchandise has in common is that many items are eco-friendly and all of them can’t be found anywhere else.

“Women love being a part of something feminine, and it’s a chance for someone else to wait on them for a change,” Suggs says. “There’s always laughter and everyone leaves with a smile on their face.”

FiFi’s Consignment: A Diva’s Delight

Julia Austin may have retired from nursing in 2006, but the desire to help others never goes away. And how often is it said that shopping makes good therapy?

When Austin bought FiFi’s Fine Resale in Cornelius a year later, she saw the opportunity for ladies to have an evening to themselves and help their community at the same time. The FiFi’s tagline sums it up perfectly: It’s Like Shopping in Your Wealthy Girlfriend’s Closet. Brands from Anne Klein to Ann Taylor and Coach to Chico’s are all available at consignment prices.

“Diva Nights started in 2007 as a way to introduce customers to the store,” Austin says. “The monthly event became so popular that handling the volume after hours proved difficult.” Recently Austin switched the nightly gathering to Sunday afternoons. Diva Days are now held monthly from noon to 5 p.m.

Diva Day attendees focus on their “FiFi Finds:” Designer brands at special savings (prices are reduced below the already affordable consignment cost). FiFi’s donates a portion of the day’s sales to local charities. “It’s a blessing for me to help others in need,” Austin says. “It must be my nursing instincts kicking in!” Organizations that have received gifts from the Diva Days events include Habitat for Humanity, Barium Springs Home for Children and Triple Cross Ranch.

But for ladies wanting to gather when the sun goes down, FiFi’s still hosts Girl’s Night on occasion (“Like” the store’s Facebook page to know when the next one will be). “The Girl’s Night Out events will be more of a social event to talk about issues and offerings for women,” Austin explains. “For one Girl’s Night Out evening we invited stylists from Cocoon Salon in Davidson to talk about season fashion trends. Another evening featured representatives from MD Laser Studio who discussed skin care.”

Wine paired with shopping? A perfect combination.

Sanctuary of sanity

Walking into Sanctuary of Davidson is like stepping inside a kaleidoscope. Colors and textures leap from the paintings, jewelry, and other artwork owner Kristen Feighery displays. It’s energetic, busy and fun, the perfect place for women to relax with friends.

And that’s just what Feighery wants you to do when attending a Sanctuary Girl’s Night Out Party – that and walk away with artwork you’ve created. Ladies schedule a party ($40 for each participant, with a minimum of four guests and maximum of 12) and select a theme. Feighery leads the group in instruction on everything from making jewelry to decoupage or watercolor painting.

“Most people attending are moms who just want some adult time,” says Feighery, who’s a mom herself. “While we offer parties on the weekends, many want to book them during the week.” Wednesday night with the gals, weekend time with the family – a win-win for everyone.

Wine and munchies are not only welcome but encouraged. “I’ve had full spreads of food and wine selections,” laughs Feighery. “We spend the first part of the party chatting and eating and then it’s time to get creative.” Even the mom whose only artistic claim to fame is finger painting has a great time. “So many people say ‘I’m not creative, I can’t do this,’” says Feighery. “At the end of the evening they’re amazed at what they accomplished.”

Perhaps the biggest accomplishment is a night away from it all.

Want to go?

Carried Away: 139 Marketplace Avenue, Mooresville, 704-660-1853, www.carriedawayoflkn.com

Ladies’ Night Only: First Thursday of every month, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

FiFi’s Resale Apparel: 8301-7 Magnolia Plaza, Cornelius, 704-892-7070, www.fifislkn.com

Diva Days: First Sunday of every month, noon – 5 p.m.

Girl’s Nights: On occasion (check website for details).

Sanctuary of Davidson: 108 S. Main Street, Davidson, 704-892-0044, www.sanctuaryofdavidson.com

Girl’s Night Out Parties: Reservations only ($40/person; 4 person minimum, 12 person maximum); bring food and beverages.

Get Ready for the Holidays at Sanctuary!!

2011-11-08T09:52:00.001-08:00

I went into the gallery early today so I could meet with several artists bringing in new work to kick off the holidays. WOW!! I couldn't believe all the amazing handmade items that came in! That's the greatest thing about my job......every time I come into the gallery, there's something new to see. I feel like a kid in a candy shop!

I hope you feel the same way I do when you shop at Sanctuary. My wish is that you find enjoyment and inspiration within the walls of the gallery. And that you know each time you purchase a piece of art from us that you have just bought a quality and unique item from a local artist. How cool is that?

We at the gallery are so appreciative of your support of us as artists and as a local business. I've been old that I am insane to have opened an art gallery in a recession. But, art brings light into the world. It brings hope and enjoyment. And I can't think of a better time than this to shed a little light.

See at the gallery!

Artfully,

Kristen

Back by popular demand! Angela Statzers coffee bag purses!

Fabulous kiln works by potter, Mary Miller.

You'll love these whimsical bracelet cuffs by Things She Carried. A great gift for anyone who loves to sew!

Elegantly woven fresh water pearls by Blue Peacock!

Adorable crotched hats by Deborah Carter!

AND.....

Fabulous neck warmers packaged in mason jars! All color available!

And don't forget to register for an art class! Coming up .......

LUSCIOUS BRUSHES!

Enjoy an evening out with friends while learning the basics of the fabulous and versatile medium of Acrylics. Bring a friend and a bottle of wine and leave with a finished piece!!

Instructor: Becky Cochell Thursday, Nov. 22th

6:00

$40.00

Click here to register!

FABULOUS ART JOURNALS!

We will create personal art journals that can be used for thoughts, artistic expression, travel diaries and more!! Incorporate collage, painting and sketching in your creation. If you have any special photos, or mementos, bring them along!! Instructor: Gerry McElroy

Friday November, 11th

6:00

Ages: Tweens andTeens

$25

Click here to register.

Sanctuary of Davidson

108 S. Main Street

Davidson, NC 28036

704-892-0044

www.sanctuaryofdavidson.com

Tonight is the night!!!!

2011-09-25T11:20:00.001-07:00

Don't miss our 'once a year' sale! Half price coupons on sale tonight ONLINE ONLY! Starting at 10:00 tonight and going on until 10:00 Monday night.....

$50.00 Gift Certificates for $25.00!!

These are GREAT Christmas gifts. Use them for up to 6 months! Buy as many as you want! Don't miss out. This offer won't be available again until NEXT SEPTEMBER!!

Enjoy this special thank you gift from Sanctuary of Davidson!

Calling all junior artists!!!!!

2011-09-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Davidson Farmers Market is offering a fabulous opportunity for junior artists!!!

Happy Birthday to Us!

2011-09-01T06:22:00.001-07:00

To us!!

Join us this month in celebrating our

2 year anniversary!!

FREE ART TUESDAY IS BACK!

Be on the lookout every Tuesday during the month of September for FREE ART!

The Sanctuary artists will be placing art all over town for the taking!

Be sure to come into the gallery and

let us know what you found......

and good luck!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LET'S PARTY!!

Clear your calendar the evening of

September 17th, from 7:00 - 10:00

for our anniversary party!

Come meet the Sanctuary artists

and enjoy a night of wine,

munchies and good company!

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LAST, BUT NOT LEAST....

Make a cup of coffee and stay awake on September 25th!!

Beginning at 10:00 p.m., we will be offering $50 gift certificates for $25!

These are GREAT Christmas gifts!

Certificates will only be available through our online marketplace.

Offer ends promptly on

September 26 at 10:00 p.m.!

We only offer this deal once a year.......

so don't miss out!

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Thanks to our wonderful customers for an amazing, art-filled 2 years.

We look forward to many anniversaries to come!

Join Our Mailing List!

Sanctuary of Davidson

108 S. Main Street

Davidson, NC 28036

704-892-0044

www.sanctuaryofdavidson.com

Who wants a free Art Class???

2011-08-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

The Sanctuary of Davidson Fall Art Classes are here!!! I love it when the classes come out. It's so exciting to come so far from our brain storming sessions to actually launching the classes and starting to plan all the projects.
My most favorite offering this quarter, by far, is the 'Make Your Own Halloween Costume' class! My mother made all my costumes when I was a kid. They were simple but fabulous. I remember when a friends father taught us how to make ladybug costumes out of boxes, paper mache and paint. Oh my.....we were 2 amazing bugs that year.

And I'm very excited about the 'Friday Night Art Club' for adults and also 'Tuesday Afternoon Art Club' for kids. I always have so many fun and crazy project ideas I want to share with people but never know exactly how to launch them all. An art club seemed like the perfect solution!!

Check out all our Teen/Adult Classes and also our Young Artist Classes, too. Lot's of fun stuff.

And......Who wants a free art class???

We would LOVE for you to enjoy a class on us! There are 3 ways to win:
1. Leave a comment telling us about a class you would like to see offered in the future.
2. 'Like' us on facebook and then come back and post about it.
3. Have a friend 'like' us on facebook and come back and post again!

3 chances to win an art class!!

We will be drawing the name of the winner one week from today, August 23rd. Don't miss your chance to win a class of your choice!!

Happy posting!

What a soda pop can is REALLY for.....

2011-08-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

We are all trying to be 'green' these days and I'm sure, like my family, most of us are trying to go 'budget friendly' when shopping. But, neither of the aforementioned should cramp our style! We at Sanctuary believe you can be hip and frugal, budget conscious and funky at the same time. And just to prove my point, here is a fun little tutorial on how to make AWESOME jewelry from soda pop cans. So easy.....

Begin by finding a great can. Yes, drink the contents first.

Cut that sucker open. Careful......aluminum is sharp!

Next, grab some flower shaped scrapbook paper cutters and start cutting away.

You'll have to press pretty hard.

Use cutters of various sizes since you'll be stacking them together. More is better.

Take a jewelry hole punch and punch holes right in the center of each cut out. If you don't have a punch, you can use a knife. It's super easy and all you need is a little hole.

Grab some brads and put one through all your stacked cut outs. Open the brad in the back to keep them from falling apart.

Next, begin bending the petals in different directions to make it look like a blooming flower.

Now, punch a hole in one of the petals (not too close to the edge or it will rip) and insert a large jump ring.

Finally, add a ribbon or ball chain and voila.....you have a beautiful necklace that cost next to nothing.

And you'll have a very happy recipient should you decide to part with it as a gift!

So.....even though pop is very, VERY bad for you.....go down a few and make some jewelry. Or better yet, go raid your neighbors recycling bin. Much healthier.

To purchase this or other cool pop can jewelry, click here to go to my online store!!

To see more art by Kristen Feighery, click here to visit my blog, krissysart.blogspot.com!

I was in the gallery this morning.......

2011-08-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

.....and couldn't believe all the new items the artists have brought in! So glad I had my camera.

Funky little felted rings by Dione Goyette.

Lovely hand-drawn sheet music art by Anne Harkness. If you get a chance, stop into the gallery and meet Anne on either Mondays or Thursdays. She's as sweet as pudding.

LOVE these little silver earrings by Blue Peacock.

New oil by Angie Moses. Love how she sees such beauty in simple things.

You have to see these amazing pieces in person. Lovely jewelry by Humbleotter.

Reusable sandwich bags by Lori Burton!!!!

New funky acrylic by Angela Van Every.

And cute little button rings. Simple but so fun.

Pop into the gallery and see all the new work by our artists.

AND.......

Pop over to the new online store and see what else Sanctuary has to offer! More work from many Sanctuary artists. Soon, the Sanctuary online marketplace will feature work from artists all over North Carolina!! Click here to go right to the marketplace!

HAPPY WEEKEND!!

For the Kiddos....

2011-07-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

My girls and I have had such a good time designing and creating our own paper dolls and clothing that I wanted to share the good times! We also did this activity in our camp last week and the girls enjoyed it so much that we brought them out for 3 days in a row. The girls just didn't get tired of it! Paper dolls were a staple in my home when I was a little girl and I was shocked at how few of the girls had ever played with them.

So.....here is my paper doll tutorial!

Sketch out a body, legs and arms. Draw dots where you will make holes for connecting the limbs together and cut out.

Using scrapbooking brads, connect the limbs so that they become movable. You can also cut the elbow and knees joints out to create even more movement!

Sketch out clothing and make sure you remember to draw tabs so the clothes will stay on your doll!

Cut out the clothing. There's no limit to what kind of clothes you can design! Just make sure when you are drawing them, you trace around the doll to ensure a good fit.

Give your doll a good fitting session. You are now ready to get really creative with styling the doll and it's clothes. This is the best part!

And there you have it......a funky, little doll. Yes, I'm aware she's bit masculine.

Camp Madness!

2011-07-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

Our fabulous camps have been in full swing all summer long with wonderful feedback. I'm so pleased that so many students have taken multiple camps and ask when the next will begin! How encouraging. One of my dreams for Sanctuary was to have quality camps, classes and birthday parties for children who may not be getting the hands on arts and crafts that once were so prevalent in our schools. Art is so very important for a child's self expression and development. I remember, as a child, being so engrossed in creativity. When I couldn't explain my feelings, I did it with art. I still do it as a 37 year old woman! And I'm afraid so many children are missing that. It breaks my heart.

But.....we had an amazing week in 'The Courageous Camp for Girls' learning about 4 amazing women who helped shape history. We learned about how Pocahontas saved John Smith from certain death....even though she was only a little girl at the time! We studied about the love Princess Diana had for the downtrodden and how she helped change how the world treated those with AIDS and leprosy by being the first celebrity to be photographed touching and hugging those afflicted by the diseases. Then we learned how Harriet Tubman saved hundreds of slaves from slavery on the underground railroad.....she never lost a passenger! And lastly, we studied Esther Morris; the fabulous lady who worked tirelessly to ensure Wyoming women were the first in the country to be able to vote in a national election....and she was also the first woman to hold public office!

On 'Princess Diana' Day, the girls got fashionable by designing their own t-shirts!

We made our own paper dolls and designed clothing for them (a favorite of mine and Mrs. Di's when we were kids!)

Hat-making to celebrate Esther Morris' Millinery Shops was especially fun!

We capped the week off with the girl's favorite activity......a tea party!

Mrs. Di entertained the party goers with a bit of ballet (she is a former professional dancer!)

Thank you to all our wonderful campers!

Please go to http://www.sanctuaryofdavidson.com/ to view the rest of our upcoming camps for the summer.

Fall class schedules will be out mid August!!

Call for local art!!

2011-07-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

Sanctuary is on the lookout for more fabulous, unique, affordable art from artists local to the Charlotte area (including Troutman, Statesville, etc). Would you like to be a Sanctuary artist? Send images of your artwork to Kristen Feighery. And please know that I, in no way, am a judge of whether or not your artwork is 'good'. I am an artist, too, and I understand the vulnerability of submitting work for review to a complete stranger. Please know that I look forward to your submissions. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to know that another artist would want to share thier work with me and even allow me to show it my little gallery!
Please send 5 - 6 images to kristen@sanctuaryofdavidson.com.
I will return your email within 2 weeks of submission. And I look forward to seeing your artwork! Glass, paintings, mixed media, collage, jewelry, childrens items.....nothing is too small or too large! Bring it on!

Birds on our Brains!!

2011-07-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

I always go to the gallery with my camera in hand because everytime I walk in, one or more of our fabulous artists has brought in something amazing. And today when I made my daily visit, I noticed how many items were 'bird themed'. And since I have a soft spot for birds, I started snapping away. Thought you would enjoy!

Original Oil by Robin Cochran

This awesome piece is designed by Chris Johnson and cut out with a laser beam!

Love these cute bottles by Bonnie Zong. You've got to see her amazing work in person. The coolest, vintage and found object art you've seen in a while!

My decoupage and acrylic birdies. One of my favorite things to paint.

Larry Dukes seagulls. He's got great style!

Silver plated 'nest' with swarovski crystal 'eggs'. Super sweet. This necklace is on a sterling chain but it would be nice on a ribbon chain, as well.

Angela Statzer's ever popular birds. She cuts these out with a jigsaw!!

Clever chalkboard by Rosa Murillo. She created this treasure out of a thrift store find! LOVE that Sanctuary artists recycle and create something beautiful from someone elses castoffs.

Cute bird dangles (I modeled them...I loved watching them swing from my ears! I almost kept them)

AND LASTLY...

Classy little birdie lariet necklace.

The jewelry listed above will be in the Sanctuary online marketplace soon.

Please take a moment to stop by!

https://sanctuaryofdavidson.com/store/

We are working hard to showcase as much local art online as possible! I am so excited to have Sanctuary go online because I can take in so many additional items. The possibilities are endless! And all to support and assist the amazing talent local to Charlotte!

Support local art!

Decoupage Tutorial!

2011-06-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

I heart decoupaging. I do it in almost all my (Kristen's) paintings. I also incorporate it into these lovely little wood mounted poems I do. So since these little guys are some of my top sellers, I figured they would be perfect to use in a demonstration. So, here we go!!

Start with the basics.....mod podge, a sponge, whatever you will be decoupaging and your working surface. For our purposes here, I'm using wood....my favorite product to decoupage onto.

I measure and cut my scrapbooking paper to fit the wood piece I'm using, first of all.

Next, I literally POUR on my mod podge. Using a sponge I spread it all over the surface (quickly....before it tries to dry). While I'm spreading, I stop to squeeze the glue from the sponge and continue spreading it around. Waste not want not!

After the glue is on, I quickly lay the paper in place and smoooooooth it out. Don't be afraid to use your thumbs to push out the creases. They are annoying little things.

I love to use the antiqued, vintage look in my artwork so I rip the poem (on cardstock) all around the edges before I decoupage it over the scrapbooking paper.

Next I pour that mod podge right over the decoupaged paper, use my sponge to spread it around and then quickly place the poem in the center of the wood and use the same method of smoothing it down. Afterwards, I apply another thin layer of mod podge over the poem. This paper is thicker and needs a little extra TLC.

Now we could be finished. I go further and sand my edges down, add an antiquing agent (thin brown paint!), stamps and varnish and then call it quits.

And this is how my finished product turns out. Tons of fun, easy to do and it really looks great.

So, for your own fabulous project, be sure to have....

1. A good, porous working surface

2. Lovely paper, ephemera, old book pages, beautiful papers, etc.

3. Mod Podge

4. Craft varnish for a nice, shiney protective coat

Now, go decoupage something!

http://www.sanctuaryofdavidson.com/

In the works....

2011-01-06T19:05:00.000-08:00

I realize that I haven't been posting many new works so I thought I'd put one up that's halfway finished. And also an angel duo I finished for a friend.

Now that I see her in a photo, I can see how harsh the black is around her nose. She also has a very 'bored' look on her face. Not what I was going for. Lot's of softening to do on this one. But I am happy with her wings. That was some serious decoupage. Exhausting. Hopefully I'll finish her up tomorrow. I'm still debating on red hair or brunette. Maybe black? We'll see!

This next pix is a piece for a friend with her favorite verse on it. Just finished tweaking the eye color.

I really enjoyed this one but am glad to be finished! I think they have a little bit of a 'queen of hearts' look to them. But the recipient is a funky 18 year old. So I think it fits.

Good night!

PARTY!

2010-02-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

Our 'Wish List' program has begun! Whenever you go into the gallery, ask the artist behind the desk for your own, personal wish list where you can record your favorite Sanctuary items. We'll keep your list and give it to friends and family who come in and shop for you!

Tuesday evening, February 9th is our 'Wish List Valentines' Party. Don't miss it! New items by most gallery artists will be on display including new jewelry designs by Bonnie Boardman and Heather Moody. Also up for grabs will be new work by Sanctuary favorites......mixed media by Rosa Murillo, funky resin belt buckles by Dione Goyette, abstracts and landscapes by pet portrait artist Jane Copeland and fabulous oil paintings by Robin Cochran.

Scrumptious cupcakes provided by Sweet Cakes. Live music by singer/songwriter Liz Butler. Bring a friend, have a glass of wine and spend a fun evening with Sanctuary of Davidson!

New Work!

2010-01-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

I'm always getting questions about when I'm going to paint another 'Last Supper'. I do them about once every 6 months and I was due so here it is! I have it displayed in the front window in the gallery. It's not as 'stoic' as the last one....it's much more whimsical. I gave Jesus red hair this time. Who knows? He could have been a redhead! And I always feel that Judas is so obvious in all my paintings but, alas, noone but me can pick him out. So...this time he's at the end of the table counting his money. That should be easy, right?

I'm also still in my stamped silver craze so there are some new pieces in the gallery. I'm having such fun with them.

AND....I've had so many artists bring in new work this week. Stop by and check it out! New jewelry by Bonnie Boardman, oils by Larry Duke (always a crowd pleaser!), new mixed media by Rosa Murillo, resin jewelry and belt buckles by Dione Goyette and, as always, more gorgeous pet portraits and landscapes by Jane Copeland. Come on by!

See you soon....
Kristen

Happy New Year!

2010-01-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a Christmas season! It was crazy and wonderful and I'm happy to be moving forward.

Classes are underway. Check out the website for the full list, http://www.sanctuaryofdavidson.com/. There's something for everyone!

Check back for our 'Valentines Day Wish List' Program and Valentines Party! Wine, friends and jewelry....what a wonderful mix. And a guarantee that you'll get what you really want for Valentines day!

2009-11-21T04:33:00.000-08:00

Join us on Sunday, November 22nd for 'Shelter Our Sisters' hosted by The Village Store and Sanctuary of Davidson from 11:00 - 5:00. 10% of the days proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army Womens shelter to make sure the homeless women and children of our area will have their necessities met this holiday season.

Come and see all our new handmade gift items!

Personalized, Custome photo frames by Kristen Feighery.

Personalized diaper wipe cases with matching burp clothes, diaper carriers and bibs by Camden Creations.

Christmas cards by various Sanctuary of Davidson artists.

New, original poetry by Sanctuary owner, Kristen Feighery.

Custom crayola crayon rolls by Jamie Foster. Can be embroidered with your childs name!

Handpainted, collectible glass family ornaments!

New hand stamped sterling silver jewelry. Customize a necklace with your favorite quote or your childrens names and birthstones!

New jewelry designs by Davidson artist, Bonnie Boardman!

And new paintings by many of our artists. Stop in and see what else is new!

Classes Take Off!

2009-10-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

Classes are in full swing here at Sanctuary. The kids began 'Edible Art' class on Monday where they enjoyed creating thier awesome works of art based on popular storybook illustrations.....and then eating them!

We also began our jewelry classes which completely filled up! I couldn't believe the projects these ladies created. The classes were so popular, instructor Heather Moody is coming up with some great new class ideas including 'Silver Stamping' and 'Wrapped Wire Jewelry'. We'll keep you informed as to when these classes will take off!

We're open!!

2009-10-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first ever blog post for Sanctuary of Davidson, Fine Art Gallery and Handmade gifts. If you've never visited the gallery, we are located at 108 South Main Street, downtown historic Davidson, right beside the Village Store. Pop in and visit us! We feature the artwork of local artists and all sorts of handmade goods from all-natural soaps to knitted items to pottery to unique jewelry. You'll find something for everyone! And the best part about it is....you'll be supporting your community by supporting your local artists. Stop in and say hello!

October 8th from 7:00 - 9:00 is our grand reopening. Munchies provided by the Sweet Cakes and live music by the fabulous Reeve Coobs and Matt Glass. We will also be hosting a silent auction to benefit the Davidson/Cornelius Daycare. It will be an awesome night of wine, art and support of a very worthy cause right here in our own town.

Thanks to all who have given us such wonderful comments and well-wishes on the gallery. You are much appreciated!