Easy Summer Tray Project Hello, Creative Friends We’re back after spending a few wonderful days with family in Louisiana, and it feels so good to be back in the studio. Time away has a way of refreshing both the heart and the mind, and now I’m excited to dive back into creating with all of you. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to — and what’s coming next at ellen j goods. If You Missed Us This week we shared a few fun patriotic projects. Using IOD Stamps and Debi’s DIY Paint, we created a painted patriotic board while exploring simple stamping techniques that can be adapted to so many surfaces. Whether you’re decorating a tote bag, denim jacket, thrifted framed art, canvas wall hanging, or a wood sign, these easy techniques are a wonderful way to personalize your projects and make them uniquely your own. You can watch the replay HERE. Unexpected Live Project Then on Sunday, we surprised everyone with an unexpected live! Those spontaneous creative sessions are always some of our favorites, and it was such a joy to spend a little extra time creating together. One of the things I love most about creativity is discovering how one simple technique can inspire a dozen different projects. Sometimes all it takes is trying the same idea on a new surface to open the door to something completely unexpected. I hope this week’s projects encourage you to look at the supplies you already have with fresh eyes. Watch the replay HERE. Schedule For The Week Ahead Community Spotlight This week we’re celebrating our ellen j goods Insider, Kay Gregory-Clayton, who transformed a vintage data storage box into a beautiful and functional storage piece using IOD stamps and the San Quoen Transfer. Kay shared, “I work for an estate sale company, and these vintage metal boxes are at nearly every one of our sales. Before computers, this is how businesses stored data. They’re usually dirt cheap nowadays, and they couldn’t be any easier to upcycle — so DON’T PASS THEM UP!” Projects like Kay’s are exactly why we love vintage treasures. With a little imagination, something once overlooked becomes both useful and beautiful. Thank you, Kay, for inspiring all of us to look beyond what an item is and imagine what it could become. You can join us in the free ellen j goods Insider group HERE. What’s New and What’s Ahead As part of the new ellen j goods Paper Collections, Lynne is hosting a special private Facebook Workshop to share fun ways to use the featured Pentart products and custom designed Flakes of Snow Stencil on a charming door hanger. You can find the details of the workshop HERE. The companion kit options are available HERE. Pentart Fabric Paints Also arriving at the shop: PENTART FABRIC PAINTS! These exciting paints are perfect for fabric décor, tote bags, wearable art, and mixed media projects. I can’t wait to begin experimenting with them and share new ideas with you. Watch for them to be added to the ellen j goods website this week! Stars & Stripes Stencil The Decoupage Queen Stars & Stripes Stencil is here, and we will be using this stencil in a few upcoming projects! There’s always something new arriving at the studio, and I love sharing each discovery with you. What Inspires Us This week we’re embracing red, white, and blue. The front of the shop and our display windows have been dressed in patriotic style, welcoming summer with vintage flags, classic Americana, and all the charm of the season. There’s something special about decorating with pieces that celebrate both history and home. We hope you’ll stop by to see the windows — or perhaps add a little patriotic charm to your own home this season. I’m thinking it might be time to paint the shop door again! Perhaps Fusion’s Fort York Red? We look forward to creating beautiful things with you in the week ahead here at ellen j goods.

Hello, Creative Friends Summer at the Cottage Summer isn’t the time to stop creating! It’s time to embrace the inspiration around us, gather with friends and family in casual outdoor spaces with a simple project to share together, and be inspired by simplicity and nature. For others of us, it’s a time to take on a more involved project, to create our own summer creative academy of sorts and leisurely work through learning new techniques. And for those of us in a creative business, we are already searching for holiday and seasonal ideas to get prepared in advance for a busy season ahead. This week at ellen j goods, we’ve got all your bases covered! If You Missed Us In our most recent edited video on YouTube, you’ll find how we used salvaged drawers to create really great home décor, storage, and garden art. One of our favorite things is to dream up ways to use the stuff we find and save, especially old wood. You can watch the tutorial here. Patina’ed Garden Pot Finish This week during our Monday and Wednesday Facebook and YouTube Live tutorials, we explored a beautiful patina’ed garden pot finish using layered textures and aged metallic details. These projects reminded us how much character can come from imperfect finishes, weathered surfaces, and creative experimentation. There’s something especially satisfying about watching a simple pot slowly transform into something that looks collected and timeworn. You can join us for our chatting and creating on YouTube here. More Garden Pot Inspiration We continued the garden pot project with more layered finishing, texture, and creative conversation. These casual summer projects are perfect for porch, patio, or cottage studio creating, especially when you want something beautiful without overcomplicating the process. You can watch the replay here. Christmas In July Paper Collection Reveal And perhaps the biggest excitement of the week: the ellen j goods Christmas in July Paper Collection Reveal for Decoupage Queen! Kickoff Event Inspiration We hosted the kickoff event, which lasted all day on the Decoupage Queen page, and saw lots of inspiration from our favorite creatives. You can watch each project on YouTube in the playlist here. We look forward to sharing inspiration, project ideas, and tutorials in the weeks ahead. Schedule For The Week Ahead Community Spotlight This week we’re celebrating Renata Wolfe and her wonderfully creative suitcase makeover using IOD transfers! Renata recently bought a new suitcase for a trip to Europe and wanted a way to make a plain black suitcase stand out at baggage claim. Then it hit her: IOD transfers! After two flights, countless taxis, cruise ship baggage handlers, and even a train ride, the transfer still looked fantastic — not a scratch on it. Even better, her suitcase was incredibly easy to spot coming off the conveyor belt. There was no special prep work involved. She simply rubbed the transfer onto the fabric suitcase with no sealer, no topcoat, nothing. Easy, beautiful, and practical! We absolutely loved this creative idea and the reminder that inspiration can show up in the most unexpected places. You can join our free Insider Group here. Upcoming Workshops As part of the new ellen j goods paper collections, Lynne is hosting a special private Facebook workshop to share fun ways to use the featured Pentart products and custom designed Flakes of Snow stencil on a charming door hanger. You can find the details of the workshop here. The companion kit options are available here. What Inspires Us I had the opportunity to join our Fusion Mineral Paint and Homestead House Milk Paint friends at the warehouse in Canada for a day of creating, trying new products, and learning fun tips. It was inspiring for us to run through the basics and ease of using these products, remembering the reasons why we love this family business and their brands so much. Creativity has such a beautiful way of turning ordinary objects into something personal and meaningful. Whether it’s a thrifted pot, a vintage-inspired holiday project, or even a suitcase headed across Europe, creative details tell a story all their own. Tell us what you’re creating this week — we love seeing your projects come to life.

Hello, Creative Friends Summer topiaries The summer season has arrived in full force here in Western New York, and at ellen j goods, the studio has been wonderfully busy with new projects, fresh inspiration, and plenty of behind-the-scenes preparations for the days ahead. Between tutorials, new arrivals, and time spent creating together as a community, it’s been one of those weeks that reminds us just how much beauty can grow from a busy creative season. Here’s a little look at what’s happening this week at ellen j goods, along with a few things we’re excited to share in the days ahead. If You Missed Us This week as we eased back into our live schedule, Lynne shared the exciting new LaBlanche Mixed Media Stickers and Summer Rice Paper Collection. These stickers are new to us, so we will be experimenting more and sharing all of our tips and tricks in the days ahead. We would love to hear your feedback, too! Sticker Application Basics On Monday, we covered the basics of sticker application techniques. These new supplies open up so many creative possibilities for mixed media, home décor, journals, and layered projects. You can watch the tutorial here. Finishing Techniques On Wednesday, we explored beautiful finishing techniques for our sticker projects. We’re learning right alongside you and finding new ways to layer, finish, and experiment with these products. You can watch the replay here. Schedule For The Week Ahead Community Spotlight Robin Telasky shared two beautiful upcycled tray projects using the new IOD Belgravia Transfer. These sweet vintage trays were transformed into stunning statement pieces full of charm and character. We especially loved seeing how thoughtfully Robin arranged the transfers to complement the shape and style of each tray. We absolutely love them, Robin, and we love seeing our creative community sharing their inspiration and projects. Thank you, Robin! Workshops and What’s New If you couldn’t join us for our Spring Camp EJG, we invite you to create along with us in the new video tutorial set, which includes instructional videos that you can watch any time, again and again. What makes these videos unique is that you are invited alongside while I teach Meghan how to do all the things. You can find the details about how to create along with us here. What Inspires Us Learning new things. Today, I’m taking a road trip to spend the day at Fusion Mineral Paint Headquarters in Canada. I’m so excited to immerse myself in the world of Fusion and Homestead House, to try new techniques, new-to-me products, and to mingle with the owners and other creatives. I know summer is a busy time for so many of us, but as creatives, we need to keep our toe dipped in the pool of making beautiful things and trying new techniques. It keeps our ideas fresh and flowing. For me, it feels like a big hug and a sigh of relief when I am inspired to open a journal page, pick up a paintbrush, start a project, and get out all of my stuff. Tell me, do you have a favorite Fusion or Homestead House product? We’d love to hear! Until then, we look forward to making beautiful things with you in the week ahead here at ellen j goods — a new paper collection and a summer patina’ed planter makeover. What better way to spend the week! Thank you for being a part of this special creative community. We look forward to spending time with you.

Hello, Creative Friends Make these swan candlesticks There’s plenty of stuff happening around the studio this week, from new tutorials to fun new ways to use your products, and even some new products! Whether you’ve been creating along with us live or simply gathering ideas for your next projects, we’re so glad you are part of our ellen j goods creative community. If You Missed Us We shared a brand new video tutorial this week over on YouTube filled with vintage-inspired creativity and mixed media ideas. You can find the tutorial here. Botanical Charm With Carrie Dekalb Wednesday’s live on YouTube featured special guest Carrie Dekalb of Steel Roots Market, who created a beautiful seed box using the IOD Transfers collection along with Pentart Chalky Paint. The project was full of layered details, botanical charm, and creative inspiration. Thanks for helping us out, Carrie! New LaBlanche Mixed Media Stickers On Friday, Lynne was live from her Cottage Studio to share exciting new products. These LaBlanche Mixed Media Stickers are such an innovative product. Use them on many surfaces, where they will adhere quickly and easily, ready for your paint and finishing products. We can’t wait to use them in the days ahead. Schedule For The Week Ahead Community Spotlight This week we’re celebrating Carla Haight. We met in Georgia at a retreat several years ago, and Carla has attended some of our retreats at ellen j goods in Medina since then. Carla took some blank craft store letters and added IOD moulds, and more moulds! We love how something so simple can become an art piece worthy of display. How fun would these be for summer crafting or gift ideas? Thanks for sharing your project, Carla! I’m thinking of all those resin pieces that need to be used up. What’s New LaBlanche Rice Papers LaBlanche Mixed Media Stickers These new papers are filled with beautiful imagery, and the Mixed Media Stickers are very exciting, fun, and easy to use. LaBlanche opens so many possibilities for journals, collage work, home décor, and layered mixed media projects with these papers and stickers. What Inspires Us What’s inspiring us this week? Vintage details, layered finishes, beautiful old textures, all the usuals, and finding unexpected ways to use a few new supplies. Sometimes the smallest detail — a bit of texture, a touch of metallic, an old book cover, or a salvaged piece of wood — completely changes a project and gives it new life. Those little creative surprises are always my favorite part. I especially loved working in my cottage art studio this past week. The weather has been glorious, and I’ve enjoyed having the door open, listening to the birds and getting the occasional pop-in from Fred or Ethel, looking for a place to nap. Approaching a very busy summer season, we still look for quick and easy ways to create, and it’s especially nice to make time for a little porch, patio, or sunroom crafting. I hope you find your own special summer place for making. We look forward to making beautiful things with you in the week ahead here at ellen j goods. Thank you for being a part of this special creative community. We look forward to spending time with you.

Hello, Creative Friends Lilacs at the Cottage Sometimes creativity grows the most when we allow ourselves to experiment without needing every detail perfectly planned from the beginning. New techniques can feel unfamiliar at first, but they often open the door to entirely new ideas. If You Missed Us This week we spent time exploring beautiful layering techniques and creative finishes during our live tutorials. On Monday, Lynne shared a furniture makeover tutorial featuring the IOD Flowers by the Poets Transfer, where she demonstrated transfer layout ideas, layering techniques, and ways to create a collected, vintage-inspired finish. You can watch the full tutorial here. Patina Paint With Shannon Wednesday’s live on YouTube featured special guest Shannon as she led us through techniques using the Pentart Patina Paint Set. Watching the textures and finishes develop layer by layer reminded us how rewarding it can be to try something new and simply see where creativity leads. You can catch the replay of Shannon’s Swan Project here. Shannon’s project inspired me to do a garden pot with the Patina Paint Set. I love using it, and I think I have just the right piece to use. Schedule For The Week Ahead Community Spotlight This week we’re celebrating Heather Needham. Heather recently shared her very first post in the free ellen j goods Facebook Insider Group, and we absolutely loved seeing her excitement surrounding the IOD Summer Release. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to jump in and share her work with the community truly inspired us. Heather is a romance novel expert, in my opinion, and she even recommended a few historical romances for me to read while I’m lounging around the cottage. Heather’s mixed media piece featuring an AB Studios decoupage paper and lots of layered moulds especially caught everyone’s attention — and now we’re all excited to see what Heather creates next with her new IOD Bookish Mould and romance novel “meet cute.” One could hardly blame them for stealing glances at her page… There was romance in the waiting itself, wondering what lovely and unexpected thing Heather would dream up next. Though she had not yet revealed her newest creation, anticipation had already wrapped itself around the room like velvet ribbon, for Heather’s projects had a habit of leaving hearts entirely undone. What We’re Loving This Week While I did not read one of Heather’s historical romance recommendations this week, I did start watching the Victoria and Albert series on Netflix. It had me all aflutter since I have lately been using resources from the Victoria and Albert Museum for future decoupage paper designs. Just like a good story, it all came together full circle. We look forward to making beautiful things with you in the week ahead here at ellen j goods — with special guests, thrifted treasures, vintage inspiration, layered textures, and the excitement of creating. Thank you for being a part of this special creative community.

Hello, Creative Friends The art of Gail McCormack This week at ellen j goods felt especially full of experimentation, storytelling, and creative surprises. From decorative books and vintage-inspired finishes to playing with all of the IOD Summer Release, the studio has been buzzing with ideas — and maybe a little bit of our ejg chaos, too! Thank you for being here and continuing to create alongside us. If You Missed Us This week we explored the idea that ordinary objects can become part of the story we tell in our homes. One of my favorite projects was creating decorative custom books using some of the new IOD products. I love imagining a world where books become art, and also offer us a way to update our own home library to make our go-to books even prettier resources. You can watch that quick tutorial here. DIY Tuscan Wall Tile We also spent time experimenting with texture and old-world finishes in our DIY Tuscan Wall Tile project using layered plaster, crackle effects, and gilded details. These techniques create such beautiful dimension and depth, especially when paired with weathered surfaces using all of our favorite Pentart wall products. This interesting technique uses Pentart Loft Spackle, Pentart Cracking Plaster Primer, and Pentart Cracking Plaster for making your own aged tiles. You can find the tutorial here. And Of Course… There Were Swans This week’s swan planter projects reminded me how much I love incorporating nature-inspired elements into home décor. I have collected swans for many years and have used them in my gardens and in the cottage as décor. Aged finishes, textured surfaces, and Pentart transformed these plain terra cotta pots into the most lovely garden planters. You can find the Garden Pot Makeover tutorial and supply list here. Schedule For The Week Ahead Community Spotlight This week we’re celebrating all of the creative friends in our ellen j goods Insider community who continue to experiment bravely and share their projects with one another. Freddie Bender is a top contributor to the Facebook Insider group. She amazes us week after week with her prolific creations and experimentation. We were absolutely charmed by Freddie’s little garden stakes made from the new IOD Frames 3 Mould. Aren’t they darling? Thank you, Freddie, for inspiring all of us with your willingness to experiment and share with us. That is what creativity is all about. What Inspires Us This week I’ve been especially inspired by layered vintage surfaces: old books, worn plaster, aged garden elements, faded paper, weathered paint, and collected objects that feel like they carry history with them. And birds in teacups. I’m sure it has something to do with the IOD Belgravia Transfer. I keep coming back to the idea that creativity connects us through shared stories and experiences. Whether through art, decorating, painting, or collecting beautiful old things, there is something meaningful about making space for creativity in our everyday lives. Birds & Teacups Just for fun, I created a Pinterest board full of pretty birds and teacup paintings. You can visit the board here. We look forward to making beautiful things with you in the week ahead here at ellen j goods — with thrifted treasures, vintage inspiration, layered textures, and the excitement of the new Iron Orchid Designs collection. Thank you for being a part of this special creative community. We look forward to spending time with you.

This Week at ellen j goodsWe’re all aflutter at ellen j goods this week, filled with inspiration, new ideas, and time in the studio bringing projects to life. Between live videos, creative experiments, and excitement surrounding the IOD Summer Release, there has been plenty of inspiration unfolding behind the scenes.Whether you joined us live, watched a replay, shared a comment, or simply followed along quietly from home, thank you for being part of this creative community. We are inspired by you!I’m so excited to share what’s coming next at ellen j goods. If You Missed UsIt’s been a whirlwind of a week! How about that IOD Summer Release? Every time I take a closer look, I am inspired and I can’t wait to share lots of project ideas with you.This week, I shared a simple project using Pentart Soft Touch Decoupage Medium to create a velvety finish on a few simple wall plaques.After I stenciled the background with Iveta’s Gentle Damask Stencil, I applied the transfer. Here’s the extra bit: I stipled some of the background paint onto and around the IOD Marche’ des Fleurs Transfer.It looks and feels like a soft worn fabric tapestry! Schedule For The Week AheadLots of fun stuff is happening this week as we take an even closer look at the new IOD Summer Release. I don’t know about you, but the more I look at every piece, the more excited I get about using each bit of it!Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Olga receives her inlays in time!Community SpotlightWithout a doubt, our long-time friend Susan Ryan-Kron had us all running to thrift stores looking for big metal wall hangings to decoupage!Sue shared her thrifted makeover project using her Decoupage Queen and Roycycled scraps. We couldn’t love this more. Thanks, Sue, for your awesome inspiration!Sue’s favorite decoupage medium, and ours, is Pentart Decoupage Varnish and Glue. Once you try it, you’ll love it too. It comes in so many formulations and finishes.Upcoming WorkshopsWatch for a few upcoming workshops, both local and online. I see a journal in our future, wink wink, and maybe a multi-layered wall project.What type of project would you like to see?Happy Mother’s Day!One of the great joys of my life has been learning from my mom. She’s been a significant influence and encouragement in my creativity from as early as I can remember.A great teacher and local influencer, Mom has always been a maker: sewing, knitting, gardening, quilting, rug hooking, painting, furniture finishing, and every creative craft in between.She taught us to work with our hands and find joy in creating with others. I refinished my first piece of furniture with her, and learned to sew and make my own clothes alongside her.Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! I love you.Thank you for being a part of this special creative community. We look forward to spending time with you this week.

Happy IOD Release Day — Summer 2026 Delightful summer florals and antique-inspired teapots are channeling your inner romantic. No one does florals like IOD. Five Transfers Summer florals and antique teapots perfectly capture romantic vintage style. Every transfer is filled with beautifully curated details and timeless charm. Four Moulds Book bindings, swans and ornate frames make this collection feel perfectly curated for the ellen j goods aesthetic. Four Stamps Incredible detail and charming mini font sets make these stamps truly special.

If You Missed Us Hello friends, This week at ellen j goods has been all about layering texture, story, and a touch of vintage… and stencils. Antique Portrait with a Stenciled Backdrop I’ve shared a new tutorial featuring our Antique Portrait with a Stenciled Backdrop — a project filled with soft texture, delicate crackle, and beautiful timeworn details. From loft spackle and stenciling to glazing and finishing touches, it’s a lovely way to build depth and character into your work. Shop the full supply collection Download step-by-step instructions Latest Video You can also explore more vintage texture, cottage decor, and tutorials in our latest video. I shared my best tips for inlays — and how to get that vintage effect without all the mess. Watch on YouTube Upcoming Workshops We've been having so much fun at our local workshops this spring. See recent projects Watercolor Without Worry We’ve added another session of our Watercolor Without Worry Class after the first sold out. Community Spotlight A huge shoutout to our Facebook Insider Group member Tana H. for her beautiful rabbit project using Pentart Crackle and IOD Paint Inlays. Favorite Thing This Week If you watched our lives this week… you already know. If you know, you know. Thank you for being here, for creating, and for being part of this beautiful community. Questions or private workshop bookings: Call us at 716-598-1464 Text updates: 716-309-5235

Hello Creative Friends! We're so excited to share some exciting news from ellen j goods! DIY workshops are here! Whether you love the buzz of gathering in our Medina studio or prefer creating from the comfort of your own home, we've got you covered with both in-person and online classes. We are super excited to offer local workshops where you get hands-on guidance with Julie and Lynne. You know Julie from her very popular workshops at her "Between the Vines" studio. Julie has joined us here at ellen j goods and we are super excited to work together to offer you some really cool DIY classes. In-Person Workshops Gather with fellow makers in our Main Street Medina studio, enjoy hands-on instruction and leave with a finished project you will love. We supply everything you need and we even clean up the mess later! Workshop Offerings Pop over to our website for Snow Globe Ornaments details and registration, and for the Advent Christmas Countdown Box details and registration. Ellen J Goods Online Workshops Can't make it in person? Join us virtually! You'll get step-by-step guidance, a complete supply list AND plenty of inspiration. We meet together in a private Facebook group so you get to join us no matter where you are, and in your pajamas! Meghan and Lynne will share lots of laughs as Lynne guides you through a project. Find all the details about our next online workshop HERE. New Video Tutorials Pop over to YouTube to check out our most recent video tutorial where you'll get nine great project ideas using the new IOD Clementine Transfer. Our Workshops Our workshops cover everything from decoupage and mixed media techniques to seasonal decor and fresh project ideas. Each class is designed to spark creativity, teach new skills and take you step by step through the creative process... and no worries... you don't have to be an expert. We want you to leave inspired. SPOTS ARE LIMITED, SO DON'T WAIT! GRAB YOUR SEAT TODAY! We look forward to creating beautiful things with you at ellen j goods! Questions or to register for private workshops by phone, call us at 716-598-1464. For the latest shop updates, text us at 716-309-5235.

YouTube Projects of the Week Head over to the ellen j goods YouTube channel for TWO brand new videos packed with inspiration and techniques. One will give you the fall vibes you're looking for right now. Loaded with texture and interesting ways to use IOD Autumn Cottage Mould and IOD Oak Leaves and Acorns, you'll love the fun process techniques. Find that video HERE. AND the latest from Lynne: see how she flipped two flea market finds on a recent road trip to Maine and transformed them with IOD Transfers for a blast of late summer florals on a few unexpected finds. That video is HERE. New Release: Roycycled Papers Did you catch our live this week where we transformed incredible salvage pieces from our basement stash? Lynne used one of the new Roycycled papers called Classical Masterboard to make some very unique shelf sitters. You'll want to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any of our live project tutorials along with some interesting chatter with Meghan and maybe even a special guest from time to time! That live demo is HERE. New Release: Decoupage Queen Papers You guys, this fall collection is AMAZING! Lynne has already shared some really cool project ideas with these new DQ collections. You'll want to stay dialed in on Facebook and YouTube to find reels, posts and tutorials to inspire you with very interesting autumn projects. The new Decoupage Rice Paper Collection is HERE. New: Debi's DIY Mixology Collection A FUN Mixology Kit from Debi with 8 snack-sized 4 oz samples to mix and blend for your own custom colors! We love these mini sets... Debi's paint stretches forever and you can get SO many projects out of these 8 colors! We love swatching out our custom colors in an art journal for some inspirational play and paint time. The new Mixology Collection is HERE. Sneak Peek: IOD Holiday Release! Mark your calendars! The much anticipated IOD Holiday Release Collection is coming on Tuesday, August 26th at 1:00pm EST. Get ready for festive moulds, stamps, transfers and inlays that will make your seasonal projects IOD Magical. As an IOD Artisan, I created a special project in the art cottage studio... watch for an upcoming video on the Iron Orchid Design platforms for this project using one of my favorite new transfers. You'll be able to catch us live for a deep dive unboxing at 1:30pm EST on Tuesday, August 26th. Shop the whole collection HERE. Some Final Thoughts I'm so glad JR and I were able to spend some time away for a few days' road trip. I was longing to dip my feet in the Atlantic Ocean, eat lobster rolls and do some picking for projects while we were away. I found SO many antique books, which made me very happy. Mostly, it was good to just get on the road and spend some quiet time together. We found a few great local places to eat, some very friendly faces, and even though everyone else in the northeast was in this part of the country on vacation, we did enjoy our time together. As summer soon draws to a close, I'll be back in the art studio cottage to finish a few furniture pieces to share, and we will look forward to deck sitting in sweatshirts. This is a lovely season in Western New York, and we look forward to sharing it and creating beautiful things with you. Questions or to register for private workshops by phone, call us at 716-598-1464. For the latest shop updates, text us at 716-309-5235.

Project of the Week My art studio at the cottage. It's been a lovely and challenging project as we paint, move in, and I think through how I want to finish the important furniture pieces. With some paint and transfers, I did my little coffee table first. If you want to be a fly on the wall, watch the YouTube video HERE. I also shared some interesting experiments with Pentart Fine Line Crackle over IOD Transfers. Christmas in July Project of the Week Lynne's favorite Christmas in July project... it took a turn after the camera stopped rolling! But the final result is layered with rich, wonderful images and textures. The whole supply list is HERE. Ellen J Goods Custom Rice Paper Restock Lynne's custom designed rice papers have finally arrived from Italy! We've got a limited number, so if a softly romantic vibe is your thing, you'll want to grab them. These are actually mixed media pieces that Lynne has created and can be used in countless ways to do your own thing! The Summer Collection is available HERE. Favorite Insider Project Desiree Johnson... you are our hero! Desiree used SEVEN IOD Menagerie transfers, Pentart Wall products and lots of creative energy to do an entire mural wall in her home. Click HERE to find everything she used!! We just can't stop admiring it! If you are in our Facebook ellen j goods Insider Group, you can search for Desiree and see lots more photos of her amazing project with all the supplies she used. I admit... when I saw it I wondered if I could do something similar in my art studio... and then I calmed down and came to my senses! But seriously, be inspired by Desiree's work and do something on an armoire, a large panel or a dresser. Don't Miss Out on These Remaining Holiday Products Our IOD sale is still going, with 25% off the remaining Holiday 2024 Collection. Next week, we will be using the Vintage Snowflakes Stamp on textiles! We love our Tim Holtz and want to continue to share the Holiday Idea-ology collection and more at 25% off! Just use the code HOLIDAYTH25 at checkout. See the whole collection HERE. And Finally... It's Friday, a day off from the shop. JR and I will spend it at home doing home stuff or on a little journey, trying to discover some new place. Mostly, I love staying home, enjoying the lake, or the gardens, or sitting on the deck or fussing around in the art studio. JR built a new big step leading up to the deck on the studio so I've been thinking about how I'd like to imagine that space with a few potted plants and my beloved antique urns. I guess I'll just have to see where the day takes us. But at every moment of the day I want to catch a bit of inspiration where I can, observing the textures, color and nature around me... because isn't it something how the smallest spark of inspiration can turn into something you never dreamed possible? It's how I want to live my life... with excitement for the little things that can become the most meaningful moments. We look forward to being inspired by YOU and creating beautiful things with you! Questions or to register for private workshops by phone, call us at 716-598-1464. For the latest shop updates, text us at 716-309-5235.

Top Five Tim Holtz Projects Who says the holiday spirit has to wait until December? At ellen j goods, we're celebrating Christmas in July with five fabulous Tim Holtz–inspired projects to get you making for the upcoming season. Holiday Tags Let's start with those holiday tags! It's SO fun to layer all the things and lose yourself in collage with a purpose. We love these tags as a "gift on a gift" or as holiday gift card holders. One of our viewers suggested you create a gift card holder with your tag by covering and attaching an Idea-ology Tim Holtz File Cards pack to your tag—we LOVE that idea! Watch our live tag-making session HERE. Whimsical Shelf Sitters Craft these shelf sitters using Idea-ology Backdrops, Layers and Ephemera elements—perfect for mantles, ledges, or shelves! JR cut 2x4's into varied sizes (you can also use vignette boxes) and Lynne added layers of all the Christmas collage elements. Top them with Salvaged Figures, which can be customized with paint. Now you have a charming set of shelf sitters that you can gift away or keep for yourself (wink, wink). Find the whole Tim Holtz Christmas collection HERE. Santa Snow Globe Capture a wintry wonderland under glass with a handmade snow globe featuring Tim's miniatures, mica flakes, and a touch of glittery magic. See how we made this magical piece HERE. Altered Book with a Secret Winter Scene Transform an old book into a magical hideaway. Carve out a niche from the inside pages of a thrifted book, cover it in Tim's Christmas Backdrops, then build a hidden holiday scene that tells a story. We made this charming piece in two sessions. Find them on YouTube: Part One HERE and Part Two HERE. A Special Christmas in July Gift for You The final project is to gather your supplies and put them in a fun holiday box, bin, tray or suitcase so you have everything you need for holiday making. Collecting all of your seasonal things in one place makes it easy to see what you have—and what you're missing. Need a few more adorable things? Lynne is offering you the entire Tim Holtz Christmas Collection at 25% OFF! Find the entire sale collection HERE while supplies last. Some Final Thoughts for the Week When I discovered making with Tim Holtz stuff, my world was rocked. I love every bit of it and I love making with all the things. I mentioned in our live on Wednesday that opening my Tim Holtz holiday storage box was like I was coming home for Christmas. Whether I'm sitting alone in my studio or sitting on the sofa sorting through all the Idea-ology things, or putting together a Christmas journal, there is something special about creating with Tim's stuff and letting your imagination take over. It warms my heart and brings me joy. My wish for you is that you find some play time to create and have fun... to re-discover that childhood excitement of unboxing holiday secrets and surprises. We look forward to making holiday things with you in the weeks and months ahead! Questions or to register for private workshops by phone, call us at 716-598-1464. For the latest shop updates, text us at 716-309-5235.

Lynne's Curated Summer Paint Collection Summer is the perfect time to refresh your creative space—and it all starts with color. I've chosen my five favorite paint shades for the season, inspired by everything from vintage florals to faded linens. These hues are the heart of my summer projects, and I love curating my own collection that feels truly personal. I'll be using some of these beautiful shades in my little art studio... it's getting a fresh new romantic makeover with all of my favorite things and colors. Watch for updates on our YouTube channel. Fusion Mineral Paint Rosewater Straight out of the jar, Fusion Mineral Paint is a standard with built-in topcoat and minimal prep... a perfect summer project paint! Shop HERE JRV Cottage Color Honey JRV Cottage Color is my favorite for metal projects like toolboxes and vintage pails. Give it a very good stir and it's ready to go. Bonus? Built-in topcoat, so no extra sealing required. Shop HERE Debi's DIY Faded Burlap Perfect for blending, DIY Paint's gorgeous clay-based formula does need a topcoat or wax to seal it up, but it's the OG of clay-based chalk paint and cures to a durable finish. Shop HERE Pentart Decor Chalky Country Green The newest paint on the palette for us is Pentart Chalky. It's a super thick formula (give it a good stir!) and this paint is awesome for blending, basecoating, and mixing. Of course, since it's a chalky style paint, you'll need a wax or topcoat. Shop HERE Homestead House Milk Paint – Texas Rose I've always loved milk paint and the incredible aged effects you can achieve by mixing this ages-old powder paint with water. Mix 1:1 and watch the magic happen, then finish with a topcoat, wax, or hemp oil. Shop HERE And the Standard Neutrals to Mix & Blend You can customize each of these colors using my favorite whites for summer: DIY White Swan and Fusion Victorian Lace. Mix or dry brush layers of these soft whites for a totally different effect and an expansion of this summer palette. Whether you're restoring a flea market find or updating a favorite corner of your home, this palette offers a balance of warmth, charm, and creativity. Let us know your favorite colors for summer! We look forward to painting beautiful things with you. Questions or to register for private workshops by phone, call us at 716-598-1464. For the latest shop updates, text us at 716-309-5235.

Project of the Week This was SUCH a fun project! We shared how to use IOD Transfers and curated rice paper designs to decoupage on fabric. With the right prep, mediums, finish, and some basic sewing skills, you can create beautiful, layered canvas patchwork! Watch it here Watch part two here Customer Favorite Let's talk about the IOD Saint Germain Transfer! It's a top seller again this week and a personal favorite of Lynne's. This transfer is an explosion of florals—romantic, lush, and versatile. Find it HERE. Favorite Insider Project Lisa from Australia, owner of Lisa Revamp Renew, constantly amazes us with her gorgeous work. Her use of texture, layers, and composition is incredible. Our insiders especially loved this stunning framed piece featuring the Rose Botanical Transfer and Menagerie Transfer. Thank you for inspiring us, Lisa! Favorite Tool in the Box When we asked JR what product in the shop he couldn't live without, he immediately said: the Tim Holtz Recoil Scissors! "They're sharp and easy to use—especially helpful with my arthritis," he told us. JR uses them for cutting craft paper when finishing our custom artwork. Camp EJG: Summer Wrap Up Camp EJG Summer Session is in the books! We shared 3 amazing days with some of the most creative, inspiring women around. We dove into fabric techniques, played with Pentart Wall Decor Products, and created jaw-dropping canvas tapestries. The results were as joyful as they were creative! The best part? Laughing, sharing meals, and making art with like-minded women who let the world fall away for a few days of pure creativity. Look out for local mini-camps and our beloved Christmas Camp in November! And don't forget: "Christmas in July" kicks off soon—two new projects every week, live on Facebook and YouTube at 1:30 PM EST. We can't wait to create with you again soon! —Lynne, JR & Meghan Questions or want to register for private workshops by phone? Call us at 716-598-1464. For the latest shop updates, text us at 716-309-5235.

Iron Orchid Designs Summer Release Favorites Our Iron Orchid Designs Summer Release has officially launched— and we're so excited about the response from each of YOU. From vintage florals to charming classic elements and textures, you've picked some clear favorites! Project of the Week Introducing Lynne's surprise top favorite: the Leonidas Mould. When I first saw this mould, I confess, I had my doubts. But I know that IOD has a strong historical aesthetic and that there must be something special about this mould. I researched and found out the lion motif was an important decor element dating back to the 1700's, so I had to use Leonidas. Lynne shared a video tutorial featuring this handsome mould on a fully textured outdoor planter. Watch the full tutorial HERE. We've got SO many great ideas for this classic lion head mould in the weeks ahead, and can't wait to share them with you! Customer Favorite Transfer Sarah Featon's Botanicals is a MUST HAVE for your next upcycle project. This delightful transfer is eight pages of vintage botanical florals in a precious 8" x 12" transfer pad. Get a closer look HERE. Customer Favorite Mould Already flying off the shelves is the IOD Heraldry Mould. With so many classic elements, you'll use it over and over again for thrifted upcycle projects, Christmas ornaments and small decor. Check out this quick project that Lynne shared using Heraldry as a focal point on a small garden pot. Customer Favorite Stamp A must-have for your stamp collection is the "Flora and Vine" stamp. We sold out of our initial stock and had to re-order this popular stamp already! Lynne will share some fun ideas for journaling and small project embellishment soon on YouTube and our Facebook Live. Favorite Insider Project Did you know we have a free ellen j goods Insider group on Facebook? You'll find so much inspiration and creative connection there! One of our amazing Insiders, Linda Ward, said, "I received my Summer IOD Release package today and was so excited to use the 'Menagerie' Transfer on this little secretary I refinished for a friend." Here's what we love: Linda was able to customize her design using various elements from the eight pages of "Menagerie." And isn't that the most amazing thing about IOD? The elements are there... you just get to use them to make something beautiful. A Few More Thoughts It's always pure joy to open those new products from IOD. There is nothing that charges my creative battery more. Now that the release is over, I can settle into my other creative outlets: at home, my gardens are bursting, and I'm excited to get some new plants and pots for our outdoor spaces. JR has been doing a complete makeover of my little art cottage at the lake. For several weeks, it's been off-limits for me. There are new windows, a new ceiling, drywall and insulation so I can use the space year round. I can't wait to get in there and start organizing all my stuff and start working on a few journals. I'll be sure to share a video on YouTube when I'm ready to decorate. In fact, I've already started a project using one of the new IOD transfers. We are so grateful for each of you... you inspire us daily with your creativity, and as always, We look forward to making beautiful things with you! Lynne, JR and Meghan Questions or to register for private workshops by phone, call us at 716-598-1464. For the latest shop updates, text us at 716-309-5235. Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Website | YouTube Contact Lynne or JR: info@ellenjgoods.com 716.598.1464 435 Main Street, Medina, NY 14103

Our Top Five! This week we are gushing over Debi's DIY Clay Based Chalk Paint and all the things that make it so special. No odor, non-toxic, five times more pigmented than other paints, and it can be diluted up to ten times with water without losing the intensity of the pigment — which makes it a perfect paint for blending. DIY Paint cures to a hard adobe finish. 1. Customer Favorite This Week Debi's DIY PAINT Mixology Lab! This limited edition features 8 beautiful colors of Debi's DIY Paint in a little mini set to play with color blending and mixing. We have a few left, so you'll want to grab yours HERE. If you missed our DIY Mixology unboxing, you can catch the replay HERE. 2. Lynne's Favorite Paint to Use with IOD Paint Inlays Lynne's favorite paint to use with IOD Paint Inlays is Debi's DIY Paint. They are the perfect partners. In fact, did you know that Debi designed a paint inlay for IOD? True story: Debi and Lynne were at a creative retreat together. Debi painted this table, Lynne WON the table, and saved it, knowing that she would do something special with it one day. When Debi's IOD inlay design "Vida Flora" was introduced, Lynne used it to provide the finishing touch to Debi's table, which now resides in Lynne's art studio forever. The video tutorial is HERE. Find "Vida Flora" HERE. 3. Lynne's Favorite DIY Finishing Product Debi's Clay Based Chalk Paint does require a finish. Lynne's clear favorite is the DIY CLEAR WAX. She loves how easy it is to use, its buttery softness, and the fact there's NO wax chemical stink! You'll find all of Debi's finishes HERE. 4. Did You Know You Can Paint Upholstery with DIY Paint? Check out this oldie but goodie video showing how I used DIY Paint to transform upholstery. WATCH HERE. 5. Favorite Insider Project Our ellen j goods Insider, Linda Malman, upcycled this metal watering can with DIY Paint. Linda used the DIY products you can find HERE. It's been a fun week exploring color and swatching some DIY custom colors. Swatching is one of those things that relaxes me and helps me refocus during a busy time. JR is out of town this week, and we had a wonderful friends-and-family night creating altered books at ejg. Also, August — Meghan's second son — graduates from college today! He's an incredible human being with a sweet spirit and outstanding character. He's been a huge asset to ejg in so many ways. We're also preparing for next week's IOD Summer release and our Camp EJG in just a few weeks. There's so much hustle and bustle — but that's what makes life interesting, right? And it's good to swatch a few colors for relaxation in the midst of our busy lives. Let us know your favorite DIY paint color!We look forward to painting beautiful things with you! Questions or to register for private workshops by phone, call us at 716-598-1464. For the latest shop updates, text us at 716-309-5235.

Let's Talk Stencilsellen j goods has been all abuzz about stencils this week — new releases and new techniques. We'll get into more detail later, but I don't want you to miss our TOP FIVE this week!This Week's Customer FavoriteThe ellen j goods Bird and Branch Stencil.Watch tutorial here Lynne's Favorite StencilsStencils by ellen j goods: a curated collection inspired by traditional and vintage designs.View Collection Favorite Stencil Project on FabricWatch how Lynne stencils beautifully on fabric for a stunning vintage look.Watch tutorial here Favorite Stencil Tool in the ToolboxDecoupage Queen Stencil Brushes in four sizes — the perfect tool for clean, crisp stenciling every time.Shop brushes here Favorite Stencil Texture Medium Pentart Structure Plaster for the win. Our customers love it too! Nina from Chicagoland says, "Seriously addicted to Pentart Structure Plaster!"Lynne's Stencil Techniques to Add Vintage StyleStencil techniques are one of the easiest ways to achieve a beautifully aged, vintage look. Lynne uses stencils to replicate the look of German grainsacks, vintage tins, and more.Shadow layering: Use two paint colors for a 3D effect. Shift the stencil slightly and apply a second lighter color. Add texture: Use Structure Plaster or Modeling Paste for a raised finish. Mixed media: Combine stencils with IOD and decoupage for unique pieces. Fabric: Stencil on fabric for tees, bags, pillows, and more. Sand for realism: Gently sanding your stencil design helps reveal layers of texture and gives a timeworn look that blends beautifully into your background. Dry brush for crisp edges: Offload your brush after dipping in paint by swirling it on a paper towel. Use this drier brush to avoid bleeding under the stencil and get cleaner results every time.Explore more tips: Check out our ellen j goods Stencil Playlist on YouTube. Whether you're transforming a flea market find or adding soul to a piece of furniture, stencils are your key to effortless vintage charm — no art degree required!We love seeing what you create. Let's keep inspiring each other through beautiful, meaningful work!With creativity,LynneQuestions or to register for private workshops by phone,call us at 716-598-1464.For the latest shop updates, text us at 716-309-5235.

```html id="faux-concrete-project-fixed" Project of the Week This week, we're talking all about faux concrete… and how to create this effect on any surface. Plastic, wood, clay, resin… the techniques we share at Ellen J Goods work on most substrates to give you a weathered, aged, and worn stone effect. Faux Concrete Technique Vasilis Kontos represents the Pentart brand from Athens, Greece. He's passionate about a brocante look, aged finishes, and texture using Pentart products. He generously offers his time and tutorials during live sessions with Ellen J Goods. Catch our latest in-depth lesson on creating a concrete stone look HERE. Lynne's Favorite Fusion Mineral Paint for Concrete Colors Lynne says, "I start with the darkest Fusion gray color, mix in some texture medium like Fresco, then pounce it onto the surface. Gradually add the other colors, blending and pouncing as you apply. My favorite colors are: Fusion Soapstone Fusion Little Lamb Fusion Lamp White Find all of these delicious Fusion colors HERE. Ellen J Goods Customer Favorites This week, our friends are loving the Pentart Loft Spackle and Structure Plaster! Gill Humphrey from the UK loves using it as a base for tiles and molds. These products are ideal for walls, furniture, or smaller decor and are formulated for a very hard finish. Find both Pentart products HERE. Favorite Tool in the Box The IOD Silicone Blade Set is Lynne's go-to for applying Loft Spackle and Structure Plaster for a textured or smooth finish. The flexibility is perfect for softer mediums, and the small size is handy for applying pastes and thicker products through stencils too. Grab the IOD Silicone Blade Set HERE. Favorite Way to Connect At Ellen J Goods, we're passionate about DIY, teaching, inspiring, and connecting creatives in a comfortable and encouraging environment. We have lots of opportunities, including our famous Weekend Camps in Medina! Our next camp is June 6–8. Laura from Tennessee shares, "The coming Camp EJG will be my 4th, and I can't wait! I've met so many wonderful ladies. Lynne, Meghan, and Shirley create a weekend full of fun, camaraderie, and learning. I wouldn't want to miss it." We'll be exploring mixed media techniques on canvas. There are just a few spots left! Details are HERE. Some Final Thoughts We really feel there's a revival of all things DIY — making your house a collected home full of handmade and favorite things. JR and I live this way and love sharing it with you. We're tired of low-quality, mass-produced decor and chasing trends. We want to help you curate pieces that will last a lifetime and fall in love with your home again. Are you on board? Do you love vintage and thrifted treasures? Let us know what you want us to explore next as we continue to create beautiful things together! Lynne, JR and Meghan Questions or want to register for private workshops? Call us at 716-598-1464. For latest updates, text us at 716-309-5235. ```

The Gold List Our Favorite Gold Wax This week as the sun is starting to shine in Western NY, we want to share some of our favorite bright and shiny gold products and projects here at ellen j goods. Our favorite gold wax? Pentart's Antique Paste Wax. Lynne's tip: "Try this wax to reveal the cracks on your Fine Line Crackle. Rub it in and then wipe away with a soft cloth. It also works great on hardware." Find this beautiful wax in Gold and Antique Gold HERE. Customer Favorite Gold in a Jar Hands down, it's Debi's DIY Golden Ticket — the perfect shade of vintage gold. Lynne says, "It's my go-to gold for freshening up antique gold frames. Watch soon for a tutorial to show how I fix up those frames." Favorite IOD Foil Transfers When Sally and Josie launched these beautiful gilded transfers, we were immediately smitten. They were introduced at the Painter's Business Academy last fall. Meghan and I were both there for the sneak peek, seeing Josie use them on a piece of furniture. See the reveal and watch how I used them with tips for application HERE. Favorite Insider Project Insider gold: Denise Simon, from Greentown, Ohio, found a vintage gold mirror and embellished it with even more gold! She used Pentart Pigment Fix mixed with Gold Metal Pigment on some IOD moulds, and added a page from the Curated Signage Gilded Transfer over the glass. It's a beauty! She told the insider group it was the perfect project for a snowy night… and confessed she "did a happy dance." Find the products she used HERE. Favorite Gold Glitter For us at ellen j goods, it's the Miss Mustard Seed German Glass Glitter called 14 KARAT GOLD. In a generous sized jar, we use it all year round. Meghan always wants to add extra shimmer to our projects, and this is one of her favorites. See all the Miss Mustard Seed glitter HERE. We look forward to creating beautiful golden things with you! Lynne, JR and Meghan Questions or to register for private workshops by phone, call us at 716-598-1464. For the latest shop updates, text us at 716-309-5235.

Project of the Week This week's project is special because we used a custom Lynne-designed paper for these boxes! You can download the digital file and print it at home on 8.5 x 11 paper. Lynne suggests using this paper for totes and boxes, but also in your art journal, on metal sap buckets, or to cover a thrifted book. Find the full tutorial with a supply list HERE. Lynne's Inspiration of the Week The Jeanne D' Arc Living Magazine – full of beautiful images of homes, gardens, decor and recipes, this ad-free European magazine has been around for 25 years! Lynne has been reading it for years and finds inspiration in every issue. The project of the week was inspired by the crafting feature in the current issue. Find the current issue and some back issues HERE. What's Hot This Week JRV Cottage Colors – One-step paint with a built-in topcoat, great for outdoor use! It's safe, zero VOC, solvent-free, and available in a beautiful range of colors. This week we're loving Blue Hills and Ameraucana — both used in our project of the week. Take a look at the collection HERE. Our Favorite Insider Project This week we're highlighting JoAnn Sykes from the UK. She created plaques for her grandchildren's Christening using IOD moulds and stamps. The clay banner was inspired by a project Lynne did a couple of years ago. The plaques were made using air dry clay on an MDF board. Join our free Insider Group for more inspiration HERE. See the moulds and stamps JoAnn used HERE. This is a beautiful idea for a Christening, wedding, or anniversary. Thank you, JoAnn, for sharing your project! We look forward to creating beautiful things with you! Lynne, JR and Meghan Questions or to register for private workshops, call us at 716-598-1464 For the latest shop updates, text us at 716-309-5235 Instagram • Facebook

Introducing Something New at Ellen J Goods! Our TOP FIVE of the WEEK. Each week, we will curate our favorite projects and the hottest supplies of the week. It's the stuff we use and the things our customers are crazy about. Whether you're looking for inspiration or the perfect tool, this list will make shopping easier than ever. So, let's take a look at our line up this week! Top Project of the Week Do you like to craft in your jammies? Then settle in for one of our YouTube or Facebook lives each week and you won't need to leave your house! Lynne's favorite project this week was the Velvet Trinket Boxes. Lynne says, "Beautiful handmade gift idea for Mother's Day, a bridal party, or your favorite Auntie. You can watch the entire tutorial HERE." Meghan's Seasonal Collection Meghan has selected some Easter Favorites from around the shop—a fun collection of papers, samples, and supplies. Meghan says, "The Seasonal Paper Packs are especially fun, and a great deal. And, don't forget to use the code EASTER10 at checkout for an additional 10% off." Find that collection HERE. Customer Favorite Tool The Zibra Medium Artist Brush set has been flying out the door! Perfect-sized brushes for detail work on furniture—ideal for cabinet door edges, trim, and craft projects. Not to mention, Meghan thinks they are just plain cute. That Zibra 3-piece Brush Set is available HERE. Customer Favorite Topcoat This week our customers are loving the Funkiture Rock Hard Top Coat—and for good reason! It's a marine grade, water-based varnish perfect for outdoor use: no yellowing, resists fading, and safe from harmful substances. JR loves it because it's easy to clean and comes in three finishes. His top tip? Coat all surfaces on outdoor pieces so moisture can't be absorbed—yes, even the bottoms of chairs and tables. Find our Rock Hard Top Coat HERE. Our Top IOD Product This Week The Lost Garden Transfer from IOD is a fan favorite—and for good reason. With eight pages of beautiful vintage florals for furniture and decor, Lynne loves this transfer for its versatility. It works on large areas or can be cut into smaller snippets for subtle accents. Lynne's tip: Staple the transfer pieces to their backing sheet to keep them together for storage, then pop them in a zip lock bag. Grab the "Lost Garden" Transfer HERE. Tell us some of your favorites, and share a project photo with us in our FREE Insider Group on Facebook. You just might be featured in one of our TOP FIVE emails! Join us HERE. We look forward to creating beautiful things with you! Lynne, JR and Meghan Questions or to register for private workshops by phone, call us at 716-598-1464. For the latest shop updates, text us at 716-309-5235.

Layers and Textures of Life… Exploring a New Me! This is a small canvas that I painted yesterday. I want to paint it on the front of the dresser. And, I'm also afraid to. See, here's what can happen. When you put your brush to a surface. Doubt creeps in, comparison creeps in, “what if nobody likes it” creeps in, “What if it's not good enough” creeps in. We all struggle with those insecurities… especially, if you are a creative. I'm here to tell you, that what you do is beautiful, no matter the result. Each stroke, each brush mark, each bit of paint, is the step toward learning more about yourself. An interesting thing has been happening to me lately. I have been exploring new techniques and revisiting some stuff I used to do in high school and college… when I didn't have the wisdom of my later years. It was challenging for me to be an art major. It felt restricting, but the perfectionist in me didn't want to explore beyond the technical aspects. I was very conflicted. But I also think it reflected where I was at in my life. A little confused, a lot conflicted and rather immature. After I switched majors, I didn't do a sketch or pick up a paint brush for many, many years. This past year, I decided to take a watercolor class. Just for me. It's something I had put aside back in my college days because I wasn't good at it. What I didn't know then was that every brush stroke was a learning thing… it didn't have to be perfect. Under the teaching of Lexi Grenzer, I overcame a barrier. I took a class and then another. And I allowed myself to just relax and learn. And I loved it. And then I decided to try some painting… expressionist, impressionist, abstract painting. And much to my surprise, I enjoyed exploring this style, and not confining myself to any expectations of results. Of course, I'm still learning. Not learning how to be a painter, but I'm learning how to be me. I would encourage you to try something new. You don't even have to show anyone. Just allow yourself the freedom to create something from your heart.

I've collected tool boxes for a loooonggg time. And I've been know to paint them and add a little something to them. I love the utilitarian function, the sturdiness and the fact that they can be used for SO many things!Lately, I've been into decorating them with IOD transfer pieces and Fusion Mineral Paint. 

When the IOD Sisters created the Wallflower transfer, there was no doubt it would become one of my favorites...the captured the layered printed ink technique that you see in vintage wallpapers. It immediately became one of our very favorite transfers!

What to do about winter doldrums I'm going to be very honest with you. Every January, I can get in a slump. For those of us in the northeast, Winter has set in, we're past the holidays, and we have a WHOLE lot of Winter ahead of us. So I have to work very hard to put my mind in a positive place. A creative space. To be willing to do something new and different, even though I just want to be on my sofa every night watching the same old same old. Can you relate? Personally, I have embarked on a second online watercolor class this winter. Just for me! It helps me to see the world in a different light, connects me with other people from all over the country to learn together, share our projects and create community. It was totally out of my comfort zone, since I never felt like I was very good at using watercolor! What I decided to do for myself is THE very thing we love about our workshops at ellen j goods! Whether you join us online or in person, we take pride in offering JUST what you need! Community, creativity and inspiration. Learning something fresh and new using only the best products and techniques! Just because it's Winter, doesn't mean we have to paint snowflakes! We love looking ahead and planning for our Spring decor! We love thinking about gifts and sharing our talents! We've created some really fun projects for the weeks ahead. We will share a workshop on our Facebook page, live! You get the kit, watch us live — over and over again, if needed! — and then make your own version of a wonderful decor! Floral Woodland Slice Chalkboard Kit You can make this pretty multimedia rustic wood slice! The kit is available HERE. Crock of Ferns Live Facebook Workshop And to try your hand at blending paints and layering techniques? You'll want to join us for the Crock of Ferns Live Facebook Workshop on Feb. 28th at 4:00pm. We have kits ready for you HERE. Pick up a brush, try something new. Join us for workshop fun...even from the comfort of your own home...in your jammies!

I have been having such fun creating with all of our different products...doing this awesome mixed media gallery wall, which, by the way, I actually have displayed in our cottage!  Not  much of what I create makes it to my home, so you know this has to be special for me to want to live with it every day!