Adventures in Pretty

Discover the Joys of Mixed Media

Join me at Seattle's Daniel Smith Art Store for a fun workshop:
Discover the Joys of Mixed Media
Sunday, February 6th, 11:00-4:00pm, $75
This is an introduction to mixed media. We'll look at how to create interesting effects with layering, collage, thin and thick applications of acrylic paint, adding variety with markers, pencil, oil crayons, glitter. Learn how to add found objects to your work. You'll learn lots of techniques and have plenty of time to experiment and ask questions. This is open to everyone-no previous art experience is necessary. 

Mixed media is such a forgiving and delightful way to create. Whether you prefer whimsical, realistic or abstract art there is room for every form of expression. These samples are some of my more playful interpretations. What I like about mixed media is the wide variety of visual effects you can have in one piece. The mixture of juicy strokes of paint, hints of collage paper, solid pen lines, textural pencil or oil crayon lines give you a wide variety of ways to interpret your subject. This will be a really fun class-the emphasis will be on playing and seeing what materials you like and different ways to use them. I encourage everyone to express their unique style and preferences. If you have any questions about the class, please email me. Won't you join us?

To register call the Seattle store at 206.223.9599

I'll have new journal pages to share with you next week! Have a great day!

Journalfest 2011!!

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I'm delighted that I will be teaching again at Journalfest. It is SO fun. Journalfest, an art retreat focused on art journaling, happens in Port Townsend, WA., October 26-30, 2011. Imagine taking three fun workshops, strolling the beautiful the beach, and being with some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. About 150 folks come from near and far to celebrate the fun of creating-from absolute beginners to old hands-everyone is welcome and included. My first class will be on Friday: Joyful Altered Book

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Joyful Altered Book
Have you ever wondered how to convert an old book into your own colorful journal? This is so fun to do! Bring a book and I’ll show you how. You’ll learn how to prepare the cover, reinforce the pages, cut windows, make doors, add envelopes and attach pockets. We’ll look at ways to change and fold the shape of the page. Next with wild swooshes of color, collage, and cut up photos we’ll celebrate the freedom of expression in joyful abandon. Learn new ways to incorporate collage, photos and other ephemera. We’ll add in delicious textures and patterns using acrylic paint and objects. Whatever you do-BE BOLD! This is your place to be exactly who you are- no limits! You will get to work at your own pace, playing with any or all of the techniques you wish to try. Your kit will be full of fun papers and collage materials, and I will provide lots of great and unusual art supplies for you to use in class. This will be a super fun class with everyone’s personal expression being fully encouraged and supported. You are the only one who can tell your story-and you’ll learn lots of exciting ways to do it!

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On Saturday, I'm teaching: Handful of Gatherings

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Handful of Gatherings
We are a mix of dreams, memories, thoughts, and feelings. Imagine gathering together your favorite wishes and thoughts, like picking out beautiful shells on the beach, and tucking them into your journal. Gathered together they are there to to inspire you and to make your dreams more real. In this journaling adventure you are invited to bring you, your dreams & loves, and build nests for them, pages that celebrate and whisper to the Universe, “We are here”. By taking time to honor that which is important to you, you strengthen their reality. In time the things you focus on in your journal are likely to become reality--because you give voice to them and let them speak. With guided exercises and fun techniques we will create our own unique handfuls of gatherings and expand on them in word and image. Your kit will be full of fun papers, and I provide lots of great art supplies for you to use in class. With collage, photos, writing, transparencies, twigs, fibers, shells, bits of nature and other small found objects we will build visual celebrations of our heart’s loves and desires. Join us for a day of joyful gatherings!

 
 

I am working in both of these journals-and I will post photos of new pages as they unfold. If you have any questions about either of these classes, feel free to email me. The website for Journalfest is scheduled to go live on March 5th! Come join us!!

Have a great day!!!