greenpepperpressblog

Tag: workshop

all the circles

My suitcases are packed. One will be marked HEAVY…it's filled with paper, paint, stamps, and lots of punches. Circle punches. I'm really looking forward to this last workshop at Valley Ridge. I know these girls will rock the circles with suns, moons, and their own personal flair to make a unique visual journal. The results will be celebrated, but it is just a small part of what we get from participating in an event like this one. Of course I hope that the 'process' will expand the vision and perspective of each artist as to how to approach art-making in journals, and in general. And I hope that they leave with enthusiasm to keep the momentum going. I do know this: it's impossible to leave unaffected by the experience. That's not a reflection of me…I'm simply the ambassador for creativity on this particular weekend, at this location. When eager creatives gather, and open their hearts and heads to embrace What's Possible, magic happens. We all learn from each other. Discoveries are made and shared and the energy in the studio multiplies. Confidence grows. Efforts validated. Authenticity recognized. Art celebrated. The circles of Friendship widen.

In July 2003 I prepared a handful of projects for With one Palette, found in Somerset Studio Jan/Feb 2004. I look at this album and cannot believe it's been nine years…tucked inside the front cover is a Sun-themed soundtrack, which started me off as I collected tracks for the Synchroncity workshop playlist. Thanks to my media device I am able to present over 50 songs and I'm not limited to what will squeeze onto a cd. So that has changed, but my use of favorite images and default colors has not evolved much. I'm fine with that – I think it's not a bad thing to have go-to crutches in our process – not to rehash but to stretch how we use them.

A new Sun song on the list, reminds me of this past summer. Energizing and fun….

And an old favorite. It actually will be a New Moon on Monday.

See you next week. *waves*

October 11, 2012
remember this?

It must have been like 2nd grade that I first was exposed to sunprints, also known as cyanotypes. Do you remember doing these? Lay a handful of objects on the magic paper, leave in sunlight a few minutes, then rinse? The shadows appear in negative for a really cool print. Fallon is currently in a photogrpahy class and they are making photograms, a similar process, and it reminded me that I had a pack of the paper from SunArt. Notice the 6+ in the corner. Ha!

I've been gathering supplies for the upcoming Synchronicity workshop next month, so this was a perfect opportunity to make some fun papers to share. Some of my stamp designs were converted into borders and printed onto transparency then placed over the specially treated paper. You can see I tried both positive and negative versions. The mostly dark blue strips were made from the film on the left, and the lighter blue ones were generated under the one on the right. Love the blueprint effect, don't you? The process is so old school….as in, I did this about 40 years ago in elementary school!

SunArt paper should be available at your local craft store. Try the kid section, and the printmaking section. You can also score some at Amazon, HERE. The days are getting shorter….make use of that solar energy when you can! It only takes a few minutes.

Wait! You can also make cyanotype prints on get sun-sensitive fabric! If I didn't dislike blue so much I might be tempted to try making a silk scarf or something. Google "cyanotype fabric" if you're interested.

September 24, 2012
remember this?

It must have been like 2nd grade that I first was exposed to sunprints, also known as cyanotypes. Do you remember doing these? Lay a handful of objects on the magic paper, leave in sunlight a few minutes, then rinse? The shadows appear in negative for a really cool print. Fallon is currently in a photogrpahy class and they are making photograms, a similar process, and it reminded me that I had a pack of the paper from SunArt. Notice the 6+ in the corner. Ha!

I've been gathering supplies for the upcoming Synchronicity workshop next month, so this was a perfect opportunity to make some fun papers to share. Some of my stamp designs were converted into borders and printed onto transparency then placed over the specially treated paper. You can see I tried both positive and negative versions. The mostly dark blue strips were made from the film on the left, and the lighter blue ones were generated under the one on the right. Love the blueprint effect, don't you? The process is so old school….as in, I did this about 40 years ago in elementary school!

SunArt paper should be available at your local craft store. Try the kid section, and the printmaking section. You can also score some at Amazon, HERE. The days are getting shorter….make use of that solar energy when you can! It only takes a few minutes.

Wait! You can also make cyanotype prints on get sun-sensitive fabric! If I didn't dislike blue so much I might be tempted to try making a silk scarf or something. Google "cyanotype fabric" if you're interested.

September 24, 2012
planning, prepping, packing

I love September! Even though I miss having the kids around and would like the summer to be a little longer, I love that 3/4 of the way through the year we have an opportunity to start over. Just like the students who are breaking in new books and adjusting to a change in routine, we can reinvent our habits, start new practices, and move forward with a revised vision for the rest of the year. And as a bonus, the evenings and mornings are cooler…and that energizes me!

I have been enjoying the new spray paints I told you about and I will show you some of that soon. I did learn that Liquitex headquarters is in my town. Really? Right here? How's that for being a small world? I wish they had a storefront…I'd be showing up often for refills. So I had to set aside spraying for a bit because I wanted to get a jumpstart on prepping for my next event, Synchronicity. I loved making the handout – I tried a new format and it was a blast! In fact, I want to drop everything and make handouts for my 2013 workshops! In less than a month I will be at Valley Ridge. I will dearly miss my annual visits where I had amazing experiences, met treasured friends, and witnessed rampant creativity. I'm grateful to be part of the final cast, especially on the final weekend. I'm already blinking away tears.

In addition to taking care of business and trying to stay on top of assignments and deadlines, I'm happily planning for a very big trip. I am going to England and Italy in November! Can you stand it??

It was five years ago this weekend that I posted the photos below for Crusade No. 12 – Crush On You. I confessed to crushing on gothic architecture. And because of that crush I've fallen in love with buildings, and with cities. For many years It's been a dream of mine to get to Venice. And now I'm going!! VENICE!! I am thrilled to be going back to England, where Fallon and I will visit family, and see London…then we are off to Venice and Verona. I'm reading and researching and taking notes and getting thoroughly giddy. A dream come true. Pinch me!

I'm booking the hotel this week. I think I am settled on which one….if you have any recommendations based on your own experience for places to visit in Venice I am all ears.

September 17, 2012
planning, prepping, packing

I love September! Even though I miss having the kids around and would like the summer to be a little longer, I love that 3/4 of the way through the year we have an opportunity to start over. Just like the students who are breaking in new books and adjusting to a change in routine, we can reinvent our habits, start new practices, and move forward with a revised vision for the rest of the year. And as a bonus, the evenings and mornings are cooler…and that energizes me!

I have been enjoying the new spray paints I told you about and I will show you some of that soon. I did learn that Liquitex headquarters is in my town. Really? Right here? How's that for being a small world? I wish they had a storefront…I'd be showing up often for refills. So I had to set aside spraying for a bit because I wanted to get a jumpstart on prepping for my next event, Synchronicity. I loved making the handout – I tried a new format and it was a blast! In fact, I want to drop everything and make handouts for my 2013 workshops! In less than a month I will be at Valley Ridge. I will dearly miss my annual visits where I had amazing experiences, met treasured friends, and witnessed rampant creativity. I'm grateful to be part of the final cast, especially on the final weekend. I'm already blinking away tears.

In addition to taking care of business and trying to stay on top of assignments and deadlines, I'm happily planning for a very big trip. I am going to England and Italy in November! Can you stand it??

It was five years ago this weekend that I posted the photos below for Crusade No. 12 – Crush On You. I confessed to crushing on gothic architecture. And because of that crush I've fallen in love with buildings, and with cities. For many years It's been a dream of mine to get to Venice. And now I'm going!! VENICE!! I am thrilled to be going back to England, where Fallon and I will visit family, and see London…then we are off to Venice and Verona. I'm reading and researching and taking notes and getting thoroughly giddy. A dream come true. Pinch me!

I'm booking the hotel this week. I think I am settled on which one….if you have any recommendations based on your own experience for places to visit in Venice I am all ears.

September 17, 2012
Come join us Nearby, as we go to Far Away Places

Join Lynne and I in Connecticut in May for the Far Away Places three-day workshop! We have booked two weekends at a great place – within driving distance for locals. I love that! You can pack supplies with reckless abandon, not worrying about what will fit in your suitcase. The two options: May 3 – 5, OR May 10 – 12. Hey! May 12th is Mother's Day – why not treat yourself to a getaway, or hint around that you've found the perfect gift *wink*. Lynne and I have collaborated together for years, but this will be our very first workshop co-teaching. A three day event is such a different experience than your typical class. It means really being able to immerse yourself - you get to spread out at your own table, and leave your stuff there! No rushing to pack and move on to another class. Settle in, shed your cares, and be a full time artist all day long…for three days! I can't wait!!

Registration begins NOW! Email Lynne at LKPerrella@aol.com to reserve a spot, and to get more details. She has an information document covering all the particulars that she'll send you. Any questions, send either of us a note. Hope to see you there! EDIT: the first weekend, May 3-5, is now full.

August 17, 2012
Come join us Nearby, as we go to Far Away Places

Join Lynne and I in Connecticut in May for the Far Away Places three-day workshop! We have booked two weekends at a great place – within driving distance for locals. I love that! You can pack supplies with reckless abandon, not worrying about what will fit in your suitcase. The two options: May 3 – 5, OR May 10 – 12. Hey! May 12th is Mother's Day – why not treat yourself to a getaway, or hint around that you've found the perfect gift *wink*. Lynne and I have collaborated together for years, but this will be our very first workshop co-teaching. A three day event is such a different experience than your typical class. It means really being able to immerse yourself - you get to spread out at your own table, and leave your stuff there! No rushing to pack and move on to another class. Settle in, shed your cares, and be a full time artist all day long…for three days! I can't wait!!

Registration begins NOW! Email Lynne at LKPerrella@aol.com to reserve a spot, and to get more details. She has an information document covering all the particulars that she'll send you. Any questions, send either of us a note. Hope to see you there! EDIT: the first weekend, May 3-5, is now full.

August 17, 2012
save the date!

It's been one of those weeks! After returning home from vacation I had to get back on the deadline treadmill to prepare and propose workshops for Create NJ 2013, and wrap up some details on a new corporate identity assignment. Next I will be completing my class samples for an upcoming event with Lynne Perrella. We are both so excited to be offering this in our neck of the woods. What could be more fun than co-teaching a special friend, who is also an amazing talent??!! It's sure to be an excellent experience. This is definitely one of the occasions that fits "Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life". Stay tuned as we will reveal the announcement and registration information next week.

August 10, 2012
save the date!

It's been one of those weeks! After returning home from vacation I had to get back on the deadline treadmill to prepare and propose workshops for Create NJ 2013, and wrap up some details on a new corporate identity assignment. Next I will be completing my class samples for an upcoming event with Lynne Perrella. We are both so excited to be offering this in our neck of the woods. What could be more fun than co-teaching a special friend, who is also an amazing talent??!! It's sure to be an excellent experience. This is definitely one of the occasions that fits "Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life". Stay tuned as we will reveal the announcement and registration information next week.

August 10, 2012
i’m glowing

What a fabulous event! The nervous anticipation quickly melted away as I walked into the classroom and started meeting the enthusiastic artists who came ready to learn, make connections, and crank out some really cool work. It was a joy to embrace old friends, to be introduced to faces with familiar names, and to meet so many new creatives at this venue. It was a great location, was so well run, and was just pure fun. I love the energy that fills a room when open minds and open hearts are on full display. I wish I would have taken more photos as evidence because I loved what I saw on the tables – each artist bringing their own flair to the process. It was a beautiful thing to witness. I am glowing.

Special thanks to Maggie, Rebecca, Bev, and Jenn, for having me and hosting CREATE NJ. I look forward to next year! Same time, same place. Thanks to all the shoppers who stopped by my table on vendor night. Fallon was my assistant, and felt like a rock star :) The biggest thanks goes to my students, especially the repeat offenders who came for both classes. YOU ALL ROCKED. While I hope you will continue working in your journals and keep trying some of the things we did, the most important thing I hope you take away from the weekend is the enthusiasm for creativity. *blows kisses*

July 23, 2012