'Tis the season……for buying Stairways! Wow, thanks for the validation today. The workshop sold out this morning so Kathy invited me to double dip on the magic of Valley Ridge. Second class is being offered on Thursday & Friday, October 8 & 9, 2009. To register, CLICK HERE. ($75 deposit holds your place.)
Do you tear off the used postage from your holiday cards every year like I do? It's a habit I started years ago, and I'm happy to admit I have stashes of lovely stamps to use in my art. I'll take yours if you don't want them. Really. Tear off the corner, and save it for me. P.O.Box 73, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time, registration begins for the workshops at Valley Ridge. It's the only place I have committed to teach at for next year. If you are thinking of taking the class with me you might want to save your used postage, right now, and tuck it away until October.
Do you tear off the used postage from your holiday cards every year like I do? It's a habit I started years ago, and I'm happy to admit I have stashes of lovely stamps to use in my art. I'll take yours if you don't want them. Really. Tear off the corner, and save it for me. P.O.Box 73, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time, registration begins for the workshops at Valley Ridge. It's the only place I have committed to teach at for next year. If you are thinking of taking the class with me you might want to save your used postage, right now, and tuck it away until October.
EDIT: I've just been told the schedule won't go LIVE until Tuesday, Nov.18.
Today, the Valley Ridge Art Studio site goes live with the schedule of classes for 2009. Lots of terrific offerings for the year ahead. I have spoken about this venue before (May '08, Oct '07 and Aug '05) – it really is the most magical place. VRAS is in rural Wisconsin, near Madison. The studio is fab – you get your own table, it is filled with light (and supplies!) …the lunches are delicious, and the students that gather totally rock! Kathy and Bill are the enthusiastic hosts who make the magic. You will love them, you will love the place, you will count the days until you get to go back. Go take a look at all the instructors and their workshops. Treat yourself to a weekend of creativity. Classes fill fast, as does the limited space to stay on the compound.
Registration begins on December 15th, 9:00 A.M. Central Standard Time.
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: A fascination with architecture and a love of pattern spawned Michelle's interest in Byzantine imagery — with the deep, rich colors found in the religious icons, shrines, and cathedrals and the recurring use of arches and domes. With a nod toward Byzantium, learn to paint papers using layers of repetitive motifs, then the use the papers to build a triptych book.
The structure will have its own architectural appeal and with a few simple steps (pun intended), we will add a pull-down stairway. When propped open, your book doubles as a shrine. We will manipulate the pages with cutouts and dimensional elements to create visual pathways across the pages, in addition to any content you want to incorporate. Using tools we make in class, each book will have its own personality.
Your book structure will be completed in the workshop, but you may find yourself continuing to add details in the following days at home with this program's provided kit including paper, templates, binding, embellishments, and tricks for making patterns. The color palette you work with will be your choice. Use a tapestry of jewel tones or work in the subtleties of neutrals like white and gold.
For more information, supply list, and registration fees, see www.valleyridgeartstudio.com
I know, it's still eleven months away….I'm counting….but the sign-up is only a month away. Hope to see you there!
EDIT: I've just been told the schedule won't go LIVE until Tuesday, Nov.18.
Today, the Valley Ridge Art Studio site goes live with the schedule of classes for 2009. Lots of terrific offerings for the year ahead. I have spoken about this venue before (May '08, Oct '07 and Aug '05) – it really is the most magical place. VRAS is in rural Wisconsin, near Madison. The studio is fab – you get your own table, it is filled with light (and supplies!) …the lunches are delicious, and the students that gather totally rock! Kathy and Bill are the enthusiastic hosts who make the magic. You will love them, you will love the place, you will count the days until you get to go back. Go take a look at all the instructors and their workshops. Treat yourself to a weekend of creativity. Classes fill fast, as does the limited space to stay on the compound.
Registration begins on December 15th, 9:00 A.M. Central Standard Time.
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: A fascination with architecture and a love of pattern spawned Michelle's interest in Byzantine imagery — with the deep, rich colors found in the religious icons, shrines, and cathedrals and the recurring use of arches and domes. With a nod toward Byzantium, learn to paint papers using layers of repetitive motifs, then the use the papers to build a triptych book.
The structure will have its own architectural appeal and with a few simple steps (pun intended), we will add a pull-down stairway. When propped open, your book doubles as a shrine. We will manipulate the pages with cutouts and dimensional elements to create visual pathways across the pages, in addition to any content you want to incorporate. Using tools we make in class, each book will have its own personality.
Your book structure will be completed in the workshop, but you may find yourself continuing to add details in the following days at home with this program's provided kit including paper, templates, binding, embellishments, and tricks for making patterns. The color palette you work with will be your choice. Use a tapestry of jewel tones or work in the subtleties of neutrals like white and gold.
For more information, supply list, and registration fees, see www.valleyridgeartstudio.com
I know, it's still eleven months away….I'm counting….but the sign-up is only a month away. Hope to see you there!
This week was one of those this-feels-like-a-monday-on-wednesday AND this-feels-like-a-friday-on-wednesday. At least today is Saturday and could sleep in, one of my favorite indulgences. So here’s a catch-up post so I can clear my head and the memory card on my camera…..
Another terrific weekend spent making cool stuff with old friends and new ones. Kathy and Bill are The Best hosts and the additions they made to their compound are wonderful. The weekend began with a delightful ride from the airport with new-friend-who-felt-like-an-old-friend-because-we-talked-and-talked-and-talked, Beth. Fun to meet you in person Beth! Mom drives to Valley Ridge each year from the Twin Cities so she can see hang out and try out the groovy things we like to do with paint.
Then we spent two days painting pages. There’s nothing quite like an extended workshop – to be able to set up camp and leave your stuff out for two days is really cool. The artists made great stuff! Great to see Judy, Bonnie, and Bernadette again. And I got to give a hug to Tina and Marlynn – both are friends made online and met in person for the first time. And it was delight to meet Kelley, Julia, Kaye, Michelle, Sue, Jennifer, Kathy, and the token dude, Gary.
And at VRAS they have a new community building not only for amazing lunches, but for a wine-and-cheese-or-soda happy hour. I think we were all very happy – as in it was great to spend time together making art and making new friends. For more photos of the weekend you can visit VRAS’s album HERE.
EDIT: OMG! Look at my thumb and index finger on Kelley’s shoulder! It’s covered in black spray paint. What a riot. Where were my gloves?
I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to teach at this wonderful place, and to have a classroom full of students who are eager to learn and play and made it so much fun. It’s so energizing to see creativity at work, and to be part of that. And I’m grateful to my husband and kids – that they make it easy for me to get away, to be a full-time artist for a few days. I’ll be back in October 2009 and have already started inventing my class – can’t wait!
Since Shannon is still in the hospital I modified my return plans and caught a ride back to MN with Mom and Judy, and got to spend some time visiting with Mom and Dad, Shannon and her husband Andy, my Grandma, my cousins Kathy and Molly, and friends Virginia and Peggy. So fab to see so many loved ones. Whew! Got alot in for less than 48 hours. Shannon is doing much better and it was The Best to get to see her. Keep your fingers crossed and your prayers coming in….hope she’s out before her 40th birthday on the 17th.
Got home at midnight Tuesday, then headed out Wednesday afternoon for an MCR concert with Fallon and our friend Leci. Home at 1 am. Do you blame me for not knowing what day it was?
Twenty Crusades! Phew! I can hardly believe it. Congrats to Sarah Harris from the U.K. for being the Top Hat Pick for No. 19. I was late in getting No. 20 up but it’s an easy one….plenty of time to try it before June 1st. Come play!
Wishing all you all a Happy Mother’s Day! I’m feeling so grateful to have time with my Mom this week, and to come home to three wonderful children. I am so lucky! Check this out, found in Sam’s backpack:
Adorable!
This week was one of those this-feels-like-a-monday-on-wednesday AND this-feels-like-a-friday-on-wednesday. At least today is Saturday and could sleep in, one of my favorite indulgences. So here’s a catch-up post so I can clear my head and the memory card on my camera…..
Another terrific weekend spent making cool stuff with old friends and new ones. Kathy and Bill are The Best hosts and the additions they made to their compound are wonderful. The weekend began with a delightful ride from the airport with new-friend-who-felt-like-an-old-friend-because-we-talked-and-talked-and-talked, Beth. Fun to meet you in person Beth! Mom drives to Valley Ridge each year from the Twin Cities so she can see hang out and try out the groovy things we like to do with paint.
Then we spent two days painting pages. There’s nothing quite like an extended workshop – to be able to set up camp and leave your stuff out for two days is really cool. The artists made great stuff! Great to see Judy, Bonnie, and Bernadette again. And I got to give a hug to Tina and Marlynn – both are friends made online and met in person for the first time. And it was delight to meet Kelley, Julia, Kaye, Michelle, Sue, Jennifer, Kathy, and the token dude, Gary.
And at VRAS they have a new community building not only for amazing lunches, but for a wine-and-cheese-or-soda happy hour. I think we were all very happy – as in it was great to spend time together making art and making new friends. For more photos of the weekend you can visit VRAS’s album HERE.
EDIT: OMG! Look at my thumb and index finger on Kelley’s shoulder! It’s covered in black spray paint. What a riot. Where were my gloves?
I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to teach at this wonderful place, and to have a classroom full of students who are eager to learn and play and made it so much fun. It’s so energizing to see creativity at work, and to be part of that. And I’m grateful to my husband and kids – that they make it easy for me to get away, to be a full-time artist for a few days. I’ll be back in October 2009 and have already started inventing my class – can’t wait!
Since Shannon is still in the hospital I modified my return plans and caught a ride back to MN with Mom and Judy, and got to spend some time visiting with Mom and Dad, Shannon and her husband Andy, my Grandma, my cousins Kathy and Molly, and friends Virginia and Peggy. So fab to see so many loved ones. Whew! Got alot in for less than 48 hours. Shannon is doing much better and it was The Best to get to see her. Keep your fingers crossed and your prayers coming in….hope she’s out before her 40th birthday on the 17th.
Got home at midnight Tuesday, then headed out Wednesday afternoon for an MCR concert with Fallon and our friend Leci. Home at 1 am. Do you blame me for not knowing what day it was?
Twenty Crusades! Phew! I can hardly believe it. Congrats to Sarah Harris from the U.K. for being the Top Hat Pick for No. 19. I was late in getting No. 20 up but it’s an easy one….plenty of time to try it before June 1st. Come play!
Wishing all you all a Happy Mother’s Day! I’m feeling so grateful to have time with my Mom this week, and to come home to three wonderful children. I am so lucky! Check this out, found in Sam’s backpack:
Adorable!
The classes are now posted at Valley Ridge Art Studio. It’s a stellar line-up once again. As has been testified to here and on other blogs you probably visit, it’s a remarkable experience to be at VR – highly recommended! I’ll be teaching a two-day painting and visual journaling workshop. Hope to see you there! It’s my only commitment for 2008.
Registration begins December 8.
The classes are now posted at Valley Ridge Art Studio. It’s a stellar line-up once again. As has been testified to here and on other blogs you probably visit, it’s a remarkable experience to be at VR – highly recommended! I’ll be teaching a two-day painting and visual journaling workshop. Hope to see you there! It’s my only commitment for 2008.
Registration begins December 8.
A weekend at Valley Ridge will leave you buzzing for a long time. There is nothing like being in the midst of creative energy. And there is nothing like Valley Ridge. Imagine a picture perfect setting, gracious hosts, enthusiastic artists gathering from here and there, a light-filled dynamite studio (where each artist gets their own table), and two whole days appointed for making cool stuff. Oh, and I’m not one to gush about food, but Kathy and Bill present the best lunches. (How about that tomato and basil soup? swooon!) And fabulous dinners if you’re the instructor!! It’s the ultimate destination. Icing on the cake for this weekend: Mom joined in the fun (again!)
Backstage Pass is a process class disguised as a project. I like to teach process but most students like to leave with a project. They made assemblages while simultaneously developing and recording ideas on pages of a journal. I really wanted them to learn what a valuable tool your journal can be as you work on anything. They totally got it. They ROCKED!
Look at these girls so hard at work. Can you believe I didn’t even play the music I brought? It’s usually a good ice-breaker to loosen up the room but this crowd didn’t need it. The studio was radiating with good vibrations and chatter, we didn’t even get to the music.
Check out my Mom and her assemblage – filled with sentimental meaning and significant keepsakes. And how about Debby with her groovy jeans? This class wasn’t about spray but it’s such a big part of what I do right now that I had to share it. We had a spray station outside where everyone got to try out the addictiveness of spray painting with stencils. I had on my sprayed denim to show them how cool it is to paint on fabric. So Debby hops off to the car for a spare pair of jeans and paints herself a souvenir. See post below for my delinquent behavior on someone else’s property.
Kathy, proprietor of Valley Ridge, and resident fairy expert. Goony face me, and Mom who drove form Minnesota for a visit. She had also come two years ago and we made her take the class. H.C.I.T.?
Apparently I had the goonface pose for the weekend. Actually, you are supposed to lean forward a little so your double chin doesn’t show….but I don’t think it’s required to bug out your eyes too. Here we are with Judy, who you met earlier this year on my blog. I credit this blog for becoming friends with Judy – she and Mom were travel buddies last weekend. More H.C.I.T. Aren’t you glad I didn’t pose with each student so you’d have to suffer through more cheesy mugs?
Here’s another photos of the group taken from the other side of the final presentation table. Great work gang! It was a total gas. Seeing old friends and making new ones. Can’t get much better.
And do you love when this happens? I’m blathering away about something and before you know it there was an OOPS and a lesson to be learned. Solving problems can teach us the best lessons. Thats’ why workshops can be so rewarding. While we are working out details on our own pieces we see and hear the processes being tested and tried within the studio. It’s an environment where techniques and tricks are shared, materials too! If you are on the fence about taking a workshop, fall on the side of YES! And take one at Valley Ridge if you can. They have a stellar line-up of instructors every year.
Thanks to Kathy for a great experience, and to all my students who rocked the art. Fellow bloggers Sue Pieper and Andrew Borloz and Bernadette DeMoro (who came from Texas!) and Xanthe Walker have posted about the weekend, and Lisa Cook will soon has too. Go see!
As if last weekend wasn’t enough excitement……HIM in one week. Squeeeeeeeee.
