Retreat time—coming soon!

Hey folks--there's still time to sign up for a relaxing 3-day workshop up here in northern CA from July 18-22! Preparations are underway for yet another fabulous retreat experience. Just 8 weeks away!

In addition to Richard Salley and Katie Kendrick (who were highlighted in my last post), DJ Pettitt and Stephanie Lee are also joining us (there are only a couple of spots left in each of their classes). This will be DJ's last workshop stateside (sniff, sniff), so if you've been wanting to take a class in-person with her, here's your chance! I'm actually very, very happy for her that she'll be spending more time at home with her darling hubby and four-legged kids, focusing on products and online workshops. Take a look at her newly revamped website--and be prepared to spend some time gazing at all the eye candy. Fabulous photos!

Sample book for DJ's workshop

DJ will be teaching Synergy of Forms, developed especially for An Artful Journey. In her words, "Using fluid acrylics, water-soluble pencils, tissues, and other mediums, I'll teach you how to meld the illustrative, abstract look with the more traditional art forms." DJ's work is so unique, and she's a fantastic instructor. This class is suited for all levels—she's a very generous, patient instructor, and is committed to seeing that each of her students get the attention they need and deserve. This is one class you won't want to miss--just three spots left! Check out the full description, more photos and supply list here.

If working with metal is more up your alley, then take a look at Stephanie Lee's class, Foundology! She's a master at metal-smithing, creating phenomenal jewelry and objects. As she explains, "With just a few basic tools strapped to our belts, we’ll don our expedition gear as we set out to bend, hammer, form, solder and explore various techniques in working with metal to unearth a soldered metal box and jewelry to go in it." I've had the pleasure of taking a class with Stephanie, and even though I'd never worked with metal, I had a blast--what a great instructor! She does great demos, explains everything very clearly, and is then on hand to assist each attendee with their work. Plus, she's funny and fun, and authentic--a rare gem, that one. Her class is almost full, with just two spots available, so hurry on over and check it out here.



And don't forget Richard Sally's class, where he'll be using cold-connection techniques to create fabulously innovative jewelry using common and not-so-common objects! (buffalo tooth, anyone?)


In Katie's class, you'll be working with fabric, paper, journaling, hand-stitching, embellishing, surface design, and more. Lots of opportunities for creative expression here!


Three days/four nights of creative bliss on a on a serene mountain top, spending the entire time with one instructor; all meals, snacks and goodies included; classrooms that are open 24-7; and the fellowship of kindred spirits--what could possibly be better? I am SO looking forward to it—would love it if you can join us! Have a great day!!

ps--if you hope to stay onsite, don't wait too long as I can't guarantee there will be space available for much longer...

Looking forward...

The July retreat will be here before we know it (July 18-22, to be exact)! I've been organizing my stash of vintage fabrics and ephemera, clearing space for the sewing machines (yes, plural), and gearing up to create some special goodies for the attendees.







I'm so glad to have something FUN and creative to look forward to! With all the doom and gloom assaulting us on a daily basis, we must carve out personal time to restore our spirit. Spending four days with a bunch of like-minded souls is just the answer. How about you? Isn't it about time you carved out some creative time for yourself?
























There's still room at the Center, although not for long, so if you're thinking of joining us and staying on-site, you'll want to register soon. A couple of the classes are almost full, so don't procrastinate or you might miss out. You can check out all the offerings here, but I want to highlight a couple of the instructors now, and will do a couple more in my next post. (Don't want to overwhelm you with too much eye candy at once!)

Katie Kendrick is teaching a workshop titled Dream Narratives. Now how soothing and soulful does that sound?? She just sent me another photo of her work—I am just loving this! (Be sure and click on the image to see the details)

If you follow her blog, you know that she's taking a year off from teaching next year. What?! How can that be? Well, she's listening to her heart and taking time out for her Self. Can't argue with that one little bit. But, it means that she won't be around for a while, so you might just want to catch her while you can. She's an amazingly giving instructor, very patient and soft-spoken, and oh-so generous with her talent. I defy anyone to take a class from her and not fall in love with her. I'm serious.

Her class description reads, in part, "We’ll be mono-printing and stenciling on fabric, using image transfer techniques, simple thread paintings, and drawing and painting on fabric using acrylic paints, oil paintstiks, pencils, pens, and markers. I will also cover basic elements of design, and various ways to create texture and movement with fabric. You’ll then adorn your ‘stories’ with journaling, hand-stitching, embroidery, trims and embellishments—whatever moves you!" OH YUM!
And Richard Salley is instructor extraordinaire, having been an art educator for years and years and...well, a very long time. He now travels all over, sharing his knowledge and talent in jewelry, assemblage—all things artistic . He's teaching a 3-day workshop jewelry workshop packed with cold-connection techniques. As he describes it, "One of the things that I enjoy most about working in the genre of 'found object jewelry' is to take something that we see or use on a daily basis and incorporate it into a piece of wearable art. Whether you are an experienced art jeweler or looking for your first class in jewelry making, you’ll learn a wealth of tips, tricks and techniques that you can apply to your own jewelry and assemblage projects."

As you can see, his pieces are just jaw-dropping, and many of his students are repeat customers. (That tells you just about everything you need to know right there.) With his expert guidance, you too can walk out with creations such as these. Can you imagine?! There are a bunch more samples of fabulous jewelry pieces on the website, so hop on over and take a look.




























Next time, I'll focus on the work of DJ Pettitt and Stephanie Lee! We'd really love to have you join us in beautiful northern California this July--the Center is up in the redwoods, just 20 min. east of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 45 min. south of San Francisco, and 1 hour north of Monterey.

There's so much to see and do in the Bay area—even if you don't want to stray too far, Los Gatos and the surrounding area can keep you busy for a good while. More on that in the next post too...

Doesn't get any better than this for a summer getaway, now does it? Now go here to read all about it.

Liquid gold...

When I saw this on my recent getaway, I saw a heart, a heart that needed to be tended to. A dear friend of mine saw "an opening"—to walk into; to guide towards; to new possibilities. An opening it is then. An opening to my heart.

I had packed one of my favorite books, Broken Open (which I highly, highly recommend), by Elizabeth Lesser. When I opened it, my eyes went straight to a passage where she asks, "was...the peace and clarity I was searching for already within me, waiting in the liquid gold of my feeling heart?" It was not an accident that I was led to that page; it was exactly what I needed to hear.

I decided to make space to listen to that feeling heart of mine, to "use my heart's compass on this journey", as Lesser writes. I began while up in those beautiful redwoods this past week.















I met up with some 'deer' friends.

I looked through the lens.

I sat at this desk and played in the silence.

I walked the labyrinth.

I danced by the light of the moon (really, I did).

I listened.

And then I came home...to these precious loved ones. My heart is full.

Movement...

It's not enough to think, plan, wish...we also need to take action. I'm heading out for a couple of days—not running away, but moving Towards. Will be back soon enough...

Keeping it simple...

Life's been showing up over and over again here lately. It's a reminder to stay focused on what's really important.

Being still and appreciating nature and all its miracles...

Being grateful for what I have, and for those around me...

And most importantly, loving and being loved...

Staying in gratitude is what keeps me grounded when everything around me is in turmoil.

(update 6.10--just found out that these bunnies were made by Olivia Thomas of Olive Rose!)

On another topic, I'm sure most of you have bunnies on your mind right now (saw these at a local shop), but I've been suffering from MOD lately (Molly Obsessive Disorder). If you haven't heard about Molly, the most famous barn owl, go here and check it out--NOW! Such a gift to be able to watch Molly, McGee and their 4 growing owlets. Lots of drama in the wild kingdom!

I grabbed this pic off the livestream at night, so it's the infrared camera being used. If you check it out during the day, you'll see her in all her golden glory. It's well worth a visit, but be forewarned--it's 'owl'dictive. Enjoy!

March Madness

Forget basketball--this is a much better way to spend the month of March! I've been collecting even more treasures to share with attendees at the July retreat! I stumbled across an estate sale where the owner had been a costume designer for the theater--I was in heaven, diving for things before the antique dealers could claim them. It was the next best thing to winning the lottery (maybe even better!)

And there were more goodies to be had at the Alameda earlier this month, where it's just as much fun to people-watch as it is to hunt for stuff. The only problem is that I spend so much of my time scanning for hidden treasures, that I forget to look up! I was talking to a friend the other night and we were saying how hard it is to meet up with people we know there because we're always searching the aisles; the only time we actually 'see' someone we know is when we're grabbing for the same thing...lol!



Char, Stephanie, Lorri and I managed to finagle seats at this fabulous table (check out those embroidered chair seats!); we were happy to show folks what a great dining experience they could have if they purchased it. The owner was very grateful for our sales pitch, and even had a taker as we were leaving.

Actually, getting a seat anywhere is quite a coup—Stephanie and I have been known to just plop ourselves down on the ground and stare at feet going by while we much on our sausage dogs. So this really was fine dining, all things considered.

I didn't take as many pictures this last time—wish I had though. I always come home so inspired by the creative souls that show up. It's just a feast for the eyes. This gal on the right is there every month, always smiling, always looking fabulous. Just look at that hat and purse she made—heck, she probably made every item she's wearing! I told her that I want to be her when I grow up. Really, I do. I'd better start practicing soon though...



And these tights are just a hoot, aren't they? Now you know what to do with all those jars of buttons you've been amassing. Not sure I could get away with that, but it does give me ideas! What are your favorite finds at your local flea market? I'd love to hear about them!


All this gathering and sorting, plotting and planning for the upcoming retreat is just a blast. This is the part I love--cooking up all the fun stuff and envisioning all of us up there, just soaking up the creative energy. There's still room for you if you'd like to join us! Everyone who attended the Feb. retreat really loved the setting; the 3-days with one instructor; the small size; and the camaraderie that was created. With Stephanie Lee, Katie Kendrick, Judy Wise, Richard Salley and DJ Pettitt teaching, I'm certain that it will be equally as magical. They designed their classes especially for An Artful Journey, so check them out! More soon...

Pure Magic...

(photo courtesy of DJ Pettitt)

An Artful Journey retreat ended a week ago, but there's still a soft buzz in the air around here. I'm still floating along, not nearly ready to move on from the incredible aura that was created up there on that mountain. A community of artists, most of them strangers on that first day, came together and created pure magic.

(photo courtesy of Chrissy Gardner)

It was a combination of the peaceful venue, the talented and giving instructors, the Presentation Center staff, and every single attendee, each of whom arrived with an open, willing spirit. Just look at these beautiful faces.

Even the weather cooperated. The forecasts were for rain every day, but we had just a day and a bit of drizzly soft sprinkles. Amazing.

(photo courtesy of Chrissy Gardner)

There was a collective consciousness in that sacred place among the redwoods, and I'm so grateful to have witnessed it. I know that the effects of that time together will ripple out and touch others, as it touched us when we were there. What a gift.



Words don't do it justice. All I know for sure is that we were meant to be there together—no doubt about it.

(photo courtesy of Chrissy Gardner)

I'm excited about where this Journey is heading—I hope you'll join up with me somewhere along the way.