Quite the Journey!!

That's how one student described the 2-day workshop with DJ Pettitt last week--quite the journey, indeed! We had an amazing group of women, coming from nine states to attend the workshop, and we couldn't have asked for a better group for the maiden Journey...
We met up on Sunday afternoon in downtown Los Gatos, where we followed DJ around and took photos of whatever caught our eye (and yes, we had some curious onlookers).

Even the mascot duck at the local flower store wasn't safe!

After wandering through town, we came together at a local bookstore to chat and view each other's photos. Everyone agreed that this was a great way to start the Journey!
The next two days were spent immersed in altered photos, paints, fabrics, and ephemera. DJ is a fabulous instructor and everyone was thrilled with what they learned in her class (you can see more photos on her blog).

We had two pairs of mothers and daughters, sisters, an aunt and niece, old friends meeting up, and new friendships being formed. Priceless!
I'm very blessed to be able to do what I love; and all the support and encouragement I've received just confirms that I'm on the right path. I'm looking forward to the next group of classes with Judy Wise and Katie Kendrick in July--perhaps you'd like to join us! See the website for full details...

New Day Journeys!

Phew--lots going on around here! In addition to preparing for DJ's upcoming workshop, I'm working with instructors on finalizing their offerings for the two retreats next year--and oh my, are they going to be fabulous!! More on that in an upcoming post. But first...

Leighanna's Metal Deck

I'm thrilled to announce that one of my favorite instructors, Leighanna Light, will be coming to town in late August for two workshops! She'll be teaching her "ever-so-popular" Vintage Metal Deck on Friday, Aug. 28, and then a two-day Funky Found-Object Canvas Village class on Sat. and Sun., the 29th and 30th. Leighanna is a very skilled instructor, is very generous, and is a hoot to boot!

Some of my metal deck pages...

For my 50th birthday a little while back (ahem), I threw myself an "art party" and she taught the metal deck here at my home--we had a fabulous time! You may remember reading about it in the Summer 2005 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. Boy, do these photos bring back some great memories!

I'll have complete info on the website within the next couple of weeks, with registration opening around mid-May. Keep checking back!!

Score!!

Generosity. Kind spirits. Abundance. Don't you just love it when the universe opens up and provides you with just what you need? We can choose the lens with which we view our world, and the possibilities are endless. Just my observation...

(Apparently Sammy does not share my enthusiasm)

Now go forth and have a great day!!

Prepping for the Journey...

I made a delivery to the post office yesterday, happy to send "a little something" off to the Day Journey attendees who'll be arriving in less than 3 weeks for DJ's workshop. It felt good to do something creative again...the well has been a bit dry for awhile! Here's a little sneak peek.


I'm now working on Provisions for the Journey, lunch menus, and all the other little details that come with organizing. This is the part I love, second only to the magical time when we're all together, sharing a part of ourselves, making new friends, and creating memories. It's so exciting to be a part of this mixed-media art world!

And the 2010 Retreats are coming together as well, with the Feb. 2010 registration right around the corner (well, the July corner that is--it'll be here before we know it!). Classes are also being discussed and confirmed for the July 2010 retreat and I can tell you, they're going to be fabulous as well! Lots of exciting things going on around here--and more to come. Stay tuned!

Finding treasures...material and otherwise

What a fabulous day it was for a flea market! It was well worth getting up before dawn and returning home dog-tired. These are a few of my favorite things:

Sharing the experience with a good friend...

Finding beauty in the simple things...

Meeting interesting folk along the way...

Treating ourselves to the best sausage on the planet (the long lines can attest to that)...

And the icing on the cake--bringing all the loot home!

Just look at those yummy colors!

Now to find room for all the new stash. Out with the old, in with the new; that's my motto for the year (although some of these goodies will find a place in the Provisions for the Journey as well). I've been busy getting ready for DJ's class, only 4 weeks away... more on that topic soon!

Calling all Nina fans!

If you're considering signing up for Nina's 3-day workshop next Feb., check the website for a change in the class. We're now offering "Stepping Into the Story", where you'll "learn how to trigger ideas by combining imagery with simple words to construct a work of art that is both emotional and evocative". She'll offer tons of techniques, and plenty of individualized instruction over the course of three days. If you're a Nina fan, you won't want to miss this one!

More soon--off to the Alameda Flea Market in the morning to hunt down some goodies for the upcoming workshops! Stay tuned...

Playtime

I've been under a mountain of yucky 'life stuff' lately, and haven't had nearly enough time to just play! So when Stephanie suggested we take the day off and go into San Francisco to check out scrap, I jumped at it. We knew we hit the jackpot when we found ourselves in an industrial area, down an alleyway, and surrounded by graffiti and cyclone fences! Look at that smile on Stephanie's face as we got out of the car!
I lost track of how many hours we spent in there, but it sure was worth it--we loaded our bags with fabric bits, paper treasures for collage, trims, metal pieces, and other junk...er, I mean, treasures. You fill your bags, go to the register, and the guy looks it all over and tells you the price. To me, he said "seven"--and I replied, "Seven what? Dollars? That's it?!" I got such a great deal that I donated a little extra, which they really appreciate. It's a fun outing, and the stock changes daily, so check it out when you're in town!
And an update on the Day Journeys--DJ's class is now filled, but email me if you'd like to be put on the waiting list. And registration is now open for Katie's and Judy's classes in July--there are still some spots left, so check it the descriptions on the website and consider joining us!

OK, I'm off to go figure out how the heck we're approaching the end of March--where'd the first couple months of the year go? Anybody see them? Between that, and the recent time change, I feel like the weeks and months are whizzing by...and I don't like it. I'm going to work on slowing things down for a bit. Yeh, right.

Day Journey Sign-Ups

Registration for Judy Wise's and Katie Kendrick's classes will open this wknd., so mark your calendars! They'll both be here in July (check the website for details), and we're going to have a great couple of days. My web designer will be putting the registration form up sometime Sat. evening, so that you can register 1st thing Sunday morning. I hope you'll be able to join us for some creative inspiration!
And a spot just opened up for DJ's class this May--you can sign up on the website, but hurry! Once it's filled, I'll be keeping a waiting list in case any additional spaces come available. Just fill out the registration form and I'll keep you posted on availability.
I'm thrilled to be hosting these wonderful instructors, and am so looking forward to a diversion from all the bad news that's poisoning our environment. Now more than ever, we need to gather together, share our creative spirits, and just have some fun. So come on over and play--there's no better time for it!!

And on a side note: I had to share these pics of my grandbabies, both 'artists-in-training', as you can see. Riley turns one next month, and is already reading Quilting Arts & Cloth Paper Scissors, plus she's really into fiber! And her older sister, Piper, is focused on her painting and drawing skills. Being a Nonni is the best!!

DJ's Class is Filled!

WOW, is all I can say! We've got a filled class of 20, coming from CA, AZ, OR, NV, NM, CO, even Florida! Thank you all for the tremendous support--DJ and I are so excited to be hosting this workshop....we're already cooking up plans for another this year (hint: holidays). More on that later...

If you'd like to be on a waiting list for the May class, please email me and I'll be happy to let you know if a spot opens. Have a great Valentine's Day!!

Journey News!

(artwork by Katie)

Thanks for all the kind comments on the website--I'm so pleased with the way it turned out! If you haven't visited yet, just click on the link on the right.

And talk about excitement--DJ's May class is almost filled! If you're interested in attending, sign up on the website right away; we only have one or two spots left. I'll be starting a wait list, so if you'd like to be on it, just fill out the registration form and add a comment that you'd like to be put on the list.

And next up is registration for Katie Kendrick's and Judy Wise's classes in July of this year! Registration will open on March 1, right around the corner.

(Judy's painting on plaster)

Judy and Katie will each teach a one-day class. and they're loaded with techniques, mediums, and inspiration! If you haven't met them yet, then you're in for a treat. Not only do they create fabulous art, but they have hearts of gold and really share from their soul. You'll be better for having known them, trust me.

You can read the full descriptions on the website, as well as all the registration info. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions. Hope to see you in July!!

Oh, my!

(my friend, char, in disbelief)

DJ's upcoming class is almost full--only 3 spots left!! So if you've been putting off signing up, you might want to do that pronto! Once the class is full, I'll post here and then start taking a wait list. We've got a great group of people signed up, and they're coming from all over, so it's going to be a great time. Perhaps you'd like to join us? Check the link on the right or hop on over to my website to sign up. Have a great day!

Sign-ups open!

Signups for DJ's May class are now open! Click on the link to the right and it will take you to the class description and a link to register. All the info is there, but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me. DJ has worked hard to make this class really special, and we're going to have a great time! Hope to meet some of you here in May...

It's a beautiful, sunny day here in northern CA, so I'm off to take the dog for walk. Hope you're enjoying your Sunday as well!

"The Altered View" with DJ Pettitt

I'm thrilled to announce the first Day Journey class! It's titled "The Altered View" and it will take place on May 4 & 5 2009, at a local church in Los Gatos, CA. DJ will be teaching a number of exciting techniques, including her innovative method of altering photographs. For more class info, click on the link on the right and it will take you to the class description and other info. I'll be taking sign-ups beginning on Sun. Feb 1--you'll find a link to the sign-up form on this blog on Sunday, and on the website once it's up (...soon, soon). I hope to see some of you in May!

This is a simple journal construction that she'll be demoing...

here's a closer look...

This is the 'before' photo (note tree on right)

And this is 'after' DJ did her magic!

A close-up of some of the texture and embellishing you'll learn

and this is an altered pic of a simple photo of a bird...

She says "anyone can do this--the techniques are so easy, and so fun!!"

Changes in the lineups...

I'm thrilled to announce that I've added a couple of instructors to the 2010 Retreats. First, the Feb. 2010 retreat: unfortunately Misty will be unable to join us...but the good news is that Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough will be team-teaching a 3-day class! They bring such enthusiasm and creativity to all that they do, and their class will be fantastic. They'll be offering a "fat, chunky coffee-table style art journal" filled with paintings that you'll create under their expert guidance. How fun is that?!
And for the July 2010 event, I'm so excited to welcome Richard Salley to the group. He's an extremely talented jewelry artist with over 30 years of teaching experience as well. I know that many of you are fans of his work, and this will be a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in a 3-day intensive cold-connection workshop.
So, mark your calendars and treat yourself--two great events to choose from!
Feb. 18-22, 2010: DJ Pettitt, Albie Smith, Lesley Riley, Nina Bagley, Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough.

July 18-22, 2010: Stephanie Lee, Judy Wise, DJ Pettitt, Katie Kendrick and Richard Salley.

And if you need an 'art fix' before then, I hope you'll consider joining us for a Day Journey: a day or two of workshops, held in Los Gatos, with guest instructors:
May 4 & 5, 2009: DJ Pettitt (registration opens 2/1--details here soon...)
July 10 & 11, 2009: Katie Kendrick and Judy Wise
August/September: To be announced

Details on both the Retreats and the Day Journeys will be on the website--coming soon!!

Clarification...

Greetings~a quick note to clear up any confusion about the upcoming classes. The all-inclusive retreats held at the Presentation Center, and consisting of 3 days of instruction, lodging, etc. are scheduled for 2010--the first one in Feb. and the 2nd one in July.

The Day Journeys are workshops only, to be held at a nearby church here in Los Gatos, and may be one day or more, with a guest instructor. The first Day Journey class will be with DJ on May 4&5, 2009, and it's a 2-day class. The others that are confirmed at this time are in July of this year with Katie and Judy. I'll be scheduling other Day Journeys as we go along. I know there are lots of folks in this area who are just drooling to take a class with some of these wonderful teachers, so here's the chance!

Hope this makes sense! I'll be posting DJ's workshop here on the blog as soon as I get the description finalized. I'm also working on the website, and everything will be much clearer once it's all there! Thanks for your interest, and for hanging in there with me! I hope to see some of you in a few months.

Day Journeys--2009!

DJ Pettitt will be here on May 4 & 5, of this year, offering a 2-day class where she'll teach us how to include photos in our work, using new altering techniques. We'll start by making a fabulous 'cover' piece, and we'll then bind it into an art journal if you like, or use it as a springboard for the project of your choosing. We're also offering an optional meet-up on Sun. afternoon at Lake Vasona park--we'll bring a sack lunch, and then wander through the park and take photos that may then be used in the workshop. (And I'll be the one taking photos of all of YOU taking photos--I can see it now!) We thought it would be a fun and informative supplement to the class, and a great way to get to know one another. More details will follow when we post the class description soon, so hang in there! The cost for the workshop is $290 for both days, including lunches and snacks. The classes will take place at a nearby church here in Los Gatos. I'll be taking signups on Feb. 1 via email only, and payment through Paypal. Specifics to follow...

And then on July 10 & 11, Katie Kendrick and Judy Wise will come to town, bringing all of their creative energies with them! Each will teach one day, with workshops to be announced. Whatever they teach, you'll fall in love with them, and their work. They're both experienced instructors who put their heart and soul into everything they do. Just being around them for a day will leave you energized, enriched, and inspired to create!

So mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details! This year is going to be great--I've felt it ever since the clock turned 12:01 on Jan 1. A New Year, a new Journey--it's going to be what we make it. And I have faith that it's going to be fabulous!

In the spirit...

What wouldn't you give to be so carefree, relaxed, and free from worry? My girl, Sammy, really knows how to get in the holiday spirit...

I do hope that you're able to find your own peace and joy this holiday season, and that the New Year brings nothing but good things your way. In such challenging times, I'm holding on to the hope that there are better times ahead for all of us. Let's start by gathering together and sharing our creative spirits with one another!

The website will be up in late January--thanks for your patience! The plan is to have the class descriptions up in Feb. sometime, with registration opening in July for the Feb. 2010 retreat. All details will be on the website soon. In the meantime, please refer to previous posts to get an idea of what's in store for you!

Thanks to all of you who have commented, and who have sent me private emails as well. I've replied to all who included an email address, so if you emailed me and didn't hear back, it's because I didn't have your addy. So please write me again--I'd love to hear from you! I'll have a spot on the website to sign up for a mailing list, and will automatically include those of you who have already written me. I'm so thankful for the support and enthusiasm, and I hope to see many of you at a Retreat or Day Journey soon! Best wishes for a happy holiday season!

ps--I'm waiting on confirmation of the venue for DJ's class in May. Will post here just as soon as I have it confirmed...

A peek into the 1st Artful Journey...

(a couple of pages from one of DJ's fabulous books)

The instructors for the Feb. 2010 retreat have begun thinking about what type of class they would like to offer, and let me just say, they're all going to be fabulous! They're still "in the works" but I can give you a little sneak peek into their thoughts: DJ will introduce all kinds of new techniques, incorporating tissue, painting, photos, and "a bazillion others", and then demonstrate a myriad of end projects that you can produce with them; Nina is dreaming up a jewelry workshop, where you will immerse yourself in her soulful methods of creating jewelry that comes straight from the heart; Albie is known for her surface design techniques on paper, and will fill the three days with all kinds of fun and creative design ideas, perhaps working it into a journal; Lesley will be offering "an exploration of image and text as it applies to surface design", incorporating fabric paints and dyes, with over twelve methods of transfering of both image and text to fabric; and Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough will team up to teach a 'fat coffee-table art journal' filled with paintings that you'll create. I don't envy you having to choose!

The website will be up in January, so please check back. I'm also happy to report that I'll be offering Day Journeys next year--as of this writing, I have DJ Pettitt coming in May, and Judy Wise and Katie Kendrick here in July. Exact dates, location and classes will be posted after the New Year. I do hope that, even in this lousy economy, you're saving up to give this gift of creative exploration to yourself. It's important that we honor ourselves in this way, meeting up with others who share our passion for art and creativity. Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by friends and family.

(oh, and just a favor to ask--if you make a comment on my blog and want a reply, please be sure to include your email, or send me a note directly to my email. Otherwise, I'm not able to contact you--thanks!)