Time is melting away as we approach Seaside Sessions 2023! In addition to putting the final touches on our Studio Sessions, Michelle and I are checking our lists, and packing up all of the creative goodies that our Creative Explorers will need when we set sail on our artistic journey.
My Studio Session for this years event came about (as so many good ideas often do) as a result of experimentation - essentially asking “what if…?” Prior to April of 2022, I had no idea what a Tempera Paint Stick was. After that, I was smitten - and determined to use it as a way to build a theme for a handmade book.
My first encounter with the Tempera Paint Stick. The colors put me in mind of Mid-Century Modern design.
From there, I worked larger. Using the same idea, in a larger scale - creating a random pattern that served as the backdrop for a a folded form that eventually became a nifty sketchbook/portfolio; featuring two sewn-in signatures and “canvases” in miniature (made of mixed media paper) throughout to feature ideas brought fully to fruition. It feels great in the hand, and got a little “boost” from the addition of washi tape and punched letter titles. Internal pockets hold extra supplies and offer storage for notes and inspiration along the way.
The possibilities are endless! In addition to fulfilling their own creative vision(s), my Creative Explorers will also depart with a Book of How - a book of notes and examples for everything we cover in class, by their own hand. Building their own reference, they can determine which elements they want to use to construct books of their own design. I can hardly wait to see how each of them wind up the day!
The leafy loveliness above inspired a book that contained three other books! I’m leaving it here as a teaser, for now. It will be displayed in situ in a mere 2 weeks, when I share it with my intrepid Creative Explorers at Seaside Sessions 2023.
Just so this teaser won’t be lonely, I’ll offer you this wee nugget: if you don’t subscribe to our Newsletter, now would be a good time to change that. We are a once-a-month, quick read and we have recently added a new feature: What’s on Your Easel? that will feature the works of our Virtual Circle member artists. …AND, our Newsletter readers get the scoop on our new offerings before anyone else (nudge, nudge - wink, wink!)
With that, I will take my leave. There are many delightful details to dispatch prior to our departure. You will forgive us, gentle reader, if our next missive waits until next month. We can assure that it will be worth the wait!
Until next time,
~ Penny
