Friday: Penny’s Studio Session
Friday arrived with a happy buzz throughout the house. Our House Elf, the lovely Barbara, had arrived the evening before and all (most especially the Hostesses) were grateful for the extra hands. After a breakfast enjoyed while ocean-gazing, Penny’s Studio Session was at hand. Working from flat to fabulous was the order of the day! We began by examining the form and constructing a series of working models before moving on to our final projects: two Maze Books loaded with personal imagery, pockets (3 ways), and windows.
Our guests enjoyed various colorful mediums in creating the backgrounds of their folded structures: tempera paint sticks, acrylic markers (with thanks again to Royal Talens/Amsterdam), and Sharpies. …and ALL of that before LUNCH!?
After lunch, we returned to our worktables sated and excited to complete our mixed media masterpieces. We finalized our backgrounds with additional mark-making using India Ink with dip pens handmade tools. Whether by drawing or adding ischemic writing to their designs, our Creative Explorers further personalized the papers that would become their final pieces. After all of the surface design & mark-making, it was time to turn our flat sheets of paper into functional books. To these we added pockets, and windows, and all manner of surprises!
Once again, we were able to enjoy the magic that comes from creativity run wild, when a group begins with all of the same materials and ends with a wide array of expressive outcomes. While the ladies wrapped up the Studio Session, Hostess Hands put the final touches on dinner – thoroughly enjoyed by all! As we reveled in the pleasures of a good meal (and fabulous dessert!) and great company, we reflected on our time together so far. It seemed like we had just gotten here, and yet our time was reaching its end.
Books in the round - creativity on display after a day of surface design, colorful exploration, and folded goodness
We were treated to beautiful customized Journals/Planners from Nikkea, lovely Haiga (haiku accented by her photography) from Jill, and bountiful ephemera packets from Angela in our Creative Exchange for the evening. While the Creative Exchange may have concluded the “official” day, our guests arted well into the night during their Open Studio time – what JOY to hear the chatter and laughter of new friends as they enjoy their new creative discoveries. With only one day remaining, next time we’ll explore the wonder that was our inaugural offering of The Saturday Salon….