A Look at Seaside Sessions-Spring 2020 (pt. 3 of 3)

On our final day together, we created with a fury: there were massive numbers of prints made, stamps employed, beads created, stencils used, and a quite impressive round of books sewn. We did not waste a moment, and yet found the time for our Creative Explorers to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather (70 degrees, bright and sunny in March!?), and get in some beach time by slightly rearranging the day’s schedule.

We opened the day with Michelle sharing the wonders of gelatin printing with modern tools (GELLI and GelPress plates). She highlighted many ways to create unique and expressive prints with a variety of materials, including stamps from Art Foamies, texture plates, and stencils from ARTplorations. We pulled prints on an assortment of different papers. The ladies were encouraged to use the stamps they created the day before to further personalize their prints and the outcome made for all sorts of happy noises throughout the work area.

After all of that, we had worked up a good appetite! The ladies enjoyed a leisurely lunch and then had some free time to take in the local sights. Some visited the beach, some took a little time to recharge for the afternoon’s activities, and one had a little surprise up her sleeve.

Upon returning from their beach-y explorations, they settled in to an afternoon of book art with Penny. Once again, they employed stencils and Marabu Art Sprays to customize the papers that would become the covers for their wrap-around journal. While the covers dried, we turned our attention to the configuration of the inner pages. Working with Stonehenge paper from Legion Paper Company, we crafted signatures that included foldouts for two of the three, and an abbreviated inner page to add visual interest to the third. We finished them up by bringing all the components together with a button hole stitch. The ladies were elated with their creations, and Penny was giddy with their successes!

In order to fully take advantage of the final day, it was decided shortly after breakfast that we should “pot luck” for dinner — an idea that was quite happy-making for the hostesses who had over-provisioned for our gathering. One of our lovely ladies decided to upgrade this idea by taking on the role of Personal Chef for the household, and applied her creative skillset to the creation of a most memorable dinner for our last night. Returning from their beach romp with a gorgeous cut of salmon and some shrimp, Nikkea prepared an amazing repast for our farewell dinner!

Salmon marinated in lemon and white wine — alongside shrimp and mixed veggies in a lemon, white wine, honey, and butter sauce. Toasted rolls with a compound butter of garlic and seasonings. In short: SUPERB!

Delightful, delicious, and de-lovely! We gathered for dinner as friends. We who, only two days before, had been (except for the trio traveling together) virtual strangers. Is that not the power of art? …the power of creating community? We feel that this represents completely what Your Creative Connection is all about: beyond an art retreat, it is an experience. More than making art, we gather to make learning and discovery a joy; we make friends and we make memories that will last long after our brief time shared.

…and then it was over. We are so grateful to all of our Creative Explorers for being fully present with us in this circle of creativity! We are already looking forward to next time. When might that be, you ask? Well, given the current state of things, we are hopeful that another event will happen this year. We want more than anything to welcome another group into our circle of creative connection before the end of the year. The best way to make sure you don’t miss out on the next one is to subscribe to our Newsletter. Subscribers receive the details of future events 7-10 days before they go live here and across our social media feeds.

Until next time, be safe and be kind and be good to one another — and never miss an opportunity to add a little beauty to your day!

~ PLA & MDP

A Look at Seaside Sessions-Spring 2020 (pt. 2 of 3)

As the day began on March 12th, our attendees were rarin’ to go. Following a lovely breakfast, we got the creativity underway. The first Creative Session was with Penny. By lunchtime, our intrepid explorers would have not one but TWO completed concertina books in hand. One with stenciled covers, and the other (with lengthened paper, due to learning how to hinge to add length) with paper wrapped boards. The excitement level was high, and the enthusiasm contagious as they got down to work.

For the stenciled covers, each Creative Explorer utilized a variety of stencils and Marabu Art Sprays to design her own unique book boards. Once again, each began with the exact same materials — the results were so splendidly their own. Everyone was quite pleased with their creations — and their instructor was over the moon! Following a lovely and lively luncheon, they returned to the work tables to resume their Creative Explorations with an afternoon of Creating Personal Iconography stamps and Tyvek beadmaking with Michelle. The results were just as spectacularly successful and unique as from the morning session.

After a day full of creativity and inspiration, we were all ready for a nice dinner. We retired to the nearby and hospitable Ocean Isle Fish Company Restaurant to rest and refuel for an evening of Open Studio time. We were well attended to by the lovey Jared, and returned to the house sated and ready for an evening of friendly relaxation as we put to use the variety of things we learned during the day.

With our final day rapidly approaching, we were excited for what it held in addition to becoming increasingly concerned for the happenings beyond our safe haven. After checking in with the folks at home, our merry band headed to bed to face Friday well-rested and ready for more artistic exploration.

We’ll be back tomorrow with a look at the final day of Seaside Sessions - Spring 2020. Until then, be safe and be kind and be inspired to make a little beauty every day.

~ PLA & MDP

More Loot to Love!

In this weeks installment, we are sure to have something for you to be thankful for.  As mentioned in the announcement for this venture, we said we would be including original work from each of us.  I am here to give you the low-down on those inclusions *w00t!*  In addition to these bits of eye-candy, be sure to read to the end for extra opportunities to add some creative mojo to your holiday preparations!

First off, from the wildly talented Michelle Davis Petelinz of Kindred Spirit Studios, we have a gorgeous alcohol ink pendant on a black, cotton cord with an adjustable chain.  These pieces are absolute stunners – photos do not do them justice (as with most shiny things).  It will be just as at home with your favorite jeans and denim shirt as with your fancier duds for a night on the town.  No two are alike, so you can rest assured that you are getting a true, one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art.

View fullsize

Then, from Penny L. Arrowood of Art Paper Love, we have a trio of marbled magnets mimicking the mineral Lapis Lazuli.  *wow – try saying that 3 times, real fast!?*  Created on Ampersand Stampboard substrates with multiple layers of Marabu EasyMarble and backed with a super powerful neodynum magnet, these lovelies will dress up any notes that they hold.  Their glass-like finish is the result of a layer of resin that gives them additional depth of color.  Whether they reside on your fridge or your filing cabinet, they will bring beauty to your day and add a little art to your day to day surroundings.

View fullsize

Just a reminder:  it’s not too late to play along!  You have until tomorrow (11/30) at Midnight EST to take part in our 1st Anniversary Giveaway of The Cornucopia of Creative Goodness.  Please see the announcement blog post for all of the details on how you can earn entries into the drawing for this amazing bag of plenty!  Take a look at our Instagram feed to see each weeks additions, and don’t forget to join us on Instagram and Facebook tomorrow for the final inclusion.  The winner will be announced on Monday, December 3rd.  Will it be YOU?  It could very well be – but you can’t win if you don’t play! 

Seats are filling for our very first Art in the Parks series event – don’t miss out on a surefire way to add your own signature style to your gift-giving this holiday season!  Join us on Sunday afternoon, December 9th at the Millbrook Exchange Park to explore Monoprint Magic: Gorgeous Cards, Wraps, and Tags. You will leave loaded with inspiration to add pizzazz to your gift presentation this year, and take home tips, tricks, and techniques that you will use year-round next year.  Cost of $50.00 includes workshop, all materials, light refreshments, and Your Creative Connection surprises throughout!

Finally: this week marks the close of our weekly Thankful Thursday postings. After a year and a month, we are turning our attentions toward other ways to provide regular content here on the blog. We fully intend to continue this practice, and it is our sincere hope that we have inspired you to regularly reflect on those things for which you are thankful – on Thursdays and every other day!

Until next time,
~ PLA

Thankful Thursday -- The Power of Community

One of my favorite things about living a creative life is the incredible people that I encounter along the way.  The creative community at large is rife with interesting folks, and in the subsets of individual disciplines we are afforded the opportunity to learn from one another on an entirely different level.  Whether in the role of teacher or student, new knowledge and connections (just can't seem to escape that notion, can we?) are ours for the asking...

In my most recent workshop, I had the pleasure of teaching a few folks that I had never worked with before.  This added an additional layer of discovery to the day, as we shared our passions (two of my students were fellow devotees of the fountain pen) both shared and uniquely our own.  So, in tandem with my gratitude for the power of community, I am also immensely thankful for the ongoing sense of discovery that comes with it.  Whether that means the discovery of something altogether new to me, or learning more about something that I already love -- there are gifts to be had from the coming together that we never encounter when we are on our own.

From the name of this endeavor to the logo that represents us, Your Creative Connection is dedicated to the expansion of creativity in community.  As our behind the scenes preparations build in intensity, we are likewise feeling the building excitement as we cruise on toward October.  It's not too late to join us!  What are you waiting for?  Register today, and join our circle of creative women!  New discoveries, adventures, and friendships await.  We'll see you soon!

WOW Wednesday -- Did You Know...

…art strengthens problem-solving and critical thinking skills?

We think it is beyond wonderful that doing something we already enjoy is actually beneficial to our aging minds.  In addition to beautiful scenery and amazing people, Your Creative Connection is good for your brain!  What more reason do you need to join us in October (11-15, 2018)?

Imagine:  4 days in the idyllic setting of Haw River State Park and it’s protected, old-growth forests; all of your meals attended to by the chefs, including a freshly baked treat every afternoon; and the creative merriment of 3 Days, 3 Artists, 1 Surface, and a Show! – all of which is designed to send you home inspired to carry your new enthusiasm for creating into the Holiday season and beyond. 

Your space in the circle is waiting – there are new friends to make, new skills to learn, and the strengthening of your mind at hand!  Your deposit secures your spot for an art retreat experience like none other.  We can hardly wait to share this incredible, creative experience with you!  Register today, it’s not too late to take advantage of our flexible payment options.

WOW Wednesday -- Did You Know...

…what we commonly refer to as Rice Paper actually contains no rice at all?

Admittedly, in spite of her love of paper, Penny was intrigued by this particular “Did you know?” – having no idea that the name referred to the source vs. the material(s) of composition.  Upon researching the topic, it was made a bit clearer.  The best, single-source article for a pleasant read on the varieties and historical significance of the thing was found at Larry Hodgson’s Laid Back Gardener Blog.

To better accommodate the offerings of Our Artists, we will focus our attentions on the wonders of Stonehenge, 100% cotton paper as we present our vision of 3 Artists, 3 Days, 1 Surface, and a Show! in October (11-15, 2018) in the beautiful setting of Haw River State Park.  No worries, tho’ -- Penny has assured us that there will be a little rice paper in the creative mix!

Your space in the circle is waiting – act now!  We can hardly wait to share this incredible, creative experience with you!  Your deposit secures your spot for an art retreat experience like none other.  Register today to take advantage of our flexible payment options.

WOW Wednesday -- Did You Know...

...there are only 3 months until we gather at the river?

Time is definitely flying, and spaces are going...  It’s hard to believe that in a mere 92 days we will be welcoming our Creative Explorers to Your Creative Connection -- Haw River 2018!  All of our planning and preparations will come to fruition in 4 days of creative revelry as we present:  3 Artists, 3 Days, 1 Surface, and a Show!  If you are seeking a restorative break in the beauties of nature replete with creative adventures, great food, and jovial company we have just the break you need.

It has been said that time flies when you’re having fun.  We tend to think it flies whether you are having fun or not!  SO…  Why not have fun more of the time?  Like virtually anything else, it is easier once you set your mind to the task.

Won’t you join us for a walk in the woods?  We can hardly wait to welcome you into our creative circle of amazing women – artists each and every one!  Register today to take advantage of our flexible payment options.  Your deposit secures your spot for an experience like none other.  October is calling!

Friday Feature: Spotlight on Michelle Davis Petelinz

My Studio Session will focus on a variety of ways to create surface texture and pattern with paint and ink.  In my own mixed media work, many of my texture and pattern discoveries come about from my asking questions:  "What if I combined...?", or "How can I create...?"  Intricate, multi-layered, and multi-hued patterns resonate with me, and I often include them in my paper, paint, and clay work.  I am excited to share what I've discovered with our Creative Explorers, and I can't wait to see what they will create during our time together.  Penny, Jeanne and I have been working on our content for Studio Sessions, and below is a peek at what I've created so far in preparation for mine, including embellished monoprints, tape transfers, hot glue and foam stamped prints, 3-D elements, and painted papers.  

Here's what I've got planned: 
Creating texture and pattern with custom tools:  I've found that to make my work truly my own, I had to create my own, custom-designed stamps and texture tools.  I will show you how to design foam stamps, hot glue stamps, texture plates, paper combs and masks, 3-D elements, and whatever else we can dream up to put your own, unique stamp on your work (pun intended); we'll let our imaginations soar!  

Getting the most from your Gelli prints:  using your new custom tools and a variety of techniques, we'll create fantastic monoprints on our luscious Stonehenge paper.  We'll be layering, transferring, embellishing, and adding natural elements to our prints for use as stand alone works, or as components of larger pieces.  If you've never used a Gelli plate, you're in for a treat (it's truly engrossing), and if you've worked with one before, this Studio Session will offer you new ways to use an old favorite.

Exploring composition:  once we've designed, created, and experimented with our new tools, it'll be time to put them to use in your compositions.  Tips and tricks for effective compositions abound, whether you're looking to enhance your paintings, to create 2-D or 3-D mixed media work, or to complete the pieces you'll display in the Your Creative Connection show.   Oh yes, there's going to be a show...and next Friday, Penny will complete our June "Friday Features" series with a look at her Studio Session content and more details about the show.  Stay tuned.   

If you haven't done so yet, Register now, to be sure you'll be able to join in the fun.  

MDP

Friday Feature: Spotlight on Jeanne Faith d'Orleans

As announced last week, each remaining Friday in the month of June will feature one of our Artist Instructors and the Studio Session that they are offering at our October Experience.  Our Friday Feature Series is the perfect showcase for the concept that informed the structure of this distinctive event:  3 Artists, 3 Days, 1 surface, and a Show!  While each of our Artist Instructors brings a different approach to her mixed media endeavors, they will each be presenting their methodology on the incomparable Stonehenge paper. Jeanne beautifully blends light washes of color with fiber elements to tell her own, unique story – rich with many layers of luscious color and texture.

Whether entertaining guests in her home, nestled among the greenery of a yard surrounded by trees and plants, or addressing small and large groups in professional training events:  our Guest Artist Instructor, Jeanne, is an excellent communicator!  She has a natural ability to put folks at ease and comfortable people are most often quite happy people.  She has a passion for creativity that has spanned a variety of interests in her youth and throughout her adulthood.  We are thrilled to have her on our team for the Haw River Mixed Media Experience in October, 2018.

In her Studio Session, Jeanne will lead Creative Explorers in exercises designed to incorporate assorted fiber content (fabrics, roving, and threads) and notions in their creative, mixed media expressions.  Bringing her love of nature to the table, Jeanne will inspire the inclusion of organic elements to evoke a sense of place as well as bringing dimension and texture to the work.  In answer to the declaration “Oh, I don’t sew…”  she responds “You don’t have to!”  She will share stitch-free (and stress-free) methods for incorporating more fiber in your work – and is a firm believer that we can all do many things we think we can’t if we come at them from a different angle.  She looks forward to spending the day in the studio, coming up with new ways to combine paint, thread & fiber, fabric, and paper in imaginative and innovative ways.  Have questions for Jeanne or about this creative adventure?  Contact us any time – we look forward to hearing from you!

Next week, we’ll see what Michelle has in store for our Creative Explorers.

Introducing Friday Features!

Hey!  Hi & Hello…  As noted last week there has been much going on behind the scenes of late, in the Your Creative Connection environs.  All of that loveliness has reached it peak, and we look forward to doling out heaping helpings of creative inspiration and temptations throughout the rest of June.  Each of the remaining Fridays this month, we will feature a different Artist Instructor for our Mixed Media Art Experience at Haw River State Park in October.  You’ll be treated to all new photos of our Studio Session samples for the retreat as well as a closer look at the Artists themselves.  While new information is regularly being added to the website, our Friday Features will be highlighted in their own Blog posts with plenty of links to put you in touch with any and all extra information. 

Newsletter subscribers can also look forward to an exclusive special offer during the 2nd half of June.  What’s that?  You don’t get our very incredible and not at all intrusive Newsletter e-mails?  You can remedy that, post haste, if you sign up today!  Subscribers get first dibs on all things Your Creative Connection up to 10 days ahead of public announcements.  Your e-mail address is always safe with us and will never  be used without your permission.

Have a great weekend.  We’ll see you back here, soon!