So I'm feelin' like I have finally recovered from Art and Soul. It was SO amazing! I loved EVERY minute of it! But, it was intense. Not necessarily because of the classes but just also because of all the anticipation of learning and excitement of being at Art and Soul. My last day was especially tiring because I had a class during the day and then one in the evening class. But oh what joy! I would do it all again in a heartbeat!
I had so much fun meeting so many artists that I follow and admire! And it was so fun to see all the art "celebrities" in person even if I wasn't taking one of their classes. There were even some familiar people in some of my classes. That was cool! And EVERYONE was SO wonderful! So giving, so generous, so kind! And so humble! It was a beautiful thing! :-) I was CRAZY with all the goodness and love that was all around me!!!
So here is a quick picture of my trades. I had a very cool experience in my Creating Metal Charms class. There were a few women in this class that I was speaking with and I wanted to just give them one of my trades. Well they turned around and let me choose some items from their personal collection of geegaws! Swoon! One gal gave me some old bingo tokens and another let me choose some metal pieces from her vast collection! What a treatly treat!!!
Here are a few pictures from my classes. I think this will catch me up with one exception. I haven't yet finished my purse I started in DJ Pettitt's To Have and To Hold class. I probably won't get a chance to finish it for a couple more weeks so I just thought I'd show you the "in progress." I absolutely loved this class and loved DJ! An incredible person and artist!
Recognize the fabric? DJ advocates using recycled fabrics such as old articles of clothing so I thought I'd sneak in the fabric that I bought at Goodwill. Remember? It's effectively recycling, isn't it? :-)
And here's a picture of me with DJ. What a wonderful soul. I am SO happy I got into this class. It was a memorable experience and it was more because of her than the fact that I learned a new skill. Oh and it really makes me happy that I am not self-conscious anymore about asking to have my picture taken with these "celebrities." I just wish I could crop out my neck! :-)
One of my classes was Ladies in the House with Beckah Krahula and unfortunately, I forgot my camera that day. I did make a new friend (happy!) named Debra and she graciously said yes when I asked her to take a picture of me with Beckah. Be sure to visit Debra's Etsy shop and check out her beautiful jewelry! She is very talented! Thanks again Debra!!!
I don't have anything to show you from Beckah's class because Holy Rolling Moley it is a work in progress!! I have to do a lot of practice with the soldering iron before I can make something that I would ever hang on a charm bracelet!!
The class I took Sunday evening (I was SO tired by then) was with Susan Lenart Kazmer. It was called Creating Metal Charms. I didn't really make anything in the class although I did use her tools to stamp out some copper pieces that will someday be charms. But you know, I was SO okay with not making anything because just the experience of hanging out with Susan (and the class) for the evening was worth it. I was SO entertained. She is so talented and her passion for what she does just comes out. Plus I got to see pieces that she has created IN PERSON! OMG! THAT was SO worth it. Holding her work just totally puts me in a trance. It is utterly breathtaking. She is one talented lady and just a lovely person. It was also wonderful because the other students in the class were just so fun to talk to. It was a perfect finish for my Art and Soul experience!
I can't wait until next year!!!
Gasp! I don't know what to say in response to all that amazing artsy experience you had. You look lovely. Great hair, and love the green jacket :)
Posted by: Lilli | October 14, 2006 at 10:44 PM
Yes, swoon over all your trades. Your purse is going to be "to die for". You look great and we all have necks.
Posted by: Sharon @ Norah'S | October 15, 2006 at 06:19 AM
Wow oh W0w! What an exciting times you had at Art&Soul, I would probably go to if we had one here in California...very nice, love the bag, so far!
Posted by: Malou | October 15, 2006 at 01:19 PM
Great photos, great classes, totally cool purse (love what you're doing with the quote and flowers!), what an experience! I'm glad you're comfortable asking for photos with your art celebrities---I've become brave that way too---they're such great momentos of great memories---yep, you were there! P.S. you look like you're fairly tall---or were all your intructors short? :) (I'm only asking 'cause I'm sorta tall too :))
Posted by: Jana | October 15, 2006 at 02:38 PM