Create Retreat!

Another retreat for us...and Sue and I had a blast.  We learned several new techniques and even more ideas for current ones. 

On Wednesday evening, we took a "Fuji Emulsion" class with Tiffany Teske we used a DayLab to make instant photo prints from our own photos and images.  While many of us grew up with at least one Polaroid instant photo camera (the peal apart photo or the "shake" it variety), we never knew the science behind them or how to remove/scrap the image from the paper, using the resulting emulsion or skin as another textural option.  Until now.  Tiffany showed us this technique and how to take these emulsions and put them on paper, fabric, metal, even a shell. 

Love it!  Now we have a new tool in our arsenal....but where to use them?

I'll get more posted in the coming days! 

Create Retreat is almost here!

Two weeks and counting until my first class at the Create Retreat in Chicago! 

http://www.cvent.com/events/create-mixed-media-retreat-chicago-2012/custom-17-7f71a0572ff04d47943acaa7a1bd295d.aspx?Refid=cre8120727#friday


I've signed up for three classes and may find a 4th one yet!  I am so excited.  I'm taking classes with Sue Pelletier, Tiffany Teske, and Sherrie Drummond.  Now off to check my supplies and evaluate what I need to pick up for class...

A different kind of painting

Well I'd love to say I've been quite creative but...this is the kind of painting I've been doing.

Painting shelves in our linen closet in preparation for the new closet doors that are being installed this week. 

I suppose I could have done some fun color but my husband isn't too keen on that one! 

I'm working on the more "fun" side -- promise! 

Things you find while traveling

As I'm going through my photos from recent trips for work, I came across this one that I meant to post weeks ago.  I have to use it in my journal collage somewhere.  

"One must always be serious about hygiene."   I just love the graphics (Thailand). 

Travel Down Under -- Work not play

This is where I was last week...In my top three cities world wide!

And this is one of my favorite foods -- Moreton Bay Bugs -- a crustacean!  So fantastic!  Had them three times in 5 days! 



Something else that makes me smile...

I'm evidently on a path right now to see the things in my life that make me happy! Beyond the immediate (husband, family, friends) I surround myself with items that bring me joy and comfort. 

This is a shot of a quilt I bought almost 10 yrs ago on the Route 127 Longest Garage Sale.  I was just looking at it recently and realized how much I still love it!  It hangs proudly over our couch and is the main "punch of color" in our living room! 

Had to share....

 

The little things...make me smile...

Class

Sunday was fantastic!  Sue and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with the fabulous ladies at the Algonquin Public Library who joined my journal making class.  Everyone was able to depart with a finished journal that only needed a some personalized decoration and great stories!    Thank you for joining us!

For those of you in the class, we are looking at holding a Part II to the class where we take the inside pages to bigger glory with paint, embellishments and collage!   Stay tuned! 

Here are a couple photos of the journal cover I started during this class! Hopefully more to follow...

Next adventure..

Life continues on its merry happy little way with lots of work, playtime (less than I'd want) and much love!  Unbelievable that it is already Memorial Day weekend!  Where did the 1st half of the year go?!  But much is happening with us.

Our next adventure...Teaching a class next weekend at one of the local libraries!  Much thanks to my friend Lisa for giving me the chance and great thanks to Sue for being the cohort and co teacher!.  It's a beginning journal making class - simple, straightforward and SO MUCH FUN!  I cannot wait.  I'll take and post photos -- promise. 

Where have I been, you ask?

Or maybe you don't? It's the middle of March and spring starts officially next week. It's almost 70 degrees today here -- and going into the high 70's tomorrow! It's March! It could still snow yet in this part of the US. But we're enjoying having the windows open and the fresh breezes.

To get back to what I've been doing..... Well experimenting with my POGO photo printer on a recent vacation to Sedona (just how red are those rocks?!). See below...

So that's being included in my art journaling and my regular journal! I have minor frustrations using it ... as I've forgotten how to do so each time and have to relearn it. Fortunately it is easy!

In addition I've been on the road for the day job 4 weeks of the last 9 and one week of vacation with the hubbie! Loved that time together but am glad to be home until the middle of April when I'm off again for three week on business! Can you say glamorous?

Rest assured creating is going on and on and on...