report from valley ridge

I remember getting ready to teach my first workshop about eight years ago.  I was a wreck.  I packed too much.  I was worried I wouldn't live up to the expectations of my students.  I was sure I would get off track and forget something important.  I had stagefright. 

Nothing much has changed except that now I have the experience to know what really matters ~ show your true self, fire up some confidence and enthusiasm in your students, and get them to realize they have it within them to make cool stuff.  It doesn't even matter what the class is - the point of it all is to relish in the time set aside to honor our creative selves. 

Valley Ridge is the kind of place that makes that time even more special.  The atmosphere is unmatched.  There are not many venues that provide two and three day classes.  Having that second day is such a gift.  You get to stroll into the workroom where your supplies are already unpacked.  You get to pat yourself on the back for what you've accomplished and then you get to take advantage of another whole day to dig in deeper, ask more questions, learn from your instructor and your neighbors. 

These two classes were an absolute blast.  Such a great group of artists!  I left VR feeling fulfilled in every way.  It felt good to be intense and deliberate in creating.  It was rewarding to see the fabulous work.  I loved seeing old friends, and made some new ones.  My spirit is soaring!

 

 

 

 

I can't believe I don't have any detail shots of the Parlor books!  Hopefully some friends will share their pictures with me - I know Kathy will have some....there were terrific tricks happening in our parlors!  Here is a cute story....The first night Kathy and I were remembering the first time I came to VR to teach Roll With It (2005).  We were thinking of the students and I was asking about some of the ones I hadn't heard from in a while.  We mentioned Cindy.  Two days later SHE CALLED at 9:30 pm to ask if the there was room in the Sat/Sun class.  She arrived from Iowa the next morning!  <enter twilight zone music>  I met her at her car....in the backseat was her pillow....No way!  I had just made a sign for my Parlor Tricks book, see below.  Lyrics from Hotel California!  Love that kind of synchronicity!

 


 

 

Terrific to spend time with Kathy.  So special to have Mom playing along with us.  I think she the most 'commitments' by adding content in her book.  (Of course she was the teacher's pet *grin*) Loved every minute of it.  Crossing fingers we can convince Kathy to emerge from sabbatical next fall for another gathering at her amazing place.

Thank you.  * blows kisses*

Comments

[Judy N]

Michelle-
It was amazing! I am sure hoping we can do it again...I would say soon, but soon is not soon enough for me.

Loved the class, as always you are such a sharing, generous and patient teacher. I always love the time I am able to spend with you!!

Love my book, the details we added to the book are priceless....I am gathering more to add to it. I get what you were saying about scales and sizes...I plan to do alot of it. There were so many things I brought with me that I just did not have time to play with and add to the book. I hope to be able to do so soon.

I am still on a high from the weekend! Wish we were still there!

Until later,
Judy

[Carrie]

Awesome sauce! I love what you all did. Some year I'll make it into your workshops, I hate having to miss all the fun!
Also, your mom's name is Mary Ann? I didn't know that! My mom is Maryanne!

[Jennifer White]

Oh thank you for posting pictures... I'm sorry I missed you, but we WILL connect this year...maybe a little long weekend flight is in order for me to come see you once and for all. Both classes look like they were amazing, and you got to meet my new friend Cris! Love her... talk to you soon....xoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxxo

[gilding lilies]

Thanks for your kind words over on my blog, it's always so nice to hear from you.

[Kelly Deal]

Wow! Look at all of that amazing work!

[Nancy Brill]

It was such a treat to get another class from you--the energy, the generosity, the learning, the fun, HCIT? Thanks a whole great big bunch

[andrea]

michelle, you def rocked this weekend! i was amazed at how much you shared with us, in and out of class. i haf so much fun, you are a ball of energy and a wealth of information...of course you already know that, wink. to anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to take a class with michelle, if you get the chance take it! she showed us neverending possibilities in art and it was truly a mindbending experience, in more ways than one. just amazing...thank you michelle

[TJ]

Wow your time at VR looks like it was super productive and amazing. I can't get over that shot will all the paper rolled out on the floor! What a lucky group of creative ladies. You go gals!! Someday I hope I can come join y'all. Happy creations from germany, tj

[iHanna]

Those are some lucky students!

[Deb Heiken]

i think we all need "lucky girl" rings...cuz that's what we were...lucky girls! your enthusiasm is contagious! such a treat to venture out of our norm & not only learn tons of new tricks & techniques, but to be infused with a new-found passion for life! thank you for sharing not only your vast arsenal of artistic knowledge & talent, but your heart and soul as well. i'm still rolling with it... deb

[Lay Hoon]

You all are lucky !!

[Colleen]

I remember being in your class in 2002 at Artiology, and I bought lots of your rubber. You were wonderful and I look forward to someday being your student again! Hugs to you Michelle
XO, Colleen in NH

[Linda Cain]

This is soooooo cool! Love everything you do!

~Linda

[inge]

Hello Michelle,

seeing the photos and reading the stories I'm really jealous !
the photo with the papers on the roll : gorgeous and the proud students !
Their work look all so layered ànd although you probably teached them the same information their books look all so different.
They have a whole book in 3 days... sigh...

You do owe us photos of the parlor tricks : please close-ups ! ...

It's good to read you enjoyed yourself too and that your mom was there too :)

greetings from Belgium
Inge

[Seth]

What great creations. The class must have been fantastic!

[Allison]

the raven mask is really artistic done...I love it ! I'd love to take part in your class !

[Donna]

what creativity :) looks like you're having fun also doing it , keep it up