michelle ward

frondly yours

I just learned that Debris Journal is currently full for the event in July.  *dances a jig*  There is still room in Frond Chronicles.  I've been working on another class sample....I am addicted to making and using these shapes, inspired by real plant life, with a little creative license. 

 

 

See, even the wishes have *winks*.  If you want to know more and are thinking of attending the event in New Jersey in July, visit the CREATE site HERE.

 

Thanks for all the birthday wishes.  For me and for Shannon. 

I'm heading home.  See you in a week.  *waves*

 

growth and growth

The rose bushes are really growing.  They took off so fast this year, before I even had a chance to cut them back.  I love this time of year as we see new growth, whether from the earth, or from ourselves.  I find Spring to be a time for starting new projects, pulling out brighter colors, and seeing everything with a refreshed perspective.

 

The lawn has been mowed once already....not for trimming grass, but to manage the weeds.  I admit, I do not mind weeds.  Afterall, that is where the clovers grow.....and it's where I find inspiration for adding organic shapes to my journal, Frond Chronicles.  I'm started another one, for my class in July.  Love trying to draw a replica of a real plant, but love making fantasy fronds too.  Check out my pussy willow.  The bunch was set in water at the grocery store so I put them in water at home - never did that before.  And look!  They are growing.  HCIT?  I'll be cut a few new stencils and masks inspired by them!

 

Maybe you'll come celebrate fronds with me in Jersey in July?  We will focus on making our own tools (stencils and masks), and we will paint pages and make a fab journal.  See HERE for details.

HAPPY EASTER!!

debris from tuscan horizons

I was watching Letters to Juliet recently and loved being transported to Italy.  Part of my journey took me beyond Verona to the hills of Tuscany, speckled with rows of trees that hold down the horizon.  I had to cut new shapes - stencils and stamps - so I could investigate how to incorporate the trees in my work.  Here is some of the debris from my table left behind after painting a few new pieces for an article...

Want to start a debris journal of your own?  Join me at CREATE in July!

Registration for Create NJ - TODAY!

Beginning today (2/16) at 2:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time, registration will begin for the first CREATE event in New Jersey.  It's been a long time since we have had a creative gathering of this magnitude here.  Looks to be alot of fun.  Hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE for details.

rolling out another bit of news

In addition to my workshop at Valley Ridge, and the two in New Jersey, I am coming to Colorado in April!  My friend Nancy Brill, has made the arrangements for a three day event in Lafayette, just north of Denver.  I love extended workshops - it's a time to devote yourself completely to the process with a community of like-minded artists.  We learn as much from each other as we do from the class agenda because that's what happens when there is a gathering of eager, enthusiastic, curious beings.  To learn more about the workshop, the venue, and the registration details, visit my page HERE.  EDIT:  this class has been cancelled. 

Have a fun Superbowl Sunday.  Graham's Eagles and my Saints aren't in so we have to go with the home town boys.  Go Giants!

 

good news, more news, and nests

Guess what arrived today?  The new rubber!  I am packing with wild energy - so fun to see the new images, love sealing up the envelopes, and checking off the pre-order list.  Thank you for your patience dear customers.  Packages will depart first thing in the morning.

For locals, or those willing to travel, the CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in New Jersey site went live today!  Wow - lots of terrific classes and instructors.  There will be a vendor night too.  I'm teaching Friday (7/20)and Saturday (7/21).  There is alot to scroll through on the Create site.  If you want a quick look at my classes you click over HERE. 

Registration begins Thursday, February 16th at 2pm Eastern Time.  Hope to see you there!  For all the details, click HERE.

 

The current Somerset Studio issue is January/February 2012.  My column, Make It Your Own, is about altering items we find in a craft store becuase we can, and because we feel like being creative.  The supply lists and brief project descriptions were omitted so I am posting here. 

If you look at the magazine it appears the red egg nest is larger or the same size as the turquoise egg nest but actually it is way way smaller.  Looks super cool next to my crows and ravens that are set out at Halloween.

The next crusade was going to be posted today but I'm busy packing rubber so I will get it up tomorrow.

CREATE EAST 2012

Next week the Create Mixed Media Retreat will go live, announcing the workshops and instructors that will be in NEW JERSEY in July!  It is very exciting to be in the line-up and teaching less then five miles from home!  I've posted links to my classes in the left sidebar, (Carrie already spied it!) and you can get to my workshop listings on the toolbar just below my banner.

I hope to see some of you at the event.  I don't know who else will be teaching yet, except for my friend Seth Apter.

It's 9:00 on a Saturday.....

REMINDER:  Registration for Valley Ridge Art Studio Workshops starts on Saturday, January 14th at 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time.

We've been watching season three episodes of Castle on dvd, which includes my favorite, "Last Call".  It ends with a fabulous scene, if you missed it click HERE.  Piano Man is one of those songs that you love to sing along to isn't it?  So you can imagine I cracked myself up when preparing this blog post as a reminder that registration for Valley Ridge opens at nine o'clock this Saturday. (FYI: it's 9:00 a.m. CST)

The phrase hasn't left the soundtrack running in my mind and I'm guessing if you take a listen it will stay with you too....and will be a fun reminder to register at 9 or whatever time it is in your zone this Saturday morning.  A live version of Piano Man by Billy Joel HERE, or in tandom with Elton John on the Tonight Show below. 

EDIT:  *smacks head*, it begins at 9:00 Central Standard Time....I revised from previosuly posted PST.

 

 

Hope to see you in Wisconsin in October.  There are many fabulous class offerings by stellar instructors at VRAS this season, visit the site to check it out.  ValleyRidgeArtStudio.com

hey locals!

The last time I taught a public workshop locally was probably 2005.  I am very happy to be telling you I will be teaching two classes in New Jersey in July.  I will offer more details soon, but here is a teaser....

I get alot of requests to teach near home which I would love to do but haven't found a venue until now.  I hope you'll join me - stay tuned for the details :)

it's time!

I'm excited to announce my new workshop for Valley Ridge!  Their recently revised website officially launched today so I can share details about my workshop PLUS introduce you to my new collection:  OnWARD & UpWARD.  Two sheets are available for pre-order.  Additional sheets will be revealed in February.

Visit Valley Ridge Art Studio site HERE to see all the fine offerings for the 2012 season.

And ta-da!  Here are two of the first sheets from my latest collection.  You can pre-order at GreenPepperPress.com. 

nearly time....

New Workshop Announcement AND New Rubber Stamps Coming Soon.  Stay tuned this week...

believe in your beat

This was the first project we did at Valley Ridge.  Cool, huh?  The point:  it was a great ice-breaker to begin class, and to illustrate the point that we all need to march to our own drummer - especially in a workshop.  Find your pace, then stretch it a little.  Each artist made an awesome set of sticks...I wish I had taken a group photo!  Drats. 

I was a little late this month getting the new crusade posted.  The challenge is to put into words how you feel about creativity being part of your life.  And then, so we get to know one another better, I invite you to tell us about the different kinds of art you make.  Isn't true we never really fit into one category?  The umbrella term 'mixed media' seems to be a label many use...but I have never really liked it.  Too vague.  Be more specific...I am a painter, a book artist, a visual journaler, a found object manipulater, a constructivist, an amateur jewelry maker, a polymer clay player, an aerosol artist, a stamp, stencil, and graphic designer...like that.  Gives you a better picture, right?  Anyway, come play...Crusade No. 56  (warning:  if you are at work, turn down your speakers before visiting the street team site.)

Withering petals, Workshop in Wisconsin, and Whales

*waves*  Hello!  It's been a while.  When we last spoke I was on my way to Valley Ridge.  We had a terrific time - a full class of enthusiastic artists who painted and played for three whole days!  It was rewarding on so many levels and filled my well for a long time.  Love being in the studio and feeling the energy that gets generated when artists gather.

One of our assignments was to walk the gorgeous property in search of new shapes to inspire hand-crafted tools (stencils and stamps).  It was a perfect break from the work, to take in the scenery, breath in the not-quite-fall-air, enjoy the sun, and observe all that was before us.  I found my way to Katherine's garden - very much in hiberbation and decay, with amazing shapes.  The once vibrant flowers and plants presenting themselves as dried pods and other interesting stages of non-life. 

 

I later learned these were coneflowers - typically adorned with violet petals.  My impression upon observing the dried evidence, was that the flower had possibly been a black-eyed susan, with golden petals.  I am so glad I didn't know they were once purple, as the darker rustier color served as my inspiration for this painting.  I used the river rocks stencil by Mary Beth, adding in a few larger stones to make it my own for the section of ground.  I made my own stencils for the flowers, and included roots since my attempt at pulling a few to photograph came straight from the earth with entire stem and roots. 

 

Some evidence of our walk around the perimeter of the VR property....Mom is there gathering weeds and avoiding coyotes.  (Actually, we only hear them at night....haven't seen one there yet.)

 

Here is the group - thank you ladies!  I loved seeing your individual perspectives, and your fabulous work.  So much fun to see old friends and make new ones.  I had a great time Raising the Bar with you :)

And just days after arriving home from Wisconsin we road tripped up to Canada.  It's been a few years since we have been there and promised the kids a return visit to see our beloved friends, the orcas.  You can read about our previous memorable visits in a past post HERE.  It was so heavy with rain on the first day that the park was not even open.  Drats.  Luckily it cleared enough by the next day that we headed straight for Friendship Cove at Marineland, Niagara Falls, Ontario, to see Kiska and Ike.  A happy ending.

 

 

 

up up and away

I'm off to Valley Ridge.  A full workshop!  Time at a fabulous venue with old friends and friends I am about to meet.  Mom arrives for a visit....and we make her participate.  Full circle....as she had me finger painting in a high chair.   

 

Got a few of these at the Minneapolis airport.  So clever.  You can score a few online at InventiveTravelware.com.

 

*waves*  see you next week!

nineteenth letter

 

Look at these!  There are dozens more....all reaching toward the sun, full of enthusiasm, full of beauty about to be born.  Just days away.

So, the nineteenth letter....."S" is for Serendipity and Synchronicity.  "S" is for Scholarship. September.  Sister.  Shannon. "S" is for Story. 

A Story.  As you know, my sister Shannon departed for Heaven in July 2008.  With the sympathy cards came generous donations.  The very large sum was submitted to the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in her memory, pinned with our hopes of advancing toward a cure.  Looking back, I wish I would have thought about setting up a scholarship program, or some kind of foundation that would sponsor a program related to her interests.  I spent so much mental energy trying to help her take of things while she was present, that I didn't give much thought to the stuff that happens after.  But it is in those early hours of grief that one writes an obituary.  It is a difficult thing for a family to do.  It is at that time when consideration is given to where donations can be made in honor of the loved one - we make the best selection we can, given our state of mind. 

Later, I told Graham that if I go first, please set up some kind of thing that would sponsor artists to be able to go to Valley Ridge.

 

Serendipity or Synchronicity?  I sometimes fail to know which is the appropriate description...but either way, I found it amazing that just a short time ago Katherine established a scholarship program at Valley Ridge.  How's that for alignment of energy? The program is growing thanks to generous donors.  To get to make a difference to an artist before I'm dead?  Oh yeah, I'm all for that so I was more than happy to donate a space in my workshop, joining fellow teachers Richard Salley and Jill Berry who have done the same. 

So if you are interested in Raising the Bar with me, or want to participate in another workshop this season at Valley Ridge, APPLY HERE.  The deadline for consideration of a VR scholarship is June 1st.  Go for it, and good luck!

 

One last set of "S"s.....

 

spreading light

 

Do you get the Painter's Key newletter by Robert Genn?  If not, visit here.  He shares his observations and insights as an artist.  A recent favorite is THIS ONE.  He addresses the concern that some teachers may feel, that by sharing what they know the field becomes more competitive.  One might think that if you impart too much you are empowering those that might outshine you.  I disagree. 

A good teacher will inform and encourage, so you learn some new skills, and draw on your strengths to determine your own style without imitating theirs.  Like the quote Robert shared from Thomas Jefferson, lighting your candle off someone elses doesn't eliminate the original flame.  In fact, the world becomes brighter.

Have you ever been at an event, like maybe in church, when a room is transformed from darkness into a warm glow as participants each light their candle from just one?  It is glorious.  THAT is a perfect visual for sharing your light, your love, your talent, your enthusiasm.  I say spread it.

upcoming workshop

 

 

 

The workshop announcements should be updated at VRAS today.  Visit the site to learn more about the venue, how to enroll, and the full line-up of teachers for the 2011 season.  Registration begins in March. 

Hope to see you in Wisconsin this September!

are you ready...to hit the road?

 

Workshops announced Monday at ValleyRidgeArtStudio.com  Fabulous instructors.  Amazing place.  Follow map above and meet me there!  Registration begins March 5th.

EDIT:  Valley Ridge site will update on Tuesday.
 

frozen....and on fire

 \

The view from this morning.  Ice-covered everything.  The sound of ice on snow is louder than you would think.  Luckily most of it melted off the trees and powerlines before causing too much damage.  In addition to the frozen roads, my computer has been freezing up all day.  Rrrgghhh.  Frustrating because I was ready to post the new crusade, second in the Evidence Series...AND I have been on-fire with thoughts that I wanted to type up.  What kind of thoughts?  I have a new workshop that will be presented later this year (announcement coming soon) and the plans and preparations and ideas haven't stopped flooding in....three days may not be enough to cover all the material gathered in my mental files, and scribbled notes.  OMG, I can't wait!

I was able to post the crusade....with additional new journal pages to follow.  Come play!

 

more trickery

 
As requested, here are more photos from my Parlor Tricks book....followed by some workshop photos I borrowed from Kathy.  It was frightfully fun!

 
 
 
 

 

I've been asked to offer this as an online class which I am giving some serious consideration.  I'm facing a decision - whether or not to have it include a kit that has to be assembled and mailed, or if I should redesign the format so the punched paper and coils are not necessary and all parts could be offered as a printable download.  I would love your feedback.....if you are interested, let me ask you this: 

1.  Would you want to receive a kit that is required to make a coil bound book?

OR

2.  Would you prefer to download all the pieces and print from home?   

 

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*

*waves*

I'm off to Valley Ridge!  Looking forward to seeing old friends, and to make new ones.  Mom will be joining me - always a fun event.  I promise to report when I return next week.

I'm sorry to say I have no update on the rubber stamp arrival.  I can't believe the new collection isn't here and apologize for the extended wait.  Thanks for your patience.  I will post here as soon as they get here. 

*crosses fingers* & *blows kisses*

step into my parlor

It's crunch week.  I'm busy packing all the kits and supplies for my workshops to send to Valley Ridge.  This is such a fun time!  I may be quiet here but I am a tasmanian devil behind the scene.  Not only is there alot to get done but I keep distracting myself by adding things to my sample journal.  Here is a test drive a few images I've prepared for Parlor Tricks.  No time for RubyTuesday-ing at the moment.  I will be back on task soon.

in real life

Taking a workshop is a unique experience - in whatever form it is presented.  I view the time you set aside for a class as *an appointment with creativity*.  You claim a portion of your precious time to devote solely to art and discovery.  Being in a classroom with other like-minded souls, be they friends, or not-yet-friends, can be intimidating, but it can also be a wonderfully fulfilling experience.  So much is learned in a group setting - we learn from each other as we work on projects, or try new things, and problem solve together.  I love standing in the role of teacher.  I love being the one who gets to witness your light-bulb-moments.  I love spilling my entire arsenal of tricks and techniques, to share all that I know, to assist students in finding new visions, stretch their boundaries, and feel confidence and satisfaction in their work. 

In less than a month I will be making my annual trip to Wisconsin to teach at my most favorite workshop venue:  Valley Ridge Art Studio.  It is the only place I have committed to teach in the last few years.  I've said it before - it truly is a magical place.  Since they are taking a well-deserved sabbatical in 2011 it will my last real life gig for a while.  There really is nothing that compares to being physically present in an environment like this.  I get it that online workshops are increasingly popular.  I get it that online classes can be taken at your convenience, at your own pace, from wherever you are on the globe.  I hope to embark on this new platform for teaching sometime in the future.  But I'll say it again, there is nothing that compares to being physically present, and setting aside undivided attention for the purpose of moving forward on your artistic journey.

There is still time, and some room, to join me in September.  Hope to see you there.

You can see class descriptions by following the sidebar links on the left, or visit Valley Ridge here and here.  

report card

A+ for all the students!  I admit I was a bit disarmed by their quiet demeanor but it was early in the morning (7:30 a.m.).  There was hardly any feedback via expression when I first started talking.  But we got started with some easy exercises and before long they each found a groove and you could observe their claim on self-expression.  My only regret was that the day ended too soon!  I wish I was back there today, continuing the mission of sharing the enthusiasm for making cool stuff together.

 

I am grateful to Mrs. Lentini-Pombrio and Mrs. Amme for the invitation to be the class tour guide into Altered Books.  Check out how cool these art teachers are - back in March they were on a photo campaign.  This is a very small sampling of the photos collected around school that they presented on a massive set of boards....ART SAVES!  HCIT?

 So many great comments have come in here, and by email, requesting the *handout* I mentioned for the class.  I think it's awesome there are so many artists who want to give it a try!  Give me a little time to wrap up some other deadlines (like getting the new rubber collection uploaded!!) and I will make it available.  I want to do it properly with downloadable text, images, and photographed samples so it may take me a while.  But I'm so psyched to do this.  I am HARDLY an expert, but I think I have put together a nice jumpstart into the artform and I'm more than happy to share it.  After it gets posted I was thinking it might be cool to take additional recommendations on page manipulations from YOU.  I could compile the tips into a part two.  Listen to me....I'm not even ready with part one yet.  *smacks head*

  

one hand tied.....

I'm lucky it's my left hand that is out-of-commission.  I would be so bummed and restless if it was my right.  And thankfully I can still type....although it's slow-going fixing typos.  Oh, what happened exactly?  Not sure.  Self-diagnosis is a re-injury of the wrist, x-rays Tuesday.

 
My week has been spent preparing for an altered book class. I've been invited to teach a special full day workshop at the high school.  Loved revisiting this art form.  Fun to think about introducing it to students who have never heard of it.  They have no clue what coolness they are about to step into ;) I made a handout covering nearly twenty techiques so if we don't get to them all they can continue the work on their own.  Class is Monday.  I'll let you know how we do.

Have a great weekend.

now and almost now

A reminder that registration for workshops at Valley Ridge begins Monday, December 7th at 9:00 am Central Standard Time.  Classes filled quickly last year so if you are interested be ready at the keyboard!

The two workshops I am offering:  Roll With It, and Parlor Tricks.

 
 

  

Out right now is Artists Cafe No. III from Stampington & Co.  They have revisited three of my articles from Somerset Studio, one is an interview I did of friend and favorite artist:  Julie Pearson. 

And in books - I'm pleased to announce I am in Lynne's book (in stock now at Amazon!) and Bee's book, due in February. 

And of course, I can't close without mentioning this: HIM's new single Heartkiller will be released December 8th (check itunes).  You can click over to their myspace for a listen tomorrow!   Album release date:  2/9/10
 

i spy.....

 

 

(for feed readers:  click through to see the graphics on this post)

The 2010 schedule for Valley Ridge is now up!  Nearly 40 workshops to choose from.  Several artists make their debut at VR this season including my friends Judy Wilkenfeld and Laurie Mika.  You'll find me there in September.  I've posted new buttons in the left sidebar that take you to pages (with class descriptions) on my site for each workshop.  Click on the words to take you to the Valley Ridge site for more information and registration which begins December 7th. 

i heart VRAS

Valley Ridge Art Studio, near Madison, Wisconsin.  I've said it before, it's the most magical place to experience ~ a very special venue for art workshops.  The schedule for 2010 goes live on Monday.  Registration takes place December 7th, 9:00 am (central standard time).  Here's a brand new video to get you excited and motivated to come visit next year.  Lots of fabulous workshops from a stellar line-up of instructors!  We heart Kathy and Bill.  We heart VRAS!!

 

Did you spy me, and my Mom?  Or yourself?  Can't you just visualize being there?!!

Sneak peeks of my workshops coming soon :)

commitment

Just reflecting on the past weekend....and I am feeling so fulfilled.  It's an amazing thing to have an idea, to visualize it, to nurture it, to explore it, and then finally, to share it.  Stairway to Heaven is a workshop concept I have lived with for over a year.  It's been like holding a secret.  I got to reveal it not once but twice to an awesome group of women.  Some were new-to-me friends, some were veteran favorites.  They ALL ROCKED.  It was thrilling to see them take on this project, each with their own flair.  As an instructor you commit yourself to presenting something new and fresh, and hope it takes hold and provides a platform for growth.  You endeavor to teach *process*, disguised as a *project*.  You put yourself out there, hoping that their greatest take-away is enthusiasm for creativity. 

I don't take it lightly that artists choose to spend their time and money on a workshop with me.  I consider it an honor that the time they set aside to commit to art is with me.  While I hope to fuel, or re-fuel them, they most definitely re-fuel me.  Their presence, their eagerness to work, and the results that follow offer me validation on many levels.  I am so grateful.

Unplanned, there was a word I latched onto and repeated during class:  commit.  It was the perfect prompt at the time, as I tried to encourage students to commit to a color palette, commit to a page shape and arrangement, to commit to adding content.  It was appropriate then, and when you think about it, it is the best way to continue moving forward as you build a book, or work on a painting or collage or whatever it is you do.  Small steps, small commitments, inform and direct the following steps, the following choices.  You make a decision and it opens up the possibilities to what happens next.  Mistakes may occur but that is where the real learning often takes place.  It is in making commitments that you evolve.

There were a few jokes about *fear of commitment* but it was all in fun.  I'm sure there were moments we could have asked to be *committed*.  They did commit big time by creating really wonderful, special, unique books.  They committed by making time for art and friendship, and by sharing in the creative process as we all learned things from one another.  That's what happens in workshops.  ESPECIALLY at Valley Ridge.  We all extend our thanks to Kathy and Bill for their commitment to providing this spectacular venue where magic takes place.  I'm certain there is fairy dust in the air.

How cool is that?  You see my cute little Mom?  She committed a weekend to join us in the fun! 

Right now I am committing time to wrap up my proposals for 2010 at VRAS.  I am psyched for the ideas that are channeling in.  I am giddy about going back next September.  The workshop schedule will be posted soon, I'll let you know when to hop over for a look.

Thank you ladies, for your commitment.  You have gifted me with energy and validation and satisfaction and fulfillment.  I am a lucky girl to have climbed the Stairway to Heaven with you.