Hard to believe

Here are all of my journals from my A Prompt A Day class 2009. January through December. I finished the last 11 pages on Friday night. It's hard to believe that the year is almost done. It is hard to believe that these journals are all finished. 365 pages. I still am taking sign ups for December's class. If you're interested, you can find more info here. December's class starts tonight after 8 p.m. PST.

A little fyi-

I am NOT taking the board down after Dec 31st. I will NOT be adding more prompts after that date. I will NOT remove members who join for December.

YES you can still buy pdf files for January-December 2009. They are $25 per month. I will send them to you via email.

NO, I currently have no plans to do A Prompt A Day for 2010. I have other ideas I want to explore in online classes. I MAY bring it back at a later date.

NO, I am not making this group available to anyone other than paid students.

YES you can continue to post and participate in this group past December. If you have paid for December, you are on here until APAD comes down!

If you have ANY questions, please email me.

Thanks again everyone!!!

Happy Holidays,

Kelly

Trekking to Santa Monica today...

Teaching at the Urban Craft Center in Santa Monica today.

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I stayed up late Friday night reading Peter Kuper's Diario de Oaxaca. I loved it. I am a big fan of Kuper's work, what I've read so far. I loved how real he makes Oaxaca feel, not just some fairy tale faraway land. I was following the events at that time period on the radio and in the news. Kuper's drawings and books make them even more real. I do wish there was more in the book. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot in the book-drawings and journal entries. It just left me wanting more and wondering what was cut out, what we didn't see and read. Definitely worth checking out and one that I would recommend on any artist's book shelf.

Kuper's website here.

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I love the ideas here for the upcoming holidays. Love the photo garland idea.

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Some ideas for comic book buying for the holidays here. Lots of books on it that we have and lots that we want.

On the want list-

Eddie Campbell's Alec (tops on my list!)

Joe Sacco's Footnotes in Gaza (another top on my want list)

Yoshihiro Tatsumi's A Drifting Life

David Small's Stitches

Marc Bell's Hot Potatoe

There are so many books on the list that I have and would highly recommend. It's a long list, but it's packed with ideas. I mean, really, you can't go wrong with Chris Ware, Lynda Barry, Seth,
Richard Thompson, Dave McKean, Marjane Satrapi, Andy Runton, to name a few...

November 15 journal page

Busy weekend prepping for my class on Sunday at Urban Craft Center. It is the last time for a long time that I will be teaching this class so if you're interested, jump on it now!!

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Also been working on my A Prompt A Day class for December. I'm still taking sign ups. Yes, I am taking a break from this class. I may offer it again in the future but for now, after December it's done. I will be leaving the site UP and open to anyone who joins for December 2009. You can find more info here. I love the community that's been built on that site and I think it's a great resource for mixed media artists. The people who have been a part of APAD for 2009 have been amazing-thank *you* all.

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Holding off on buying a polaroid pogo? Amazon has them on sale *now*. I took the bite.

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I have a question for those of you with a DSLR camera, what kind of a bag do you use for your camera? I'd love to hear!!

November 14 journal page

Today is the National Day of Listening. People are being encouraged to set aside an hour and to record a conversation with someone that you love.

I really want to do this at the next family get together. Set up my camera in the corner on a tripod and just let it record until it runs out of battery.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm thankful for a lot of things. I have a family I love and who love me. I have good friends. I have a job that I love. I'm thankful for the great news we received this week! Dad was given the all clear by the doctor. He doesn't have to see the doctor again for four months. I have my fingers crossed that everything's okay and that the news stays good. Thanks for all of your good thoughts and prayers.

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An interesting book to look for next year-Obsessive Consumption.

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Oh, have I told you how much I love Keri Smith?

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Go have some good Thanksgiving laughs over at Richard Thompson's blog (whose Cul de sac comics are some of my favorites-and Tristan's too!). Volume two came out recently and guess which one of us read it first? ;)

November 12 journal page

You know you're at the used bookstore a lot when the guys at the register comment that you're "finally leaving" and "Why so soon?" telling you that they just bought over 500 books that you need to check out. One quips, "Don't worry, they'll be back tomorrow."

If you're in L.A., you need to go to my favorite used bookstore- The Iliad. It's a rare occasion that I leave without buying anything. That store is dangerous! Dangerous, I tell you! We've been going there for several years now. We followed them from their old location to their ever expanding and delicious new location. Be prepared to spend some time and a couple of bucks browsing their shelves. Did I mention that they have couches, too? Sit and peruse your selections before buying. Try to get out without spending at least an hour and a couple of bucks. They're open late too, which is a big plus!

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Who out there has a Polaroid Pogo? What do you think? Is there anything else (hand held, small, portable) on the market like it? Would you recommend it? Thanks!

11 November journal page

I wanted to do a huge SHOUT OUT THANK YOU to Stefanie Renee. I won her blog contest the other day and received a copy of her delicious book and one of her yummy art block prints in the mail yesterday. I *LOVE* her photographs so it totally made my day. Thank you again Stefanie!

Run on over to Abbey Hendrickson's blog and check out her yummy artwork. More here.

The Art Bar in Santa Ana is having a HUGE clear out of inventory sale. Check it out here.

Tristan wants this for Christmas. I have been watching the price go up and down like a yo-yo on Amazon. I am kicking myself for not jumping on it when it was $90. Interesting how the lego prices go up and down several-SEVERAL times a day on amazon.

Last, but not least, the classes for Art Unraveled are UP! More information here. I will be teaching three workshops Thursday-Saturday: Wisdom Book, Mementos, and Transcribed. Hope to see you there!

A Prompt A Day December 2009 Now taking sign ups

(Above are all twelve months worth of my APAD journals from January through December.)

Registration now open for December

I know the holidays can be a stressful time for some, but what better way to enjoy the holiday season than to make art and take some quiet time for you?? It also makes a good gift for a friend or loved one!

FAQ

WHAT YOU GET-Painting, Collage and Journal prompts DAILY. 93 prompts for the month of December!!!!!!

COST-$25 per month, more info below

SUPPLIES-Use what you have on hand, do not buy anything!

WHO IS THE CLASS OPEN TO? Anyone and everyone!

WHEN DOES IT START? December 1st

WHEN DOES IT END? NEVER! Here's the special surprise-I am leaving December UP permanently! If you sign up for December, you will STAY on the board. You will have full access to December's prompts and to ALL of the information that is on the board. There is a ton of info on the board that pertains to mixed media art and working in your art journal-tips, tricks and techniques! At this moment, there are over 2,432 pictures on the board. There are over 60 discussions on the board (which translates into pages of information on pens, paints, collage and more!)

I will not be doing A Prompt A Day in 2010. I have other plans for online classes up my sleeves, so jump on it while you can! YES you can still buy Jan through December for $25 a month as a pdf file !

I’VE NEVER JOURNALED BEFORE, CAN I DO THIS? YES

I’VE BEEN KEEPING A JOURNAL FOR YEARS WILL I LEARN ANYTHING NEW? YES, I also am working from my own prompts and it is a wonderful kick in the pants!!!! It’s surreal as an instructor to be working from your own prompts and ideas, but I am loving it and I now have twelve full journals from 2009 solely from my work in this class.

I CAN’T DO THIS EVERY DAY, DO I HAVE TO KEEP UP? NO. The prompts are designed so you can work at your own pace. You can download the info from the site at your own convenience. The prompts are set up, too, so they don’t take a ton of time and yet you ARE learning something-lots, in fact. I am a FIRM believer in 15 minutes of art a day! It keeps ya sane! The prompts do NOT relate to any specific date, so you can do them on ANY day. You can mix and match them too!

DO MEMBERS SHARE THEIR WORK? YES, but you do not have to if you don’t want to. Many members upload photos of their journals to the site. It is a wonderful way to see other people’s pages, work and their take on the prompts. Which translates into even MORE ideas! At the present moment, there are over 2,432 photos of journal pages from members on the site for you to view.

DO YOU GIVE FEEDBACK? I give encouragement, feedback, ideas, and more. I never criticize. I never judge. I LOVE seeing what my students make from the prompts. It is the BEST part of the job. My students are AMAZING. I am on the site daily checking in, answering questions and looking at your work.

I heard there were freebies in the class every month? Yes, I’ve added a monthly collage sheet. I also give away a journal or collage grabbag to one student each month. I also post in addition to the prompts ideas, advice, shopping information, answer any questions and much, much more.

HOW DO I SIGN UP? Click the paypal button at the bottom of this blog post OR to the top right hand side of this page under A PROMPT A DAY.

WHAT ARE YOUR CREDENTIALS AS A TEACHER?-I have been teaching mixed media art for 12 years now. I have taught all over the U.S. as well as in Canada and Mexico. I have taught at several of the major art retreats. My work has been published in several books and magazines. I teach every weekend, if not in Southern California, then elsewhere. I have over 300 classes to choose from. I have a lot of students who have been taking my classes on a monthly basis for many years. I love what I do and I am thankful that I have the best job in the world!

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For $25 each month, you will receive “a prompt a day”. I've set up a special site just for the group! Starting December 1st through December 31st, I will post (to the site, open to students only) a prompt of the day. The prompt is actually three prompts:

Painting

Collage

Journaling

The prompts are not just slap paint down, glue a piece of paper down and write something! Nope! That's not how I operate. Each prompt is different and unique. Each technique can be applied to ANY form of mixed media art. For the painting prompt, I offer a variety of ways to layer and apply acrylic paint to the page (trust me, there are thousands of different looks one can achieve with paint). For the collage prompt, I offer a myriad of composition and design techniques on how to use background paper and focal images to bring together a coherent page. For the journaling prompt, I offer a nudge, a guide, a thought of something that affects each and every one of us and a little kick in the pants to write it out and get it onto the page.

The prompts are easy and fun. Some more of a challenge then others. My goal in this class is to get you working, thinking, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. My goal is for you to open your journal, paint, play and express yourself.

Each prompt will contain detailed instructions on how to make at least ONE completed journal page a day. I will also demonstrate how I followed the prompt by showing pictures of my own page a day along with the prompt. These prompts can be used not only for art journaling but also for other mixed media art: canvas, altered books, ATCs, boxes, books, etc... It's actually THREE prompts a day rolled into ONE journal page. So for the month of December, you are receiving 93 prompts. November's handout was 67 pages long.

Each paid student (for that month) will receive a file of the whole month's worth of class documents (photos and instructions). This file will be posted on the group's site before the end of the month. I can also email it to you if there are problems.

The idea of this project is to inspire you to create something daily! It's like taking a class with me but receiving a prompt a day!

You don't need a lot to do this. If you've been following my blog, you have an idea of the work that I do. If you've taken a class with me, you know my style! I like to give my students an idea to make a page and then I love seeing how everyone translates that idea to make it their own!

This is a new venture for both my regular students and brand new students!! It's open to everyone from beginner to advanced.

Basic supplies are:
A Journal or paper
PVA bookbinding adhesive OR Gel Medium (I like Soft Gel Gloss) or even a glue stick (I like coccoina, avery, scotch-anything labeled permanent). In my journal, at home, a glue stick is my adhesive of choice!
Acrylics-my basic colors are Hansa Yellow Medium (or Azo yellow medium), Quinacridone Magenta, Phthalo Blue, Titanium White, Paynes Grey, Titan Buff and Burnt Sienna-with these colors you can make any color (I like Nova Color but whatever your favorite brand is, will do.)
Gloss or polymer Medium (mix 50/50 with your paints to "extend" them and make them last longer. Do not buy what they label extender as that extends the drying time)
1" chip or bristle brushes
a few favorite pens-mine are: Sakura gelly roll glaze, Sakura Souffle, Latte and sweets pens, Zig Vellum and Writer pens, Faber Castell Pitt Pens (brush stroke, black), Sharpie Poster Paint pens (water based), Micron pens, uniball signo...you do not need all of these! Just a pen that will write on paint and paper!
water container
waxed paper
paper towels or old rags
scissors
metal ruler
Paper ephemera-collage papers for background and focal, images

Also, please note, I do not want you to have to go buy anything for the class. Use what you have. If you do not have these specific colors of paint, use what is in front of you: Yellow, Red, Blue, etc.. You will get a different look but I really want to stress using what you already own and what's in your studio (or closet, or art bag or wherever you work from!)

I am a firm believer in using the art journal as a tool. It's a place where not only you can express yourself, but you can also form your ideas for various projects and let them develop onto the page. 99.9% of my artwork is done in art journal form.

You will be able to upload your own photos of the pages that YOU create from the prompts. There is a discussion forum where you can ask questions and talk to other group members. It is an interactive site where you choose to actively participate or to remain quiet. It is a nurturing site and an extremely SAFE group. Members are thoughtful and kind and gracious with comments. We are looking to learn and share here, not to judge. All levels are welcome from beginner to advanced.

You do not have to do exercises on a daily basis either. You can log in and do the exercises at your own leisure. It's also your choice if you lurk on the site or actively participate.

I am always available to answer your questions and to help!

The prompts and ideas I give lend themselves to a variety of media: canvas, atcs, art journal pages, artist books, cards, altered art and MORE.

This is all NEW material. Even if you've taken every single one of my 300+ mixed media classes, this is something new. You will get new ideas and techniques!

I do not show the journal pages from the online class on this blog. The material you are getting in the class is fresh and new. Exclusive to students.

Each month has NEW and DIFFERENT techniques then the previous ones. The classes are geared towards ALL levels of experience: Beginner to Advanced. Use the prompts to inspire you to make art daily in some form OR work at your own pace and make art when you can.

The prompts are not at all related to the month posted. They stand on their own.

Interested? Use the button below! Questions? Drop me an email at EGorey99@sbcglobal.net

Sign ups start NOW. December's A Prompt A Day Class starts December 1st. I do not pro-rate classes. They are on a month by month basis only beginning the first of each month (at $25 a month). You can sign up for the month of December at any time. (On the 30th of November at 8 p.m. PST, I will remove all of the November prompts and the members who are not staying on and replace them with the new December prompts and members. Members staying on will just remain on the board.)

Remember, before the end of the month you will receive a file (posted on the group site for you to print out and save) of the whole month's prompts, techniques and photos of my samples to print out and save (please play nice and do not share. Please only use for personal use. :) Thanks.)

Please note-

The prompts and forum I've set are up posted to a ning group I've created. Ning supports Internet Explorer 6 & 7, Firefox 1.0, 2.0 & 3.0 and Apple Safari. If you're using a different browser, it might not be compatible. Please email me if you have ANY questions.

You need to make sure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled on your browser.

If you have questions on how to enable javascript, or if you have questions or problems regarding the ning network, please click here for a mini tutorial via ning's site. Here's a tutorial on how to enable cookies. It's easier then it sounds, trust me!!!!

No refunds after December 1st for the month of December. Thanks.

Once you've signed up, I will personally send you an invitation to join the group. You have to sign into the group (using your own information: email address and create a password, etc..).

The extra bonuses-

FREE collage sheet (available on the site for you to download, save and use for personal use only) each month!!!

There will be a FREE give a way. ONE lucky person per month will receive either a handmade journal made by me OR one of my collage packs (these are of my choosing). The value of the journal is $40. The value of the collage pack is $45. The winner is chosen on the last day of the month. ONE winner per month. Winner randomly selected.

Please note if you are signing up for December or another month-Thanks! Note: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November Prompts are available as a PDF or word file for $25 per month, as well.

New workshop information for Massachusetts!

December 27th through the 30th, I will be in Massachusetts teaching eight workshops in four days.

A Studio in Whitman, MA -December 27th and 28th-four workshops 10 to 2 followed by 2:30 to 6:30

Ink About It Westford MA December 29th and 30th- Registration opens Tuesday, November 3rd. Samples are in the store now! four workshops 10 to 12 followed by 1 to 6

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A Studio in Whitman, MA
December 27th and 28th Sunday and Monday
four workshops 10 to 2 followed by 2:30 to 6:30

Interested in signing up? Email Kelly for more info! EGorey99@sbcglobal.net

Payments for the Whitman, MA workshop must be made in advance. Due to the fact that the teacher is traveling here from Southern California and must prep for the workshops in advance, there are no cancellations allowed. No refunds.
In the event of a severe snowstorm in the Whitman, MA area, the class may be canceled and money refunded. You may send someone else in your place if you are unable to attend the workshop, or you will receive a kit for the class. You can either pay via paypal (see button below) or send a check or money order. Once you've signed up for the workshop, you will be sent the address and directions to the workshop location. If you have ANY questions you can email me. I will also give you my cell phone number so you contact me.

Whitman, MA Workshops Dec 27th and 28th

Devotional Workshop Dec 27th 10 to 2 $70.00 Bloom Workshop Dec 27th 230 to 630 $70.00 The Mystique Workshop Dec 28th 10 to 2 $70.00 Transcribed Workshop Dec 28th 230 to 630 $70.00 All four workshops Dec 27 and 28th Whitman, MA $280.00

Devotional

Sun, Dec 27th from 10 to 2 p.m. $70

In this workshop, you will create a small and personal hard cover book made entirely by your own hands. We will spend some time binding a journal utilizing a simple and elegant looking stitch. Then we will unfold upon the pages learning mixed media paint and collage techniques while exploring new ideas. Want to make a small book that you can take with you on a daily basis? This is the class for you.

Supply list: Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels, permanent black inkpad, container to hold water, 3 1" brushes to glue and paint (I like chip or bristle brushes)

Bloom

Sun, Dec 27th from 230 to 630 p.m. $70

This is one of my most favorite books. Bind a paper covered journal from scratch. We will then dive right in and work on the pages. Learn how to layer both paint and paper together onto the page. Create your own unique and personal mixed media tome.

Supply list: Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels, permanent black inkpad, container to hold water, 3 1" brushes to glue and paint (I like chip or bristle brushes)

The Mystique-

Monday, Dec 28th 10 to 2 p.m. $70

In this class you will create an 8 x 11” book with a quick and easy stitch, finished off with an embellished spine! We will explore hands on new mixed media techniques on the pages involving paint, paper and more! Been saving a stash of favorite images? Itching to make a new unique book? Wanting to explore a certain theme or idea? Yearning to work in a fun, new size? Want to get messy and have fun with paint and paper? Eager for new techniques? Then this is the class for you!

Supply list: Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels, permanent black inkpad, container to hold water, 3 1" brushes to glue and paint (I like chip or bristle brushes)

Transcribed

Mon Dec 28th 230 to 630 p.m. $70

Itching to keep a journal?

Stuck in a rut with the book you’ve been working in?

Yearning to learn new tips, tricks and techniques for keeping a journal?

This is the class for you!

In this four hour workshop, you will create your own unique journal from scratch. We’ll start by digging deep into my fabric bag and picking out yummy fabrics for the cover. After we cover our book, we’ll bind it using a fun and easy stitch! Then, we’ll dive onto the pages learning new mixed media painting and collage techniques. Learn how use your journal to document and record and also as a tool and as a reference guide. Learn how fun, easy and relaxing it is to work in your journal daily. You’ll become addicted in a good way! This class is filled with a plethora of ideas to get you working in your journal every day!

Supply list: full Bottle of Aleene's tacky glue, Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels, permanent black inkpad, container to hold water, 3 1" brushes to glue and paint (I like chip or bristle brushes), 1 foam brush if you don't want your fingers to get messy from the glue!

You can see more of my pages from my "Transcribed Journal" by visiting previous blog posts-
February 17th through March 17th
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I will be teaching the following four workshops at Ink About It in Westford, MA on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec 29th and 30th-

Prompted

Bring your favorite journal to class and we will spend time working in the journal learning new collage AND journaling techniques. I love combining art and words and I guarantee you will too after this class! We will dive right in using paper ephemera and a myriad of supplies and learn how easy it is to incorporate journaling into your artwork. It’s not hard and it’s a ton of fun! You will receive a handout full of brand new tips, tricks, techniques and journal prompts!

Supply list- Students should, please, bring to class: Journal (with paper “heavy” enough to use with acrylics, etc…), Scissors, bone folder, cork backed metal ruler, 3 1" bristle brushes to paint and glue with, container to hold water, small selection of collage ephemera to use, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels. Questions? Please email Kelly at Egorey99@sbcglobal.net

The Journey

Many of my students know that I like to vary the size and shape of my journal to ‘keep me on my toes’. In this class you will create a tall, narrow hardcover journal using a special stitch! After binding the book, we will fill the inside pages with paint and collage learning new mixed media techniques. You will walk out of class with a unique handmade book with layered and textured pages created entirely by you!

Supply list: Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels, permanent black inkpad, container to hold water, 3 1" brushes to glue and paint (I like chip or bristle brushes)The Holiday Tree Book

In this two hour workshop, you will learn an unusual bookbinding stitch. It's perfect for any time of year! I love teaching new bookbinding techniques and I guarantee you will love this stitch! It's easier then it looks and it looks ultra cool! It's a perfect place to hold all of your holiday ephemera, photos and musings! (You can use this book for ANY time of the year too!)

SUPPLY LIST- Scissors, bone folder, 2 or 3 bristle brushes to paint and glue (no foam please), cork backed metal ruler, black permanent ink pad (likeVersafine or Memories *if you have one*), container to hold water in, roll of paper towels, and a roll of waxed paper. The instructor will be supplying an array of professional artist acrylics and mediums, rubberstamps, collage ephemera, and all necessary materials.
Kawaii Book

Kawaii has a couple of different meanings in Japanese, but CUTE is the one that stands out. It is also used to define many of various kinds of decorative designer packing tape. In this class, you will get to dig deep into my collection of decorative tape. We will create a one of a kind book with a fun stitch! You will then dive right in learning new and unusual mixed media and collage techniques. We will be incorporating the TAPE onto the pages as we go. If you’ve never used decorative tape before, this is the class for you! If you have a passion and a love for deco tapes, then this is also the class for you! All are welcome! IF you have your own personal tape that you have been itching to use, please bring some to class. But please note, that the teacher does NOT travel lightly and has several huge bags filled with goodies for you to use and enjoy in class.

Supply list: Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels, permanent black inkpad, container to hold water, 3 1" brushes to glue and paint (I like chip or bristle brushes)