Teaching at The Artists Nook in Bellvue, CO July 16-18th

I am very excited and VERY happy to announce that I will be returning to The Artists' Nook in Bellvue, CO again this summer. I will be teaching five workshops in three days, July 16th through the 18th.

If you have any questions, you can email me. Registration is open now and you can go here for more info.

Fri July 16th
1 to 6 p.m.

Addicted to tape!

Love collage? Have you been caught buying up rolls of tape and you’re not sure of everything that you can do with them? In a bit of a sticky situation? Looking for some new ideas of what you can do with one of the hottest art supplies around? Look no further! In this class we will explore a myriad of techniques, tips, tricks and ideas that you can do with decorative tape. Learn how to layer fun and colorful backgrounds using what some call stickers, but what most call tape! We will explore masking tape (not the old stuff, but the fun colorful stuff available in many different designs and colors), decorative tape, and more! Walk out of class with your head spinning with ideas, and a smile on your face.

Optional-You can bring your journal to class to work in, or the teacher will be supplying paper for you to work on.

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)

followed by-from 630 to 830

Devotional

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)

Sat July 17th
10 to 4 p.m. includes one hour lunch break

Everything you wanted to know about pens(!) and more...

Are you a closet member of PAA (you know, pen addicts anonymous)? Do you hoard pens? Do you want to learn different things that you can do with your pens? Are you stuck in a rut using the same black gelly roll glaze pen again and again? Are you curious about which pens you absolutely need? Wondering what works with your mixed media projects and what doesn't? Look no further. Most of you know, I don't travel light to my classes. In this class, I will be bringing ALL of my pens for you to play, learn and explore HANDS ON. We will not only work with the pens and learn what works, but we will be creating mixed media collage pages ("and more"). We will be using the pens on our newly created collaged pages. You will explore different writing techniques as well (think Urban Calligraphy style!)-yet, this is not a calligraphy class! YES, we will learn everything about pens (and more). YES, you will explore and play with different writing styles and techniques on your newly created pages. YES, you will walk out with a pile of completed pages and tons of ideas. YES, you will be inspired. YES, you WILL have fun!

Optional-You can bring your journal to class to work in, or the teacher will be supplying paper for you to work on.

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)

followed by-from 430 to 630

The Language of Color

Yearning to create luscious, layered mixed media backgrounds? Want to explore the world of acrylic paint hands on? Itching to make painted pages that are uniquely your own? In this class you will create a plethora of painted mixed media pages that can be used in any art form. Explore hands on techniques that are guaranteed to get your creative spirit inspired! You will leave with a pile of painted papers that you can use in your art journal, altered art, collage, canvas work, atcs and much, much more. Fully detailed handout included in the class, as always!

Optional- You can bring your journal to class to work in, or the teacher will be supplying paper for you to work on

Supply list: Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, 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)

Sun July 18th
10 to 4 includes hour lunch break
Spirit Journal

In this workshop, you will create a layered canvas covered, hand bound artist’s book. You will be making a journal from scratch using a quick and easy sewing method. Also create special pockets for your hidden, favorite treasures. Learn new mixed media techniques for the pages utilizing background and collage techniques. Work hands on to create your own unique artist’s book! This was one of my favorite classes many years ago that I’ve revised, revamped and brought back FRESH and new! It was well loved then and I guarantee you’ll love this new, updated 2010 version!

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)

I hope to see you there!

Put it on your wish list...save your pennies...you NEED this...

Finally, after I don't know how many years of waiting, it's HERE. Taschen Books: Peter Beard a.k.a. "The Working Man's Edition". Every visit to Book Soup in West Hollywood, had me lusting after this version which I could neither lift nor ever afford ($2,000 now priced between $6,000 and $15,000). I would spend most of my visit flipping through the pages. The damn book was so big, I could almost wrap myself in the pages. I hemmed. I hawed. I thought, "Why the hell won't Taschen put out an edition *I* can afford?" Well, they have and it arrived yesterday:
There are several pages like this due to the voluminous amount of journals that Peter Beard has kept. I love the two page spreads with journals spread out across the fold:
Seriously, I think this is one of my favorite parts of the book. Check it out, it's the very edges. On some of the photos you can see the edges of the rest of the journal that is being photographed. I love shit like this. It makes it look like (and almost feel like) the behemoth that you are holding is his actual journal.The book is available for $63 (and free shipping) on amazon. I know it's a big chunk of change. I was lucky enough to get a gift certificate for amazon for my birthday and the book cost me $13.

I'm thinking of doing a post one of these days of my favorite books, you know, the ones I think you need and the ones I know I can't live without. This is definitely included in the "can't live without" list.

More on Beard here, here and here.

*****
Get out and VOTE. In CA-No on 4. No on 8.

Remember, most of us, regardless of our political affiliation or parties, want the same things: education, health care, jobs and a good standard of living. Regardless of who wins, we need to come together and work to make sure that the politicians work for us and pass laws that benefit us collectively and not big business.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

***
I am leaving early Wednesday. I'm not sure if I will have computer access or not! I will be teaching my Triple X Stitch Book Wednesday night (tomorrow) at Frenzy Stamper in Scottsdale. This Friday through Sunday, I will be at The Artist's Nook in Fort Collins teaching FIVE classes. Samples are in the store and online. There is still space in all of the workshops if you're interested, sign up! If you know someone who may be interested, please spread the word!

Holy Heavens Batman, it's raining...

Brace yourselves, Southern Californians, it's a "rain event". My dances to the rain gods have appealed to them and they have bequeathed to us RAIN. We are very happy to report rain, lightning and thunder. Here's what the skies in West Hollywood looked like yesterday at 9 a.m.
What does it look like now? I don't know as I'm in my pjs and too lazy to go look. Actually, my back is really bothering me today so I'm trying to take it easy a little.
I love this chocolate that my friend Connie sent me for my birthday:
Hubby didn't find it funny when I popped one strategically on my tongue, opened my mouth and went ahhhhh... Tristan thought it was hysterical. That's my boy!
Speaking of my boy a.k.a. Clone Trooper turned Comic Book Guy. Here he is at school yesterday in his "costume". He went as a Comic Con attendee complete with Clone Wars mask, free poster tube, Nickelodeon slap on, Watchmen bag and Comic Con Attendee badge with pins.
I showed you a sneak peek before, but here's more. This is my "Reclaimed: An Altered Artist's Book" class sample that I have been working for. YES! A NEW altered book class, but one I guarantee you will LOVE and adore and will leave you itching to run to the library book sales (or use the books you've been hoarding at home).My friend, Kara, carved the rubber stamp that I used on the page below:Kara also made me the envelope that I stuck the birdie sticker onto that is at the bottom of this page:
I am spending the weekend prepping for my classes next week in Arizona and Colorado. On Wednesday, Nov 5th, I will be at Frenzy Stamper in Scottsdale. On Friday the 7th through Sunday the 9th, I will be at The Artist's Nook in Bellvue, CO. I posted some samples online here. Interested? Please sign up at the store asap. Know anyone who may be interested? Please spread the word!

In the meantime, have a wonderful Dia de Los Muertos!