Artfest 12. Thanks for the memories

This trip is going to be a whirlwind. Just wrapped up five wonderful days @ Artfest and now I headed to Shanghai for my day job. (Yes, Shanghai, that will be another post, I promise.)  The trip to Port Townsend, via Seattle was amazing. The experience of ARTFEST is something I will never forget. I wanted to thank all my students who gave it their all in the class room last week. They all made AMAZING work! And I am so proud of them.

If you have never been to Artfest, it is an annual art retreat held at an old fort in Port Townsend, WA. Set right on the ocean and full of history, has served as home base for this event for 13 years. Sadly, this year is the last year that Artfest will be held. A bittersweet experience for me, as it was the first time I had ever attended.

In consideration of  time: I am writing from gate 102 at the San Francisco International Airport; patiently waiting for my flight to board. I'll wrap up and share share some photos of the trip. There would have been more, but the camera has been acting up lately.

Assembling a box full of dreams

My altered book class at Artists Medium in April was such a great success that they have asked me to teach a workshop in assemblage. I will be teaching "Box full of dreams: Assemblage Art Workshop" on Saturday, June 20th. Class is from 10:30 to 4:30 and only $40. The gals at Artist's Medium tell me that there are a few spots left. You must pre-register. Call 802-870-1236 or 1-800-255-1290 to sign up.

This is a great opportunity to use the found objects you have been collecting to create a unique work of art that speaks from you heart.

What should you bring to the class?

1-A box structure to use a base: Any box, wood or metal would work. Limit yourself to about 12"x12". You can buy pre-made shadow box type box, that are about 2" deep at Artist Medium or other art supply outlets or use something that you already own, like an old candy tin or cigar box. Anything goes- as long as it is something you are willing to drill into and paint.

2-Images: You can purchase all sorts of copyright free images to download and print off the internet at sites like Etsy, and lunagirl.com. You can download them and print them with on a good quality copier. You can use vintage ephemera and photos you find at flea markets and antique stores. Use the originals or make copies. You can take your old photos to copy shops and turn them into transparencies to use in your piece. Transparencies are a great way to a depth to your work. Some transparencies will be available for purchase at the class.

3:Found Objects: My favorite things to use are rusty things, scraps of fabric and trim, old clock parts, pieces of frames, parts of toys, dolls. You can use bits of old jewelry, charms, tiny bottles. How about mesh, screen, wire or string? Or maybe organic pieces, like dried seed pods, driftwood, shells. You can use anything you can think of to embellish your work. Think outside the box, and bring things that inspire you.

4:Paint: Acrylic paints add depth and help to blend the objects together. My favorites, are Van Dyke Brown, Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold, TitaniumWhite, Mars Black, Quinacridone Crimson, Yellow Ocher and Payne's Gray. I also like to use a crackle resist- I will have a little of this at the class to try.

5. Adhesives: Matte Gel Medium, Heavy Duty Glue like E600 or Liquid Nails

6.Your imagination. And Dreams… We will work on creating a visual story of your own dreams or personal myth. So start thinking about what inspires you. But don't stress the small stuff- your story will come to you. (I promise)

7. Misc tools like pliers, wire cutters, heat gun, etc. if you have and want to bring.

if you have any other questions- please feel free to email me....

Altered Books Class Returns to Waterbury Center

Saturday May 2nd
1 to 5 pm -
One more time at Seminary Art Center!­­Altered Book Workshop -Giving new life to the page

For many the idea of marking up a book to make it into a piece of art seems almost sacrilegious. It is widely held that books, being the key to literacy and knowledge should be well read and then kept, for all time, on a shelf for others to enjoy. The unfortunate reality is that tons and tons of books end up in landfills.

This introductory workshop will teach you the basis skills you need to create your own altered book and offers an opportunity to explore your muse and to give new life to a discarded object.

Cost is $40.00 and $10 for materials - click for more info in a previous blog post or email for details!

One space left in the Altered Book Class this weekend

This Saturday

April 18th 10:30-4:30

Come and play as we give new life to the page.
This introductory workshop will teach you the basic skills you need to create your own altered book and offers an opportunity to explore your muse and to give new life to a discarded object.

Cost is $40

materials list for this class

1 or 2 old hardcover books- something that fits comfortably in your hand. Spine should be in good condition, inside and out

Adhesives:
Uhu glue stick (or similar acid free brand)
Golden Regular Gel Medium (Matte)
Clear Liquid Nails or similar heavy duty glue (like E600)
PVA glue (optional)
Double sided tape
Cutting tools: Scissors
Utility knife/craft knife with new blades
Hole punch (optional)
Bonefolder or old credit card (for smoothing sheets)
Ruler
Paint brushes
Assorted favorite paints and glazes (I really like Golden products)
Embellishments (such as)
Rusty things
Buttons and beads
Fabric scraps
Old paper and other ephemera
Assorted images and old photos for collage
Rubber stamping materials

Other Optional supplies to bring if you have them
Eyelet tool
Pliers
Wire
Texturing materials (waxed paper, aluminum foil, sponges, bubble wrap)
Heat gun

at ARTIST MEDIUM
the hardware store for artists
300 Cornerstone Drive
Williston, VT
802-879-1236

Giving Life to the Page- Altered Book Class at Artist Medium

For many the idea of marking up a book to make it into a piece of art seems almost sacrilegious. It is widely held that books, being the key to literacy and knowledge should be well read and then kept, for all time, on a shelf for others to enjoy. The unfortunate reality is that tons and tons of books end up in landfills and dumps. In an effort to reduce the amount of waste that goes into the landfill and to find an inexpensive canvas for my work, I started to collage into old books. Little did I know that this art form was a movement in the book arts realm that was growing in popularity.This introductive workshop will teach you the basis skills you need to create your own altered book. It will offer you an opportunity to explore your muse and to give new life to a discarded object.

Join me: SATURDAY APRIL 18th
10:30 am- 4:30 pm
$40 fee for class-
email me or contact ARTIST'S MEDIUM 1-802-879-1236