So how many UFO’s do you find when you Spring Clean? For me I have a pretty big basket going. I tend to break them up into a repair pile, a needs to be finished pile, a heck where did I leave off and how to get started again pile, and an outdated, needs to be re-worked pile. On June 12th you have an opportunity to bring one or two of those in and get advice, or just be in good company to get back on track to finish them. So dust off that kit, pull together those supplies and start thinking about what you may want to de-stash or work on June 12.
Let Spring Inspire you!
Heather Powers is back with some beautiful Spring inspiration. I can tell you from taking a workshop with her last year, that she brings so much attention to detail to her classes. She has beautiful instruction booklets, she will demo each step, but she gives you the ability to add your own touches to the design. This years workshops will give you the ability to build with fiber and add beads, sketch and add color to metal, and to sketch into clay. She will bring her designs as templates- so you don’t have to be a skilled artist to enjoy the class and get a beautiful product from them. Taking a workshop with others is a great way to get feedback on your work. She will also have beads for sale and keep an eye out for a special offering to members only!
Motivational Speaker, Heather Powers
To an artisan jewelry designer hearing an artist speak who is self-employed as a designer/artist and who is paying household bills, taking vacations, making connections with publisher’s and her peer artists and raising kids, it can be quite motivational. Especially when she breaks it down into some powerful tools to get you moving and backs it up with the URL’s and notes to help you focus on the finish lines. 1) Find your marketplace and client, 2) build a website, 3) take great photo’s, 4) connect to social media and 5) don’t be afraid to hire help. With a book coming out Dec. 2015 and another just beginning to be written, and 2 successful events per year, it seems like a dream life. It does come with a lot of effort and time spent creating beads, jewelry, blogging and keeping many schedules and tasks in check. But for the adventurous and creative soul it does get the wheels turning. So what will you do as your next step to get your creations out there…..
What will your challenge be?
So for those that don’t know me well. I take lent seriously. I sing in a choir, I attend lenten suppers and discussions. And I “add” something to my routine. Some practice the removal of something during lent, but for a few years now, I’ve practiced “intention”. I study something new, learn a new skill, read a new book on a subject I want to learn more about. This Lent I’m working on wire and metal work. After taking Mary Hettmansperger’s workshop, I’m inspired to put in the hours to make a difference in this skill. I hope that will show April 26 at our Artisan Jewelry Sale. So what will “your” challenge be?
Challenges
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/
There are two that I’m currently inspired by. The Art Bead Scene is a monthly Art based challenge where you must incorporate “one” artisan made element into your design based on the monthly theme and then post it to your website or blog. Gmail has an easy blog set up so don’t let that stop you. And even if you don’t want to post it’s wonderful inspiration. They have introduced me to so many wonderful artisans. There is a beautiful into to Mary Harding up now. But please scroll down below last months challenge to see the Get your Mojo back post.
And Heather Powers of Humblebeads has a 12 week “Get your Mojo back” challenge and she is only on week 2. I encourage you to take a look and participate in these challenges that are a great way to live through our cabin fever months and be productive.
ACC Day number 1
So today I get to A. Meet with my financial advisor to help figure out how I will actually pay for a MICA Education for my son. Then B. Meet Jill Wiseman when I get to pick her up at BWI then C.go to the ACC round one for 5-8 then out for Turkish Food. So at the end of the day I think I should be able to consider it a day well lived! I hope you will come out to the ACC this weekend, if you aren’t already taking a class with Jill. There are still spots available in both Saturday and Sunday’s classes, and you are welcome to join. You can give a check to Joanne Albert on Saturday. Or Gay Durland on Sunday made out to the BBS. There are 10 spots open in each, so you can even bring a friend. Come learn CRAW with the master of the technique.
Tomorrow it begins with a meet and greet at Saturdays class at the Center, then back to the ACC round 2 with Gay and Marlene and anyone else that wants to join! And we will follow up with dinner with Jill!
Sunday, Gay is in the class with Jill, and I’m in a lovely Concert at my Church. So a weekend full of Art of all kinds. It’s the only way to live. Get out there and make Art Happen in your community and drag a friend or two along for the ride. They will be glad you did. Live life in living Color!
February’s Meeting
Just a note that tomorrow’s meeting is a social night. You are welcome to come and just bring a project to work on. You may de-stash by swapping or selling or you can simply come and buy from others. You may participate in the charm swap if you make charms to swap! You may make one or as many as four, and Debbie Shipley will host this segment of our meeting. What constitutes a charm?? For me it was the scraps of metal clay at the end of the pack, that I made into little tags. The spare earring that was just too cool to toss. And an item I procured at a swap that was still sitting lonely but none the less beautiful. So I have my four charms made up, what will inspire you??
The ACC is coming
The American Craft Council Show will be at the Baltimore Convention Center Feb 21-23. Friday evening for just $5 you can go from 5 to 8 pm. Otherwise it’s $16 per day or $30 for a 3 day pass.
You can also join the ACC and get in free next year, and you get a beautiful magazine and updates about the ACC in your Email.
We have a member Teddi Fine at Booth 316, who has made a wonderful Charm for this years contest. Stop by and say hello and see her beautiful work and some Baltimore themed items this year.
An artist we hope will come speak next year Kathy King at Booth 529.
For Polymer fans Kathleen Dunstin is Booth 309
Metal workers Deb Karash Booth 509
Linda Kindler Priest’s gorgeous goldsmithing Booth 2109
Enamels Shana Kroiz Booth 608- also a Baltimore girl from MICA’s jewelry faculty.
http://shows.craftcouncil.org/baltimore
Jill Wiseman is coming!
Jill is offering us two classes which you can register for now! If you can’t get to one of the big shows this is your connection to learn from one of the master teachers in seedbead weaving. Non-members can also take part, for $20 more per class. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your skills with Cubic or Chevron Right Angle Weave. Just click on Events, weekend workshops and details listed on the class of your choice to join the fun.