RESOLUTION AND BLOGGING

I resolve over and over to do more with this blog. Sometimes, I have a bit of success, but more often not.

Resolutions bring success and failure

This year let's see if perhaps by doing more and perhaps even failing more at creating what I want to within the blog I can actually achieve some form of success.

Some bloggers are able to write a blog daily. Dare I even reach for that with my past level of non-achievement? It would certainly more than double my rate of failure, that's for sure. Too big a push? Definitely, a leap of faith. Am I ready? Willing?

Each year I choose to embrace some factor and let go of another. This year what I have chosen is too daunting to even breathe aloud quite yet. Does a blogging challenge fit into it somehow? It absolutely could. And, yet, I hesitate....
(Pause while thinking this through...) (But is that any way to leap?) (Nah, but...)

OK. (The pause entailed transferring laundry from washer to dryer and folding what was in the dryer. Am I any more clear? LOL!!)

Still...what the heck...here goes: I resolve to more than double the output of this blog by writing two blogs each week for the coming year (oh, the naysaying voices at work in my head...hahaha.)

Here I go...one down and only mid-week! Hope you will join me in the journey.

TRICKS AND TREATS AND JUST PLAIN FUN!

From just a few of the techniques learned

Sunday's workshop was just full of fun techniques, many of which turned into Halloween fun in honor of the season.
We played with backgrounds, adhering materials, skins, image transfers and more while munching on good food...and treats (Nadine's pumpkin cookies were a big hit!)
We spoke of many things--upcoming trips, tests, book clubs, and lots more while getting to know each other in the midst of all the creative energy. 
What a full and wonderful day! I'm always grateful and happy that I have this opportunity for teaching...and play!

MIXING IT UP FOR SOME CHANGE

Time for some change!  As I ponder the future--at least the coming year of 2017--I think it is time to mix things up a bit for the Mixed Media Playtime. Lots of ideas are playing around in my brain and a few are starting to come to fruition. 

First, I am scheduling workshops in my space that will be taught by other artisans.  This way, we can have a variety of techniques that may not be my forte'. And sometimes it will just be to change things up some. So far what is promised is a junk mail book, some encaustic collage, and enameling on copper.  For each of these, students will go home with at least one project completed or nearly so.

I am also hoping to push myself to more project-oriented classes on occasion. I still like the idea of giving students a lot of mixed media techniques in one session, but realize some folks just don't roll that way.

All of this also means the same low price of $65 may not apply and sometimes there may be a materials list, but I have held the line on that price for a very long time, even while my own costs have gone up.  So, again, time for a change! 

I am always open to ideas and suggestions.  If there is something you are interested in learning, let me see if I can make it happen. 

Now to start scheduling.  I hope to post the schedule next month.

CHALLENGES AND GROWTH

Thematic

Ah, the challenges of preparing to do a summer-long festival!  They are many.  Some are more challenging; some more routine. All lead to areas of growth and, hopefully, a WOW presentation.
For me, the routine ones get in the way of creative play and the big challenge there is to stay in a zone like the One A Days provided. 
Perhaps I'm kidding myself; perhaps waiting for that Calvin and Hobbes moment of inspiration--last minute panic. At any rate, taking a short road trip to re-open that creative place that is just at the edge of things. Santa Barbara here I come!