I have to say, this woman wields a mean, er, creative spray bottle:
I am the first to admit I am not into messy. Disorganized, maybe. Ooey, gooey, not so much. It was with trepedation I signed up for this course. Then completely forgot! (Long embarrasing story.)
I arrived in Kitchener on Friday evening, way too early for class, and Karen from The Art House Studio had a store set up in the hallway entrance to a conference room in the Holiday Inn. A store, really. Fully stocked and ready to go. I was thrilled and amazed and then promptly spent way too much money.
I then met Donna Downey, who is lovely. I know of Donna primarily through two people I greatly admire: the dynamic and lovely Cathy Zielske and the gentle and lovely Sherry Morales. Two women for whom I give thanks daily to the powers that be to have them in my life. They like Donna? I like Donna. Now that I've met her? I like her more!
The first class with Donna, "A Life Inspired", was an opportunity for me to stretch. Years ago, while I was in middle school and high school, the days when I fully embraced my artist within, I was all about the mess. The abandon. The complete lack of control and restraint. Ah ... What a lovely reminder of who I used to be. What a lovely reminder that I could be that again. Will I? Who knows. I certainly have enough messy stuff to make that a reality! I did mention the full store in the hallway, didn't I?
I know I learned a lot. I didn't take one note, I just absorbed everything around me. Donna, my tablemates, the other ladies in the room. Fabulous! The best take? When choosing adhesive pick what the item is being adhered to above all. I am hesitant to try a lot of things because I don't want to spent hours on a project only to have it melted onto the floor a few months later. Right? I am now the proud owner of the right adhesive and armed with knowledge.
Here is the whole class with our finished works:
I drove back home and headed straight to bed! Creative fulfillment is a great sleep aid.
Saturday was full of activity in our house but I managed to make it back to Kitchener to attend the "Inspiration Journal" class where I joined Holly, Lori and Sue who had been there for the very, very messy morning session!
We all enjoyed the afternoon of "Inspiration Journal". I learned a lot. I figured out my comfort zone and this class took me far beyond those limits but at least I now know some techniques and gleaned some ideas I know will be applied in my future creations. I do think I have to buy stock in Golden - or become an employee since it's employee owned :)
LOVE these women! Every one of them helps bring out the best in me. Who doesn't want that kind of inspiration and acceptance in their life? I am so very fortunate.
If you're in the area, Karen (I can't believe I didn't get a photo with her!) and her brilliant store (not the one in the hall!) can be found:
The Art House Studio
591 Lancaster St West, Unit 3
Kitchener, ON N2K 1M5
519-954-6620
The Art House Studio
A note to anyone wondering, door to door is less than an hour - exactly 55 minutes away. Well worth the trip given that local options are less than adequate.
I am so very fortunate to have the opportunity to take classes - in person - with so many talented women who cover the spectrum of creative inspiration. Even more fortunate to have a great group of ladies - probably equally if not more talented - who inspire me and give me a good swift kick in the pants every time I need it! Thank you so much Sue, Lori and Holly (and Karen). I can't wait for our next adventure!
