tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37518411582987252872024-03-14T12:05:25.521-04:00Have All ThisArt, Jewelry and Classes + Inspiration and tips to Start and Grow a Thriving Creative BusinessKelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-19167166766715522462019-01-14T12:30:00.000-05:002019-01-14T12:30:53.503-05:00Should You Ever Teach Your Wine and Paint Classes for Free?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZTmZQtKM54OZYLAJbL9PjERO8RVJ2G_dmyMbiHRfoeMG-FeTsgZaf2M42XLpzQ_h1paGzW6Obv24umg5LkReUmBZBtF9ae8xRrPX1MshFW5wWm41zKdK5Ym0upod7XSpe-zg4Vq9srk/s1600/Wine+and+Paint+Fundraiser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="692" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZTmZQtKM54OZYLAJbL9PjERO8RVJ2G_dmyMbiHRfoeMG-FeTsgZaf2M42XLpzQ_h1paGzW6Obv24umg5LkReUmBZBtF9ae8xRrPX1MshFW5wWm41zKdK5Ym0upod7XSpe-zg4Vq9srk/s640/Wine+and+Paint+Fundraiser.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<h3 class="null" style="color: #444444; display: block; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>Teaching
your wine and paint classes classes for a fundraising event can feel
like you're being asked to give away your work for free.</span></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br />
Depending on how you set it up, you CAN give away your time for free, or you can use the experience as an opportunity to <strong>grow your business.</strong><br />
<br />
Just to clarify, a "Fundraiser" is an event hosted by a non-profit
agency to help them raise money to support the work they do. The idea is
that you, as the teacher, are helping the agency to raise money for
their cause, by providing an activity for their event.<br />
<br />
The goal is for the agency to make money and for you to help them make that money.<br />
<br />
Here's one of the questions I recently received along with my thoughts on how I handle this request.<br />
<br />
<span><strong>Q: </strong>"I've
been asked about doing a fundraiser. I’m not opposed to that, but how
would I go about it as far as figuring up cost and how much actually
gets donated to the cause?"</span><br />
<br />
<span><strong>A:</strong></span><span><strong> </strong>Before
you figure up the costs. think about WHY you might want to do a
fundraiser and if it's a good fit for where you are in your business
right now. </span><br />
<br />
<span>I'm all about giving back and volunteering, but there are <em>many </em>ways to give your time and/or money to help others. It doesn't have to be by giving away your services for free.<br />
<br />
I personally like creating win-win situations for both you and the
non-profit. Teaching at a non-profit event can help build your business
in terms of gaining experience, expanding your connections and marketing
your service. Here's what I mean:</span>
</span></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>You're just starting out and would like to get your name out there and make more connections</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>You're passionate about/involved with the cause and have a strong desire to give your time and services</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>You don't have much experience and you'd like an audience to practice with</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>You'd like to get photographs, testimonials and talk going about your class to help market it</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>You'd like to build your email list of students interested in your classes</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>You can build in your time to the cost of the class, so you're still getting paid while also helping others</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Now that you're feeling good about why you'd like to do this, start by <strong>breaking down all of your costs. </strong><br />
<br />
Be sure to include all of the materials you use in each class (plug your own numbers in here, these are just for example:)<br />
<br />
Canvas @ $5.00 per person x 20 people=$100.00<br />
Paint @ $30.00 for an event with 20 people=$30.00<br />
Paper Plates $3.00<br />
Paper Towels $3.00<br />
Table Covers $8.00<br />
Total=$144.00<br />
<br />
Then you can add a charge for your time and overhead such as your
liability insurance. Let's say you want to make $100.00 pay for the 4
hours you will spend with set-up, teaching and tear down and you add
another $20 for your liability insurance.<br />
<br />
Your grand total is now:<br />
Materials: $144<br />
Time: $100<br />
Ins: $20<br />
<strong>Total: $264.00</strong><br />
<br />
Once you know how much you need to cover your time and expenses, you now have choices of how you can present your class fees.<br />
<br />
<strong>Example 1:</strong><br />
<strong>You can charge a per person rate that is a discount off of your typical rate:</strong><br />
<br />
If you typically charge $40.00 per person you can instead charge a discounted price of $20 per person.<br />
The non-profit can then offer the class for $40 per person and they keep the difference of $20 per person.<br />
<br />
In this scenario, you earn $400, covering your expenses and time and they get $400. Win-win.<br />
<br />
<strong>Example 2:</strong><br />
Another option is to just <strong>buy all of the supplies for the class and have the non-profit reimburse you for the expense.</strong> Then you straight-up donate your time.<br />
<br />
I give all of the left-over supplies to the non-profit, as they paid for
it and it belongs to them. I use my brushes and easels and aprons and
such, but all of the disposables, they buy.<br />
<br />
In this example, you are 100% donating your time and have no material
costs. You still gain the benefits in marketing and experience we talked
about above and the non-profit gets to offer a great service to people
and raise funds by charging whatever they want for the class.<br />
<br />
<strong>Example 3:</strong><br />
You <strong>charge a flat fee for the event. </strong>If you know you're
costs are $264, you can round that up to an even $300.00 flat fee for
the event, for up to X number of people. The non-profit pays you this
fee and charges as much as they want for participation in the event.<br />
<br />
In this scenario, you get cover your costs+time and the non-profit is
able to flexibly charge to meet their own fundraising goals.<br />
<br />
So, there you have <strong>3 different ways to structure a fundraising event</strong>, while also feeling good about it and doing some outreach and marketing for your business.<br />
<br />
Happy Creating!<br />
Kelly<br />
<br />
ps: I've gotten a little side tracked on the project I've been creating
for you, but it's back in the front of my mind as we move into 2019 and
I'm SUPER excited about it!<br />
<br />
<strong>I'd love to hear from you about what you need help with as you explore teaching these types of social art making classes. </strong></span>
</span></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>Would you like more lessons like these?</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>A FB group to share ideas with other creatives?</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>An Ultimate Guide to starting a wine and paint business? (or similar type of business?)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>Learning about other types of social art making classes that aren't painting on canvas?</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>How can I best help you?</span><br />
<br />
<span>I'd be delighted if you would <strong><a href="http://www.haveallthis.com/p/blog-page_3268.html" target="_blank">contact me</a> </strong>and let me know. I read every one and will reply to any questions you have.<br />
<br />
(Some people have started texting me? I'm not sure how that happened, but please reply by <strong>email only</strong>.)</span><br />
<br />
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Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-41244152240845193782018-05-31T20:48:00.000-04:002018-05-31T20:48:10.981-04:00First Show of the Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfb_9J0MKB24X01yeKzv1OvovGJSCXJnAdkgTtj7XfMM_Qqwa45nP_WuqVGXSnXqnsqI75u7hzYvE8juCXuebUF22kvPv2KWrwNfXW-n4PmZQpVXMjHR0UJHR5_B7OPGy6J2b72NEd5g/s1600/Art-Trail-flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="348" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfb_9J0MKB24X01yeKzv1OvovGJSCXJnAdkgTtj7XfMM_Qqwa45nP_WuqVGXSnXqnsqI75u7hzYvE8juCXuebUF22kvPv2KWrwNfXW-n4PmZQpVXMjHR0UJHR5_B7OPGy6J2b72NEd5g/s640/Art-Trail-flyer.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'll be in the Westcott Community Center this Saturday and Sunday for our first show of the year! Come and see our new designs, sample some of the fun foods and check out this awesome collection of local artists throughout the neighborhood.</span></div>
Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-68917444609139994172018-02-03T13:19:00.001-05:002018-02-03T13:19:24.367-05:00How to Price Your Wine and Paint Classes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHDgL9jJ_uFy2SW-otQKFnZxr1tfNFmMbJl0XDbeG9Nh-I5bCcM80iXOXywv7OP6TGdmVqfSYP0H-5sWK2vtts5QaEnd3-YdRoHUQAoFfohALGmZjiZzSySyRm4E1mAMTMimnJKY5_W0/s1600/Price+Your+Wine+and+Paint+Classes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHDgL9jJ_uFy2SW-otQKFnZxr1tfNFmMbJl0XDbeG9Nh-I5bCcM80iXOXywv7OP6TGdmVqfSYP0H-5sWK2vtts5QaEnd3-YdRoHUQAoFfohALGmZjiZzSySyRm4E1mAMTMimnJKY5_W0/s640/Price+Your+Wine+and+Paint+Classes.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had a question that I thought might help you<b> </b>when you are approaching local venues to pitch your class.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
It's good to go in prepared, not only with your sample work, but also
with a plan of how you can work together to price the classe so both you
and the venue you want to teach in, will benefit.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
Here is a question that Dominique asked about pricing that I thought
would be helpful to anyone getting ready to approach a new place:</span></span>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Q:</b> I am starting to reach out to local wineries and
wine shops to pitch them on my class. How should I price my services
knowing that they will incur costs by providing their wine?</span></span>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
I would like to create tiered pricing packages for them...do you have
any idea where I should start? I would like to make $45 per person,
because I am an experienced teacher, and I will be providing all of the
supplies.<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>A:</b> It sounds like you are off to a good start with
contacting potential locations to teach. You are correct to assume that
the venue wants to get something out of the class as well.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
The way I approach this is to figure out how much total I need to make
from the class, to cover expenses: materials, supplies, travel and my
pay. I then determine a per person rate from this total.<br />
<br />
Then I look at what the going rate is for these types of classes-in this
area it's $30-$45 per person. I want to make sure my price is in line
with other classes in the area.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
I know that most venues want to make at least $5.00 per person and
possibly more, depending on what they will provide. Some places charge a
room fee, but others will take a per person rate.<br />
<br />
I work with a restaurant where we negotiated a rate of $10 per person
and they provide appetizers, pizza and a drink from the bar.<br />
<br />
You will have to be flexible on your per person rate and work with the
venue to come up with a price that works for you both, but know what YOU
need going into the negotiation. You will also want to establish a
minimum number of students to make sure you cover costs and make it
worth your time.<br />
<br />
You also want to ask the venue if they will do any promotion or
advertising of the class as well. Some may let you put up a sign or post
it on their social media page.<br />
<br />
To create pricing tiers here are some possible options:
</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Venue
gets $5.00 per person and provides a drink and space (also talk up that
people will likely order more drinks and food once they are there)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Venue gets $10 per person and provides one drink and food (appetizers, lunch, etc...)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Venue
charges you the standard room rental fee is for the room (typically
$50-$100) and guests buy their own food and drink from the menu or bar.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
$45 is likely going to be the top price that people will pay, so you
will want to be flexible and work within that as the total price charged
per person for a 2-3 hour class.<br />
<br />
Hope this helps and good luck!<br />
<br />
*Don't forget to start creating your own mailing list of students from
each event you hold. I'll send out a post on fun ways to do that soon!<br />
<br />
ps: I'm making something special for you to answer all of your wine and
paint/social art making questions. It's in the works and I can't wait to
share it!
</span></span>Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-26370308996118167982018-01-22T12:16:00.000-05:002018-01-22T12:26:16.601-05:00Home Painting Parties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSFKKIQCRtZVMzsuDt7t_lNKFilm6sB3weQOUQ4seHi9Q4Io-WM2jZEpWtWPe0qxLZbKMcM99FjIBifjvse7ccOIPf8hXPJLyS62o9c7rIhKoq_CO6mZm5M6eY4RtceNq5M0K6iXlTWw/s1600/Painting+Parties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="700" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSFKKIQCRtZVMzsuDt7t_lNKFilm6sB3weQOUQ4seHi9Q4Io-WM2jZEpWtWPe0qxLZbKMcM99FjIBifjvse7ccOIPf8hXPJLyS62o9c7rIhKoq_CO6mZm5M6eY4RtceNq5M0K6iXlTWw/s640/Painting+Parties.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I recently was asked a question about taking painting classes into
people's homes. I think this is a great business model for your wine and paint business
for two BIG reason's I'll explain below.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Q:
</b> Thank you for providing so much helpful information about starting a
wine and paint business. I am a retired art teacher, who also worked
part time at a Muse Paintbar so I am already at ease with the
instructional part of the business. I purchased materials, easels,
aprons, canvases, paint, brushes, etc. I thought I might like to do this
in private homes (I come to you), but I am not sure if people are
comfortable with painting in their homes. I could do small groups in my
house but I have crazy dogs that jump. So, I am not exactly sure how to
go about it. </span></span>
</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>A:</b> Yes, teaching in homes is totally doable and a great business model for two reasons that I love.
</span><br />
<ol><span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">There is no overhead to pay for the space, which saves you money.</span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Host does recruitment of students for you which saves you both the time and expense of promoting the class.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
Here are a few things to consider when teaching in people's homes:<br />
<br />
<b>Space:</b><br />
Hosts need to know what to expect as far as space considerations,
tables, chairs and flooring concerns (you don't want to get paint on a
pretty white carpet for example.) I typically set up in people's dining
rooms and that works out well using the table top easels and plastic
table cloths. Hosts will need to know what YOU provide and what THEY
need to provide, so make sure this is clear. (A written agreement is
always good for this.)<br />
<br />
<b>Pricing and Supplies:</b><br />
I charge a per person rate for home parties, the same as if I'm hosting
them in a public venue. My rate is $35.00 per person and I provide all
of the art supplies needed including easels and aprons. I also have two
6-foot tables that can be used for seating or art supplies.<br />
<br />
You may want to charge more if you have to travel longer distances, to account for the extra time and mileage expenses.<br />
<br />
You may want to consider a deposit to secure the date, especially if
you're booked solid and rely on the income from each party. Be clear
about what happens to the deposit if the class is cancelled by either
party.<br />
<br />
I require a minimum number of guests to run the class and insure I
cover my costs. As far as maximums go, the host needs enough space to
comfortably seat all of the guests so that can vary based on the house
you're teaching in.<br />
<br />
<b>Getting started:</b><br />
A good place to start is by having a friend host your first party and
then work to build more parties from that first class. Once people
attend one and have a great time, they are more likely to book a class.
That's how I started.<br />
<br />
If you ever attended a Pampered Chef Party or Lia Sophia or Tupperware
even, you can take some cues from them as far as marketing goes. You
want to give incentives to people in your first class to book the next
class. Bring a calendar with you and if they sign up for a party in the
next 2 months, they will get a special gift on the night of their party,
as well as getting a free class themselves.<br />
<br />
I also do a giveaway to sign up for my mailing list. This can be a small
prize, like wine charms, a wine stopper or a bottle of wine, but the
idea is to get all of the students onto your mailing list so you can
contact them again in the future.<br />
<br />
I take photos during the party and send out an email to the group
following the event to keep the excitement going. You can also ask for
permission to use the photos on social media or your website to promote
your home parties.<br />
<br />
I teach in-home parties for both painting and jewelry making and in 2017
these were one of my biggest money-makers. I would definitely encourage
you to give it a try.<br />
<br />
If you're not interested in hosting classes in people's homes and need more ideas about where you set up shop, <a href="http://www.haveallthis.com/2015/06/create-your-own-classroom.html" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">visit this post</a>.<br />
<br />
I hope this gets you thinking about the possibilities of hosting your
own in-home events. As always, if you have questions, just reply to this
email and ask away!<br />
<br />
Happy Creating!<br />
Kelly<br />
<br />
ps: if you're ready to start teaching your own sip and paint classes, you can get your parties started ASAP using my quick-start guide. Grab it below and join our group of merry art makers.</span><br />
<br />
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-70818483017668313692017-07-24T15:10:00.001-04:002018-05-11T12:08:18.675-04:00Learn to Make Memory Wire Bracelets<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTqWWnWqbz6aX3b49Q9Yoo2UNNd0tXYfOpD6HTMp51TzZnDPwGq_u_U9mtxsHN5-AEbLYZoG_lcswzPX3azg5IhyJVIHdQ-wDdUR9nHaArnoj9KdcxViXuWJInDHFI3tPyAD-6UwNKa8/s1600/Skillshare+cover+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTqWWnWqbz6aX3b49Q9Yoo2UNNd0tXYfOpD6HTMp51TzZnDPwGq_u_U9mtxsHN5-AEbLYZoG_lcswzPX3azg5IhyJVIHdQ-wDdUR9nHaArnoj9KdcxViXuWJInDHFI3tPyAD-6UwNKa8/s640/Skillshare+cover+page.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Learn to Make Memory Wire Bracelets Online</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;">
</h1>
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<tr><td class="m_4026263094230966906mcnTextContent" valign="top"><h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;">
I
finally did it. The thing I had been putting off forever, making
excuses about and coming up with 100 other things to do instead.</h1>
<h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;">
</h1>
I created my first ONLINE class and I posted it to Skillshare this past Friday.<br />
<br />
I didn't really know what I was doing, and yep, the day it went live, I
realized that one of the videos had this doofy little clip hanging on at
the end that should have been cut out. The lighting isn't the greatest
and I say "um" and "so" a lot, but it's a start. I can work on those
parts for the next class and although it was scary and not easy, I know
this was a hurdle I had to get over and just get it done.<br />
<br />
If you've ever thought of recording an online class, I encourage you to
put it out there-doofiness and all. You will get better and learn as you
go. I've already learned a ton from experiments with lighting,
recording, re-recording, trying to keep my daughter and husband and dog
out of the room while recording, shaking the table, muting the sound
accidentally-it's been an adventure!<br />
<br />
Do it even if you hate the sound of your voice, or your hair looks weird
or your hands look wrinkly or whatever. Don't listen to the voice that
tells you all the reasons why you shouldn't and comes up with all the
other-things-you-could-be-doing-instead, like oh, you know, folding
laundry or scrubbing the toilet. Do those things that scare you and do
them as quickly as you can. Fear feeds on time spent thinking about it.<br />
<br />
If you've ever wanted to learn how to make memory wire bracelets (like
the photo above-you can enable the images or view it in your browser) or
if you're curious about Skillshare, please stop in and check out my
class.<br />
<br />
If you <a href="http://skl.sh/2tn4nZn" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">use my link</a>,
you will get 2 free months of Skillshare and you can cancel anytime (so
you can watch my video and then cancel if you want.) I get $10 for
every person who signs up with my link and then I get paid for how many
minutes my videos are watched, that's how Skillshare works.<br />
<br />
If you're curious about Skillshare as a teaching platform, I'll be
sharing more of my experience as I go along. I've joined it myself as a
student and I've been having a blast watching some of the other
classes-there are some really good art, jewelry making and business
classes on there and I will share some of my favorites in an upcoming
post.<br />
<br />
For now, if you'd like to view the whole class, just <a href="http://skl.sh/2tn4nZn" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">click right here </a>and it will take you there.<br />
<br />
Enjoy your free class and maybe think about making one of your own?<br />
<br />
Happy Learning,<br />
Kelly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-43141343657152169762017-05-06T09:37:00.000-04:002017-05-06T09:37:07.616-04:00Adding Texture and Patina to Metal<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wanted to show you the projects we've been working on in our Jewelry 102 Class. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My inspiration
for these earrings was from a tutorial I saw in Belle Armoire Jewelry
magazine this month by Kathy Combs. She did a lot of etching in her
demos, which I did not do, but her tutorial on making the paint, as well
as how to make your own enameled head pins motivated me to give them a
try. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here are my versions:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkGvelfBsTgzu74pTqI9B6cXwvQebvToh1bOioIQZFrEMjgndCIa1iD8OrxYbV9UOvGH2B1I1Eng1hh4rTVGrZAuAlFdQPpGvbSlucmzOl5f_O_d5wMfc7iHtr6LMTzeNh78omvzSTyo/s1600/Green+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkGvelfBsTgzu74pTqI9B6cXwvQebvToh1bOioIQZFrEMjgndCIa1iD8OrxYbV9UOvGH2B1I1Eng1hh4rTVGrZAuAlFdQPpGvbSlucmzOl5f_O_d5wMfc7iHtr6LMTzeNh78omvzSTyo/s640/Green+7.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EM1lO4jRR6asqF7huJ4xAAkAL6cfKtor_W4vLYW4O2gfzIvvIr7OsyChQFTmF7tucmSF7kEFlKcY53FRt177M6w4kC_zy4xGbbWZ0VhHb8Uk3V4TDg6p4OGU7uSDhdtWEUAje7fsUTw/s1600/IMG_4497+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EM1lO4jRR6asqF7huJ4xAAkAL6cfKtor_W4vLYW4O2gfzIvvIr7OsyChQFTmF7tucmSF7kEFlKcY53FRt177M6w4kC_zy4xGbbWZ0VhHb8Uk3V4TDg6p4OGU7uSDhdtWEUAje7fsUTw/s640/IMG_4497+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iWpGLxjzieN5N20fp6ket2vhG0U4ruLFoOIDkqUhvMIkGZpiKoiD0Gg1LKBG-IhdMb0xYqdbUfHnEVYcQMC8SOmoy9wL6ZA-X2f3Hr5DBfq0TFF7Ysz4FadGBxvB8qgq8_zy-re92m4/s1600/IMG_4477.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iWpGLxjzieN5N20fp6ket2vhG0U4ruLFoOIDkqUhvMIkGZpiKoiD0Gg1LKBG-IhdMb0xYqdbUfHnEVYcQMC8SOmoy9wL6ZA-X2f3Hr5DBfq0TFF7Ysz4FadGBxvB8qgq8_zy-re92m4/s640/IMG_4477.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">These are hand cut from pure copper sheet metal and then filed, sanded and run through the Sizzix Big Kick Machine using an embossing folder.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We then punch holes and add color. We are using Ranger Patina's in class, but you can also make your own using a 50-50 mixture of craft paint and vinegar until you get a milky consistency. The turquoise earrings in the center are made using the paint mixture.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm also now obsessed! with making enameled headpins. SO FUN! Must order more opaque enamels though, my stash is mostly transparent and they don't show up well on the headpins.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For the enameled headpins, you make a balled headpin with your microtorch (I used sterling silver) and then dip the hot ball of metal in the enamel powder, torch it again and dip again until you get the size head pin you are looking for. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I will try and make a quick video very soon to demonstrate how to make the headpins. You can see mine above in the turquoise photo as well. The little blue headpins are peeking out from the bottom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm really happy with how these earrings came out. They're time consuming to make, but I think the result is well worth it. I'll be making a variety of Spring Colors to send out to stores and will be posting them in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HaveAllThisJewelry" target="_blank">Etsy store</a> too. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Is there something you would like to learn how to make? Have questions? Leave a comment and let me know. </span><br />
<br />Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-83085732647126401982017-03-14T18:03:00.000-04:002017-03-15T19:22:06.726-04:0015 Free and Low-Cost Places to Host Workshops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYstYScRTnXB70Nce1PVHo3hnkX2XIZc6bH7t-z57bCFy3TdDX5YgEUYseuHe1U09xQI05RSb0kCddJxziB-XrEakWXS2-VU607vFIPDJXrFQIxxazRPWb-0iG5Gu-uB7bw5HvhjXj960/s1600/Low+Cost+Workshops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYstYScRTnXB70Nce1PVHo3hnkX2XIZc6bH7t-z57bCFy3TdDX5YgEUYseuHe1U09xQI05RSb0kCddJxziB-XrEakWXS2-VU607vFIPDJXrFQIxxazRPWb-0iG5Gu-uB7bw5HvhjXj960/s640/Low+Cost+Workshops.jpg" width="491" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been teaching art and jewelry classes in Syracuse for a few years now and I've learned to be creative about finding space to host classes and workshops. Keeping the cost of the space low, helps increase your profit for each class.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is a list of places I have held classes, to get your own ideas flowing.</span></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Skype or Zoom-</b>You can use these platforms to teach live classes to people who don't live in your area. It makes it a little trickier than actually being in the room with someone, but totally do-able.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Private Lessons in Student's Homes</b>-I offer private lessons and will travel to people's homes to teach. I used to offer 1:1 classes, but now I just do groups, as it wasn't cost effective to do private lessons.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In a Library</b>-I currently co-host a Mixed-Media Art Exchange Group in a Public Library. We use the space for free and are on their calendar too, so sometimes we get walk-ins from the public who saw it on the calendar.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In a College Activity Center</b>-I teach a class once a year for graduating seniors at a local college. I could also approach local colleges, particularly over the summer, to see if space is available to host a class. Some have space that is available to rent to the public.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I<b>n a Non-Profit Agency</b>-I host a local class at a non-profit agency. If you're offering a fund-raiser for a group, they often have space you can use for your class.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In a YURT in the woods.</b> OK, so these aren't generally available, but I'm lucky enough to have friends who have an outdoor classroom, called a Yurt, that they let me use for classes. We host an annual Yurt Yoga and Painting class there and I've also done kids classes there as well.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In a Restaurant</b>-I stumbled on a restaurant/gift shop that has an adorable little cottage and patio in the back, complete with plants and shade-the perfect Artists Cottage. I asked if I could host an event there and we worked out a deal for a 1/2 day painting workshop that included lunch, tea and dessert.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In an Art Co-op</b>. If you're a part of an art co-op, chances are they host classes or have considered it. Start a conversation and see where it goes. I host MANY of my classes in art co-ops I belong to. The added bonus is that people can see the work you sell and the co-ops help to promote the class and take registrations.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In a Church</b>-They often have community rooms available for public use for free, donation or low cost.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I<b>n your own home</b>-I have offered small classes and private lessons in my home every now and then. This can be a good place to get started.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In a Field or Park</b>-Set up a tent in a field or rent a pav<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">illion in a park </span>and teach outside in the fair weather months</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In a Gift Shop</b>-I teach art classes in a small gift shop. The owner moves items to the side and sets up small 2 to 4 person tables to make for a cozy teaching space.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In a Community Center</b>-I've rented space in a community center for very low cost. Lots of parking, accessibility and space.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In a High School Art Room</b>-I teach through a local Adult Education program offered by my school district and we use one of the Art Rooms for our class. This is actually ideal for our class and works out great.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In a garage</b>-I've both taught and taken classes held in garages. This is not unusual for jewelry making with torches or painting with messy splashing and spraying. I've also used a friend's driveway, come to think of it, and the neighbor's dog stopped over and peed on the paintings while they were drying..<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">good <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and memorable times!</span></span> </span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you found these ideas helpful, you may be interested in my <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">latest </span>project, <b>"Teaching Creative<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">,<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"</span></span></b> my new website<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span>I'm gathering<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>posts on teaching, interviewing creative teachers and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">providing tons of information</span> for creative entrepreneurs (like you<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">!)</span> who want to add <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">classes, workshops, courses or retreats</span> to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">your</span> business<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can grab the free worksheet: "32 Ways to Earn Income Teaching What You Love" and get more tips and info. on teaching your own courses, right to your inbox. Sign up below to be the first to see Teaching Creative it when it goes live and to kick-start your own classes.</span></span><br />
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-12635683481957882552017-02-15T17:33:00.000-05:002017-02-16T18:59:03.956-05:00Toying with the Idea of Buying a Sip and Paint Franchise?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you've been thinking about teaching Wine and Paint Classes, then the idea of purchasing a franchise may have crossed your mind at one time or another.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Businesses like Painting with a Twist, the first and largest paint and sip franchise in the US, have good track records of success. Painting with a Twist has maintained its spot as the nation’s top franchise in the industry. It ranked as the #1 Paint and Sip Studio in <i>Entrepreneur</i> magazine’s 38<sup>th</sup> Annual Franchise 500® edition, for the fourth year in a row. (Read the full article <a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170111005844/en/Painting-Twist-Leads-Paint-Sip-Category-Entrepreneur" target="_blank">here.)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The support and success can be tempting, but is a franchise right <i>for you?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few years back, an artist friend of mine started talking about opening a franchise for kids art classes, and with all due love and respect to her, I thought it was the WORST idea possible for her and here's why:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She is one of those people who never actually stops creating and just about everything she makes is spectacular. Having to limit herself to a franchise that tells you what to paint and how to paint it, would be like caging a hummingbird. She needs to fly and she needs to be in constant creative motion. It's my belief that a franchise would be too limiting to her creative spirit. Having to teach something a certain way (that isn't her way) is not something I can see her doing for very long-pretty sure she would go rogue and start spray painting the kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She doesn't want a "job" and she says she is not cut out for a job. She's an artist and she works when she feels like working. To have to show up at a studio and teach kids on a schedule, could quickly begin to feel like a job. In fact, franchising has been described as "buying yourself a job." All of the things she enjoys about her current lifestyle, would be gone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She was tempted by the "proven system" and the marketing support. She was tired of always having to work hard to drum up students for her (very unique and inspiring) classes when she did hold them. She wanted really, to be able to show up and teach and run a successful business that would support her financially. And maybe it would, but my concern was that it might just crush her free-spirited-art-loving self. I would not want to see her make a huge investment, only to feel imprisoned in a year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I suggested that if she wanted a franchise, she should start one
herself and be the franchiser, the parent company, not the franchisee. She's an original and she's someone who could figure it out and
then teach others how to do it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, what about you? Do you like a lot of structure, guidance, rules and systems? Do you want someone to tell you exactly what colors to paint your walls and what to paint during each class? There can be comfort in that. When you buy a franchise, you pay the franchisee to help you every step of the way and you exchange a great deal of control (and money) for this support. I've never owned a franchise, but I expect it's like having a business coach who keeps you on track and guides you so you succeed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's perfect for some people and not so good for others, like my friend. If you're thinking of buying a franchise, do your due diligence:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Find out if there are openings (or territories) in your area </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ask for a list of other owners you can talk to. Have a list of questions ready for them and talk to at least 3. Try to get a good sense of what a day in the life of an owner is like.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Visit a location and take a class with one of the franchisees</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Get the structure and the vibe before you commit and make sure it's a good match with your style </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Know the full costs, both start-up and ongoing </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Decide if you want a location based franchise, like Painting with a Twist or a Community Based Option like Paint Nite. Each type has their pros and cons. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ready to dive in and do some research? Here are some of the top franchises in the industry from the 2017 Entrepreneur Magazine. Each link will take you to a summary of the franchise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/paintingwithatwist/334288" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Initial Investment $89K-$143K</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/pinotspalette/334115" target="_blank">Pinot's Palette</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Initial Investment $77K-$197K</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/bottlebottega/334331" target="_blank">Bottle and Bottega</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Initial Investment $97K-158K</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/winedesign/334439" target="_blank">Wine and Design</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">$46K-$95K</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you're more like me, you would rather earn extra income on the side teaching wine and paint classes in your community or your own studio than run a full-out franchise business. You want to do it your way and you might do other things as well. These classes can be easy to get going on your own, you don't have to commit your life savings to buy a job you might not enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trying it on your own first, might be a good way to test the waters to see if you even need the support of a franchise. Maybe what you are able to book and fill with happy students on your own, is all you actually need.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you want to quickly get started with the do-it-yourself version <a href="http://www.haveallthis.com/p/blog-page_3268.html" target="_blank">contact me right here</a> for a free, 20 minute, laser focused coaching call (no worries, I'm not selling anything and I could potentially save you 100K.) We'll review where you are right now, answer any questions you have and brainstorm ideas to get your class out of your head and onto the calendar. Getting that date booked will get you into action mode faster than anything else can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">or</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If email is more your style, grab the free worksheet and start working toward "Getting Your First Class Booked in the Next 30 Days" and start making it happen!
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<br />Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-18639374649050933962017-02-08T16:30:00.001-05:002017-02-27T08:42:14.003-05:007 Hacks for Teaching Wine and Paint Classes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2m0ZJjjane4nYkK9NLmb2BAsxH1CqEYNHcWEXl7Fw8DPP4AoT_Bp4yaPCC9npnaMiI5W9JQ6_xOoGiXaUreRAbtKJ6AoY5SuDnS9HtS0DucPmq1Qk1gMQDJfGxp05H8qR-aY5cLmwmc/s1600/Teaching+Wine+and+Paint+Classes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2m0ZJjjane4nYkK9NLmb2BAsxH1CqEYNHcWEXl7Fw8DPP4AoT_Bp4yaPCC9npnaMiI5W9JQ6_xOoGiXaUreRAbtKJ6AoY5SuDnS9HtS0DucPmq1Qk1gMQDJfGxp05H8qR-aY5cLmwmc/s640/Teaching+Wine+and+Paint+Classes.jpg" width="588" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I sometimes teach BIG classes of 30+ students eager to paint. That's a lot of canvas and materials to transport, so I've <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">devised</span> ways to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">save time, money and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the amount of stuff to haul.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am not naturally organized, so this process has evolved from trial and error over the years. Here are some things you may find helpful as you set up your own wine and paint classes:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#1: <b>Bring help</b> <b>for larger classes</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span> Have a friend<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>or older child join you to help with set up, tear down and assist students during class. It typically takes me about an hour to set up for a larger class, including bringing things in from the car, laying the tablecloths down and preparing each station with easels, canvas, paints, brushes, water cups and paper towels. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having an extra set of hands is needed to keep this to about an hour as well as to assist students during the class with extra paint, getting fresh water and answering questions. You may want to ask your assistant to take photos during and after class too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#2: <b>Pre-dispense the paints</b> based on the sample. I prefer to pre-dispense paints on paper plates because it saves time and paint but I also love when people get creative. Students who want different choices can come up to the table and add their extra choices to the pre-dispensed options. This is not exactly a money saving option, but I love when people get really into it and want to branch out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#3: <b>Set up drying stations </b>with regular old hairdryers, to speed the process between layers. Students can take their painting over and dry the layer they just finished. Make sure to put something down to protect the surface of the drying station as well. This keeps the class moving, especially if you need something dry before you can move on to the next stage. I like to paint in layers and my students love this <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">too.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#4: <b>Make it easy to see the finished painting.</b> I print out mini-versions of my painting on my computer before class and place one at each station. In larger classes the students may not be able to see the example you have on display, so this way they have it at their seat to refer to. I got this idea from a class I attended myself and my students seem to really like it too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">option is to ask the students to take a photo on their phone to keep at their station. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Certainly less work on your part<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to ach<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ieve the same result.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#5: <b>Consolidate Supplies. </b>I transport my loose supplies in 2 plastic bins with lids. Aprons and easels go in one bin<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. P</span>aints, brushes, cups, paper plates<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span>towels<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and</span> tablecloths in the other one. The canvas are separate. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I always pack extra supplies, just in case more people show up or something happens to a canvas. Extra paint, paper towels, paper plates and canvas will keep your mind at ease and you won't stress about running out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wondering where to buy supplies? Here is <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a post on <a href="http://www.haveallthis.com/2016/05/where-to-buy-art-supplies-for-your.html" target="_blank">where I buy ever</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.haveallthis.com/2016/05/where-to-buy-art-supplies-for-your.html" target="_blank">ything</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#6: <b>Make Clean-Up Quick. </b>I take large, gallon<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-</span>size zip<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">l</span>ock plastic bags for quick clean up. The paint brushes go in a zip-lock to clean at home after class. The paint water gets dumped and the plastic cups go into a plastic grocery bag to also be washed at home. I take trash bags to make garbage removal easy. Depending on the condition of the tablecloths when your students are done, I may keep them or toss them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#7: <b>Collect aprons before students leave</b>. I ask students to take off their aprons and put them on the back of their chairs. It's bes<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t to do this before photos. </span>Aprons have a tendency to walk out during the larger classes, because people forget they have them on and get very caught up in the excitement of sharing their work and taking photos at the end of class. It's good to issue the reminder to insure you get them back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ready to start teaching your own classes? G<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rab th<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e</span> </span></span>free worksheet <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"G</span>et <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Y</span>our <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">F</span>irst <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">C</span>lass <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">B</span>ooked in the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">N</span>ext 30 <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">D</span>ays.</span></span><br />
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-38751204969885872292017-01-30T13:16:00.001-05:002017-01-30T13:16:15.951-05:00Daily Creative Update-Painting!<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of you have been wondering if I've been keeping up with my daily creative practice and the answer is YES! but not in exactly the way that I wanted to.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been making something every day, whether it's painting, drawing/sketching, making jewelry or writing. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Posting</b> regularly hasn't worked for me and here's why: </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I started consistently posting my art work, I started to feel like I had to make art that was post-worthy. That it had to be a certain quality or at a certain stage before I could share it. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">THIS is exactly the type of thinking that shuts creativity down and shrivels her up. She does not want to make things for you to comment on or not comment on (she sees that as judgement and judgement<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">=</span>poison.) She wants to be free to make whatever she wants, even if it's ugly. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If I start trying to mak<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e</span> art that's just pleasing, I will get stuck in a trap that usually leads to not making any art at all.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's what makes feedback hard for artists. That's what makes selling our work hard too. If you say you like something or you buy along certain lines that we make, we tend to get stuck in only making that type of work, because it's what "works well" or what's "successful" or "what sells". That keeps us from branching out, expanding and taking our work in totally different directions (think of actors who get typecast in certain roles-it makes it harder to break out and do something totally different.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That doesn't mean we don't seek your praise (because we LOVE it) or want you to buy our work (that's why we put it up for sale in the first place.) It's just that creativity can be a fragile thing and we need to recognize when we're falling into patterns that can silence her.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So my plan is to keep on creating daily and then share whatever ends up feeling sharable-that feels much better.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are some things that I've been playing around with lately:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u3umUzii9DhKAKFr7wv_qGOKz4ihs5PRlY0-QXqkzOrodp8BYGKWhSs6kvScmVq3xPxF0XvjjqxdeAgZLVhzxc78xx7vm8McdKs7K5_f0xAfo7sP14Hu2HHbuZ5l_tzbNH0Hb05Gwho/s1600/Arcylic+and+oil+pastel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u3umUzii9DhKAKFr7wv_qGOKz4ihs5PRlY0-QXqkzOrodp8BYGKWhSs6kvScmVq3xPxF0XvjjqxdeAgZLVhzxc78xx7vm8McdKs7K5_f0xAfo7sP14Hu2HHbuZ5l_tzbNH0Hb05Gwho/s640/Arcylic+and+oil+pastel.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I love how chunky and textural the oil pastels make this.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYm3A3FKLqxZmsDx1sH6fkWROO3weEpn37ONQvcG6Ns2Fx2ghP4HEEq6Tdp_VXGlImmjzzKDqUDTh-tOA_Pe0aILesN3RZp9xSe1WGiAYbee8rDGxKJIviZ8-fnDu0QHYRMcjW8Oe1oE0/s1600/Acrylic+and+oil+pastel-woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYm3A3FKLqxZmsDx1sH6fkWROO3weEpn37ONQvcG6Ns2Fx2ghP4HEEq6Tdp_VXGlImmjzzKDqUDTh-tOA_Pe0aILesN3RZp9xSe1WGiAYbee8rDGxKJIviZ8-fnDu0QHYRMcjW8Oe1oE0/s640/Acrylic+and+oil+pastel-woman.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> This has several layers of paint and pastels.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been adding oil pastels over my acrylic paint and I'm loving the vibrant color and creamy texture it adds. I can't imagine why I never got too into this before? It's especially satisfying on my art journal covers. They seem to have a great texture for it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This past weekend I attended a wine and paint class. This is a<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lways a bit strange for me because I teach them, but I always learn something f<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rom how the instructor presents that helps me make impro<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">vements or gives me new info<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rmation to share with people interested in <a href="http://www.haveallthis.com/p/wine-teacher.html" target="_blank">teaching wine and paint classes. </a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cyc3WTGwqpAX8Gq1x_MkhPoD47sjvoNUJoV2VqWZP80VEZSxc1LlIbQXF65lBkWqKzMOGzZESCU25t04mBsB8K5duJNyf1tXjNdKwvIS5x-j0WA3w5x4K33C9SRJn5NPOK21rTu6FU4/s1600/Painting+Class-Trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cyc3WTGwqpAX8Gq1x_MkhPoD47sjvoNUJoV2VqWZP80VEZSxc1LlIbQXF65lBkWqKzMOGzZESCU25t04mBsB8K5duJNyf1tXjNdKwvIS5x-j0WA3w5x4K33C9SRJn5NPOK21rTu6FU4/s640/Painting+Class-Trees.jpg" width="464" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During this class, we had only a few colors to work with, w<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hich was a great practice for making do. It made my creative self all squ<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">irmy because I wanted pur<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ple and magenta and ora<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nge! But I had blue and green, black and white. At the end, we <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">got a little yellow. So, with just a few colors to work with, I got busy mixing and blending and cr<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">eating lighter and darker tones.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think I will <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">use this as a sample pa<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">inting for one of my own classes, as it does<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> not look like the teacher's demo. painting and really is my own creation.</span></span></span> I act<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ually do have a similar pa<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">inting that I use in my classes that has a cat sitting on one of the li<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">mbs.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-12313988017073647182017-01-10T18:52:00.002-05:002017-01-10T18:52:53.196-05:00Daily Creative Day 9: Reflections<span style="font-size: large;">My daily creative practice is not meant to create masterpieces. My intention is to explore, try new techniques and colors. To just do fun, relaxing, no pressure warm-ups to remind myself why I started creating in the first place.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio13p9pcrKAlaiG921C731Ie25MuSJgh6EDnKfUukfmfhI0npl95xGj8FSui7sG6hn2FdZ8UYLsNw3AwmrcbR_T76EKZVGhDUraMJmWriBp4dC52NtoYIklBSEeF0oKckjwVhyk4pbXsQ/s1600/abstract1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio13p9pcrKAlaiG921C731Ie25MuSJgh6EDnKfUukfmfhI0npl95xGj8FSui7sG6hn2FdZ8UYLsNw3AwmrcbR_T76EKZVGhDUraMJmWriBp4dC52NtoYIklBSEeF0oKckjwVhyk4pbXsQ/s640/abstract1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I like the results. Sometimes I like a little part of the results. Mostly, I want to let go of liking and not liking and focus on how I feel when I paint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In today's painting, I wanted to explore using colors I don't usually use. I was mixing Liquitex Soft Body paints together to see what new shades I could uncover.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is not my normal palette as you will see if you take a quick scroll through my blog. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCVDhaJKvTADQiPaYLk59Wxjs2qpxATC-JtWevD6Cwvekq5QKbD_JgGwTCGh9_Z0gyoJHr2Vltt_qEtGLyrfr38tcXk8dQG3jnESsP29seQyseVa9aWXG2xpLQW9r2ueGcZ8KrP6mhDg/s1600/Abstract.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCVDhaJKvTADQiPaYLk59Wxjs2qpxATC-JtWevD6Cwvekq5QKbD_JgGwTCGh9_Z0gyoJHr2Vltt_qEtGLyrfr38tcXk8dQG3jnESsP29seQyseVa9aWXG2xpLQW9r2ueGcZ8KrP6mhDg/s640/Abstract.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I'm taking away from this practice is the grays, peach and yellows that particularly strike me. I'm going to use these colors in something else. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was happily blobbing some of the paint on one side of the page and then smushing the pages together, creating the mirror effect that you can see in spots. I then added some lines and shapes around the spread. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is my art journal which is my place to experiment and be free. I love that I never know what's going to happen and I just keep following urges I have, like smushing the pages together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I approach it with the knowing that I cannot mess it up and I don't care what it looks like. This lumpy face makes me happy because I made it with glee and without the judgy voice in my head chanting its song.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you let go of what it looks like and just paint for the sake of exploration? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It may just take your art in a totally new direction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-63258421593525230132017-01-09T17:51:00.002-05:002017-01-09T18:16:10.478-05:00Daily Creative Day 8: Zentangle<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've been playing around with this creature. I've been using the different sized micron pens to practice making lines and shapes to see what the pens can do. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLencyEFZSGd6TiCNGpE9Qq3wuxA1zPCIv05HuzMPq_KXwgHXFDOv97_K5jEY3fPQEmOd85vZohfUpqOAuzAyas-TT2t3gWXYkprUmIM_LlVadqRz4uShDiRy35HGqY5G-XKXb3mAJdrM/s1600/zentangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLencyEFZSGd6TiCNGpE9Qq3wuxA1zPCIv05HuzMPq_KXwgHXFDOv97_K5jEY3fPQEmOd85vZohfUpqOAuzAyas-TT2t3gWXYkprUmIM_LlVadqRz4uShDiRy35HGqY5G-XKXb3mAJdrM/s640/zentangle.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The lighting on the bottom is quite awful</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are some close ups with better light.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wasn't trying to make anything particular, but it came out looking like some sort of twisted creature.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIHD5zk8tu9MlhUB3DBMcGG4smJpUDab0W4vrocQtUTAt8dZPmO3bxFKB7QsM4ejk5DIx2lNjU22ionbSeaaj-JxUP6hRAysNz-fCUVEjxc_RSNDrl2KhzVmSJKLU2jUQVJBNvHI1pkU/s1600/zentangle+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIHD5zk8tu9MlhUB3DBMcGG4smJpUDab0W4vrocQtUTAt8dZPmO3bxFKB7QsM4ejk5DIx2lNjU22ionbSeaaj-JxUP6hRAysNz-fCUVEjxc_RSNDrl2KhzVmSJKLU2jUQVJBNvHI1pkU/s640/zentangle+closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_O1aeLOnBDqqgP1cSqYalgm83PjgOeWHv92njkbiRhFWZgPkjf38_5It6uqoK8qYSDhK7rxhRgpVm5eJ2N3T5BD80JR4XcFAgZOUqOZMeNJBvjFs8eVSQUk-EiEyAg5VXk7sTwI6wIsw/s1600/zen+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_O1aeLOnBDqqgP1cSqYalgm83PjgOeWHv92njkbiRhFWZgPkjf38_5It6uqoK8qYSDhK7rxhRgpVm5eJ2N3T5BD80JR4XcFAgZOUqOZMeNJBvjFs8eVSQUk-EiEyAg5VXk7sTwI6wIsw/s640/zen+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNBy7Pca0PpBdVm5w2eAAmvoQVelKUN4opQ7x5jG2C4FcYcYzWNGR-sMDkqwW-W-9Qy7hmDl1Vec4PZts3l85HTGCj9ZAL_dd6YPvPTMD9mV-eK_CRKqPRpXAvgEuAXXeV_OdhySDmcM/s1600/zen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNBy7Pca0PpBdVm5w2eAAmvoQVelKUN4opQ7x5jG2C4FcYcYzWNGR-sMDkqwW-W-9Qy7hmDl1Vec4PZts3l85HTGCj9ZAL_dd6YPvPTMD9mV-eK_CRKqPRpXAvgEuAXXeV_OdhySDmcM/s640/zen+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This isn't really a true zentangle, but it had the same effect on me. Drawing repetitive shapes and patterns can lull you into a peaceful state (no wine required although if it's a good Zin I'll make an exception.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Zentangle is a process I used a lot when I taught kids. We would find large rocks and create zentangles on them with colored sharpies. It's low pressure because it's just repeating a pattern, so it takes away some of the fear of not being good at art.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking away the fear, helps adults get back into art making too, so if you've never tried it, just google "How to Zentangle" and you will find lots of resources. These are also used in a lot of coloring books for adults that are out there. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some people (like my friend Shirley) create incredibly detailed art using repeating patterns. It can take many, many, many hours to get into that much detail but the results are impressive.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's an <a href="http://craftwhack.com/zentangle/">easy tutorial</a> from Craftwhack to get you started.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can also find out more on the official Zentangle <a href="https://www.zentangle.com/?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=99">website.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here Are Some of the Benefits copied from their website:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li>Relaxation</li>
<li>Simple and quick access to mindfulness</li>
<li>Non-verbal journalling</li>
<li>Insomnia (Improved sleep by creating Zentangle art before bedtime)</li>
<li>Self-esteem</li>
<li>Inspiration</li>
<li>Panic attacks (For fear of flying, creating Zentangle art during takeoff and landing)</li>
<li>Modify behavior</li>
<li>Being part of a supportive and fun community</li>
<li>Create beautiful works of art</li>
<li>Nurture and develop creative abilities</li>
<li>Relieve stress</li>
<li>Improve eye/hand coordination</li>
<li>Develop/rehabilitate fine motor skills</li>
<li>Team building and group focus</li>
<li>Therapy</li>
<li>Anger management</li>
<li>Addiction therapy tool</li>
<li>Diet aide</li>
<li>Early artist development and appreciation</li>
<li>Increase attention span and ability to concentrate</li>
<li>Home schooling</li>
<li>Brainstorming</li>
<li>Problem Solving</li>
<li>Design inspiration</li>
<li>Stretching and warm-up for artists</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So you can use this as a 15 minute warm-up<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span>to help <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">get on an airplane<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span>when someone cuts you off in traffic or when you feel t<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he need to eat every cookie in the house</span>. </span>That's a pretty <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">versatile </span>tool to keep in your back pocket<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy tangling<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and fee<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">l free to share if you've tried this, like it, hate it or lost 30 pounds using it.</span></span></span></span></span>Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-25448868572075397422017-01-08T18:27:00.001-05:002017-01-08T18:59:19.894-05:00Daily Creative: Collaborative Painting <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Creating daily is one challenge, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">getting my <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">creations posted</span></span> is another. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK_suGPZ705dEFcyMxBoXeT9GE24HeYTiDKqFd3z7zQexPRJkFn7UXQfvQ_PEeS4stKit5RXGRf2e7aXvkkTEMVyjWvTlAyEz3h73KaGPhFzomf0kSJ7boOMvcchzf8AV2IGm_vAckFw/s1600/Collaborative+Painting+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK_suGPZ705dEFcyMxBoXeT9GE24HeYTiDKqFd3z7zQexPRJkFn7UXQfvQ_PEeS4stKit5RXGRf2e7aXvkkTEMVyjWvTlAyEz3h73KaGPhFzomf0kSJ7boOMvcchzf8AV2IGm_vAckFw/s640/Collaborative+Painting+text.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a collaborative canvas that I started many moons ago with my friend <a href="http://www.shannoncrandall.com/">Shannon Crandall</a>. We worked on it together during a mini-painting retreat that we held in Baldwinsville, NY<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and I was charged with finishing it. I have not yet finished it.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxxTSLbieqdAhm6Oj0uEhKBqXGf-kYvZ5Wc9_hEur1AgDM0NkR8rtr3a47TsDcE6TFB2q-UtqpLVE9e7OBIYGasojTB04WCPcdu8jXaiwNlkgh78CMeZUI0M9EgK6fHX16vHET-K9o1I/s1600/Collaborative+Painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxxTSLbieqdAhm6Oj0uEhKBqXGf-kYvZ5Wc9_hEur1AgDM0NkR8rtr3a47TsDcE6TFB2q-UtqpLVE9e7OBIYGasojTB04WCPcdu8jXaiwNlkgh78CMeZUI0M9EgK6fHX16vHET-K9o1I/s640/Collaborative+Painting.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've painted over this many times but the spirit of Shannon are still underneath the layers<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span>The upside down tree in the top left is hers.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVWb3cB9HCecEkAJFzjr_GSuC6wb5fAXy4Bp2Db1VtJtwIcWpClZ89nEcWH4g56DIv8v02AA0-2CCX2_NdUqj9xI-oF7SBdZk91y17JT_qQnVh8isFZrGpyyzK1J3yLrv7Ju6hEjFtA4/s1600/Collaborative+Painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVWb3cB9HCecEkAJFzjr_GSuC6wb5fAXy4Bp2Db1VtJtwIcWpClZ89nEcWH4g56DIv8v02AA0-2CCX2_NdUqj9xI-oF7SBdZk91y17JT_qQnVh8isFZrGpyyzK1J3yLrv7Ju6hEjFtA4/s640/Collaborative+Painting.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a closer view of it:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fmsN2z62FCvYVt_HvV6ExicceWey8c8keoLe8o_YCBNQvgQj3twzPW5IWkeI_PVKBP1yZsQrYVgvWyUFQl3JJK4cHZbMGvnXpNH04u4ivN7jPdGIJYgauz_LTgNhZ2pQPx5Ym_BaE74/s1600/Shannon%2527s+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fmsN2z62FCvYVt_HvV6ExicceWey8c8keoLe8o_YCBNQvgQj3twzPW5IWkeI_PVKBP1yZsQrYVgvWyUFQl3JJK4cHZbMGvnXpNH04u4ivN7jPdGIJYgauz_LTgNhZ2pQPx5Ym_BaE74/s640/Shannon%2527s+Tree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span>here is still a blue space at the bottom of the can<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">vas</span> that is waiting for something to arise. It has been a bird<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and a branc<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">h and one day it will become something else <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">en<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tirely. I may just give it back to Shannon to work her magic on.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Working with someone on a painting is a <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">differ<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ent kind of challenge</span></span>. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first time I <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tried</span> this was in Sedon<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a, during my teacher training, where I painted with <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kim<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> aka: </span>The Dutchess of Orange. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At first <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was really nervous becaus<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e I wa<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s not confident in my painting skills<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span>but she quickly put me at ease by pai<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nting in all kin<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ds of creat<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">u<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">res that I could paint around.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think I may have eve<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n worked up the courage to add a creat<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ure of my own. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Working together with someone on a painting is a very personal and communal thing. It's a way of connecting that doesn't <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">typic<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ally happen in the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">no<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rmal course of a day. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For me <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">colla<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">borative painting is</span></span> kind of like a call and response. Shannon added something, I added something in response. (M<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ostly I tried not <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to wreck what she had <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">added</span>, but in the end<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, I paint<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ed over al<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">most all of it, except her tree.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I often as<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">k stu<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">dents in my classes to add something to som<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">eone elses <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">pa<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">inting. It<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> gets covered up, but it's a little hi<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">dden memory layered in. It makes them nervous<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> at first, but then they start to really get into it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHdj6DAKDu4TdeJM7tmxf-jy93YaRUXqfze4t4rvxpm6SubuFp4_QPA4MbkJEuD6iWAwUOzSIZp7HrYPpMYrK26C1fPzuf68zqwa_35yLVDUBQ26wMFBH-YMBSwL2UJS_Sd3-LdLSOcw/s1600/lotus+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHdj6DAKDu4TdeJM7tmxf-jy93YaRUXqfze4t4rvxpm6SubuFp4_QPA4MbkJEuD6iWAwUOzSIZp7HrYPpMYrK26C1fPzuf68zqwa_35yLVDUBQ26wMFBH-YMBSwL2UJS_Sd3-LdLSOcw/s640/lotus+closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hope you are <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">out there making delightful things<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> a<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nd if you get stuck, maybe invite someon<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e to come and co-creat<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e with you? You never know what might happen.</span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">~</span>Happy <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Creating!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">~</span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-14574994218690806532017-01-05T19:52:00.000-05:002017-01-05T19:52:51.755-05:00Daily Creative Day 5: Acrylic + Watercolor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSqdl1TTExUzPUYiiwZiC8laMEcvUDjFrRxsLvTVjBDzAdEbVYWrqNV-dV52Y8pxFikDzxcsxmjywzqHHXpLQoUQQqRXjT1AFM8mnx0cp_PI7uixMGcGPJg4le5qgPqem9IeNoz95qvA/s1600/15+minute+creative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSqdl1TTExUzPUYiiwZiC8laMEcvUDjFrRxsLvTVjBDzAdEbVYWrqNV-dV52Y8pxFikDzxcsxmjywzqHHXpLQoUQQqRXjT1AFM8mnx0cp_PI7uixMGcGPJg4le5qgPqem9IeNoz95qvA/s640/15+minute+creative.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't have to be hard. You don't have to drag out all the paints and the easel and the cups of water.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You just need a little basket of art making goodies to keep by the couch. Some watercolors, pens and a travel brush.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I take my little basket from the couch, to the dining room, to the kitchen, to the art studio. Then I can quickly throw a few items in a travel bag if I'm on the road too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Going to my studio takes me away from my family and the warm and toasty fire. I like to be around people when they're home, so I have found that this works for me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keeping everything convenient helps get rid of any excuses I've obviously been brewing up of why I haven't been painting.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm excited to see how this regular practice will transform my artwork. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJaYCpuYfc6YXaCvLdB0v_739AJwrGPN1tw3RBE-uxLO590q1FRVINkbN3SN6UiSOvIl2yiyWgG5cgtncdoOKuG7xHIy-hlvZ-D8dFY7b96pp3pLZDbbGwYygzzQicQtE1FcwIhf1y6g/s1600/Purple+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJaYCpuYfc6YXaCvLdB0v_739AJwrGPN1tw3RBE-uxLO590q1FRVINkbN3SN6UiSOvIl2yiyWgG5cgtncdoOKuG7xHIy-hlvZ-D8dFY7b96pp3pLZDbbGwYygzzQicQtE1FcwIhf1y6g/s640/Purple+flower.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These flowers were just purple flowers in acrylic paint, a little test I had done to practice the style in my journal. I added watercolors, Caran D'ache watercolor crayons and my Pitt pen. I did the outlining last with the pen last and I like the effect.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbKGjUI7aGBGv5NNvNSmcK9gshe7WBfkkXUYCqGE46c9z_e4wmkLwzPXYfmu4v71eRZRgcvmtF7PElHo1kCAUCF_excDWGKId10l0QyHYE8h1VKYIWSd8nwHD83C4KsrA90cXtPR8i3Q/s1600/IMG_3457+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbKGjUI7aGBGv5NNvNSmcK9gshe7WBfkkXUYCqGE46c9z_e4wmkLwzPXYfmu4v71eRZRgcvmtF7PElHo1kCAUCF_excDWGKId10l0QyHYE8h1VKYIWSd8nwHD83C4KsrA90cXtPR8i3Q/s640/IMG_3457+%25282%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Keep it close, keep it easy, keep it simple and watch what unfolds.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's keeping you from making art?</span></span><br />
Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-8123563901876174842017-01-04T17:55:00.001-05:002017-01-04T17:59:10.383-05:00Daily Creative Day 4: Pen and Ink Sketches<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 4! I've found that it is taking me longer to post these photos than it does for my creative practice, so I'm really developing two habits for the price of one. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One is creating for 15 minutes a day, the other is blogging daily. I've never written so many posts in such a short period of time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I wanted to share my pen and ink line drawings. These are my versions of the plants in my front window. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-VsTcJOVDlLs9pRofzRLmuN5mD622VU8EJuRXR6NL1DCtM0i_Kkg9lOsK1_B6nnV4mrTY2Fj02oXONYNUSYODKN0GQhbhK-_ydHO6hr0ULKBBt70okcDuCSpvP4lgsYj6FjS5bMMn4c/s1600/plants-all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-VsTcJOVDlLs9pRofzRLmuN5mD622VU8EJuRXR6NL1DCtM0i_Kkg9lOsK1_B6nnV4mrTY2Fj02oXONYNUSYODKN0GQhbhK-_ydHO6hr0ULKBBt70okcDuCSpvP4lgsYj6FjS5bMMn4c/s640/plants-all.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has been hard to take photos in the natural light because it has been so gray here in Central NY, so sorry about the wonky lighting.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just used my Micron Pens to do quick sketches of my plants.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHAh7EsiIUo32RM6ILWJWIQ-Iwp3Ahof50P0HhJ0xT47UgSF7zisQJpLV-fyMR7sjrvvJFrQTdBKhBbKyeyWNrUYzp3cW4Edh8Hu78lafEX8WflKzCQJUNRAoRM49Qi1YnDunDYNwdIE/s1600/plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHAh7EsiIUo32RM6ILWJWIQ-Iwp3Ahof50P0HhJ0xT47UgSF7zisQJpLV-fyMR7sjrvvJFrQTdBKhBbKyeyWNrUYzp3cW4Edh8Hu78lafEX8WflKzCQJUNRAoRM49Qi1YnDunDYNwdIE/s640/plant.jpg" width="412" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can't get too attached to pen and ink because there is no going back, no erasing. Once it's on there, it's staying put. You just have to go with it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I liked making the little upside down hearts on this Burrow's Tail. </span></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6w_l-j4Z-KQjk1xvUuhw8BDi-VdddxyO-TKKTBSCTIzsyQtcDDeFeQiLbYcunJJD0ol5zZnqkifpRjD5NETdgVRuxKsTCCuRDZcjBZWAvfas9VE_nDv7Sz-mUoS9fD9PXUu2-i5Tldg/s1600/hanging+plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6w_l-j4Z-KQjk1xvUuhw8BDi-VdddxyO-TKKTBSCTIzsyQtcDDeFeQiLbYcunJJD0ol5zZnqkifpRjD5NETdgVRuxKsTCCuRDZcjBZWAvfas9VE_nDv7Sz-mUoS9fD9PXUu2-i5Tldg/s640/hanging+plants.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not erasing anything makes the practice go much quicker. There is no second guessing, no decisions to make really. You just keep moving forward.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOWYJVN48xvCmVcc78KTiZixG9ZhGI6VStqGAKlKsmgwmONp1lCqscYYi5-KQu2R2QFGV6sE-2vM6otmPXbBhMMPd1aB8dqxE8qfCKPaMUcx0Wcmun-Xe8X9KIhZQgGxJspMk0phKnTY/s1600/plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOWYJVN48xvCmVcc78KTiZixG9ZhGI6VStqGAKlKsmgwmONp1lCqscYYi5-KQu2R2QFGV6sE-2vM6otmPXbBhMMPd1aB8dqxE8qfCKPaMUcx0Wcmun-Xe8X9KIhZQgGxJspMk0phKnTY/s640/plants.jpg" width="440" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't consider myself to be good at drawing but I actually had fun doing these little sketches. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Usually I don't sketch things I see, I just doodle whatever comes up. I don't like to be precise or realistic.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you can see, these are not precise or very realistic but they are my version, so they don't have to be. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now I'm trying to decide if I want to paint them with the watercolors or move on to something different?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For now it's off to make some jewelry for a customer, so happy creating! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ps: Have you started a daily practice? I would love to hear about it! Feel free to post about it in the comments below.</span></span>Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-8524050196480964502017-01-03T19:59:00.001-05:002017-01-03T20:18:28.820-05:00Daily Creative Day 3: Flower Doodles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bD5yGvk9WEv98Y2lzp6KS126Fp7WC3xtV8LrhnxBORzYO8fy5LQPDZTWjJR8v9qcfT09cmlNKjTycGkR7pOlb42FcTzfn1IS1c-VEPRhl2z6LgqHtTtdYnxnpTrPaQuOif7BwFrzq9I/s1600/Start+a+Creative+Practice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bD5yGvk9WEv98Y2lzp6KS126Fp7WC3xtV8LrhnxBORzYO8fy5LQPDZTWjJR8v9qcfT09cmlNKjTycGkR7pOlb42FcTzfn1IS1c-VEPRhl2z6LgqHtTtdYnxnpTrPaQuOif7BwFrzq9I/s640/Start+a+Creative+Practice.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Flowers are my favorite things to doodle. I love experimenting with the composition and colors.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTjXaa7n6JOHXxyrRXyu4-13vuU4OGIE-mvjMi640DZyJ8ppdRfOjMBgBt-8goFQy3OXmi_lkO5XPXpYcSg57qWtaiV3EEFQIVxnRwScdMUa556dtz8xEOzACsAngQMJgdlqBB3kvhyphenhyphenw/s1600/Doodle+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTjXaa7n6JOHXxyrRXyu4-13vuU4OGIE-mvjMi640DZyJ8ppdRfOjMBgBt-8goFQy3OXmi_lkO5XPXpYcSg57qWtaiV3EEFQIVxnRwScdMUa556dtz8xEOzACsAngQMJgdlqBB3kvhyphenhyphenw/s640/Doodle+flowers.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">These are so easy to do sitting by the fire with my art journal and my portable watercolor brush.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQBWks6kp_ydo5E_Pf272OmfTfgYSJFA7tLNMNGI-jEAnTjHoIHh4K_nbqn7PSk9vwJhksKz7zTHaMZ3Nu89YlACxrRdYdNg5krD1Ehb4l_luWrxvjmhJ9ts81MzyOlFRBu76ucwTOmo/s1600/whimsical+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQBWks6kp_ydo5E_Pf272OmfTfgYSJFA7tLNMNGI-jEAnTjHoIHh4K_nbqn7PSk9vwJhksKz7zTHaMZ3Nu89YlACxrRdYdNg5krD1Ehb4l_luWrxvjmhJ9ts81MzyOlFRBu76ucwTOmo/s640/whimsical+flowers.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I tried to stay very loose making these. I haven't really gotten the hang of layering the watercolors yet or smoothing them out so they aren't blotchy, but I will with more practice.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx4VIxVn7R-QNUsmbL7Tt1ypOUF8PQqVFTbIzjAIMZkNFd3ykSh2fuYL7Y9Woa4yb9KGqH1a3o1_4Wvr8iC-Ujfv1JxhOKCoQFDEWC2NAOcZuomnh1cpb29Kjn8kJoRJUv1M_sN8Hasg/s1600/orange+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx4VIxVn7R-QNUsmbL7Tt1ypOUF8PQqVFTbIzjAIMZkNFd3ykSh2fuYL7Y9Woa4yb9KGqH1a3o1_4Wvr8iC-Ujfv1JxhOKCoQFDEWC2NAOcZuomnh1cpb29Kjn8kJoRJUv1M_sN8Hasg/s640/orange+flower.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have you made a little time for your creativity today? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It doesn't have to be a big production. You don't have to set up your easel and pull out all the paints. It can be a simple journal and a tiny pan of paints. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make it easy+channel your inner 5 year old and you'll be on your way.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Check out <a href="http://www.haveallthis.com/2017/01/daily-creative-1-watercolor-flowers.html">Day 1</a> and <a href="http://www.haveallthis.com/2017/01/daily-creative-day-2-repeating-pattenns.html">Day </a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.haveallthis.com/2017/01/daily-creative-day-2-repeating-pattenns.html">2</a> for more ideas of easy activit<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ies to do in 15 minutes or less!)</span></span> </span></span></div>
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Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-10530723353602661572017-01-02T08:59:00.000-05:002017-01-02T08:59:54.265-05:00Daily Creative Day #2: Repeating Patterns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For Day 2 of Daily Creative, I thought I would share a fun, meditative, relaxing activity to do in front of the TV, sitting by the fire or <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">while you're on a trip. You don't need a lot of supplies<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for these<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> r</span></span></span>epeating Patterns that fill up a whole page. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I chose swirls for my first pattern<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, cause I love em.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sneak sw<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">irls in wherever I can and when I have a chance to just run w<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ild with them, well I'm gonna take it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW6bZjpXbUTWW7vDxM1GWNknKI_SNUbGDV_-WVYIBE-ykPqlzXJ7RVqRaSFi-4JNJaoHEjavu547gMDs405v3iKIWcPToPOBqgI8L971gX7oHZCY-GxkNJXUaHwb7aMEHdNNjQbzQCVo/s1600/swirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW6bZjpXbUTWW7vDxM1GWNknKI_SNUbGDV_-WVYIBE-ykPqlzXJ7RVqRaSFi-4JNJaoHEjavu547gMDs405v3iKIWcPToPOBqgI8L971gX7oHZCY-GxkNJXUaHwb7aMEHdNNjQbzQCVo/s640/swirls.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All you need is:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A small watercolor palette </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mixed media or watercolor paper </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fine tip, waterproof pens like sharpie markers, Pitt or Sakura Micron pens to make your swirls</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Small, easy, portable stuff that you can carry with you to get your creative time in wherever you are.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I spent a few minutes just filling the page with large swirls, small swirls, medium swirls with my Sakura pen. I honestly like how they all looked in just black and white, but since my intention is to explore using watercolor more, I decided to fill them in with paint. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You don't have to go with swirl<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s of course. The next one I did was my <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">balloons<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> that I lik<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e to make. I used my Cara<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n D'Ache water soluble pastels for this one. You just color them on like a crayon, and then go over them with plain old water on your brush<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-</span>I use a travel water<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">color b<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rush<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for this.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like how this has a festive, child-like fla<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ir. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thes<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">shapes </span>are a re-oc<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">curing theme in my artwork<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Sometimes they look like trees,<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> sometimes like stretched o<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ut balloons. They k<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">eep on popping up.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, what are you making today<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">?</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-8101563274198611602017-01-01T10:03:00.001-05:002017-01-01T14:34:40.669-05:00Daily Creative #1: Watercolor Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Welcome to Day 1 of Daily Creative! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is my new initiative to do something quick and creative every day, to establish my own daily practice. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'m committing to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">doing something each day that <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sha<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">kes me out of my normal <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">making</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-whe<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ther<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> its painting, drawing, art journaling<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, writing o<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r making jewelry. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My goal is 15 minutes a day<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> of something I don't normally do.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, here is my fir<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">st little exploration. I went to the Commercial Art Supply store (which <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is like my kind of <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">heaven!) and picked up a few new <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">supplies to play with<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Th<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e first was a new set of<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> watercolor paints. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(I bou<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ght Koi paints because I had tried them at a friends and liked them.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">5 minute flowers</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've never really gotten into watercolors in the past. I thought they were "not very forgiving" and didn't feel I could layer color over them in the same way I could with acrylic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I stand corrected a<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s I am </span>becoming a watercolor maniac<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">! </span>I did these little "5 minute flowers" to test out the colors and see what they could do. I love how vibrant they are <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">right out of</span> the box, although they are fun to mix too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The "5 minute flower " is an exercise I learned from <a href="http://marthalever.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Martha Lever</a> in Lifebook 2016. This was a little mini-exercise and started to make me curious about using watercolor more than I have in the past.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I then popped <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the ph<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">oto above</span></span> into PicMonkey to do some editing and found this cool feature (I just signed up for the PicMonkey Royale-the paid feature, so I've been playing around with the fun effects-look at this one!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is the "Poster" feature in PicM<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">onkey </span>Royale, fun right?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Gives it a sort of pop-art look.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 minute flowers edited in Picmonkey </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's to a happy and colorful 2017!</span></span> </span></div>
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Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-80693793202431296062016-10-30T18:22:00.000-04:002016-11-08T21:54:52.173-05:00How to Make Hammered Hoops<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTzoih29guVDt2WoGdWizVj9pk1jvf6PPp8BGIcs0vKKzyWrzlBGVX1yVmTbUcmdcqKF0fEjT3Npd-9ETwG9ZvoRlGDZ3cxJnVrttLQJKufVBc3x2PHJv6xxcqITLqV0-GHGUnZJ7Um4/s1600/DSCN3359+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTzoih29guVDt2WoGdWizVj9pk1jvf6PPp8BGIcs0vKKzyWrzlBGVX1yVmTbUcmdcqKF0fEjT3Npd-9ETwG9ZvoRlGDZ3cxJnVrttLQJKufVBc3x2PHJv6xxcqITLqV0-GHGUnZJ7Um4/s640/DSCN3359+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How to Make Hoops</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These Hammered Hoops began life as a p<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ie</span>ce of sheet metal<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, but with a little texture, cutting and antiquing, the<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y magi<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cally transform into earrings.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To m<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ake them:</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First, gather the supplies you will need, these are the basics:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sheet Metal-Here I used 22 gauge copper sheet metal</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A steel bench block- You will need this for hammering the texture into the metal</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A disc cutter-To make the discs. You can also buy them pre-cut if you don't want to invest in a disc cutter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A Ballpeen hammer-You can't see it in the photo, but it has a ball shape on one end. This is the end you will use to create the texture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Liver of Sulfur-I like the gel form. This is to create an aged patina on your jewelry. I use it on almost everything I make.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Metal File</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sand paper </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fine steel wool "0000</span>" grit </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Polishing pad</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the Supplies Needed</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Additional Supplies: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you want to add a curve to your earrin<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">gs, you <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">can use </span></span>a doming and dapping set<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I als</span></span>o <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">u</span>sed my rotary tumbler to smooth<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> out</span> the edges and remove the fine scratch marks. These are nice extras to have, but you can get a similar result without them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">N<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ow that you've gathered, you'<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">re ready to begin:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step 1: Creat<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e texture in your sheet metal</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To begin with, you need to add texture to your metal. There are many ways to do this, but one of my favorites is using the balled and of the ballpeen hammer. Just place your metal on the steel bench block and hammer about a 2 inch section, depending on how large you want your hoops. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5VWzC2r-yCwXbxulkSP8YM9eWg9-wwvGkPhXK6JiuVlYNODwHFtTs-YNAipAFGGL6d7iIJi-MZN8cwcaXQNkUodZB6rWbzCp4tdf_1RFPCRPDX1Z9RJY7Ndi9fd3d7BWPdLflj70XuE/s1600/IMG_3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5VWzC2r-yCwXbxulkSP8YM9eWg9-wwvGkPhXK6JiuVlYNODwHFtTs-YNAipAFGGL6d7iIJi-MZN8cwcaXQNkUodZB6rWbzCp4tdf_1RFPCRPDX1Z9RJY7Ndi9fd3d7BWPdLflj70XuE/s640/IMG_3286.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Add texture with the hammer</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step 2: Cut the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">smaller <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hole</span></span> using the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">disc cutter </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Alternate <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">option: </span>U</span>se pre-cut blan<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ks and add the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">texture directly to them.)</span></span></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After you have textured a sec<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tion of the sheet metal,<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">i</span></span></span>nsert the hammered <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">section</span> into the smallest hole in the disc cutter that you want to use. You will cut the small <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">opening</span> first, then the larger hole around it. I used the 1/2 inch <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">punch </span>for my smaller disc.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70kv7RTI3lwiwUEB4kRgOOWc5U2U6I-EXiaeke4_Uqv2kg7CtzEXZFF2LklkGkCH1EOTUanTIKdAxa7n_hGEPcekdofwdT5LZSUpnCHKAvucvzBUb5Xl7K02Rxm_QsLzw3JV-VD9L6RA/s1600/IMG_3287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70kv7RTI3lwiwUEB4kRgOOWc5U2U6I-EXiaeke4_Uqv2kg7CtzEXZFF2LklkGkCH1EOTUanTIKdAxa7n_hGEPcekdofwdT5LZSUpnCHKAvucvzBUb5Xl7K02Rxm_QsLzw3JV-VD9L6RA/s640/IMG_3287.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cut small hole first</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUV2Eb_baa_u8hB0vWLpPWawUTHQfC1UBzHlJkRBjSV9gGZOF2shddqGTdYeWYCBaQaHhNJ5tesIw_nQYOisQpwWc60oQmI_kgrQO0I3gjFb-k7EjA4G_tPpqJu3keLLiQSFWRckmCDAk/s1600/IMG_3289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUV2Eb_baa_u8hB0vWLpPWawUTHQfC1UBzHlJkRBjSV9gGZOF2shddqGTdYeWYCBaQaHhNJ5tesIw_nQYOisQpwWc60oQmI_kgrQO0I3gjFb-k7EjA4G_tPpqJu3keLLiQSFWRckmCDAk/s640/IMG_3289.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Use a Hammer and ideally 2-3 firm strikes will punch it though. A brass mallet is best but I just used my ballpeen.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSQE9tMC0jrNiJYS-kwlQRciA0pUC-41wKwz5pyEXURdEms0tVMmj6m1HoUMW2LK71DXcEndQMTU-if6zEdExmp6V_Wk81l776GxJS67zc1Sea9W2p2gyN_DiCGialz_NnhquP_ZKmhk/s1600/IMG_3292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSQE9tMC0jrNiJYS-kwlQRciA0pUC-41wKwz5pyEXURdEms0tVMmj6m1HoUMW2LK71DXcEndQMTU-if6zEdExmp6V_Wk81l776GxJS67zc1Sea9W2p2gyN_DiCGialz_NnhquP_ZKmhk/s640/IMG_3292.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first hole is complete-save the little disc for another project</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step 3: Cut the second <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">disc.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once you have the first <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">opening</span>, reinsert the metal into the disc cutter and center the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">smaller <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hole </span></span>where you want it<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> lined up,</span> taking care not to cut it too close to the edge of the metal or it will tear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like to position the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">opening</span> close to the top of the larger <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">dis<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">c</span></span>-not right in the center<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span> Once you have your <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">position</span>, cut the second, larger ring.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>I used the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7/8 </span>size <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">punch </span>for my second cut. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMsW6HLNhQb3mxAImCauzj64HXVmhyphenhyphenHHVdpYAUoL5L6Z1PHTBfcIDV8UOnToRh8LMTdLZ3PVZYTirf8T_tUR2Wiy66vHpUIfUA5prs5TloTt8eXTuHzRMWE6vWiUZSEor9oqbH_dzheM/s1600/DSCN3317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMsW6HLNhQb3mxAImCauzj64HXVmhyphenhyphenHHVdpYAUoL5L6Z1PHTBfcIDV8UOnToRh8LMTdLZ3PVZYTirf8T_tUR2Wiy66vHpUIfUA5prs5TloTt8eXTuHzRMWE6vWiUZSEor9oqbH_dzheM/s640/DSCN3317.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You now have your hoop</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Repeat the process with the second ring. If you're meticulous, you may want to mark where you want your <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">discs </span>cut so that the pieces are identical. I just eyeball it myself. To <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">duplicate</span> your fir<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">st</span></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">disc</span> you could use a sharpie marker and trace the inner and outer circle on your sheet metal prior to cutting it, as a guide.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step 4-optional-Add<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> c<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">urve <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to your<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> discs. (if you do not want to add the curve, skip to step 5)</span></span></span></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you want to add a curve to your metal, the doming block is perfect for this.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc5sIganmcyIs1PKwOYCHRzUO6sz0Hu66wYgfUxH3U6H57aBqT0crjbiIsW1MW5ifD7bfmOn7EQZAy7FWLEEukCIaQIosdBycwFJUjleJ-O99OzRgyhuUiscgY3m8RXmifqkqDzOQyjk/s1600/DSCN3331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc5sIganmcyIs1PKwOYCHRzUO6sz0Hu66wYgfUxH3U6H57aBqT0crjbiIsW1MW5ifD7bfmOn7EQZAy7FWLEEukCIaQIosdBycwFJUjleJ-O99OzRgyhuUiscgY3m8RXmifqkqDzOQyjk/s640/DSCN3331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just drop your disc into one of the larger cups and use the dapping tool to begin creating a curve on your disc by hammering the dap with a rawhide mallet. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXIOeM-RkrLz3V2q6yZIeytZcODAhcSpWQpOY3X647ACMfe5vOL3MtadCitUeD1nZSdgMuxRezqqZvvYq3QSEfsTQLzicATGt3iSox8O4FgLIhZXx7ej00MRlZOGbTmuWDCeS9egG9RE/s1600/DSCN3329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXIOeM-RkrLz3V2q6yZIeytZcODAhcSpWQpOY3X647ACMfe5vOL3MtadCitUeD1nZSdgMuxRezqqZvvYq3QSEfsTQLzicATGt3iSox8O4FgLIhZXx7ej00MRlZOGbTmuWDCeS9egG9RE/s640/DSCN3329.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Place disc in the recessed area</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NZstZa59jCnivTpmuBaJijSPKHR5M-TiBYmjPdqoVrRPMomZWwLvS5g-cyhaC7acma-yf-cpfs_k3h4Cah82QuJPWJ_nuP9CWdcwt_kEN8H9J66h23j-3GKyyB1xhjKQmc6CeKJgA7g/s1600/DSCN3335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NZstZa59jCnivTpmuBaJijSPKHR5M-TiBYmjPdqoVrRPMomZWwLvS5g-cyhaC7acma-yf-cpfs_k3h4Cah82QuJPWJ_nuP9CWdcwt_kEN8H9J66h23j-3GKyyB1xhjKQmc6CeKJgA7g/s640/DSCN3335.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hammer the dap to create dimension</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7M6DzXRrkhBk-nx9ARuDvYROXvxO0ZsuXKYHN9DRZfGSiL8uizfG7Xk3m3yPRyg7G2gSY3sTTdQKZyHNxDznkgwk3kzxG5QytJno9ux9hSO4CVIUdpbyy2zW2jHlIlv1ZwOyBhr3_Jo/s1600/DSCN3340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7M6DzXRrkhBk-nx9ARuDvYROXvxO0ZsuXKYHN9DRZfGSiL8uizfG7Xk3m3yPRyg7G2gSY3sTTdQKZyHNxDznkgwk3kzxG5QytJno9ux9hSO4CVIUdpbyy2zW2jHlIlv1ZwOyBhr3_Jo/s640/DSCN3340.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You'll now have some curve in your discs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step 5: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">S</span>mooth out the edges with a metal file and sand paper, making sure to smooth out both the outside edge and inside the circle. A half-round metal file is helpful for this. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbwMh5VZHaPXAyZPwkhR1OmrYk8TOFQxeDlXTy4WHWsHLnJ9OFJWZ997w60mD5z3WUWaVjRcmQB91UaeCkI2_mU4fMkhknaqbbmB7QVWEXWo6fTlT4jQEMqEvgGZL2GT5XosE9dn-xM4/s1600/DSCN3341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbwMh5VZHaPXAyZPwkhR1OmrYk8TOFQxeDlXTy4WHWsHLnJ9OFJWZ997w60mD5z3WUWaVjRcmQB91UaeCkI2_mU4fMkhknaqbbmB7QVWEXWo6fTlT4jQEMqEvgGZL2GT5XosE9dn-xM4/s640/DSCN3341.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">File, then sand the edges with sandpaper</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">St<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ep 6: A<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">dd Patin<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a</span></span></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once smooth, it's time to add the patina to show off the texture you created. I use liver of su<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lf<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ur in </span></span>a plastic gelato container and fill it up about half way with hot tap water. I then add a few drops of liver of sulfur (follow the directions on the container) and drop in my discs for a few minutes, checking them periodically.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRN2G2UuPSZX3WLs6sU6V87hTqBZikMj7tIOhYH4JLRh-fz2Hz6uQePOHzHwioCYkDjApSrhd1ih_JMBvGQeIThKsqQK0re7yE_vBeDAPBYaQacp-Yib5opqZUMB-3bC-NlGiwWkTsRg/s1600/DSCN3342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRN2G2UuPSZX3WLs6sU6V87hTqBZikMj7tIOhYH4JLRh-fz2Hz6uQePOHzHwioCYkDjApSrhd1ih_JMBvGQeIThKsqQK0re7yE_vBeDAPBYaQacp-Yib5opqZUMB-3bC-NlGiwWkTsRg/s640/DSCN3342.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Drop the discs in a nixture of Liver of sulfur and water</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They will come out looking like this:</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step 7: <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Buff and polish</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Buff off the excess with a <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fine steel wool and t</span>hen polish with a polishing cloth or drop them in a rotary tumbler after <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">removing the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ex<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cess patin<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a </span></span></span></span>to smooth and shine<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step 8: Add earwires </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and you have your finished product!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you don't want to go through the trouble of making them, you can buy th<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">em as components in</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/488826309/curved-copper-discs?ref=shop_home_active_21">Etsy shop<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you would like more tutorials right to your inbox, sign up right here:</span><br />
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-29028940974921391182016-10-23T20:10:00.002-04:002020-02-03T18:10:08.775-05:00You Don't Need a Fancy Torch to Make Great Jewelry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhy3MAQnCjFUwDTy8mq7lmuWD-rjl0N023uqDXGHl-2nZA9XVAiUHDu9XMNAdIG-vF_otpAa3bFlRkMOuvYMnUZzCFf-SxRsuWNWnheI48CiGb4hIKFRmMkOI1-TFRX0SoZY6PEuak5c/s1600/Ways+to+Use+a+Micro+Torch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhy3MAQnCjFUwDTy8mq7lmuWD-rjl0N023uqDXGHl-2nZA9XVAiUHDu9XMNAdIG-vF_otpAa3bFlRkMOuvYMnUZzCFf-SxRsuWNWnheI48CiGb4hIKFRmMkOI1-TFRX0SoZY6PEuak5c/s640/Ways+to+Use+a+Micro+Torch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As my metalsmithing skills grow, I've been toying with the idea of buying a grown-up torch, but to be honest, I'm a little scared to keep it in the house. My studio is a second floor, extra-bedroom I've taken over and the thought of keeping something that could blow us all up when we sleep, is a little unsettling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A big-girl torch is not off the table, but for the moment, let me sing the praises of what I have been using.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Micro-Torch, aka the Creme Brulee Torch or the Butane Torch. It's mini, but it's mighty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The Pros: </b>It's inexpensive, low maintenance, doesn't take up a lot of space and is less likely to blow your house up then an oxygen/acetylene torch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The Cons:</b> It's really best for small pieces, as in an inch diameter or less. For larger pieces you need more heat, although you can also use two micro torches at the same time for some things...awesome, I know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are 3 things I have done and continue to do with my Butane Torch:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. <b>Enamel.</b> You can enamel small pieces with your micro-torch. I started with pennies. Copper is a great metal for enameling. You clean it with Penny Brite, sift the enamel on, position it on your firing station and then use your micro torch to heat it from underneath. Here's a video from Stephen James, the teacher I learned from.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. <b>Fuse. </b>I am obsessed with fusing fine silver and I've based a whole new collection on this technique. I've been making earrings, bracelets and today I began working on a necklace design. The Earrings <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t the top of the post</span></span> are made from 16 gauge fine silver wire that is fused with a micro torch and then hammered, textured and adorned with crystals. You can find them in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HaveAllThisJewelry?ref=hdr_shop_menu">Etsy Shop</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you want to learn how to fuse fine silver, this is a great video:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. <b>Solder. </b>Yes, you can solder with a Micro-torch. I particularly like to use it to create earring posts, but I've also used it for joining sterling silver wire and copper wire. Again, for larger pieces you may need two torches, but for my needs, I only have used one.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a video on how to add posts to your earrings. The instuctor doesn't use a micro torch, but I have used the process she describes successfully with a micro torch:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are many more things you can do with your Butane Torch, other than just browning the top of a dessert, but this is probably enough to digest for today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy flaming!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-68387929553907630972016-05-28T10:51:00.002-04:002016-10-02T19:18:34.705-04:00Tips for Teaching Wine and Paint Classes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA8zDc1gBudVzkFqiwmbz5AsXqic0J3UuTGkq6fW0DEcOTHIXaHgHrWCLcFY6lyrzHYSZGAre_xaze1L_ojcssbhAEfAqGEoGTPWUzuahRumTrV5uBxZ3ykhL0bugHDXBRQwMme3jhCU/s1600/Quick+tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA8zDc1gBudVzkFqiwmbz5AsXqic0J3UuTGkq6fW0DEcOTHIXaHgHrWCLcFY6lyrzHYSZGAre_xaze1L_ojcssbhAEfAqGEoGTPWUzuahRumTrV5uBxZ3ykhL0bugHDXBRQwMme3jhCU/s640/Quick+tips.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Question I received this week:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Q: "We are doing a "Paint 'n Sip" in our church basement as an appreciation event. I am not planning to make this into a business because I already have a day job. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you have any tips?"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A: Why yes, yes I do:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have a sample painting prepared and know how to break it down into easy steps. Keep the sample visible throughout the class. I keep mine up on an easel.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Practice
ahead of time as if you were teaching it. Note how long it takes you to
paint and add lots of extra time as your students will move more slowly
as a group.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have enough canvas or painting surfaces and paint for each person. Bring extra-always have more of everything than you think you will need.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Use paper plates for palettes and plastic cups for water and paper towels are a must. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Use paint brushes appropriate for the painting you're doing and have enough for each person.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may need a hair dryer or two set up to dry the painting in between stages. I typically use these in my classes to keep things moving along.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.haveallthis.com/2016/05/where-to-buy-art-supplies-for-your.html#.V0msBOTAvVI">Check out my post here</a> for more detail on what I usually bring to class with me. If you're not teaching for your business, you won't
need to get so fancy with supplies, but it gives you the basics
like a pitcher to fill up the water cups, a camera, etc... </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Keep the steps simple and continue to focus on the fun-it doesn't have to be perfect, just an opportunity to relax and enjoy.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let me know if you have any specific questions and good luck! I'd love to see pictures of your classes! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please post links to them in the comments. Let us know where can we find you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kdiemond/?hl=en">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kayraydi/">Pinterest? </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Those are links to my sites, come and join me!)</span></span></div>
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Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-64733893437627822032016-05-23T07:00:00.000-04:002016-05-29T16:51:50.471-04:00Evolution of a Sample Painting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeidBv40w51rGiFsDZ80at_efjOMjHrxdjDiZiwDqH6OHbpBCkd6s5DpbQk7pjG1kjGxWBiEBROiqP2LLM-ncbo_MZRDmxkU2cveScxmLo4cKhJfalboj31XWhManfIWZPsEqhGrq80ts/s1600/DSCN2523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeidBv40w51rGiFsDZ80at_efjOMjHrxdjDiZiwDqH6OHbpBCkd6s5DpbQk7pjG1kjGxWBiEBROiqP2LLM-ncbo_MZRDmxkU2cveScxmLo4cKhJfalboj31XWhManfIWZPsEqhGrq80ts/s640/DSCN2523.JPG" width="588" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wine and Paint Class Demo-Checkered Daisy</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On June 16th, I will be teaming up with The Gift Box to teach a Wine and Paint Class.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Owner Jan Constas and I worked on coming up with a painting that would speak to her customers. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While I was at the store, we were chatting about how any items with black and white checks are hugely popular, so we decided to include black and white checks in the painting.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jan also mentioned that she liked daisy's and wondered if we could include them as well.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here was my first attempt:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HxKywQxDdSk2P3Wt1k1VcpvvoqFMk1ncDZYd2XSp_IfWuY1K_iGXslh1EP2TrFHp5qpqqWm9Qqisjhd_rpCGxnMDold2fC-EJTFA7TyDSoqLMeDFK0jTcdb1Qw4hQQcqGp906JhODG4/s1600/DSCN2530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HxKywQxDdSk2P3Wt1k1VcpvvoqFMk1ncDZYd2XSp_IfWuY1K_iGXslh1EP2TrFHp5qpqqWm9Qqisjhd_rpCGxnMDold2fC-EJTFA7TyDSoqLMeDFK0jTcdb1Qw4hQQcqGp906JhODG4/s640/DSCN2530.JPG" width="442" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a little painting on a notebook and although I love it on the notebook, I thought it was a little too Dr. Suessy for the class.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take 2 was also on a notebook that I lambasted with tar gel when it was done:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR2GVpZznE8Z8G6NR3DrEFaOC2Y-LaQuoiPLw-ucCdsJSbZV4pt60Hfwqdo5cpeER2Ckng4doN-27rE6JfsEdtB62UMpLCJxNfd1RnXuGSVV1qNEf86uUYToplQ8gp9S-E7x24dWRCoY/s1600/DSCN2528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR2GVpZznE8Z8G6NR3DrEFaOC2Y-LaQuoiPLw-ucCdsJSbZV4pt60Hfwqdo5cpeER2Ckng4doN-27rE6JfsEdtB62UMpLCJxNfd1RnXuGSVV1qNEf86uUYToplQ8gp9S-E7x24dWRCoY/s640/DSCN2528.JPG" width="528" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This too, is a little cartoony, but you can see I kept with the same colors and themes. This time went messy with the background painting, added some falling petals and made the flowers more daisy-like.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After these two practice mini-paintings, I was ready to move to the canvas for the actual demo-painting that we will use in the class:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPvqe2c18ddlVe5K8fKzEyO-_WgFaItuKgEM3kb4vH85h6tVsRQSXR4_2L-Xd0INgDu6JG9V4xJfBTY14WsdLkmTIgXvkc1neJNW3p4nVDuZsu-y1doA5pvC4BOas6TUZDF6PNc95ntk/s1600/DSCN2523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPvqe2c18ddlVe5K8fKzEyO-_WgFaItuKgEM3kb4vH85h6tVsRQSXR4_2L-Xd0INgDu6JG9V4xJfBTY14WsdLkmTIgXvkc1neJNW3p4nVDuZsu-y1doA5pvC4BOas6TUZDF6PNc95ntk/s640/DSCN2523.JPG" width="588" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And voila! The background stayed messy (I will probably make it even messier when we do it in class) and the flowers became more realistic and abundant. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This painting will take about 2 hours, start to finish and although it looks tricky, it can be broken down into 4 simple stages:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Background</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Vase</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flowers</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Checkerboard </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The flowers are quick and easy-you can watch my<span style="color: #0000ee;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1aZKyjS0EA&feature=youtu.be">5-minute</a></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1aZKyjS0EA&feature=youtu.be"> tutorial</a> right here to see how it's done<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I will encourage students to practice on paper to get the hang of it first and then move to the canvas. The brush really does all of the work for you, once you get used to the motion.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">R<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ea<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">dy to start teaching<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>yourself? Sign up below <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to kickstart your classes</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-33084729205496267052016-05-15T08:09:00.000-04:002017-12-31T17:44:55.070-05:00Where To Buy Art Supplies for Your Classes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS7P6yv9QdG0wFCv_vdgfz1MmDjut5jPUR-khl3TIcyATW9dOotGCZIct8ncPfk4PZPVb20hyuynqBY-PU1CIrVDtoY7Qa8P3zEKNeS9atTk5WchWlM-wbyPzroacY7OahRONkOXS1DI/s1600/Painting+Supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS7P6yv9QdG0wFCv_vdgfz1MmDjut5jPUR-khl3TIcyATW9dOotGCZIct8ncPfk4PZPVb20hyuynqBY-PU1CIrVDtoY7Qa8P3zEKNeS9atTk5WchWlM-wbyPzroacY7OahRONkOXS1DI/s640/Painting+Supplies.jpg" title="Where to buy art supplies for wine and paint classes" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been asked a lot lately where I buy the supplies for my painting classes. If you've been to wine and paint classes before or are thinking of teaching yourself, you may wonder where all of the lovely items come from.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, the suspense is over...here is the list of what I take to every class, where I buy them and how much they cost:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Canvas:</b> I've been buying the flat 16X20 canvas <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">panels</span> through Blick Art Supply because the flatness makes it easier to transport them, especially for classes of 20+ people. I also think they are easy to mount in a frame and add that professional touch to your work. I recently bought 48 of them for $123 (including shippin<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">g)</span> for a class of 30. If you're doing smaller classes, it's fine to buy them at Michael's or AC Moore when they go on sale, if you have those near you. I like to buy mine in bulk, so I often just Google what I'm looking for and compare prices online.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do I always use 16"x20"? No. If I'm hiking up to the Yurt for a Painting Class I go smaller. If I'm squeezing a large group into a small space, I go smaller. If the painting just plain looks better smaller, I go with that. Students do not seem to care much about the size of the painting, but that would be something to evaluate at the end of classes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Easels:</b> I just stocked up on these for a large class. I bought 30 "Strokes Art Tables" for a total of $218 from <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">mazon.</span></span> The price was so low because I signed up for an Amazon credit card and received an $80.00 credit toward the purchase. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can typic<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ally find these for around $10 each, but I got mine for about $7.25 each with the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cre<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">dit.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Paint Brushes:</b> Who needs them when you have fingers? Depending on the class, I may use the foam brushes for an intuitive art class, but for the sip and paint classes, I get them from local craft stores. I like the Royal <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">brand b<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rushes for classes. I've been building <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">up a collection<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, but depen<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ding on the painting, we may need <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">different types of brushes.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Paint:</b> My 2 favorites are Premiere from AC Moore and Liquitex wherever I can find it on sale. You may be able to get good sales on bulk orders online (Blick or Jerry's Artorama) and you can also get economy sizes online. When I plan my paintings, I try to not get too carried away with a lot of colors, because it adds to the cost of running the class.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Aprons: </b>I just ordered 30 lime green aprons from <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">KNG</span> for $130<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.00</span>. You have the option of adding your logo to the aprons. However, these have a tendency to walk away with people after class (students forget they have them on.) I just lost 5 of them at my most recent class so you may not want to spend a lot on them.(I need to find a good way to collect them as people are leaving-ideas welcome!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Paper Plates, Cups, Paper Towels and Table Cloths:</b> I typically get these at the dollar store or anywhere they are on sale and I reuse the plastic cups and table cloths until they can be used no more. I did go to a paint class where the teacher used Styrofoam plates with compartments for the paint, which is a great idea, but I don't feel good about putting more Styrofoam into our world, so I stick with paper. I'm looking at more earth friendly ways to furnish my classes. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other things I take with me: </span></span></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pitchers for transporting water and filling cups</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My real camera</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My cell phone for keeping track of the time and getting me to the locations</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More than I think I will need of all supplies for last minute students who may show up</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scissors for opening things</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plastic Grocery bags to put the wet paintbrushes in after class</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Any paperwork needed for the site </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Square for accepting credit cards of people who didn't register ahead and change in case they are paying in cash</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Easel and my real paint palette (it gives me comfort and strength!) for demonstrations</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A sample finished painting for guidance (for both me and my students!)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Individual print-outs of the painting for students to refer to at their stations (optional and depends on complexity)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Any other tools or supplies we may be using for the particular class such as stencils, stamps, markers, collage papers, glue, etc...</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Email sign-up sheet, if I haven't already collected email during the registration process</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Satisfaction Surveys-I sometimes ask for feedback on the class, so I can continue to make it better. I find this is best to do during class so you have the greatest chance of getting responses. If you wait until after class and email people, your response rate will be lower. </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I transport the smaller items in 2 plastic bins and then bring the random things that don't fit in separately.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, I think that's it! I would love to hear if you have found any good deals on supplies or have favorite supplies that you use in classes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Painting! Now, off to make some jewelry... </span></span><br />
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<br />Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-44234637966198428252016-02-13T08:12:00.000-05:002016-03-19T21:16:49.548-04:00Love Fest and Free Book Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkusGhIEYPPSZ7TrpsfnDLjtCSxnZUyx5Ip0oZS6VZ6-QwvvZUqRwwNB6h3npp7NvtRdd7h6nbY0hiJieFinlVDextIsCvc2aH-pz9mLh1bKbXnJAbkdq8bFknDqTj1q-gg40Jfx9ds4/s1600/TeachYourCraft%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkusGhIEYPPSZ7TrpsfnDLjtCSxnZUyx5Ip0oZS6VZ6-QwvvZUqRwwNB6h3npp7NvtRdd7h6nbY0hiJieFinlVDextIsCvc2aH-pz9mLh1bKbXnJAbkdq8bFknDqTj1q-gg40Jfx9ds4/s640/TeachYourCraft%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since my very romantic husband has declared Valentine's Day to be a "Hallmark Holiday" I thought it would be fun to share a little love with you instead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, without further ado, here are some of the things that make my heart beat a little faster:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Hand Crafted Chocolates.</b></u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have a little Chocolate Shop known as Lune Chocolat that sells what I think are THE BEST CHOCOLATES EVER. Sorry for shouting, but they're simply shout-worthy. Each piece is a delicacy to be savored like a fine wine (which I have also been known to savor from time to time...) There is such a huge difference in chocolate that is hand-crafted with beautiful ingredients. Each piece is a work of art in itself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's a little about Lune from their website:<span class="style_5"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="style_5"><span style="color: #741b47;">"Twenty miles away from our shop in a little house
came many ideas related to owning our own business. Some we tried,
others we let go. This one held onto us. It has woven itself into our
daily life. We love chocolate. Our research for this was an incredibly
wonderful experience. The history and the whole process of chocolate
was so interesting to us that we wanted to share it with as many people
as we could. Lune Chocolat is a result of us tasting real chocolate. We
have a love for being together and a love for being in the kitchen. Our
chocolates are created to bring you peace and love. They are created to
bring you to another place while you eat them. Come and fill your soul
with chocolate."</span><span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">I for one, have plenty of room in my soul for Lune Chocolat.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="style_5">Artist Dates.</span></span></b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">Every other month or so, I invite friends to attend artsy events with me. This really fires up my creativity and inspires me. Some of our recent events:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">We attended an open house at the Delavan Center of the Arts that is home to many local art studios. Every year they open their doors to guests and have food, wine, music and of course, beautiful, mouth-watering art.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">We went to a Golden Paint Demo and giveaway at The Art Store. We received FREE Golden paints-also shout worthy but I don't want to upset your hearing, along with a live demo of how to use the different types of paint Golden makes. It opened up worlds of paint that I did not know existed.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">We attended a fund-raising painting class to reduce hunger where we painted a bowl of soup and the funds raised went to a soup kitchen. </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">These dates FUEL me and it's good, quality time with friends. Next week I'm going to an <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">E</span>ncaustic demo. (painting with hot <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wa<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">x!)</span></span> with my friend Shannon Crandall. I have always wanted to learn encaustic, so as soon as I saw it, I signed us up for 2 of the 6 available spots. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="style_5"><br /></span></span></u></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BagSn6rgsPjuGM-D_sWoyED8HlkIx1ihUXa3BA_SPct6VqTA0e1Afmrr87NONajqwspM59xqiV6a0yB7HQ4IzvWj-nay2Nj2Uw5ANUciKYB9dWaRbSG7XMi5xoI0PmMmjJFnYu1nSus/s1600/love.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BagSn6rgsPjuGM-D_sWoyED8HlkIx1ihUXa3BA_SPct6VqTA0e1Afmrr87NONajqwspM59xqiV6a0yB7HQ4IzvWj-nay2Nj2Uw5ANUciKYB9dWaRbSG7XMi5xoI0PmMmjJFnYu1nSus/s640/love.jpe" width="480" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found this little treasure propped against a tree</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="style_5">Finding Beauty in the Everyday.</span></span></b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">Dirty Footprints Studio posted a <a href="http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com/2016/02/today-were-going-on-a-treasure-hunt">treasure hunt challenge </a>to photograph little bits of beauty that you find every day, all around you. I decided to go for a walk in my hometown of Ithaca and take photos of things that I found. I stopped to take photos of cracks in the sidewalk, moss growing on rocks, the texture of trees. I was walking up to trees and standing very close to take a picture, which in any other town would seem strange. In Ithaca, people do not look twice at you. It's perfectly acceptable to walk up to a tree and take a picture from an inch away. This challenge opened up a new way of looking for me and in fact, I will write a future post about it. Good, good stuff-I highly recommend it. Thank you <a href="http://ephemeralgecko.com/">Mixy Gregory </a>for sharing!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="style_5">Clearing Out Space.</span></span></b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">I am totally smitten with the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering/dp/1607747308">The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a> by Marie Kondo. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oRZua5_P1AHN6LFza3D8mjaL1xYZQwKGCuCaQpaqhjGivDcAMYN0nVpdEQ-itHiLlnDMgWOMdQl6khKHKuutYpp7pmHCC9-I_RoXcT0zZ9k5kuvuAaSBMK9-LKWGOsQKrKUAqyR0rp0/s1600/The+life+changing+magic+of+tidying.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oRZua5_P1AHN6LFza3D8mjaL1xYZQwKGCuCaQpaqhjGivDcAMYN0nVpdEQ-itHiLlnDMgWOMdQl6khKHKuutYpp7pmHCC9-I_RoXcT0zZ9k5kuvuAaSBMK9-LKWGOsQKrKUAqyR0rp0/s640/The+life+changing+magic+of+tidying.jpe" width="452" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">Mind you, I despise cleaning. My general cleaning philosophy is to hope the spiderwebs will trap the dustballs. It's all-natural cleaning. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">I have, however, been feeling unsettled by the state of clutter in our home and this has caused many a discussion with the husband and daughter about picking up your stuff. I often feel the weight of too much stuff as I mentioned <a href="http://www.haveallthis.com/2014/01/its-time-to-make-room-for-good-stuff.html#.Vr6AheZGzR4">in this post </a>a while back. Marie teaches you how to systematically sort through your stuff and discard anything that does not bring you joy. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">You begin with gathering every item of clothing in your home and then physically picking up each item to sense whether it brings you joy or not. Mind you, Marie does not strike me as woo-woo, she is a serious, Japanese business woman who is reaching celebrity status with her ability to transform people's lives and homes by getting rid of that which no longer serves you. You thank the items that have served you in the past and respectfully send them on to serve someone else.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">You are left with only items that bring you joy to wear, to read, to look at. I'm currently working on books, which is only step 2, but already I have noticed a difference in my environment, just from getting rid of clothes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">I have donated at least 12 giant bags of clothing (only mine) to the Salvation Army. Coats, shoes, sweaters. My closets and drawers now have room to breathe.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">This book is a gift that I would like to share, which is why I'm going to give away one for free. Anything that helps people cultivate more joy in their lives is worth sharing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="style_5">So tell me in the comments below, what are you loving right now? What is bringing a little joy into your life? I will pick one response on <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">February 29th (it only happens every 4 years, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">so why not?</span>)</span> and send you a free copy of Marie's book.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="style_5">Let's clear out the clutter and make room for what we truly love.</span></span><br />
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Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751841158298725287.post-65618515032573652042015-12-15T07:41:00.002-05:002016-05-29T16:52:37.801-04:008 Awesome Art Making Classes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As an artist and a teacher, I take many classes for inspiration and education. I learn not only from the content, but how the teacher delivers it, the platform that's used, how content is released and what styles I prefer. I look at how classes are priced and what's included in the price.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also believe in supporting local artists. With the holidays approaching, here are some classes you could add to your gift list or give to an artsy and very lucky friend and you don't have to worry that it will arrive late. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a round-up of classes that would make a perfect gift for that artsy someone in your life.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> (I am NO<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T currently an affiliate for any of these classes, just sprea<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ding a little <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">love around.)</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>$100.00 or less:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://carissapaige.blogspot.com/2015/10/messy-mavens-self-paced-adventure-train.html"><b>Carissa Paige's Messy Mavens Self-Paced Adventure Train $99.00</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I just signed up for this class and am so excited to dive into the first lessons. So far I've watched Carissa create the first maven and love her intuitive approach in creating faces and listening to what each visage you create has to share with you. I like Carissa's gentle, free-flowing manner. She hosts the class on a private Blogger site which I find easy to use and economical. All of the sessions are available right away, so you can watch the videos and create at your own pace. I haven't explored the Facebook group as of yet-wanting to spend my time making some art before I do.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com/21-secrets"><b>21 Secrets $98.00</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a collaborative art journaling class with 22 different teachers, a few of whom I know personally and adore. This long-standing class, now in it's eighth iteration, always has an expansive collection of lessons. I took it a few years ago and it's like creative candy. When I took it, it was hosted on Ning. I'm not sure if that's still the platform Connie uses, but she always gives tons of information on how to interact and track what you've done so far. She's also been packaging the class up into an e-book format as an additional resource for people who want to keep the content after the class closes. This also serves as additional income, if you're able to package your content in different ways.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.halikarla.com/making-art-medicine/">Making Art Medicin</a></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.halikarla.com/making-art-medicine/">e</a></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>Currently $50 for the first session.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This</span> a new offering in 2016 by Hali Karla. Hali and I were in an intensive teacher training class together<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> (<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ignite)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> where</span></span></span> we created ou<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r own worksh<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ops and shared them with the group<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I</span> know first hand how much l<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ove and care goes in<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to what Hali does. Hali's art making and teaching <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is deep, insig<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">htful<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and he<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">aling<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. This would be a true gift to give yourself.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://tracyverdugo.com/mini-mojos/"><b>Tracy Verdugo's Mini Mojo Classes $59</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love everything that Tracy does and her fun, vibrant use of color in her paintings. She currently has two mini courses posted: "Pattern, Color, Texture" and "Animalitos". These are self-guided courses with video lessons and a facebook community that Tracy checks in on. Taking a live Paint Mojo class with Tracy is on my wish list.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other Favorites of mine that are <b>$<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1</span>00+ </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(keep in mind you can often get discounts during the launch or enter contests to win free tickets, maybe you'll get lucky!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://florabowley.com/ecourse/"><b>Bloom True-$297.00</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I took this course in 2012 and it changed the way I paint. I wrote a <a href="http://www.haveallthis.com/2013/09/what-i-really-got-out-of-flora-bowleys.html#.VlvHQr9GzR4">blog post</a> about my experience here. The class has evolved over the years as Flora updates it and adds new content. The Facebook group has been one of the best and longest lasting that I have experienced. When I took the class, a module was released 3 times a week over a six week period. Topics like being brave and learning how to listen to your intuition were shared. Flora also includes some yoga instruction to help open you to the painting experience. She shows how painting can be a mirror. Taking more risks on the canvas can help you be brave in other areas of your life as well.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.alenahennessy.com/shop/online-courses/a-year-of-painting/"><b>Alena Hennessy-A Year of Painting $229.00</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm currently taking this class and am enjoying Alena's lessons. She releases a new lesson every 3 weeks. I joined later in the year, so I still have many to go back and watch. She's introduced me to some new techniques-masking tape being one, and using acrylic inks in new ways, which I love.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kellyraeroberts.com/mixedmediamantras"><b>Kelly Rae Roberts-Hello Soul, Hello Mixed Media Mantra's $199.00</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I feel like I have a lot in common with Kelly Rae. For one, I'm Kelly Raye (with a "Y") and we both worked in human services prior to beginning our art making. I love her style and her podcast as well.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The class consists of written lessons and videos of Kelly Rae and her student Lynx, creating a painting. Kelly Rae creates it in her style and Lynx uses the same information but creates a totally different painting in her own style. The videos are professionally produced and easy to follow. All of the material is available right away and I have to admit I binge-watched the segments back to back. I then made a little
painting of a butterfly that says "Courage Does Not Always Roar". My
daughter snatched it up and put it in her room. Kelly Rae also has a new class out that I would love to take called "Spirit Wings" where she will be creating Angel Paintings with her famous winged ladies-also $199.00.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.willowing.org/life-book-2016/">Lifebook 2016-Approx. $120</a></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I signed up for this and CANNOT WAIT for it to start in January. Some of my favorite teachers mentioned above will be presenting, along with some new artists that I'm looking forward to learning more about. This is a perfect way to get exposed to many different styles, tons of inspiration and to connect with like-minded artists. I'm sure I'll be taking some of the instructors individual classes to add to my list for next year as well. I'm excited to learn from the different styles and presentations of each artist, as well as soak in the creative content they'll be sharing. </span></span><br />
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<br />Kelly Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420807667300767784noreply@blogger.com0