Art and Soul Fed my Soul

I'm back from Art and Soul in Hampton, VA and had a fantastic time. While I am happy to be home with my family it was sad to leave, as it a wonderful, refreshing, inspiring place to be if you enjoy creating and be around creative people.

I enjoyed my classes and have some amazing finished projects to show off now that I am home. I snapped a few photos while I was there. They were taken with my iphone so the quality leaves something to be desired. I will take some additional shots of my creations in addition to the two fat books that I brought home.

A quick run down and a few photos to start.

Friday was the first day of class for me and I took 'Bevy of Books' with Albie Smith. She was such a delight. We spent the first part of the day making papers - color washes, prints, molding paste papers. The afternoon was spent learning new techniques in sizing and binding books. I have a stack of pretty pretty papers and a few finished hand bound books. I will photograph these soon to show you.

Friday Evening was a Art Journaling Meetup organized by artist and author Diana Trout. Lots of people turned out for some socializing, art journal camaraderie and sharing (and trading of course). We were joined by the wonderful staff from the on site store, Collage. No photos from this - hopefully I can link to some when others post.


Saturday was Soldering for Virgins with the ever popular Sally Jean Alexander. Artist, author, cheerleader and mom - it was a great day!! We learned the basics of soldering and I finished six soldered charms in all shapes and sizes and put them together on a bracelet - bling!!

Sally Jean, who was assisted by her adorable daughter, was a motivating and easy to follow instructor. I took her 'Lovebird Necklace' on Saturday. We began the day with the creation of a collage and then put together the elements to be soldered into the most incredible piece of art jewelry. I modeled my [almost] finished piece above, shown posing with Sally Jean. I can't wait to solder on my own!



This is Sally Jean's sample necklace. Beautiful, isn't it?

I'l post more photos and reports, along with the many ideas, inspirations, and interesting people that I met in Hampton. We had vendor night and my final workshop was with the amazingly talented and color loving Traci Bautista.

Come back soon to visit!

In my Element

Art and Soul is my happy place. It is so great to be among so many creative and talented people! It is easy to socialize, as everyone is friendly and have something in common-a love of art and creating. I don't think I can post pictures from my new iPad so when I return I'll share the love. The fat books -there are 2-are amazing. I have made books and jewelry and am so proud of the results. More soldering jewelry to come. I'll update you all soon!

Packing Supplies and Trades

I finally finished making up trades to bring to Art and Soul. I leave in 3 days and shipped my box of supplies out today.





Fabric and paper piles - remnants of creativity!

Art and Soul Countdown

6 days until Art and Soul!
One week from tonight I will be sitting with Diana Trout and other creative souls in an Art Journaling meet-up.
I will have finished a busy day in my first workshop - Bevy of Books with Albie Smith.
Other classes are with Sally Jean Alexander and Traci Bautista (with whom I have been wanted to take a class with for a long time!)
I am hunting and gathering my supplies and hopefully will ship them up to Virginia. In the meantime, I am making up some trades to bring with me so I can join in the fun!


Sally Jean's book

Traci Bautista's Book

Fat Books 2010!

I'm counting the days until Art and Soul in Hampton. (nine days...)
This year I participated in not one but two fat book projects!
One had a pocket skirt theme (not sure if I took a photo of that page)



The second book has a 'Wonderland" theme. A hostess will put all of the participant's pages together and the result is a fabulous chunky art treasure. I can't wait to see and receive them at A&S!!

Hip to Make Rice

The most fabulous looking appliance for your kitchen - one you will want to keep out. I don't count carbs - I cook rices and steel cut oatmeal in this every day. It has a catchy little start and stop tune and keeps my food warm. Japanese design at it's typical greatness.