Star Wars informs Creative Journey

We like the idea of "prequels" even more than sequels! Just as we were able to add a second class for Meisha Barbee, we have decided to add a class for Lindly Haunani. Even before the class was described on the upcoming class page, we had a full house. Yea for us ....sad for you if you didn't move fast enough....so what to do? Prevail upon Lindly to do a second class.....yes! Go, Lindly! We are scheduling a 'do-over' before the 'do'. August 29th will be the tube bead class, and August 30th and 31st will be the mokume in-depth class. These classes are filling up as well, so if you are interested, call Sue at 404-314-5767 to secure your spot.

Don't forget to sign up for Ernie Hendrix' book arts class. She is teaching how to make the Orient Star Book on July 12th from 10:00 to 5:30. It's only $85 and you'll even learn some origami when everything is said and done. Ernie is an excellent teacher and needs to finalize the headcount so she can prepare, so don't wait to the last minute to sign up.
There are new products in Filigree & More, our supply store. Gemstone beads, silver beads and freshwater pearls are starting to be hung on our new bead wall. It's time for a trip to Buford. Leave time for lunch at Aqua Terra or Rico's to get you in the mood for shopping!

A Melding of talents

We pride ourselves in the quality of our classes. We have great teachers and a great space, and have a following of students that happily fill our classes. One of the things that makes us extra happy is when someone who is proficient in another medium wants to learn about polymer clay. Ileana Rojas-Bennett is just such a student. Ileana is an amazing silver and goldsmith from Costa Rica (now living in North Carolina). Her Maleku Jewelry line is inspired by the colors of the rain forest and pays homage to the Maleku Indians of Costa Rica, her ancestors. When she was at Creative Journey Studios for a class with Meisha Barbee, she gave Ellen a beautiful example of her work. We wanted to share a picture of this incredible bracelet. We can hardly wait to see how her work evolves as she adds polymer to her repertoire.

You can see her website at www.malekujewelry.com and on Facebook. We are delighted to have Ileana be part of our 'gang' and add to the fun at the Studio.

News Flash!

We are offering an extra session of Meisha Barbee’s “Retro Extrusions & More” on May 31^st and June 1st (Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 to 5:00 each day) for $225. We filled up the original three days (May 23, 24 and 25), and have enough students to make it worth Meisha’s time, so we will host this second iteration. Call 404-314-5767 to get your name on the list--there are only three spots left. We had a full house for this past weekend and everyone had a really great time, evidenced by all the work posted on facebook! 

Also check the upcoming classes page for the description of Marla Frankenberg’s June class (sadly, we have had to postpone Marla's classes) and Ernie Hendrix’s book class in July. 

Creative Journey Studios presents outstanding teachers eight to ten times a year. Our classes are small and intimate, with space for no more than ten students. We feel this creates a more retreat like atmosphere with more personal attention from the teacher, and more interaction between the students. Classes are filled on a first come, first served basis, with your space held when the full fee is paid. Signups can be made by phone with a credit card or arrangements to pay by check can be made. Class descriptions are on the "upcoming classes" page of the blog. We try to feature the teacher's art in the gallery so you can get a preview of the type of work they do.

Sarah Go Bragh...

We are so ready for Spring to really be here. We have been getting teases and freezes, but the end of winter is in sight. We are getting excited to see Sarah Shriver, too. She is coming from, Friday, April 4th thru Sunday, April 6th for two fun workshops. On Friday, she is teaching her iconic fish bone cane and more importantly, you will see how you can reduce graphic images into manageable 'bites' to make your own canes.  

These techniques will carry you forward into the realm of complex caning so you can make other representational canes with ease. With your new found skills you will make a wonderful bracelet with using finishing ideas suggested by Sarah.  You can include borders, spirals and other graphic elements.

During the two day class Sarah will show you how to make a wonderful kaleidoscoped, interlocking patterned cane with her signature Celtic flair. Sarah has a unique way of using skinner blends and inclusions to create abstract canes that she builds into graceful patterns. You will learn valuable bead construction techniques and finishing techniques that will raise your skill level to a new plateau. A phone call and a credit card can secure your place for the weekend. You don't want to miss the fun!

Goodbye 2013! Welcome 2014!!!

2014 is here and we are excited to start the new year.  Ellen Prophater and I are planning workshops here at Creative Journey Studios. We know you have been waiting eagerly to hear the schedule. I’m sure you will be pleased with what we have lined up so far.  We will also keep you up to date on our travel schedule as we take Filigree & More on the road. In February, we head to Maryland for Cabin Fever in Laurel. We are looking forward to some great classes, reconnecting with old friends, making some new friends, and spending some quality time with my new grandson in the process.  

Necklace  by Loretta Lam

March 14 thru the 16^th , Loretta Lam will be heading south to Buford for three days of classes.  Next Sarah Shriver will be in from California for three days, April 4^th thru the 6^th. In the middle of May we’ll be in Virginia for a retreat, and will be bringing Meisha Barbee back for three days of classes from May 23^rd thru the 25^th.  Marla Frankenberg will be teaching some of her advanced canes like her famous dot cane, watercolor flower canes, fern canes and more when she comes in June.  We have decided to ask our teachers to plan a one day class for either Friday or Monday, and to teach a two day workshop on the weekend. That seems to amortize better both the teacher’s travel and the out of town student’s travel expenses.

Heading back on the road again, we will be there when the Southern Connecticut Polymer Clay Guild has their retreat at the end of July and the IPCA is in Columbus, Ohio in August. Lindly Haunani will be here in September and Dayle Doroshow in November. Check the “upcoming classes” page for class descriptions and prices, and to see example pictures so you can drool and make your plans! I’m always eager to talk on the phone (404-314-5767) about the classes and get you signed up. Your registration is confirmed when we receive your payment. Classes fill quickly because we limit the number of students to enhance your experience and maximize your interaction with the instructor. We have some regular followers who sign up early, so don’t procrastinate! I’m sure we will fill in some of the blank spaces and add more detailed information as time passes.  We are always open to having more fun.

Fun Is On the Way.....

The kids are back in school and fall is on its way. Atlanta weather has turned completely bizarre. I’ve lost track of how many days we have had rain---there is no longer any sign of drought. Lake Lanier (Atlanta’s water supply) is on our route to CJS. We cross the dam where there is a digital sign that keeps track of the water level. It is at full pool and then some. The temperature is well below the normal August swelter. I guess we need to turn on all the ovens and make some polymer jewelry!

We have three classes scheduled for the end of the year. Lindly Haunani is here the first weekend of September, teaching her new take on translucents. There is only one spot left in her class so if you were planning on joining us, you need to call soon. Sandra McCaw is coming the first weekend of October. We need to know soon if you are interested, as we need to buy Sandra’s ticket soon and have to decide if the class will make. Jana Roberts Benzon is here the first weekend of December for three days of fun. There are only a couple of spots in her classes, so again, don’t procrastinate and miss out.

Check the ‘Upcoming Classes’ page for pictures and further descriptions. Lindly, Sandra and Jana are all outstanding teachers you don’t want to miss.

Grandmas R Us.....

It has been a crazy summer so far. Ellen went up to Arrowmont for what turned out to be an amazing class with Seth Savarick. They were delving into the many techniques for printing on polymer, and she came home with her head spinning with all sorts of new ideas to filter into her own style. It will be fun to see how that progresses. Meanwhile I was in Bowie, Maryland greeting my new grandbaby, and playing “Super-Grandma”. I’m sure, if you are on Facebook, you have seen ten gazillion pictures of Miles. Not that I am a proud grandma, but he may be the cutest baby ever---a smiler since day one!

 

Ellen Prophater and I are anxious for you to come for a visit. We’re all stocked up with Pardo clay (we replenish our stock frequently so we never run out) and other wonderful products from Viva Décor. We’ve added new pieces to our retrospective collection, ‘Polymer from the Beginning.’ Many of the artists who attended Synergy brought us wonderful pieces to add to the collection, which was already mind-boggling. It should be on every polymer enthusiast’s bucket list! The gallery is bursting with new work. We added several new artists in advance of Synergy, and you’ll love their new work.

We are working fiendishly to create our new online store, so stay tuned for the details. We will finally have our filigree online, which is a huge undertaking . . . pictures and descriptions and our amazingly reasonable pricing. I know you can hardly wait!

We are setting up new classes. We hope to have a number of wire weaving classes with Lisa Barth, as soon as we can coordinate dates and class details. Watch for further announcements.

 

Lindly Haunani is coming in September on the 7th and 8th, for a new class in the innovative use of translucent clays and bead design. This class will probably fill up fast, as Lindly is the premier teacher of color studies, so don’t hesitate and lose your spot. Call us with a credit card to hold your spot.

Soon after Lindly, we are excited to welcome Sandra McCaw for a rare chance here in the states to learn Sandra’s caning techniques and design ideas. She’ll be here on October 5th & 6th, and is extending her stay to do a one day class on a weekday as well.

 

 

Finally, in December, Jana Roberts Benzon will be back to teach her Organics class on the 7th and 8th, with another one day, weekday class called “Encrusted”, that got rave reviews in Israel. Be sure to look at the upcoming classes page for more information. You don’t want to miss any of these fun classes.