Ruminations from Creative Journey Studios: A polymer centric gallery, art studios, a retrospective exhibit and more!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
We "heart" Ron....
.. especially when he hearts us! Ron Lehocky, heart pin maker extraordinaire, is coming to visit Creative Journey Studios. He and his lovely wife Peg are vacationing in Georgia, and Ron has offered to give a free demo on how he makes his amazing hearts. ( He has raised over $180,000 for his charity, The Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies www.kidscenterky.org $10 at a time.) Come join us on Saturday, June 23 from 1 to 3 pm. We'll have lots of hearts for you to choose from. (Here's a link to see some of his hearts posted on Polymer Clay Daily before he topped 18,000. www.polymerclaydaily.com/lehocky
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Back from the hills....
Barbara McGuire has moved to the mountains north of Asheville and has settled in a darling little house outside of Mars Hill. She will be back in town to teach a one day, special class for us, here at Creative Journey Studios. Join us on May 26th from 10 AM to 5 PM to learn how to make "polymer cabochons with silver bezels". This two sided necklace will provide lots of possibilities for texture options, as well as color.
You'll need to decide how many beads you want in your finished creation, as you sign up and we'll reserve that many bezels for you (the silver is in addition to the class fee of $85) There is more information on the Spring Class page about this and other upcoming classes.
Also coming up in May on the 25th (from 10 to noon), Patricia DiBona is teaching her introduction to soldering class. Learn to solder using time tested techniques. The class will cover basic layering, creating, wrapping and soldering techniques. Glass, images and resources will be included in the $75 class fee. Finish your piece with a leather choker or a silver plated chain that you will assemble to complete your project.
You'll need to decide how many beads you want in your finished creation, as you sign up and we'll reserve that many bezels for you (the silver is in addition to the class fee of $85) There is more information on the Spring Class page about this and other upcoming classes.
Also coming up in May on the 25th (from 10 to noon), Patricia DiBona is teaching her introduction to soldering class. Learn to solder using time tested techniques. The class will cover basic layering, creating, wrapping and soldering techniques. Glass, images and resources will be included in the $75 class fee. Finish your piece with a leather choker or a silver plated chain that you will assemble to complete your project.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Saddle up your horse and polish your armor!
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| Panel from the Bayeux Tapestry |
We have some lovely examples of Dian's work in the gallery. Stop by and check it out!
Also, don't forget that another fun "First Thursday" project is coming up. On May 3rd, Ellen and Patricia are teaching "Your Outer Goddess". You'll create a polymer goddess pendant and a wired bead chain. What a deal....a fun afternoon or evening and you go home with a treasure!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
New Work in the Gallery
Peggy Martin's new work is in cold connections and fold-forming of metals. She has made some wonderful pendants and uses interesting chain. She also has brought us some dynamite earrings. Kim Korringa sent a new batch of her wonderful fairy wing earrings. They are really special. There are even two pairs of black and white ones that are really fun.
We also have some new local teachers who will be creating new fun classes on a more regular basis. Jimmie Boatright will be teaching beading classes for us....we already have her scheduled to teach "embellishing filigree" and "capturing cabochons". We had an opportunity to photograph a large portion of her work, and I foresee other classes in the making. Mamie Velez is going to share some calligraphy based classes, like drawing flourishes. I see these as potential surface designs for polymer pieces. She is also going to teach the "artful doodle", which is similar to zentangling with calligraphic elements. We all love to doodle so why not doodle on polymer....hmmm!
Patricia DiBona and Ellen Prophater are busy dreaming up new classes for their combined class that they present the first Thursday of every month. Their collaborative work is expanding both of their horizons. I can hardly wait to see the effect of the encaustic painting symposium up in Massachusetts they are going to attend in June.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
No Rabbits, No Queen of Hearts . . . Just Alice
I think it was the "cane heard 'round the world". Alice Stroppel solved a common problem -- scrap clay -- with her brilliant idea, the Stroppel Cane. We all dream of having an idea that goes viral, and Alice has succeeded. Clayers all over the world are making beads using Alice's great technique. Now she is coming to Creative Journey Studios to teach workshops on her other distinctive techniques. On April 21, she will be teaching her take on face canes.
I know you have seen her wonderful whimsical "girls" and now you will be able to create your own batch of beauties. Then on April 22, she will guide you through the process of drawing on polymer clay. All together now ... "but I can't draw, Alice!" She possesses the magic to turn us all into happy pen and inkers.
If you haven't seen Alice's work, you are in for a treat. Her designs are simple, but effective ... whimsical, but brilliant. She has a wonderful blog at www.polymerclayetc.com which showcases her many talents.
When we first opened, Alice (and her trusty video camera) came up from Florida to help us get the doors open and to document the process. She gave us lots of pointers on videography and made the first video tour of our facility. We will always remember all the help she provided as we started this journey, and we can hardly wait to have her back!
I know you have seen her wonderful whimsical "girls" and now you will be able to create your own batch of beauties. Then on April 22, she will guide you through the process of drawing on polymer clay. All together now ... "but I can't draw, Alice!" She possesses the magic to turn us all into happy pen and inkers.
If you haven't seen Alice's work, you are in for a treat. Her designs are simple, but effective ... whimsical, but brilliant. She has a wonderful blog at www.polymerclayetc.com which showcases her many talents.
When we first opened, Alice (and her trusty video camera) came up from Florida to help us get the doors open and to document the process. She gave us lots of pointers on videography and made the first video tour of our facility. We will always remember all the help she provided as we started this journey, and we can hardly wait to have her back!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Excitement in the Wings . . .
We have some wonderful classes coming up. The excitement is almost palpable. The month of March starts on Thursday, March 1st, with another Creative Journey Studios: First Thursday Project. This time Patricia and Ellen are presenting a spiral book project "Birds of a Feather."
Next is Mary Pratt's "Songbird Triptych" class that we rescheduled for Thursday, March 8th. Take the extra time and get the word out to your friends about the great opportunity this class offers. Mary is well known as a muralist as evidenced by many of the local restaurants. While wandering around Buford, you can often see work in progress in her studio. In this small, intimate class setting, you will have access to all of Mary's brilliance. We've included all the canvases and supplies. We think you'll find this class is worth your time and money.
Next on the horizon is the start of Jan Stephens' Three Session "Wire-Wrapping Class." The first class starts on Saturday, March 10th, with a hammered link collar and wrapping a donut shaped cabochon. You'll be wrapping like Queen Latifah and Jay-zee before you know it! Oh, wait . . . wrong rap!
On Thursday, March 15, we are introducing Mamie Velez to our class lineup. She will be teaching a calligraphy class called "A Flair for Flourishes." This is a great class to begin your journey into the world of calligraphy. If you are already a calligrapher, this is a great class to expand your range and learn to create fabulously embellished projects. You will learn the basic strokes and have the opportunity to practice before her next class.
Later, Thursday, March 22nd, Jimmie Boatright is going to make our filigree shine with her "Embellishing Filigree with Beads" class. 'Filigree & more' brings you access to about four hundred styles of American-made raw brass filigree made with vintage dies by a small family-run business. Filigree has often been used as an armature for building jewelry. We continue that tradition by beading on pieces of filigree. Jimmie will teach you the basics of seed beading as well as discussing design options. We'll have everything you need for this class, and once you are an expert, you'll find more beads at the Atlanta Bead Market, where Jimmie and Judy DeWitt will be delighted to steer you to the best goodies.
On the weekend, the March 24th and 25th, Patricia DiBona and Ellen Prophater are teaching the "Sacred Altar" mixed media class. Patricia has a treasure trove of vintage images to collage, and Ellen will lead you through the paces on the polymer side of things. You'll learn techniques as well as design in this fun project. Ultimately, you will participate in a guided meditation and have made your own personal shrine to focus your thoughts and dreams.
Finally, the month ends, Saturday, March 31st, with a visit from internationally known teacher, Carol Simmons to teach her new "Art Nouveau Leaves in Mokume Gane". We are very excited to welcome Carol to Creative Journey. Carol has received a lot of attention for her kaleidoscoped pendants. She has developed an amazing system of piecing slices together after using her Simmons Slicer System, which she is working hard to bring to the polymer market. Her background in science is evident when you witness her precise mathematical mindset. One of her strengths is her color sense, and she spends a great deal of time thinking about color palettes. Now she brings that enthusiasm to mokume gane. She has created bright metallic billets which she ultimately forms into mokume veneered leaf pendants. If you like color and want insights into a shiny finish, this is the class for you.
Next is Mary Pratt's "Songbird Triptych" class that we rescheduled for Thursday, March 8th. Take the extra time and get the word out to your friends about the great opportunity this class offers. Mary is well known as a muralist as evidenced by many of the local restaurants. While wandering around Buford, you can often see work in progress in her studio. In this small, intimate class setting, you will have access to all of Mary's brilliance. We've included all the canvases and supplies. We think you'll find this class is worth your time and money.
Next on the horizon is the start of Jan Stephens' Three Session "Wire-Wrapping Class." The first class starts on Saturday, March 10th, with a hammered link collar and wrapping a donut shaped cabochon. You'll be wrapping like Queen Latifah and Jay-zee before you know it! Oh, wait . . . wrong rap!
On Thursday, March 15, we are introducing Mamie Velez to our class lineup. She will be teaching a calligraphy class called "A Flair for Flourishes." This is a great class to begin your journey into the world of calligraphy. If you are already a calligrapher, this is a great class to expand your range and learn to create fabulously embellished projects. You will learn the basic strokes and have the opportunity to practice before her next class.
Later, Thursday, March 22nd, Jimmie Boatright is going to make our filigree shine with her "Embellishing Filigree with Beads" class. 'Filigree & more' brings you access to about four hundred styles of American-made raw brass filigree made with vintage dies by a small family-run business. Filigree has often been used as an armature for building jewelry. We continue that tradition by beading on pieces of filigree. Jimmie will teach you the basics of seed beading as well as discussing design options. We'll have everything you need for this class, and once you are an expert, you'll find more beads at the Atlanta Bead Market, where Jimmie and Judy DeWitt will be delighted to steer you to the best goodies.
On the weekend, the March 24th and 25th, Patricia DiBona and Ellen Prophater are teaching the "Sacred Altar" mixed media class. Patricia has a treasure trove of vintage images to collage, and Ellen will lead you through the paces on the polymer side of things. You'll learn techniques as well as design in this fun project. Ultimately, you will participate in a guided meditation and have made your own personal shrine to focus your thoughts and dreams.
Finally, the month ends, Saturday, March 31st, with a visit from internationally known teacher, Carol Simmons to teach her new "Art Nouveau Leaves in Mokume Gane". We are very excited to welcome Carol to Creative Journey. Carol has received a lot of attention for her kaleidoscoped pendants. She has developed an amazing system of piecing slices together after using her Simmons Slicer System, which she is working hard to bring to the polymer market. Her background in science is evident when you witness her precise mathematical mindset. One of her strengths is her color sense, and she spends a great deal of time thinking about color palettes. Now she brings that enthusiasm to mokume gane. She has created bright metallic billets which she ultimately forms into mokume veneered leaf pendants. If you like color and want insights into a shiny finish, this is the class for you.
You can read more descriptions on the calendar pages and you can get more information and sign up by calling 404-314-5767. Registration for classes will close three business days before the class. This gives us a chance to prepare for the correct number of students. Come experience the new classroom and check out the new store
Monday, February 6, 2012
Meta Strick . . . What a Doll!
Meta Strick is as unique as her art dolls. We are so fortunate to have a nice selection of her wonderful dolls in the gallery. Meta paints, sketches, cuts, carves, sews and assembles these mixed media treats. Sometimes she makes a miniature book for the doll to hold, or finds an antique handkerchief to serve as a skirt, or adds an old thimble to fill the basket the doll holds. She often uses her calligraphy to add just the right word to complete her doll.
Meta uses acrylic paint and 16 x 20 canvases to create her ethereal female images. Meta also loves to work in her sketch book, never wasting a drop of paint. Brushes are emptied on random pages to
become an inspiration later. She participated in last year's sketchbook project. Some of her beautiful faces adorn note cards we have for you at CJS. You can see the digitized sketch book at
http://www.arthousecoop.com/library?utf8=✓&display_name=Meta+strick&theme_id=&commit=Search&country=&city=&province=&state=
Art has always been a part of Meta's life. From her earliest days, she claims to have had an aversion to coloring within the lines, even choosing to fill the white spaces outside the lines with her own drawings. She trained formally at Carnegie Mellon and has been sharing her wisdom ever since. A leader of the Vermont hand crafters, she makes her art and teaches workshops. The students at the Community College of Vermont are fortunate to be inspired by this art dynamo. And we are fortunate to count Meta as a friend, and love that we can share her art with you.
You can see more of Meta's art by visiting her website at www.metastrick.com. As you peruse her site, you'll see why we're so impressed with Meta. Then come in and visit the gallery, and add one of Meta's dolls to your collection. It will put a permanent smile on your face!
Meta uses acrylic paint and 16 x 20 canvases to create her ethereal female images. Meta also loves to work in her sketch book, never wasting a drop of paint. Brushes are emptied on random pages to
become an inspiration later. She participated in last year's sketchbook project. Some of her beautiful faces adorn note cards we have for you at CJS. You can see the digitized sketch book at
http://www.arthousecoop.com/library?utf8=✓&display_name=Meta+strick&theme_id=&commit=Search&country=&city=&province=&state=
Art has always been a part of Meta's life. From her earliest days, she claims to have had an aversion to coloring within the lines, even choosing to fill the white spaces outside the lines with her own drawings. She trained formally at Carnegie Mellon and has been sharing her wisdom ever since. A leader of the Vermont hand crafters, she makes her art and teaches workshops. The students at the Community College of Vermont are fortunate to be inspired by this art dynamo. And we are fortunate to count Meta as a friend, and love that we can share her art with you.
You can see more of Meta's art by visiting her website at www.metastrick.com. As you peruse her site, you'll see why we're so impressed with Meta. Then come in and visit the gallery, and add one of Meta's dolls to your collection. It will put a permanent smile on your face!
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