It's almost time...

It seems like I made this book so long ago.  First it was just an idea Loretta (here's a link to more info about this class) and I were tossing around, then it became a class we are co-teaching.  There are so many ways this food memoir can be made.  One could create a 'favorite take-out menu' book, a 'wines I can't live without' book, or 'menus only a child can love' type of book. How about a 'special family recipes for the bride to be' book?  The more I think about it, it DOES seem like there are endless possibilities. Whatever your preference, it can be made into a wonderful book.

NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE AN ARTIST OR A WRITER TO MAKE A BOOK UNIQUE TO YOU.  IF YOU CAN CUT AND PASTE, YOU CAN DO THIS CLASS.

Our class will involve some writing, some painting, some collage and shhhhhh....don't tell anyone, but samples of food too! We also have a terrific kit put together to minimize dragging a suitcase of supplies to class!   From me, you will create backgrounds, learn some fun paper engineering and bookbinding.  Loretta will teach us some writing prompts and exercises.  So join Loretta and I as we spend two great days together in Stamford, CT at ART-IS...YOU art retreat COME...have some fun with us!  Sign ups are until September 25, 2013.

here's a little eye candy to tempt you...never before seen pages ~

ok, i lied, you've seen this one before, but not with the writing added!

a little something

I've been away for a while.  It's not because I don't enjoy my work, it is more because I'm suffering from carpal tunnel.  Well, after a couple of months of physical therapy, wearing a brace at night and just plain resting, my wrist is MUCH improved.  It was bad.  Real bad.  I could barely write.  All I could do was sew on a machine, and that was limited.  I have not been a happy camper (ask my husband) at all!  I am so happy that I can write and draw again and it is pain free!  I still have some numbness is a couple of my fingers and I do need surgery.  In the meantime however, I am back to drawing in my journal and working!  YAY!  

The first thing I am doing is preparing samples for a summer workshop I do with kids.  Yesterday I played around with a technique I learned from my artist friend, Diana Trout.  

A couple of years back I took a class with Diana in bookbinding and was immediately hooked.  Diana is a fantastic teacher and artist.  She is the author of Journal Spilling which I highly recommend.  Diana posted this video of her drawing doodle game on you tube.  I thought this would be such a fun thing for kids to do, so I've taken it in a different direction and created a project out of it. 

 It sort of reminds me of Miro:

so it starts with a line that doesn't cross draw on watercolor paper with sharpie

and ends up like this:

I added little monstery details.  Then painted it with watercolors.  So, this is a little preview of one of the summer projects.  I've enjoyed the ability to create something again.  Now I'm off to work on a painting...I'm giddy with happiness!  Ahhhh...to paint again :)