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Category Archives: Workshops
Arts in Worship: Crosses
I’ve had a few problems with my laser cutter over the last six weeks or so… One of the cables was causing intermittent faults. The presumption was that after four years of use, it was gradually fracturing. I managed to keep the machine limping on until I replaced the cable this week. As a result, I’ve had to feed projects into the machine through a slot so that the lid was barely lifted – an interesting exercise.
It would have been fine if I had not been asked to do several projects in those weeks. A small group craft session for church folk, the ‘Be Still’ evening and a large group craft session for my church’s retired men’s group. All of these needed kitting out with laser-cut items.
The projects
Here are the projects I designed and crafted for the small group and the men’s group. They feature crosses for the Easter season. Both are available as workshops at the Studio for groups of up to eight people. To book, just get in contact with me.
Arts in Worship: Be Still
I was asked to run a craft table at a recent ‘Be Still’ community event at my church. The aim of the evening was to take the chance for attendees to have some ‘me’ time with massages, facials, mindfulness sessions as well as the craft table. I looked for all sorts of inspiration and didn’t really find any. I then stumbled on some photos of retro signage and decided to go with the theme. I created six different laser-cut wood signs, each with a typical self-affirming phrase often linked to mindfulness sessions. For each, I spent a long time finding a relevant Bible verse or passage to move it from self-centred to God-centred.
Bible Journaling: Salvation
I’ve spent quite a lot of time prepping this week for my Bible Journaling Session at The Studio on 13th February. I start by choosing the theme, researching the verses, checking the page in the Bible that is free of illustrations, and finally begin designing the five templates. After that, I trace into the Bible and colour each with different media. Then it’s time to photograph each sample, edit the pics, create a suitable size for Instagram, write a blog post, add the file to my shop and then publicise on Instagram and Pinterest. I forget how long it takes! I think this release also marks at least my 100th Bible journaling illustration. Anyhoo, here are the five samples we’ll be emulating in Monday’s session, all on the theme of salvation:
Bible Journaling: Graffiti style
We’ve had a couple of Bible journaling sessions where we have worked off the page with different themes. For the next session, we’re working back in our journaling Bibles. Our theme will be ‘graffiti’ and the main technique that we’ll be using is creating gradients with our coloured pencils. As always, there will be a traceable printout for those that consider themselves a non-artist or you can do your own thing. The next session is on 14th February at 7:30 pm – contact me to book your place. The printable is also available as a free download from my online store. Here are my sample pics for your inspiration:
The Studio is reopening!
Following a tough 16 months of closure due to the coronavirus restrictions nationally and locally, and the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday, I am delighted to announce the Studio is able to reopen from Monday (19th July).
In an abundance of caution, there will be a few changes to my sessions. I am reducing the maximum group size from eight to four per session to allow more space between attendees. The windows will be open throughout, so, if it’s due to be chilly, bring layers. I will sanitize all surfaces but as I can’t wipe down all the kit between sessions I will be supplying hand sanitizer for use at the beginning and during sessions at each workstation. Face coverings will be optional, in line with national guidance, though I’d still recommend wearing one if you’re not fully vaccinated. Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell, particularly if you have symptoms of coronavirus. I will, of course, keep everything under review and let you know of any changes.
If you’re at all unsure about being in a group again, contact me and we can work out a time for a one-to-one session.
Session timetable changes
Due to the reduced numbers at each session, I will be trialing the following:
- All sessions must be booked in advance to ensure space is available right up to the start of the session, though I’d prefer a little bit of notice – you will be able to do this via email or text/phone/Whatsapp/carrier pigeon (I’ll give you my mobile number if you need it).
- Come & Craft/Stashbuster Clinic: every Tuesday evening 7:30-10 pm or Wednesday afternoons 1:30-4 pm.
- Art Journaling: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings of the month 7:30-10 pm. We’ll be using the same theme at both sessions.
- Bible Journaling: 2nd and 4th Monday evenings of the month 7:30-10 pm. We’ll be using the same theme at both sessions.
- Stitch and Quilt: Wednesday afternoons 1:30-4 pm.
- Other times may be available by arrangement.
- All sessions remain at £5 per session.
I know these changes will make the dynamics of the groups different from a year ago, but I hope we’ll adapt and that you will be able to come back to the Studio.
Creative Jumpstart 2021: The first week
I signed up to do Creative Jumpstart 2021 back in November. What with Covid and no studio groups to prep for, my creativity has had a minor slump and I’ve not even had the mojo to create for the fun of it. Creative Jumpstart has a daily 10-15 minute tutorial or inspiration video to watch and so far it has included monoprinting, art journaling, illustration, watercolour and collage as part of the ‘storyteller’ theme. I’ve had a go at all but one so far and it’s been great to challenge my prejudices against some media (watercolour!) and to try out new media. Here are my attempts at the first week of projects:
All Counties Craft Challenge
I’m delighted to be hosting John Bloodworth, The Gentleman Crafter, at the Studio on Tuesday 4th April, 10am to 3:30pm for a day of card making. John has spent the last 10 months touring the country in an attempt to do a workshop in every county, raising money for Mind mental health charity.
You can book your place here, and if you can’t make the day, I would urge you to support him by donating to his challenge here. It’s a fantastic charity endeavour, a great charity, and as someone with mental health issues (me) I’d really love for you to support and encourage John as he comes toward the end of his epic year.
Bas Relief Deco Rose
For February’s Studio workshop, we’re going to be playing with adding dimension by using paperclay to create bas relief centrepieces for your cards/scrapbook pages and mixed media projects. Here’s an example I’ve just finished:
Not sure if I have got the balance right between the vase and the roses, and may be an ivory card for the sentiment might have worked better too. But that, after all, is what playing is all about…
If you’d like to come to the workshop on 4th February, there are spaces available. For more details, see my workshops page, or email me to book your space.
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Altered Art: Candy Cane Tree Decoration
I’ve designed some hanging decorations for December’s workshop that slide onto a wooden split type peg. There are several designs, but this is one of the newer ones, and certainly the most complex to colour in… Using nothing more than five colours of ProMarker and a pencil, this candy cane tree decoration is ready to copy! There are spaces available, but please book in as soon as possible – I have a lot of cutting out to do…
I’ve also been playing with my Foldio360 bluetooth controlled turntable a little more. It’s recently had some new DSLR settings provided meaning that, finally, it remotely controls my proper camera for top notch pics, which I can then edit and stitch in Photoshop. Now to find a decent 360° viewer plug-in for WordPress so that I don’t have to save as a clunky animated GIF.
