Highlights from the Junk Workshop

The junk workshop on Saturday was loads of fun! I really had no idea exactly how it would go. I've mostly taught children and teen art classes and have never actually attended any type of workshop myself that I can recall. I thought maybe I should begin like I always do with art classes...with an introduction, a demo or instructions...etc. and then let them move into the fun part.

 I did none of the above. I did get to greet everyone individually but once they were in, well, it just happened. After everyone arrived they promptly took inventory of the junk, scooped up what they wanted and went to work. I was impressed. Most everyone arrived with a vision and if they didn't come with one they had one within the first hour.

Here's a look at the afternoon....

Getting started

The first hour was really quiet. Everyone settled and concentrating...

Can you tell what this is?

Jan brought the BEST junk from her barn. I'd love to go there and   "pick". 

Notice her sweater...re-constructed and re-styled...just for fun. I would buy one of those!

Notice the cute bakelite alarm clock...another of her great junk.

Lauri making a screen frame for her earrings. I didn't get a photo of  the finished product for some reason...It turned out great. 

These girls are pro's. They could have taught the class! I loved their ideas.

I laughed when I took Krista's picture. I may have as many of her as her mom. She's been coming to  the studio since 5th grade. She's almost 17! 

Hour 2 and several completed projects later.

I wonder if Jonathan was channeling Tom Mix? ...He built an alter that he can pack up and take with him wherever he goes. I am looking forward to seeing it when he's finished! 

Aren't these great coasters? Zinc jar lids with paper inserts coated with several coats polyurethane. 

Cigar box turned jewelry box

Windchimes by our youngest participant

I'm so happy to know there is a use for all those corks I accumulate. Don't you love it?

My sister, Lori putting to good use all those windows she replaced in her old farmhouse. 

I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. We will definitely have to do this again. Thank you all for coming!

Today, the studio seems a little empty. I've packed away the extra tables and all the unused junk is back in my "stash". I've completely cleaned off my worktable and put away all the tools. The only thing left is the inspiration I got from being with all of the other creative people that spent the afternoon here.

Now, I've got about 12 weeks or less to get ready for the show in May. Ready or not, here I come. 

My Junk Baby

I wanted to give you a quick peek at one of the junk projects I made this week. Here again for the second week in a row...and only the second week in the new year...that I am a day late posting my Worktable Wednesday post. I hope this is not an indicator of the year to come!

 I do have a legit excuse...I left my camera in the studio last night and by the time I had taken off all my layers and my boots I was NOT going back out. We have a thin layer of ice left from Monday's and Tuesday's storm and by 10:30 last night it just wasn't worth risking a broken leg to blog!

But, here she is...

I don't know that she's completely finished yet. I feel like she needs to be holding something. I'm still looking for that something.

I love her!...and I think she is a real cutie. I've had the baby oil bottle for a while and no one bought it at the last open house so I put it back in my stash. While I was reorganizing some things I found the doll parts that I got at a friend's yard sale last summer. I never know what causes the initial spark but it ignited and I put the two together on my work table and other elements started showing up. As you can see there are pieces of vintage costume jewelry, silk flower petals from left over "Fairy Camp" from years ago, vintage buttons and scrabble pieces.

The frame was a steal (well not literally!) from a flea market last fall. I wish now I'd bought more than the two I came home with. I should have listened to my friend Ruth Ann! 

My junk baby actually hangs straight on her little diaper pin hanger, but I didn't want to leave her up long because the epoxy on the button hadn't completely cured when I snapped the picture.

This is an example of what students can do at our Junk Camp for Beginners workshops on the 22nd and 29th. This little girl will be for sale in Ranch Dressing Handmade and Vintage and may be listed in my Etsy shop as well after the workshops are over.

It's not too late to sign up for the class on the 29th. There are a few seats still available. You can register online or contact me email, phone or text. All of my contact info is in the side bar and in the link above in the About  tab.

More project peeks to come.

Talk to you  soon.

Our First Workshop is Full

I'm very happy to announce that our first workshop Junk Camp for Beginners is full with nearly a week to go before the registration deadline. This doesn't mean though that you can't come if you were waiting until this week to sign up. I am continuing registrations, but for another date, Saturday January 29th. It will be the same time slot, 1pm - 4pm.

If this is the first you are hearing about the workshop you can read the description here.

With  all this said, I have much to do to now get ready for something I only dreamed up a week ago. Yes, this is how I roll...by the seat of my pants...on a daily basis. Keeps life interesting!

Also, this week I will be shopping for a new printer. I need something that uses archival pigments. I think.  Any suggestions?

Boots and Saddle 

These are two more of the coaster rounds from the vintage sheet music I did last week. I tried printing some of these on the printer I have now, but it just doesn't capture the color and detail the way I would like it to. Recently I bought an ACEO on ebay that was printed with archival pigment on special paper. It is stunning! I want that. I think I will contact her this week to see what she has.

Well, back to the drawing board. Literally.

Talk to you soon,

Our First Workshop of the New Year

Like all of you I'm excited to be starting a new year and I'm excited to announce our first workshop of the year.

Remember the clock case jewelry box? Junk find.

It's called Junk Camp for Beginners. Over the holidays when I would tell my friends and family what I was doing with junk these days they looked at me a little funny. So....I thought I'd give others the opportunity to catch the "junk bug" and join me in the studio for an afternoon. I have to warn you. It's addictive. You will never be the same again. 

I've already told you about all the "good junk" I have stored under my work table, in the stove house, in the barn, behind the tool shed and even a piece or two behind the tractor shed. To the naked eye, it is only junk and the typical things you see around farms, but to me I see art supplies.

For those attending, this may be the cheapest afternoon of fun you've had in a while. I know, we are all running a little short after shopping, eating out, partying, and splurging more often for Starbucks in December, but this mini workshop is a DEAL. Registration is $10 and the cost of the class is....what ever you decide you want to spend. 

We are setting up bins with junk ranging in price from $0.25 to $25.00. You choose how little or how much you want to spend on your project. We also encourage you to bring your own junk to swap with other participants. 

We will supply tools and materials for manipulating or connecting your junk into art objects...functional or decorative...large or small. It's up to you. Cool? We think so. I will have new projects on hand for inspiration and I will help you to see the potential in the items you choose to work with. 

When is this workshop?

Saturday January 22, 2011.

1pm - 4pm (you know I am NOT a morning person, and too, I am most likely going to be out yard sale(ing) until noon.)

Where is the workshop held?

Free Rein Art & Design Studio (upstairs studio in Ranch Dressing Handmade and Vintage)

1882 Kennedy Farm Rd

Thomasville 

How do you register?

Online click here 

Or call, text or email. I will pencil you in and you can mail in or stop by the studio with your $10 fee. All of our contact info is in the sidebar.

Is there a deadline to register?

Yes, January 15th. The workshop is limited to 6 students. If we should have more interest, I will offer the class the following Saturday as well.

When you register, be sure to leave me all of your contact info for further instructions for the class. I will send and email or post card before the 22nd. 

Have I left anything out? Ask any questions in the comments section and I'll clear it up for everyone. I look forward to hearing from you and am really excited about the workshop!

Talk to you soon!

Friday Freebies

Do you love to draw? ...or would you love to learn to draw?

Years ago when I taught drawing to children, the little ones five to about 7, were my best students ever. They never questioned me when I asked them to try something and they were always successful. By about third grade they were already buying into the idea that they couldn't do it.

When I tell people that anyone can learn to draw I'm serious. It doesn't mean that you will love it, just that it is a learned skill. If you have raw talent it will then blossom and be enjoyable. If not, then you still know that if needed, you have the ability. Sometimes, it's necessary when trying to explain to a builder, landscaper or even a custom furniture maker what you are thinking.

Today I have a freebie for you with 26 beginner drawing lessons. How great is that? They come in E-book form and you can do them at you leisure. This offering is from Artist Daily. I hope you will check them out and enjoy some nice winter evenings honing you new talent.

Click here for your free art lessons.

For you locals, please stay tuned for art and craft workshops coming up in January here at my studio.