In this issue... - Your Dot
- Upcoming Workshops
- Creativity Circles
- Other Happenings
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If you’re an artist, nothing is more intimidating than a blank sheet of paper. Or canvas. Or cloth. Or whatever substrate you work with. That’s why, in Zentangle®, for example, the first step is to place a light pencil dot in each corner of your tile so it’s no longer blank. Brilliant!
The same idea is behind The Dot, a book by Peter Reynolds. When Vashti, the protagonist, proclaims that she can’t draw, her teacher encourages her to “Just make a mark and see where it takes you.” It’s a simple story with a powerful message.
At Purple Crayon, I often see members struggle when starting a new project. I, too, suffer from "blank page syndrome" from time-to-time, especially when I'm embarking on something big. The other day, for example, I was getting ready to make a new quilt. I had spent hours figuring out what I wanted to create, purchasing material, and getting my craft station set-up just so. I had even carved out an afternoon to "do my thing." I was ready to go! And then I just sat, staring at my fabric. It wasn't that I didn't know where to begin; I just wasn't inspired. I rearranged my tools again, glanced over my instructions for the umpteenth time, and waited. When the spark still didn't come, I pushed aside my rulers, took out some old magazines, and started cutting. Since I work best if I have parameters, I decided to create a collage for Purple Crayon's mural, and I limited myself to "cool" colors (blues, purples, etc.). Collage is a great way to overcome blank page syndrome. With just a few snips, you have a "dot." And, while you may not always create a masterpiece (I certainly didn't that afternoon), you always create something interesting. While I never got to my quilt that day, I did have fun, and I strengthened my creative muscle in the process. I also contributed something positive to the world—and isn't that really why we create? If you're having difficulty getting started with your art, figure out your own "dot." In addition to doing collage, here are a few strategies that often work for me: - Sit in your “studio,” wherever that might be, for an hour or two most days, even if you just daydream. You can’t get inspired if you don’t show up.
- Give yourself permission to create bad art. Nobody cares. Really.
- Abandon projects that aren’t fun. If you’re not having a good time, what’s the point?
- Take a workshop at Purple Crayon or another art school. Just being around other creatives is inspiring.
There's still time to register for Purple Crayon's Wet Felted Landscape workshop on June 2nd, Introduction to Mixed Media workshop on June 4th, and Writing From the Top of Your Head workshop series, Tuesday evenings starting on June 5th. (This last offering is specifically geared towards helping writers get unstuck.) And, we’ve got other great workshops coming up as well, including a “Pay-What-You-Want” Wheel of Life workshop on June 28th that will help you give needy parts of your life a little TLC. I look forward to playing with you! —Pam Robbins, Owner |
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| | Wet Felted Landscape Saturday, 6/2, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Wet felting, the process of applying water to layers of wool and repeatedly agitating them until the fibers weave together, has become very popular. And it’s easy to understand why: it’s fun, easy, and versatile—and you're almost guaranteed to produce something you’ll be proud to display, even on your first try! | | |
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| | Introduction to Mixed Media Monday, 6/4, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Have you always wanted to experiment with mixed media but didn’t know where to start? In this fascinating, two-part workshop, we’ll show you how! (Note: This is a combination of two workshops, "Photo Transfer and Altered Paper Techniques" and "Altered Board Books," that had to be rescheduled.) | | |
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| | Writing from the Top of Your Head Tuesdays, 6/5-6/26, 6:30-9:00 PM Writing from the Top of Your Head is a unique method that takes into account the vulnerability of what it means to be an artist and writer. It combines powerful group Creativity Coaching with writing exercises that will help artists of all types to loosen up and connect with the source of creativity. | | |
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| | Mixed Media Wall Art Sunday, 6/10, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM To the untrained eye, a twig is just a castoff piece of wood. But, to a mixed media artist, a twig can be bundled with other twigs…and bark…and moss to create a beautiful, three-dimensional picture. In this workshop, we'll show you how to turn natural "found objects" into a mixed media piece of art. | | |
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| | Decoupage Picture Frame Saturday, 6/16, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM A photograph is a great way to capture a memory—but displaying it in a frame that also captures the moment makes it even more special! In this workshop, you’ll create a decoupage picture frame that captures something meaningful for you. If you can picture it, you can “paint” it with just a little glue and paper! | | |
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| | Pendant Wirework Necklace Saturday, 6/23, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Looking for the perfect, personalized gift to give a friend or loved one? How about a picture pendant necklace? You can put pretty much anything inside the pendant: a photograph, drawing, or even a magazine clipping! We’ll show you how to do it—and we’ll teach you how to create a beautiful, wirework beaded chain to go with it! | | |
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| | Wheel of Life Thursday, 6/28, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM If you’re working, do you wish you had more time for play? If you’re retired, do you still feel like you’re in workmode? And how about the rest of your life? Does it feel like something's missing? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, this Pay-What-You-Want workshop is for you! You’ll use a "Wheel of Life" to get to the source of your imbalance, and, then, you'll visualize how you want your life to look moving forward. | | |
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| | Locker Hooked Coaster Saturday, 6/30, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Cappy Tosetti has been repurposing found materials since childhood. In this fun-filled, two-and-a-half-hour workshop, she’ll show you how to take scrap material—yarn, ribbon, fibers, fabric strips, leather, and plastic—a hook, and rug canvas and turn it into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece. Once you master the locker hooking technique, you’ll be able to create pillows, wall hangings, and lots of other items for your home and friends! | | |
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| | Silk Necktie Purse Sunday, 7/8, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM Thriftshops are full of cheap silk neckties. And you may have a few castoffs of your own. If you're looking for something to do with them, we have the answer! With a little imagination, you can make all sorts of cool little wearables—including our favorite: necktie purses! You’ll be amazed at how easy these little gems are to make! | | |
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| | Zentangle® (Encore workshop) Monday, 7/23, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM Zentangle® is an easy-to-learn, relaxing way to turn structured patterns—called “tangles”—into tiny (3.5” x 3.5”) masterpieces. Even if you don't consider yourself an artist, certified Zentangle® teacher, Susan Goodman, will show you how to create beautiful abstract images using this fun, meditative process. | | |
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Introduction to Eco Printing Friday, 7/27, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Patricia Spangler has been natural dying and eco printing for a number of years. Join her as she explains the basics of eco printing and shows you how to lay out and design an eco print, bundle and process materials, and pre- and post-mordant fabric. As a final project, you will print your own silk scarf! | | |
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Creativity Circles (Members-Only) |
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Writing Circle: 1st & 3rd Mon, 6-8:30 PM Reading Circle: 2nd Mon, 6:30-8:30 PM Stitching Circle: Tue, 3-5 PM Crafting Circle: Wed, 2-4 PM Drawing Circle: 1st & 3rd Sat, 10 AM-12PM | | |
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Open House Saturday, 6/9, 2:00 - 4:00 PM Every month, Purple Crayon opens its doors to the public. You can check out what our members are up to and see if the studio is a good fit for you. Come see what all the excitement is about! |
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