Friday, November 15, 2013

Angels with Kari McKnight Holbrook

Anytime I can take a class with Kari McKnight Holbrook, I jump at the chance. Last week she was visiting SmittenDust, our local art haven, teaching several classes. I was able to sign up for two. The first involved making a polymer angel canvas. These are Kari's.
Kari is an excellent teacher -- first of all, she explains well.
She brings lots of supplies to share.
And she shows us how to use them. And makes sure we know how!
All of this she does with great good humor, which always makes a workshop more fun. And she is ready, willing and able to give assistance when needed.
We all started with a basic shape template of an angel to fit in a 5x7 canvas. We learned about conditioning the polymer clay and spent a good deal of time at the pasta machine mixing colors till they were "just right." Basically, she turned us loose and let us fly.
These are several stages of my angel. First, just the clay on a worksheet.
Then with more details.
Then baked and wiped with a sepia glaze that brings out the texture.
Finally, the finished piece with its creator. You can't tell from this but after the photo above, I added coppery gold to her wings.
What was fun was that even though we all chose the same basic template for our angels, they all were very different. This is Dusty's. (Dusty is also Ms. SmittenDust!)
Here, Linda is adding touches to her angel's dress.
 
And this is Amy's as it went into the oven -- we loved her dreadlock pony tail!
 
I'm not terribly familiar with polymer. I've made a few things before -- mostly beads or covering boxes (that was in another Kari class!). This was a terrific experience and I ended up with a project that I like. (And will like a little more when I perk up the mouth and eyes!)
All in all, I'd say if you have a yen to try something new and creative and Kari comes to your town (she also does a number of the national events, including Art and Soul and Create), 
sign up!
Next time I'll show you the fun of gelli printing!

28 comments:

Joanne Huffman said...

I have an angel I made with Kari long ago and I love it. Looks like a great workshop, sorry I missed it.

Joanne Huffman said...

I forgot to tell you how much I like your angel!

Beth M. said...

Oh, I love how the angel's hair suggests movement, like she's in motion and her hair is blowing peacefully in the breeze. So creative!!

~*~Patty S said...

Your angel is darling with the breeze blowing in her tresses ♥
Kari's angels are lovely too ...
what a great time you had!
Clay on canvas is something I have wanted to play with...
Happy Weekend to you and yours dear Jeanie...
oxo

Barb said...

A fun post, Jeanie - that angel will always remind you to let the breeze blow through your hair and to keep smiling!

Luna und Luzie said...

Jeanie, your angel is beautiful.
Great that you had so much fun creating it!
Have a wonderful Weekend!

Shane Pollard said...

Oh Jeanie such a beautiful angel in time to display for Christmas.
What an inspiring day for you.
Happy weekend!
hugs
Shane

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

You did a really good job! I like the textured look. And it's neat that everyone could create their own look even with the same template.

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

I love your angel!! You're so talented, Jeanie! And what a great class.

Jeanie said...

What fun and the angels are so, well, angelic. Your beautiful angel looks like she has a bit of your personality in her.

Marilyn Miller said...

Now that does look like fun!
Love the angel too!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Oh fun! I love how your angel turned out. Sounds like such a fun class!

must love junk said...

What a great idea! Love your angel :)
Susan

The Old Parsonage said...

Oh what fun you all are having. Love how your gal turned out she's "heavenly!"

xo
Leann

Arti said...

Looks like a wonderful class and experience! And for sharing your very cute handiwork! ;)

shoreacres said...

No one ever said angels have to be confined to the Christmas seasons! Angels are messengers, of course, and it looks to me as though the message of your angel might be something like, "Hark! These angel-makers sing!"

It looks like wonderful fun. Thanks for sharing!

The Artful Diva said...

I am way behind - and playing catch up. I hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend!

tlcukjourney said...

I would love to take a class like that!! I seriously need to check out some art classes, I love mixed media and use it a lot when I scrapbook. I also love to see an artist at work. Is Polymer clay the same clay that can be used to make jewelry?
I'd like to have a go at that!
Have a great week!
Tammy

Relyn Lawson said...

I just love your big, proud smile.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Your angel is adorable. What fun! Looks like you had a great time.

Quiltmoose - Dagmar said...

Must have been a lot of fun! And the result is gorgeous! Love your angel :)
Dagmar

Jennifer Richardson said...

I love yours!
Esp the wind in her hair:)
Beautiful angel, beautiful you:)
-Jennifer

Tracy said...

Oh, these are sweet! I love polymer clay--so much you can do with that stuff! I love your blue angel--her hair is amazing! And look at you--so happy with your angel--I love that! :o) Smitten Dust--wonderful name for a creative place! Cant' wait to see your Gelli prints!! Happy week, my friend ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeanie! Oh, these are just darling. I love yours. I'd say you know your way around with the clay! Sounds like a fun day. You should frame your little card and have it out in your home for Christmas. Thanks for popping in to see my little Tilda.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Cheryl said...

Oh my goodness... your angel canvas is fabulous. I would have never thought to use clay on a canvas. It looks so darn cute!

Gunn said...

GOSH, YOU are soooo creative!
Artistic and nice!

Bella Rum said...

I cannot get over how beautiful your angel is. I love it.

Sally Wessely said...

What fun. I so admire your creativity and talent.

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