Monday, June 15, 2015

Creating Art with Kristen Robinson, Part One

As you may know from earlier posts, few things make me happier than when I can do creative things in the company of others. If I'm learning something new it's even better! So, when one of my favorite teachers, Kristen Robinson, comes to town, of course I'm enrolled!

Kristen taught three classes at SmittenDust -- I took two and this post chronicles the first. We made a small shrine/shadowbox and another flat piece using plaster, along with paint, fabric and ribbon, paper clay embellishments, buttons and whatever else we chose to bring to the table! This is her sample.


Kristen provided a wonderful kit and all the supplies, apart from things of our own we thought we might like to include. Dusty had large tables with good workspace and the company was terrific!



Kristen is including this project on her DVD and in her mixed-media book written with Ruth Rae, so I won't go into details on making it. But I will show you some of my photos during the process so you can see how it evolved.


We started with a square piece of matboard which was cut and turned into a box shape. Then it was covered in plaster -- big pieces and small strips -- to get the right texture and strengthen it.


We also added a small platform inside the box.


Then Kristen demonstrated different ways to move on, incorporating buttons, ribbon, muslin and embellishments to make the boxes unique.


We were all completely engrossed in learning the best techniques -- and she has plenty of helpful hints!



The longest part of this technique is the drying part, which gave us time to talk and grab lunch at the ice cream shop next door!


When it was dry enough, we began to paint. I kept mine with a pretty neutral cream/tan/aqua palette but lots of people went with more color. It didn't matter -- everyone's was beautiful!



Then we added embellishments and wax and more paint to age the box. Kristen's demonstrations (below) were easy to follow. The whole project was shaping up!



And finally, the finished pieces!



It was truly a remarkable day. Fellow teacher/artist Kari McKnight Holbrook was here for the weekend, too, so it was like getting a double dose of favorite teachers! And of course, both brought some of the things they make and of course, I shopped!

 

And, I had a big smile on my face when I left, eagerly anticipating the next workshop!


Stay tuned for her unique journal project!

28 comments:

Tammie Lee said...

it looks like you all had so much fun and went home with treasures!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Oh fun! So pretty! I love how you often incorporate music into your pieces of art!

Marilyn Miller said...

Oh I just love what you do. BTW I found an old journal and it wasn't half bad, so I left it out to add to it. Maybe yet I will get into it.

Sally Wessely said...

Oh what fun. Where were these classes held? Is this a craft shop. I've never seen such classes offered around here. Maybe, I'm just not tuned in to know when and where such things take place.

I think this looks like a lot of fun.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hello BEAUTIFUL! YOu are so right....in the company of others, the learning is much more memorable because laughing, conversing, collaborating - all of these things build a web of knowledge. And what fun....this is the summer of FUN! Enjoy, Anita

Victoria Zigler said...

Sounds like a lot of fun!

Dusty said...

Wonderful post about a great weekend! Thank you Jeanie!

Gwen said...

Nice work, and what fun!

Janet said...

I can tell you had fun when I saw your big, beautiful smile in the last photo! Your two pieces are beautiful.

Joanne Huffman said...

It was such a delightful class. I love what you did; I love what each of us did. And, nothing is better than fun art times with wonderful people.

Sally Tharpe Rowles said...

Looks like a lot of fun. It is always fun to be creative with friends!

Beth Leintz said...

Oh how lucky you are to get to create with friends and a new teacher. What a great project!

Bella Rum said...

It's so interesting to read about the process. I love the fomosjed piece. I always think how much fun these groups must be.

Ruth said...

Your energy and flow are beautifully expressed!

Anonymous said...

You look so happy creating new things. Keep it up!

The Artful Diva said...

Love the shrine you made. I have all those supplies in my studio - maybe I'll make one for myself too.

The French Hutch said...

Looks like a great way to have fun doing what you enjoy. Having a teacher you like and appreciate makes for a special time.
Great to see you enjoying the summer. I think I'm missing i, up to my neck in a reno...............

Kristen Robinson said...

I loved being with you and cannot thank you enough for sharing your amazing creativity with me.

Anonymous said...

Oh, how much fun! Looks like a great project and do you realize how adorable you look? :)
Thanks for popping in to see me and your sweet words.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Barb said...

What unique creations! I love looking at all the little embellishments. Looks like you had fun, Jeanie.

Maggie said...

Spending the day crafting with friends, eating ice cream for lunch and shopping, No wonder you look so happy!

Relyn Lawson said...

Such wonderful, beautiful fun!!

shoreacres said...

I especially like your pieces, because I especially like ecru, beige, ivory, parchment. I'd never paint walls those colors (well, except I do have a couple that are French Vanilla) but I think they're wonderful for journals and other crafty projects. Maybe it's because they remind me of the lace and pearls I so loved as a child.

~*~Patty S said...

ooohhh plaster and beeswax and so much more...
it all speaks to me!
Lucky you getting to enjoy such a great class with such a talented teacher.
You must be SO pleased with your finished pieces too Jeanie...they look fabulous.
oxo

Margs Primitive Quilts said...

Wow! That looks like fun! Your two projects turned out beautiful! Always so much fun with a group! So much talent in ken room!

Arti said...

Love your finished products! Can't imagine what transformation a simple, little paper box can be turned into. Wonderful idea.

Tracy said...

Oooo.... LOVE, love, love, these projects, Jeanie! So my style--and I'm a pastel girl, too. ;o) These are just so pretty... and what a wonderful way with simple, easy items... I really like the soft color palette, the rich warm vanilla and cappuccino tones...mmm... Sounds like a coffee break... LOL! So much fun to share this along with. ((HUGS))

CatieAn said...

Oh I love learning new techniques and this looks like such a great workshop.
I like your pieces...simple but eloquent in their story.

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