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:
it looks like you all had so much fun and went home with treasures!
Oh fun! So pretty! I love how you often incorporate music into your pieces of art!
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.
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.
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
Sounds like a lot of fun!
Wonderful post about a great weekend! Thank you Jeanie!
Nice work, and what fun!
I can tell you had fun when I saw your big, beautiful smile in the last photo! Your two pieces are beautiful.
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.
Looks like a lot of fun. It is always fun to be creative with friends!
Oh how lucky you are to get to create with friends and a new teacher. What a great project!
It's so interesting to read about the process. I love the fomosjed piece. I always think how much fun these groups must be.
Your energy and flow are beautifully expressed!
You look so happy creating new things. Keep it up!
Love the shrine you made. I have all those supplies in my studio - maybe I'll make one for myself too.
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...............
I loved being with you and cannot thank you enough for sharing your amazing creativity with me.
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 ;)
What unique creations! I love looking at all the little embellishments. Looks like you had fun, Jeanie.
Spending the day crafting with friends, eating ice cream for lunch and shopping, No wonder you look so happy!
Such wonderful, beautiful fun!!
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.
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
Wow! That looks like fun! Your two projects turned out beautiful! Always so much fun with a group! So much talent in ken room!
Love your finished products! Can't imagine what transformation a simple, little paper box can be turned into. Wonderful idea.
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))
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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