Creative University, Part 3

Today it’s time to share the two remaining project classes at CU, Card Café and Scrapbooking.

Sheila’s Card Café was a self-paced class with creation stations to stamp and assemble four fabulous cards. The students were able to work through the café at their own speed, which is perfect for participants with different working styles and skill levels.




Michelle’s scrapbooking class used the Lucy paper pack, with girly glitter everywhere.

Whenever I hear Moms say they have boys and don’t need pink glittered pages I have the think “hello? YOU are a girl! Scrapbook yourself!”

See that big green mat above? It’s got a secret. Keep reading.

I asked Michelle to add a pop-up element to her page, and she designed a simple yet stunning butterfly accent. Michelle kept her little secret under wraps until she could reveal it in class, it was so much fun to hear the entire class go “oooohhhhhh!”

Want to see more pop-ups by yours truly? Click here.

Creative University 2012, Part 2

What’s an art retreat without art projects?

Creative University will always have its roots in papercrafting, but students are encouraged to spread their wings and step outside their comfort zone with classes in jewelry and altered art as well as scrapbooking and cardmaking.

All students may attend all classes, so everyone gets a chance to make the projects.

Erin’s “Bird on a Wire” bracelet class was a challenge for some, but every student walked away with a stunning piece, and learned many new jewelry making techniques. For several of the attendees, this was their first time at jewelry making! Erin’s teaching style and her helpful and charming assistants helped even the most novice student.

Joy is an expert papercrafter, but a first time jewelry maker. With Tahne’s help, she’s a happy crafter.

Photo by Amy Kupperman

Michelle’s mini album class featured a flowery embellished cover and flip-up pages in a CD tin. I love this bohemian layered look using the Stella paper from Close to My Heart.

photo by Nichole Lewno

Mystique really loves those rolled paper flowers.

While everyone was at class, I snuck into the day room and snapped a few pictures. When students weren’t in class, this was one of the places they spent their time. Can’t you just feel the creative vibes with all these art supplies collected in one space?

Next up, the scrapbooking and cardmaking class. Sit back and relax, I’ll be posting soon!

photo by Linda Wendeborn

Creative University 2012, part 1

What a fabulous experience! I’m still resting up, unpacking and reminiscing over all the memories. As usual, it just gets better every year.

What is Creative University?

photo by Michelle Nist

Create U is my annual art retreat, this year was number five. It’s grown over the years, but the core value that I hold dear is to give all attendees a perfect blend of “Inspiration, Education and Relaxation.”

photo by Michelle Nist

I host the event at a camp in Idaho, on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The camp is easy to get to from Spokane, Washington, and many students fly or drive long distances to attend. The location has stunning scenery, cozy cabins (some with gas fireplaces!), and beautiful views from all the gathering spaces.

photo by Molly Rawls

This year’s attendance totaled 59, so we had two class pictures. Here is the Purple Pixie group. We took their picture early in the day. The weather was mild and the day was just beginning so everyone looks pretty refreshed and comfortable.

The Silver Sprite group wasn’t so lucky. The weather started turning on us, with snow spitting, wind blowing, temperatures dropping. They were trying to finish up the jewelry class, and still hard at work after 2 hours, when I finally had to call a break in the class and haul them outside for their picture. They look a bit less thrilled about the whole idea than the Purple Pixes, don’t you think? We were freezing.

Before the event, students were able to order logowear and show their school spirit. I love how we all look so color coordinated at camp, it’s like having school uniforms. I take great care to choose an entire collection of shirts, jackets, pants, hats and bags that are more than just your one-size-fits-most tee.

The colors were purple and green. Here I am modeling one of my favorites, the microfleece zip pullover. Snuggly!

Margaret and Roberta both wearing CU logowear.

I just had to include this photo, the purple table! They are all wearing different choices from the tee shirt selections. The shirts have logos printed low on the hip this year, so many of the designs don’t show up in seated photos, but they still look fabulous!

Welcome bags (above) greeted every arrival. This was the last year I’ll be creating the hand-made bags for every student, so I hope the ladies all enjoy their limited edition CU memento! This year I learned something from Creative University…I learned sewing burlap is very, very messy. Burlap dust everywhere!

I’ll have more to share, so be a deer and check back soon!

photo by Molly Rawls

Magical Mushroom Charms

You may have noticed I’ve been MIA from Fabulously Artsy recently. I’ve been prepping like a mad-woman for Creative University and it’s almost here! Thursday is the starting day for CU, can’t believe my little art retreat has grown to 60 students attending from all over the country.

Most of the prep work from my end tends to be a bit boring, nothing worth blogging about. Invoices and sign-ups. The craft projects I do get to create are top-secret until Create U starts, so there’s not much to share… yet. I’ll have lots to share after the event, but until then, here’s a little project I just couldn’t wait to show off.

Each year one of the extra-curricular activities at Creative University is the altered art charm swap. Participants make and swap 10 creative, handmade charms. This year’s theme is Woodland Fairies.

I created these magical mushrooms using purple and white polymer clay and inserted them into a tiny bottle with a bit of moss and glitter. Aren’t they darling?

Yes, I did need need my cheater glasses while making these. Inserting the moss and getting the mushroom into the right position was probably the most challenging. Imagine using two straight pins as chopsticks. You get the picture.

Spring/Summer Idea Book, Get Yours!

The new idea book is here, and it’s fabulous! 144 jam-packed pages of products, ideas, tips and techniques.

Just $6 for priority mail shipping, and you’ll receive a $5 rebate on your first order of $25 or more.

While supplies last offer: I have extra copies of the Autumn/Winter idea book, available at no charge when you order a new Spring/Summer idea book. Free book will be sent with your Spring/Summer book.

To receive the FREE additional idea book (Autumn/Winter 2011), use the second option in the drop down menu below. If you just want the Spring/ Summer book, use the first option. Orders made without selection will automatically receive just the Spring/Summer book.

Options

Spring/Summer book Spring/Summer book w/ Free 2011 book

While many of the papers and accessories in the Autumn/Winter book are retired and no longer available, ALL of the stamps in the Autumn/Winter book are still available until July 2012, and many are not shown in the Spring/Summer book.

To receive your FREE Autumn/Winter 2011 book, please use the pull-down menu option on the Buy Now button. Offer good while supplies last, with purchase of Spring/Summer idea book.

Two books for six bucks. Good stuff.

Whatever Wednesday

Don’t buy it… just don’t buy that. I can make it for you.