Where I Work

It's no secret that my favorite place to work is on my living room floor. I can spread my art stuff out and relax. I tend to work primarily out of the black and white bag that's in the left corner of the photo. Some of the stuff pulled from that bag include the two ink pads (love that neon pink but it only works on paper so I use Staz-On for everything else), the three pen bags, three of my favorite rolls of deco tape and the small black case that holds some of my favorite washi tapes.  There are two journals in the photo. The blue triptych book is finished while the one in which I'm currently working is open in the photo. Everything else you see on the floor stays at home. I have a couple of cases of stamps (I also have a large stamp cabinet not in the picture from which I'll pull out a couple of stamps daily to use), alcohol wipes (to clean sticky fingers), a cheap paper tray ($1!) that stores some of my favorite paper and washi tapes, my headphones (I like to listen to Old Time Radio as I create), etc...  I live in a tiny apartment so spreading out too much isn't an option. I like working mostly from my bag as I can grab it, throw my crap in it and be ready for on the go art journaling! Yes, I do downsize when I can't carry a lot of stuff (I've done posts on that before) but working from this bag makes me happy. It works for me and that's all that matters. Where is your favorite place to create?

A Closer Look at May 2013 Classes

Here's a closer look at my May classes. For the full list of summer classes (including NY, MA and AZ so far), please click here. Thanks!

Fri 10^th Stampin from the Heart L.A. Content: An Artist's Life (also the perfect Summer Journal!)

Content: An Artist's Life (also the perfect Summer Journal!)

Create a uniquely stitched tape covered, content filled journal using my favorite cardstock, paper ephemera, a plethora of deco tape, needle and thread. I quickly fell in love with this journal and carried it with me everywhere last summer as it is small enough for every day, on the go use. I loved how I could slip it in a Ziploc bag with a glue stick, some collage ephemera and a handful of pens. I worked on it every day, everywhere. You will learn how to blend and layer colorful ephemera and that leaving a little white space is good! This journal is definitely one of my most favorite books that I have ever worked in. I loved learning how to work with the open spaces on the pages, using pens, stencils, stickers and more. I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with you! I guarantee you will love this journal as much as I did!
 

Supply list: Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels, permanent black inkpad, container to hold water, 1" brush to glue (I like chip or bristle brushes) OR a few of your favorite glue sticks

Sat 11th Banana Rose Westlake Village Journal This 

Journal This 

Let’s put the journal back in art journaling. This is a collage class but it’s also about how to write, where to write and what to write. Pretty pictures are nice to create but let’s put some meaning and written words onto our journal pages. This class is designed to nurture and encourage you in the art of art journaling. I guarantee that there will be plenty of collage AND written prompts! You will walk out with several completed pages and your head will be brimming full of new ideas and possibilities! 

Supply list: journal (or the instructor will have paper for you to work on), scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels, permanent black inkpad, container to hold water, 1" brushes to glue (I like chip or bristle brushes), a few of your favorite glue sticks

 

Sun 19^th Word is Art Los Angeles Little Love Notes: Triptych Book Revised and Revisited

Little Love Notes: Triptych Book Revised and Revisited I've revised and revisited different formats of my extremely popular Triptych Book class since I first taught it at Artfest in 2001. This has to be my most favorite version of the book.

You will create a book where the pages swing out door-like. Explore using a variety of different mediums and materials as you work your way through the pages. Learn a variety of new and unique methods in self expression as you work in your book.

This book has pushed me to think and step outside of my box. I will be pushing you in the same way in class (and you will love it!) Be

prepared to step out of your comfort zone and have a heck of a good time doing so.

Supply list: Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels OR an old rag, permanent black inkpad,  1" brush to glue (I like chip or bristle brushes), a few of your favorite glue sticks, an old catalog or magazine to glue on (if you don't want to use all of your waxed paper for this.)

Sun 26^thStampin from the Heart L.A. Joie de Vivre

 Joie de Vivre

It's been said that "the eyes are the windows of your soul." Your art journal is a window to your thoughts, dreams and passions. 

In this four hour workshop we will be focusing on creating a unique, collaged book with a variety of different sized and appropriately placed windows. Learn how to tell your own story as you explore a myriad of collage and journaling techniques. Be prepared for lots of layering and self expression in this workshop! I loved working in this book and so will you! 

Supply list: X-acto knife and cutting mat, Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels OR an old rag, permanent black inkpad,  1" brush to glue (I like chip or bristle brushes), a few of your favorite glue sticks, an old catalog or magazine to glue on (if you don't want to use all of your waxed paper for this.)

 

Fri 31^stStampin from the Heart L.A. SPECIAL 2 DAY CLASS MAY 31 AND Sat JUNE 1^ST Becoming: The Art of Visual Dialogue (a special two day class)

Becoming: The Art of Visual Dialogue (a special two day class)

I am extremely excited about this workshop. My mind is brimming over with ideas, tips, tricks and techniques that I am eager to share with you. 

In this rare two day class we will be working in an extremely unique way. If you are looking to push yourself as an artist, this is the class that you want to take. If you want to step outside of your comfort zone and explore new ideas and methods of working, this is the book for you. 

We will start by working LARGE exploring a variety of techniques. As you work, you will learn how to push aside your inner critic as you create rich layers of texture, color and self expression. We'll step back and create a portfolio journal from scratch that will bind and hold not only your pages but other possibilities as well! 

Now we dive back onto the pages we started earlier to create fresh, new pages. Learn how to develop a keen eye at how you look and see your work as well as the work of others. We'll be exploring a myriad of journal and collage tips, tricks, techniques and ideas; fixing so called mistakes; learning how to "see" by pulling out colors, shapes and patterns and learning how to create visually stunning, deeply rich personal pages.

This truly is unlike any other class that I have ever offered. You will be learning process as you create your own unique product (a visual journal!) Learn how to dialogue in your journal and how to make your pages work for you.

Supply list: Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels OR an old rag, permanent black inkpad,  1" brush to glue (I like chip or bristle brushes), a few of your favorite glue sticks, an old catalog or magazine to glue on (if you don't want to use all of your waxed paper for this.)

I hope to see YOU there!

Thoughts on a Sunday Morning

All packed and ready for my class this afternoon. It feels like I haven't taught an in person class in ages and I'm more than ready for it! It's not like the old days when I taught every day of every weekend. I miss what we used to have though I am grateful that we at least have a couple of stores left. Above is my "Little Love Notes Triptych Book Revised and Revisited." I finished all sixty pages of it in about 24 days. Pages have been pouring out of me for the past ten months. I am thankful to have an outlet and a place to process. Remember my motto, if I can do it, so can you (and it doesn't have to be in three weeks!) I hope that you have a wonderful Sunday. Make something. Read something. Bake something. Walk somewhere. Do something for you that fills you up.

How I'll be Spending Today

I'm all prepped and ready for tomorrow's class so I'm relaxing today with two of my favorite magazines! If you are looking for inspiration, eye candy and well written articles, look no further than these two magazines.

I've been an Uppercase subscriber since it was first announced. I can't rave enough about the magazine and their publications (I have everything they've published so far.) They also do a fab job with their social media (make sure you check out there blog here where they have all sorts of behind the scenes, sneak peeks and much, much more.)

Another very yummy magazine is Flow. I've bought both of the international editions (in English) and I love them so much I'm hoping to be able to pick up some of their non English back issues! Their website is lovely and they have a great Pinterest site. 

In case you're curious, I don't buy these to cut them up. I treat them like books and they have their own special shelf. I love pouring through them and catching something I may have missed the first time. 

What magazines are inspiring you?

18 and 20th of March 2013 Journal Pages

Quick reminder that I'm teaching at Stampin from the Heart on Sunday. Catch this class while you can! It's new and one of my favorites!

I hope that you're enjoying seeing my pages extra big and side by side. I hope that they are inspiring you to make something and be creative.

Have a wonderful weekend.

“Don't be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” -Rumi

Journaling for Yourself

17 March 2013 Journal Pages

One of the things which I'm constantly asked is, "Who are you doing this for?" My response to that is usually, "For myself with the intent that when I die, my journals will go to my son." I was thinking last night why isn't the first part a "good enough" answer? Why isn't FOR ME enough?

I make my journals FOR ME. 

I work in my journals to explore, express, document, process, play, meditate and to simply BE. Why is that not enough? Exercise, meditation, socializing, etc... are all socially accepted norms of different ways of spending your time but why isn't art journaling or even just art making? Why is it looked down upon as frivolous and a complete waste of time. 

"Are you going to sell it?"

"What are you going to do with it?"

Why does everything have to come down to money and purpose? Why is it not socially acceptable to simply create something because you want to? Why is not deemed to have value?

I make my journals FOR ME. Yes, I want my son to have them when I die. I don't want them destroyed. Yes, I would be devastated if something happened to them. Yet, I make them for ME to process and experience my life in the moment NOW. Why is something so simple so hard for so many to understand?

Some food for thought for today. 

16 March 2013 Journal Pages

I thought that I'd show these pages a wee bit larger than I usually do. My favorite quote on these two pages is, "I am constantly evolving and unfolding into myself." I just realized that I repeated into twice but you know what, I DON'T CARE! It's a journal page and it's OKAY!

A good friend of mine is clearing out her collection of rubber stamps. She has a great selection here including some Acey Deucy stamps by Lynne Perrella (I hoard mine!) 

I hope that your day is a good one.

14 and 15th of March 2013 Journal Pages

I thought that with this journal, instead of showing you individual pages, I'd focus on showing you two pages side by side. When I work I treat each page differently. I don't worry about pages side by side matching or complementing each other. Each page stands on its own.

Why, yes, that is a copy of my favorite magazine in the background. (I have every issue and all of their books. You can call me a fan.) It's the only magazine that I currently subscribe to.

I'm teaching a NEW class called "My Interior Life" this Sunday in L.A. at Stampin from the Heart. Catch it while you can. I loved working in this book and so will you!

I updated my favorite supply list with a link to a post on tips for painting with acrylics and acrylic mediums as well as shopping in Berkeley. I hope that this helps some of you.

Fremont, CA Classes June 7-9th, 2013

I am very happy to announce that I will be teaching three NEW workshops at Maria's studio in Fremont, CA June 7-9th.

Interested in signing up? Questions? Please email Kelly for more info! EGorey99@sbcglobal.net

Payments for the Fremont, CA workshop must be made in advance. Due to the fact that the teacher is traveling from Los Angeles and must prep for the workshops in advance, there are no cancellations allowed. No refunds.

You may send someone else in your place if you are unable to attend the workshop, or you will receive a kit for the class. You can either pay via paypal (see button below) or send a check or money order. Once you've signed up for the workshop, you will be sent the address and directions to the workshop location. If you have ANY questions you can email me. I will also give you my cell phone number so you contact me.

The Schedule:

Friday, June 7th

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Joie de Vivre

followed by

 3 to 7 p.m.
Little Love Notes: Triptych Book Revised and Revisited

Saturday, June 8th
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

AND

Sunday, June 9th
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 Becoming: The Art of Visual Dialogue (a special two day class)

Fremont Classes June 7-9th with Kelly

Fri June 7th Joie de Vivre 10-2 $75.00 USD    Fri June 7th Little Love Notes Triptych Book 3-7 $75.00 USD    Both Friday Classes $150.00 USD    Becoming Two Day Class June 8th and 9th $225.00 USD    Becoming June 8th and 9th AND Joie de Vivre Fri 10-2 $300.00 USD    Becoming June 8th and 9th AND Little Love Notes Fri 3-7 $300.00 USD    Full Weekend of Classes June 7-9th $375.00 USD

The Classes in Detail:

 Joie de Vivre

It's been said that "the eyes are the windows of your soul." Your art journal is a window to your thoughts, dreams and passions. 

In this four hour workshop we will be focusing on creating a unique, collaged book with a variety of different sized and appropriately placed windows. Learn how to tell your own story as you explore a myriad of collage and journaling techniques. Be prepared for lots of layering and self expression in this workshop! I loved working in this book and so will you! 

Supply list: X-acto knife and cutting mat, Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels OR an old rag, permanent black inkpad,  1" brush to glue (I like chip or bristle brushes), a few of your favorite glue sticks, an old catalog or magazine to glue on (if you don't want to use all of your waxed paper for this.)

 

Little Love Notes: Triptych Book Revised and Revisited I've revised and revisited different formats of my extremely popular Triptych Book class since I first taught it at Artfest in 2001. This has to be my most favorite version of the book.

You will create a book where the pages swing out door-like. Explore using a variety of different mediums and materials as you work your way through the pages. Learn a variety of new and unique methods in self expression as you work in your book.

This book has pushed me to think and step outside of my box. I will be pushing you in the same way in class (and you will love it!) Be

prepared to step out of your comfort zone and have a heck of a good time doing so.

Supply list: Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels OR an old rag, permanent black inkpad,  1" brush to glue (I like chip or bristle brushes), a few of your favorite glue sticks, an old catalog or magazine to glue on (if you don't want to use all of your waxed paper for this.)

 Becoming: The Art of Visual Dialogue (a special two day class)

I am extremely excited about this workshop. My mind is brimming over with ideas, tips, tricks and techniques that I am eager to share with you. 

In this rare two day class we will be working in an extremely unique way. If you are looking to push yourself as an artist, this is the class that you want to take. If you want to step outside of your comfort zone and explore new ideas and methods of working, this is the book for you. 

We will start by working LARGE exploring a variety of techniques. As you work, you will learn how to push aside your inner critic as you create rich layers of texture, color and self expression. We'll step back and create a portfolio journal from scratch that will bind and hold not only your pages but other possibilities as well! 

Now we dive back onto the pages we started earlier to create fresh, new pages. Learn how to develop a keen eye at how you look and see your work as well as the work of others. We'll be exploring a myriad of journal and collage tips, tricks, techniques and ideas; fixing so called mistakes; learning how to "see" by pulling out colors, shapes and patterns and learning how to create visually stunning, deeply rich personal pages.

This truly is unlike any other class that I have ever offered. You will be learning process as you create your own unique product (a visual journal!) Learn how to dialogue in your journal and how to make your pages work for you.

Supply list: Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels OR an old rag, permanent black inkpad,  1" brush to glue (I like chip or bristle brushes), a few of your favorite glue sticks, an old catalog or magazine to glue on (if you don't want to use all of your waxed paper for this.)

You can see every page of this journal here.
 

I hope to see YOU there!