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Friday, September 30, 2011

GIVEAWAY ON E-WORKSHOPS!

First of all, THANKS TO ALL OF YOU who participated in the HUGE Bead Soup Exchange, and left a message!! Wow, what an amazing experience that was.  So cool I got to see so many new blogs and meet so many new artists.  Thanks again Lori!

There is a BIG GIVEAWAY I just posted on my new blog, e-workshops, so be sure to hop over there and sign up for all the goodies. 
 It's the "grand" launch of my new blog, and why not start it off with a fun giveaway and contest?? 
 Good luck!


And, I want to share my experience at the fantastic Art Is You Retreat, that took place last week in Petaluma, CA.  Now this was some fun...instructors like Thomas Mann, Thomas Ashman, Dee Foust, Stephanie Lee, Michael deMeng, Joanna Pierotti, Keith Lobue, on and on.

I took four amazing classes.  The first one was from Joanna Pierotti of Moss Hill Studio, and I attached her blog to the link. You have to go look at her work, wow! Just stunning. That was so much fun, I've never painted a face, or made any kind of a doll.  So this was so way out of my comfort zone, and way cool!


She gave us little faces she pre-made,and we painted them with the tiniest little paintbrushes.  Then we mounted them on tiny canvases, and decorated away.  I just love how she turned out!
I need to give her a name???


None of my classroom shots are very flattering to people, but it gives you a great idea of the action taking place. That is Joanna, third from the left, in the tan. Everyone is so busy.


Another class was with Michael deMeng. Check out his blog.  Another WOW!  I have never decorated a bottle before, and not painted one either. This was a blast, might be my fav of all the classes. I used burlap on the bottom, and painted it all over, then string on top, attaching a drawer handle.


I was able to get my eyeball in there (thanks Rochelle)! A sweet student gave that to me this summer, I was so excited to use it. This was a lot of fun. I used drawer hardware to bend and attach, giving the transparency a ghosty look.


Here's Michael in action outside the class. 
We're learning how to mix paints, and handle tools, too cool!


I took two Stephanie Lee classes!  I don't have my Pipe Dreams pendant done, I'll post when I do.  But in one class, Plaster Coffers, we made boxes from scratch cardboard, held them together with plaster and then painted them.  I know, pretty amazing. But it worked. For some reason, I made an owl, guess due to the fact I pulled out that hardware, and it talked to me, then I found the buttons, and voila, an owl box! Still some work to finish on him yet.


Sorry Steph, not the most flattering, but you still are a doll! Yep, that's Steph in the stripped apron, we all got so messy playing with paints and plaster. I felt like I was in grade school again, so freeing! I will have to make more of those for sure.


Thanks to all the amazing instructors, the organizers Ellen and Sal, and everyone who went.  It was probably the best retreat I've been to in ages, and loved every minute.  Hope you can go next year, it was quite a treat.

So be sure to sign up for the contest over at e-workshops.blogspot.com!

Riki
xox

21 comments:

In the Light of the Moon said...

Oh my Riki...my heart is jumping at all the amazing pieces you created and to atke such amazing classes..ooooh I just get in a frenzy thinking about it!!!
What a generous Giveaway!!You are always so generous!!I'm off to check out EW!!!Hugs Friend,Cat

peggy aplSEEDS said...

how wonderful for you to have workshops like these available in your area!

Lisa said...

wow.. you were quite the busy beaver making gorgeous art! Obviously your talent has no limits..everything is fabulous! what a fun post!

sharon palac said...

Very cool projects, I'm jealous you took Stephanie's class! Love your hoot owl.

Diana said...

Had so much fun taking these classes with you my friend. How about LuLu for your cute baby doll?
Hugs
Diana

Charlene said...

Looks like you had an amazing time at Petaluma. It sounds like a wonderful place/event. And you & Diana had much fun together I'm sure. Were you missing over 100 degrees every day in Round Top? NOT ME!!! But, I was wishing I could go. IN THE SPRING MY FRIEND... Are you in? HUGS!
Charlene

Beatnheart said...

how wonderful beautiful Riki...I love what you did for the bead soup...fabulous..

Sueann said...

Oh I just have to make that retreat next year!! Please share when they are signing up?>?
Loved your bejeweled lady...she is a Lola for sure
Hugs
SueAnn

sharon said...

Woweeeee! These are amazing projects Riki, all over the top and gorgeous! The doll is by far my fav....she looks like a Petula to me! Your talent is limitless and extraoidinary!

Holly Loves Art said...

Oh yes indeed... Woooowzie! Looks like an amazing time. All the classes look incredible. Problem is... I want to see MORE pictures!! hee hee I'm so glad you had fun.
Hugs,
Holly

Anonymous said...

You never cease to amaze me, Riki! You are one talented chick =-)

(And I like LuLu for the adorable doll name too)

xo
Gwynnie

Karen Williams said...

Wow! Looks like you had a great time! I'm jealous! :)

And fun bead soup too - sort of 40s vintage with a funky modern twist. Looks like it would be fun to wear.

LuLu said...

I love your beautiful art work!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

These classes look wonderfully creative and your works are fabulous! So inspiring!

Lynn Stevens said...

Oh my gosh, it looks like you had an amazing time and such cool projects. Maybe next year I'll be able to take a class or two somewhere!
hugs Lynn

Cindy said...

Riki, I'm just now catching up on all the happenings between you and Diana...what FUN you two had! And you took FOUR classes! Wow, that is like a dream. Your doll is so precious...you must feel so proud of creating something so detailed and incredible...I know i'd love to take a class with Joanna one day. The classes with Michael and Stephanie looked like a blast as well..and it is mind-boggling all of the wonderful techniques you learned. Thank you for sharing all of the joy from Art is You! :-)

Gaby Bee said...

Looks like you had an great time at Petaluma. You are so fortunate to have such great workshops in your area! I'm a bit jealous...I have never taken any class and if I didn’t live on the other side of the planet, I’d hop right over to these classes:)

Have a wonderful week.
Gaby xo

Chris said...

Riki~~how fun to meet you at Stephanie's Pipe Dreams class! You and Diana really seemed way more skilled with the technique, but my tablemates and I learned sooo much. Have a blessed Autumn!

Jen Crossley said...

Looks like an amazing time Riki to think I was so close to your guys well Portland LOL thats close.
Jen

Catherine Witherell said...

Congratulations on the Artful Gathering gig, looking forward to seeing what you're going to teach. I loved reading and seeing what you made in your classes at Art is YOU! That owls is very cool!

Catherine

Unknown said...

I like your work you guys are great...
Thanks for posting your insights and experiences.
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