Las Vegas sunrise.....
It often surprises me how fast time really does speed by...and seems that the older we become, the faster it goes! I have to admit right here and now that I am very behind schedule with blog posts....not that I don't enjoy working on them, but it seems that it's just more time spent on the computer and less time spent in my studio where I really want to be most every single day! But with a new year comes new resolutions and I do hope to be here more... and I thank those of you who do follow my work for sticking by me, even with my lack of blog posts in the past!
Our winter here in the desert southwest has, for the most part, been colder than normal...there were mornings where our pool has actually frozen over around the edges...something we have never experienced in the five years we have lived here. This is not something that thrills me...one of the reasons we left New York permanently...because of the cold, snow and ice! I know, still a far cry from a "real" winter, but nonetheless made it rather chilly for us "desert rats", which now my husband and myself consider ourselves!
Our winter here in the desert southwest has, for the most part, been colder than normal...there were mornings where our pool has actually frozen over around the edges...something we have never experienced in the five years we have lived here. This is not something that thrills me...one of the reasons we left New York permanently...because of the cold, snow and ice! I know, still a far cry from a "real" winter, but nonetheless made it rather chilly for us "desert rats", which now my husband and myself consider ourselves!
Altered playing card....these are addictive! Graphic by Tumble Fish Studio
With the new year also came lots of projects...some finished and many just beginning! Last year I taught my first online class "Metamorphosis Collage Bracelets" on Artful Gathering 2012. I had such a wonderful time and so many students...no one could have been more surprised than myself! I was in awe of the work that my students produced and a whole new world opened up for me...the love of teaching others! So this year I have decided to teach two classes online at Artful Gathering. A lot of work, but so fulfilling as an artist and a teacher. Every single instructor is so talented and all are so very supportive of each other....an unusual thing to find and I am so very grateful for the opportunities that have come my way.
I first discovered these altered playing cards through a swap last fall and I was instantly hooked! A fun and ingenious way of taking a simple playing card, altering it and adding a favorite quote, word or phrase....I often need and appreciate daily reminders to myself of some of these...a gentle prodding, sometimes a word of comfort, and often an inspirational phrase is just what's needed in my day....I am thrilled to offer this class and look forward to sharing it with others....there should be a law about having this much fun!
I first discovered these altered playing cards through a swap last fall and I was instantly hooked! A fun and ingenious way of taking a simple playing card, altering it and adding a favorite quote, word or phrase....I often need and appreciate daily reminders to myself of some of these...a gentle prodding, sometimes a word of comfort, and often an inspirational phrase is just what's needed in my day....I am thrilled to offer this class and look forward to sharing it with others....there should be a law about having this much fun!
Altered art doll from my upcoming class....
Here is an example of the other class, "The Art Doll Chronicles"....this idea came to me last fall and had it mulling around in my head since then and right through the holidays. This required vast amounts of time working on prototypes, and getting them "just right". My husband Jim is not only a fabulous husband and partner, but an accomplished woodworker and we worked side by side on these, working out any problems and kinks in the development of these dolls. I am happy to report that we have accomplished our task, after many months and he is busily cutting the pieces and getting them ready to sell as kits which will be an accompaniment to the class! Three different styles of doll will be taught and I must admit that although they were so much work to develop we are ecstatic with the results and think the students will be, too!
I can't wait for classes to begin....not until June and I have a lot more work to do before then. Filming begins very soon on both classes after a short break to take a much deserved breather.....in the meantime I have other work to catch up on and some work for The Urban Ranch General Store here in Las Vegas....she soon will have an online catalog which will be fantastic for the people that don't get to shop "in the flesh"!
Before we know it, spring will be upon us and we will be as busy as the bees....in the meantime I hope to be more productive here and to keep you all caught up on the current events of Desert Dream Studios!
Signing off for now and looking forward to another post to share more with all of you....and thank you for your interest in my work and classes! MJC
I can't wait for classes to begin....not until June and I have a lot more work to do before then. Filming begins very soon on both classes after a short break to take a much deserved breather.....in the meantime I have other work to catch up on and some work for The Urban Ranch General Store here in Las Vegas....she soon will have an online catalog which will be fantastic for the people that don't get to shop "in the flesh"!
Before we know it, spring will be upon us and we will be as busy as the bees....in the meantime I hope to be more productive here and to keep you all caught up on the current events of Desert Dream Studios!
Signing off for now and looking forward to another post to share more with all of you....and thank you for your interest in my work and classes! MJC