January 30, 2015

Soft Block Printmaking: Valentines Class.








Last week I taught a beginning printmaking class at the NW Multnomah County Library.
It was a wonderful afternoon with twenty first time printmakers.
We sketched, carved and printed our hearts out!
Each student created a set of Valentine's Day cards to send out to those they love.

If you aren't familiar with the library's FREE art and craft classes, check them out here!

January 28, 2015

Needle Felted Fox Class.



There are just two spots left in this Saturday's afternoon Needle Felted Fox class.
The spots have been filled, check out the chicken class in March!
If you have been wanting to learn to needle felt, this class if for you!
Geared for an absolute beginner, you will learn all the basics of felting,
while creating one of these hilarious little friends.

Saturday, January 31st 1:30-4pm
at Bird's Eye View Studio
3934 NE 16th Ave.
Portland, OR 97212
Just $25, all supplies included.
Email me at: suki (at) birdseyeviewstudio (dot) com to register.

January 5, 2015

Never Give Up!





Yippee, the studio is clean! I don't know about you, but this time of year sends me into
a whirlwind of organization. Anyone who knows me, or has taken a class with me, 
 will tell you that I am a pretty organized gal naturally, but there is something about 
the New Year that makes me want to purge, scrub, evaluate, and declutter. 
It might originate from my childhood New Year's tradition with my Auntie, 
who always had me take shower New Years morning, to wash off "last years dirt."

I spent the last week moving, sorting, recycling, donating, and generally sprucing
up the studio. My Mr. will tell you of the horror half way through when I regretted
even beginning the task, and threatened to put everything back exactly where it had been.
But I kept plugging away, not quite seeing the end of the tunnel, but having enough 
light to see my next few steps. And wah-lah, a studio transformation was born!

I think this is a great metaphor for any life change or creative endeavor.
Sometimes you can't see the finish line, but you can see to the next bend,
and you know what, sometimes that's enough to get you all the way home.
Just think of birds in migration, some who have never made the trip before,
they trust in their instincts and their flock give them strength to make the journey.

So dear friends, I wish for you a year of not giving up!
Whether it be a painting that hasn't found it's final composition,
a sketchbook half filled, or a poem half done, keep at it!
This world needs your creative light to help illuminate us all from the darkness.
Be a beacon of creativity! 
Your creative community is here with you, cheering you onward, Tally-Ho!

January 3, 2015

Holi-laze 2014.








What a wonderful restful holiday time we have had here.
December is always a busy time as I balance art shows, wholesale orders,
and classes, all in great abundance. And although I LOVE all these things,
by the end of the month I feel like a limp rag doll.

This year we decided to "do" the holidays differently,
we declared December 24th-January 1st Pajama Week!
We stayed home, made a bed in front of the fire, listened to holiday music,
ate delicious foods and treats, re-read "The BFG" by Roald Dahl, 
drank mug after mug of tea, and just generally did nothing, or at least did very little.

It was WONDERFUL.

I am giving each and everyone of you permission and encouragement to do nothing.
Even if it is just for one afternoon, give yourself a break
from the "musts," "shoulds," and "should bes."
Just for a few moments let yourself just BE.

In my down time what arose was a desire to paint, just for fun.
I made a set of ornaments to honor our hen daughters,
and worked on my rainbow afghan, which is close to completion.
It felt so wonderful to make and be creative with no pressure!

If you are looking to jumpstart your no pressure creative life,
I highly recommend my Sketchbook Play class!
The next one starts on February 16th, read all about it here in my class listings.
This class is built for everyone, beginners VERY welcome!

I hope each and everyone of you had a lovely holiday,
may your New Year be filled with the joy of creativity!