Letterista Class

One of my summer "want to do" items was to take a couple of art classes (that were within my limited budget) to keep up-to-date for my art students.  I found a 3-hour class at Art Supply Warehouse in Westminster with Lisa Englebrecht called "Letterista".  I  recognized Lisa's name from Artfest from a couple of years ago, so I knew she would be a quality instructor. Lisa uses calligraphy and all kinds of art designs to produce lettering that can be used for many different art projects including art journaling.  I really appreciate the freedom that she demonstrates and then in turn, gives to her students to let go of the firm boundaries of calligraphy, to create and stretch using all sorts of pens, paints, pencils, etc.  The best tool that I learned about at the class was a pen called Pilot Parallel Pen----cartridges can be added in various ink colors---really cool and usable for anyone, not just those who can do "real" calligraphy. 

I totally enjoyed the experience and hope to take a beginning watercolor class from Lisa very soon.  Below are some of the gorgeous work that others in the class produced and one of my attempts.

Mosaic Birthday Chair

I finally finished my "birthday chair", the chair for all the grandkids to sit in at Grammy's house when it is their birthday.  Mosaicing a chair was an assignment in my mosaic class with Katherine (http://www.katherineengland.com/ ), but I struggled and struggled with what chair to use, what design, what I wanted as an end result...  Finally, I decided I wanted to pattern it after the work of Mary Englebrecht because I knew the grandkiddlettes would respond to something colorful and whimsical.

Yesterday I finally grouted, and I have to say, I love it! After 5 1/2 years of doing mosaics, I realize I have about 5 items I've really loved, and this is one of them. Hope you enjoy it, too!

Organizing Mosaic Supplies

One of my first projects for the summer was to organize my mosaic supplies so that I could dig in and get to work.  Some of the projects I will be working on are:  1) another "heart" for "All the Arts for All the Kids" (see earlier posts) with 6 of my good friends, 2) a mosaic portrait of my grandson Ethan, 3) some projects for  the "Green Scene" next spring, 4) treasure boxes for Clayton, Maxx, Sadie and Ezera, and last but not least, 5) several friends and family members want to try their hand at mosaics this summer so I'll be having a mini-class/mosaic party on a summer Saturday.

I organized small cut pieces of glass by color in plastic containers, specialty items in cigar boxes, large sheets of glass in wood IKEA magazine boxes, etc.  One shelf is for tools and adhesives, another for grout, thinset, cut glass strips and large containers of tile and cut china/pottery pieces.

Now to tackle the house, shelf by shelf, closet by closet!  Ha!