Waste not....

When Dee and Deb's father, a fine artist, offered ShaDeeLa linen canvas scraps, we snatched them up. While we weren't sure what we would do with them, we were confident we could create something great.

With a swatch in hand, Dee headed to the fabric store for a quick trip and inspiration. The textures, the colors and the imagery got the creative juices flowing.

In her studio, she began experimenting with combinations of fabric, rubber stamps, paper, original artwork, mica powders and golden thread. The final product was the inspiration for Nurture Threads.

A great project for all levels. The next Nurture Threads class is being offered at Queen's Ink on September 18, 2010. Sign up soon as the class is filling up quickly!

A Soul-Filled Afternoon in Snow Hill

This past weekend we returned to the art district of Snow Hill to teach our “Soul Affirmations” workshop. The class was held at Bishop’s Stock, a local art and wine gallery, which was the perfect backdrop for a soul searching and creative day.

Class began with Sharon explaining the definition of affirmations (a personal truth, for those who were unable to make it) and invited everyone to leave the cares of the world behind as they explored their own truths and creativity for the day.

Dee then gave a quick overview of the day and discussed the (soon to be famous) ShaDeeLa Class bag. Included in the bag for this class was the blank board book, grunge board, creative collage sheets, ‘soul’ tile, affirmation sheet (for a little soul nudge) and wooden crown and heart. Dee also went over the lay of the room, noting the “Share” table, loaded with stamps, ink pads, paints, brushes and scrap paper.

To get everyone started, Deb demonstrated the faux copper finish for the cover of the book, adding patina to give the Old World weathered look. Students then went to work on their own books, completing the cover and several pages throughout the afternoon. The final touch was a beautiful ribbon, run through grommets and tied into a bow, to keep those affirmations close.

The end projects were amazing, not only to us but to everyone in the class. The individual creativity was in abundance and a great reminder to us all that we are all creative, and should be so each and everyday. Everyone left with a special little book that reminds us of this fact and other little positive anecdotes, whenever we may need them!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pasadena-MD/ShaDeeLa-Creative-Workshops/138178482867875?ref=mf

She's Got Attitude....

ShaDeeLa's June class focused on recapturing youthful confidence and laissez-faire attitude. Starting with a blank canvas, instructors Sharon, Dee and Deb worked with students to turn childhood photos into modern, personal works of art. Students were encouraged to experiment with texture and color, with a focus on layering the two, by using stamp and transfer techniques. Everyone walked away with a picture perfect canvas... and a reminder that we all still have a little attitude!

Mermania

To open up the workshop, Dee shared several prototype examples, while reviewing the basic techniques of working with polymer clay. ShaDeeLa's students then began their mermaid contour "foundation" forming the essential parts that would be put together at the end. The parts were then given texture, pattern and interest using rubber stamp impressions. The "push mold" faces were adorned with clay accents such as hair, crowns and halos.

While the clay parts were in the oven baking, ShaDeeLa artists enjoyed a tea and cookie break as they pulled together the final accents to be added to their crafted Mermaid. After the clay cooled, artists embellished with color washes, seashells, jewels, beads and of course, glitter! The parts were assembled with wire, jump rings and beads completing a beautifully articulated Mixed Media Mermaid!

Jointed Flower Doll

ShadeeLa’s workshop artists created cheerful jointed dolls sculpted with Sculpey Ultra Light clay in June's workshop. Copper wires were inserted into the sculpted legs, arms, torso and head and baked for 20 minutes. Each doll part was painted, adorned with rhinestones, beads, glitter, sealed with a satin varnish and then assembled. Each doll had a finished size of approximately 6 inches tall. They all had unique shapes, adornments and colors. It was fun to hear the names that each Flower Doll was assigned.

This was a full day class that included an incredible potluck lunch prepared by all attending.

You Look Mahvelous Mirror

ShaDeeLa held it's "YOU LOOK MAHVELOUS MIRROR" workshop in early May. Participants received a wooden framed mirror, which soon became individual masterpieces! After transferring original designs to the frame, students painted, glittered and glued down items that gave dimension and interest. The final touch was using a wood burning tool to outline designs to create a "pop" effect. With the final pieces in hand, students walked out of class with a smile on their faces and a reminder that... "YOU LOOK MAHVELOUS!"

Road Trip!

Sharon, Dee and Deb usually take the month of August off. Vacations, preparations for the holiday trunk show (details coming soon!) and project development normally has the month filled. This year, however, an unexpected phone call had the ladies of ShaDeeLa heading north to Philadelphia. The project -- working with a group of girlfriends; The agenda -- finishing up partially completed projects. Sharon, Dee and Deb gave the friends new ideas and modernized a few old techniques. So much fun! This could be come an annual event.

"This was such a great Saturday with the girls - and productive too! Sharon, Dee and Deb were great instructors and really gave us all some wonderful ideas. I hope they have workshops in our area soon!"- Kris L.