"J" is for June Squam Art Workshops with some of my favorite Authors and Contributors

I want to share with you about an exciting bunch of workshops that are happening June 3-7, 2009 on Squam Lake in central New Hampshire, just south of the White Mountains. One of my co-workers is going to be attending and taking some of the workshops with a few of our favorite authors and contributors. She promises to share pictures with me and I will share them with you!

Below you will find a bunch of info about this beautiful and inspiring place. Pop on over to the Squam Art Workshops Website for the full scoop!

Squam borders three counties, but the largest town on the lake, Holderness, has a population of just over 1900 people. The lake covers 6,791 acres (27.5 km2) and is the second-largest lake located entirely in New Hampshire.

IMAGINE turning down a long drive that leads you through a grove of pine, white birch, maple and oak trees and brings you right to the edge of a sparkling lake. As you step out of your car, you can see vintage turn-of-the-century cabins tucked along the shore and smell the pine needles that cover the road. It's an ideal setting for a creative retreat and that's exactly what they have waiting for you at Squam Art Workshops.

If you are looking for an experience that will provide you with the time, space, and inspiration to recharge your creative spirit, this might be just the ticket. Join them for an event that is designed to foster a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore a range of mediums. There are a whole range of classes to choose from that include: painting, printmaking, journaling, doll making, writing, knitting, sewing, photography, crochet, sculpture, felting and some classes that combine several of those elements into one workshop.

In addition, the region surrounding Squam Lake offers a host of activities including swimming, hiking, and boating. There are also numerous antique shops, second-hand stores, and general stores, as well as restaurants and picturesque towns, to explore.

TEACHERS
On hand is a terrific roster of teachers who bring with them an extraordinary level of experience and enthusiasm and, who are eager to join you in this spectacular natural setting for an inspired series of workshops. To see who's on board for the 2009 season, click here for more info on workshops in 2009.

WORKSHOPS
They have two wonderful sessions to offer you-- one in early June, the other in September.

Both sessions follow the same format: there are three days of workshops.

Some classes are a full 6-hour session with three hours in the morning followed by lunch and then three hours in the afternoon, but they also offer 3-day classes for more in-depth focus as well as 3-hour morning and afternoon sessions for those who would like a taste of everything. In addition, they offer Open Studio for those artists and writers who would love the time and space to dive into their own work. For more information on the specific workshops, please click here.

Are you ready for this? They are going to have a session of workshops in June that focus on textiles!

Yummy yummy textiles-- what's behind the curtain? Well, for starters they have eighteen different knitting classes to drool over (including some for straight-up beginners). You will also find fabulous felt classes as well as a number of sewing classes that will have you wishing you could take all of them.

And, in keeping with the growing interest in all things green and DIY, they have some terrific classes that teach you how to repurpose fabric, clothing, and other household stuff into beautiful, highly functional pieces. Of course, it wouldn't be SAW be without some yummy painting classes-- so they've got those, too. Check it out!

Here are a few highlights of the classes in June and you can pop on over to Squam Art Workshops Website for the September schedule.

Margaret Hubert is one of the instructors in June. To learn about Margaret click on the link below or to the right for lots of inside peeks and projects from Margaret's great books!

Free Form Knitting & Crochet
Margaret Hubert

In this class explore the workings of free form in either working totally in knitting, totally in crocheting or learning to combine both (which is my favorite).

Although some students will finish their bag in the course of this one-day workshop, it's fine if you don't as every student will leave with the knowledge of how to finish it on their own.

In addition to the bag, students will learn two other methods of creating free form items.

Each student will receive a handout that includes a booklet explaining all three methods that are employed in Margaret's free form work, an interlining for their bag and a button for closure on their bag.

Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Material List:

Students should do the class prep work* and bring it to class along with several colors of compatible yarns that will be used in making their bag.

Knitting needles and crochet hooks
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle and thread (closely matching their yarn color choices)
Large Straight pins
Scissors
*Class Prep Work will be emailed to the students at the time of registration.

Kit Fee: $3

Entrelac Knitting
Margaret Hubert

In this class students learn how to master the intricate Entrelac Stitch by making a small bag. They also learn little tips and tricks for making it easier and how to solve some of the mysteries of shaping, etc.

Included in this workshop is a handout that has a booklet explaining all these things, several patterns using the stitch, an interlining for their bag and a button for closure on their bag.

Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Material List:

Students should do the Class Prep Work* and bring it to class along with:

2 contrasting yarns that will be used in making their bag
Knitting needles and crochet hook size 6 or G A Tapestry needle
Sewing needle and thread (closely matching their yarn color choices)
Large Straight pins
Scissors
*Class Prep Work:
With Main color, # 6 needles, Cast on 40 stitches
work base triangles as follows:
First triangle- 1st Row: K 2, turn 2nd row: P 2, turn 3rd row: K 3 turn, 4th row: P 3, turn 5th row: K 4, turn 6th row: P 4, turn 7th row: K 5, turn 8th row: P 5, turn 9th row: K 6, turn 10th row: P 6, turn 11th row: K 7, turn 12th row: P 7, turn 13th row: K 8, turn 14th row: P 8, turn 15th row: K 9, turn 16th row: P 9, turn 17th row: k 10, do not turn leave these sts on right-hand needle

Proceed to make 3 more triangles in the same manner. Leave on needle and bring to class

Kit Fee: $3

1 Session:
Saturday - Afternoon

Entrelac Crochet
Margaret Hubert

In this class students learn how to master the intricate Entrelac Stitch by making a small bag. They also learn little tips and tricks for making it easier and how to solve some of the mysteries of shaping, etc.

Entrelac crochet varies greatly from Entrelac Knitting but the end result is a similar fabric.

Each student will receive a handout that includes a booklet explaining all these things, several patterns using the stitch, an interlining for their bag and a button for closure on their bag.

Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Material List:

Students should do the Class Prep Work* and bring it to class along with:

2 contrasting yarns that will be used in making their bag
Knitting needles and crochet hook size 6 or G
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle and thread (closely matching their yarn color choices)
Large Straight pins
Scissors

*Class Prep Work will be emailed to students after registration

Kit Fee: $3

And

 Tracie Huskamp  is a SAW instructor too, she contributed to a bunch of some of my favorite books;The Creative Entrepreneur, True Vision and 1,000 Artist Journal Pages:Personal Pages and Inspirations.

Painted Fiber Prayer Flag Banner
Tracie Huskamp

"To me there are few things more beautiful than colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind- sometimes waving gently, sometimes raging; a dance of shadow and light. There is perhaps no simpler way to create good merit in this troubled world of ours than to put prayer flags up for the benefit of other living beings. Prayer flags are not just pretty pieces of colored cloth with funny writing on them. The prayers, mantras and powerful symbols displayed on them produce a spiritual vibration that is activated and carried by the wind across the countryside. All beings that are touched by the wind are uplifted and a little happier. The silent prayers are blessings spoken on the breath of nature."
(~ Timothy Clark in the 8th month of the Water Horse year at Redway, CA Copyright Radiant Heart Studio)

In this class, you will create your own expressions of peace and hope by drawing upon the extraordinary natural setting that surrounds Squam Lake.

Working with both fabric and paper, create an original, and keenly personal mixed-media prayer flag banner. This workshop will introduce a wonderful method for sketching images directly onto fabric that requires no previous drawing skills. Whatever you choose for your subject matter, be it flora, fauna or woodland creatures-- use that as a starting point to explore design principles. The end result combines your chosen elements onto a rich, multi-layered background.

Material List: 

1 – mechanical pencil with 0.5mm lead

1 - #2 or #3 Round Paint Brush (NOTE: make sure the tip of the brush is pointed and will retain a crisp point after being washed)

1 – 1” Flat Brush Paint Brush

1 - 2 oz. bottle of white, black, burnt umber, burnt sienna, med. beige, cream, pale purple, med. purple, olive green, med. foliage, lt. green, olive green, French blue, navy blue, pale blue, med. yellow, med orange, pink, and med. red acrylic/craft paint (Any Brand) (NOTE: These paints should be inexpensive normally costing around $1 per bottle or less. Or feel free to use the acrylic paints you already own)

1 – water cup, paint palette, brush rag

1 – small pair of sharp embroidery scissors

pair of paper scissors

pair of fabric scissors

Golden’s Matte Gel Medium Heavy and a brush for applying Gel Medium

Misc. papers (NOTE: Bring a good number of papers and/or personal ephemera to choose from with words that inspire you)

1 yd. of ½” ribbon in a neutral color

1 spool of white or black thread (NOTE: Should coordinate with the ribbon)

1 sewing needle

Kit Fee: $5

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I thought I'd share one of the projects that Tracie contributed to

The Creative Entrepreneur
A DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real

By

Lisa Sonora Beam

The Creative Entrepreneur takes readers on an inner journey of creative exploration to discover how to make their dreams of creative livelihood real, as they craft their own artist's business journal. The artist's business journal is a visual, project-oriented, step-by-step approach to business development for artists from all walks of life who are mystified and possibly frustrated by how to make a business out of their creative work.

Without addressing the underlying issues that cause artists to remain business-challenged, no amount goal setting or knowledge of savvy business tactics will help. Once these inner aspects are addressed, readers are introduced to a unique combination powerful business and leadership tools presented in a visual and engaging way that appeals to the way creative types think, learn, and process information. This book will appeal to this audience because it uses visual language to communicate the material and engages the readers, encouraging them to create their own artist's business journal that becomes their own step-by-step approach to creating their own right livelihood.

Lisa Sonora Beam is a mixed-media artist, writer, graphic designer and workshop leader. She is the founder and creative director of Digital Hive EcoLogical Design, a strategic design firm that provides creative and marketing services to green businesses.

 

Click on the image to enlarge and read about this cool "Visual Journal Exercise"-DIY Minijournal and Greeting Card Cover.

I had to try this! I cut my graph paper on my X-acto rotary paper cutter down to the size indicted in the directions and punched the holes along the fold. I grabbed a scrap of yarn and tied the pages into the card.

This was a great creative exercise that was quick and easy and is a great re-use for a card!

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In September Nina Bagley is an instructor. She is featured in the wonderful book:

Lynne Perrella's- Book Art Making,  Collections & Obsessions

And a little bird told me there is a new book coming out by Tracie Lyn Huskamp: Nature Inspired (Quarry Sept 09). I can't wait!

And for today's question:

Where do you take classes and workshops?

Do you travel far?

How do you hear about them?

What's been your favorite and why?

OK, that was a bunch of questions. But hey, I make the rules around here! And as you know just leave your answer in the comments and you'll be entered to win a free book as my thanks!

I think my favorite class is my sewing class that I've been going to for a million years. I have made tons of friends and shared so much sewing (and life) knowledge with the ladies in that class.

Comments

[Elizabeth]

oh my gosh Stef!

Thank you so very much for sharing the info about Squam at Craftside--- we are thrilled with the teachers who will be on hand this year and are looking forward to a truly wonderful gathering that is all about knitting, sewing, creating and having fun!

all the very best, Elizabeth

[Janet]

Where do you take classes and workshops?
I have taken classes in my hometown but have also travelled to others.

Do you travel far?
To one I have to drive an hour, take a ferry and then another 3 hour drive to get there.

How do you hear about them?
Other artists sometimes, or saw something on the website of artists I admire.

What's been your favorite and why?
One I've gone to regularly for about 5 years, requires the ferry and 4 hours of driving. It's a weekend getaway. A bunch of artists friends drive with me so it gives us lots of time to catch up. The weekend takes place at a small seaside resort and consists of demos and lectures by some of western Canada's top artists. It is very informal where "Artists" and "artists" dine and relax after the days demos and lectures. I look forward to it every year.

[BrendaLea]

Where do you take classes and workshops?

--I have never taken a class or workshop boo-hoo!

Do you travel far?

--does not apply

How do you hear about them?

--I hear about them on the internet, via friends, or in my magazines all the time

What's been your favorite and why?

--Since I have never been, I don't have a favorite. Again, boo-hoo living in the boonies just isn't fair! :-)

[Nona Parry]

Where do you take classes and workshops?
I take classes & workshops in and around LA in the US. I especially love Zinnia, and try to take as many Kelly Kilmer classes as I can!

Do you travel far?
You bet! I come all the way from New Zealand to take classes, about once a year.

How do you hear about them?
I get newsletters from various shops and instructors, hear about some in the yahoo art groups I belong to, and get emailed by friends about others.

What's been your favorite and why?
So far my fave class ever was Kelly Kilmer's Altered Photographs. It was wildly experimental for me, and I achieved truly unusual results! I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Cheers
Nona, in New Zealand

[Suella]

Here in England I only have to travel 30 or so miles for good day courses, and sometimes less far. I've not yet been on a residential course, but would obviously be prepared to go considerably further for that.

I learn about them through my membership of craft guilds, South Nottingham College and am on several tutors mailing lists which keep me informed.

My favorite day classes have been by Alison Midgelow Marsden. I am always inspired and learn new and innovative techniques from her.

[Lisa Sonora Beam]

Thanks so much for sharing what you did with the mini-journal exercise.

Since you mention favorite places to do workshops, I'd have to say, hands down, Carol Parks' NoHo Studio (that North Hollywood, CA!).
I'm teaching there the last weekend in March, and I'll be diving in to mini-journals and other fantastic ways to create PowerFULL Visual Journals that help you problem-solve, break creative blocks, test ideas, and more!

Here is the class info:
http://www.carolparks.com/beam.php

[Tracie Lyn Huskamp]

STEF.. YOu are AWESOME!!! Thanks SO SO MUCH for sharing information on Squam with your readers.

I am BEYOND EXCITED to be teaching there in June... would LOVE TO HAVE YOU COME... Think about it!

XO

[Laura K]

I so love the mini journal idea. Thanks for sharing this book and idea. Right now I can't afford to pay for classes. I look on youtube, blogs and yahoo groups.

[wendy m.]

I used to take a lot of classes at a local stamp store that is sadly no longer open. I don't have the time to travel to classes, although I would love to be able to go to some of the weekend retreats that are offered around the country. But I have been taking some awesome online classes that have been almost as good as being in the classroom itself.
I love the mini journal idea from the book!