Deep Space Sparkle Workshop, 2016

This summer has been the summer of Doin' Stuff: finishing a book, creating two Art Scout Camps with my fellow Troop Leaders, working on a coupla top secret projects (I'm not trying to hide things from y'all, I promise. More details when I'm free to share 'em!) and, last but certainly not least: co-presenting with my buddy Laura Lohmann at Patty Palmer's Deep Space Sparkle Workshop!  

In BEAUTIFUL Santa Barbara, y'all. I've already picked out my Barbie Dream House on the beach. 

The theme of the Deep Space Sparkle Workshop was Latin Art and I loved that folks got dolled up for the part. I mean, how cute are these ladies in their handmade Frida crowns? 

The Workshop started at a comfortable California pace at midday on Friday. Everyone was greeted with a smile and a swag bag full of goodies. 

To jump start the Workshop, Patty opened by chatting about establishing a mindset of making in the art room. Many of the ladies in the audience traveled from all over the country (and one from South Korea!) and are all walks of teacherin' life: some where art teachers, classroom teachers, special needs educators and a yoga instructor who brings art into her studio! So many lovely ladies who have one thing main thing in common: the desire to teach creativity to children. Can you ask for a better bunch?

 I was up right after Patty (tough act to follow much?!) and, I'll admit, I was a wee bit nervous. I've presented on a much smaller scale before but nothing like this. I was mic'ed up, there was a film crew and close to 200 folks in the audience. However, being with such a wonderful group of ladies who quickly became friends really put my mind at ease. I shared with them something I do so love: fiber arts!

On our first day together, we prepped and painted our plates for circle loom and tree weaving. And look how pretty!

 Ohhhhh!

 Ahhhhh!

Oh my! I loved each and every one ever before the addition of the weaving!

Next up was the always-awesome Laura! I love her painted apron and Frida crown, don't you?

Laura shared with everyone her super spectacular technique of teaching painting to children...without the mess of water. I'm so ready to give this a go in my art room this year.

She also shared her love of Crayola's Model Magic clay. The ladies had a fabulous time exploring and creating with this medium. 

 Each creation was so much fun and completely unique.

Someone was loving the beach as much as I was!

The patterns was what struck me with this piece. 

To wrap up the first day, Patty hosted a lovely fiesta. Complete with delicious food, drinks and a chance for everyone to mingle and make new friends. It was such a pleasant way to end the first day.

The following day, we started bright and early with a fun Mexican tile printmaking project taught by Patty.

I've never tried printmaking with water-soluble oil pastels but now I am itching to give it a go!

Now that our plates were dry, we were ready to dive into tree and circle loom weaving. 

Weaving can be tricky to teach to a room 200 folks. To do so, I'm simply explained the process as I do to my students: slowly and simply. The weavings turned out so beautifully. 

What I love about teaching is that folks come up with their own unique ways to problem solve. We had fun sharing our different ideas and thoughts about approaching weaving with children.

From there, Patty did a wonderful portrait lesson featuring Frida Kahol.

And Laura shared two fun projects that were both colorful and bright: large marigold paintings and a still life collage. 

 The room literally blossomed!

 This is a project I so want to bring back to my art room. 

 So much happy!

Patty wrapped the Workshop with a final project (not shown) and a good ole Q & A session. Then, sadly, we had to say goodbye to our new friends. I managed to get a couple of photos...but many were pulled from Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Thank you for sharing those photos, new besties!

 Masters of the Art Teacherin' Universe (and weaving!).

 My Facebook buddies and I finally had the chance to meet in person. Loved meeting you, Cheri...

 and Charlene! 

And the super sweet and adorable Leann. Making new friends is always my favorite part of workshops!

It was such a fun weekend of connecting, creating and, well let's be honest, being in sunny So Cal. 

BIG THANK YOU to Patty for having me join her wonderful Workshop. Until next time, y'all!