Many times in life, there are important milestones that change the path that we are traveling. For me artistically, one of those points happened two years ago when I met the Sandra Evertson at the CHA Show. After only chatting with her for about 20 seconds, I knew that we had a connection that would impact my artwork – which was solidified when I laid my eyes upon the RELICS & ARTIFACTS® collection for the first time! From that moment, I became almost obsessed with the Relics line and since that day, I incorporate them into almost every piece that I’m working on.
Like my fellow Relics Ambassadors, I have the unique opportunity to introduce students around the world to this exciting line of versatile products and how they can be used in a variety of projects from jewelry to mixed media and home decor pieces. Recently, I traveled to Australia as one of the instructors for the Art Is You Mixed Media Retreats in Perth, Sydney and Noosa.
When teaching, I always tell my students that I am like a toolbox – I’m simply there to show them how to use the tools. It’s their creativity that takes over to make their own masterpieces. I am amazed at every class I teach with what students create using Relics as the 'base' of their artwork, whether it's incorporating a new color palette that I’d never of thought, a different layout, and always a new way to use Relics! I strive to take the 'fear' out of mixed media and make it approachable to even the novice with the most rewarding moment being when a first time student is beyond thrilled with their first completed project.
Since working with the Relics line over the past couple of years, I have begun to develop classes that specifically use the versatile Relics pieces as the centerpiece of the projects that are completed in class. Using the Relics as a jewelry base simplifies the process and students are always amazed at how light their finished pieces are when they’re wearing them. An example of these types of classes are these two projects, a mini book and necklace featuring a couple of Relics pieces that I’ll be teaching at the Paperific Expo in Melbourne VIC (Australia) at the end of August. Who knew that working with the Relics line would open so many doors and opportunities for an artist?
Another class I have recently developed specifically using the RELICS & ARTIFACTS® line is my Creative Assemblage workshop that I’m debuting in September at Scrapbooking Forever in Southern California. This class will also be featured next year at the Art Is You Retreats in both Santa Rosa and Minneapolis.
In my last Muse post, I shared with you a few pieces I’ve recently been working on, taking my work to a smaller scale. These projects (and experimenting) led to the creation of another class I have developed, my Relics and Reliquaries class that introduces students to just how simple it is to create stunning jewelry pieces and mini shrines. The possibilities are truly endless when working with the Relics pieces and can be easily personalized.
Next year at the Creativation Show (formerly known as the CHA Mega Show) in Phoenix AZ, I have the honor of teaching with fellow RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Debby Anderson where we will help Sandra debut the newest Relics releases. Although registration is not open until mid September, save the date on your calendar for Saturday, January 21st 2017 from 1pm to 4pm.
I’m often traveling around the country (and internationally) teaching a variety of different classes so be sure to check out my teaching schedule for my full class schedule. And hopefully I’ll see you soon in class!
