miniature books

I am smitten with tiny things and after seeing so many adorable miniature books on pinterest I decided to figure out how to make my own and of course they have to be practical so they also function as a necklace.  Here are the 2 that I have finished with several more waiting on my work bench:

These little books will be a workshop for Art is You mixed media art retreats in Santa Rosa,Ca  2017.  Subscribe to their newsletter to be the first to know when the class becomes live this fall!

Coupon for BEADS and eye candy

Hello!!  It's Sunday, May 1st..........happy May day!  I have a little discount just for YOU for some amazing beads from a cute mommy of 2 entrepreneur etsy store owner.  I met her at Art is YOU in Santa Rosa,CA a couple weeks ago and was smitten with her large selection of Czech picasso glass beads!  When ever I find a female entrepreneur that loves what she does I'm all for networking and bringing business to like minded creative girls!  But before I give you the coupon code, check out some new pictures for my May and June classes.

PIECEMAKERS, MAY 15-learn how to paint this beautiful face on a pre made canvas clutch.  NO experience necessary.  I will provide you with a template to trace my original design onto a pre made canvas clutch.   See my post on facebook from Nov. 21, 2015 and the student work from this class.
$83 plus $40 includes lunch and all materials to make this clutch, including the clutch, paint, template, brushes etc.

June 2016 I will be teaching 3 workshops with ViviMagoo art retreat at the beach in Irvine,CA.   Scroll down to see pictures of the classes I'll be teaching.  Go HERE sign up and see more pictures.  For the Painted art Tote class you will receive a template to paint my personal designs, no experience necessary.  You will also learn how to make some lacy mixed media strips to add to your pre made bag or tote, either with glue or sewn on. These strips are also fun to use for jewelry like cuffs and brooches or to use for banners.

Tassel Momento as seen in the new book:  The Gilded Journey.  To take the class go HERE.  To purchase the book go HERE.

Laces, Pearls and Rust doll assemblage. I made and sold several of these about 2 years ago and had  many people requesting a class so here is your chance!  Go HERE to sign up

Thank you for coming to my blog and reading my posts.  I hope you gain some insite but mostly inspiration to feed your creative fire.  Here is a little thank you for your support, a 10% off coupon for a new bead store that I LOVE!  Let me know what you are creating.  I'd love to see it!

Here is the coupon code:  RDH2016

Here is the bead store to use it:  The Bead Apothecary

Now go create something!

Painting purses and art bags

I have a couple of classes coming up that you might be interested in.  The first one is on May 15th at Piecemakers in Costa Mesa,Ca from 10-3, it's $83 plus $40 kit fee which includes lunch and all your supplies.    I will teach you how to paint this pretty face on a canvas clutch.  Just bring a couple of your favorite brushes.  Go to piecemakers.com to sign up under art expressions

Next up are 3 workshops in JUNE!!!  Vivi Magoo art retreat at the BEACH, Irvine Ca.  Go HERE to see more pictures and details on signing up.  I would hurry if I were you!  Scroll down to see pictures of the 3 classes I'll be teaching, 2 of which are brand new and will probably never be offered again:

Why go to an art retreat?

In a little over 4 weeks I will be away from home, teaching 3 workshops in N.California at Art is YOU in Santa Rosa, Ca right in the middle of wine country, from April 13-17.  I'm excited, nervous, anxious and all ready a little home sick.   Here is a new sample of one of my class Bohemian Illumination Soldering for newbies:

In today's post I want to talk about art retreats and why it's important for you to go to at least one in your life time.  If you are reading my blog and follow me on any of my social networks I'm guessing there is a strong chance you are creative in some form or another.  Even if you are not, read on...

 If you have never been to an art retreat, GO!  Just do it!   YOU DESERVE IT!  Why?  Well there are tons of reasons why.  I've been thinking about this for awhile and here are my reasons why I've gone to art retreats and how I felt while I was there and and how I felt when I got home:

1.  The biggest reason is for the all encompassing EXPERIENCE!  It's art all day all night, 24/7.  It's art time on STEROIDS!  You get to play, let go of adult responsibilities, get your hands dirty and get to know your inner child!

NO meals to make,
NO laundry to clean,
NO work to go to,
NO one to take care of
NO Domestic duties at all to take care of
NO distractions
Just ART ART ART

2.  You will be with like minded creative individuals who get why you do what you do and think like you think...whether you are a part time crafter wanting to learn more techniques or a seasoned artist.

3. You will finally get to meet all your social media art buddies!

4. You will meet your favorite art teachers.  I remember seeing Nina Bagley from a far for the first time at an art retreat.  She was my instructor for the whole retreat and there was a meet and greet the night before classes started, and that's when I saw her.  I had never met her before but had seen pictures and this may sound silly, but I was star struck!  I took a 3 day workshop from her and I loved every minute of it!

5.  Remember how you felt at Christmas when you were a little kid?  You counted down the days and then when Christmas finally arrived you would bolt out of bed at 3 in the morning and run to wake up your parents because you were so excited? Well that's what you feel like when you wake up at an art retreat!  You will wake up every morning excited to get to your class!  I'm not kidding!

6.  You will LEARN things that will expand your mind and make you grow as an artist on a spiritual, emotional and physical level.   yep, lots of things.....

7. You will come home with strong memories, new friendships, explosive inspiration and energy.  You will come home renewed and ready for more.  More of life and more art.

So what are you waiting for?  Won't you join me and the Art is You family this April?  I would love to meet you.  Scroll down to see what I will be teaching and check out eatcakecreate.com for more information on the offerings.

Have you been to an art retreat?  Leave a comment if you have, I'd love to hear about your experience.

If you want to read more about art retreats here is a wonderful article on the Art is You experience:
http://www.eatcakecreate.com/go-forward-and-retreat-how-meeting-face-to-face-can-cause-a-shift-in-your-life/

Bohemian Illumination: soldering for newbies

 Eclectic Beaded Wraps

Knotty Soldered Bracelets

SALE on my favorite wire!

Hello lovlies!

Some of you know that I buy my bulk red brass wire from Thunderbirdsupply.com.  I wanted to share the link because from today until next week only they are having their quarterly sale on base metal bulk pricing.     This type of wire is very difficult to find because it is SOLID brass, copper etc. and comes in several gauges.  It's not the crap you get from hobby stores or even bead stores like craft wire or others that I won't name, which is very weak and brittle.  This wire is the BEST!  When you click the link below, click "metals" in the side bar.  You will then see all the types they offer.  The base metals like red brass, copper, nickel silver are on sale but you won't see it until you click on them.

 You're welcome!

thunderbirdsupply.com

Happy Students

Hello creative ones, just wanted to pop in and show you some pictures of some of my lovely students from a class I taught yesterday...you may already know that I teach LOTS of classes but rarely take pictures, so enjoy!  And if you ever want to have me over to your home and teach something I'd be happy to oblige, just email me and we can talk:  robin@powerline6.com

Also don't forget Glitterfest is coming!  Hope to see you all there!

WITCHES OR ANGELS?

Hi Everyone, I hope you're holidays were festive and fun.  Did you see the recipe below in my last post?  If not check it out, it's super yummy!  If you had a chance to make it let me know what you thought!

2016 is suppose to be a great year according to numerology.com and adds up to the number 9 which is the end of a of a 9 year cycle and beginning of  a new and better cycle.  I can't explain it very well but check out the link for yourself.  Even if you don't believe in that kind of stuff, it never hurts to listen to good news about your future.

So!  This past fall (2015) I had many wonderful requests from some of my favorite venues as well as unexpected sources to teach at new venues with potentially large classes.  I'm very humbled and excited to be teaching at 3 prestigious art retreats for 2016 and was asked to come back to A Work of Heart in San Jose,CA to teach 3 classes in October as well (more on that later).

This Saturday, Jan.9, I'll be at Piecemakers annual teachers open house event.  Please come and see samples of my new classes along with all the other talented artists this Saturday January 9 from 1-4pm.

JAN. 16 & 17-The first class of the year is at one of my favorite venues, Whimzy in Old Town Tustin, CA., Jan.16 & 17.  For the first time ever I will be teaching a 2 day collage painting workshop entitled WITCHES OR ANGELS, and I would love to have you as my guest!  Here are pictures of the samples and before I go any further, this class is open to all levels, so check out their web site to sign up and get all the info. vintagewhimzy.com

January 30, 2016- The next class I'll be teaching is at another favorite venue of mine in Costa Mesa,Ca at Piecemakers.   A brand new take on one of my most requested classes, we'll make a quadruple strand crochet necklace.  This class is almost full so hurry!  inquire here: piecemakers.com

FEBRUARY 27- GLITTERFEST  1960 South Anaheim Way, Business Expo in Anaheim CA.  Mixed media art and home decor show. I'll be there!

The 3 art retreats I'll be teaching at are:

Art is YOU!  check out the schedule here:  eatcakecreate.com

I'll be teaching at 2 of their 2016 retreats, Santa Rosa,CA (April)  and Connecticut (Oct.)

3 classes:  Knotty Soldered Bracelet  - sign up here for the April 2016 Santa Rosa retreat:  eatcakecreate.com

BOHEMIAN ILLUMINATION, soldering for newbies.  sign up here for the April 2016 Santa Rosa retreat: eatcakecreate.com

Eclectic Beaded wraps, sign up here and get more info for the April 2016 Santa Rosa retreat:
eatcakecreate.com

Another art retreat that I'm excited to teach at is Vivi Magoo'sArt Retreat at the Beach, Irvine CA. this June.  Brand new classes and registration is open.  Some of the classes are almost full and the line up is incredible.  Go here to take a gander:  vivimagoo.com

Okay I've taken up a lot of your time so thanks for coming by.  Leave me a comment if you like what you see!