I’ve been home for just over a week now and it’s taken me that long to get back into the swing of things. I don’t think I realised how much being away and teaching for a month was going to affect me. I’m not going to bore you with all the details but will give you a brief run down on how everything went.
First Up – Brisbane Workshops.
I had 3 days of workshops with 3 different projects for each day. Sunday was Pebeo and Polymer, Monday was Bootylishus Beads (and oh were they bootylishus!!) and Tuesday was our Master Class. My workshops tend to be more technique specific but with a final goal in mind. Tuesday was a free for all and I gave everyone as much info as I could about many of the different techniques and products I use – info overload. I have to say huge thanks to everyone who came along – it was such a great time (a little too much fun at times in fact). I must mention Gill Scott and Trudy Robinson for all their help with putting these workshops together. Can’t wait for next time now.
And onto Melbourne….
It’s always good to get to Melbourne to catch up with Dani, Nick and Jackie. This is like a home away from home for me and holds lots of great memories. Four days of workshops in Melbourne and first up was our Two Day Mixed Media Art Canvas. I had never taught this workshop before and I knew as we got into the process a few of the students were a little unsure of our direction. They had to trust me and good they did because the outcomes were amazing. A few students veered off course and did their own thing and have to say I was blown away by the creativity – exceptional work by everyone.
Day 3 and 4 of Melbourne saw us creating veneer pallets and then turning these veneers into tube beads. We used a variety of techniques to create our veneers and wow did they look amazing when lined up together on students workspaces….love them. I demoed a number of little tricks for creating beautiful seams on these tubes and everyone did such a good job. Our finished tubes were incredible. Thanks to everyone in Melbourne for making these workshops so memorable.
Third Stop – Griffith, New South Wales
I’m lucky enough to know an amazing lady by the name of Raina Savage who invited me to Griffith to run some community and school workshops. I jumped at the chance and am so glad I did. Griffith is an amazing community and so beautiful. Getting participants to these workshops was always going to be tricky because no-one knew about this medium. We ended up with 8 students for both days and I have to say, for newbies their finished pieces were exceptional. It was so nice to teach students who had no idea about this medium – the oohs and aaahhs were priceless. Huge thanks to Raina and Anthea for their friendship and hospitality.
Unfortunately, the photos I took on the third day of workshops in Griffith with the school kids didn’t turn out. They had so much fun – we played with mica powder, glitter and foils – hmmmm you can imagine what the table looked like after 12 girls had finished creating – beautiful!
Now It’s Cruising Time
After a mammoth day (hours and hours and hours) of travelling I arrived in Honolulu and spent the day checking out the beach, shops and finally my hotel room. It was so nice to relax! Christi, Mami and Lisa weren’t arriving until the following day so it gave me plenty of time to “do nothing”. We spent 3 amazing days together and had such a great time. I won’t bore you with all the details but just know it was pretty awesome. I met so many wonderful people and had such a great time and after feeling a little bit queezy the first night of the cruise – not one ounce of sea sickness at all. I didn’t really take many pics at all but I’ll share the ones I did take. If you ever get the opportunity to take a polymer clay cruise with Christi Friesen and Lisa Lambright at the helm…grab it with both hands and don’t let go. These two are simply incredible and you won’t regret it.
So now I’m home with my family, my friends, my precious studio and the beach and I feel so incredibly lucky. To finish off this massive story, I really need to say a huge thanks to everyone for everything!!! Gosh no wonder it took me so long to get back to normal!!
Have a great day everyone.
Love Deb
Wow you busy girl. Loved the Melbourne courses Deb. There’s just so much clever knowledge in your head to learn and use. Now to find the time to sit down and actually use it. (sigh). The Griffith necklaces are gorgeous. Glad to hear your travels went well and welcome home. Laura.
Laura I’m so sorry for the very very late reply to this one. Gosh didn’t we have some fun hey. I miss you guys heaps and wish I could be with you again soon. Take care sweet and happy claying. x