NEW CLASSES! – WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: CHANGE DIRECTIONS

Let’s face it, there is a lot of “stuff” out there.  We all make choices in our lives every day, every hour, every minute. But what if what we see we don’t like?  Is there another choice or opportunity available? The answer is usually YES!

So, two of our instructors are changing directions in their class offerings in June. Along with the other inspiring workshops, Sylvie Peraud and Donna Greenberg have each added a new workshop based on what their followers are asking for.  Sylvie is adding this incredibly scrumptious polymer and brass wire workshop (love the texture).   And Donna is adding the Tidal Pool necklace (looks so real!)

Do you want in?  Then download the workshop descriptions and registration form attached and send in as soon as possible.  Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

THE VALUE OF A FACE-TO-FACE HANDS-ON WORKSHOP: COME AND HAVE FUN WITH FRIENDS

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How do you like to learn your craft?  These days, there are many more choices that students can make when it comes to how they learn techniques and projects.  All are good in their own respect whether it be online, a video, or in a classroom (see some of the photos above from previous Creative ARTs Fests events.)

However, I believe there is nothing better than being in a classroom, face-to-face with the teacher, watching as they work their magic and amaze students with their techniques.  Master Class Camp offers this opportunity from eight internationally acclaimed instructors and you can take up to 4 workshops over 4 days in a laid-back environment.  Interacting with other students and learning more tricks of the trade is fun too.

So, what are you waiting for, my friends?  Jump on board with the other folks who are excited for MCC 2016.  We’ll save you a spot!

CLICK HERE to download the registration form and workshop descriptions and register today.

TWO MONTHS AND COUNTING – WHO WILL YOU CHOOSE?

Nope, not talking about the election, although I find it fascinating and scary at the same time.  I’m talking about learning and absorbing every bit of knowledge that can possibly fit into your brain.  I’m talking about growing and using your creative energy and steering away from inertia.

Honestly, that’s where I’ve been for the past 6 or so years.  Not able to find enough time in the studio and dealing with a creative block – one that I intend to break through this year.  So, in selecting instructors for the Creative ARTs events, I consider many things, including the medium (preference to polymer) and look at how much the artist/instructor pushes themselves to develop new and exciting avenues for their work.

I can say that each instructor at Master Class Camp in June has excelled at this.  It’s positively packed with the kind of mental energy to move me and others willing to take the plunge, onto the next phase of our body of work.

So, I ask you this question again – Who will you choose?  Workshop information and registration form is available here.

MCC 2016: A DUO TO REMEMBER – TWO CREATIVE CREATIVE GALS COLLABORATE

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Lynne Ann Schwarzenberg and Jana Lehmann (yes, another “Jana” friend for Lynne Ann) have teamed up for Master Class Camp to bring you an innovative, versatile, and colorful workshop.   This 2-day FUSION workshop  looks exciting and will have you looking at so many other possibilities for combining techniques and collaborating with other artists to develop new works.

Their collaborative workshop will be taught on June 17-18 and then each will be teaching another individual one-day workshto register.op.  You can download the workshop descriptions and registration form here. (NOTE: this workshop has been cancelled and replaced with two additional one-day workshops)

REGISTRATION OPENED FOR MASTER CLASS CAMP 2016 – JUNE 17-20

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JUNE 2016’s 4th Annual Creative Arts Fest MASTER CLASS CAMP is now accepting registrations. There is no other event like it in the US – one where you can take full day workshops and choose from 8 talented and highly diverse artist/instructors.   We have something for everyone!

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION INFO AVAILABLE HERE

Instructors include:   ROBERT DANCIK, DONNA GREENBERG, DOREEN KASSEL, JANA LEHMANN, MELANIE MUIR, OLGA NICOLAS, SYLVIE PERAUD, and LYNNE ANNE SCHWARZENBERG.

 

TELL YOUR FRIENDS! EXCITING WORKSHOPS – CABIN FEVER REGISTRATION CONTINUES

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Over the past 8 1/2 years, we have striven to bring you some of the best and brightest artist/instructors available to Cabin Fever and Master Class Camp.  Cabin Fever, in its 9th year is no different and once again, a premier event offering workshops from:  LISA PAVELKA, MAUREEN CARLSON, DAYLE DOROSHOW, NANCY ENNIS, LISA HANEY, LINDLY HAUNANI, ANKE HUMPERT, DOREEN KASSEL, ROBERT LIU, JANA LEHMANN, ANN and KAREN MITCHELL, NAN ROCHE, LYNNE ANN SCHWARZENBERG, and EUGENA TOPINA.  Registration continues for all attendees – click here to register.

Some have asked about the change in format.  The fact is, we listened to what our attendees were requesting – longer classes from more instructors.  The new format offers more full-day workshops and fewer 4-hour workshops with additional class time at a lower fee – bringing attendees more bang for their buck!  If you have questions about the format, just write us – we’ll answer your inquiries as quickly as possible.

Lisa Pavelka, who has brought the polymer community many useful tools and techniques, will be teaching several workshops and will be honored with the Creative Pioneer and Innovator Award for her contributions over the years. Last year’s honoree, Maureen Carlson, will present the award and will also be teaching workshops at the event.  Click here to find out more on the workshops being offered.

 

CABIN FEVER REGISTRATION IS OPEN! DATES Feb. 12-17, 2016

 

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YES! WOO HOO! I tried and finally succeeded!  Registration is now officially opened for Cabin Fever to be held in Laurel, MD, Feb. 12-17, 2016.  We were able to shave a day off the schedule which is literally jam-packed with incredible workshops!

Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Online registration is available as well as online hotel reservations.

Instructors include:  LISA PAVELKA, MAUREEN CARLSON, DAYLE DOROSHOW, NANCY ENNIS, LISA HANEY, LINDLY HAUNANI, ANKE HUMPERT, DOREEN KASSEL, ROBERT LIU, JANA LEHMANN, ANN and KAREN MITCHELL, NAN ROCHE, LYNNE ANN SCHWARZENBERG, and EUGENA TOPINA.

YOUR ONLINE REGISTRATION CAN BE SUBMITTED BY CLICKING HERE.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS HERE. (NOTE: Workshops are listed by date, not instructor.)

INSTRUCTORS’ SCHEDULES HERE.

ONLINE HOTEL RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE HERE.

MCC 2013: SPOTLIGHT ON INSTRUCTOR ELLEN MARSHALL

Ellen Marshall – Elements Heart Necklace

Ellen Marshall will be teaching her newly developed 2-day workshop, Elements and Construction, on July 26-27, 2013 at the Premiere Master Class Camp in Laurel, Maryland.  For those not familiar with Ellen, her experience with polymer goes way back.  She creates one-of-a-kind and limited-edition contemporary art jewelry featuring polymer clay.  Her inspiration has come from art quilts, ceramics, graphic arts, and color in general.  Ceramic influences led her to explore surface design on polymer clay which again led her to writing a book,  Polymer Clay Surface Design Recipes, published by Quarry.  This comprehensive book presents many of the surface techniques she has developed and if you don’t own it, try to find one and add it to your library.  The book is out of print, but well worth the effort to locate on eBay, Half.com, or other used book sites.  She’s also been published in other books and magazines including Step By Step Beads and PolymerCafe. Ellen is the founder and former chair of the Philadelphia Area Polymer Clay Guild and a  past president of the National Polymer Clay Guild, now International Polymer Clay Guild. In addition to her love of polymer, she is also proficient in several beadweaving stitches such as peyote, herringbone, and right-angle weave and is now working on designing jewelry that incorporates both polymer and seed bead weaving.   She teaches polymer clay and beading crafts with the goal of inspiring others to discover and explore new directions in their art.

Ellen Marshall

To register for Ellen’s workshop, Elements and Construction,  download the workshop info and registration form here.

CFCF 2013: 1 MONTH TO GO – EXTRUSIONS, SCULPTURES, AND STONES!

Nan Roche’s Loop-In-Loop Chain

Just one month til the 6th Annual CFCF begins and I see some “all-nighters” in the near future.  Being a single parent of a 2 1/2 year old has it’s magnificent moments and then there are those times when … well, you probably understand.

My home is quickly becoming overrun with supplies, goody bag stuffings, and auction donations.  I hope that it will again be an enjoyable experience for each of you who are attending. A lot of work goes into putting on an event like this and we want you to be comfortable, make friends, have fun, and learn lots.  That being said, there are many workshops to choose from and depending on your focus in polymer, metal clay, or mixed media, we’ve got a lot to offer.

Nan Roche has been working with polymer since the late 1980s/early 1990s and began using the clay extruder early on.  She developed several techniques (extruded mosaic, loop-in-loop, Celtic knots) and her workshop on Loop-in-Loop Chains is definitely a favorite for those interested in fiber/woven techniques.  Space is still available in this pre-conference workshop on Friday, 15, February.  Click here for more info and the registration form.

Kassel Bird Ornament

Doreen Kassel is one of the most prolific artists I have ever met (she and Christi Friesen). Her background in illustration has helped her to develop her little characters, working carefully to sculpt the detailed features and feathers.  Her works are all one of a kind, and I love that each one has it’s own personality and unique cuteness!

She was a NICHE Award winner last year and is a NICHE Award finalist in two categories this year.  She has taken ornament making to a whole new level.  She is teaching two classes at CFCF, one pre-conference Ganesh Triptych workshop and a Birds and Beasts 4-hour workshop.  Space is still available for you to join her.  Click here for more info and the registration form.

FRIESEN – Chrysophrase with Swelligant

Christi Friesen has been all over the map, literally!  She’s been traveling the world for years now, sharing her unique talents and all-around bubbliness (is that a word?) Her two workshops offer a different take on stained glass or intro to her new product, Swelligant, turning your polymer into metal coated marvels!   Come join Christi – click on this link for more info and the registration form.

HOWELL – Old Lady Face

Tommie Howell enjoys the process of sculpting each unique detail on his character’s face.  Eyes, nose, mouth, expressive features – all carefully and lovingly worked and reworked until the face comes to life.  You can almost see into the soul of this old woman…  Tommie is teaching only one 4-hour workshop and he’d love for you to join him.  Click here for more info and the registration form.

TINAPPLE – Sea Glass

Cynthia Tinapple is best known for her daily blog on polymer clay, but she is also an artist who loves exploring nature and recreating it in polymer.  She and her husband work on collaborative pieces…he turns the bowls and she creates the extruded mosaic inlays for the rims…beautiful pieces.

For her CFCF 2013 workshops, Cynthia will be teaching her fail safe techniques that she has developed for recreating stones and sea glass. The “rocks” really rock…it’s difficult to tell the real from the faux.  The petroglyphs take you back in time, wondering how they did that!  If you are interested in joining Cynthia, click on this link for additional information and registration form.

CFCF 2013: A NEW YEAR, A NEW CREATIVE YOU!

The holiday season is nearly behind us and as we move into the New Year, I take a few moments to reflect on what has passed and what I hope is to come.  This past year has been one of trials and tribulations, disasters and deaths in the world, but also one of hope, renewal, and rebirths for many.  I move forward, learning again to not be so concerned what others think, but rather what I think and do to make my life and my son’s life more valuable and fulfilling.  So, moving forward, I have promised myself this year to continue to grow as a mother, mentor, philosopher, artist, and friend.  Take time to reflect and make a plan for yourself for this New Year, which is truly just one new day after another.  Take baby steps, careful yet adventurous…explore the new things out there and tear down the walls holding you captive with your creativity.  And, play nice…don’t forget to share…it becomes much more meaningful when you share.

On that note, begin your creative journey this year with a few days spent learning from incredible talents at Cabin Fever Clay Fest in Laurel, MD in February.  We still have space for more friends to join us, so why don’t you?  This is a hands-on and inspiring event…tiny lectures and lots of sensory work.  You will make some new friends who you may be able to encourage as well.  Join our journey to inspiration’s peak! Information and link to registration forms and workshop descriptions is below.  See you soon…and welcome to the New Year of being You!

******   Download registration forms here and detailed workshop information here. ******

Pre-conference workshop availability:

• Rosa Martha Celorio Aceves – Appliquéd Bisque Bead Pendant  – AVAILABLE
• Jana Roberts Benzon – Glazed “Stoneware” Beads   – CLOSED – FULL
• Lindly Haunani  – Translucent Innovations – Exploring Folded Bead Forms (2-day)  – 10 SPOTS LEFT
• Doreen Gay-Kassel – Ganesha Triptych  – AVAILABLE
• Ellen Marshall – Color, Surface Treatment, and a Little Bling  – 8 SPOTS LEFT
• Iris Mishly – Skyscraper and Flakes   – 4 SPOTS LEFT
• Nan Roche – Loop-In-Loop Chaining  – AVAILABLE
• Sarah Shriver – Intricate Kaleidoscope Caning with a Twist   – 5 SPOTS LEFT

Conference workshop availability:

• Jana Roberts Benzon – Wruffled Whimsy    Mon. 8AM  – 2 SPOTS LEFT
• Jana Roberts Benzon – Wruffled Whimsy   Tues. 8AM  – 4 SPOTS LEFT
• Christi Friesen – Spectacular Stained Glass Pendants Wed. 8AM   – 5 SPOTS LEFT
• Christi Friesen – Fe Fi Faux Fabulous Wed. 1PM – AVAILABLE
• Lindly Haunani – Bodacious Bubbles: Keepsake Blade Holder      Mon. 1PM  – CLOSED – FULL
• Lindly Haunani – Bodacious Bubbles: Keepsake Blade HolderTues. 8AM  –9 SPOTS LEFT
• Tommie Howell – “I’ve Been Framed”  – AVAILABLE
• Doreen Gay-Kassel – Sculptural Birds and Beasts    – AVAILABLE
• Iris Mishly – Brocade Hemisphere   – Mon. 1PM  – 6 SPOTS LEFT
• Iris Mishly – Brocade Hemisphere   -Wed. 8AM  – 10 SPOTS LEFT
• Kathryn Jo Ottman – It’s About Coordination!  – AVAILABLE
• Marie Segal – Between the Space Canes Tues. 8AM  – 2 SPOTS LEFT
• Marie Segal – Shadeplay Caning Wed. 8AM  – 10 SPOTS LEFT
• Lynne Anne Schwarzenberg – Hooray for Polywood! – Mon. 8AM  – 9 SPOTS LEFT
• Lynne Anne Schwarzenberg – Hooray for Polywood!- Tues. 1PM  – 7 SPOTS LEFT
• Sarah Shriver – Mini Acorn Earrings and Pendant – Mon. 1PM  – AVAILABLE
• Sarah Shriver – Mini Acorn Earrings and Pendant – Tues. 1PM  –  CLOSED – FULL
• Laura Tabakman – Polymer and Wire Earrings – Mon. 8AM  – 6 SPOTS LEFT
• Laura Tabakman – Polymer and Wire Earrings -Wed. 1PM  – AVAILABLE
• Cynthia Tinapple – Join the Rockettes – Tues. 1PM  – AVAILABLE
• Cynthia Tinapple – Join the Rockettes -Wed. 1PM  – AVAILABLE