Creativity Gives Comfort

With news of violence and sickness hanging over us its no wonder we feel lost, anxious and fearful.   Being creative can be a real way to settle the nerves.   When teaching, I often get students who say "I'm not creative; I can't do anything!"  Being creative not only comes in the form of a paint brush,  sewing needle or crochet hook.   There are good cooks, interior designers, hair stylists, landscapers, and architects to name a few.  You may be good at letter writing, taking care of your friendships, or arranging flowers.  Talents are gifts to all of us that expand our world.  Teaching also is a way to spread talents (I especially like teaching art to small humans).   What is your talent?

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This week I spent time finishing a project that I had been frustrated with, a geometric bracelet with small beads.  There was no space for mistakes, and I had many.  I think I rethreaded my needle about as many times as there were beads.

I know I'll enjoy wearing it and be humbled by the fact it took some real concentration to get it done.

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One of my favorite artists is Frida Kahlo.   Such an artist with a sense of passion, self portrayal and use of color.  Frida had an accident at a young age and suffered immense pain for the rest of her life. Painting was her medicine, and it followed her life span.  It gave her comfort.  She said, " My painting carries with it the message of pain."  She wasn't as famous when she lived, but her story and art have carried her memory through to museums, books, galleries and collectors.  

"The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration." - Frida

I beaded this cabochon that was gifted to me with small seed beads and glass flowers.  It hangs in my studio as a reminder that art can come from anywhere, even from a raw place of pain and despair.

 Frida's self portrait 1940.    Roots around her neck symbolizing the growing pain she experienced and the smothering feeling of being consumed by it. 

I wish comfort for all of you this week as we pass through turbulent times.  Reflect on your talents and hopefully you may find peace and comfort there.

Living an ARTful life...

It's been three years since I have posted on my blog.  The blog took a back seat to work, family and volunteer duties.  I have since retired,  enjoying more travel to see my first granddaughter and have been finding my way back to doing my art practices.   I am my most happy when submersed in artful activities and living an "artful" life.
I'm happy to say that I have been teaching a summer art program for children, have joined an art studio and have taught classes in local art stores. This year, I'm teaching my first art camp in September for adults. Hopefully the pandemic will be calmed down by then and it is safe to do so.
Teaching has always been my first love, whether young children or adults.  It is wonderful to see a student find joy with new information or a new hobby.

What does living an artful life mean?  For me, it's being absorbed in color, textures, environment, being with fellow artists and sharing my love of art.   I take part in a wonderful art studio called The cARTel, run by friend Meri Wiley.   A consortium of artists attend weekly studio time and share their creations and art techniques.  This has been a joy to take part in.   I keep art journals for technique experimentationn to help fuel my artful muse.   This is not to say that the artful muse hides from me at times, making it hard to find inspiration.   I think every artist goes through this at some time or another. 

 I've still been beading for 35 years; and this has always been my first love.  I  took beading classes from the Objibwa Native Americans in Wisconsin every summer during my 20's.  My skills have advanced and I find joy in making jewelry pieces for myself and others.   In addition, I have ventured into painting, mixed media, and other mediums.  

A triptych of Frida Kahlo

 

Even though I consider myself advanced in different mediums; I continue to try new mediums and techniques.  We all should never stop learning.  It is through learning we grow in skill and self worth to find an enriched life.

I will be posting new ideas, techniques and weekly posts to help you live an artful life.  Til next time, stay healthy and safe my friends.

New Valentine card class!  Join me at the Scrapbook Barn on January 28   6-8 p.m. (Thursday) or February 9th, (Tuesday) 10-12.

Learn doodling techniques and make several cards.  

New Class! Mini-Mandalas!

Mandalas are a meditative art and so fun to do.   There are a gazillion ways to do a mandala different each time you make one!

Start with my grid system and learn the process.  No measuring or protractors needed!

Upcoming Class Dates are:

Friday, January 15th, 6-8 p.m.

Sunday, January 24, 1-3 p.m.

Thursday, February 18, 6-8 p.m.

Being Posted later.....Valentine Card Clases and a  Technique Class on Blending Colors!

Coloring Making a Big Hit!

If you were out shopping at all during the holidays you probably saw Adult Coloring books EVERYWHERE!  I even saw them in the checkout lane at Walgreens!     I have published my own coloring packet and is on sale through me or the store I teach  here in Gilbert,  Scrapbook Barn, Val Vista and Guadalupe.   

We are having a Coloring Party on Friday February 26th, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. complete with prizes and treats.  $20.00 includes my coloring packet and children may come for just $4.00!

Here's a grand prize of art supplies worth $38.00!  I hope you can join me in learning shading techniques, different mediums to color with and a few of my own techniques!

It is very relaxing and a fun thing to do with your grandchild, child or friends!

New Classes....New Year!

Happy New Year to all my creative friends!   Last year was a great year for sharing new ways to draw, use media and have fun with new friends.   Our Doodle Club will have many new projects and new things to learn this year.  We meet every second Thursday of the month at Coffee Rush in Gilbert, just south of Guadalupe.  6:30 p.m.  Each month is a new project.  Come in January and receive a journal as we have a challenge to decorate the front any way you choose.

I'm currently working on new classes to teach at Scrapbook Barn, and you will be surprised.  The big reveal will be Wednesday, January 6th, so check back to see what's new!

Hoping you and your family have a year of blessings!

Its a Coloring Party at Scrapbook Barn!

Join in the fun with others as we color our way to relaxing!  $20.00adults/$4.00 kids  includes my new Color My World packet.  Color with your kids or grandkids.  Complete with treats and prizes throughout the party!   Get those markers and colored pencils ready!

A sample page from my new coloring packet!Now being sold at Scrapbook Barn in Gilbert!  $10.00 for 10 sheets!  New Black Doodling books great for keeping those inchies or tiles in.  Just stocked. 

Upcoming Classes!

These are my current upcoming classes at Scrapbook Barn at Val Vista and Gilbert.  Call to reserve your spot today!

Friday November 06  1:00-3:00 p.m.   Do-Tangle 101  Learn over 24 tangles and doodles!

Wednesday November 11  10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m  Thanksgiving Card class

Thursday November 10     6:30-8:30 p.m.             Thanksgiving Card class

     Paper supplies all included.  Need an .03 and .05 Micron drawing pen.  Kits available at Scrapbook Barn with pens and tile paper.

                                     Make pumpkin, turkey cards and a new fold out card, too!

  

Christmas Card classes:

Tuesday, December 8th, 10:30-12:30 p.m.       Christmas Cards and Envelopes

Thursday December 17th, 6:30-8:30 p.m.        Christmas Cards and Envelopes

 Paper supplies all included.  Need an .03 and .05 Micron drawing pen.  Kits available at Scrapbook Barn with pens and tile paper.

Use a picture or write your own message in the wreath!

An added bonus:  Get an envelope template to make your own!

New! "Color My World" Coloring Book Packet~

It's time to Relax and Color!

Get out those markers, pens, colored pencils and gel pens!

 My new "Color My World" Coloring Book Packet includes 10 hand drawn art pieces!

There's 8 X 10s, 5X 7s, cards, tags and clipart!   $10.00  Purchase at Scrapbook Barn, Gilbert, or from me personally by email  Khofferth@me.com

 Join in the coloring craze and get your Zen on!  You can even add your own doodles to the collage!

Use the clipart with cards or scrapbooking.!

Add leaves with your family names on them!

Order by emailing me at khofferth@me.com

It's Here! Doodle Club!

Many of my students have had so much fun that they want to extend the fun after class.  I have now started a Doodle Club with a few of my students.  I'd like to invite you to join us!  Our next meeting is Thursday October 15th, 6:30 p.m. at the Coffee Rush shop on Val Vista, 1/4 mile south of Guadalupe in Gilbert.  We had so much fun last month learning to do ATC cards (Artist trading cards)
This month Amber will show us how to add writing phrases into our work.
  Each month a different member will share an idea, project or information on new tangling!  Please
RSVP to me at khofferth@me.com       Everyone is invited -even if you haven't taken a class and just like to doodle!

                                                                        Do-Tangle 102/Color Class     Student Charlotte

                                                         By Student  Amber

A new piece I did for a friend's birthday......a cat lover

Sept./October Tangle schedule

New classes:    September 29, 10:30 a..m.  Boo-Tangled Cards, Scrapbook Barn,  Tuesday,
                          Val Vista & Guadalupe Rds., Gilbert, Patterson Landing, next to Steinmart
                         October 8, 6:30 p.m.  Boo-Tangled Cards, Scrapbook Barn    Thursday
                         October 13, 10:30 a.m. Boo Tangled Cards, Scrapbook Barn  Tuesday
                         October 22, 6:30 p.m.  Boo Tangled Cards, Scrapbook Barn   Thursday

        Learn some doodling techniques and tangle to complete these cards.  We'll work on tangling and then you will work on your cards.   All templates and paper supplies provided.  Just bring a glue stick, some markers and a .03 Micron Pen!  Call Scrapbook Barn to register at 480-503-2475

October 27th,  1:00 p.m. Jerry's Artarama  Doodling 101 

This is a great beginning class to make tangles to add to your own doodling!  You'll learning over 25 calculated drawing doodles to use in your own drawings.  Learn about  paper choices along with pen choices and general art supply information.  Get a 10% discount on any supplies bought that day~

Call Jerry's to register and get a supply list.  

480-775-6787

                   A FUN AND RELAXING WAY TO DE-STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS!
                                    Private classes can be arranged for groups of 4 or more!