But, there is much more!
Now that I'm a stay-at-home mommy, full time, our monthly income has been drastically slashed.
That means, my craft and hobby funds have also been drastically slashed.
Fortunately, I've been doing quite well with my craft purchase challenge, or lack of them. I have, however, purchased several things to utilize in classes.
One of the huge bummers in our budget change, is that I won't be able to attend the art events that I have in the past.
Aside from socializing with friends who "get" me, the thing that draws me to art events is learning. I attend to learn techniques and skills that I can take home and apply into other methods for myself. I love being right there with my friends and seeing our instructors create art right in front of us. I love that I can literally see, peering over their shoulder, or in front of them. It's one of my most favorite ways.
One of the ways I've been able to meet this need, and yet not leave home, is to participate in online art courses.
There are some REALLY fabulous classes available online - and they are AWESOME.
I've already shared that I took (I'm still working on finishing!) Soul Restoration with the Brave Girls Club (there's another class starting on April 5th). It is the best course I've ever taken for myself (I can't say was, because I have a few things to do before I'm done). It was fun too! Don't get me wrong, it was HARD work. But, it was worth everything I sacrificed to do it. I learned so much about myself and about art.
I love it!
Another class I am taking (smack in the middle of, actually) is the She Art Workshop by Christy Tomlinson of Scarlet Lime. This is probably, the most inclusive art class I've ever taken.
I have learned SO much and I've loved every minute of it. Christy really takes you right into her studio, and shows you exactly how she creates. She's created and shared over a dozen video's of her creating, and demonstrating how she gets the effects she does. She shares her techniques, supplies, and methods.(How many artists not only share exactly HOW they create their ART, but teach you how to do it, and share the exact products they used???)
In this class, Christy shares how she creates everything to do with her "girls". I'm talking hair, body, face - everything.
I love that she shares technique video's showing you how to create various backgrounds - using what you probably already have in your craft stash (so you know shes not sharing all of this JUST to make a buck - but I will tell you that the prices she has on her site are fantastic. I can't beat her price on canvas's ANYWHERE). I love that through this class, I am putting more of an effort to utilize the mountain of scrapbooking papers and products I already own, rather than feeling pressured to go out and shop for more.
There's even a community where you can post questions (which Christy, herself, answers!), and a Flickr group to share your art with other attendee's.
In short, though I am unable to attend most of the art events that I have in years past, I don't feel like I'm missing out entirely. I'm able to learn new techniques and create new art right from the comfort of my own home. (Another awesome plus is that I don't have to worry about finding a "cute" outfit to wear, or getting gifts together. I can wear what I want and gift myself!! Tee Hee Hee!!)
If you're interested in learning Christy's techniques (you will NOT be disapointed!), she is opening the classroom on April 11th, for additional students. That means that you can join us; have full access to all three weeks worth of classes, join the flickr group, chat in the community, and be able to participate in the class at YOUR OWN PACE!! The classroom is staying open for 3 months, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the class, and rewatch the video's (like me!) and enjoy the content! So, check it out! I think you'll love it!
I need to take some better photos of my "girls" and share them - soon! I promise! Soon!!
On a side note, many of you have asked, so rather than feeding the fire, I wanted to make sure you knew that this will be the first year that I have not attended Silver Bella. I've been to all 5 of the previous events! I have really enjoyed myself in years past, and have REALLY enjoy the friendships I have created over the years through the event.
I am, however, planning to attend Art of Spring in June (it's local, and how could I NOT support anything Shea and Debbie do!!) and The Creative Connection Event held in Minneapolis in September. Be sure to visit the event site and sign up for updates! It's going to be an amazing event!!
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