looking for a happy day

Sleet and ice and overcast weather the last few days have left me feeling a bit of January SADness. So I've been reading and cuddling a lot with my sweet puppy Bogie and not doing too much else of merit. Today I found this print by Shelli here on Etsy. I think it might bring a little bright humor into my space. Thought you might enjoy it, too.

stephanie lee teaching here in march

After several classes I had hoped to take at Art and Soul in Hampton this May were cancelled, I was so disappointed.. Fearless beginner crafter that I am :), and wanting to test myself in various mediums with excellent teachers, I appreciated that Hampton was close enough that I didn't have to drag my supplies clear across country to find these teachers.. Among those cancelled A&S classes were a couple taught by Stephanie Lee, whose work appeals to me as a creative and challenging out-of-the-box mix of mediums.

"Handbook of Elements"

So I jumped at the chance to register immediately for the next ArtBLISS workshops just announced for March 10-13. .Held at the Hampton Inn Suites at Dulles, these all-day workshops are even closer to me, right in my neighborhood.. And can you believe it?. "Metal Magician" Stephanie Lee of Semiprecious Salvage is teaching three classes collectively called Metal Magic.. One two-day workshop is the heralded "Handbook of Elements" that was my number-one pick at Art and Soul.. It mixes metal craft with plaster with book art.. How could I resist?. Another one-day workshop is an inventively-crafted "Pipe Dream" necklace, and a third is the Junk Drawer Metalsmithing Project.. I am thrilled with this prospect of intensive learning with an outstanding instructor in the smallish ArtBLISS class format.

"Pipe Dreams"

Cindy Wimmer and Jeanette Blix, the two very friendly, very accomplished local jewelry makers who sponsor the ArtBLISS events, are eagerly bringing nationally recognized jewelry and mixed media experts in their fields to the Washington D.C. area.. Their inaugural event last September impressed both teachers and students with the care and attention they gave to everyone.. Jeanette runs her own supply store and handily outfitted me with whatever tools I needed to add to my tool box, even bringing a last-minute order to the event for me.. Cindy was so gracious to me in Deryn's class, sharing her experience and design ideas and taking the edge off my inexperience.

ArtBLISS is such a wonderful workshop opportunity for this area. I hope I'll see you in class in March.. Registration is open now!
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hoping for a healthy happy new year

I'm promising myself a year of hopefulness, healthy habits, and happy endeavors --

and no sitting around waiting for these gifts to find me.

While last year's endeavors have earned their rest in the chairs of my memory,

this year's adventures are still dancing out in front of me,

calling me to step eagerly into each day's potential.

For you, I'm wishing the same energetic and spirited approach

to a Happy New Year!!

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