Author: Jane

I had fun this afternoon at “Make Simple Jewelry” at the Maker Studio, East Lansing Public Library, East Lansing. A totally enthusiastic group of students (all ages) created necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pins from a variety of beads and cords. Many thanks to Cathy Blatnik and her All Faith Ministry for disABILITIES! (https://www.facebook.com/All-Faith-Ministry-for-disABILITIES-1542074422739471/)

I enjoy stitching (slowly) on my piece of random embroidery! Lots of color makes it a pleasant process.

Things are growing…..

I enjoyed a productive weekend of creativity, making flap books with upcycled papers, fabrics and buttons. What a blast! I will be selling these this fall — through Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center’s holiday exhibition and sale.

I enjoyed a fabulous 2-day workshop with Susan this past weekend, “Squiggle & Dot.” The class was sponsored by the Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild at Washtenaw Community College as part of Quilt University, their 3-day event. We made marks on paper and fabric with India ink, fabric paint, acrylic paint, ink pens, “Derwent” inktense pencils, Gelatos, paintbrushes, and more. It was a stupendous creative weekend–Susan is a delightful teacher (https://www.susanpm.com/) and shared millions of ideas and possibilities with us. I highly recommend Susan as an instructor!

July 26th I participated in a super fun workshop, “Fiber Gems” with fiber artist Michelle Dobrin (https://www.michelledobrinart.com/) at Washtenaw Community College. The class was hosted by the Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild and their bi-annual event, Quilt University. What a blast!! We stitched colorful pieces all day, which were then turned into tiny works of art! The stitched pieces were cut into pendants–WOW! I highly recommend Michelle as a teacher–what a wonderful way to spend a Friday.

I am teaching 3 sessions at Washtenaw Community College this month (http://www.wccnet.edu/community-enrichment/) and I love it! With an enthusiastic group of students we are delving into Zentangle® as a meditative drawing practice. I am so proud of these students–they inspire me! The class is doing a wonderful job–what terrific students–thank you to WCC for hosting us.

Yesterday morning was Senior Discovery Coffee Hour at the Allen Neighborhood Center in Lansing, Michigan (http://allenneighborhoodcenter.org/senior-discovery-group/). This lively and creative group enjoyed making their own dream houses. Patchwork houses without sewing a stitch! The scissors, buttons, and glue bottles were flying! Many thanks to Joan and the Seniors for inviting me for a delightful session.

I am having loads of fun with Daisy Yellow’s INDEX-CARD-A-DAY challenge–what a blast! You work with index cards and create little bits of art each day. I make my index cards in batches–not truly working on a daily basis. If you have not looked at her web site before, try it!

Team Retread Art installed The Large Blue Thing yesterday morning at the Ann Arbor Art Center! Many thanks to Timothy Watters and Mike Wolf for their patient help and assistance–SUCCESS!