Wrap it Up! Imagination Required!

Since my dearest Deborah is packing up her and her family's entire life to move to Texas this week (wah!), I had to drop off her birthday presents early, so they could go with the trucks. (When is her birthday you ask? Oh, it's Tuesday, June 5. You should send her a birthday wish. She'll love that!)

But the problem was (is), I'm a horrible wrapper. Which stinks all the more when gifting Deborah. She gives great wrap. I don't. I give good gifts, but the wrapping stumps me. I have no imagination!*(see clarification below!) So, I summoned up all I could find and wrapped two of her gifts with really cute tags. (The third  -- the wire basket shelf she wanted -- was too big to wrap!) Disclaimer: I sort-of came up with ideas... They were artist trades. I just made them into gift tags. I know, I know. I really do stink at this!

This blue gift was wrapped with a trip of cotton fabric Jody Bradshaw had repeatedly hand-stamped with archival ink so it would smudge. Then she stamped a clothes pin! Cutest idea ever! I just tea-stained a little tag from Staples and put on a bow on it.

I bound this gift with purple string I'd gotten from TJ Maxx (see last week's post), another Staples tea-stained tag and a piece of measuring tape cut off, stapled, and attached with soft wire in the coolest way (see next pic). The measuring tape came from my Melissa Manley earrings. She used that for price tags. Adorable!

Can you see how she twisted the wire like an earring back? So cute.
I did cutely wrap some little candles for female guests at Easter, using kraft paper and teeny fabric vintage doilies. (You can get your own vintage doilies here at Esty.com.) But I forgot to take photos. Guess you'll have to use your imagination!

*CLARIFICATION: As pointed out by my 7th grade English and writing teacher (how cool! she reads our blog!), I need to make a clarification. When I say "I have no imagination!" I mean to say, "When it comes to wrapping gifts in paper like normal people do, I have no imagination for it. I have no patience for it. And I suck at it!" I write this correction humbly and with glee: Mrs. Nortman likes my writing!! 
________________________
***What's next?***

***We just joined Meetup.com. You can join too and get quick, easy email messages about when we're meeting. Follow us here: www.meetup.com/Doodlebughearts-Gather-Giggle/ 
_______________________
***We were listed in Larchmont-Mamaroneck's on-line Patch. Read the article here!
_______________________

***Erin Faith Allen is Coming to New York!

Erin Faith Allen

Three cheers!
Doodlebugheart is hosting the beauty-filled, super creative, ahh-mazingErin Faith Allen in New York! She's coming to lead a workshop June 9 and 10 (Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 - 5:00) ~ one of her last, before she has a baby this fall. Hip, hip, hooray!!!
Email us immediately for more info and to register fast!

Info@Doodlebugheart.com

1.855.687.3284 

(1-855.OUR DBUG)

Here's what you need to know:

Erin Faith Allen ~ As an international mixed media art teacher, I act as a guide inward ~ to the innate creative genius spark that lies within every one of us.  An artist and empath, I experience the world on a supernatural level.  I make art to understand and process my self, life, and the planet I live on.  My work conveys the delicate dance between light and shadow, and I believe we must know our depths to know our heights: we must howl in wild stark exposure at the moon in order to know true bliss in the glow of sun. 
My artwork can be found on www.erinfaithallen.com
SOUL PORTRAIT EMPOWERMENT  $200
Course description:

Is your soul a stream of consciousness word parade that flows across your surface?  Does it swoosh in gentle abstract harmony, or blaze it’s way vibrantly across the page?  Have you ever created a piece of art with direct connection and intention to express this pure and unique essence of self?   In this soul-full hands-on collaging workshop we will dive into the depths of our very being, to find our own unique soul signature and express it through mixed media collage.

The clarity of self-image will assist greatly in manifesting your dreams, desires, and circumstances that are your hearts desire.  To hold a self-created image of WHO YOU ARE is a talisman for growth, a gift that keeps on giving for years to come!  You will be given tools of self-awareness that can be utilized in your studio and career, to unleash your potential through this creative process at any time you need to connect with yourself for answers, guidance, or fun.

With guided visualizations, music, and stream of consciousness writing we will create at least one Soul Portrait, and as many as time allows!

Day One:  Technical / conceptual dialoguing, opening up, and getting into the flow, with hands on creative play time.  

Day Two: is devoted mostly to full-blown artmaking.  I am very hands-on and give a lot of one-to-one time :)  My teaching style is loose, and while technical education and information is part of my class, my passion lies in diving deep into the soul for conceptual and energetic information and inspiration.  

Recommended Supply List:

• A minimum of 7 photographs of yourself in a variety of sizes, distances, and/or poses so that you have a lot to choose from.  (It is best to work with self-portraits when possible).A minimum of 7 symbolic images that reflect your interests and personal nuances.  These can be colors, shapes, favorite animals and other things in nature, fairy tales, characters, hobbies, beliefs, textures … the sky’s the limit!
• If you do not wish to use photographs of yourself (though this is highly recommended), you can collect imagery from magazines, ephemera, or hand-draw/paint them to assemble your soul portrait.
• 11x14 or 11x17 paper, as many as you feel you will fill. This can be scrapbooking paper, watercolor paper, xeroxes of old books or ephemera ~ anything! Gel Medium or preferred adhesive
• Calligraphy Pen and Ink in any colors that you choose 
• Any other mediums or accessories or images that you prefer working with – this can be (but is not limited to) acrylic, watercolor, paint pens, stencils, text, found images from books or magazines for collaging, scrapbooking papers for backgrounds.  The more the merrier! 
• Brushes and tools that you prefer and are comfortable with. 
• Scissors or Xacto knife

On a personal note... I can tell you, I took class with Erin at ArtFest 2012, which is why I am so excited to bring her to New York! She is intuitive, energizing, insightful, and gorgeously talented. She has a calming presence that allows your true thoughts and feelings to come through -- no judgements, only honor. All levels of ability welcome!

I am thrilled with not only the work I did in the class (it's hanging in my bedroom!), but also I'm touched by the depth of sharing everyone had and the friendships I cherish from it. I cannot recommend her class highly enough. She is wonder-full! You can see her work at www.erinfaithallen.com or just look at these!

_________________________

Moving on...

And once again, here I am talking about party favors.  This time, for my going-away party.  (Cue: sad trombone.)

My party themes tend to be vague. This one was "Tex-Mex" in honor of our impending move to Texas and my ongoing addiction to mexican food.  So I threw together some tissue paper flowers, organized a fajita bar and some margaritas, invited my besties over, and oh my goodness had an almost painfully fantastic time.

I wanted to give each of my guests a little something.  Started with these basics:

The tins and confetti were gifts from Emily

Ended up with this:

Nothing to do with the Tex-Mex theme, but still darned cute!

Inside I tucked a variety of little trinkets:  a thank you charm, a decorated paper clip, a mini clothespin, a Herseys kiss, a star embellishment, and an mini envelope with a note saying all the things I loved about each person.

A few more paper flowers, some clay pots, and those tins later, I had this for my centerpiece:

A little flash would have been nice, but pretend it's just dramatic ambience.



The party itself was lots of eating, drinking.....

Not pictured:  the wine, blender of margaritas, vodka, and pitchers of Sangria.
 Also not pictured:  me competely toasted.

...and extra heaps of merriment.  We talked (louder and louder as the drinks poured on) and ate and belly-laughed and drank and the meter in my soul filled to the brim with love and gratitude and happiness.  I outed Emily's colorful past (to her embarrassment and my partiers intense interest and delight), which led to hours of funny and outrageous stories.  We did not mention Texas and when someone slipped there were general frowns of discouragement and strange hexing hand movements.

They presented me with a handmade book, lovingly decorated by Emily, and filled with photos and letters from each of my friends.  A tribute so beautiful and meaningful I couldn't even read it then because it made me too emotional.  It meant the world to me.    It will be a treasure to savor in my new surroundings whenever I'm feeling a little lonely, because there is no denying the love this book contains.

It all makes me ruminate about the word move. 

In my former life, "move" meant my body in motion, training, dancing, honing, performing.  Movement was my life.

Over the course of my years, I have "moved" a lot, in the sense that I have changed households repeatedly.  I am hoping this move to Texas marks the end of that for a good long while, but each move represents a change--in location, in people, in periods of my life.

And at this going away party, I was moved in another way.  Moved in the sense that my heart was touched, my emotions swelled, my soul filled.

So many ways to move.  I've done them all.  Doodlebugheart is essentially all about this.  All these ways we move, internally, externally, physically, emotionally, spiritually.  It's about finding a way to relish the experience.  It's about finding a way to appreciate the transitions, to know yourself, to appreciate your past while staying open to the future.  So much easier to teach than to experience.  But so worthwhile.

I am leaving a lot.  Dear friends.  Eras of my life.  A city I loved.

I am moving on.  To possibilities and family and sunshine.

Do me a favor and stick with me. I may be moving, but I'm not going anywhere.





Cheap Smiles -- $5, $10, $20, $25

I've got the Monday morning blues. I had a great weekend with dear, long-time friends who have left or are leaving soon. I'm tired. It's gray and raining. I wanna curl up in bed and cry. But I have some cheap smiles I can share with you -- found for under $5, $10, $20, and $25.

Bakers Twine in purple, pink, light blue, and orange. Only $3.99 at TJ Maxx!

Hemp Crafter's Cord for $7.99 again, TJ Maxx (www.Hemptique.net). I'll use this for wrapping presents or putting it in my art. I might even sew it onto towels or little banners.

Home Goods does it right: $19 wire basket. It's going in the Doodlebugheart craft room. Super cute and functional.

And I love me some cheap-n-cheerful socks:Target, baby! Under $10/pair and usually they have a deal of like, 5 for $25. 

Let it rain!

______________________________________________

***What's next?***

Doodlebugheart is hosting the super creative, ahh-mazing artist/teacher/guide Erin Faith Allen in New York!

Email us immediately for more info and to register. Class is filling up!

June 9 and 10, Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Larchmont, NY

Info@Doodlebugheart.com

1.855.687.3284 

(1-855.OUR DBUG)

$200

Erin Faith Allen ~ As an international mixed media art teacher, I act as a guide inward ~ to the innate creative genius spark that lies within every one of us.  An artist and empath, I experience the world on a supernatural level.  I make art to understand and process my self, life, and the planet I live on.  My work conveys the delicate dance between light and shadow, and I believe we must know our depths to know our heights: we must howl in wild stark exposure at the moon in order to know true bliss in the glow of sun. 

My artwork can be found on www.erinfaithallen.com

SOUL PORTRAIT EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP 

Is your soul a stream of consciousness word parade that flows across your surface?  Does it swoosh in gentle abstract harmony, or blaze it’s way vibrantly across the page?  Have you ever created a piece of art with direct connection and intention to express this pure and unique essence of self?   In this soul-full hands-on collaging workshop we will dive into the depths of our very being, to find our own unique soul signature and express it through mixed media collage. 

The clarity of self-image will assist greatly in manifesting your dreams, desires, and circumstances that are your hearts desire.  To hold a self-created image of WHO YOU ARE is a talisman for growth, a gift that keeps on giving for years to come!  You will be given tools of self-awareness that can be utilized in your studio and career, to unleash your potential through this creative process at any time you need to connect with yourself for answers, guidance, or fun.

With guided visualizations, music, and stream of consciousness writing we will create at least one Soul Portrait, and as many as time allows! See some examples of Erin's work below:

by Erin Faith Allen

by Erin Faith Allen

Let me tell you about Emily...

Let me tell you a little something about my partner Emily.  She's beautiful, isn't she?  It's the first thing you notice.  She is long-legged, tall and willowy, with stylish, funky blonde hair, cheekbones for miles, and a huge dazzling white smile.  People always ask, "Are you a model?" which of course she is.  But she is so much more than that.

She has traveled all over the world.  She has produced plays.  She has acted in tv, film, and theater.  She is a stellar mom to a rambunctious, charming, adorable boy and is a loving, supportive wife.  She manages to be worldly and sophisticated while still being goofy and accessible, to be focused and hard-working while still being impulsive and enthusiastic, to be stylish without being vain, to be giving while still setting boundaries.  She is an amazing, talented artist who loves nothing more than to encourage others' creativity.  Most of all, she is a loyal and consummate friend.

On a day when things fell apart for me, she was the person I called for help.  She heard the tears in my voice immediately, asked what was wrong and what I needed all at the same time.  I needed childcare on very short notice.  "Done," she said.  She didn't ask for how long, or tell me that she needed to check her schedule, or burden me with the details of everything she had to rearrange to be there.  She just was there.  With a hug and a smile and tears and with lots of fun playtime with my girls.  She was there.  She's that friend.

She's the friend that you end up staying up all night with -- against your better intentions-- because you just need to whisper that one last thing and that sends you both off on a three hour deep, satisfying, soul-filling conversation.

She's the friend that makes you belly laugh.  Over dinner recently, we were discussing fundraisers and I was lamenting the unsatisfying dinner fare you usually receive at such events.  She began to tell us about a fundraiser they had recently attended, to support a children's charity that her husband's friend ran in Nicuragua.  She asked him to tell us about the charity, and he regaled us with the sad particulars of the situation this friend battled and all the amazing work he was doing in that country.  Twenty minutes later, he wrapped up and we turned back to her so she could pick up her comments where she had left off about this impressive organization.  She turned red, paused, and then mumbled, "Umm....I was gonna say....the beef was really good at that fundraiser."  I laughed for at least 3 days.

She's the friend that tells you that you have spinach in your teeth.  And that will pick it out for you.

She's the friend that tells you that you indeed neeeeeeeed that new purse, pair of shoes, shirt, and journal from TJMaxx.  And that notices and compliments you when you use them.

She's the friend that gives you the perfect birthday present and even remembers to send your husband a card on his birthday.

She's the person that lends you her bracelet and then buys you one of your own when you tell her how much you love it.

She's the person that you can hesitantly tell your business idea and that you want to do it as a partnership and she leaps in with a "yes!" before you can finish your sentence.  Who then proceeds to carry the load when you can't, to provide the energy and the momentum for you when you get bogged down in details, to network like a champ, to create amazing artwork, and to be fair and fun and supportive in every way as a partner.

She's the one who doesn't judge your chip and salsa addiction, mostly because she's busy adding salt to the chips.

She's the friend that makes you feel happy just from being around her.  Your mood is always a little brighter after some time with her.

She's the friend that gives an impressively loud, involuntary, and perhaps slightly embarrassing hiccup very time she gets a little excited.

She's a person even more beautiful on the inside than the spectacular beauty she is outside.  She is a person who listens with intensity and warmth, who radiates love and light.  She makes the world better every day that she is in it.

That is just a little glimpse of the extraordinary soul that is Emily Cline.  She is my business partner, and half of Doodlebugheart.  I hope you get to know her, because you will be blessed for it.

I am so very lucky that this woman is my friend, my best friend.  So lucky.  So grateful.

That's what I wanted to tell you about Emily.

What's on Your Nightstand?

For years now, I get almost daily inspiration from Kelly Kilmer, blogger, teacher, and fab art journalist. Every so often, she blogs what she's reading and her latest post encouraged me to share what I'm reading, too.

my "nightstool"

Okay, so it's not a nightstand, it's a (poorly) repainted stool. But I like it. Moving into this house last summer, my man and I put our 17 year old bed frame in the basement, put our mattress on the floor, and are winging it with this stool, instead of my cherished (over-priced) ABC Carpet nightstand.

On my nightstool (from the bottom up) is Martha Becks' first book "Expecting Adam", shared with me by Doodlebugheart partner and co-Martha Beck crusher, Deborah; Gloria Steinem's "Revolution from Within" (female empowerment galore! this should be required reading for all!); "The Art of Fielding" by Char Harback (my most current obsession); and "ICONS: Indian Style" published by Taschen, also recommended by Kelly Kilmer. "ICONS" is more of a photo book, but oh, my, it's good stuff!

Indian curtains in ICONS: Indian Style

Also on my nightstool is my newest pair of earrings. I bought them at ArtFest last month from Melissa Manley Studios. I love them so much, I wear them just about every single minute of every single day,... until I go to bed and have to take them off. (Melissa's currently reworking her site, hopefully it'll be up again soon.)

What's on your stand? stool? bed table?

____________________

***What's next?***

Doodlebugheart is hosting the super creative, ahh-mazing artist/teacher/guide Erin Faith Allen in New York!

Email us immediately for more info and to register: this class is filling up!

June 9 and 10, Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Larchmont, NY

Info@Doodlebugheart.com

1.855.687.3284 

(1-855.OUR DBUG)

$200

Erin Faith Allen ~ As an international mixed media art teacher, I act as a guide inward ~ to the innate creative genius spark that lies within every one of us.  An artist and empath, I experience the world on a supernatural level.  I make art to understand and process my self, life, and the planet I live on.  My work conveys the delicate dance between light and shadow, and I believe we must know our depths to know our heights: we must howl in wild stark exposure at the moon in order to know true bliss in the glow of sun. 

My artwork can be found on www.erinfaithallen.com

SOUL PORTRAIT EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP 

Is your soul a stream of consciousness word parade that flows across your surface?  Does it swoosh in gentle abstract harmony, or blaze it’s way vibrantly across the page?  Have you ever created a piece of art with direct connection and intention to express this pure and unique essence of self?   In this soul-full hands-on collaging workshop we will dive into the depths of our very being, to find our own unique soul signature and express it through mixed media collage. 

The clarity of self-image will assist greatly in manifesting your dreams, desires, and circumstances that are your hearts desire.  To hold a self-created image of WHO YOU ARE is a talisman for growth, a gift that keeps on giving for years to come!  You will be given tools of self-awareness that can be utilized in your studio and career, to unleash your potential through this creative process at any time you need to connect with yourself for answers, guidance, or fun.

With guided visualizations, music, and stream of consciousness writing we will create at least one Soul Portrait, and as many as time allows! See some examples of Erin's work below:

by Erin Faith Allen

by Erin Faith Allen

by Erin Faith Allen

Happy Mother's Day

As far as motherhood goes, I am relatively inexperienced.  I only have two children, the oldest of whom just turned four.  I frequently feel inadequate and flummoxed by the parenting challenges that arise, and no matter how many books I read or websites I scan or magazines I research, I pretty much feel like I have no idea what I'm doing most of the time.

Instinctively, whenever I need help, I turn to my mother.  Even as an adult, even as a parent, I turn to my own mother for support and encouragement and wisdom.  And she always has it for me.  My mother is a remarkable woman in so many ways, not the least of which is her own inability to recognize this.

One lesson I have definitely learned as a parent, however, is that you work very very very hard and get absolutely no recognition for it.  There isn't a cheering squad screaming and shaking their pompoms at you as you get up for the umpteenth time to respond to your newborn's cries at night.  There isn't a fancy dinner and an award every time you take a deep breath and hold your temper instead of screaming at your exasperating, unreasonable, tantruming toddler.  There isn't a boss handing out a stellar performance review and a fat bonus every time you pack their lunches, do their laundry, buy their clothes and food and books and toys, take them to the next class, give them a bath, set boundaries about tv and snacks and hitting and spitting and kicking and bedtimes, take them to the doctor, arrange a playdate, research summer camps, send out their birthday invitations, or kiss the boo-boo. 

There should be.

So Mom...here's what I remember, a few of the moments from my life for which you deserved a trophy and a bonus and a cheering squad and more. 

I remember sitting at the dinner table, so young I can barely see over the top.  I feel sick to my stomach, but I want to sit at the table with the grownups so much that I don't say anything.  Suddenly, I vomit violently all over everything -- my plate, the table, my clothes, the floor.  I am scared and surprised and appalled all at once.  Mostly, I feel guilty and ashamed.  I remember my mother by my side in an instant, cleaning up, comforting me.  I apologize for the mess and she hugs me and assures me everything is ok, that it's not my fault.  She is so kind and loving and I feel taken care of and safe.

I remember being in preschool, around 4 years old, and it's my birthday.  My mother makes homemade cupcakes to take in for the class.  She lets me lick the bowl.  She lets me help frost the cupcakes.  I think they are done, but she pulls out lollipops and sticks one in the center of each cupcakes, which would never have occurred to me, but which seems like the best idea in the history of the world:  lollipops and cupcakes!  THEN she proceeds to cut out contructions paper petals and leaves and ~ voila ~ the lollipops become adorable flowers.  I am dumbfounded.  I have never seen such genius.  I am in awe of my mother.  I feel so special when I walk into my class with these cupcakes with my mother by my side.  I am more proud of my mother than the cupcakes.

I remember constantly badgering my parents for more dessert after dinner.  Wheedling for another cookie, begging for another scoop of ice cream.  Finally, one night, my mother simply says, "Ok."  Confused, I pause, and then echo, "Ok?"  She nods and says, "Yes.  Tonight, you may have any dessert you like, and as much of it as you like."  I'm afraid to breathe.   This is too good to be true.  I proceed to eat almost an entire bag of cookies, several bowls of chocolate ice cream, some leftover candy, and all but mainlined the sugar bowl.  I ate until I was so stuffed I couldn't force another bite past my lips.  I couldn't believe the freedom and indulgence and control I had been given.  It was glorious.  For about 30 minutes.  Then the stomach ache set in.  And it got worse.  And worse, and worse.  I began to worry and complained of it to my mother.  She nodded, sympathetically, and gently explained it was because of all the sweets I had eaten.  I was miserable the rest of the night with stomach pain, but I understood to my bones that she had been setting limits on dessert to keep me healthy, not to deny me something I wanted.  I never argued about dessert again.

I remember coming back from my junior year abroad, returning to my university just days before classes began.  I remember being jetlagged and exhausted and trying to muster the inner reserves to face unpacking and setting up my apartment.  I walked in...and it was done.  Everything unpacked, all the furniture moved in, clothes in the closet, books on the shelves, dishes washed and put away.  Completely done, from start to finish.  I was shocked, and so grateful I could have cried.  I needed this help, a leg up when I was tired and transitioning, and my mother saw that and without saying a word, took care of me.

I remember the times I needed a little help financially and she was there, no guilt attached.  I remember the endless dance classes she paid for and drove me to, the costumes and shoes she purchased, the recitals she sat through.  I remember the way she chronicled every birthday and Christmas and school event, putting together albums so I can remember those important moments too.

I remember the times she made mistakes, made the wrong choice, let me down.  Not because those moments scarred me, but because in those moments she showed me it's ok to be human, that healthy relationships involve mistakes and forgiveness.  She showed me how to take ownership for your failures and how to atone for them.  She showed me that someone can be mad at you and not leave you.  That someone can love you even when you are at your worst.  That it's not about being perfect, but about being honest and kind and loving.

I remember all this and a lifetime more.  If I can be even a fraction of the mother to my children that my mother was to me, they will be blessed.

Today Mom, I wish I could give you a cheering squad, a fancy trophy, and a huge bonus.  I hope you will take this little corner of recognition instead, and all of my love and admiration.

Happy Mother's Day.

Do Not Disturb, (pretty please?)

I had one of those weekends where I couldn't seem to get anything done for myself. I kept getting caught up in family-ness. No big deal, I thought: I have Monday all to myself! But this morning after a fitful night of restless sleep, I woke up with lightening bolts flashing through my eyes and alarm-kat appeared to only have one eye. Drats! The dreaded migraine!

My man helped get our son to school and I hastily postponed my wrist therapy. I took meds, drank gallons of water, and went back to bed. Surely I'll be up tackling the world by noon!

Nope. My body has had it. I have done too much this last month, way too much. Time to stop and take it easy.

A couple years ago, I heard the fabulous Tranquilista Kimberly Wilson give a talk about living a more 'Tranquil' life. She suggested taking one day a month just for yourself and not getting out of bed. Today was that day for me. And even with my head pounding, it wasn't so bad. I'll just have to tackle the world tomorrow.
_________________________________________

***What's next?***

Doodlebugheart is hosting the super creative, ahh-mazing artist/teacher/guide Erin Faith Allen in New York!

Email us immediately for more info and to register: this class is filling up!

June 9 and 10, Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Larchmont, NY

Info@Doodlebugheart.com

1.855.687.3284 

(1-855.OUR DBUG)

$200

Erin Faith Allen ~ As an international mixed media art teacher, I act as a guide inward ~ to the innate creative genius spark that lies within every one of us.  An artist and empath, I experience the world on a supernatural level.  I make art to understand and process my self, life, and the planet I live on.  My work conveys the delicate dance between light and shadow, and I believe we must know our depths to know our heights: we must howl in wild stark exposure at the moon in order to know true bliss in the glow of sun. 

My artwork can be found on www.erinfaithallen.com

SOUL PORTRAIT EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP 

Is your soul a stream of consciousness word parade that flows across your surface?  Does it swoosh in gentle abstract harmony, or blaze it’s way vibrantly across the page?  Have you ever created a piece of art with direct connection and intention to express this pure and unique essence of self?   In this soul-full hands-on collaging workshop we will dive into the depths of our very being, to find our own unique soul signature and express it through mixed media collage. 

The clarity of self-image will assist greatly in manifesting your dreams, desires, and circumstances that are your hearts desire.  To hold a self-created image of WHO YOU ARE is a talisman for growth, a gift that keeps on giving for years to come!  You will be given tools of self-awareness that can be utilized in your studio and career, to unleash your potential through this creative process at any time you need to connect with yourself for answers, guidance, or fun.

With guided visualizations, music, and stream of consciousness writing we will create at least one Soul Portrait, and as many as time allows! See some examples of Erin's work below:

by Erin Faith Allen

by Erin Faith Allen

by Erin Faith Allen