Wednesday, November 18, 2009

November CoLLaGE College

Our second session of Collage College was terrific!  What a great bunch of creative participants!!!  I was delighted by everyone's work and just plain enjoyed hanging out with 8 fantastic ladies, including the best partner ever, Chris. (Chris, below, is holding up an actual Mag Rag!) (And notice how cute our students are...)


I've noticed a pattern with our 2-night classes:  in the first class, the students are fairly reserved and it's really hard for me to read if they are enjoying it or if they even 'get it' or if they are overwhelmed or ???  In the week between classes, then I'm convinced they have 'gotten it', because I watch as their little copper-wrapped efforts turn into darling pieces of art.  By Class #2,  they arrive and talk about how much they've been thinking about the possibilities with collage and soldered charms since the previous week, and some even dream about it! And it's waaaay more obvious that they are enjoying themselves.  Plus, they get to see their finished, soldered, shiny charms that were slaved and fussed over in Class 1, and that gets everybody revved up for fun.  And then, by the end of Class 2 in which everyone is so much more confident and experimental, we're all a little disappointed that there isn't a Class #3 the next Tuesday! Anyway, it's fun to observe the dynamics and the comfort level people feel as they get more involved in the process.  I LOVE having these classes and am really looking forward to more in 2010!!!

Here are pictures from Class 1--we had both experienced crafters and several novices, old friends and new.



Working away...



Now on to Class 2!
Showing off their handiwork:


Doesn't she look sweet?:

Now see how sneaky she is?....stealing her sister's charm as she looks the other way:

Meanwhile, the other students are slaving away at their awesome coasters:


And here are the final products:
 
I didn't realize until posting this how Louise captured the word "nightingale" in the sheet music----I think this one is so pretty:

Actually, they are all beautiful!  I'm just so sorry that I didn't get any close-up photos of all the completed little charms this time--just slipped my mind, and now they are spread all over Portland.  I found some new decorative initials and love how they turned out.

Thanks again to everyone who attended November's classes!  Hope to see you at some upcoming classes for more fun!  If you would like to comment and are having difficulty, and/or do not have a Google account, just click on 'comments' below, and then click 'anonymous' on the menu and leave your name at the end of your comment.  I'd love to hear from any readers---it's great to get feedback on these blogs!

And HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I know I have much to be thankful for!

5 comments:

  1. From: Chris - I love reading your blog. You capture the fun we have together. I am always amazed at the final products. Each one is so unique and beautifully done. I am anxious to put our winter schedule together. Thanks for all your inspiration. And yes, we need to make time for my Christmas surprise collage.

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  2. Every time I go online I check the MagRag for new posts! Thanks again for including us in this venture! Your students have great "designer's eyes," judging from their completed work! Keep it up - can't wait to see your ideas for the Christmas class.
    Love, Martha

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  3. I want to come out to portland in feb or march. will you still be having classes?

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  4. hi didi--a new class schedule will be coming out in January for lots of spring classes. I will make you a great deal!! You make me scones and goodies, and I teach you to solder.

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  5. I already know how to solder: I used to do stained glass, you may recall. back at west point. I even know where my soldering gun is.

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