Smitten Dust here I come!

So excited to be joining the gang at Smitten Dust again!  Its been a few months and many many miles since I was there last, and I can't wait to see Dusty DeHaven and her wonderful helper elves once more:)  So today and tomorrow consist of me finishing up the packing and kits, so that I can load the car on Wednesday and be ready for my trip north bright and early on Thursday.

I would love to see you stop by and visit me, but more importantly, I would love for EVERYONE to experience the magic of Smitten Dust!  If you love creativity at all, this wonderful, magical place should be at the top of your bucket list!  

Not only is the studio itself absolutely darling, but the town of Dimondale is wonderful too.  Simply charming, with its picturesque river running right through the middle of town, it's lovely to stroll.  Then for Smitten Dust to be situated RIGHT NEXT DOOR to the local ice cream joint?  HEAVEN.  Not to mention the family run restaurant that makes all it's own breads fresh each day just down the street...

Let's just talk about our charming hostess for a moment.  Dusty DeHaven.  Artist extraordinare in her own right.  But fun loving, generous, witty and clever.  She puts the mostest into hostess.  Always unique and comfortable, you walk away knowing you've just met someone magical...and the fact that she looks like a rockin' vintage heroine proves it.  Dusty has a wonderful (beyond wonderful) set of friends and helpers that help keep the studio running like a well oiled machine.  Each one more lovely than the next, they all just fit so perfectly.  The fact that I've been on the road so incredibly much this year, and yet CAN'T WAIT to visit a second time this year should speak volumes for how much fun this place is!  

So on with the deets:
November 8 - 10, 2013
SmittenDust Studio (257 S. Bridge St., Dimondale, MI).

To register       Dusty's email 
For more info     Smitten Dust blog

They offer exciting, national-caliber, quality art event, yet keep the costs down to local level pricing.  No kit fees!  

From Frumpy to Fantasy

Friday, November 8 from 10 - 4:30, $80

Eyes are windows to the soul, and the key to an interesting painting. We will look into what give faces spark and life. 

No previous drawing or painting skills are required to create a painting full of magnetism and energy.  With a bit of magic we’ll create beautiful painterly, charismatic faces.  

3D embellishments adorn our beauties, giving them a sensual allure that captivates and charms our viewers.   

This is a brand new workshop- first time offered anywhere!  

Supplies you will need to bring:

Apron, water container, a few paint brushes, A canvas OR canvas board (At least 8 x 8), gel medium, scissors, Exacto knife and cutting mat.  A few colors of fluid acrylic paint, A small selection of embellishments.  Baby wipes.  A large selection of different faces will be provided, but you may bring your own if you wish- (Toner and at least 2 copies of the image at least 6 inches tall.)  

Power Word Deck

Friday, November 8 from 6 - 9, $45

Feel your handwriting keeps you from art journaling? Don’t like the look of your handwriting?   No more worries! No drawing or calligraphy skills required!  

This stress free class is the perfect for a Friday night intro to creating your own unique and beautiful writing style to incorporate into your art pieces!  You will learn how to make your own tools to ease this process.   

Kari’s step by step demos and visual aids make it all so simple and enjoyable. Once you’ve created the masters, you can copy and resize and seamlessly incorporate into your future projects in a blink of an eye! 

The bonus to this workshop are the sexy tips and tricks that enable you to use your writing on canvases and journals without risking beautiful backgrounds you’ve already made!

Supplies you will need to bring:  scissors, pencil, kneaded eraser, Twin Tip Sharpie

Gelli Printing Joy

Saturday, November 9 from 10 - 4:30, $85

Gelatin printing is quickly becoming one of the keystone building blocks of the entire mixed media movement- jump in now and join the fun!  Kari will walk you through all the steps, unlock all the secrets about how to make your own printing plates, how to use them, and what to do with the wonderful stash of papers it creates!   

Monoprints without a press!!  This is a stress free, joyful class, that will inspire your work for years to come.  True to Kari’s nature, she will share new ways to use your stamps and stencils.   

Kari will be bringing her own line of polymer stamps for all to use and enjoy in this workshop.**A special bonus of this class is we will also explore printing Christmas and holiday cards, tags and wrapping papers**

Supplies you will need to bring:

Apron, baby wipes, a brayer to use in paint, a few colors of acrylic paint, small bottle matte medium (liquidy), scissors

NOTE:  
IF YOU HAVE a Gelli plate, please bring it.  

IF YOU DO NOT have a Gelli Plate, PLEASE let us know at the time of registration.  We'll have a gelatin printing plate made for you to use during class.

IF YOU WANT TO BUY a Gelli Plate, you may use the coupon code KARI13 for 15% off at USARTQUESThttp://www.usartquest.com 
(And USArtQuest is a Michigan-based company, I might add!)

IF YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT A GELLI PLATE IS please email Dusty (your secret is safe with me) atDeHavenDesign@gmail.com 

 Relic Rings and Things

Saturday, November 9 from 6-9, $37

Unearth the rustic beauty of polymer clay! 

 We will explore mold-making, using found objects, vintage jewelry and recently discovered treasures to enhance our rings/pins/button covers and barrettes.  

No previous sculpting or jewelry making skills needed.  

Angels Among Us

Sunday, November 10 from 10 - 4, $80

Celebrate the holidays with your own happy little angel!

These canvases are sure to become a favorite. Kari’s tips and tricks make it easy for anyone to create these charismatic creatures - even if they’ve never played with clay before.   

The glazing techniques give the canvases a richness and depth, accentuating the wonderful patterning and personalities.

Supplies you will need to bring: 

 

All supplies provided, other than an apron and a smile!

I hope to see you there:)