We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone… and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads form one to another that creates something. -Sandra Day O’Connor

Pamela’s Threads…..

Huddled together to discuss our strateggy

and with a wing and and a prayer

we began to use our busy fingers to weave some spectacular bindings

and rekindle old ties….

L/R: Julia, Susie, Jennifer, Kathy, Pam, Pamela, Kandy, Cathy, Carol and Carey
thank you for your long time and continued support.
Kathy and Bill

We are simply the best, Valley Ridge Art Studio that is, and all who travel here to take a workshop are simply the best. And all the instructors who provide the backdrop to learning creating and exploring our artistic self are simply the best. And Katie Kendrick is no exception. She is also simply the best.

Katie with Trina

And here are more simply the best this weekend…

Simply the best friends, Sue and Amanda

Simply the best collection of paint brushes

simply the best enthusiasm for a finished book honoring her father

Simply the best coffee bar

simply the best transfer technique

simply the best host and cook at Valley Ridge

Take a look at more simply the best books created during Katie’s workshop here at Valley Ridge.
Intuitive Mixed Media Collage: Visual Board Journal
Join us for more of best at Valley Ridge Art Studio

Well, okay, so there was no egg, but instead a book. And okay… so the book wasn’t edible, it was mica but it is a natural mineral. A stretch I guess… but in Dan’s workshop, the Mica Book those who participated in this workshop created incredible books….

and with these amazing hands and long fingers… well what do you expect

Dan is demonstrating how to work with the mica we used to create our books.

Here are a couple of pages created. We took our pages to the community room on Saturday night for “show and tell” where we got some feedback on how to deal with challenges and discuss composition and layout of our books.

This is the front cover of a completed book

This is a page layout in a book

Linda used her skills as a professional calligrapher in her book

The back cover of the book mentioned above

We learned how to create boxes (like envelopes) in our books.

We learned how to layer images inbetween mica and how to attach found objects, etch to our pages

We learned how to create windows to house artifacts and precious findings

Without exception, everyone said “This is the most precious book I’ve ever made.”

A toast to you all…..
(This is Dan’s favorite mug and traveling companion on the road).

My Life is Enmeshed with Art

Creativity is not just a pastime anymore; my life is enmeshed with art.  My compositions are in a broad range of media from sleek porcelain slip to soft textiles and funky rusty discards. 

Through the process of exploring the unique possibilities of each new material I discover fresh inspirations and renewed invigoration.  I constantly seek to absorb new techniques and approaches into my repertoire of possibilities.  Therefore, continuing education is essential. 

Valley Ridge proved to be the quintessential place to do this.  Its quiet-retreat atmosphere and hospitality promoted an easy flow to imagination and a creatively fulfilling experience which richly further defined my life.  I’ll be back!

“

And so begins the workshop A Woman’s Book of Shadows: A Grimoire for Soul Keeping, Secret Telling, and Self-Enchantment overseeing and facilitated by Juliana Coles. We gathered our memories, words, and art around us for this magical and mystical journey of initiation where light and dark converge.

And so begins the workshop A Woman’s Book of Shadows: A Grimoire for Soul Keeping, Secret Telling, and Self-Enchantment overseeing and facilitated by Juliana Coles. We gathered our memories, words, and art around us for this magical and mystical journey of initiation where light and dark converge.

Laura our fairy.

Joena our circle tender

Maria our nurturer

Wendy our cheerleader

Tana our sense of humor

Lynne our coach

Pam our reminder to dance

Jennifer our best friend

Julia our inspiration

Amy our time keeper

Bonnie our roots

Susie our braveness

Sri our free spirit

Kathy our door opener

And speaking of door opener, the first day of the workshop we were called to attention by a drum beating in the forground. Where was it coming from? What is that noise we hear? The drum grew louder and louder, closer and closer. Confused, as there is no ambient noise at Valley Ridge, we were startled to be visited by a man, dressed in a dark clock who announced that he would be our provider for the next four days…

Gandolf our provider and protector

Yep, this is one of the tables. I guess it looks like most people’s studios when you are really at work…or at least it looks like mine.

We spent Thursday and Friday working and creating our Grimoire, sharing our experienes along the way. To see examples of work created check out the photos on the web site.

On Saturday night, Gandolf met us to lead us through the tall grasses and ward off dangerous spirits and wild animals along the way to our coven fire that our created by our esteemed Galdolf. The journey was long or arduous but we all made it.

ending the evening with only the shadow of our leader left

Sunday marked our last day of the Grimoire jouney, but before the day was done, we celebrated two birthdays. Wendy turned 64 years young that day and Laura would be celebrating her birthday on August 31st. I personally know that Laura thinks it is silly to only celebrate one day, and celebrates the entire month of August for her birthday. Happy Birthday Wendy and Laura.

Sunday closed and Gandolf revealed his identy as he agreed to pose for a group photograph.

We had great fun, shared stories, secrets, fears, and emotion as this amazing group of woman held a sacred space for all. I thank you all for attending and making this journey with me and Juliana.

Sri and Juliana say good by… until our next encounter, where ever that may be

“You teach the life you live.”
togo d. west, jr.