Friday, 5 February 2016

A New Month - A New Challenge

I didn't think it would be a challenge but was I ever wrong!

Yesterday I did a mini workshop on card making with paper flowers and quilling for the Creston TAPS group. TAPS is Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors and it is a great organization to help get seniors out of their homes and active. For the last few years they have had a program where elementary school students join the seniors for some of their events and yesterday was one of those times.

I thought I was prepared! I had a variety of flower parts in various colors cut out and some extras, like butterflies, hearts and stars.
I had some of my painted papers available for those who wanted to use them.
I had blank cards, quilling paper, glue, paper-towels, scissors and everything I could think of that we would need. I also had a number of my own finished cards to show people what they could accomplish.


The lady who asked me to do the workshop told me there would probably be 6 adults and some students participating in the 'art project'. I figured one student for every adult to help and to share - no problem!

Was I ever wrong! A whole classroom of students arrived, happy and noisy, many of them determined to get in on the art. All of a sudden, instead of the twelve I expected, I had closer to twenty people sitting at the art tables. I was definitely overwhelmed. Fortunately, 3 ladies were there to help or I would have possibly committed some serious offences; swearing, screaming or crying to name a few. At any rate, for an hour and 15 minutes I bounced from table to table, side to side, constantly talking, demonstrating, helping and making suggestions. I was so focused on the card making that I didn't even have time to take photos.

I will try to do better in 2 weeks when I do a mini workshop about 'drawing one of the places we lived' using alphabet art.









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12 comments:

  1. Sheila5 February 2016 at 21:26

    Love them Val, especially the bottom one. And you proved it true - Nothing is impossible!

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    1. Mellowood Gallery5 February 2016 at 22:05

      Thanks Sheila. I have to say it sure seemed impossible for a while yesterday. Glad you like my cards.

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  2. Nelvia6 February 2016 at 05:22

    Yay You!!! I bet everyone had a wonderful time and if they accomplished a card half as nice as these they would be pleased. You gave me pause here as I think for Paul Valentine's Day I am going to try to quill - also on the petals are you just cutting and folding? Should I use card stock or construction paper?

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    1. Mellowood Gallery6 February 2016 at 08:21

      Thanks Nelvia, I do think that most of the participants were happy with what the created so I guess that is a win. Most card makers use cardstock I believe but I use regular printer paper that I paint on both sides with thinned acrylic. I cut out my own shapes, usually three decreasing size petals, bend the petals gently and glue together alternating the direction of the petals. While still wet, place the glued flower on something soft - rolled up paper towels or a foam pad - and press down in the center with the thin end of a paint brush. This makes the flower sort of 3D - set aside to dry. Have fun!

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  3. Laurie Mueller6 February 2016 at 05:24

    I've been in that situation! All I can say is that they are character building (haha). Sounds like you rose to the challenge, tho, and kicked a..!
    The cards are lovely!

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    1. Mellowood Gallery6 February 2016 at 08:24

      Thanks Laurie. I think (at my age) that my character is pretty well set - lol. I don't know about kicking a.. but everyone went away happy.

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  4. Joan Tavolott6 February 2016 at 06:16

    This post really made me smile. Having been a teacher I can imagine the enthusiasm of an entire class coming in...being prepared for that many isn't easy, but you sound like you worked it out. Too bad you didn't get a chance to take some photos...but I know you must have been kept busy. lol I love the quilled cards. Quilling is still something I have to try.

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    1. Mellowood Gallery6 February 2016 at 08:29

      I think I made a number of people smile with my tale of woe. I don't envy people who work with kids - I can't handle the noise. I am doing a quilling workshop this week and hope to have time (and remember) to take photos. You should try it - it is fun! Thanks for your comment Joan.

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  5. Win Dinn, Artist6 February 2016 at 06:26

    Wow - thanks for the heads up, Val. I'm on deck for the TAPS project in March, and will expect anything and everything!

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    1. Mellowood Gallery6 February 2016 at 08:33

      Be prepared for NOISE, Win. People talking and not listening, other people behind you talking and playing something else. Bridget suggested that they only bring half the class next time so maybe that will go better. - Good luck!

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  6. Cindy Williams10 February 2016 at 14:30

    I can just see you bouncing back and forth! But I bet it was a great workshop, I love your work :)

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    1. Mellowood Gallery10 February 2016 at 15:50

      Thanks Cindy. I am doing a Quilling workshop tomorrow and will put a note on my stuff to take PHOTOS!

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