2023 Live Zoom Art Play Dates and Learning Sessions
Tuesdays at 11am CST, you're invited to join me for some mixed media exploration!
What:
Guided lessons in exploring mixed media art, such as Gelli printing, collage, mark making, etc.
Curated resources of videos, blog posts, and/or books related to each week's topic via Padlet.
When:Tuesdays at 11am CST-12pm CST (one hour)
Where: Live via Zoom (a link is emailed upon registration within 24-48 hours of payment)
Who: Adults interested in exploring mixed media
Cost: $35 per person, per class
January 2023 Classes
Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 11am Central Time
Snippet Rolls
Snippet rolls help us use up our various paper (and fabric) scraps.
They end up being wonderful no matter how you add to them!
Materials:
2.75 inch reinforced brown kraft gummed paper tape
brush
water jar
paper scraps
fabric scraps (optional)
glue stick
scissors
Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 11am Central Time
Snippet Roll Bookmaking
Bring those snippet rolls from the Jan. 3 class, and we'll create a mini book with snippet roll covers.
Materials:
various papers for inside pages
bone folder
scissors and/or paper trimmer
waxed linen thread and needle
embroider floss (optional)
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 11am Central Time
Fabric Bowls
From the fabulous tutorial by Kristen Peterson of AlteredStatesStudio, we will make some fabric bowls of our own.
Materials:
fabric scraps cut into squares and strips (one square should fit over the bottom of your container)
yogurt/ sour cream empty container
plastic wrap
rubber band
Elmer's white glue
cup to hold glue
bristle brush for glue
baby wipes
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 11am Central Time
Touch Drawing
Taking inspiration from Deborah Koff-Chapin, we will try our hand at the unique and mysterious Touch Drawing process.
Materials:
flat drawing board or large gel plate
water-mixable oil paint or tempera paint (if using a gel plate)
newsprint
tissue paper
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 11am Central Time
Slow Stitching
Get in the flow or simply practice some stitches on fabric. Work on loose fabric or a fabric book meant for slow stitching.
Materials:
Linen, cotton, or wool fabric
embroidery floss or cotton thread
needle
scissors
thimble
Sign Up for January 2023 Classes
Single Session: Email me with session date(s)
$35 USD per person/per session
All January 2023 Tuesday Classes at 11am CST
$175 $145 (save $30)
Policy Notes: NO REFUNDS I am a one-woman small business owner. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
IMPORTANT Note:Be sureyour PayPal email address is current, as that is how I will send you all of your links. If you need to update your email address for class, Email me: OrangeSpiralArts (at) gmail (dot) com.
Within 24-48 hours of payment, I will email you the Zoom link, Padlet link, Facebook Group link, and suggested supplies for your registered classes.
These sessions are recorded, so you must give permission to be recorded.
If you miss a session you paid for, you can watch the recording.
Thank you for being here! You and your creativity matter.
The March 16, 2020 MN Visual Journal Collective meeting was not in person this month, due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, Molly Anthony of The Found Art Walk and Briana of Orange Spiral Arts, showed up to Wet Paint to record a Facebook Live. This was a first for us. We got some help from Chris at Wet Paint, too. Thank you, Chris!
The video is saved in the MN Visual Journal Collective Facebook group for members to watch, in case you missed the Live session, or if you want to watch it again for ideas and inspiration.
Molly did such a fantastic job preparing for the meeting. She is an amazing writer and human, who is going through a family crisis at the moment, and still showed up to present and share her incredible journals. Art is a balm for the soul. Molly knows this first hand, as I am sure many of you do, as well.
If you are not a member of the MN Visual Journal Collective, or if you'd like to read about our meeting, this blog post is for you. It's a summary of what Molly shared on the topic of stitching in your journal.
I tried my best to take notes, while also moderating comments on the Facebook Live video stream.
First let me share some photos of Molly's art and some book resources with you.
Artwork and journals by Molly Anthony (above)
Stitching resource book suggestions by Molly Anthony
Next, I would like to share some of the main points from Molly's talk about stitching.
What to Use
discarded fabric, old clothes, quilts or quilt pieces, vintage fabric, lace, flower sacks, dryer sheets, dried tea bags
(Find these at thrift stores, Art Scraps in St. Paul, MN, your own attic or family members' stash, or ask friends to collect fabrics for you)
embroidery floss, thread, cotton spools
various needles
seam ripper
fabric strips and small scraps, ribbon, lace, etc.
TRY EVERYTHING-You never know what you'll like! (Wise advice from Molly)
Next, here are some more photos of Molly's incredible journals, plus a few ideas to try.
IDEA to try: Bind a book of fabric pieces (like cotton and muslin) into an old hardcover book. Use this book as your place to practice your stitches.
Idea to try: Make paper and fabric collages on tags. Stitch and/or glue random bits to the tags, too.
Idea to try: Make your own little fabric books for fabric collage and stitching.
Molly's Mindset About Stitching
"Go at it and see what happens."
Let it be random and just play.
Do what works best for you.
Use stitching as a way to add mark making.
Add details to your page with stitches.
You don't have to fill the page with a stitch.
Draw with images; stitch an image onto your page.
Stitching is a slooooooooow process; it calms the mind in a way that collage didn't for Molly. It gives her a sense of peace.
Stitching is also different from collage because you can see where you started and where you've been by looking at the back of your stitched piece.
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There are many ways to learn how to do various stitches.
YouTube is a great resource. Here's how to stitch a French knot that Molly mentions.
Choose some fabric that feels good to you, ie feels soft.
Choose a piece of paper collage that has meaning or that you like.
Choose a piece of ribbon or a smaller piece of fabric.
Choose a word, such as "hope" that you'll stamp onto your piece.
Glue Sticks and Stitches-Finishing a Piece
You can pin things into place, or simply move them around until you are ready to add glue and stitches.
Decide on the thread you'll use. The thread can be a contrasting color or a matching color.
Layer the fabric and paper pieces you've chosen.
Do some "seed stitches".
Apply glue stick to the back of the paper you will add on top of the fabric layer.
TIP: Use a thimble when doing your stitches. Needles are sharp!
Add some stitches, perhaps some French knots (see video above) to the fabric and paper collage.
Stamp a word with StazOn ink directly onto a piece of fabric and adhere or stitch to your collage.
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Here are some stills from the Facebook Live of Molly sharing her work:
We will end this post just as Molly ended the Facebook Live by sharing a little hope with us and the rest of the world.
We are sending lots of love out to you all. May you stay safe and well during this difficult time in our world.
May you find solace in stitching or some other form of creative expression. Art, music, dance, theater, storytelling, writing, photography-we need all of it right now!
Thank you to all of the people who work in the medical field, with the elderly, with children, or anyone who does work that brightens our living experience.
PS As teaching artists, our work has been canceled or postponed right now. If you can help support Molly and Briana by purchasing some of our online offerings, we'd greatly appreciate it! Thank you in advance if you are able to help. Also, be sure to buy your books and supplies and/or gift cards from local small businesses like Wet Paint when you can! It matters for their survival! Thank you!
You and your creativity matter.-Briana of Orange Spiral Arts
There were so many people who wanted to attend, yet the Minnesota weather got half the group to stay at home. That choice was good self-care!
However, I feel there is a need, especially with all that's going on in our world, for a vehicle to practice self-care. A visual journal is a wonderful tool and companion to fill this need.
I am excited to announce that I am working on my next online class on this very subject.
Read all about it below and get in on the early bird price!
With Gratitude,
Briana
Welcome! You are invited to take a deep dive with me into the world of visual journaling as a self-care tool.
Self-care is not something most of us were raised learning about or had modeled for us.
It's up to us as adults to learn how to give ourselves the self-care that we need for our own health and well-being.
Let's do this together. You are not alone!
What solutions can a visual journal provide?
Q: Do you need one place to collect all of your ideas and inspirations?
A: A visual journal is a great solution.
Q: Do you need a place to track your physical, mental, or emotional ups and downs?
A: A visual journal is wonderful, as you have space to draw a human form and label what hurts, including your heart.
Q: Are you new to visual journaling and need a space to play and explore with mixed media supplies?
A: Your visual journal is just the right spot. You may want a larger size journal so you have the freedom to play.
Q: Do you long to document more about your life?
A: Open up the pages of your visual journal and start writing your observations, thoughts, gluing in photos, etc. Your life matters.
Q: Do you need a safe space to get to know yourself better?
A: A visual journal is the safe place that fulfills that need for self-connection.
Q: Do you need a place to write down your wishes and dreams?
A: A visual journaling practice helps you name, acknowledge, and potentially manifest your dreams!
Q: Would you like a safe space to connect to something greater than yourself?
A: Through writing and visual imagery work you have the opportunity to tap into the subconscious, as well as the often mysterious spiritual realm.
The visual journal is a safe place to love yourself, your whole self, all parts of yourself.
Self-compassion, self-love, self-acceptance, freedom from criticism, and non-judgment is self-care.
Self-care is also participating in activities that enhance your well-being.
If it's new to you, visual journaling for self-care may feel challenging at first, yet it can also feel kind of like a party. We are here on this planet to celebrate our lives. No, life is not easy, and yes, there are beautiful gifts hidden throughout our time here. Many of the gifts come through challenges and difficulties that we face and work through. Your visual journal is an amazing tool and companion to help you make it across the threshold.
Ultimately, I want to help remind you that you are valuable, your life matters, you have wisdom within you, and love around you.
“Self-compassion involves wanting health and well-being for oneself and leads to proactive behavior to better one’s situation, rather than passivity. And self-compassion doesn’t mean that I think my problems are more important than yours, it just means I think that my problems are also important and worthy of being attended to.”-Kristin Neff, Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind
What You'll Get in the Self-Care and Visual Journaling Online Class:
More information about why you want to use a journal for self-care
8 Videos that guide you through various exercises on how to use your journal for self-care
Additional resources including links to websites, books, quotes, videos, and recommended art supplies
Up to 2 email exchanges with me over the 6 week period
Plus lots of support and encouragement to trust yourself, love yourself, and believe in your worth
The online classroom opens on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.
Videos will be released over a period of 6 weeks (Feb. 25-March 31, 2020)
Once all videos are posted, the course will run as a self-paced online course.
Policy Note: NO REFUNDS
Important: PLEASE BE SURE YOUR PAYPAL EMAIL ADDRESS IS YOUR CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS, AS THAT IS HOW I WILL SEND YOU THE ONLINE CLASSROOM LOGIN INFORMATION. Please allow 24-48 hours to receive your email confirmation upon registration.
Thank you so much for saying yes to yourself and for helping to support my small business. I am truly grateful.
SIGN UP HERE!
$75
Suggested Supplies:
Note: Below I am using my Amazon affiliate links. The cost to you is the same, and you are helping me get a slight kick back for referring you to buying on Amazon. It's a win-win. I only list items that I believe are listed at a fair price. I am a bargain shopper, so I won't send you to something that is way over priced.
Canson XL Mix Media Sketchbook 11 x 14 inches for freedom of expression
Royal Talens Ecoline Brush Markers
Prima Marketing Confetti Watercolor Set with Waterbrush
Crayola eXtreme Colors Twistable Crayons
Acrylic paints -Inexpensive 2 oz. bottles of Apple Barrel matte craft acrylic or acrylic paint from Target-use what you have
Paint brushes
Simply Simmons ong handle set of 5
or
Simply Simmons short handle set of 4
Ball Point Pens
Paper Mate or Bic
We'll go over more supplies in class. This will certainly get you started!
I have been both a participant and a guest teacher in the 21 Secrets online classes. I absolutely love them! They have taught me so much about how to use mixed media art supplies, how to break open to new ways of working, and much, much more. It is really inspiring to watch other artists work in their journals or with their chosen supplies. I am so grateful that these 21 Secrets workshops exist.
If you are interested in learning more about mixed media art and art journaling, I highly recommend you check out 21 Secrets! There is a super sale happening right now on the following editions:
We had an excellent start to our 2020 monthly MN Visual Journal Collective meetings with a presentation on developing a creative habit. Molly Anthony of TheFoundArtWalk.com is the new co-facilitator with me this year. She has participated in many art challenges, both hosted by other people, and ones that she has come up with on her own. Molly generously shared her journals with us, as well as a whole slew of tips on how to get going and maintain a creative habit.
Molly's main mediums of expression are writing and collage. She posted consistently on Instagram about her life and journaling process for a entire year or more. She currently is giving herself permission to slow down on her IG posts, however there is still much to see in her Instagram feed @mkranthony. I highly recommend you go and take a look!
Are you wondering how on earth this busy mom of two could be so productive? Here are some of the main tips Molly shared with us:
First, acknowledge what obstacles are preventing you from creating. Some common obstacles are: time, low energy, perfectionism, not feeling good enough, space/mess, too many supplies, too many ideas, etc.
Next, decide to try something until you find what fits for you. Molly says, "Anything can work for creativity. (You) just need to do something. Start finding possibility."
If you are looking to try a monthly art challenge, CreativeBug is a great resource. Doing a challenge with a community of other people is one way to stay accountable and keep it up.
Going for a walk can be a great way to kick start your creative ideas. Molly used her daily walk with her dog as a way to find inspiration.
Molly suggests finding or creating a space to be your work area. This can be a corner of your dining room table or an entire art studio.
Have your favorite supplies within arms reach in this work space.
When you are starting to build a creative habit, use supplies that are familiar to you. Later on, you can bring in new supplies.
******Set realistic expectations for yourself.******
-Perhaps begin on a small surface, as that often takes less time.
-Or let go of the idea that you have to "finish" something. Just do something.
-If you miss a day, don't worry about it. Forgive yourself and move on. Any day can be your Day 1. Who says that a 30 day project has to be in consecutive order?
-Set a timer for 10 minutes. You will be surprised how much you'll get done over a month's time, if you create for only 10 minutes per day.
Molly also talked about themes and prompts.
-Find something from your day
-Do a Google search for art journal prompts
-Set your own theme, i.e. draw the food you eat.
-Choose a supply to focus on for the month
-Collect colors
-Use the lyrics to songs or quotes
-Use things from nature
As far as accountability, here are a few suggestions from Molly:
-Do a challenge in a community of other people, i.e. on CreativeBug or Instagram
-Set reminders on your phone
-Use Post-Its or Index Cards
-Use a habit tracker
When you keep showing up, you are training your brain.
Some final thoughts from Molly on developing a creative habit are:
Be gentle with yourself.
Let the project evolve with you.
Know why you are doing this work.
It does not matter what other people think; do it for you.
Make it sustainable so you can keep going.
Group Sharing
After Molly's presentation, some group participants shared what they've been creating. (I apologize that I did not get a good photo of everyone's share. I tried!)
Sue has been walking around her house and creating mandalas. She said she clips her paper to a piece of foam board for stability. This one pictured below was inspired by Lynda Barry's drawing exercise.
Heather created these collages during our meeting when Molly set the timer for 10 minutes and had us create with a paper kit she put together.
Lynn also shared her 10-minute collage on index card. She also shared that her word of the year is "Now."
Kari shared her 10-minute collage card with us, too.
Carol talked about adding color to handmade papers she buys at Wet Paint. She also showed us her newly done journal cover.
Margit shared the doors she cut into her journal pages.
Angie is just getting back into doing watercolor in her journal after taking about a 10 year hiatus.
LisaMarie LMNOP shared her progress on her tiny accordion book. After her mother passed away, she found it really difficult to keep going. Something did shift recently, and now she is giving herself less restrictions, and more permission to create what she wants and when she wants. She also shared that she has found herself using a gold pen, which feels to her much like the Japanese practice of Kintsugi.
Ann shared how she likes to save the little envelopes that hold the "extra button" when you buy clothing. She included one on her 10-minute collage.
Molly shared her 10-minute collage with the word "Peace" on it.
Nell shared her 10-minute collaged index card.
Jenny shared her smaller journal she is using for an online program called The Painted Diaries. Molly Anthony happens to be a guest teacher in this program, too!
Here is the 10-minute collage card that I created last night at our meeting. This is to be used as a loving reminder and motivator for my creative practice.
A big thank you to Molly for sharing so much with us about what has worked for her and how to develop a creative habit.
We strongly believe in the power of creativity. Thank you for being here and part of the MN Visual Journal Collective.
Another big thank you goes out to Wet Paint in St. Paul, MN for hosting our monthly meetings.
If you are an adult who is interested in keeping a visual journal, you are welcome to attend a meeting. You can come anytime that works for you. We meet on the third Monday of every month, 12 months per year, from 6pm-8pm at Wet Paint in St. Paul, MN. Simply RSVP via the Wet Paint website if you plan to attend a certain meeting. Space is limited, so please only register if you are going to physically be at the meeting. Thank you so much! May you continue to create, play, and express yourself in ways that delight your soul!
Upcoming Classes and Workshops with Briana
I am so excited to share that I have many in-person classes coming up in 2020.
I have updated the LEARN tab on my site so you can view my teaching calendar.
(This is where my art show and sale is currently on display until April 5th, 2020. I will be there on Sunday, April 5th, 11:15am-12:30pm. Come buy some art and pick up your purchased art! Thank you! I am ever grateful for your support.)
Thank you, you blessed being, for making it to the end of this post. May you create some art, take a class, or simply find inspiration for viewing this post.
After we all had a chance to write and illustrate, we had a chance to share.
I love sharing time. We not only get to see and hear from the wonderful participants of the MN Visual Journal Collective, but we also get to feel less alone.
Seeing each other's art and hearing one another's life stories, even if in a tiny snap shot, joins us together in the human experience.
Thank you to everyone who made it out to the October MN Visual Journal Collective meeting! And thank you again to Brenda Hudson for being our special guest!
November's MN Visual Journal Collective meeting is the annual supply swap. This will be on Monday, November 18, 6pm-8pm at Wet Paint.
Also, since we have limited space, please be conscientious about how much you bring for the swap. It should be able to fit at your spot in front of you, or on your lap. The swap is a really fun meeting. As TJ Goerlitz described it, the supply swap is sort of like a rummage sale and a white elephant gift party had a baby. (I probably got this wrong, but you get the idea!) In other words, one person's trash is another person's treasure! So bring your used or gently used supplies that no longer spark joy. Someone will likely be happy to take them off of your hands.
NOTE: ANYTHING NOT CHOSEN DURING THE NOVEMBER SUPPLY SWAP WILL NEED TO RETURN HOME WITH YOU. You can always put it in a bag and donate it to Art Scraps in St. Paul, MN, or your local thrift store.
“Our creativity-that is, our fearless engagement with the world around us- is the source of our happiness and purpose on this planet.” –Peter Himmelman, Let Me Out: Unlock Your Creative Mind and Bring Your Ideas to Life
Dear Creative Ones,
I’d like to invite you into the wonderful world of visual journaling. This is a world where anything goes; there is no right or wrong way to express yourself in your journal. My style is not going to be your style, and that is the beauty of sitting with others who are also engaging in the process of keeping a visual journal. You are unique, and your own artistic style will show up. You don’t even have to think of yourself as an artist; you are born a creative being.
In my upcoming class at Wet Paint, Getting Started with Visual Journaling, I have a few goals. The first goal is to help you overcome your fears of the blank page. The second goal is to have you feel seen, heard, and loved while you are in class. The third goal is to have fun playing around with various mixed media supplies, so that we may breathe a little easier, let go of the stress we carry, and just be present to the moment.
I will be guiding you through creating initial backgrounds, adding to those backgrounds, as well as doing some low stress drawing and journaling exercises.
This experience is for you, and I want you to see yourself reflected in your visual journal.
I have been keeping visual journals for over twenty years. Some of my journals have tons of writing, and other journals are explorations into various art materials. The journals that mean the most are the ones where I’ve included bits and pieces of my life. Those bits and pieces could be photographs, ephemera from the day, or a deep writing session.
We are all on a journey, and a visual journal is your companion along the way. Whether you are in a place of healing physical or emotional pain, in some sort of transition, or riding life’s waves with ease, we all need a safe space to express ourselves. That’s what a visual journal is for me. When I am present to the creative process, I connect to something greater. To illustrate this, one woman at a recent MN Visual Journal Collective meeting said when referring to her journal, “It’s time I start working on a better relationship with myself.” That resonated with so many others in the room. Can you relate, too?
Gather your supplies, begin to open your heart, and let’s create together.
“Without dreams, without risks, only a trivial semblance of living can be achieved.” –Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Finding Flow
May we all go about our days with a greater sense of aliveness.
May it be so.
Sending Blessings to you,
Briana
Artist’s bio
Briana Goetzen, MA of Orange Spiral Arts is an expressive arts coach, artist, writer, photographer, and teacher. With a background in Elementary Education and Human Development, Briana brings gentleness, a sense of calm, and a never-ending enthusiasm for the arts wherever she goes. Briana’s art teaching philosophy is “process over product,” and her personal mission is to inspire your creative spirit.
Briana is offering a variety of classes at Wet Paint in 2019 for children, youth, and adults. Please look at the Wet Paint site for upcoming Events and registration information. Thank you! I am ever-grateful for your interest and support.
A NEW online class: Self-Care and Visual Journaling Click the image above to find out more.
Calm your mind, body, and spirit while playing with beautiful and bright liquid watercolor.
Learn how to use and experiment with alcohol inks! This is a three week class (or self-paced once released). 26 videos, resources, and more! ON SALE for $50 USD for a limited time. (Regular price $75 USD)
Collage Paper Pies Online Class
Mixed Media ONLINE CLASS SET::Grab and Save $10 NOW, FOREVER ACCESS
A Monthly Meeting for Visual and Art Journal Keepers in the Twin Cities. Click button above for more information.
Vision Board the E-Course:: A Powerful Way to Gain Clarity and Manifest the Life You Want to Live -OPEN for REGISTRATION-FOREVER ONLINE ACCESS at one affordable price!!
At your core, you are a Beautiful BEing, full of love and light. This online e-course offers writing and expressive painting prompts to assist you in reconnecting to your true essence. Registration is ALWAYS OPEN. To find out more, click the image above. There is a Pay-What-You-Can option available.
