Orange Spiral Arts

Big Paper, Big Stencil, Spray Ink, and A Fern

Hello Everyone!

(Below is a post originally written as a design team member for artistcellar. I hope you enjoy the idea of going big!)

It’s summer here in Minnesota, and I have been feeling inspired by plants! The other day, as my son and a neighbor friend ran around the yard, I quickly grabbed a large sheet of paper, some spray ink, a fern and some other plants that I had printed with on my Gelli Plate.

Here’s what I got done in the about five minutes of playtime I had before my attention was needed elsewhere.

 

Although I like these colors, I thought I might experiment with one of the 12 x 12 inch artistcellar stencils. I was looking for a contrast to the organic shapes of the plants. Since I love circles, what better choice would there be, other than the Square Rose stencil from the Sacred Geometry series?

For some reason, I did not realize these came in the 12 x 12 size. I am quite excited for this! I invite you to check them out on the artistcellar site!

 

When I received this 12 x 12 stencil, the beauty of the back of the package struck me. I snapped a photo to share with you, just in case you want to see.

 

In case you are not familiar with spray ink, I took a photo of my gallon plastic bag that holds a bunch of them.

Since I frequently teach mixed media and visual journaling art classes, I have learned that this is an easy way to transport those bottles. It also made the quick grab that I needed to do while my son was playing, quite feasible.

 

I ended up using a blue Adirondack Color Wash spray by Ranger Ink. I am not sure if these are still being made, but you can also use Dylusions spray ink or Marabu Art Spray. Marabu Art Spray is permanent once dry, where Dylusions spray inks move with water.

 

So, I sprayed the beautiful Square Rose stencil with blue Adirondack Color Wash.

I was so curious to see the bright colors through the stencil lines, once I removed the stencil. Are you ready for the big reveal?

You’ll have to hold on a second, because first I want to show you how to mop up some of that wet ink.

Take a roll of paper towels (or kitchen roll, as some people say) and roll it over the wet stencil like this.

Once the extra ink is absorbed into the paper towel roll, you can lift the stencil and see clean lines.

 

Here’s what my paper looks like now with the fern next to the sprayed stencil.

 

Now, there is still a bunch of ink on that stencil, so you can do a final step of cleaning the stencil, while also creating more paper for collage, or a background in your journal.

All you need is a baby wipe and a surface.

One major reason I love artistcellar stencils so much, beyond the wonderful designs, is the thickness and quality of the stencils. Wiping them with a baby wipe is a breeze. I love that.

All clean, and here’s my extra paper I can use for doodles or collage or whatever!

 

Thank you for being here and reading this post. I hope that you feel inspired to just try some fun things with stencils and other art supplies, or maybe even a plant or two!

 

Sending Blessings your way!

-Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

 

 

 

Art It Up!, Alcohol Inks, and Capturing Moments

Greetings Everyone,

I can hardly believe that it is almost August! The exciting part about that for me, is that there are a few class opportunities I can share with you. Some are for local Twin Cities folks, and one is for anyone around the world with internet access!

Upcoming Classes at Wet Paint

First things first, for those of you in the Twin Cities with children, nieces, nephews, or neighbors in the age range of 11-15, I encourage you to sign them up for Art It Up! Getting Started with Visual Journaling. 

Here's the class description:

Saturday, August 3rd 10-12:30pm

FEE: $30

Discover rubber stamps, spray inks, stencils and more in this introductory visual journaling class. Learn how a visual journal can be a place to let your heart express itself, experiment, and explore the wonderful world of creativity. Your journal is like a playground for what’s going on inside of you. It’s a safe space for you to learn about yourself as you continue to grow and change. Let it out and then let’s Art It Up!

An email with supply list and details will be sent to registrants prior to the class.

There's no doubt that this is going to be a lot of fun for participants. 

Sign up today on the Wet Paint site, or call the store at 651-698-6431.

The sooner the better, as classes tend to get canceled a few days before the scheduled session. 

The next class I have coming up at Wet Paint is an introduction to Alcohol Inks.

Here's the description:

Tuesday, August 6^th 5:30-7:30pm

FEE: $56 includes kit+yupo

Let’s Get Abstract with Alcohol Inks!

Alcohol Inks are vibrant, fluid, and come in an array of colors.

In this beginner alcohol inks class, we’ll be experimenting on different surfaces such as Yupo and canvas. We’ll try out different techniques for manipulating the alcohol ink, adding various textures, as well as experimenting with directly dropping it onto your chosen surface.

Caution: If you are sensitive to fumes, such as the smell of rubbing alcohol, you might want to skip this one.

An email with supply list and details will be sent to registrants prior to the class.

I taught this class in July, and it was a ton of fun. The students loved the kit and the extra things that I brought along, as well.

Sign Up today on the Wet Paint site, or call the store at 651-698-6431.

Finally, some of you may know that I am part of the 21 Secrets Summer Studio edition Playful Experiments. Registration has closed for Playful Experiments, but you can still join 21 Secrets Summer Studio edition Capturing Moments.

It's going to be an amazing set of online classes. The 21 Secrets Summer Studio editions are some of my favorite, as I love looking for that email each day, M-F for two weeks. The interviews with the artists are super inspiring, and the Facebook community is really fun, too. Plus, upon registration, you get a really fun, super duper awesome workshop by Connie Solera right away. NO waiting until August 5th; you get to start playing right away! You will loooooooove Connie's lesson, too. I just know you will. 

So for those of you who prefer or out of necessity, like to create at home, 21 Secrets Summer Studio: Capturing Moments is here for you!

I hope to see you in class, one way or another, in August!

Many Blessings to you,

Briana 

Collage

 

Collage

Collage is one of my favorite art forms. The main reason this is true for me is because I have a great love of paper. I super duper love paper!

I have taken so many classes that focus on the art of collage. Some of my favorites have been taught by: Lynn Whipple, Kara Kramer, Alisa Burke, Claudine Hellmuth, Carla Sonheim, Misty Mawn, Cathy Nichols, Mati Rose, Lisa Congdon, Sarah Ahearn, Sabrina Ward Harrison, and Teesha Moore.

Let me just say one more time, I love collage.

 

What I have learned over the years of taking classes from other artists is that my art is more meaningful when I put my own marks and ideas to work. One’s artistic style shines through much more easily when the artist’s hand, color preferences, and unique compositions are used in a piece.

 

This Saturday, July 27, 2019, I am teaching a “Make Your Own Collage Papers + Collage” workshop at Wet Paint in St. Paul, Minnesota. I am so thrilled to be able to share many of the techniques and skills I have learned for making your own unique papers, and using them in your collage art.

The process for making papers is almost my favorite thing in the whole world. I love to draw, scribble, paint, stamp, stencil, and print my papers. You will be going home with lots and lots of paper that you can continue to create with well beyond our class time together.

You will also be going home with tons of ideas and inspiration for how to make your own collage papers and collages, because each participant is going to make their own discoveries and share with the group. Classes are just so amazing that way, you know? When people who desire to express themselves creatively get together in a group setting, there is just so much positive energy; it’s exhilarating!

In the first half of the class, we’ll be creating our papers based on a variety of techniques that I will demonstrate, plus your own ideas.

In the second half of the class, you will have time to create your own collages, using the papers you just made, plus whatever else you’d like to incorporate. Wet Paint is providing a Canson Mixed Media Board for you to try. You can also use blank cards, watercolor paper, cardboard, or whatever surfaces float your boat!

 

So, if you are feeling inspired, even one iota, I highly encourage you to join us this Saturday, July 27, 2019, from 10am-5pm, at Wet Paint! Sign up online or call the store to reserve your spot: 651-698-6431.

I hope to see you Saturday!

 

Sending Blessings,

Briana

Modeling Paste and a Stencil

 

Hello, Everyone! I hope you are doing well today!

I am about to share a technique that is fun to do, but takes a little more drying time. Are you ready?

 

Supplies Used

Artistcellar Japanese Geometric Series stencils

Winsor & Newton Modeling Paste

Blickrylic Fluorescent Orange acrylic paint

Palette Knife

Paper Plate

Pre-Painted Paper (140 lb. watercolor paper)

 

First, I typically like to use techniques that dry right away. I tend to be impatient when it comes to wet paint. If you are like me, it is possible to use a heat tool. Second, the textured result is so worth the extra wait time. I hope you’ll give it a try!

 

Step 1:

Mix up some modeling paste and acrylic paint on your palette. TIP: It helps if your acrylic paint is thicker than the inexpensive craft paint. In other words, a heavy body acrylic paint works best.

 

Step 2:

Use a palette knife to spread the modeling paste and paint mixture through a stencil of your choice.

Here I am using the Japanese Geometric: Seven Jewels stencil by artistcellar.

 

Note: I chose not to put paint through the entire stencil. I did this to keep within the round shape I had previously painted.

 

Step 3:

Remove the stencil by lifting from one corner. Set your painting aside to dry for an hour or more. Drying time depends upon your climate, as well as how much paint you used. Note: Rinse the stencil right away under running water, or place it in a tub of water. Do this to avoid the modeling paste from sticking to your stencil and drying there. This is one of the only times I “clean” my stencils. You could also try using a baby wipe, but it will likely be kind of a mess, with all that paint and paste.

 

Since I had extra paint on my palette, I decided to grab the altered book I just started.

Here’s a little BONUS sneak peek. I did the same technique described above, only in an altered book. I also applied paint to the right side of the page spread using the palette knife.

 

In case you are wondering about modeling paste, there are many brands on the market. It is sometimes spelled “modelling,” and it is sometimes called molding paste. Each medium has the same purpose of adding texture to a surface.

 

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Have tons of fun with your mixed media supplies!

 

Creatively Yours,

 

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

 

Last Call-21 Secrets Playful Experiments Registration Closes on Sunday

Greetings! 

I hope this post finds you well. 

I wanted to let you know that I am getting really, really, REALLY, excited for the next two weeks of 21 Secrets Playful Experiments! The live sessions begin on Monday, July 8 and run through Friday, July 19. What I mean by "live" is that each day, M-F, for two weeks, you will receive a wonderful email all about one of the guest teachers in 21 Secrets Playful Experiments. The email will also contain links to the video lessons by that artist. Each artist also completed an interview, so you will get to know some interesting things about each guest teacher (including me). The videos are made to be short and impactful, so that you can get some creative time in, even if you have a busy schedule. 

I am overjoyed and a weeeeee bit nervous to be first on the list, which means my workshop is released on Monday, July 8. That's what I get for having my first name start with a "B".

I will be teaching "From Distress to De-stress," and I can't wait to share it with you!

I have some special bonuses and offers I will be letting registered participants know about. There is also a private Facebook group, where I will be actively participating all day on Monday, July 8.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to release some of that pent up creative energy? Would you like to feel more free in your creative expression and creative practice? This online program offers so much for such a great price.

Sign up by the end of Sunday, July 7, before registration closes!!!

I don't want you to miss out on all of the fun we'll be having!

Sending Blessings and Creative Vibes Your Way,

Briana

June MN Visual Journal Collective Meeting-Sketching and Art Supplies

Greetings! This is a blog post about the fun things that happened at the June MN Visual Journal Collective meeting at Wet Paint in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our topic for the evening was sketching your favorite art supplies. Some people did that, while others did what they needed to work on in their journals or calendar planners. It's all good. We love it when people show up to sketch, learn, share, and create in community. 

MEETING TOPIC: SKETCHING & ART SUPPLIES

The idea was that we'd sketch our favorite art supplies, then have a sharing time at the end to hear what people like to use in their journals. Art supplies are just so delicious, after all, wouldn't you agree?

THE MEETING

After introductions, we had time to work in our journals and chat with the people around us. I love it when people get up to see what other participants are up to. It's so exciting to see the work of other journal keepers!

I like to go around and check in with folks to make sure they feel seen, heard, and important. I truly value each person who shows up to these meetings. The meetings would not be special without you! So, thank you for showing up!

WHAT PEOPLE SHARED

Briana

I (co-facilitator of the MN Visual Journal Collective with TJ Goerlitz) shared that I am really into watercolor, specifically using tube watercolor. I have been using pan watercolor for years, but after taking an online class called Tiny Adventure with Tammy Garcia of DaisyYellowArt.com, I am feeling more and more excited about tube gouache and watercolors. Here's a drawing of some of my favorite paints. I am loving Daniel Smith watercolor, Holbein watercolor, and the tiny tubes of Amsterdam Acrylic. Of course, you can purchase all of these at Wet Paint.

Briana (that's me!) has several classes coming up at Wet Paint in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Saturday, June 22-Getting Started with Visual Journaling, 10am-4pm

Saturday, June 29- Art-It-Up! Visual Journaling for Ages 7-10, 10am-12pm

Sunday, July 21-Alcohol Inks, 1pm-3pm

Saturday, July 27-Make Your Own Collage Papers + Collage Class, 10am-5pm

Saturday, August 3-Art-It-Up! Visual Journaling for Ages 11-15, 10am-12:30pm

Tuesday, August 6-Alcohol Inks, 5:45pm-7:45pm

That's a lot of classes! Please come take a class with me! It will be lots of fun, and it's good for us to create together! We need each other, you know?

JUNE MEETING-PARTICIPANT SHARING

Here's what this month's participants shared at our June MN Visual Journal Collective meeting.

Beth 

Beth had some catching up to do in her journal planner, so that's what she did! Isn't her planner so cool? I love it! I know you can't see the details, but that's probably preferred for a personal calendar, right Beth?

(Note: Please forgive me if I do not spell your name correctly. I am happy to make any needed changes. Just let me know!)

Kari

Kari did such a fun thing in her journal. She sketched her favorite supplies and journaled what bugs her about each one. I love this personal touch she added to this "assignment." 

Kari makes handmade journals. She will be at the Eagan Art Festival June 29 and 30, 2019. If you are in the area, stop by and see her!

Linda and Joy joined our meeting for the first time. We love new participants!

LisaMarie (aka LMNOP)

LisaMarie is working on this amazing accordion book. We are always so excited to see what she's done in it since the last time.

She also shared her favorite supplies with us. I tried to get a few photos for you, as her supplies are so inspiring to see! LisaMarie takes her supplies on the go, often so she has a really portable set up.

Molly

Molly did some sketching of some objects she brought from home.

She also brought her amazing altered book project she's been working on. Molly's collage art is so inspiring!

Molly will be teaching some classes at Artistry MN Visual Arts and Theater, in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Introduction to Art Journaling (Listed in the catalog under Painting and Mixed Media) is on Saturday, July 27, 9:30am-12pm. Register online at artistrymn.org or call 952-563-8575.

I believe her next class will be listed in the fall catalog.

Kathy

Kathy is loving her new bullet pencil sharpener.

 

She also sketched some tubes of paint and a brush. I could look at art supply sketches all day long! How about you?

Ryan

Ryan is enjoying her new TwinTone Tombow pens.

Lisa

Lisa also joined us for the first time. She was sharing how that inner judge often comes up for her. We can certainly all relate to that! Lisa did awesome at practicing (and it is a practice) letting go, so she could just enjoy sketching art supplies in her journal.

Barb

Barb brought some nature items to sketch. She just finished getting her Book Arts Certificate from the Minnesota Center for the Book Arts. Congratulations, Barb! That's awesome!

Lakin

Lakin shared the great tip of using a portable laptop stand for supporting her journal work on the go.

She's also been really enjoying creating mandalas in the Koala Circular Grid Sketchbook they sell at Wet Paint.

Cindy

Cindy loves scissors (and all things paper).

Nancy

Nancy also loves scissors and paper!

Deborah

Deborah shared her sketch of an object she got when she and her husband Steve were teaching in Alaska.

She also sketched Steve. I love that!

Deborah loves textiles, and she made an awesome journal cover using one of her weavings. Deborah suggests checking out Stitches by Julia on YouTube.

GRATITUDE

A big whole-hearted thank you to everyone who showed up, created, and shared the evening with us.

Last but not least, here are some amazing flowers I saw in the alley on my walk to Wet Paint.

Thank you so much for reading this post.

Our next MN Visual Journal Collective meeting is on Monday, July 15th. If you are local to the Twin Cities, we welcome you to join us in person, or in our MN Visual Journal Collective Facebook group. Request to join the Facebook Group here.

We also have a Google Group (MN Visual Journal Collective) for those who prefer not to use Facebook. You can learn how to request to join the Google Group here. (Here's the link to our MN Visual Journal Collective Google Group).

If you would like to attend a specific meeting, we request that you register through the Wet Paint Events link. This helps Wet Paint prepare the space for our meeting. Go to Wet Paint, click Events, and then select the MN Visual Journal Collective Meet-Up listed for that month. Click Register. Here's the Link to Register for the July 15 meeting. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please only sign up if you are sure you will attend. Space is limited.

 

Thanks again for being here!

Sending Blessings Out to You,

Briana, Founder of Orange Spiral Arts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope, Faith, Grace-Words + Art with Briana (DT member for artistcellar)

Hello Creative Ones,

 

I was recently reminded about how much I love the combination of words with art.

I am sharing a quick tutorial of how you can create a painted background, and then add the Virtues Words Pocket Stencils by artistcellar on top.

 

SUPPLIES USED

Watercolor

Gouache

Dina Wakley Acrylic Paint

140 lb. watercolor paper

Small round brush

Ballpoint pen

Water

Rag

 

Step 1:

Paint six loose rectangles on 9 x 12 inch watercolor paper.

Let dry.

 

Step 2:

Choose a rectangle and three of the Pocket Stencils by artistcellar.

 

Step 3:

Use a ballpoint pen to trace the word stencils.

 

Step 4:

Using Dina Wakley heavy body paint, or another acrylic paint and round brush, paint around the letters you traced.

 

Step 5:

Add any design details around your words.

 

Step 6 (Optional):

Cut out your card and give it as a gift to someone who could use some uplifting or encouraging words.

 

I hope that you enjoy painting your stripes, tracing your word stencils, and making art + words art for someone! (That someone could be you! These would make wonderful journaling cards, too.)

 

Many Blessings to You,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

 

 

 

 

NEW Mixed Media Original Art for SALE

Greetings to you! I hope this post finds you well.

I wanted to let you know that I have created a BRAND NEW series of original art on 6 x 9 inch, 140 lb. watercolor paper.

I am feeling quite excited by these pieces, as it seems as if I am finally coming into my own "visual voice". I believe that all of these years of "playing" with mixed media art supplies has helped me get to this point.

I am feeling more confident and more interested in letting others know about my work, as it feels like a way of spreading more love and creativity out into the world.

These new pieces combine my two loves of mixed media and nature photography. I took each photo, edited it, printed it, and adhered it to the mixed media background, also created by me. These works of art have yummy texture and colors. I can't wait for you to see one up close!

The pieces are unframed. You could easily add some string to the back of the piece with some tape and hang it wherever you'd like. Or perhaps you love to frame things, so there's always that option, too! The unframed original work of art allows you to personalize how you'd like to display it in your environment.

I have showcased many of these pieces on my Instagram account, if you'd like to see them over there. 

Thank you in advance for your interest and support of my art and creative expression!

In Gratitude,

Briana

BRAND NEW WORKS OF ORIGINAL ART FOR SALE (all pieces are signed and dated with the year)

"Irises"

6 x 9 inches, 140 lb. watercolor paper

mixed media and photography

"Irises"

6 x 9 inches, 140 lb. watercolor paper

mixed media and photography

$48 (free shipping within USA)

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"Tickseed UpTick Gold & Bronze"

6 x 9 inches, 140 lb. watercolor paper

"Tickseed UpTick Gold & Bronze"

6 x 9 inches, 140 lb. watercolor paper

mixed media and photography

$48 (free shipping within USA)

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"Lupine Abstract"

6 x 9 inches, 140 lb. watercolor paper

"Lupine Abstract"

6 x 9 inches, 140 lb. watercolor paper

mixed media and photography

$48 (free shipping within USA)

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"Two Tulips"

6 x 9 inches, 140 lb. watercolor paper

"Two Tulips"

6 x 9 inches, 140 lb. watercolor paper

mixed media and photography

$48 (free shipping within USA)

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"Green, Yellow-Orange, and Purple, too"

6 x 9 inches, 140 lb. watercolor paper

"Green, Yellow-Orange and Purple, too"

6 x 9 inches, 140 lb. watercolor paper

mixed media and photography

$48 (free shipping within USA)

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"Tulips and Triangles"

6 x 9 inches, 140 lb. watercolor paper

"Tulips and Triangles"

6 x 9 inches, 140 lb. watercolor paper

mixed media and photography

$48 (free shipping within USA)

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Thank you so much for looking.

If you are within the USA, shipping is FREE!

If you are outside of the USA, and you wish to purchase an original piece of art, I will send you an invoice via PayPal with the shipping amount. I will need you to send me your email address associated with your PayPal account. You may email me at OrangeSpiralArts (at) gmail (dot) com.

May these works of art brighten up a bit of your world!

Sending Blessings and Gratitude,

Briana

Art Graf and A Stencil

 

Greetings Everyone!

I am in studio clean up mode, and have been making some amazing art supply discoveries! One of which is a set of Art Graf water-soluble graphite that I purchased a couple of years ago. I recently taught Getting Started with Art Journaling at my favorite art supply store, Wet Paint, and they had some Art Graf out for us to play with. I am now totally obsessed.

Since I love doing crayon rubbings with stencils, I knew that something could be done with Art Graf and stencils.

 

Here’s what I came up with.

 

Supplies Used:

Artistcellar Sacred Geometry: Sri Yantra stencil

Art Graf by Viarco

Canson Mix Media sketchbook-9x12 inches, 98 lb. paper

Princeton Velvetouch-Filbert no. 8 brush

Water

I placed the set of Art Graf, my sketchbook, stencil, a brush, and a jar of water out on my table.

Here’s what the set of Art Graf looks like:

 

I placed the stencil under my paper.

 

I placed the paper back down, then rubbed a chunk of Art Graf over the area of the stencil.

 

Now comes the exciting part. Art Graf is water-soluble. So, next, I played with painting in various parts of the stencil rubbing.

I simply dipped my brush into water and started painting.

 

Here’s another look at my set up.

 

The ochre Art Graf (as well as the yellow, which I don’t have yet) is so rich and saturated in color!

 

I continued to play around with adding Art Graf as paint, or just water on the rubbing I created.

 

Near the end of my work time, I decided to add a little turquoise liquid watercolor over the Art Graf in the corners of the design.

Here’s what I ended up with when it was time to stop for dinner.

 

There’s a great video on Wet Paint’s website of the Carbon Black Art Graf in action. You can watch it here. The video is by Viarco. If you have extra time, I just discovered a 28-minute video on YouTube about Viarco and the making of Art Graf. It appears to be a Portuguese company, so the video has English subtitles. It is fascinating to watch. Go here, if you want to see more. (Oh, that yellow!)

 

May you make your own amazing art supply discoveries, and enjoy using them!

 

Sending Blessings and Creative Vibes,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

PS For more mandala and liquid watercolor fun, I am teaching Liquid Watercolor Mandalas at Wet Paint! Get more info and register today! Class is on Thursday, May 23, 2019, 10:30am-1:30pm. This is a great time for retired folks, entrepreneurial folks, or people with a flexible schedule to enjoy the community of a day time class!

Liquid Watercolor Mandalas Class at Wet Paint

Liquid Watercolor Mandalas Class at Wet Paint 

Are curious about Ecoline Liquid Watercolor and how to create with this bright, fluid medium? I am offering a class at Wet Paint on Thursday, May 23, 2019, 10:30am-1:30pm. You will be creating a series of mandalas on watercolor paper. I have taught this wonderful class several times. What I've noticed is that it takes participants a few mandalas to get into their groove, but each one takes you a little deeper into yourself. The fluid nature of liquid watercolor means that is not easy to control. Accidents and happy accidents occur, and it all helps you to get present and connect with the here and now. Why would you want to connect with the present moment while experimenting with liquid watercolor mandalas? The answer is simple. This time is healing for the mind, body, and spirit. Your heart rate slows, endorphins are released, and you get to feel good for a few hours, while expressing your creativity. I hope to see you in class!

Visit Wet Paint's site under Events, call the store to register, or register online here.

With Love and Creativity,

Briana