Today in my workshop we explored collage and stencilling with canvas and acrylics. The room was the quietest I have ever heard, with 5 little creative souls concentrating very hard on their works of art. Thank you to everyone who came today, I am so lucky to get to share this with you.

I had a successful workshop today, it got me thinking, what makes a successful art workshop? I guess it starts with, what is your definition of success? I realised that today my definition of success involves a lot more than recognition and wealth. Success to me, sounds like the squeal of delight as a young student stamps her art work with a beautiful palm tree, or the kindness of the students sharing and helping each other and saying what they like about each others art work. Success is a Mum (who has brought 4 little girls to the art workshop) tell me how "relaxing" it is as she sits painting & gluing away encircled by her troops. Success, is being surrounded by happy and creative individuals who are in complete joy, living in the moment. 

My husband doesn't believe in Valentines Day......nah, nope, not at all. He does have an issue around the commercialism of it, but he also believes that everyday should be a day of love - "Everyday is Valentine's Day" he says, and then I will get flowers on random days throughout the year. In spite of this I will leave him a card on his pillow every 14th February. 

I am not adverse the commercialism of St Valentines Day, or to the joy of people buying something for their loved ones, any day of the year! I love designing and creating hearts and decorative art. I also love making it affordable so it is easier for all to own and give. I just ordered a batch of cards from my Redbubble shop and the quality is lovely, they start at $2.86 and there are lots of hearts to choose from. There are also original hearts to be found in my shop here, mixed media hearts on canvas.  So enjoy your Valentines Day, no matter how you celebrate it and to quote The UK Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) "If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling that you will find that love actually is all around" - The Prime Minister, Love Actually

I am not sure if it is meant to take a painter over 12 months to finish a painting. Spiritual Warrior has been a journey, as with most of my art, I really do not know where she came from. The painting started on it's path with my beautiful friend Kiera. Kiera wanted to paint and so with I as her teacher we started on our sessions which covered so many things. The beauty of creativity is not just the paint and materials but also the therapy it provides, the ability to let go and show your vulnerability on the canvas, to be non - judgmental. It can help you to tap into your intuition not just on the canvas but expanding into everyday life. In my teachings I also coaxed how to detach from what is happening with the painting and let it evolve. So as Kiera painted so did I, side by side - connection was what we found, not only together but with our materials and within ourselves. Spiritual Warrior is a 12 month story of - grief and loss, sadness Motherhood, nature, joy, yoga, love and Dharma - Life Purposes. The paining was aptly completed while I was on Power Yoga's, Modern Day Yogi Project an amazing 6 weeks of self study, yoga and health. Spiritual Warrior is not around for long but you can see her soon at the beautiful Sam's shop, Late September in Glenbrook. 

So much fun was had by 9 creative tribe members. Getting their creative on with glue, fabric and candy canes! Thank you so much for attending, it feeds my soul so much and your creative baubles where all so beautiful! Here are some pics.....

I found a "Wishing Wall" in my beautiful Manly today, it is the best place for little discoveries. I took some time to read what others had wished for, some funny, some moving, a lot were generous and some shared their own personal wishes. Funny enough I spotted a wish that resonated with me "To be an ARTIST". My first response was that I wanted to tell that person that they were already an artist and probably didn't know it. All my life I wanted to be an artist and I just didn't believe I was good enough. Through a very long process of self discovery/study I came to realise that my perception of what an artist meant didn't serve me or my need and desire to live a creative life. This quote (Thank you Redbubble) came across my desk today (all such auspicious timing). It kinda sums it up nicely, wraps a bow around it and lands in your lap as gift. This is what I would love to be able to let that person know who wished their wish at the Manly Wishing Wall.

"If there’s one piece of advice I wish someone had told me years ago, it would be to create with the assumption that you’re allowed to be an artist. I wish someone had said, “it’s okay, you can do this, you can be an artist and nobody’s going to try and take it away from you.”

I have been away having a break and collecting "Moments".  Fishing, walking, swimming, exploring and celebrating my birthday, now it is back to more fun times, of creating and painting, Christmas bauble workshops and preparing for Christmas. More Christmas shopping inspiration coming soon! Redbubble SHOP