pamgarrison

teaching at French General

French General is always a lovely place to spend an afternoon and this past Saturday was no exception. I do believe a fun time creating was had by all, I know I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Just look at all the cute parasols above. Of course, as always, time went too quickly and some parasols might receive a little more love at home, but they're great as is.

We were surprised to see how differently they looked closed vs. open:

Love them both ways. 

Thank you to all the students that came out to play! Such a sweet group. 

Also thanks to friends Jenny and Amy who helped, gifted books, and took most of these photos!

And a really big thank you owed to the marvelous Molly Meng, who runs a tight ship with a big kind smile and killer wit. In Molly speak, "dude! you're awesome", you really are Molly, and everyone appreciated all your hard work! 

After all the clean up was done, we got a little silly with the TimerCam app... practice needed, hahaha:

And then it was over, and we were onto Sunday...Mother's Day.

I hope all of you had a nice Mother's Day weekend! 

xo

prepping for this weekend's class

I'm starting to pull together items for this weekend's Paper Parasol class at French General. Always fun to gather goodies. 

I'm thankful that Jenny is gifting a copy of Creative Lettering to each student! (I hope she'll bring copies of her newest book Stamp It! for us to see too.) As for the lettering, it will be fun to see if they choose to use one of the specially designed fonts from the book on their parasol, or maybe none at all. I'll be bringing some good quotes in case they want to add one, like I did on this one that cute Sophia is modeling:

Or was trying to model until her Aunt Molly decided to photobomb her! 

Molly will be there on Saturday too...if you join us, be sure to mention her picture posing skills ;).

There's plenty to share and we still have a couple of spots if you have an opening in your Saturday afternoon, we'd love to have you join us. You can register here if so. Back to gathering more pretty things...

upcoming class at french general

I made two more Paper Parasol samples for my upcoming class at French General and sent them off to the shop without remembering to photograph them or share them here. I'll try to get some more photos of them soon and will post them here.

Here's the original sample post with more photos. 

Although we called the class Painted Parasols, truly, there is no paint involved. We'll be painting them with thread and notions and ephemera and colorizing a different way. I can't wait to share the fun supplies I found that work so wonderfully on these. (and those tools I found to not work so well), for those students that go home with the urge to make more. 

I'm telling you, I find this play rather addicting. They are just so pretty. 

I wonder if students will choose to personalize theirs or make them more like the original sample that I made. Will they be gifts, or personal treasures made to keep? 

You know I love hand lettering, and will be sharing some favorite styles, and fun new discovery which will make drawing letters or designs on your paper umbrella super easy. 

We'll have all the supplies and goodies needed but students can bring any special trinkets or a family photo if you'd like to add extra special meaning to it. Really, anything goes when it comes to these flights of fancy! 

Looking forward to spending the day creating alongside those of you able to join us. 

Painted Parasols at French General 

Saturday, May 11, 2013 • 1-4pm

Register Here

Off on a little adventure

italy in the works

 

As I've mentioned before, Amy and I are co-teaching for a week in Italy, September 2014. The class info will be available soon...we've just got to finish up all our samples first! Which is what the sneak peek is above, one little part of the class.

And another part...

Look how beautiful this marbled paper is from Italy! I could stare and stare at it. One excursion over the week will be to a paper shop to see this beautiful marbeling in action. (I'm saving my pennies already!)

Like I said, first to finish up...more very soon! The more we work on the class, the more excited we get for the trip, it's going to be fantastic!! Hope some of you will be able to join us, if you think you might, save the date: September 28- October 4, 2014!

new class at French General

I'm teaching a new class, called Paper Parasols, at French General this spring. Hope some of you local (and non local too!) girls can join me.

For more info, click on the above link, and then the Workshop links on the left sidebar. Here are some more photos to entice you into coming to play :

This is one of those creations that makes my heart skip a beat every time I look at it. I was overtaken by whimsical inspiration. Just something fun for spring and summer.

We'll have everything you need ready and waiting at French General, so no need to bring anything. Of course, if you want to bring some personal treasures like some family photos, or bits and bobs that are special, that's fine too! Class info here.

home again

So nice to be home again after being away. There really is no place like home, is there?

I usually return home from teaching trips completely wiped out, and this one was no exception.

But it was worth it, such a good trip.

Started out by picking up friends and fellow teachers Charlotte and Rebecca at LAX and heading up the coast to Carpinteria where we had rented a cute little cottage for a couple nights.

It was as tiny and cute as it looks.

We instantly started the photographing and instagramming, because I was so smitten with Rebecca's genius use of old French monogram tape as shoelaces. (see instagram here for closeup)

Which led to moments of laughter like this:

So much fun being with long-time friends. We did some beach walking where I found these treasures:

And we did a little walking around the town where we saw vistas like this:

and houses with boats in the driveway:

and antique shops where I fell in love with the colors of this thread:

We drove into Santa Barbara to visit Art From Scrap, a favorite place to visit for me. Of course we all found treasures, here are mine:

One of my favorite past-times in the world is to treasure hunt, junk, antique, flea market, (whatever you want to call it, all the same to me), especially when traveling. I have a weakness for items that can be used to create with.

Look at the plastic bottle flower curtain that hangs at Art From Scrap:

Santa Barbara is so beautiful.

And after our adventures out, we returned to our cottage. Loved this view out the side window:

We did do some creating at the cottage, but not as much as any of us had hoped, time went by so quickly.

I was making some paper to include in my upcoming class kits.

and admiring the class samples for Charlotte and Rebecca's upcoming classes:

Luckily for us, friends Syd and Mary each made the trip to visit one night. We got to see their class samples for their upcoming trip to Mexico, and did a little creating together, but again, time went too quickly.

The next night we had a visit from my daughter and her friend. My daughter had forgotten her computer charger at home after returning to college from the holidays, so they made the hour and a half drive to retrieve it. Charlotte and Rebecca whipped up a delicious meal that we all enjoyed together, and then after a short visit they were off again...but not before taking one last photo with me:

And then it was time to pack up and lock up the cottage.

But before hitting the road we decided to take a self timer iphone photo of the three of us...boy, that was entertaining for my friends- I wish I knew how to make a gif so you could see the progression of my attempts and then finally making it into the photo. (That's why Charlotte can be seen laughing in the photo below.)

We had a delicious brunch at Home in Silverlake and headed straight to French General where Kaari and crew put on another fabulous fun filled event that lasted for days.

Here we are with our hosts, the Meng sisters, Kaari and Molly.

These two are amazing, not only are they incredibly creative and generous, but seem to have endless energy and an innate ability to host classes and parties and events.

Rebecca was a huge help to me and practically organzied me by herself:

I made the same mistake I usually do when teaching, I failed to get photos of the prep, the class, the students work, the students. Time just goes so quickly when I'm trying to share ideas and demonstrate options. If you were in the class and have any photos to share, please post a link in the comments. Otherwise, the only photos I took were shared on my instagram feed.

Luckily, Rebecca thought to take some for me:

It's a shame I didn't take any, because the students were making magic with the items in their kits and  having so much fun, it felt like the class was over before it started.  One of these days I will learn that lesson! A big thank you to all of you artists that came to French General for The Art of Craft classes, without you, it would be no fun! xo

The Art of Craft

The fun has begun at Kaari Meng's French General, for The Art of Craft event.
1st photo: Kaari and Rebecca, the calm before the storm.
2. Charlotte's class is in full swing.

Rebecca is teaching next, I teach tomorrow.

More pictures to come!

a few questions answered about the Spellbound classes

After posting about the new day passes for classes at Spellbound, I received a few emails that I thought best answered here, as the questions apply to everyone really.

Q: Do I have to know how to embroider to take your Joy Stitched Sampler class?

A: Nope! Not at all. If you have never stitched before, we will set you up and get you going! I'll  teach you a few different stitches and you'll have more than enough skill by then to finish your project. I'll also be bringing the stitching projects shown here to class for inspiration, as your project can be as freely designed as you wish.

Q: Do I have to bring anything?

A: Nope! We'll have everything you need to complete the project on hand, but you may want to rummage around a bit and bring a few found treasures that will make your project extra special to you.

Q: Will you teach me how to free motion stitch?

A: Sure! That'd be a fun thing to incorporate on your project, good idea!

 Q: I know you're bringing a bunch of your vinatage findings and trims to sell at the market, but will students be able to purchase them to use on our projects?

A: Sure! I'll bring things to share and things to sell that would work well on your project.

Q: As for your Joyeux Noel Banner, I've seen you make something similar before that was more ornate. Can I do that on mine if I want?

A: Absolutely! I'll bring all the items and glitter and varieties so that you can make the banner of your dreams, be it more simple and refined or bold and beautiful.

Q: Will you have extra kits for sale so I can make 2?

A: Yep! If you are speedy, you might even complete them both in class :).

Q: Can I write what I want on my banner?

A: Anything that will fit, sure, and I'll help you write it out if you don't love your handwriting.

Q: Will you be bringing your handmade ornaments?

A: Yes indeedy, and for those of you that were at the Silver Bella years ago where my table runneth over, the scene this year will look familiar.

For those that weren't there, here's a photo...I'd gone through a major letting go phase and am amassing a similar scene for this sale as well. I'll have loads of vintage items, handcrafted items, and supply items with me.

Q: Will your cute friend Kelly be coming like she has to other events?

A: Yes!! And she'll be bringing her jewelry for the Dreamland Mercantile too!

 

And another question that just came in:

Q: If I buy a day pass can I take both your classes that day?

A: Yep! You can take both mine, or one of mine and one of another teacher's, whatever you choose.

Pretty sure that's all the questions I've received so far, don't hesitate to ask another in the comments here if you want!

announcing day passes for Spellbound event

I'm teaching two classes at Spellbound in a few short weeks, and wanted to let you know that day passes have opened up for those of you unable to attend the whole event but are interested. There really are some great classes being offered. One of mine is a free embroidery sampler type, Joy Stitched Sampler offered twice over the weekend:

My second class is Joyeux Noel Banner, also offered twice over the weekend.

I'm also bringing a boat load of goodies for the Dreamland Mercantile! I'll have original artwork, my stamps and prints etc. as well as some items that have been hard to put in the "let it go Pam" pile from the recent efforts toward organizing and simplifying. Here's a peek at those:

Hope to meet you there!

 

fun at The Art Clinic

 

My weekend of co-teaching at The Art Clinic began with a lovely drive up the coast. I love this part of the drive, but who wouldn't, right? 

I landed at my dear friend Syd's house after unloading my car at The Art Clinic. 

I met Syd many years ago first via online where we were paired up in a mailing order for a collaborative, then at various art events like Teesha's ArtFiberfest. Syd often travels to art events with her art pal Mary, and after meeting them, we became fast friends. I love spending time with both of them so much, we may seem like an unlikely trio, (maybe that's the magic? i don't know...), but we have spent many an art retreat night in hysterics long after we should have turned in. To meet them is to love them. So, to finally stay at Syd's house was a treat. Her entire house shows a lifetime of art pursuits and a true love of the arts. Look at just this one shot of the kitchen I took, I was so in love with all the colors together...and that little center island...yum!

Jennifer arrived at Syd's not long after I did and we spent the next day was spent prepping for class over at The Art Clinic. Carol, who is Syd's partner in The Art Clinic joined in the fun. Carol is also wonderful and brings a different aspect to the Studio and playtime there, having a wise sage sensibility. She is very much like me in her love of craft tools and varied interests, but she is primarily a silversmith and makes beautiful, intricate works. It was great getting to really know her this trip. She's a real hoot and also super at stepping up and handling any need that anyone had (even if it was for a certain drill with a certain bit, right in the middle of painting- yes, it was me, I confess), besides of course, being a passionate artist. 

Here's a pic of Jennifer making me laugh on the way to class :)

 

Another great group of women joined us in the fun:

 

Both old friends and new. 

As always seems to be the case, especially at The Art Clinic I hear,  those that were meant to be there, were. 

Jennifer and I had a great time teaching together. Even though we felt we prepared extensively, you never know till you do it what might occur, and we were so pleased that we are making plans to co-teach again soon. (This time with more advanced notice, we promise!)

Jennifer serenaded me by the fire one night:

And in an attmept to entertain her, I think I pretended to be a rock star? ( not really sure what I was doing, but she did laugh at me, so I call it a success).

Always lots of silliness at weekends away, which is so good for the art as well as the soul. Jennifer and Syd being silly:

Here we are goofing around getting ready to load up our teaching demo board. We just didn't want the time to end!

Really, it was a great weekend. And I could go on and on. I wanted to  once again thank all the artists that came to join us for the weekend. I know it's not an easy feat to get away from your life and all it entails and that it is an investment in your art, with class fees, materials, travel etc. But I also know that you are all worth it and I'm thrilled that you gave yourself Permission to Play!!!! 

And Carol and Syd? You guys are the best! You haven't seen the last of me by a long shot...wait, did I just hear you locking the studio door? You think that's gonna stop me? Hahahahahaha! You should know me better than that by now. xoxox

getting ready to teach at the ArtClinic this weekend

I know I promised more of the studio swap last post, but suddenly, that has been put on hold and I'm busy prepping for teaching this weekend. Unfortunately for me, the work will still be here when I get back, but fortunately for those of you interested, I'll be giving more progress updates then :).

Jennifer, who I'm co teaching with, is now in town, staying at Amy's house since I don't quite have the guest room back in order, but they're coming over tomorrow and we're going to go over all that we want to cover this weekend and I'm sure we'll sneak in some playtime too. Creating with friends is really very fun. That's an unexpected positive about classes; the creative community that occurs. Anyway, we'll be at The Art Clinic and have a couple more spots for those that might be spontaneous and want to jump in and join us!

I spoke with my friend Syd today (she's co-partner in The Art Clinic with Carol), to tie down some details,  and just talking about this weeknd got me really excited and yearning to journal and paint and play right then and there.

Both Jennifer and I will be bringing some paintings for sale and prints too.

And I'll be bringing lots of art journals too and am determined to get Jennifer addicted to art journaling as well as the students this weekend!

The studio clean up will have to wait...I'll enjoy the time away from it {and so will my back}. It's going to be worth it in the end then, I can tell already. "Slow and steady wins the race", that's my current motto. Well, the steady part...as in, contine on Pam...which I am determined to do!

But for now, I wish you:

xoxo

new class i'm co-teaching with jennifer mercede

I'm super excited  to be teaching with Jennifer Mercede for a whole weekend (three days for those that choose). I've been a huge fan of Jennifer's work since the first moment I laid eyes on it. But when I met her, took a painting class from her, and created alongside her, as I posted about here, my world opened up. She's clearly the real deal, you can see tell that from her art, but what you might not be able to tell is how generous, kind, humble, authentic and playful she is. I found it lovely to be her student spending time soaking up her creative spirit.  We became fast friends as like minded art lovers often do, spurring each other on with ideas and creative thinking and playing, and have been dreaming up collaborations of all sorts, including teaching a class together ever since. Which is what I'm telling you about today:

We'll be together at The Art Clinic teaching and students will get two teachers for the price of one for the weekend! Not bad eh?

We'll both be sharing the way we think, the way we create, and both be leading exercises and sharing insights as we create alongside you.

We'll be sharing our favorite mark making tools, and telling you why they are our go to's when it comes to creating.

And our favorite mediums for painting, doodling, art journaling.

Our love of color too, which we both seem to share a unique slant on.

...um, is that paint name really "Terracotta hell" ?

 Our favorite paints from inexpensive to expensive, our favorite colors of those paints, our methods of mixing colors.

Our approach to paintings large

and small

and of course journaling, always journaling

and doodling exercises

and the painting on brown paper fun that's so popular with students

and so much more to the teaching.

I haven't even mentioned the other fun stuff like a free wine tasting on Saturday night and a trunk show of both our work. The Art Clinic itself, and hosts Syd and Carol and how great they are. {Be sure you remind me to have Syd tell the story of the Halloween Michael Jackson brought his kids trick or treating at her door, it's pretty funny.}And then there's the Art Hus, and the town of Solvang itself, located in the heart of the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. It really is going to be a great weekend.

Want a hotel recommendation? Coming with a few friends and need help finding a house to rent?  Coming from the airport and need a ride? They've got the answers you need. For info or to sign up, contact Carol at lifsart@verizon.net or call (805) 588-0876.

 Hope to see you there!!!

 

 

inside the new art journal

I was showing the students some of my favorite journaling  go tos, one of which is sewing paper- the first photo shows confetti in an old security envelope that you get with your bills, inspiration from Mary Ann Moss'  Remains of the Day class (still love and recommend that course, and NOT because she has become my friend!).

The second photo shows a stamp by my new friend, Christine Adolph used as background, with my own arrow stamps on top, couldn't resist using my own stamps, now could I?!? No, of course not, too fun for me to have to play with!

When teaching, I often show many different techniques on one page, so they can tend to look like a hot mess by the end, with only close up spots pleasing to the eye. It's not like I'm a minimalist regularly, so if I'm saying that, you know it's true, haha.

We talked about different pens and lettering shortcuts too, that's always a request from students.

And some fun with stencils as well:

I love the stencils over at The Crafter's Workshop. They were kind enough to send me some to use as class demos. And hey, they even did a little post on their blog with some of my photos I sent along with my email reporting  the student love and  enjoyment of their product. I'm going to order some to sell when I next teach, as they don't sell retail and I want my students to have easy access. I especially love the latest designs by  Julie Fei-Fan Balzer and Dina Wakley. I've been talking with the owner, Jaime Echt about possibly doing my own private label line. (You probably know me well enough to imagine I've got ideas galore when it comes to patterns/designs/backgrounds!) Of course, I'll keep you informed as to the developments there, but hey, if you want more info on that, here's a post she did about making your own stencils. 

Here's another stencil Of Julie's used on the same page:

I keep thinking of ideas for an art journaling stencil line and a scrapbook line too, for all the Project Lifers (which I am pretty sure I'm doing next year). Like I said, the ideas, they aren't my problem, it's prioritizing them and focusing on them while keeping up all my other obligations that I'm deficient at, not the dreaming up ideas of ways to play and make art! (again, you likely know this about me by now, I know)

Luckily, I have a friend that does not share similar issues with focusing and finishing, and doesn't hesitate to  set the record straight with me (aka boss me around), and she has informed me that I must complete my online journaling e-course next. As soon as my kids go to school, I need to get the blinders on and commit to finishing that. I know she's right, and so I will.

More sample pages from teaching above and below:

Have you been art journaling? You can put a link in the comments if you'd like to share. And if you are waiting for my online class, thank you for your patience, it's going to be worth the wait, I promise!!!

For those who want to take a live class with me, last art journaling class for the year is in October, a joint class with the fabulous Jennifer Mercede (!!!) at Syd and Carol's in Solvang. More details on that this week! Registration is already open and hopping, so I wanted to make sure I get you, my art journaling friends, the info before the announcement post.

more photos from class

We are always busy little bees in art class...so much to look at, so much to try...

shopping and making of new friends...

documenting it all is part of the fun too...

Even I try to instagram throughout the day...(I usually start off well and by the 2nd day, am too deeply involved to remember to document)

Above is an instagram of my class sample in progress...and here is some of the student work:

Look at the result of all this focus, the hand bound journals:

So beautiful, so fun, so inspiring. Like I said yesterday, it was another great weekend spent creating. Tomorrow I'll show you the journal I made during the weekend. Art journaling is such great creative play, glad to have more journaling cohorts along for the ride. If you art journal, feel free to leave a link to your blog/website/gallery in the links, so like minded friends can find you too!

journaling pages in all different stages

 

Been allowing myself lots of journaling time lately to prepare for the class coming up this weekend. We still have some open spots if you care to join us. For more info go here.

 

new journaling & journaling class deets

Hello! Long time no blog, I know. We went on a quick little family vacation. More on that in another post including photos, but today I wanted to officially get the word out about the August 25/26 class that's open for registration over at crescendoh.com. We are grateful for the interest and request for an additional class, so hope that this last minute addition and notice will allow for those that were upset about missing out the first time another chance to get in. To find out all the details, go here. We had a great time in July, and I'm sure we'll have a great time at this class as well.

Above are some of the hand crafted, one of a kind journals that I made from my paintings. These are going to be for sale at the class. Although I intended to have them done for Renegade, they never made it there, one shoppers lost opportunity is another's gain :). Here's my personal journal made the same way:

And here are some inside page spreads:

 

life IS good

I know I owe you a recap on the big Renegade Craft Fair experience, but I'm still taking a brief breather before biting off that task!

Here's a new art print the debuted at Renegade that was made from an orginal illustration of mine. It's now in my etsy shop and I've also restocked all the other prints too. Thanks for checking in, Life is indeed Good, right?!?! Right! xo

p.s. for those of you that were asking at Renegade (and here, and IG) the listing for the journaling class in August is up here. Thanks for the interest, I promise it will be a fun, creative weekend!

 

fun weekend of journaling

Another great group of journaling students!

Last weekend I had the pleasure of teaching at Studio Crescendoh once again, and I'm pretty sure a good time was had by all. We're  missing a couple in these photos, but still, look, it looks like a fun group, right?!?

Ha!

Look at the beautiful journals they made:

Yum!!!!

Here are some more shots from the weekend:

My journals waiting for the students to come look through them...

{Don't ask me what I'm so animatedly discussing, but I promise I'm not scolding anyone!}

Love my friend Jenny! Love that she opened this studio, where people gather to create and share.

But mostly love that she's really a goofball.

I was super touched by sweet Luz organizing and making a card for me which included a note from all. So thoughtful!

I know that many people didn't know about it until it was sold out, or weren't in town etc., and since there was a long waiting list, we've decided to add another weekend of journaling fun at Studio Crescendoh August 25&26.Here's the link to sign up: here. {Ed: it's up now. You're the first to know, it's not even on the calendar yet, nor for sale, but I'll let you know and link to it when it is!} Thanks for all the interest, I love art journaling!

teaching locally

I'm teaching a journaling class locally for the first time ever. Here's all the info:

Art Journaling with Pam Garrison
An All-Day Workshop

Join artist Pam Garrison at the home studio of Jenny Doh on Saturday, July 9, 2011 or Sunday, July 10, 2011 for a very special all-day workshop. Pam will guide students with her unique style of art journaling and introduce the various materials and techniques she uses to create her unique pages. She'll bring lots of her journals for you to look through and answer any questions you have about how the books or pages were created. Whether you are an avid art journaler or have never begun, this class is for you! She'll also have various hand made creations and supplies available at a private trunk sale, just for attendees.

SCHEDULE:

• Arrive & Settle: 8:30 :: Time for students to arrive, settle in, and grab a cup of coffee.
• Class Segment A: 9:00-12:00 :: Class time with Pam Garrison who will demonstrate and guide the first part of class.
• Lunch & optional walk: 12:00 PM :: You can choose to brown bag it or decide on a catered lunch option* and then weather permitting, take a walk in a scenic, historic Santa Ana neighborhood and park.
• Class Segment B: 1:00-4:00 PM :: Class time with Pam Garrison who will demonstrate and guide the second part of class.
• Show & Tell, Clean-Up & Depart: 4:00-5:00 PM

NOTES:

• In order to optimize a quality learning experience, class size is very limited. First come, first served.
• Each student will receive a class kit created by Pam.
• Students are asked to bring the following items to class:
  • Favorite pens, pencils, markers and other journaling supplies
  • Journal - either new or one that you have been working on
  • A few collage materials, (paper scraps, clip art, ephemera, photos)

Please don't buy anything new just for the class! We'll share and work with what you already have.

• If you'd like to purchase a catered lunch, please purchase the class with catered lunch option.
• Pam will have a limited number of original art items on hand for those interested in purchasing her art.
• The class location is in Santa Ana, California. The address will be provided upon purchase of class.
• Due to limited class size, the spot for this class is transferable but payment is non-refundable.

I'm looking forward to spending the day creating, journaling, exploring art journaling with some of you, either Saturday or Sunday, and since it's so close to home, I'm bringing along a lot of supplies and hand made items for sale to boot! The link to sign up is here, or hit the "teaching" tab above my photo at left.

{Edited: both classes SOLD OUT,  thanks for the enthusiasm!}

Good news: Gina has invited me to teach in her Malibu haven, details to come soon.  I'll be there teaching two journaling workshops Saturday and Sunday August 13th and 14th. Lots more spaces at this venue, I'll post here on the blog when the class link is available for purchase.