How Online Classes Can Jumpstart Your Creativity

The New Year is chock full of lots of inspiration in the form of online classes.  While I love in person classes, taking a class on line can allow you to experiment in the privacy of your own home and at your own pace.  

From Rae Missigman's lesson.

I signed up for the Documented Life Project and Creative Jumpstart 2016.   I haven't jumped into  DLP 2016 yet, but Creative Jumpstart has truly captivated me.  The first thing I think upon waking is - what does Nathalie Kalbach have in store for us today? I can't wait to watch the video, which goes live daily at 7AM EST!  This year, Nat has picked different famous artists and asked mixed media artists to "jump off" of their styles.  You still have lots of time to jump in.

Here's what I created in the first week, which was inspired by Matisse.

Inspiration from Julie Balzer's lesson.

Inspiration from Carmen Sanchez's lesson

Inspiration from Joanne Sharpe's lesson

Can you see Matisse's inspiration?    But do they still look like "me?"  Do you have a favorite?  I'd love to know!

Like my online classes, Creative Jumpstart 2016 is completely downloadable - you can watch the videos as many times as you like.  I'm glad because I'm learning a lot!

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Three Ways to Get Ready for 2016

I know ... it's not even Halloween yet!  

I promise that I'm not trying to rush through the holidays.  

But as we wind down 2015, here are three ways to prepare for 2016.

Finish Up Old Projects:

If you're like me, you have unfinished art projects laying around.  Finish a few of them and you'll have a jump on holiday gifts.  I recently finished this work-in-progress.  

I had a 6" square canvas on which I had stenciled some icons from my Teacups and Teapot stencil from Stencil Girl Products.    

I painted in the stenciled images, added some Garden Flowers and Leaves and some marker and pen work, and done!  I already know just who the recipient is going to be! 

To see tips for creating painterly effects with your stamps and stencils, check out this post where I introduced the Krishna Stencil from Stencil Girl Products with a video about giving your stenciled designs your own hand.  

You can also watch Achieving Painterly Effects with Stencils on YouTube here. 

Learn Some New Tips and Techniques

Do you want 21 days of free creative interviews, tips and techniques?  Of course you do! 

Beginning November 2, get 21 days of interviews, tips and techniques, and giveaways from your favorite artists. And it's FREE!  Sign up here.   I'm one of the lucky 21 artists to be interviewed.  On my interview date, I'll have a giveaway for you too.

This is a great way to learn some new techniques, or be reminded of old ones.  Jot down ideas in your journal so you have no shortage of prompts and inspiration for 2016.

Update Your Wall Calendar

I always get excited about picking out a new calendar for a new year.  While I'll be sad to turn the last page of my 2015 calendar, I'm excited to unveil a new calendar for 2016.  Each image is suitable for framing when the year is done.    They are $20, which includes shipping. 

Won't You Vote for Me?

One of my creations is up for the Craftsys Awards.  It's a cigar box transformed into a treasure chest to be filled with notes of gratitude for everyday blessings. I would love if you'd vote for me. 






How do you get ready for a new year?  I'd love to hear.  

Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.

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