Monday, February 18, 2013

Being all over the place can be good!












Usually it's a good thing to start what you finish. It's discipline. But when it comes to creating I find that if I start out with a rigid end-result mindset I might worry too much or never even get started!
But creating is the one place I can be all over the place and it's a good thing!
I just follow my intuition or the creative urge now, even if that means I start painting squares in different colors on a piece of junk wood. I have several painted wood plaques around my room and one day I had the urge to nail a red children's wooden block to it, so I did. Then I found wooden craft game pieces and loved how they looked next to the wooden block. This was a month ago and it's not finished because I didn't know where to take it next. But that's okay, I set it aside and started decorating  a left over scrap canvas with craft pom poms, a marker cap, just goofy things! I didn't finish it because I don't where it's going yet. I'm waiting for the idea to come. It will come, but on its own time. I have learned not to force something, but just to trust. It's this trusting that allows me to get new ideas and grow because the pressure to finish a piece from start to finish is gone.The answer always comes, I just need to wait and be open to it.
I used to feel that I was wasting so much time starting a doll, pillow, or painting and not finishing them. Or spending the entire afternoon setting up displays in my room. I felt like I kept making failures, even though I was very inspired while doing the half part that came to me to create. I am realizing these are necessary steps though, in my creative journey and it's not a waste of time, that this is the way my inner artist grows. I might not understand why,but this is how it is. I just need to trust my intuition and let the ideas out. Without knowing what it will end up being.  JUST LET THEM OUT.

By allowing myself to create this way, I continue to grow and this is what it is all about!

What is your process of creating? Feel free to share your ways :)

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Junker Jane "Monsterlicious" Workshop


Come join me for a one–day class filled with Fun,Yummmm, and Monster Making!

1-Day Workshop on Saturday, March 30th, 2013
    

Hotlips Pizza and Soda ( Events Room )
 2211 SE Hawthorne Blvd Portland, OR 97214
 
$65.00 
 
 
 
 
"In this fun and easy class you will learn how to sew and age your own monster rag dolls using a mix of new and recycled fabrics and buttons. I encourage using second hand and vintage pieces along with new because old bits add a unique charm.
 
These quirky dolls are made from free from cutting and assembly and it is in this way of sewing that each doll becomes one-of-a-kind, with a distinct personality! I will guide you through the fun step-by-step process of creating your own monster doll. From fabric combination, stuffing, "hairstyling “basic staining,” and aging (optional).
 
 
 
Class Includes:
 
Voodoo Doughnuts & Coffee
 
Non-alcoholic beverages throughout the class

Complimentary lunch on site. Hotlips Pizza and Soda offers a fresh, local and seasonal menu. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available.
 
Sweet Treats cookie Platter
 
Junker Jane parting gift
 
 


SCHEDULE:
  • Arrive & Mingle: 8:30: Time for students to arrive and mingle. Complimentary Voodoo Doughnuts and coffee.
  • Class Segment A: 9:00-12:00 :: Begin Class. Demonstrate and guide through steps and technique.
  • Lunch: 12:00 PM : Complimentary lunch on site. Hotlips Pizza and Soda offers a fresh, local and seasonal menu. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available
  • Class Segment B: 1:30-4:00 PM; 
  • Show & Tell, Depart: 4:00-5:00 PM
 
 
STUDENTS SHOULD BRING:
  • Sewing machine Required. (Must have full understanding of how to operate your machine)
  • Needles: Hand sewing needles and embroidery needles, extra sewing machine needle
  • Fabric scissors
  • Sewing thread: black is required, but add your fave colors as well to complement your fabrics
  • Fabric for doll bodies. I have found that cotton fabrics work best for staining. Bring a mix of colors and patterns. Stripes and polka dots always add a punch!
  • Doll face fabric: any unbleached linen or linen blend fabric is ideal
  • Assorted laces and ribbons
  • Assorted buttons, mixed match is better!
  • Stuffed animal safety eyes and noses if you wish
  • Embroidery floss: I recommend black, pink and pale blue for usual doll face details, but also bring a variety of colors you love or that match your fabrics. These will be used for sewing details on the dolls and for the hair
  • Polyfil: A 12-ounce bag will be more than plenty
  • Stuffing tool: A knitting needle works well. I will sometimes use long paintbrushes or pencils.
TEACHER WILL PROVIDE
  • Stain to dye the dolls
 
Tip: Have fun picking out your fabrics and trims. This includes colors and textures. There are no set "matching" rules. Just bring what you love and you will see that by pairing unexpected combinations and textures, your works will pop!



*Due to limited class size, registration for this class is non-refundable.

If you need any additional information or have questions regarding this class,
please feel free to email me at: junkerjane@gmail.com