Kristen Robinson

My Teaching Trip - A Work of Heart Studio Final Post

After our fun at the Alameda Flea Market I was completely rejuvenated and excited about teaching my students about the amazing process of etching. Again I was really bad about taking photos however Etching does not really create a conducive venue for me to snap photos. The ever so talented and absolutely dear Connie Fong (current Somerset Studio Cover Artist and regular contributor to the Stampington Family of Pubs), was so kind to send me photos from class.

For those of you who have never been in a room with me I am the first to tell you I totally talk with my hands, especially when teaching. Perhaps this is my way of trying to animate every moment as well as offer the best explanation possible.

While so many people seem to be reluctant to try etching I am here to tell you there is a no fail way of doing this, as long as you follow the instructions and dispose of everything properly all is well. Not to mention you do get to be somewhat of an Alchemist/Mad Scientist which is always a we bit fun.

This is the charming Connie and Maryl so very kind and talented their pieces were AWESOME!

One of my favorite things to show people is how to make their own jump rings with a drill and mandrel. The oohs and aahs always make me smile as does the idea that you never have to buy a jump ring again (unless of course you want too or you are teaching a class).

Toward the end of class I did get the pleasure of visiting with everyone for a bit. To say I feel so deeply blessed to have had this teaching experience is a grave understatement. It was a wonderful weekend and I cannot wait to go back....watch for more on this soon.

 

My Teaching Trip - A Work of Heart Studio Part Three

Okay so this is not the best self portrait however when one is wearing a winter parka it might be considered okay. There are moments in life when you are blessed to meet people you bond with immediately. Andre a and Alexis (of A Work of Heart Studio), were not only so warm and welcoming but fun and truly kind women. I feel blessed to have two new friends!

Sunday morning at 6:30a.m. we met up at the Studio, jumped in Andrea's car and made our way to the Alameda Flea Market or what I like to call the land of goodness and treasures. My Love being the wonderful man he is came along and let's just say he and the Little Man scored big at the Flea Market as both of them love old metal trucks (toys) specifically Scouts.

As we walked though aisles and aisles of trinkets and baubles this and that caught my eye however these wonderful treasures were must haves that I knew had to come home with me.

Of course as a collector of old bibles I could not resist this Presbyterian treasure as it is not only our religion of choice but a James Moffatt Bible - Moffatt being the maiden name of my Maternal Grandmother. Perhaps even more exciting was finding the notes nestled inside the bible; notes and poems about Christmas as well as a newspaper clipping about the meaning of the Advent Wreath which became a wee bit coincidental as our family lit the candle wreath in church on Sunday.

While it seemed frivolous to purchase one more bit of tattered lace, I could not help myself. These two pieces were not only perfectly aged but I adore the pattern.

A truly wonderful way to start the day, brisk air, cheery friends and My Love by my side.

Tomorrow I 'll share photos from my etching class; where not only did we have fun but ate more amazing food with a storm of creativity surrounding us.

My Teaching Trip - A Work of Heart Studio Part Two

Our second day in San Jose was as delightful as the first. After a leisurely morning at the hotel we ventured on the are known as Willowglen (where the Studio is located). If you have not been to Willowglen you must go; amazing little shops and restaurants line the streets. Amongst these delights sits a wonderful bookstore with the name Hicklebees. 

Hicklebees turned out to be the perfect place to do a little shopping for the little man as well as snap a shot of this charming rocking chair that sits lovingly under the Kahlo/Rivera section of the bookstore. I truly wanted to scoop this up with me and take it home, sadly it is not for sale.

After a little retail therapy, or perhaps economy therapy as we definitely did our part it was time to make our way to the Studio for my Romancing Resin class. While I was bad about snapping shots during class I did manage to sneak in a few prior ot pouring the resin while we dined on tantalizing food from Opa (thank you Lex the garlic fries are forever etched in my mind).

So without further ado I share with you some of the great pieces my students put created.

I so cannot resist anything with buttons, add a bit of rhinestones and viola divinity has occurred.

Wee little flowers that were once earrings became the perfect centerpiece for these paper filled bezels.

I spy Charlotte - frozen that is. Not to mention the velvet flower that looked amazing when the resin flowed over it.

I love the bird in the bezel, the perfect size; kismet for sure.

A pop of color made me smile as I am always drawn to color and love color however as we all I know I seldom embrace it as I am rather afraid of it.

Tomorrow I will share our trip to the Flea Market and then we'll wrap things up on Friday with photos from my Etching Class.

 

My Teaching Trip - A Work of Heart Studio

It has hard for me to even fathom that two weeks have passed since I last blogged. Life, as for most of us, this time of year becomes somewhat of a blur. The busy days lead into busy evenings preparing for Christmas and all of the events packed into the holiday season.

I would be more than remiss if I did not share my time at A Work of Heart with you. To say it was three fun filled days is quite the understatement. From them moment My Love and I were greeted by Andrea and Alexis at the Studio to the moment we left we were showered with kindness.

While I have a good amount of photos to share with you I thought it best to start with my first day - as I would love for you to see what meets each person who walks through the doors of creativity. Color and inspiration abound in every nook and cranny; a true festival of sights and delights for the senses!

Everyone knows how much I love jars, drawers and old cabinets perfect for placing stashes of treasures and inspiration.

An altered dress forms stands at the ready greeting each patron with a plethora of beauty, offering up a platter of inspiration and bling.

  Who can resist any art studio with it's own little coffee bar....stocked with THE BEST Trader Joe's tea on the planet!

 

A tree adorned with wee bits of beauty always fosters thoughts of creativity as well as offering up a well of ideas.

I love this photo as it not only speaks volumes of the work that was created but also makes me wonder about each creation these tools have crossed over - if only paint could talk.

There was no way I could pass up a photo of these darlings. Buttons of all sizes beckon to be used.

Stay tuned as in the next few days I'll share more about my classes, student creations as well as an ULTRA FUN trip to the Alameda Flea Market!