Kristen Robinson

Create With Me in Irvine - May 30th thru June 2nd

One of my favorite things about creating is teaching. While teaching not only do I have the opportunity to spend one on one time with others that are like minded but I have the chance to share a bit of my creative soul. In less than 2 weeks I will make my way to Create - Orange County where I am teaching alongside a plethora of talent and amazing creativity.

In honor of this amazing event today marks the start of the Meet the Teachers Blog Hop. I hope you might spend a wee bit of time visiting the blogs listed below and perhaps you might be able join me as there is still a wee bit of room in these classes

Walking Through A Memory - Mini Journal (6-Hour) 

 Date: Wednesday, May 30

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm 
Technique: Bookmaking & Art Journaling 
Instructor: Kristen Robinson
Price: $149.00 
Materials Fee: $10.00 

We’ll be creating a visual journal that speaks volumes about a collection of days in your life that was not only poignant but significant. Using simple tools such as acrylic paint, colored pencils, rubber stamps as well as bits and baubles from your stash, a personal catalog of imagery and a permanent memory is created. During class I'll demonstrate how to create resin paper and filling bezels with chosen artwork and then resin. Once we begin creating our pages I will share my tips and tricks on creating backgrounds, as well as my signature shading and layering of images.

 

Students Should Bring: 7 Pieces of Cardstock or Chipboard cut to 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" or a Small Purchased Journal, Colored Pencils   choose those that match your favorite palette, Items That Inspire You   paper, buttons, jewelry, text, thread, images, ribbon, tags, Paintbrushes if you wish to use your own, Acrylic Paint (can be craft paint), Scissors, Baby Wipes, Water Color Crayons or Water Color Pencils Paint Palette, Ruler, Thread to Match Your Chosen Palette, Prepare a few thoughts prior to class in regards to the week or experience you wish use in your journal, Optional Items Rubber Stamps Staz On Ink Pads, Paper Trimmer

Create Out Loud-Mixed Media Quilt (6-Hour) 

Date: Thursday, May 31
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm 
Technique: Mixed Media Stitch 
Instructor: Kristen Robinson
Price: $149.00 
Materials Fee: N/A

This workshop will take place in a classroom with Bernina sewing machines available for shared use.

Create out loud with this wonderful mixed-media quilt that is composed of fabric, paper, thread, paint, and embellishments. What starts as three separate segments comes together to create a visual masterpiece, one in which your words and feelings bound from. By layering different textures and colors, adding a wee bit of free motion stitching as well as hand embroidery your piece is sure to not only pop but to tell a story.

 

Students Should Bring: Canvas Fabric Cut to 9x11, Matt Board Cut to 10x12, 6 Pieces of Printed 12x12 Cardstock Preferably in the same color scheme, Coordinating Fabric Swatches Preferably 3-4 different prints, Ribbon, Text, Acrylic Paint (to match your palette), Coordinating Thread, Embroidery Floss, Metal Embellishments, Buttons, Paint Brushes or Foam Brushes, Fabric Glue, Embroidery Needles, Scissors, Paper Trimmer. 

Optional: Crystals, Beads, Jewelry anything you wish to add

Living the Journey - An Upcycled Journal (3-Hour) 

Date: Thursday, May 31
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm 
Technique: Bookmaking & Art Journaling 
Instructor: Kristen Robinson
Price: $85.00 
Materials Fee: $5.00 

Capturing the moments of our journey is perfect when done so on upcycled materials. In class we will transform ordinary plastic cereal bags, shopping bags and plexi-glass into a conglomeration of beauty you will simply marvel at when you see it. Layers of white gesso, threads, paper and virtually any ephemera you wish you to add creates not only a masterpiece of sorts but a collection of tales. Join me as I share a few tricks and tips on turning those glassine bags and white shopping sacks into the perfect journal.

 

Students Should Bring: White Gesso, Foam Brushes, Thin Black Sharpie, Text (can be from dictionary or other source, Colored Pencils, Acrylic Paint (choose 2-3 colors in your palette), Thread, Decorative Papers, Crayons and Cardstock

Remember to stop by and visit these talented Artists....

• Dawn DeVries Sokol: dawndsokol.com
• Dea Fischer: thestarbook.ca
• Helen Shafer Garcia: agavelatte.blogspot.com
• Jacqueline Newbold: djnewbold.blogspot.com
• Jane LaFazio: janeville.blogspot.com
• Jeannie P. Moore: Jeanniemooresblog.blogspot.com
• Jen Cushman: jencushman.wordpress.com
• Joanne Sharpe: joannezsharpe.blogspot.com
• Jodi Ohl: sweetrepeats.blogspot.com
• Leighanna Light: Thingmakerstudio.blogspot.com
• Lisa Engelbrecht: lisaletters.blogspot.ca
• Orly Avineri: oneartistjournal.wordpress.com
• Pam Carriker: pamcarriker.com
• Robin Dudley-Howes: robindudleyhowes.blogspot.com
• Sandra Duran Wilson: sandraduranwilson.blogspot.com
• Sherrie Drummond: sherriejd.com
• Sue Pelletier: suepelletierlaughpaint.com
• Tiffany Teske: tiffanyteske.com
• Kari McKnight-Holbrook: backporchartessa.blogspot.com
• Laura Mika: mikaarts.com
• Thomas G. Ashman: blacksheepartist.com/blog
• Bianca Mandity: Biancandm.blogspot.com
• Clarissa Callesen  clarissacallesen.blogspot.com
• Kristen Robinson: KristenRobinson.net

 

I'm Giddy over Spellbound

 It is official my friends,  registration will open today at 3:00 PM for Spellbound - the amazing event put together by the lovely Shea and Debbie of A Gilded Life. To say I am a little excited would be a grand understatement.The event is not only being held at one of my favorite hotels - the Langhman Huntington Hotel but it truly is an event that brings together a plethora of talent, beauty and moments that will be packed full of inspiration and charm. So excited for this for November,  I've listed all of my class info below - cannot wait to share this experience with all of you! 

 All Photography by Martha Schuster 

Tale of Beauty

Luscious pools of metal take on the appearance of mercury glass when placed into a silver bezel; creating layers of beauty that entice the viewer to take a closer look at this magical creation. Our centerpiece is only sweetened with the addition of rhinestones and buttons that we will adorn with a dollop of resin, creating a masterpiece forever encased in what becomes faux glass.

In class we will be using soldering techniques in ways you never dreamed. A dollop here and a placement there creates a tale of whimsy and beauty! I will walk you through not only my methods of creating with solder and ICE Resin but also the creation of chain and my method of wire wrapping and adornment. This piece is sure to walk with you through all of your days adding a wee bit more beauty and joy.

 

 

Charming- Fairy Tale Necklace

Inspired by beloved Fairy Tales I found I was moved to create a piece that not only weaves together the stories told through the years but also brings these tales into the present. There is something magical and alluring that draws one to look closer when both rhinestones and resin come together. Join me as we create this perfectly magical focal point that will be the centerpiece for our Fairy Tale Necklace, created with wire wrapped pearls, crystals and charms. Stacked rhinestones cocoon a charm-filled bezel that is then filled with resin and sprinkled with a wee bit of sterling silver glass glitter. Beloved charms, hand-dyed ribbon and lace complete the piece.

In class you will create your own charm and necklace, as well as learn my no-fail methods for using resin, wrapping wire and placing rhinestones. You’ll leave class not only with a working understanding of using Jeweler’s Resin but a beautiful piece of art that will be sure to catch everyone’s eye.

 

 

 

Come Mingle With Me - A Giftaway Courtesy of Stampington&Co.

Perhaps there is nothing better than a time spent together with family and friends. Moments that become more than combined minutes but rather memories to be cherished for a life time. To say Stampington&Co hit it on the mark with their new publication Mingle would be an understatement. Bold and modern with a crisp edge of luxe, the publication is absolutely divine!

Packed full of amazing photos, delightful tales and creative treasures Mingle goes the extra mile making one feel as though you are right there in the thick of the party. I am so excited that I get to share a bit of this magic with you as Stampington&Co. has so graciously sent me a copy to giftaway. All you have to do is leave me a comment perhaps you'll share your favorite way to mingle! I'll be closing the drawing on Friday the 14th at 6:00 a.m. PST. Happy Mingling!

The Gift - From Tales of Adornment Now In My Etsy Store

Pulling her journal from her bag, her mother's letter fell into her lap. The letter spoke of adventure and pilfered sites, but it also spoke of hope.......

Perhaps one of my favorite pieces created for my new book Tales of Adornment! The Gift is composed of handmade beads as well as vintage chain. The bezel has been filled with resin made to resemble to glass of yesteryear when wee bubbles were considered a trademark of glass workers. A wee bit of lavender and text printed on antique paper is perfectly placed within the resin to remind us all of the simple beauty we are gifted with each day.

While I was creating this piece the tale of of history begin to weave itself within my mind (as it normally does while creating. What came about was the tale of an exciting journey. A journey to be experienced by a young woman in a time when women where not encouraged in any way shape or form to become adventurer's. Each bead I shaped between my hands whispered words of faraway places and unknown artifacts.

While I bantered with myself regarding the parting of ways with this piece it is seems only fitting that the time has come for The Gift to  journey out into the world so you might perhaps create the next volume in the tale.

The Story Has Been Told

I had such a lovely time gifting away last week it was not only so wonderful to give gifts but to remember a time that was not only profound but everlasting in all of hearts and minds.

It has taken me a wee bit of time to decide what route to take with the jewelry I created for my book however, I feel it is now time for the pieces to move on. Each piece I created was done so not only with a specific tale in mind but also for very specific wearable purposes. Pearls, and rhinestones beads and bezels were all carefully selected and searched out for a good bit of time before they found their way into compositions.

Today I took the first step into sharing these with the world in a grander way than on the pages of my book by placing a few in my Etsy Shoppe. While a few will remain with me as they are truly to personal to part with, it is my hope you find joy in those I have listed and those that will be listed very soon.

On a side note tomorrow is the BIG day we journey 13.1 miles, feet donned with sneakers and body covered in wick away material. Stay tuned I am sure I will have a tale to tell.

 

Fly Home Sweet Bird

Sweet bird it is time to fly home

As you spread your wings may you find peace

Soar with the clouds little one - watch from above

Know our hearts are heavy as you leave us we will never understand

You will never be forgotten and you will always be cherished

Fly home sweet bird

Every once in a while there is a product that I recieve to work with that I simply fall in love with; the new shrines from Retro Cafe just happen to be one of my new favorites. The perfect niche's to embed words that are full of meaning. To learn more about the products I used as well as step by step instructions visit Stampington.

Whispers of The Soul - Belle Armoire Jewelry Summer Issue

The ability to tell a story within the composition of a piece of jewelry is one I always strive to accomplish. From my earliest memory of looking through my Mother's jewelry box I can remember the magic locked in those moments. The glisten of diamonds and the sparkle of stones passed down through generations enthralled me, I was simply captivated by the great beauties that were delicately cocooned within the satin lining.

I was intrigued by more than just the lush nature of these beauties; I was completely drawn to the stories locked within them. A ring from a Great Grandmother held a tales of joy alongside moments of great sadness while a necklace given out of love spoke of romance and projected images of Prince Charming.

When presented with the opportunity to work with the LArge Hobnail Bezels I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them. Deep walls and a broad width allow for a story to be told - they are truly more like shadowboxes then mere bezels. While each one speaks on their own there is a broader tale locked within the layers. Tales that I will one day share with you.

For now pick up the latest issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry  as it is on the new stands now.

The Elemental Journal - Giftaway

How thrilled am I to host another gift giving post. As most of you know I had the pleasure of contributing work to Tammy Kushnir's lovely new book The Elemental Journal. I now have the pleasure of hosting a giftaway on behalf of the publisher, Northlight Books. 

What do you have to do to enter you might ask - to enter just leave me a comment. I will be drawing a name from the magic hat (otherwise known as the random number generator), on Wednesday June 8th at 9:00 a.m. PST. I am thrilled to do this as the projects within the pages of the book are not only lovely but thought provoking and amazing. I know you will find yourself delighted with the beauty as well as rushing to your studio to visit your stash of usable goods. Good luck and thanks for entering the giftaway.

 

A Recipe for Protectiveness

In the latest issue of Somerset Life (Spring 2011), there is a wonderful article which I am so happy to be a part of. Cynthia Levens penned the piece and through her words she created a lovely tale woven of truth and beauty. While the article touches briefly on the back story of my contribution I would like to share the rest with you.

Last Fall, shortly after moving the three of us set out on a little drive a day mean to be nothing more than relaxing and fun full of lovely visions of turning leaves and wisps of breeze. While on our drive we came upon an antique store that we decided we must journey into.

After a bit of walking around, absorbing the bounty of literally this and that I looked down and found a box full of very old recipe cards staring back at me. I could not help but feel dumbfounded, excited (as recipe cards were a task on my SL list of assignments) and sad. Needless to say I swooped up the box and rushed to the counter to pay for my treasure. My heart was literally thumping in my chest, not only was I excited by my find but I could not wait to start absorbing the words held within this box.

Arriving home, I made my way to the studio while the Little Man and My Love played a bit of catch. Sitting in my favorite chair I begin perusing the contents. My heart dropped a little as I thought of the countless hours spent collecting these recipes, many of which had been written in the hand of the owner of these delights and some that were given to her by friends. Within this box there was even a letter from the owner's son with a return address from a residence in Pasadena. I could not help but feel a longing to ask why these had been discarded; was there no one to pass them on to I wondered? 

I contemplated taking the recipes out of the box and altering them prior to sending them on however, I felt a simple adoration would be better as each of the recipes had been written on simple index cards; some typed and some cut from ladies magazines and taped onto a card.

I do plan on cooking a few of the delights from the box and upon their arrival home from Stampington I do believe I will share a few with you as well. Cooking is perhaps one of the most soul filled loving these we can do for another, with each word and ingredient written on the card there is intent; intent to nourish, provide, fulfill and share a little love. I do feel it is my duty to protect these recipes, pass them on and insure that the story they hold is carried with them.

 

Journal Until Your Heart is Content (from Somerset Life Cover - Winter 2011)

For some reason I have been holding onto these journal kits (seen on the cover and in Somerset Life Winter 2011). However after a bit of thought I think they are better served out in the world as truly they will grow more beautiful when filled with your words. Bits and baubles as well as trim and ephemera adorn a Moleskine Journal (my fav in the whole world), which is not only adorned with a natural brown cover but full of 64 acid free pages. I cannot think of a more perfect gift to give to a loved on or ones self. To purchase click on the button provided under each photo. 

The Bountiful Journey

SOLD

What's in the Bundle

- Natural Molskine Journal Measuring 5 x 8 1/4" with 80 plain pages 16 of which are detachable

- 1 wee Frozen Charlotte

- Shipping Tags

- Sheet Music (3 full ages to be exact)

- Altered Clothes Pin

-  Yards of Lace Trim

- Sky Blue Velvet Ribbon

- Plastic Tube filled with buttons

- 10 Scalloped Tags

- Altered Pencil (and its recycled)

Delightful Little Details 

What's in the Bundle

- Natural Molskine Journal 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" with 64 pages 16 of which are detachable

- Vintage Library Card

- Blingy Frames 

- Shipping Tags

- Wee tea dyed shipping tags

- Robins Egg Blue Tickets

- Delectable Blue Rubber Band to hold it all together as you work

- Flinch Cards

- Recycled Pencil

Beautiful Bounty of Blue

SOLD

What's in the Bundle

- Natural Molskine Journal 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" with 64 pages 16 of which are detachable

- Large Shipping Tags

- Scalloped Tags in Both Oval and Round

- Blue Tags

- Vintage Money Wraps

- Robins Egg Blue Tickets

- Delectable Blue Rubber Band to hold it all together as you work

- Pack of Ephemera including journal pages, sheet music and book pages

- Painted Clothes Pin

- Robin's Egg Blue Velvet Ribbon

- Genera Cedar Pencil (the BEST)