I'm ready for fall with ArT for the FuN oF It! and Happy Hour

This fall we are trying something different in the Studio and we are expanding the types of classes we are offering. Painting canvases is fun but so it painting on old china or a wooden football cut out. Grab your friend and come down and get your create on! Have some wine and relax. It's all good......

Go Team!
Show your team spirit!  House Divided? That’s ok too! There’s room for both teams on this 12” x 19” football. Wire and ribbon included.
Thursday September 8^th @6:30 PM
Saturday September 17^th @ 1:00 PM
Thursday September 22^nd @ 6:30 PM
FEE: $24 per person

Fall Tiny Canvas Collage
Celebrate fall with this series of 4x4” gallery depth canvases using tissue paper, leaf skeletons, paper cut outs, paint and gold leaf. Place them on a shelf or hang them on a wall.
Saturday September 10^th @1:00PM
FEE: $35

Hand Painted Vintage Plates
Serve up a daring display with this novel idea for old plates. Each plate is hand painted. There will be a variety of designs to choose from for fall or Halloween.
Thursday September 15^th    @6:30 PM
FEE: $22 per person

 “Autumn Gold”

Try this new painting technique without a paint brush and capture all the colors of autumn.
Thursday September 29^th @ 6:30PM
Fee: $35 per person

“Stitches”

At Artworks Studio we love Halloween!
10x20” canvas
Saturday September 24th @ 1:00PM
$35 per person

Contact Laura or Kelsey to register for any of these classes.
laura@artworksandbeads.com
(712)775-2035

slow down and enjoy the moment

you hear the word "mindfulness" being tossed around a lot these days

i'm just as guilty as the next person - 

 looking at what's coming next and not enjoying what's here right now

i am savoring summer in the studio right now- the sights, smells, sounds....the cicadas started singing last week...and we've had some intense weather with spectacular lightning...and yes it's been hot and humid but it's supposed to be because well- summer- in Iowa - and i'm a thousand miles away from the nearest ocean but it doesn't matter 

living in the moment is being aware of the moment we are in

being present in the here and now

i'm enjoying every minute of summer i can before Labor Day 

i hope when people walk past the windows at the studio they pause for a minute and remember to enjoy summer

  

coloring outside the lines is encouraged

You know what I like more than anything? proving to people that they CAN make art. We've had some pretty skeptical people in the studio lately who were dragged to Happy Hour Art by their friends kicking and screaming because they just can't do it.

 

Nonsense I say.

 

 

Here are the rules of the studio:

 

1. Color outside the lines

2. There are no mistakes in art

3. Happy Accidents

 

and the Supreme Rule

ART: Break all the rules

 

So don't let something someone in authority said to you back in the day stop you from exploring your creativity today.

 

Art is necessary.

Art is fun.

Art is therapy.

Art is good for you.

 

This painting was chosen recently for a private party:

 

 

When I asked if everyone wanted to use the colors in the samples one person spoke up and said she wanted fall colors. Ok I can do that. And a big harvest moon....that works.....and the trees not as stylized maybe more tree like....and the rest of the group chimed in - yeah I want that too. I had two choices- I could panic or I could make it work. I chose to make it work and I painted along with the class. They got to see me develop an idea, make some mistakes, paint over them and add in some of this and some of that until we ended up with this:

 

nothing at all like the sample BUT that's OK! Everyone was on board to jump in and learn together. We were definitely coloring outside the lines that night. So don't be afraid - come in and give our Happy Hour Art classes a try.

 

And if you can't quite bring yourself to come to the studio and make art take baby steps. Get yourself a coloring book for adults and some colored pencils.

 

I am happy to report that those people who were scared walked out of here with a beautiful painting and a huge smile on their face.

 

 

 

 

 



 



Happy Hour, Bob Ross and Happy Accidents...C'mon get Happy with us!

A couple of years ago we realized how lucky we are to be able to do what we love-and as like most people we wanted to share it with the world. Happiness is best enjoyed when shared with others.

"More people need to DO this!" 

We didn't want to hog it all to ourselves. So we tossed around a lot of ideas on how to share with all those downtrodden adults around there. Something for those people who want to join my kids art classes but are too shy because they are 

"afraid they won't fit in and OMG I can't draw a stick figure let alone paint an entire canvas! "

(Does this sound familiar? Yeah, adults are just big kids with huge responsibilities)   We wanted a catchy title. We wanted people to feel comfortable and socialize. We wanted a way for people to relax and let the world disappear for awhile.....

happy hour

Noun

(plural happy hours)

1. A time of day, usually in the afternoon or early evening, when a bar or pub offers its drinks at a discounted price.
2. Any small gathering, usually in the afternoon or early evening, set aside to relax and have a drink.

Since we are not a bar, pub or tavern  the first definition really didn't fit. But when I read the second one I had this "Ah-hah!" moment.

HAPPY HOUR ART

was born

Several times a month we offer art classes for adults. We encourage them to bring a beverage (non-alcoholic is just fine too), turn off their phones, relax and socialize. We take each person through a step by step process and at the end of the evening they walk out with a finished original piece. Yes we are all painting the same picture but we encourage participants to put their OWN mark on their piece. Change the colors! Change the layout! Add extra flourishes! Leave out certain elements!

 There are 

NO MISTAKES IN ART

We take the Bob Ross approach to being creative:

"People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. 

Artists are allowed to be a bit different." Bob Ross

Since its inception we have branched out into more than acrylic painting. We've added Mixed Media, Collage, Jewelry making and a Pinterest night. Since moving into a larger studio we are actively seeking out new ways to encourage adults to discover how much fun art is again. We have even started hosting an Open Studio one Sunday a month where you get to pick what you want to paint. 

If you want to see what classes we are offering in the Studio and surrounding communities please check in at the Artworks Studio Facebook page. You'll find the most current class schedule on our Notes page. 

stop pinning and start doing

I'm a Pinterest junkie. With over 5000 pins I would say I have a problem. I'm like a book geek in a book store, or library, or book sale.....you get the idea.
The problem is I do an awful lot of pinning, but I don't DO much with what I've pinned. It's like hoarding DIY projects for later and later never comes. 
ENOUGH! 
I pinned this several months ago. 

Pretty cool isn't it and I like maps and globes and I was kicking myself for donating the globe my mom had for years in the house when I moved in- WHAT was I THINKING!.  Then I stumbled across a globe in a second hand store. 

And it rolled around the studio for a few months. It didn't have a stand but it did have that metal ring on it. Which took an enormous amount of effort to remove until I discovered that a new saw blade is  magic. Pure magic.

Breaking apart the globe is like cracking an egg. You keep bouncing it on the seam- gently - until it separates. Did you know that most globes are made out of cardboard? Me either.

 I painted the inside white because it was t shirt gray and that's not a very attractive color for this project. I also stared at it for a few weeks and thought - that's pretty boring. More people will see the inside than the outside.

So I decided it needed more. Because well, it's me and I can't just let something be boring. So I got out my printed tissue papers- printed with vintage maps of course- and my gel medium and transformed the inside from boring to better. And, as if THAT wasn't enough after I wired the fixture in it I got a reproduction "vintage"  light bulb. 

Can we say "light bulb" moment?  
It's available for purchase- just contact me. 

so yeah- we did that- all summer long

May 22, 2015- I purchased a larger building for my growing art studio.

The building was built in 1953 and over the years has been home to many different types of businesses from a barber to hardware to children's clothing to yarn. Now it's Artworks Studio.

Kelsey and Biz helped celebrate by popping the champagne.

We knocked down, scraped, patched and painted walls....

steamed off wallpaper, put down new flooring...........

hauled 2x4's, moved the stack of sheet-rock from here to there and back again to get it out of the way as we worked 

It was hot. Humid. Sticky. Dirty. Dusty work.

I thought we'd never get to the point where we could move in. So, we kept on going..............................

I started a mosaic on the window platforms. Because I didn't have anything else going on-besides a wedding ( my daughter Biz) and a Community Theater Show (The Wizard of Oz)

 this is my office wall

and this is my NEW studio.

as soon as we get the outside painted and the new sign up I'll show you exterior photos.

Always changing

When I started on this journey back in 1982 the name of the store was

Carroll Fine Arts Gallery and Supplies and Custom Framing

 

quite a mouthful and I didn't pick the name out.

 

In 1982 I left college after 3 years and bought the above named  business in my hometown.

I was 20 years old.

 No experience.

No business classes.

Just a burning passion for art.

and totally clueless what I was getting myself into.....what I wanted to be when I grew up...

but a $10,000 loan cosigned by my parents and a crash course in business courtesy of the same parents and I was the proud owner of the Carroll Fine Arts Gallery And Supplies and Custom Framing. I represented over 40 regional artists. Along the way my own work got lost in the business of work.

 

 Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.

 

I didn't love framing pictures- it was OK.

I didn't love selling other people's art- I enjoyed making art friends and talking art with them.

I didn't love retail - I love working for myself. 

 

Now I am 52 - and still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up

The original concept has changed over the years- because I have changed

I don't frame pictures for people anymore but I have quite a love affair with vintage frames. 

I sell original works by myself, my sister and few friends of mine and we get together at least once a year and have an art weekend in my studio.

I love working with kids and I teach 80+ kids during the school year and 490+ in the summers..

I love teaching and I have started an adult painting and wine drinking class.

The name  has evolved into it's current name - Artworks Studio - it's a studio because it's where I create, teach, mentor, socialize, consult and spend a lot of time.

 

A year ago I purchased a scrap booking store. I don't scrap. But I DO love paper! I'm a mixed media artist and I find myself using many of the same supplies scrappers use. I have changed the mix over the past year. Less cutesy papers and stickers and more grungy/vintage. I have added creative kits and blank art journals and really cool disposable cartridge pens and letter press note cards... and everything I sell is something I would buy. I read somewhere that a successful shop is one that reflects the owners personality. Mine says - I am not sure what mine says about me...

 

Now things are changing again- Because I am a mixed media artist I collect quite a bit of odds and ends. Things like bottle caps and game board pieces. Marbles, broken clocks, keys and hardware. I am changing some of the "gifty" stuff.  Keeping the vintage costume jewelry and my hand made jewelry.  Closing out the new costume jewelry. Maybe I am making a mistake maybe I am doing the right thing.

One thing I have learned from the moment I signed that loan 32 years ago- you won't know anything unless you take a risk and try. 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Summer Class Schedule 2013!

WORLD MARKET
Exploring the world through crafts
Monday 10AM -11:30AM
June 3 – Russian Dolls
June 10 – Mexican Painted Bowls
June 17- Native American Dream Catchers
June 24 – Indian Reverse Batik
Ages: 9 and older
Fee: $24 per class Class size 8

  ULTIMATE TREE HOUSE
Design and build your dream tree house.
Caution: Hot glue guns and sharp blades will be used 
SESSION 1: Mondays 1:00-3:00PM June 3-24
SESSION 2: Wednesdays 10AM – Noon July 10-31
Ages: 10 and older
Fee: $85
Class size: 6












Kinder Artists ages 3-4
Tuesdays 10:00 AM - 10:45AM
Class size: 10
FEE: $8 per classJune 4-Tissue Paper Painting
June 11 – Painted Fish
June 18 - Beach Pictures
June 25 – Google Eye Monsters
July 2 – Painted Snails
July 9 – Painted Book Pages
July 16 – Painted Turtles
July 23 – Painted owls
July 30- Foil paintings

Kinder Artists ages 5-6
Fridays 10:00AM-10:45AM
Class Size: 10
FEE: $8 per class
June 7-Tissue Paper Painting                                 
June 14 – Painted Fish
June 21 - Beach Pictures
June 28 – Google Eye Monsters
July 11 – Painted Snails
July18 – Painted Book Pages
July 25 – Painted Turtles





COLLAGE PAINTING
Learn to create a finished painting on a 12 x 12” canvas board using acrylic paint and paper collage techniques

Ages 12 and older
Tuesdays June 4-25
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Class Size: 8
Fee: $75

 

 



Polka dot “TIE”DYE T-SHIRT
Create a unique t-shirt with sharpies and rubbing alcohol
SESSION 1: Wednesday June 5   Ages: 7-10 10:00 – 11:30AM
SESSION 2: Wednesday June 19 Ages 10 and older 10:00 – 11:30 AM
SESSION 3: Wednesday July 3 Ages: 7-10 1:00 – 2:30PM
Class Size: 10
Fee: $16







MOSAIC ART
Learn how to create a 6” x 20” wall mosaic using Italian glass tiles and fine grout.
Ages: 10 and older
SESSION 1: Wednesdays June 5-19 1:00 – 3:00 PM
SESSION 2: Mondays July 1- 15 1:00PM-3:00PM
Class size: 8
Fee: $75

ADVANCED MOSAIC
This is for students who have taken the basic mosaic class and want to go to the next level in mosaic.
Participants in this class will create a more detailed picture using three 6 x 20” panels to create a triptych in Italian glass tiles
Ages: 10 and older

Thursdays July 11- 25
1:00 – 3:30PM
Class size: 4
Fee: $120

FAIRYTALE CASTLES
Up-cycle cardboard tubes into a castle any Lord or Lady would be proud to call home
DISCLAIMER: This is an art class involving paint. Artworks Studio takes no responsibility for paint on clothing. Please dress your child in ART clothes.
Ages: 7 and older
SESSION 1: Thursday June 6      10:00 – Noon
SESSION 2: Tuesday July 23 1:00 PM – 3:00PM
Class Size: 10
Fee: $35

MOSAIC BIRDBATH
Create a unique birdbath for the garden using mosaic tiles
SESSION 1: Thursdays June 6-13    1:00PM – 3:00PM
SESSION 2: Wednesdays July 24-31 1:00PM -3:00PM
Ages 7-10
Class Size: 8
Fee: $45

PHOTO WORDS
Students will learn to look at everyday objects with new eyes as we walk around downtown and look for letters of the alphabet to spell out their name. Using digital photos and Photoshop –images will be edited and put together into a unique wall piece.
STUDENTS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN DIGITAL CAMERA 6 MEGA PIXELS OR HIGHER FOR THE FIRST CLASS!
Ages: 10 and older
Session 1: Fridays June 7-21 11:00AM – 12:30PM
Session 2: Mondays July 1-15 11:00AM – 12:30PM
Class size: 6
Fee: $90

FRIDAY AFTERNOON CRAFTS
Each Friday afternoon Artworks Studio offers a different make and take craft
Ages: 10 and older
Fridays June 7 – July 26
1:00 – 2:30PM
Class Size: 10
Fee: $22 per date
June 7- Button bracelets (two different styles)
June 14 – Painted Bird House (4 different styles)
June 21 – Punched tin dragon fly wall art
June 28 –Beaded Garden Art
July 12- Safety Pin bracelets 
July 19 - Sea Shell Garden
July 26 - Melted Bead Suncatcher

POLKA DOT SNAIL CANVAS
Create a paper collage snail out of printed paper circles on a 12” x 12” painted canvas.
Ages 6-10
SESSION 1: Wednesday June 12   10AM- Noon
SESSION 2: Monday July 22 10AM -Noon
Class size: 10
Fee: $25

CUPCAKE CELEBRATION SCULPTURES
A fun cupcake sculpture using clay, paper, paint, trinkets and glitter!
Ages 12 and older
SESSION1:  Thursdays June 13- 20 10:00 AM – Noon
SESSION 2: Tuesdays July 2-9 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Class Size: 8
Fee: $45

 

FAUX STAINED GLASS
The look of stained glass using special colored glass tiles and gallery glass paint on an 11 x14 framed piece of glass
Ages 10 and older
SESSION 1: Thursday June 20   1:00 – 3:00PM
SESSION 2: Thursday July 11 10:00 –Noon
SESSION 3: Wednesday July 17 1:00PM-3:00PM
Class size: 8
Fee: $25

 

 

 

               STONE BIRDHOUSE
These rustic birdhouses are covered in stone pebbles with a copper roof on top.
Ages: 10 and older
SESSION 1:Wednesday June 26   10:00AM – NOON
SESSION 2: Tuesday July 30 1:00PM- 3:00PM
Class size: 10
Fee: $35

 

 

CARVED RUBBER STAMPS
Hand carved rubber stamps using E-Z Kutz carving blocks
Ages: 10 and older
SESSION 1: Wednesday June 26   1:00-3:00PM
SESSION 2: Monday July 29 10:00 AM- Noon
Class size: 10
Fee: $24

 

 

 

 

 

PAINTED PAPER MACHE FIGURINES
 choose from a horse, giraffe, Brontosaurus or Stegosaurus dinosaur and a variety of other animals to paint. Figures are approximately 5” tall.
Ages: 6-9
SESSION 1: Thursday June 27   10AM – 11:30AM
SESSION 2:  Thursday July 18 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Class size: 10
Fee: $18

ROCKET SHIPS AND FLYING SAUCERS
Using up-cycled materials and paint create a rocket ship and flying saucer to play with
Ages 6-9
SESSION 1: Thursday June 27    1:00PM-3:00PM
SESSION 2: Wednesday July 3 10:00AM-Noon
Class size: 8
Fee: $24

 

 

No-Sew T-SHIRT SCARF AND BRACELETUp-cycle old t-shirts into fun neck scarves and bracelets
Tuesday July 16 1-3:00PMAges 12 and olderClass size: 8
Fee: $14

 

 

 

BLEACH PEN T-SHIRT
Drawing on a dark colored t-shirt creates some very unique results
Thursday July 25 10:00AM – Noon
Ages 12 and older
Class Size: 10
Fee: $16

SPOON FISH WINDCHIMES
Up-cycle old spoons into a cute fish wind chime
CAUTION: this class requires using power tools.
Mondays July 22-29 1:00PM-3:00PM
Ages: 12 and older
Class Size: 6
Fee: $58