Challenge to create!

I had to laugh when I spotted yesterday’s post (be sure to scroll down), because both Cindy Goldrick and I, decided to write about exactly the same subject matter this week. The challenge we both participated in (and I teased you with last week) on Carmi Cimicata’s blog. I probably could have dreamed up something else, but my post was almost finished, all I had left to do was transfer it from Word to blogger, and then add a few photos. Okay, so I’m lazy, but the muse wants, what the muse wants!

Carmi found some almost forgotten components, in the dusty depths of the John Bead warehouse (admittedly, I don’t really know who found them), and decided to put out an Internet call for anyone interested in a challenge. She piqued my interest, so I quickly accepted! Imagine my surprise, when the dusty component turned out to be a lovely rhinestone button blank. As usual I had tons of ideas, but nothing really screamed at me!!! Resin, epoxy clay, and free motion machine embroidery were all considered, but I finally settled on Intuitive Bead Embroidery. As my vision for the piece was simple elegance, what better way to portray this, but in black and silver? There wasn’t enough room for a detailed piece, so I went for texture! I glued silver microbeads onto my substrate, and then added beaded layers, using four different types of size 15 seed beads. Shiny black, matte black, cut shiny black, and finally silver. To put this embroidery in perspective, the circle of substrate I was working on was the size of a sewing machine bobbin (my metal Bernina one, to be exact). Pretty darned small!!!!

When I completed the bead embroidery, I glued it to the button base, using E6000 glue. Then glued a metal pendant converter (BeadFX carries them) to the back, and strung it on a simple sterling chain. The piece may eventually end up as the focal in one of my larger bead embroidery pieces, but for now I’ll just enjoy the simplicity! But if you’re interested in having your “mind blown”, be sure to check out Carmi’s blog to see the results from the other talented participants!!

Like Cindy (and Carmi too, I expect), I’ve always enjoyed a good creative challenge (and also a tight deadline), and have participated in many in the past (including the Toronto Bead Society, “Bag of Beads” challenge). I’ll close this post off by showing you my first art quilt challenge, and then a 4” X 4” Crazy Quilt challenge that I organized. The art quilt is currently hanging in my hallway, and the CQ blocks have been converted into a couple of decorative boxes (one is currently being used to hold my bead embroidery samples). My block is the cream/black one with the little copper tree (free motion, machine embroidered) and accents. The rest were sent to me, from some of my fabulous cyber friends!

The “challenge to create” is one of my strongest creativity cues! Wouldn’t it be interesting to see more challenges of this type in the future? Would you be interested in participating in one of them? If so, I’ll see what I can arrange!

What's on my bead mat? May edition!

I just realized that I’m cheating a little, because I didn’t actually take photos of the pieces on my bead mat. I forgot!!! It doesn’t matter, because each has been on said bead mat, at least once during the month. You wouldn’t want to see it right now, because it’s very messy, full of beads, and just waiting for me to either cram them back into their tubes, or get frustrated and mix up some bead soup! You know how it goes!!

You’ll notice that while the purple doll is still naked, I’ve actually made progress on my green one, and am currently loving the process! The working title for this one is “Silly Goose”, because Erin (who also works in that beehive of activity called BeadFX), told me that the form looked like a goose from the back. Isn’t it funny how a connection is made, and names are born?

I took a fabulous class with Robyn Cornelius, at BeadFX last Saturday, and made her Silver Wave Bangle. Okay, I admit that it wasn’t really on my bead mat, but I love it so much, that I just had to show it off! It all started out with a flat piece of silver. I’ve taken a few classes, and puttered about with metal, but certainly nothing this ambitious! Robyn is a fabulous instructor, and you’d be lucky to take one of her workshops! Believe it or not, this was completed in a one-day class!

I purchased these commercial bangles at a thrift shop, several years ago. I wonder if Liver of Sulfur would work to change the colour? It might be fun to try, even though I’m not sure which type of metal it is. Are any of you experts, ready to weigh in with an opinion?

I’m not telling you what this is, but promise to show it to you next week (that is, if I remember!).

Pearls, did I say pearls? These were in a stray bag, in a place they should not be, and I did not even remember buying them! Oops! I wonder what I should make? Did I ever tell you that I’ve been hoarding pearls? Do you suppose there will ever be a worldwide shortage? If so, I’ll be well set! I admit that I do have a germ of an idea, just waiting for a few stray minutes......I wonder where I’ll find those minutes this month?

My bead mat is going to be busy during the month of May! It’s finally spring, and well past time for renewal and regeneration! Although creativity is always present, it does need a little tweaking from time to time. I guess that May is good time to take action! Are you tempted to join me?

Freeform is the star!

I may have mentioned my love of Freeform Peyote stitch in the past, but this time I'm dedicating my entire post to the subject. I drooled over it for years, then made one or two aborted attempts before getting a little "kick start" from Karen Williams' "Explorations in Freeform Peyote Beading" book. I made a bracelet fairly quickly, and then turned around and beaded the little pendant in the same colours. Do you think that I like turquoise and acid green?

Was it merely a phase? It's obvious that I wasn't ready to abandon either my Intuitive Bead Embroidery or my mixed media play, so freeform had to take a back seat. It just wasn't time! But wait!! Someone gifted me a few wooden beads. What's that, my muse said? Could they possibly be transformed into beaded beads? Oh yes, and freeform would be their name!! After making the first three beads I developed a workshop, and then proceeded to addict a few other people to the process. Was it fate?

Months passed with nothing freeform to show, except for a few more beaded beads. Was that the end of its run? Was I bored with the process? Or did all that problem solving cause my brain to hurt? I worked on a few bead embroidered dolls, but then inspiration struck! I had a starfish shaped doll form in my stash (purchased several years ago, from Aryd'ell who runs the Beaded Art Doll group on Facebook) that needed to be embellished. Would this doll lend itself to freeform? Well let me tell you, that was one cranky little starfish!!! It's a combination of peyote, freeform peyote, intuitive bead embroidery and freeform netting. I confess that I often considered abandoning the project. The doll told me that she didn't want to be fully beaded, so I allowed her batik skin to show in several areas. She was a constant exercise in problem solving, and her beaded personality did not fully show until the very end (so I gave her a star). At times I was bored with the colour scheme, stumped by the process, and just wanted the beading to end. Certainly not my usual way of working! Was it a growth phase, or just something I needed to work through? I do like the doll though, but I'm still not in love with the colour scheme. So what's next, you say? I've been dreaming about embellished, freeform peyote rings.....so I guess that might be it! Stay tuned!!

Don't ever be afraid to try something new! Follow through on the process, even if it seems much too difficult. Stretching is good, and your star will always shine in the end!

Beading on the wild side!

There's beading and then there's beading! Most of us start out learning the basics of stringing. Others start with bead weaving, loom, wire or metal work. There's nothing wrong with sticking with these options, but wouldn't it be fun to be a little more adventurous from time to time?

Traditional peyote stitch (also known as the gourd stitch), is an off-loom weaving technique, and may be worked with either an even or odd number of beads per row. The free form version of this stitch is very organic, as it bends and even breaks many of the rules of traditionsl peyote stitch. I fell in love with free form peyote many years ago, but did not even attempt it until I stumbled onto Karen Williams (Skunk Hills Studio) "Freeform Peyote Beading" group. I started my first project after purchasing Karen's book "Explorations in Freeform Peyote Beading". I was pleased when my first attempt turned into a glorious bracelet! Although it was easier than I anticipated, I didn't end up working on another project until I decided to play with beaded beads. Five beads and one workshop later, I'm still addicted to the process! An interesting side note is that I won the grand prize, in Karen's book launch giveaway! A fabulous cabochon, plus enough beads to make my own free form necklace. Guess who hasn't even started the necklace yet(and how did she know that I love blues?)?

Intuitive bead embroidery is a rather untamed version of traditional bead embroidery. It's like colouring outside of the lines, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I picked up tips by participating in Robin Atkins' Bead Journal Project, but then made it my own when I started including non-traditional objects in my work. The stitches are similar, but it's how you use them that really counts! Another author that you might like to take a look at is Diane Hyde. Although I'm not personally attracted to her work, it's original and certainly contains food for thought! Especially her use of doll heads!

Years ago, I purchased a small bag of red paper beads that were made in Africa. I loved them so much, that they've never been used! That spurred me into researching the process, attempting my own version, and then developing a workshop. Paper beads can be made in all shapes and sizes, and they're great for recyling all sorts of bits and pieces! Why don't you give them a try?

Don't be afraid to take a walk on the "wild side". A little creative play is always good for the soul!

What's on my bead mat?

Or perhaps I should say, "what's on my bead mat", and rolling around in my head, this week? I had a lovely, quiet holiday, and find that when I have time on my hands, my hands just naturally turn to creative pursuits. During the holidays, I watch sappy movies, eat more snacks than normal, and search for projects to play with. Although, I do start new projects, I confess that I love to dig into some of my UFO's (unfinished objects)! Not just components (stash), but projects that I've started, and haven't found the the time, or inspiration to complete. I'm happy that I managed to finish my free-form peyote beaded bead, but both dolls, are still works in progress!

The starfish (doll form, purchased from a friend), is a definite what if? What if, I used freeform peyote, to bead a doll? What if, I combined it with intuitive bead embroidery? What if, I resisted the internal urge, to finish the doll quickly? Interestingly enough, this doll is turning out to be quite challenging. Freeform is all about problem solving, and some problems, just don't want to be solved quickly! I'm a lot further ahead, but my mind needs rest, before agreeing to unlock more of the puzzle pieces. The second doll (designed and stitched by yours truly), was started in my last doll workshop. She's a little sad, but is sitting patiently on my messy worktable, waiting for me to throw her a few beads. Poor neglected baby!

On the mixed media front, I spotted a simple tutorial, somewhere on the web (sorry, but I didn't save it), showing someone making beads, out of two-part epoxy clay (either Apoxie Sculpt, or Crystal Clay), grommets (or were they eyelets?) and wooden beads. Of course, I just had to try it, and then expand on some of the steps (my mind just never stops). I painted the beads with Vintag Patinas, distressed them, and then added Iced Enamels and micro beads (but only to the larger one). Not perfect, but the technique definitely shows promise. In addition, I made a rather sloppy attempt, at a flower cabochon, while using up some of my leftover clay (remember, I'm still not a sculptor...). But what's happened to those pearls, you say? Absolutely nothing! I did make a little bracelet, for a future Inspiration, but ideas for my pearls, are just not coming......Perhaps next week! Right now, I seem to be more interested in my rusty cloth, hand embroidery project (I'll sneak a few photos in, one day!).

I've also been getting up close, and personal with more than a few blogs. One of my favourites is The Altered Page, by Seth Apter. Absolutely nothing to do with jewellery, but his mixed media, graffiti style, does fill my eyes with colour, and my head with trends and techniques. If you're interested, check out this post! You'd be surprised at how easily transferable, some of his colours, ideas and trend watches, are to your jewellery projects.

Rest, relax, and try to finish off just one more project, before the year ends. Be safe, and I promise that we'll chat more, next week, and next year!

What's new is old, and what's old is new!

Who says that you should only use new beads, crystals and pearls on your jewellery projects? I'm here to say that it's okay to combine newer purchases, with some of your more seasoned favourites. Why not take a hammer or shears to an old piece, combine it with wire, pearls apoxie clay, or crystals, and make a knockout piece of work! I wish that I could say that I had a lot of personal, finished jewellery to illustrate this idea, but so far these pieces, mostly reside in the depths of my imagination. I keep looking at some of the more artsy, jewellery magazines, and wondering if I could possibly re-fashion some of my collections, into similar pieces. Let's just call it, a serious case of jewellery envy!

My main focus, over the last few years, has been a combination of intuitive bead embroidery, stitching and mixed media. As a curious soul, I often wonder if this is enough for me? Are there ever enough techniques, for my muse to handle? It's in my nature, to constantly evolve, and I have a stinking suspicion, that I'll be working on more mixed media, jewellery pieces in the future. Over the past few years, my focus has been on intuitive bead embroidery (both flat pieces, and dolls), and mixed media. Although I'm still in love with the process, perhaps it's time that I branched out! My plan is to take more wire and metalwork classes, with the aim of combining this knowledge, with my earlier experience, and influencing my future work and direction!

Now back to combining the old, with the new! I know, that somewhere in this mess I call my studio, I have a box (and probably more than one box), chock full of old jewellery bits. Not to mention, boxes and boxes of seed beads and stones! Perhaps I should give myself the personal challenge, of turning some of those pieces, into my mixed media dreams? But of course, I'll still need new beads and findings, to spice it all up, and point me towards the right path. As if I could resist!! I doubt that I will start much before the New Year, and I promise not to abandon my old favourites (I'll still be teaching workshops), but there's always room for new beginnings. Not to mention the fact, that suppliers keep coming up with new and exciting products to tempt us!

Is anyone ready to take up the challenge with me? Do you have memorabilia and/or collections, just waiting to be used? Would you like some help with your direction? All you need is a little plotting, planning and perhaps a workshop or two! It's all too exciting, isn't it? But first, let's get all of our holiday gifts finished.....Sigh! BTW, the junk jewellery photos, were grabbed from EBay, as I still haven't located my collection!!! Double sigh!

Play and the art of gift giving!

Where has the year gone? Yikes, it's that time again! Time to start thinking about what you're going to do about holiday gift giving. Yes, I'm aware that some of you, have been preparing for this for months, but I'd like to think that you're in the minority. The vast majority (myself included), need the cooler temperatures, to get our collective rears in gear! The thermostat has dropped (and late this year, at that), so it's time to make some fast plans. As a dedicated crafter (now billing myself as a Mixed Media Artist), I've been making handmade gifts for years. I started with sewing related items (stuffed animals, pincushions, clothing, cushions, placemats and napkins), then quilting and applique (including framed landscapes), and now paper, beads and all sorts of mixed media projects. I'll begin with a photo of my Mother's toy sewing machine. Nope, nothing to do with beading, and not being gifted to anyone, but as photos of most of the earlier items are nonexistent; I thought that I would give you a little peek into my crafting history. The thimble was my maternal Grandmother's, and although small in size, is really quite beautiful!

Now back to gifts! Are handmade gifts more economical? Can you really afford the time? Will they be appreciated? Are you stuck for ideas? I guess the answers to these questions are very personal, and something that you will need to answer for yourself. However this type of gift, does give you an opportunity to show someone that you care. It doesn't need to be expensive, not everyone will appreciate it (just don't continue to give to those people), but there's a big sale on at BeadFX (25% off, almost everything in the store - runs until December 2nd), the books and magazines are chock full of ideas, and you might even have time to squeeze in a workshop or two (check out the class calendar, on the BeadFX website). You know, you want to!!!

As for ideas, I have a million playful ones (because you know that you love making stuff)! Here are just a few: beaded &/or bead embroidered necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, brooches, bezels, rings, ornaments, key rings, eyeglass holders/chains, pincushions, needle books, boxes and perhaps a little doll! A simple quilt block, collage, embroidery or landscape would look great framed, but don't forget to add beads, for an extra dash of pizzazz! Metal, polymer and metal clays present many options, as do Crystal Clay, Apoxie Sculpt and Ice Resin. How about making stitched and beaded covers for cell phones, tablets, eReaders and even handmade books? All this fun, is almost too much to stand!!

If you're anything like me, you'll probably be making gifts right up until the last minute.

But, do yourself a favour, and don't forget to treat yourself to something nice! Think of it as your reward, for getting through another holiday season (even though you probably won't be able to start working on it until January) Now get moving, relax and enjoy the playful journey, of making some very special gifts!!! Heh, heh...easy for me to say...I haven't even started yet......

By the way, no current holiday gifts have been exposed in this blog post, so don't start wondering, if one of them could be yours! LOL!!

All dolled up!

You're never too old to start playing with dolls!   You're also, never too old to start doing something you're not comfortable with.  I did play with dolls as a child, but never really dragged them around, the way the other girls did.  However, I remember the total joy of believing that Santa tucked a brand new doll (well actually three, as I have two sisters) under the tree at Christmas!  As I grew older, I also confess to spending an awful lot of time, focusing on new fashion statements for Barbie!   But did I bond with the dolls?  No!  They were just a pleasant way to exercise my creative spirit, and spend some quality time with my sisters.  I don't actually remember any particular doll, other than the original Barbie (that I wish I'd kept in the original packaging).  Is that sad?

Somewhere in the early 2000's, I discovered Internet groups, and started joining any and all that caught my eye.  Suddenly, I was flooded with emails, inspiration and colour!  While I won't list all of my groups, I did entertain a particular fascination with Beaded Art Dolls.  Luckily, the group was kind enough to let me lurk in the shadows, drooling over all the pretties.  I loved the look of the dolls, but wasn't excited about the construction phase, and in the interest of full disclosure, I absolutely hated the stuffing part!!

Okay, fast forward to a year or so ago, when I changed my mind!  I had participated in a mini-doll swap, without tearing my hair out, so in the interest of Intuitive Bead Embroidery, and 3-D forms, I decided to make a slightly larger doll, and use it as a teaching sample.   Not only that, but I had the brilliant idea to include faces (which I had never made before), and provide pre-stuffed forms, as part of the student kits. Sigh!  Little did I know that it would be a very popular class, and I would be making a colourful smorgasbord of little dolls.

Fast forward to today!  I'm re-running my Nature's Muse: Beaded Art Doll class this Saturday, and like usual, I'm scrambling to stitch and stuff the forms.  I quite enjoy the designing and stitching, but still hate the stuffing!  However the results are worth it! These dolls are perfectly addicting, and though similar in naked form, take on unique personalities, once they start talking to you.  Not one, turns out the same, and my students love them!

So, don't be afraid to face your fears or objections.   It's never too late to regain the wonder of childhood, try something new, or even revisit an old skill.  You might be pleasantly surprised by the results!

Complicated Simplicity

Have you ever noticed, that the simplest things in life appear more complex, once you look a little closer!  If you haven't, try going for a little stroll, and really examining the world of wonder, beneath your feet. You'll find a surprising array of colours, textures, and shapes, each one more complicated than the next!

The world is full of designs, and design principals, but the one I seem to have adopted lately, is what I like to call, "Complicated Simplicity".  As a fairly informal person, I find myself designing, and reaching for simple jewellery pieces, that consist of multiple elements.  Now that's not to say, that I'm not tempted by other styles, but this just seems to fit my current lifestyle.  Am I allergic to bling, or do I simply find this casual design style, more comfortable?  Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind, because I do love other styles, and a little sparkle is good for the soul!

"Complicated Simplicity" plays a starring role, in my intuitive design process.  I start by buying a few pretties at BeadFX, pull some elements from my stash (either handmade or not), and then perhaps, cutting up something vintage.   The pile on my bead mat gets higher and messier, until my muse jumps to the rescue, and items are eliminated.   Let's call this an audition process, or rather, a beady "cattle call"!

When the pile reaches a manageable size, I start the shell game, of moving items into a pleasing configuration.  I add, subtract, and move things around the bead mat, until I'm satisfied with the results!  Then the construction phase begins!  I admit to being a rabid lover of techniques, so it's not surprising to find multiples of them, showing up in my pieces.  For instance, you could take a handful of paper beads, mix them with a little chain, then add Swarovski Pearls, using stringing (or you could even try wire wrapped loops),  for a one of a kind necklace! Or how about an Intuitive Bead Embroidery piece, combining different sizes and shapes of seed beads, with crystals, pearls, cabochons, stones, family buttons, metal, broken jewellery, left over chain, and perhaps a rusty bottle cap (but not necessarily all in the same piece)?

Limiting colours, simplifies the piece, while adding multiple textures and techniques, adds an interesting level of complexity.  I didn't say that the life of an intuitive designer was easy, did I? I design on the fly, and rarely use a sketchbook!  When I do break out the pencil and paper, it's normally to capture a simple shape.   I sometimes wish that I was more disciplined, but I suspect that my creativity might suffer, if I tried to restrict my free and easy style.

I love beads, and I love techniques!   I try to keep my work fairly simple, but my intuitive nature, has been known to bury me in an avalanche of ideas.   Not necessarily a bad thing, but it can, and does, complicate my designing life!  Who needs sleep, anyway?  Does anyone want to share my pain?

All Mixed Up at BeadFX

I'm Anne Marie, and I'm here to share Mixed Media with you. I have a passion for beads, textiles, fibre art, bead and thread embroidery, paper, paints, collage, free-form peyote stitch, art dolls, printing, metal, wire, various types of clay, botanicals, found objects, recycling, repurposing, and oh, so much more!  Let's just say that I'm a mixed up media person, with a serious lust for techniques!

You're probably wondering what Mixed Media is all about?   Let's start with the definition (or should I say, one of the definitions out there):

"The term "mixed media art" is a broad definition that covers many arts and crafts, including collage, assemblage (both 2D and 3D), altered objects, including books and boxes, handmade greeting cards, artist trading cards (ATC's) and tags, art journalling and book making.

The "mixed media" used includes paints, papers and board of all descriptions, glues, buttons, fabrics, found objects, photos, metal bits, fibres, things from nature, inks, pencils, crayons, markers, pastels and polymer clays, to name a few." - Mixed Media Art

Why isn't jewellery mentioned in this definition, and where do the beads fit in?  Well, in my case, beads fit with just about everything!  I first used them in my early, fibre art days.   Copper Charlottes mixed in with the embroidery, and even more on the freeform edging.  Oh look, there's even a tree, made out of copper wire!

Now they can be found in some of my more intuitive work.   Beads, lots of lucious, sparkling beads!

I've stitched them onto paper, glued them to rocks, and embedded them into Apoxie Clay. You never know where they'll turn up next!

I admit that I don't work exclusively with beads.   How could I, when there's such a wealth of other materials out there, to tempt me?  I make and teach, how to make, unique jewellery, cabochons, beads and small art pieces, suitable for framing and gift giving.  In the coming weeks, I'll be introducing some of the products and techniques available.  I do teach a variety of workshops at BeadFX, and will be hosting a monthly, Mixed Media: Open Studio, on Thursday evenings, for those interested in exploring this facinating art form. First play date - September 17th.

My upcoming September 19th workshop - "Painted Fantasy: Pendants and Bezels"' explores the mysteries of the new Pebeo Fantasy paint line.   The effects are unique, amazing, and can be used on a wide variety of surfaces.  So far, my substrates of choice have been glass and metal bezels, but I do plan to start combining with other products, and surfaces in the future.   Keep tuned!

Mixed Media is a way to express your creativity in a non-traditional way.   It's a very forgiving art form, that gives you permission to relax, and actually start using some of your collections (also known as stash), while making unique, out of the box, jewellery, gifts and art.   I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery!

Anne Marie

Getting to know...Anne Marie Desaulniers

Mixed-media has been a relatively new addition to the range of techniques and classes that BeadFX has offered. Anne Marie Desaulniers has been leading the charge by offering several classes in Intuitive Bead Embroidery, Paper Beads, and Altered Dominoes. Her classes have been very well received and more are on the way!

Anne Marie has always been a 'creator'. "I’ve been involved in artsy pursuits all my life," says Anne Marie. "It started with playing with my grandmother’s scraps, moved to art lessons and sewing clothes, then being pressed into service for fancy wrapping paper jobs and flower arranging. I’ve always loved to work with my hands. Art is as necessary to me as breathing!

Altered Dominoes

"I backed into creating jewellery," she admits. "As a self-professed fibre person, I became interested in jewellery 10 or so years ago, while taking basic classes in stringing and off-loom weaving.  A technique junkie, I learned what I could and then quickly abandoned any involvement in beading, until stumbling onto the Bead Journal Project in 2007. I was working with Intuitive Bead Embroidery, but still not creating jewellery. It’s only in the last year, that I’ve renewed my interest. New areas of opportunity have opened up, since blending jewellery design, with my love of fibre and mixed media.

Intuitive Bead Embroidery

Learning her craft of mixed-media was a process. “I started out with sewing my own clothes, graduated to quilting, then art quilting,” says Anne Marie. “I took some jewellery classes, wandered off into photography, paper, paint and mixed media, then hand and bead embroidery.  I’m currently blending this knowledge, by applying it to mixed-media jewellery and other projects."

Anne Marie is inspired by all that is around her. “Mountains, the ocean, water droplets on a leaf, rust, decay, recycling, re-purposing, vintage jewellery, fabrics and lace, my favourite colours of blue, red and green, the sound of birds outside my window, running water, rain, rocks, flowers, trees, tiny baskets and bowls,” says Anne Marie.

Anne Marie’s approach to her projects is as intuitive as her projects are. “As an intuitive artist, projects just seem to happen! A bead, a piece of fabric, an idea, a theme, or even a dream, might spark my imagination. Find just one object that interests me, and I’ll be able to create something special around it!  Perhaps not immediately, but my house and my mind are exploding, with projects just waiting to happen,” she explains.

Intuitive Bead Embroidery

“I collect and record ideas in a very haphazard and totally undisciplined way,” continues Anne Marie. “I jot down notes on napkins, envelopes, sticky notes and the odd sketchbook, surf the internet, save endless photos, and dabble in photography.  My best ideas seem to come out of my imagination, dreams or a tight deadline."

Paper Beads

Anne Marie thoroughly enjoys teaching. “The energy in the room,” exclaims Anne Marie enthusiastically. “Creativity is electric, and there’s no beating the concentration and satisfaction in my students faces, when they’re enjoying the process.  They energize me to do better!”

Anne Marie’s advice to others who create? “Exercise your creativity, and make some memories! Don’t worry about the dishes in the sink or the dust on the table.  If you feel the urge to create, just do it! Some may be organized, tidy and planners, and others intuitive, messy and disorganized.  It doesn’t matter! What matters is that you’re doing something to feed your soul!”

Upcoming classes with Anne Marie Desaulniers:

Sunday, June 8

NEW Charm School: Inchie Charm Bracelet

11:30am - 4:30pm

Complete information about this class and more can be found on our website. Click on Classes and follow the link to the current monthly calendar.