Summertime, and the living is easy…

Posted on August 12, 2021 by Sandy Lupton

Got my vaccinations and we’ve been enjoying the summer. So glad to be back out in the world again. This one expresses that joy… Golden’s Fluid Acrylics and liquid frisk. Shout out to https://wyanne.podia.com/ for the amazing classes I’ve been taking. (Sold)

hippy hippy shake

Posted on July 6, 2014 by Sandy Lupton

Hippy Hippy Shake – Altered and Embellished Jeans class
Art & Soul Retreat, Virginia Beach
september 29 – october 5, 2014

It’s hard to believe that summer is half over already! In just a few months it will be time to pack up and head to Virginia Beach for the Art & Soul Retreat! It is absolutely my favorite artful adventure of the year! Where else could you find so many like-minded folks to play with?

The week is filled to the brim with fun! Artists come from all over the world to teach classes on everything from metal to fiber. The students flock in from all over too — to learn from the best, meet the art stars, commune with friends and party on! In the past I have taken classes on wig making, still life, mixed media, soldering, landscapes, assemblage, mold making, 3D animals and more.

This year I even get to teach! I am getting so excited! I’ve been working up lots of samples for my Hippy Hippy Shake Altered and Embellished Jeans class. The jeans are taking on a life of their own — with each layer of color and texture, they become more amazing! Just further proof that “more is more!”

I got my posse to help me out by trying the techniques on their own jeans– and of course, each of them went in an entirely different direction with their pair. Kat (the amazing fiber artist) went straight for applique and embroidery. Terri did an awesome image of a lion on hers so that she can rock them this fall at the ODU Monarchs football games. Julie went sweet boho-style with lots of patches and Jill threw caution to the wind with brightly colored mermaids covering the entire pair! She recently rocked them at a Journey concert and they got rave reviews!

The class promises to be tons of fun and your embellished jeans are sure to become a family heirloom! Come on out and get your groove on!

precious…

Posted on March 29, 2014 by Sandy Lupton

CLASS: PRECIOUS METAL CLAY SILVER / TEACHER: CINDY QUESENBERRY

LOCATION: RAWLS MUSEUM ARTS, COURTLAND, VA.

Precious Metal Clay is absolute magic in a tiny package. A little lump of gray mush that, when fired, turns into fine silver in any shape you choose.

I tried a Precious Metal Clay class about 10 years ago but found it daunting (and sticky). This class was different! Cindy is a great teacher and we had a blast. She made it easy. We talked about what we each wanted to make and she helped us engineer it. Every student in class made several really nice pieces!

Roll it out super thin, add texture, cut into shape, dry, clean, fire, patina and polish. Add a necklace or bracelet finding and voila! Gorgeous jewels!

WHAT I LEARNED: Precious Metal Clay is a serious sculpting medium. You can make the most intricate carvings and capture the tiniest details. It is a bit spendy, so the class is a bargain! I think I will keep taking the class instead of buying the tools, kiln and supplies. Cindy has so many options for textures and she is so generous with her findings, tools and encouragement that it makes it more than worthwhile. You could take her class over and over and make something new each time.

WHAT I LOVED: I love wearing my PMC jewels. I get tons of compliments. The class was nice and relaxed with some chat time during firing… a great day! Thanks to Jillybean for sharing some photos.