New Classes at Art Lounge on 101

I will be teaching two more classes at the Art Lounge on 101 in October and November. I hope some of you can join me for folding fun and a new structure. Sign up on the website:

http://artloungeon101.com/

I am teaching The Road to Spring on October 29 from 10-1 and a new structure called Taking Flight on November 18 from 1-3 PM at 816 South Coast Hwy 101 in Encinitas, across from the Lumberyard. It is a roomy space with lots of natural light that is good for folding. Below are pictures of the books we will be making.

Enjoy!

-Gina

The Road to Spring folded book.

Taking Flight-crane book.

Several examples of this structure.

A Lifetime of Collecting

I don't know about you, but I have been a collector all my life. I remember finding shells and crystals at Lake Ontario with friends as a child. Whenever I am near a beach I still like to look for rocks, shells and sea glass. I even found someone's class ring at the beach once. My hands can't help but pick up interesting bits and pieces. I bring them home, wash and sort them and display them around the house. I have even written poems about collecting. Here is a glimpse at some of my collections.

I hope you treasure your collections too.

-Gina

Crystals from Lake Ontario and the 1970's box they have lived in ever since.

I converted an old watch crystal case into a hub for my various collections. 

Sea glass from my travels displayed in old glass jars.

Glass, pottery and coral from a recent trip to Scotland.

A Poem on Collecting:

Butterflies rest on the rim of a sink

Static blue shells washed free of sand

Ready to fly at the stir of a breeze

They beg for collection in a child's small hand.

Thoughts on Teaching

I have been a teacher for many years. I was once a science and art teacher at a school for the deaf in Massachusetts. I taught art classes at my kids elementary school and more recently book arts classes in San Diego and Tacoma have been my focus. It is always a learning experience to teach a group of people a new concept. I am looking forward to more of these experiences.

Here are some pictures of my student's hands folding paper in our Road to Spring workshop from Saturday's class at the Art Lounge on 101.  I just love expressive hands folding paper.

Enjoy!