lisa engelbrecht

Plaques Sticks and more at Jenny's Crescendoh space

2012-01-17T07:09:00.000-08:00

SO MUCH FUN!
In a beautiful airy space at the Santora Arts Building in Santa Ana we convened to write beautiful brush letters on signs and branches. Thank you so much to Jenny Doh for hosting this laid back art making day. Look at this 'Listen' by Jenny herself! Check out more pictures on my flickr site HERE!

TA DA! MY NEW 2012 SCHEDULE!

2012-01-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

AT LAST
I have finally typed out my teaching schedule for 2012. I am so excited to be asked to teach at these wonderful venues- best-job-ever! I have tried to put accurate links but you never know, you may have to google -thanks to all of you that are my friends-I hope to see you in my travels!

NEW NEW SCHEDULE for LISA
for 2012!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 Jenny Doh and Crescendoh Class, SANTA ANA, CA 8:30-5 INTENTION PLAQUES AND STICKS-yes spots still available!Contact: www.crescendoh.com

SUNDAY-TUESDAY JANUARY 29, 30, 31 1-4 PM Sakura Demonstration-ANAHEIM,CA Introducing New Calligrapher pens at THE CRAFT HOBBY ASSOCIATION SHOW,Booth 844-come visit if you’re attending! Anaheim, CA
Contact: www.craftandhobby.org/

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2- CLUB ETSY NIGHT AT THE CRAFT AND FOLK ART MUSEUM! *(CAFAM) LOS ANGELES,CA 7:00-9:00pm Free program! Hand lettered journals Etsy Craft Night: 5814 Wilshire Boulevard (at Curson)Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 9374230 www.cafam.org

SATURDAY,FEBRUARY 18- 7:30-9:30 $25 Shimmer and Sparkle Versals,
MINI CLASS AT LETTERS CALIFORNIA STYLE , POMONA, CA Kellogg Conference Center, Pomona CA ( You need not be a conference participant to attend! www.societyforcalligraphy.org

SATUDAY, FEBRUARY 25- 10-4 GRAFFITTI INSPIRED HAND LETTERING, WESTMINSTER,CA Art Supply Warehouse, Westminster, CA in the Catalyst space next door to the store www.artsupplywarehouse.com

THURSDAY OR FRIDAY, MARCH 22,23 CRAFTCATION-INDY BUSINESS & DIY CONFERENCE, Ventura, CA Hand Lettering Nametags-more info to follow http://www.craftcationconference.com/

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 31-APRIL2 CLAS WORKSHOP- RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA ( Carolina Letter Arts Society) Raleigh, North Carolina - Letterista Style Lettering-Creating a Fabric Hand Lettered Book The workshop will be Saturday and Sunday, March 31 – April 1, 2012.Meet & Greet on the Friday night (March 30th).CONTACT: Elizabeth Simmonds 4meracts@bellsouth.net

SATURDAY,& SUNDAY JUNE 2-3 CREATE MIXED MEDIA RETREAT , IRVINE,CA
SATURDAY, JUNE 2 Letterista Style Lettering 9-4
SATURDAY, JUNE2 Thoroughly Modern Script NEW CLASS!
SUNDAY, JUNE 3 Shimmer and Bling Necklace 9-12
ALSO a vendor event to be announced soon
Hyatt Regency Irvine, Registration open now! Contact www.cvent.com/events/create-mixed-media-retreat-irvine-2012

SUNDAY-SATURDAY JUNE 17-23 GHOST RANCH, ABIQUIU, NEW MEXICO THOROUGHLY MODERN SCRIPT ( NEW WEEK LONG CLASS!) My first time teaching at this magical place!
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW Contact www.ghostranch.org

AUGUST 27-SEPT 2 BURNING MAN

SATURDAY-SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8-9, FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, THE ARTISTS NOOK at
SCRAP 2 IT, Northern Colorado’s best Mixed media and collage store Class Details coming soon Contact and register online www.theartistsnook.net (970) 416-1148
artistsnook@comcast.net

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23 SOCIETY FOR CALLIGRAPHY MINI CLASS AND PRESENTATION Details of class to follow San Fernando Regional Contact Jann Marks callijann@aol.com

SATURDAY, SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3,4 HOUSTON, TEXAS HOUSTON CALLIGRAPHY GUILD Class details to follow soon Contact lynnayres49@gmail.com

SATURDAY-SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9-11 SAN DIEGO, CA San Diego Fellow Calligraphers Class details coming soon! Contact www.sdfconline.com

and in 2013
MAY 7-9 NORTH SUBURBAN NEEDLE ARTS GUILD, CHICAGO, IL Handlettering on Fabric, Watercolor Look Flowers on Fabric
MAY 7-Presentation The Journay of a Renegade Artist
Contact Sue Babbs suebabbs@comcast.net

MR. BRAINWASH AND ME!

2012-01-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

Oh yes-its me and Thierry-the same one in Exit Through the Giftshop- a film by Banksy. Mr. Brainwash took over a building in LA last week and I was there! Every floor was bombed and arted up and it was fantastic

So there were letters everywhere-Seventh Letter crew all over
Giant 10 foot high icons with the famous marilyn hair-I have way more pics on my Flickr site here

OH aand my new schedule is on its way-LOOK OUT Houston and Colorado! Im coming your way in 2012!

Oh WHAT a great blogpost from jane LaFazio-and a Great Giveaway!

2012-01-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

OH MY! Its 2012!!

Well-there are a ton of things to blog bout-Me and Mr. Brainwash, The Occupy the Rose Parade, my newest schedule but for right now go to my friend Jane's blogpost about WHAT MAKES A GOOD TEACHER Leave a comment and you could win this giveaway of all this cool stuff! Go ! NOW!!

INTENTIONS-What are yours?

2011-12-30T17:55:00.000-08:00

COMING VERY SOON!
Intentions Plaques Class at Jenny Dohs!
Saturday, January 14th, 2012!

here is My very first teaching gig if 2012

(Look for a grand announcement of my new teaching schedule very soon!)
here is the full description from the Crescendoh website!
Intention Plaques & Sticks
with Lisa Engelbrecht
1-Day Workshop on Saturday, January 14, 2012
in Studio CRESCENDOh

Join Lettering Artist Lisa Engelbrecht to create gorgeous lettered wooden plaques and lettered sticks. You might just need one word to get you started with the process of lettering onto wood ... like begin, create, dream ... or maybe you might need to a reminder of the artist you are ... maybe outlaw, provocateur, renegade, or rebel. In this class, where everyone can be a calligrapher, Lisa will teach you an easy beautiful free and loopy script which can be written with a pointed brush or a pointed pen. Using wood plaques and found sticks and twigs, we prime and color with gesso and acrylics. Students will write their words of intention and then create a unique wire hanger for the plaques or wrap the sticks with colorful fibers. Twine and ribbon wrappings may be included. To finish off the words, colored pencil scribbles will give bright fillings to the spaces in between the letters. Lively discussion of our current state of creativity will inspire us to make a several in one day!
There will be a LOT of fun and laughing!
Sign up Now!

AND WE HAVE A WINNER! JANET!

2011-12-14T10:48:00.001-08:00

Yeah yeah it is way past the Dec 10 deadline-but here is the random choice winner of JIll Berry's book!Its Janet of Friday Harbor AKA Taiqi! BUT I need Janet to email me her address in the next day or so-if no response all names go back in the hopper-sorry-I didnt get her email! ( Heres mine Janet! lengelbrecht@earthlink.net-)
We are so pleased at the response that I will be doing more giveaways!Maybe even a Christmas giveaway!

Big news comin' about-My class at Jenny doh's space, Ghost Ranch, Create! I will be blogging soon! THANKS YOU GUYS! Im so amazed at my friends in cyberspace!

IT S A BOOK GIVEAWAY FROM MY FRIEND JILL BERRY!

2011-12-05T13:17:00.000-08:00

Hey! Here's a new book I think you'll like! My friend and Author calligrapher artist Jill Berry has created a unique book for artsy cartophiles! Heres a bit of a description AND check out Jill's SITE HERE to see more images from the book!

You don't have to be a world traveler or a professional cartographer to embark on a grand journey of self-discovery through mapmaking. Personal Geographies gives you the tools and techniques you'll need to create artful maps of your self, your experiences and your personal journey. Chart the innermost workings of your mind, document your artistic path and create an unfolding maze of your future dreams and goals.

Inside Personal Geographies you'll discover:

21 mixed-media map projects featuring artistic techniques like working with alcohol inks and pochoir, painting on a black surface and carving custom stamps
Insight into the world of traditional and contemporary maps and how they relate to and inspire personal mapmaking
A gallery of maps by contributors from around the world to spark your own creativity
From mapping your head, hands and heart to recording powerful memories or experiences, the maps in Personal Geographies are a gateway into the fascinating and meaningful world of you.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN AN ABSOLUTELY FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK? Im sure you would-just post a comment below with your email and if you live in the USA I will pick a winner (by Saturday Dec 10) to have this book sent to you!

30 DAYS OF DRAWING FROM MY FRIEND TRACI BUNKERS!

2011-12-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

Hey! as Im packing up the terrariums and new necklaces for the craft fair tonight ( www.uptownvillagemarket.com)I thought Id share with you my friend Traci's 30 days of drawing event! I think I could do this! check out her site -its full of fun tutorials and ideas!so click here to go to her site!

UPTOWN VILLAGE CRAFT MARKET IS THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY!

2011-11-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

YES ITS THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY DAY! Go to the website here for all the details! Its going to be a blast... 60 vendors inside a repurposed furniture store, live music , cocktails and opening on the First Fridays event in Bixby Knolls-tons of neato stores and art. Sorry to all of you outside this ares-but I think this will be a wonderful event for everyone in soCAl to attend! I will have the usual letterista stuff and be signing books but wait for it... also Terrariums and Bonsai! So buy handmade and support your local artist by gifting these lovely items!

UPTOWN VILLAGE MARKET THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY!

2011-11-29T13:18:00.000-08:00

NEW COOL INDOOR CRAFT MARKET-COME VISIT ME !
Here's just a couple pics of all the wonderful things I will be selling in Long Beach this Friday. I will have books of course and other letterista things-but also Terrariums and Bonsai! Here is the website with the directions-it coincides with First Fridays in Bixby Knolls -which is a super neat open stores walk with lots of live music and shopping. There will be over 60 vendors, live music and bar-support local and handmade and have a great evening out! ( Sorry for those of you not in the SoCAl area!)

SPECIAL BLACK FRIDAY! Sign up now for the Intentional plaques class!

2011-11-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

Hey -local peeps If you were interested in signing up for my Intentional Plaques Class on January 14th in Santa Ana Jenny's offering $10 off coupon today on her website! You'll need to click on the editor's letter tab. Go here for more pictures and a description too!

THANK you and Check out Jill Berry's work!

2011-11-18T16:28:00.000-08:00

AWESOME! Thanks to all of you who checked out my blog yesterday and a big ups to those of you who ordered stuff! Now you simply must check out Jill Berry's Geo papers-simply wonderful mark making and watercolors. Go to http://jillberrydesign.com/blog/

MY TURN! -The great Art Spark Tutorial begins now!

2011-11-16T20:42:00.000-08:00

EXPERIMENTAL INITIALS

HERE WE GO! I’m going to share with you the super easy way to create cool Experimental initials.

First-using a Micron Pigma pen or any medium point black pen write an initial quickly. Overlap the strokes and get artist-y and sketchy-maybe even don't lift your pen from the paper

Here Ive overlapped the strokes and even gone back over them-creating spots to color in

Using glittery gel pens fill in a couple spots-here i’ve used the super neato Sparkling pens from Signo- you can get them from Jet pens.com -or you can order the kit from me below!
Ive used the gold and pink and blended them together

Then onto adding the Signo Angelic colors-these are super opaque and really nice on black as you will see! Ive also added some Stickles dots-any glitter glue will do-but I like the dimensionality of the Stickles! Don't color in every space- you’re looking for a stained glass effect!

Heres the final product...now lets try it on black paper!

Same deal on the letters-as above but Ive used the Sakura Calligrapher gold pen in large size for the strokes part

again the Signo Sparkling is added and blended ( any glittery gels would work just fine here too)

The Signo opaques are added

The final product with the Stickles-Voila!

OK- OK- I know you want to have a kit full of these pens to make your own initials! so Ive packaged them up just for you- This special package contains a Micron Pigma pen, a Gold Calligrapher pen, A Sparkling Pen and an Angelic pen in random colors. You can order this now on my website RIGHT HERE!( where, ahem... you can also order my book that features this technique!) The low price of $ 22 per kit includes shipping and 4 quarter page pieces of Black Art Again paper and 4 Sheets of Bristol paper to begin creating immediately! MY website is right here!

Kelli's Tutorial today and Its ME! tomorrow!

2011-11-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

We are mid way through an amazing Blog roll-full of fun fun tutorials all week and more! Today Its Kelli Perkins with the cutest spool garlands-Click on the above title to take you there right now-oh and if youve missed any of them go down a couple posts and click away-the colors dont show but you can click on them for fun times....tomorrow its me with experimental Initials-stay tuned-dont touch that dial!

Oh the Blog hop is on!

2011-11-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

CHECK OUT LYRIC'S BLOG AND ORNAMENT HOW TO!
Day two of ARTSPARK's winter tutorial blog hop features artist Lyric Kinard.
http://lyrickinard.blogspot.com/2011/11/glitter-glisten-glimmer-beaded-ornament.html
She shows you how to make a lovely little beaded ornament to hang on your tree, in your window, or if you're feeling wild, on your rearview mirror!

AND YOU MAY BE ASKING YOURSELF...just what is a Blog Hop anyways? Wellll its talented beyond belief artists sharing and combining their strengths-every day a new blog and artist to check out! Im coming up next week on the 17th! stay tuned and stay hoppin

HOLIDAY CARDS THIS WEEKEND AT ART SUPPLY WAREHOUSE IN WESTMINSTER

2011-11-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

Its this Saturday! I apologize to all my friends out of the area=-this will be fun! -Its from 10-1 at the Art Supply Warehouse in Westminster. I will be teaching Gothic and a fun casual scripty style that anyone can do-here are a few samples-we'll add stickles and glitter and bling -oh my! So... all supplies included and its $45. You can sign up on line ( go to the Catalyst tab) or even call to sign up!

ITS TIME FOR A FUN FREE TUTORIAL ROLL!

2011-11-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

Artspark Winter Tutorial Bloghop

Are you ready!!!!??? The fabulous ladies at Artspark begin our winter round of free tutorials for you to follow. You don't want to miss this!
JUST CLICK HERE AND FOLLOW THE ROLL!
Im up on the 17th-but dont miss the fun before me!
oh and just cruise these blogs-they are such amazing women!

November 9:: Jane LaFazio Sketch & Stitch Gift Bags
November 10: Lyric Kinard Glitter, Glisten, Glimmer: Beaded Snowflake Ornament
November 11: Tracie Lyn Huskamp
November 12: Melanie Testa
November 13: Traci Bunkers Moldable Foam Stamps
November 14: Diana Trout Japanese-Style Fabric Wrap(Furoshiko)
November 15: Judy Perez Folk Art Inspired Ornament

November 16: Kelli Nina Perkins Whimsical Spool Garland
November. 17: Lisa Engelbrecht Experimental Lettering

November 18: Jill Berry Geo Papers and Projects
November 19: Gloria Hansen Resizing an Image

OLYMPIA, JOURNALFEST AND THE GREAT NORTHWEST!

2011-11-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

Ahhh-back to normal almost after a 10 day trip to Seattle-It all started with a visit to my daughters Kristin and Sarah and grandkitty Cairo-and then on to Olympia and the wonderful workshop organized by the awesome Kathy Peterson ( her amazing work apron above!) -more on her later! Her Husband Jim and she hosted me for a grand dinner of steelhead trout and amazing wine-look at Flickr for all these pics-fortunately Kathy had organized the entire workshop and wow am I super grateful. This is only my first post about this trip -but alllll the pics are up there at the ol Flickr site-from Olympia to Journalfest to Sheriffs class-please go check it out!More to come!
OH and this Saturday please come to Art supply Warehouse in Westminster for a fast fun Card class from 10-1-all supplies included and I'll teach you Gothic Christmas style lettering and funky script to make those cards that will impress all!We'll also play with stamps and a bit of bling-hope to get samples up soon! go to their site to sign up NOW!

WILD WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA

2011-10-12T10:15:00.001-07:00

MORE MORE much more to come-but wanted to let you know that my pictures of West virginia awesome workshop are now up and running-back o crazed life and running as fast as I can-captions and deets to follow soon! Check out the ol flickr account www.flickr.com/photos/25736261@N00/ -

Oh and playing with the layout of the blog-will fix title soon as I figure it out!

HOPE"S NEST AWARDS ME A GRANT!

2011-10-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to announce that Hope's Nest has awarded a grant to continue the Letter Arts Classes at the LA Sheriff's Leadership Academy! The Awesome Lonnie Lardner is one of the founders and visited one of the classes Carolyn Canonico and I gave there and facilitated the grant-WOW! Im so happy because these kids are so hungry for letters and art and Im gonna give it to them! I have all sorts of ideas for this and its just the first piece in my grafitti diversion plan. BIG UPS to Carolyn for making this happen and not giving up on it! Thanks too to Mr. Newman their teacher for the support-I'll post results soon! Heres a couple pics

SO Im off to WEST VIRGINIA!
WOW again-I am so excited to return there-some of the nicest people I have ever met live there and Its gonna be a wild weekend! Watch for reports! Packing right now... whats that weight limit again?

AND Im approaching 1000 friends on Facebook ( are you my friend? ) I am cooking up big doins there for that magical number-a big giveaway and more-so stay tuned!!

AN AFFAIR! and JOURNALFEST!

2011-09-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

ITS TRUE! The lovely bikes Magenta Divine and Mr. Miyata have begun a bit of an affair. Here they are spotted at a house in Long Beach thisclose! We wish them the very best-a very cute couple!

and...
JOURNALFEST!
OCT 27-30

I have to tell you I am so excited to teach at this event at the end of October. This is an event tailor made for Journalers ( although everyone is welcome!) and features the best in viual journaling instruction and inspiration. It is held at Port Townsend in Washington State-about 1 1/2 hours from Seattle. Its a lovely lovely time of year to visit this area-and the classes! I will be teaching SHIMMER AND BLING-all sorts of ways to created shiny sparkly things and backgrounds-foils, gold leaf and some exciting new discoveries I have made-Love that shiny stuff! and also teaching LETTERISTA STYLE LETTERING-if you havent signed on to the Letterista movement heres your chance-its not stuffy or hardcore calligraphy-just fun and easy and totally cool-come join the fun! You need to sign up here at Teesha Moore's website but theres still space at all the accomodations and classes , I would love to have you join me !

ASW CLASS SUCCESS ! PLUS SHERIFFS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY STUDENTS ROCK FUNKY LETTERS!

2011-09-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

WHOA! a big week of letters and flowers-starting with the amazing kids at the Sheriffs Leadership Academy-Carolyn and I taught them cool lettering and they were so into it! Im hoping to make this a regular gig-I am hoping to announce soon some big plans concerning these artists!
AND THEN

on the weekend I taught at Art Supply Warehouse the simple Watercolor flowers that anyone can do and again-WHOA look at these results!
GO NOW and look at the pics here on my Flickr Site

THERES so much happening now I am so excited and happy-I love that you check in and check out my stuff
LIFE IS GOOD!

WATERCOLOR FLOWERS RETURN TO ART SUPPLY WAREHOUSE!

2011-08-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Here we go again! By popular demand I will be teaching this Saturday at Art Supply Warehouse' Catalyst space (in Westminster)those watercolor flowers!The above photos are from students in the beginning class! And yes if you've taken this class before-I will also be offering a second part of these lovely flowers-more instruction on groupings and design , also adding bling and the best of all flowers the Rose! be sure to call today to reserve your space at ASW-the Beginning class is from 10-1, the second part from 2-5, do one or both! They are $40 each and all supplies included! This includes a great packet of reference handouts for further study at home. and yes-you can do this!Its super easy!

LONG BEACH QUILT FEST AND ART UNRAVELED PICTURES

2011-08-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

YES! I am still recovering from my whirlwind two weeks-first the Long Beach Quilt Show and then to Phoenix for the 9th annual Art Unraveled. PLEASE check out the pictures on my flickr site-click the title above. My students were amazing-I loved every minute! The above Mother of Pearl pen was a gift( !) from wonderful Melissa and the other pictures are just a small sampling of the work done-much more on site! There was an Art Smackdown and you can see the challenge pieces there too-mine was cringe inducing

LETTERISTA STYLE AT ART SUPPLY WAREHOUSE!

2011-07-22T23:16:00.000-07:00

Two quick but fun sessions at Art Supply Warehouse created these results! I loved meeting new artists and seeing old friends! Its getting to be a habit at Art Supply Warehouse's Catalyst space-I love it-its so close to me and I adore rebecca and all the gang that work there! Go see all the photos at my Flickr site here!

Oh and By the Way -heres a super secret announcement-I'll be teaching back at ASW at the end of August ( actually Saturday, August 27! )-Its the return of Watercolor flowers! I'll be doing two sessions -Beginners in the morning and part two -for those who have taken the class before or people from the morning who want to continue will be in the afternoon. You can sign up now
Art Supply Warehouse is located in Westminster! you can check out their website here and also sign up on line!

FRIENDS OF CALLIGRAPHY 5 DAY RETREAT! IN BEAUTIFUL BERKELEY

2011-07-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

FINALLY I AM BLOGGING ABOUT THE MOST WONDERFUL 5 DAY CLASS IN BERKELEY EVER!

My internet has now been restored ( 14 days! no thanks to DSL Extreme thank you not so much) I was HONORED to be asked to teach for five glorious days in Berkeley for the Friends of Calligraphy. We lettered our heads off -morning scriptoriums of modern Romans no less -then Black letter-and then in the afternoons we painted and played and added fabric and collage and stitchery. I tell you-this class was amazing-Carla Tenret set it all up in the International House on the Berkeley campus so it ran so smoothly...every day we had fresh bakery thanks to the amazing Laura Bernabei.. Dorothy Yuki provided 3 sewing machines, irons and tons of designer fabric-so yummy.

My new friends, The artists created books from their creations and you have to go see them at my Flickr page-14 pages of em! Everyone of these artists contributed their talents and gifts...Thanks so much to David Winkler who housed and transported me-his house was so beautiful and neat! This was something a bit foreign to me-so I appreciated the calm and beauty of his place-I got out and ran a bit-the hills are ubiquitous!

Lily and Charles Stevenson treated me to dinner at His Lordships-right on the bay literally-the wind surfers not 20 feet away. Weather was perfect! Thanks so much too to Meredith Klein for everything and also to Elena for the ride at the crack of dawn!

Oh and there are still a few openings for Letterista style letters at the Art Supply warehouse this Saturday!

LETTERISTA STYLE COMES TO THE ART SUPPLY WAREHOUSE JULY 16TH!

2011-07-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

AVOID CARMEGGEDON AND PLAY WITH LETTERS!

I'll be teaching Letterista Style lettering at the Catalyst space at Art Supply Warehouse in Westminster on Saturday July 16th. There will be two sessions-the morning from 10-1 and also from 2-5 pm. Its only $40 and ALL supplies are included,we'll be playing with Parallel pens and Uni Posca and many more! What is Letterista Style lettering you might ask? Its a sweet mash up of traditional lettering styles and new freestyle letters anyone can make! ( yes you!)

Please sign up at the website here or call Art supply Warehouse directly-last class sold out...I dont want you to be disappointed!and yes we are working on the sequel watercolor flowers class at ASW! This is a great space if you havent been-located right next to the best art store ever!Hope to see you there ( If youre close!)

I wish I could put up some samples=-but my internet is down -Go to my Flickr site at the right and as soon as I can I will post some pics!

ART SAVES IS ALMOST HERE!

2011-06-16T16:58:00.000-07:00

The wonderful Jenny Doh has assembled 20 of her favorite friends ( I am so lucky to be in that number!) and each one has designed a special project and also talks about his or her motivations for making art and how art can change the world! I think its going to be a beautiful book and I can't wait to see it! It officially goes on sale July 4th-but you can preorder it on Jennys site and $5 of your purchase will go to charity!
go to www.crescendoh.com

Oh and there smore Jenny news of things to come! A new line of tattoo inspired stamps by me! and a class by me at her home studio November 5th!

I'm off to Zinnia tomorrow ( cool craft store in Pasadena) with two of my favorite Art Girls-Midge and Alison visiting from FLA! Meanwhile Im preparing frantically for my retreat to Berkeley and the Friends of Calligraphy next week-cant wait!

LOS ANGELES SHERIFFS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASS

2011-06-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

I was so honored to accompany Carolyn Canonico to teach at the Sheriffs Leadership Academy in Watts a couple weeks ago. These kids are students at the academy because they have special challenges and are given the opportunity to learn in a unique environment. We taught them basic black letter and they LOVED it! This was such a great chance for me to again realize how my Letterworks Graffiti Diversion program can work in these places. In only two hours these teens did a fantastic job and wanted more of us and lettering-their eyes bugged out when I told them what lettering artists and graphic designers make- hourly-maybe giving them a little thought in the back of their mind of what lettering can lead them to. I have a ton more pics on my flickr site ( scroll past my French boys, thats another post!) I am working on getting this program going in the LBC-Councilman Andrews is a fan and I want this to happen-look for a Kickstarter drive very soon!

An Awesome Tattoo for Kelli Perkins!

2011-06-03T00:10:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! My friend Kelli had my design tattooed on her arm and It turned out perfect! I was a little afraid as it was a quick turn around and its like, forever and all -but whoa did it turn out NICE! -you Have to go see the entire post on her blog that details this process-go to www.ephemeralalchemy.blogspot.com
and while there-you might as well check out her art because she is awesome-you might have seen her work in Cloth Paper Scissors or her book Stitch Alchemy-heres her gallery site www.kelliperkins.blogspot.com

I am almost tempted to do it too-who knows! I will post some pics of it on the website and hey yeah if you need a tattoo design-Im your Gal! contact me at www.lisaengelbrecht.com!

THE LETTERISTA T SHIRTS ARE HERE!

2011-05-27T10:30:00.001-07:00

WHAT IS LETTERISTA STYLE?

What does it mean to write in Letterista style? well-it’s a sweet mash up of traditional calligraphy gone wild, modern takes and innovations on old styles of lettering, and writing on fabric!

I’ve coined the term Letterista style to describe my take on calligraphy-
rebellious, different and definitely not by the rules. ( Although I bow to the gods Marsha and Larry B.!)

ANYONE CAN BE A LETTERISTA!
and embrace our style by wearing the shirt. If you are a rebel, an outsider, if you’re not one that likes to follow the rules, congratulations! ... you are a Letterista

Revolutionary, Defiant, Current
( I have to admit I was a bit inspired by the Sandinista party from Nicaragua, a socialist party that overthrew the military junta of their country in 1979)

And, Yes Guys can be Letteristas too!

AND NOW YOU CAN REPRESENT WITH THE NEW LETTERISTA T-SHIRT!

This LIMITED EDITION shirt was lovingly hand screened by my friend Neal ( available for T-shirt printing at blue-dot@mindspring.com)I designed the Letterista logo influenced by one of my graff heroes Chaz Bojorquez. The shirts are printed on on heavy duty Haitian cotton black shirts
This edition of shirts is pretty small- so order quickly-I hope to make a new Letterista logo with each printing-so dare I say these could be collectors items!

HEY GALS! These tees are perfect for tricking out with a bit of braiding, slashing and trimming. Here’s a sample above of what you can do-Look for the You tube video from me on this technique soon! Its really pretty simple to do!

INTRODUCTORY PRICE is only $14 ( plus $4.95 for priority mail ) LA Locals can pick up shirts at various events and classes I will be attending! ( Annual General Meeting, Orange County Society for Calligraphy’s Potluck June 4, etc.) so no shipping fee-only the $14! What a deal! Be the first on your block!
Please email me with your order ( lengelbrecht@earthlink.net)- or order on my website www.lisaengelbrecht.com

AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE LETTERISTA MOVEMENT!

BY THE WAY!
My book is now available for download to your iPad or iPhone ( Go to the app store) OR download the Kindle edition at Amazon .com ( I haven’t seen these-let me know what you think!) It’s a Brave New World!

FLOWERS CLASS AT ART SUPPLY WAREHOUSE!

2011-05-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

AMAZING FLOWER ARTISTS EMERGED YESTERDAY at my Watercolor Flowers class-yes the work above is all done by my fellow artists-and it was only a three hour class-I will return soon to my favorite art store, Art Supply Warehouse soon for more classes-it was so much fun in their new Catalyst space-check out their website for more classes there, WC master Tom Lynch is even teaching there-weekly live drawing classes and more go to www.artsupplywarehouse.com. OH and I included these beautiful roses given to me by my wonderful son Jeff on Mothers DAy!

( MORE IMAGES AT MY FLICKR SITE-CHECK IT OUT!)

COMING SOON! The launch of the teeshirts! Yes you too can become a Letterista!

LETTERISTA STYLE at Unique LA!

2011-05-07T00:11:00.000-07:00

Hello!!
Im officially launching my Letterista Style brand-at the wonderfully cool Unique LA show this Sunday in downtown LA-I'll be at the Craftside/Quarry booth doin names 'ista style. I'll have some cool junk for sale-some new stickers and ta dah...my new Tshirts-Letterista Style. They are hot off the press from the excellent silk screening studio of my friend Neal-if you need some tshirts good and cheap-i mean inexpensive! go to blue-dot@mindspring.com

OH and did I happen to mention my trip to the Art in the Streets show at MOCA? If you are near by run -dont walk to this show at the Geffen MOCA-if you dont live in LA buy a plane or train ticket now! I mean it-its awesome! IF you live far far away-go to my FLICKR ACCOUNT and look at 14 pages of pics. Since I am working on a graffiti diversion program and most of these artists featured have transcended the streets in their own ways it is INCREDIBLE! It also showcases the history of graff and theres an excellent Levis Film workshop inside. I got a private tour from the lovely Deborah-see her shot at the drums at the Os Gemenos installation. She informed me that Banksy hangs out in the gallery after hours with other artists goofing off-theres an incredible stained glass look collab he did with middle schoolers-they didnt know it was Banksy-just some dude! Love it!

Street Art, Flowers and More!

2011-04-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

Whew! Just returned from an awesome show in the LBC-a new gallery called the Collaborative feaured the street artists Perl and Acamonchi!Check out the cool pics on my flickr site ! and then today I went on the Heards Garden Tour and Im so so inspired!
Oh by the way WATERCOLOR FLOWERS CLASS AT ARTSUPPLY WAREHOUSE IS ALMOST SOLD OUT! There are only maybe a couple spaces-call or go there quickly ! Oh and next blog is this-UNIQUE LA NEXT SUNDAY IN DOWNTOWN LA- Where I reveal the new Letterista Style T shirts! and write out mothers day salutations for free! More info soon soon soon!

OH OH! WATERCOLOR FLOWERS CLASS AT ART SUPPLY WAREHOUSE!

2011-04-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

WATERCOLOR FLOWERS SIMPLIFIED! SATURDAY< MAY 14th, 10-1, all supplies included!
Yes Its true-a local Watercolor Flowers Workshop in Westminster, CA ( you dont have to go to Italy for this one!) Here's the description-hope you can join us! ( seating is limited so if you can sign up sooner is better!)

Watercolor Flowers, Simplified!
Even if you've never done watercolor before you will succeed and create beautiful flowers. Begin by learning the basics of Lisa's no fail ” Really Easy” watercolor flower techniques
In this 3 hour class we'll begin with an Introduction to Watercolor Techniques. Leaf basics, petals and flower structure will lay the foundation for flower groupings. All supplies are included and you'll go home with a packet of handouts for further study. Lisa has studied watercolor and florals with Ning Yeh and Sarah Logan and as a professional lettering artist combines Lettering and Flowers into beautiful compositions. Many samples will be displayed and Lisa will be available to sign her book, Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering

Go to the ASW website to sign up-details are going to be up there soon I think
go to www.artsupplywarehouse.com

ARTFEST WRAP UP!

2011-04-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

ITS GONNA BE HARD TO PUT THIS ALL IN ONE POST!
But my trip to Seattle and Artfest in Port Townsend was amazing-I think it best to go to my Flickr site to see all the pics of my colleagues work-the weather was beautiful -the students topknotch, the experience magical. ( ArtFest is the premier alternative arts fest Ive been so lucky to teach at many times!) My classes this time were Catharsis Mark MAking Book , Fabric Paint Party and Pen Addiction. Teesha and Tracy Moore make this event memorable-on Thursday night there was an Iron Chef Artist event-20 artists have 45 minutes and the same supplies to create a masterpiece-poor barbies-mine was decapitated
THANK YOU to all my adventurous artist /students who invite me into their interpretations and creations-what an honor to meet you and work with you. again I pinch myself when I see the artwork-Im so inspired to now make more art-inspired by you all! Oh and I am returning to JOURNALFEST this October-a smaller event there-instead of 500 there are only 150 artists all concentrating on creating the most outrageous journals ever-Im teaching Shimmer and Bling and Letterista Style Lettering ( OH and PSST! howd ya like to buy a brand new Letterista Style Tshirt? ) more info to come...
I Havent even touched on my visit to my daughter part-OK-I promise to Blog more and more-soon soon

AWAY TO ARTFEST!

2011-04-04T00:07:00.000-07:00

Im pretty packed-and excited to wing my way to Washington and ArtFest in beautiful Port Townsend . Of course I'll be seeing my lovelies Sarah and Kristin before and after -but I'll be teaching THREE fun classes-Catharsis-Mark Making Book, Fabric Paint Party and finishing it up with Pen Addiction! Of course there will be plenty of pictures of all this-and I will be participating in the Iron Chef art fest event-Cooking art up. I also have scored a brand new to me bike on Craigs List-Its name is Magenta Divine Free Spirit-once my in house bike mechanic visits it will be in tip top shape! ( My son cracked up at that name-can you imagine?) I saw the color and said sold! Here are also some pictures of my classes.
Please check back as I have exciting news as to a fundraiser for Japan featuring my art and that of many other artists!

IDYLLWILD THIS SUMMER-Escape to the mountains this July!

2011-03-17T00:29:00.000-07:00

There is an amazing arts program in the mountains in Southern California.I was lucky enough to be offered a position there this summer! I will be teaching a 3 day workshop here-Formal to Funky Lettering. This is such a beautiful peaceful place.Click on the headline above to check this class out! The March 15 deadline for a 10% discount for registering and paying in full for a summer workshop has been extended to this Friday, March 18.

The "Early Pay Discount" deadline has been extended! If you register and pay in full on or before this Friday, March 18, you will receive 10% off of your summer workshop tuition.

To register, contact Diane Dennis at 951-659-2171, ext. 2365 or send her an email at summer@idyllwildarts.org.

Check out all of the great programs offered by clicking here: http://www.idyllwildarts.org/summer.html

(Note: If you miss this deadline, you can still save 5% by paying in full by April 15!)

ARTY GRAS THIS SATURDAY AT ART SUPPLY WAREHOUSE!

2011-03-13T22:49:00.001-07:00

ARTY GRAS returns to Art Supply Warehouse! I'll be demonstrating and doing Make and Takes of Hand Lettered Lanterns on Saturday from 10-1. AND its 25% off everything in the store-the sale starts Friday-with demos all three days thru Sunday-and a Mixed Media Arts Showdown on Saturday and Sunday. Come by and say hi! Oh and I fixed my link in the last post to my Flickr account! If you havent seen my Jenny Dohs class pics go now! AND I'll be returning to Jennys for another class on September 10!
Today I met with the most wonderful gals on the Letter California Style conference board-we love each other! And guess what -our little conference has 95 sign ups for next year already-so if you were thinking of going-go to www.societyforcalligraphy.org ASAP!

A MOST WONDERFUL DAY AT THE HOME STUDIO OF JENNY DOH!

2011-03-07T22:19:00.000-08:00

WE CAME out to PLAY WITH ALL THINGS SPARKLY!
The inaugaural workshop at Jenny's beautiful home was amazing-new and old friends-awesome hearts and necklaces enrobed in gold and silver, wonderful food! Oh the time went so fast -we had to book another workshop-this one will be in September-more deets to follow soon! ( this workshop sold out!) Thanks Jenny for letting us invade your space. You can see her blog about the workshop at her site, www.crescendoh.com along with other upcoming workshops and much more! And thanks too for my artists friends who made the day great! Heres just a taste of what we did-more on the Flickr-go to www.flickr.com/photos/25736261@N00/and check it out!

LETTERS CALIFORNIA STYLE!

2011-02-24T23:02:00.001-08:00

A MOST WONDERFUL CONFERENCE IN POMONA!

Oh the fun we had last weekend at the Kellogg Conference Center in Pomona. The Society for Calligraphy has for the last 5 years trucked in 10 very special teachers in all sorts of specialties. For four days we live and breathe letters- exhibits, Brenda's Pen and Ink store, demonstrations and great food. Ive posted my pictures on my flickr-the link on the right! One of the highlights was my friend Rudy, aka KenosOne came with his friend Dies and painted his name graff style-it was the old guard meeting the new-
If your interested in this conference-yes we'll be doing it again next President's WEekend-but hurry to sign up-theres already 84 registrants and we only take 100 participants.heres the link to my pics! www.flickr.com/photos/25736261@N00/

Oh and more Italy info coming soon-time is running out -so if youd like to join me please go to www.adventuresin italy.net

LINK TO SHIMMER AND SPARKLE WORKSHOP!

2011-02-01T16:55:00.000-08:00

OOPS -this will help you find the Shimmer and Sparkle workshop on the Crescendoh website! Go to: http://www.crescendoh.com/shop/workshops/shimmerandsparkle.shtml

ANNOUNCING... A VERY SPECIAL WORSKSHOP!

2011-01-31T19:08:00.000-08:00

THIS IS SO EXCITING!

Shimmer and Sparkle Workshop
Saturday March 5, 2011
Santa Ana, CA

For those of you that have asked me about a local workshop in Southern California-here you go! This will be the very first workshop in a new series of events held in the lovely hoem studio of the wonderful Jenny Doh ( you may know her as the former editor of Somerset Studios et al!) If you havent visited her new spot at www.crescendoh.com you must go there now-Its amazing-there is so much to visit and see and do! Here is the info about the workshop-its gonna rock-I started making these little sparkly heart necklaces ( above) and I couldn't stop-We're cooking up so cool workshop kits and a catered lunch if you'd like-but there's limited space so if you're interested at all please sign up quickly!

Shimmer & Sparkle All-Day Workshop
with Lisa Engelbrecht

Join multi-media artist Lisa Engelbrecht, author of Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering, at the home studio of Jenny Doh on Saturday, March 5, 2011 for a very special all-day class. Lisa will guide us with assorted writing instruments to explore and discover experimental lettering and mark-making. The letters and marks will be incorporated onto canvas, and combined with exciting mixed-media techniques to add special shimmer and sparkle by creating metallic hearts with duo adhesives, foils, double-stick tape, and metallic pens. Students will learn how to create mixed media art quilts and mixed media pendant necklace. For students who need support for any portion of the techniques, Lisa and Jenny will be on hand to provide support.
SCHEDULE:

* Arrive & Settle: 8:30 :: Time for students to arrive, settle in, and grab a cup of coffee.
* Class Segment A: 9:00-12:00 :: Class time with Lisa Engelbrecht who will demonstrate and guide the first part of class.
* Lunch & optional walk: 12:00 PM :: You can choose to brown bag it or decide on a catered lunch option* and then weather permitting, take a walk in a scenic, historic Santa Ana neighborhood and park.
* Class Segment B: 1:00-4:00 PM :: Class time with Lisa Engelbrecht who will demonstrate and guide the second part of class.
* Show & Tell, Clean-Up & Depart: 4:00-5:00 PM

NOTES:

* In order to optimize a quality learning experience, class size is very limited. First come, first served.
* Each student will receive a class kit created by Lisa, which will include basic supplies needed for class. Lisa & Jenny will also have on hand, tools and supplies to share. Students are asked to bring the following items to class:
o Favorite acrylic inks or paints (an assortment from your collection)
o Brushes (an assortment from your collection)
o Gel pens & markers (an assortment from your collection)
o Old T-shirt
o Ziploc bag filled with small fabric scraps (to incorporate into art)
* If you'd like to purchase a catered lunch, please purchase the class with catered lunch option.
* Lisa will have a limited number of original art items on hand for those interested in purchasing her art.
* The class location is in Santa Ana, California. The address will be provided upon purchase of class.
* Due to limited class size, the spot for this class is transferable but payment is non-refundable.

I hope you can join us -if you like shiny things and bling -this is for you!

Un Assiagio di Orvieto ( A taste of Orvieto!)

2011-01-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

One of my main intentions is to taste all the things I couldn't when I was sick last time in Italy! I mean to tell you the opportunities are endless! On our first night there Kristin and Bill treated us to a simple dinner at a lovely family's pizzaria. So light-so delisioso. and that was just the beginning! We had picnics, olive oil tastings,pasta we made ourselves, pigeon (!) -there's a story there! The farmers market just footsteps away was a delight to all the senses.( Full roasted pork!) We wanted it all! The beautiful patio at our convent di Ludovico provided a wonderful break from our work-lively conversations with fellow artists in the shade and fantastic food and drink! Is this heaven? Im so looking forward to this-! One thing I missed while in bed was the vineyard tour-I cant wait-this is included in your trip. My daughter raved about the wine and the setting-and brought two bottles home-Orvieto is world reknowned for its wine!
# Oh but I did go to the dinner ( also included) where we prepared our own four star dinner-( guided by pros natch!) Another amazing event! We created deep fried Zucchini blossom appetizers-from that day's market and made our own fresh pasta-incredible!
# The dining here is divine-and you can go simple with just a pastry ( again to die for!) and a cappuchino while you sit outdoors as you paint watercolor flowers-can we go now please?
#

# YES! Please join me in this incredible adventure!

# PLEASE NOTE The deadline to sign up for this Italy trip is fast approaching! Please go to www.adventuresinitaly.net

Some Flower Pictures-You will do this after my class in Italy!

2011-01-23T19:28:00.000-08:00

Fiori Botanici-My Class in Italy!

2011-01-23T19:14:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be teaching this subject in Italy this May-Watercolor Flowers and Calligraphy! We will have the opportunity to paint on the streets and parks of the tiny unique town of Orvieto-It really looks like the place where Romeo and Juliet would have lived. Flowers are everywhere, cascading down walls and overflowing pots on almost every doorstep-Heres the class description and itinerary

For my second trip I thought, 'What an wonderful opportunity to explore the nature and beauty of plein-air flower painting.'"

Plein-air is a french expression that means “in the open air” and that’s where this workshop will venture - out into the city.
You will begin by learning the basics of Lisa's no fail “Really Easy” watercolor flower techniques in the lovely classroom at our B&B. You will use fresh flowers from the local farmers market to study! Soon you will venture out to the quiet streets and meadows of Orvieto, a classic hilltop town in central Italy. Communal class painting and individual solitary sojourns will spark individual and class critiques.

Midweek Lisa will introduce a simple style of pointed pen lettering you will love - even if you’ve never done calligraphy before. Lisa promises you will succeed at this wonderful art form.

Once you are lettering, you can label your paintings, write flower quotations, and journal your innermost thoughts and feelings.

Lisa is truly excited to share with you this style of painting. You will learn about and paint the semitropical flowers of Orvieto like bougainvillea and wild orchids. You will receive a book of exemplars and samples for further study while you create a floral journal to remember this once-in-a- lifetime trip.

Itinerary
May 15 - Arrive Orvieto, introductions, tour of our B&B, group dinner
May 16 - Morning Studio:
• Introduction to the Idea of flowers
• Basic Watercolor Techniques,
• Leaf basics,
• Beginnings studies in the garden
Afternoon Exploration:
• Introduction to Italian culture, olive oil and wine tasting
in an Etruscan setting
• Walking tour of Orvieto - scouting inspiration
May 17 - Morning Studio:
• Petals and flower structure
• Calyx and leaf groupings
• Plein-air study in nearby meadow
Afternoon Exploration:
• Cooking class - learn to make pasta and other dishes,
and enjoy the fruits of your labors!
May 18 - Morning Studio:
• Lettering introduction
• More flowers
• Plein-air study: individual painting, in-town locations
provided!
• Individual or group critique
Afternoon Exploration:
• Etruscan cave tour
May 19 - Morning Studio:
• Painting in the local market
• Work on floral journal
• Group critique
Picnic lunch with food from the market.
Afternoon Exploration
• Vineyard tour - visit a local vineyard, learn the vintner’s
passion for wine. Sample several wines, including
Orvieto Classico.
May 20 - Morning Studio:
• Fun additions to your compositions including gold!
Afternoon Studio:
• Final details and presentations
May 21 - Depart Orvieto

Oh but time is running out to sign up for this once in a lifetime trip-my next blog I will feature my companion on my first Italy trip-my daughter Krisitn-who will clue you in as to how the companion tour works-so you can bring your lover, partner, friend, significant other too! Go now to www.adventuresinitaly.net or email Kristin or Bill at info@adventuresinitaly.net

Il convento di San Ludovico

2011-01-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

THE CONVENT AT SAN LUDOVICO!
Continuing my festival of all things Italy-I'd like to tell you about the wonderful accomodations in Orvieto-where my weeklong class will be held in Italy in May-Giant doors open to a quiet courtyard bordered by trees and gardens. I felt immediately the sense of place that pervades this lovely convent. Its guest rooms are newly refurbished-bathrooms modern and giant windows open to the beautiful views of the Italian village and countryside. It is incredibly quiet and peaceful. I spent many hours watching out my windows at the birds swooping nearby and though it wasnt my choice to stay in my room all the time that I did ( I was pretty sick at that time!) it was a time that I could rest and restore-and I look so forward to this again! The nuns take incredible care of you -and breakfast is held daily in a dining room adorned with ancient frescoes. Everywhere there are beautiful paintings and sculptures, a small chapel and a stations of the cross garden where I spent time painting flowers-and where I think we will spend our plein air study for part of our workshop-just beautiful! The room where our workshop is held is bright and airy and has all we need for our creative work-again surrounded by flowers. The town of Orvieto is another blog that will come soon!

SPECIAL NOTICE! I will be featuring my daughter Kristin as my guest blogger -she was my companion and she will tell you about the Discover Orvieto portion of her trip as my guest!
PLEASE NOTE The deadline to sign up for this Italy trip is fast approaching! Please go to www.adventuresinitaly.net

Il mio ritorno in Italia ( A Five day adventure!)

2011-01-12T23:09:00.000-08:00

AHHH! A return for me to the beautiful country of Italy-I've decided to make it a festival of sorts on my Blog and website-if you go to my website www.lisaengelbrecht.com you'll be treated to Italian Love songs in the background! I will be returning to Italy in May and the deadline for you to join me on this excellent adventure is approaching quickly! I don't want to have you left out. I will be teaching a Five Day class called Fiori Botanici, a watercolor flowers and calligraphy adventure. We'll be learning many things in this class-and I will have a 'theme' for each day of my Italy fest here-but today I want to focus on the adventure itself.
I think of the leap of faith made by Elizabeth Gilbert in the wonderful " Eat Pray Love". Not knowing the language, or really anyone in the country she traveled to Italy. After my big year I find its essential to my spirit to maintain this sense of adventure and spontaneity. I would love to share this with you ( and your partner too!) Words can't really describe this country and Orvieto-the town where we will settle is the quintessential small Italian village-flowers and cobblestones and a sense of peace that you rarely find. Have you been thinking of going? I do hope you'll consider this trip-it truly is going to be once in a lifetime! Please go to www.adventuresinitaly.net for even more beautiful pictures and consider leaping with me-it's going to be great!

Ohhhh-Free Books! and you can win too!

2010-12-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

This is so cool-I put up a list of very cool books from Chronicle and then they *MIGHT* choose me and one of my readers to win this haul-for the Haulidays-HA HA=Get it?Oh you have to comment below to have a chance at winning!

Heres my listo!

Creative Time: The Book:

Permanence: Tattoo Portraits by Kip Fulbeck

Street Sketchbook: Inside the Journals of International Street and Graffiti Artists

Indie Craft

Stencil 101 Journal

Gig Posters Volume I: Rock Show Art of the 21st Century
Quirk Books

Subway Art: 25th Anniversary Edition

Young Guns 6 and The Undiscovered Letter

Street Sketch Book-Journeys-looks cool
The Exquisite Book- a collab of many artists-this looks very cool-how can you go wrong wiht DaveEggers?
David Choe-He so crazy ( but so so talented!)
Pictorial Websters-all the neato drawings from the dictionary with out the pesky words and all
AIGA Year in Design-the top of toppermost graphic designers compete here
Cult Streetwear-thats what I would like the Letterworks project dudes and dudettes to do

Made & Sold: Toys, T-shirts, Prints, Zines, and Other Stuff

More Things Like This

Art by Tattooists: Beyond Flash

Dan Eldon: The Art of Life

Urgent 2nd Class: Creating Curious Collage, Dubious Documents, and Other Art from Ephemera

The Handy Book of Artistic Printing: A Collection of Letterpress Examples with Specimens of Type, Ornament, Corner Fills, Borders, Twisters, Wrinklers, and other Freaks of Fancy
Princeton Architectural Press

I think these blue lettered ones will link ya right to the books themselves-give it a try ( I just got tired of typing!

Right on Chronicle Books! I love that I got to browse these ultra cool books-what a selection -and Im not just saying that to get chosen-at all!

RETURN TO GLEN IVY

2010-12-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

My holiday class at Glen Ivy Hot Springs!

Holiday Lettering from the Heart with Lisa Engelbrecht
Friday, December 10, 1:30pm, in the Tiempo Lounge, at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in Corona.

The class session with supplies are all included in Glen Ivy Hot Srings Spa general admission price of $52.*
Enjoy this holiday mini-class with Lisa, along with a relaxing day at the Spa.
For more details,paste this link into your browser

http://www.glenivy.com/2010/11/23/holiday-lettering-from-the-heart-with-lisa-engelbrecht/

Note: This event is hosted by Glen Ivy Spa, and no advance reservations are required.
For more info visit, www.glenivy.com
* there is a15% discount on admission price for 55+ and teachers with ID.

SEATTLE TRIP! Blog Coming Soon!!

2010-12-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

OK-BACK from Seattle-It was awesome! I will blog soon about the fab class-and all our adventures but the pics are up on the Flickr stream if you cant wait! Link is here on the side!

THANK YOU SEATTLE! Tubs here I come!

2010-11-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU SEATTLE! My Pop up class is sold out! We are taking a wait list tho=please contact me if youd like to be on it! I am SO excited to fly north! Besides seeing my daughter and my friends, I've been surprised wiht a day of beauty at Aveda-nice AND a trip to the tubs-one of the best graff places ever! Look for a Kickstarter project soon to support our Letterworks Graff Diversion classes. Things are popping now!

SEATTLE POP UP LETTERING WORKSHOP!

2010-11-14T18:39:00.000-08:00

I will be in Seattle for Thanksgiving and my friend, Teesha Moore has offered her awesome Artfest Annex downtown for a short lettering workshop on Saturday. I thought maybe some of you might be interested if you're in that area-it will be super easy and creative-a very short supply list-Here's the info= I would really appreciate any help you could give me to get the word out-this being a last minute spontaneous sort of deal!

Pop Up Lettering Workshop
A quick trip to Seattle and good friends that will give me an awesome space to have a class equals a super fun and easy class. How does simple tools and fun alphabets sound? Just using a regular felt tip pen you can create many variations of cool lettering. We’ll explore simple mono linear alphabets, a Scripty style, no-lift letters that you fill with color,blending and glittery pens. You’ll also learn Sailor Jerry and steampunk-y style tattoo letters that can also be fun “filled”. These letters are good for journals, artwork, cards and correspondence that will knock their socks off. I’ll bring an assortment of my pen stash for you to try. You’ll get a selection of handouts to be inspired. Even if you’ve never picked up a calligraphy pen you will enjoy these fun,free and fancy letters!

Materials

Ball-point pens or felt tipped mono linear ( this means NOT a calligraphy pen) pens, Micron, Martha Stewart-whatever you have

Scrap paper-bond paper-anything you may have to write on.

Optional: A couple pieces of watercolor paper at least one hot press and one cold press-torn into workable sizes

Paper scraps you have and want to contribute to community share pile!

If ( and only if) you have a Larger journal ( 9 X 12?) to work in- somewhat better paper inside to take watercolor well-and if it could lie flat-like a spiral bound journal it would be sweet

Optional: Black paper-a pad of strathmore artagain or what you can find 9 X 12

Gel pens and or colored pencils you have, watercolor pencils even better-but only if you have these

DATE- SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27-1:30-4:30-Thanksgiving weekend
LOCATION- THE ARTFEST ANNEX 89 Yesler Way, Seattle 98104
Take a look at the space at www.teeshaslandofodd.com/annex/where.html
PRICE- $45
Please contact Lisa at lengelbrecht@earthlink.net

MY BIO

LISA ENGELBRECHT

Lisa Engelbrecht is a lettering and mixed media artist and passionately pursues lettering of all types on all surfaces, Lisa teaches workshops and classes internationally specializing in lettering on fabric, experimental lettering and the creative process. She has been on the faculty of ten international lettering conferences and she teaches at collage, quilting and alternative arts conferences nation wide. Lisa is also a freelance lettering artist for American Greetings and she is the author of the best selling book Modern Mark Making, from Classic Calligraphy to Hip Lettering., (Quarry, Publisher) Now in paperback under the name Modern Calligraphy. She is currently developing a graffiti diversion program in her hometown of Long Beach, California

Lisa Engelbrecht

THIS WEEKEND AT THE BOWERS MUSEUM-The Quilt Faire and Exhibit

2010-11-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

I will be selling my stuff at the Bowers Museum Quilt Faire in Santa Ana this weekend-both Saturday and Sunday! -check out this link here. I'll have books and new art and some new little doodads-Please come visit-I think the quilt exhibit is going to be great -American Quilts-2 centuries of American Tradition and Techniques (there's a lecture too! America's Funniest Quilts) AND there are 4 other exhibits

BIG ART WEEKEND PLUS OTHER STUFF!

2010-10-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Here we go! What a crazy weekend. It all started at the Urban Craft Center in Santa Monica where the lovely Victoria led us in Fabric Dyeing-Of course I had to buy a bunch of soda ash and dyes-hope to tie dye the new Peace Tshirts! Then on to Demo Day at Art Supply Warehouse where Darrin and Dino and Wendy made it super fun! On Sunday I taught at the beautiful Glen Ivy Hot Springs- Flowing Letters for the Society for Calligraphy-The day was gray and misty-but magical and mysterious. I loved the scribbling the scribes did-check it out! Theres also some nature pics, sugar skulls class and art walk and whatever I was up to lately. I've posted some pictures of all of the above on my Flickr site-click on the Flickr at left to go and visit!

NOW IN SOMERSET WORKSHOP!

2010-10-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

IT'S HERE!
The new issue of Somerset's Workshop is now onthe stands-and My Work is featured in it-Theres a cool messenger bag project with step outs, a creative wall hanging, backgrounds explained and an exemplar on Casual Brush Lettering too! Also theres a very nice article from Ruth Rae-some killer black hearts wit words stitched on them. and Pam Carriker is in this magazine too-I like her work. ALSO Ive posted some new pictures on my Flicker account-a local urban art show I went to-and My International Quilt Association Donation quilt for their auction in Houston -my newest painted wallet-and probably some other stuff-Im going to work on new originals for the etsy site! -tonight...maybe... after Dexter?

DREAM JOURNEY TO ITALY

2010-09-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

A brand new flyer for my trip to Italy and you get to preview it first here!
-Please join me-this is gonna be great!
DREAM JOURNEY TO ITALY
WATERCOLOR FLOWER PAINTING WITH LISA ENGELBRECHT
May 2011!
*

One of the things Lisa remember most about Orvieto, Italy were the flowers everywhere! It seemed every villa was adorned with balconies of cascading flowers and vines and lined with color. For her second trip with Adventures in Italy she thought, 'What a wonderful opportunity to explore the nature and beauty of plein-air flower painting.

Plein-air is a french expression that means “in the open air” and that’s where this workshop will venture - out into the beautiful village of Orvieto- the perfect example of a country town.
You will begin by learning the basics of Lisa's no fail “Really Easy” watercolor flower techniques in the lovely classroom at our B&B. You will use fresh flowers from the local farmers market to study! Soon you will venture out to the quiet streets and meadows of Orvieto, a classic hilltop town in central Italy. Communal class painting and individual solitary sojourns will spark individual and class critiques. Midweek Lisa will introduce a simple style of pointed pen lettering you will love - even if you’ve never done calligraphy before. Lisa promises you will succeed at this wonderful art form.Once you are lettering, you can label your paintings, write flower quotations, and
journal your innermost thoughts and feelings.

Lisa is truly excited to share with you this style of painting. You will learn about and paint the semitropical flowers of Orvieto like bougainvillea and wild orchids. You will receive a book of exemplars and samples for further study while you create a floral journal to remember this once-in-a- lifetime trip.

Cost - $2875. Fee includes six nights double occupancy lodging, six breakfasts, one dinner, all cultural events, course kit and instruction. Single occupancy available for an additional cost. Because Italian cuisine is such fun, meals are not prearranged allowing you prearranged allowing you the freedom to choose where and what to eat. We give lots of advice and no one eats alone! Travel costs are not included.

ALSO INCLUDED
• Introduction to the simple joys of Italian culture.
• Cook a delectable meal with a fabulous Italian
chef, while learning the secrets of using fresh local
ingredients.
• Visit a vineyard and meet the owner as he tells you
his philosophy for creating wines with character. Sip
several of his favorites and learn how each is unique -
a most intimate wine tasting.
• Shop as the locals do at the weekly market, where
fresh local produce makes tempting ingredients for a
picnic lunch.
• Discover the history and production of olive oil as you
take part in an olive oil tasting in an historic Etruscan
cave.
• Linger as you explore the finest Gothic cathedral in
all of Italy.
LISA ENGELBRECHT
Lisa started making art and letters to avoid having a real job and now passionately pursues lettering of all types on all surfaces. She's a lettering artist and instructor in calligraphy and mixed media. Lisa teaches workshops and classes internationally specializing in lettering on fabric, experimental lettering and the creative process. She is a self titled Letterista, somewhat a rebel and her unique style has landed her on the faculty of ten international lettering conferences and she teaches at collage, quilting and alternative arts conferences nationwide. In 2006 Lisa introduced new multi- media classes at the International Quilt Show in Houston, Texas. She is interested not only in classical letterforms but also alternative surfaces for lettering and current street influences on modern calligraphy. Lisa has never followed the rules of the lettering art world and prides herself on this fact. She has translated this attitude to her work and teaching methods. She is a frequent contributor to Somerset Studios and her work on fabric was featured on the covers of Legacies and Quilting Arts magazines. She is currently creating a graffiti diversion program in her city of Long Beach, California and has designed her first tattoo! In 2010 Lisa was a presenter at TypeCon, an international type conference. Her work is featured in the soon to be released Somerset Workshop and the book,Art Saves by Jenny Doh. Lisa is the author of the best selling book from Rockport /Quarry Publishing, Modern Mark Making, from Classic Calligraphy to Hip Lettering. ( The just released paperback version has a brand new title-
Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering-but the same goodness inside!)

TO BOOK NOW-OR MORE INFO www.adventuresinitaly.net

TWO WINNERS OF THE BOOK!

2010-09-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

I HAD SO MANY ENTRIES! I had to pick two winner-actually my son picked them! The winners are Jane LaFazio and Elke! ( Elke -please email me with your address so I can send you your prize!) Thank you all for your interest. (Please know that I have the new paperbook now in stock-you can order from my website) )
oh and I wanted to show this picture above...I love the calligraphic name that Bill Grant did for me for my birthday!
More stuff coming soon-I have the scoop on my Flowing Letters Workshop next month at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa.

NOW IN PAPERBACK!-MODERN CALLIGRAPHY AND HAND LETTERING-ALSO A GIVEAWAY!

2010-09-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

IT'S HERE! My book, Modern Mark Making has been given a spanking new cover-and a new name! It's the same goodness inside-and sorry to say no more spiral binding-BUT its cheaper than the OG!

and to celebrate OVER 100 FOLLOWERS ON MY BLOG I'm doing a special giveaway-just for you -my special peeps! Please respond in the comments section by September 15th. I will also include a special limited edition print and personalize the book to you! ( or this could be a great gift for a friend!) I will randomly draw a name and notify the winner here in this blog. THANK YOU for all the support you've given me!

BTW cast is off -writing returns and Im overjoyed-what a blessing it is to be able to use my hand again-what a wake up call! I surely didnt want to learn to do lettering with my left hand!
Thanks again everybody!

CARPAL TUNNELED AND TYPECON!

2010-08-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

Oh Yes thats my giant club ARM BANDAGE FROM MY MOST RECENT SURGERY! I can hardly type-this is all with my left hand! DeAnn and I can exchange Itchiness stories now and the sly tools we use! Hopefully I will be in a more manageable bandage on Thursday-till then I probably wont blog much-but there s so much to tell you!

TYPECON was awesoooome!! go to my Flickr link on the right and go see my pics. I WILL blog much more-it was great-my presentation was good-and I met CHAZ BOJORQUEZ ·(thats him signing books)who is as nice as pie and very very cool. I will let you know more of whats in store when I get this monster off!

OH AND MY BOOK IS NOW OUT IN PAPERBACK-look for a special give away soon! pics coming

THIS IS EXCITING! Scribe Fair in Burbank this Saturday!

2010-08-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

The Society for Calligraphy is sponsoring a Scribe Fair at the SfC Exhibit this Saturday and i will be there with my stuff! Its located at the Creative Arts Center near Olive and Victory right off the 5 freeway-map is here,

Among the things I will have!!
My Book
My DVD ( I will happily sign these!)
New Little signs
Hand Lettered Word Pillows
The famous Funky letters sets
My Prints
Original Art-some never offered before
Collage initials, Originals and Prints
Prints, Matted and Unframed
Parallel Pens-only $10!
Yoga shoulder purses
Hand Lettered Heart Pillows
and maybe I will be doing your name in calligraphy for free!

Please come by-mention this blog and I will give you 20% off your purchase!
PLUS from 9-1 the fabulous exhibit will be open for you to see-theres so much talent in the SfC -you must see it-if not this weekend -soon! ( sorry to all my followers that are not local!)

Hope to see you there!!

NEW ON ETSY-MY CLUTCHES MADE FROM QUILT SHOW FABRIC!

2010-08-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

I have posted new clutches on my Etsy shop -please check them out at www.etsy.com/shop/lisaengelbrechtI made them from my super fun classes at the Long Beach Quilt Show! Here are a couple samples-I hope more stuff will eb put up in the shop soon.!!

I RETURN TO ITALY AND YOU ARE INVITED!

2010-07-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

EAT PRAY PAINT!
I have been seeing ads for the new film based on Eat Pray Love ( have you read it? it is great!) And I am reminded of my wonderful trip to Orvieto,Italy in 2009-organized by Adventures in Italy. Its funny -the story of how this came about-I was reading the book at Art Fest and I thought-how wonderful- I would LOVE to visit Italy and the VERY NEXT DAY Kristin Steiner was in my class and asked me to teach in her awesome program run by her and her wonderful husband, Bill. An answer to my prayers! I am blessed twice -as they asked me to return in 2011-and you must go with me this time! I will be teaching Plein Air Flower painting and calligraphy-Plein air means outdoors and the flowers in Orvieto are breathtaking-and everywhere you look. I will be teaching my simple easy painting style and super simple lettering to go with. You will be amazed at how easy it is to get beautiful results-this class is so popular Im writing a book about it too. This place is really indescribable as to how it makes you forget your cares and it is a total retreat from the crazy life-and you deserve to do this for yourself-just like Elizabeth Gilbert did( oh I almost wrote Julia Roberts!) The website has all the info on this week long escape and samples of the class work. I cant recommend Kristin and Bill more highly for their knowledge and care as tour guides-this truly is a once in a lifetime chance!

I WENT TO THE QUILT SHOW!

2010-07-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time at the Long Beach Quilt Show. I've loaded my pics onto my Flickr page-link on the right now! I saw a lot of friends and gave a couple mini classes ( the fabulous painted clutch) that were awesome! Ive posted the results -so much fun in one little hour at the Make It University by the Quilting Arts booth. I also did an Open Studios there and met wonderful people! I met Judy Coates Perez and her amazingly talented daughter Nina ( the apple doesnt fall...) also JAmie Fingal who I LOVE her stuff and her compadre Leslie Tucker Jenison who curated this great exhibit-Beneath the Surface. I saw Alisa Burke and also Linda Blinn who I hadnt seen in ages! Pokey B was so kind to let me teach my crazy class and put up with my dinginess-nothing new there! Pam Garrison and Amy Hannah dropped by too! And Ms. Traci Bautista was my houseguest -too much fun! Check out her class's stuff! The show floor was full of goodies but I did not buy much!
The pictures above-from the top-
-a pair of future artists at my open studios that were beyond cute!
-one of the million quilts in exhibits
-Leslie t Jenisons work
-and two of the students in the clutch class-sweet!

This THURSDAY and SATURDAY! INT"L QUILT SHOW IN LONG BEACH

2010-07-19T22:54:00.000-07:00

I will be doing a really fun make and take-this cute Painted clutch-all supplies included! I love Alisa Burke's style -she is much more free than me-check out her site! ( she will be teaching at MIU too!) I am having hand surgery tomorrow -so Im getting all the stuff ready today! I'll be teaching at the Make It University booth on the show floor sponsored by Quilting Arts Magazine -Thursday night at 6 and also Sat. at 2:45-also I will be painting at open studios there on Friday afternoon. If you are near and havent gone to the quilt show-you really should-there are so many awesome quilts-and not what you think of quilts at all-yes traditional-but many art quilts that will bowl you over-got to www.quilts.com to get more info-theres also all day classes you can sign up for right on site-And YAY my friend Tracy Bautista is coming to stay while she teaches there-its always a gas-Check her site too-amazing! www.treicdesigns.com ( and some of her classes are open if youve missed taking from her )

PENS FOR KIDS!

2010-07-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

OH-only about 1500 pens here from the Society for Calligraphy! ( and a special thank you to Lily Hoy for the big ol box at the bottom! So generous and pens are still coming in! Go now to www.pensforkids.com and also visit them on Facebook to see pictures of these amazing kids in the African countryside proudly waving their pens-talk about instant gratification! and Yes i am still taking pens-Linda the wonderful organizer of this worthy cause lives 2 minutes from me! Email me at lengelbrecht@earthlink.net and I will give you the address!
Thank you to all the great letterers that donated!

MY SUMMER VACATION!

2010-07-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

Yes here it is-on my Flickr site now-almost 9 pages of pics from my visit to my hometowns of Waverly and Dysart Iowa. I really enjoyed it-Kristin my daughter joined me and we laughed so much!-we did the requisite cemeteries visits and found super cool towns like Cedar Falls-and found Dysart to have become a destination for busses of quilters and sight seers! We stayed with my cousin Elaine and her lovely family, Sarah Marie and Tim in Minneapolis and then headed down to Dysart, and Waverly -we met up with my renter Lee, and met his family-Visited my land-picture above-go soybeans! ate at so many great places! Pork Chop dinner in the park after the parade anyone? The Fireworks were world class-really! Oh and met Robin,the owner of a super neato quilt shop in Dysart!!-named after her girls, Isabelle Originals and Ivy threads. We went to church on Sunday with my Aunt Lorraine and her girls came to town to visit- Connie, who brought her kids, Shelby and Nick and Arnola flew in from Chicago! The weather was mostly wonderful-and it was so good to go back and touch base with where I summered when I was young. Many pictures-a nostalgic look-I miss my grandparents and i so wish they were here so I could see slideshows and catch fireflies and eat homemade rhubarb pie.

A PLACE TO BARK FUNDRAISER!

2010-06-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

Please look at this amazing book Renee Troy made for Bernie Berlin's A Place to Bark! She asked a ton of artists-myself included to contribute pages and they are wonderful-here are only a couple -heres the blurb about APTB

A PLACE TO BARK'S mission is: To provide assistance and care to animals in need. Working together closely with other animal welfare agencies to help end the needless killing of adoptable animals. Proactively working to save lives, by spaying and neutering, eliminating needless deaths. We are dedicated to educating the public on responsible pet ownership and to helping those who would like to have their animals fixed by providing low cost spay/ neuter assistance to them.

So you can buy this book filled with original art on EBAY but only for a couple days! AND All the money goes to this shelter-tax deductible and blah blah-Its a great cause and a great work of art and love. My kitties Moby and Bella are in there-Kula didnt make the cut! You can see all the pages at www.reneetroyartonline.com
and find the link there to EBAY to place your bid!

JOIN ME FOR A SPA RETREAT Sunday October 17

2010-06-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

FLOWING LETTERS, HEALING WATERS A One Day Lettering Retreat at the beautiful Hot Springs of Glen Ivy

A beautiful get away to the desert-to the beautiful spa Glen Ivy Hot Springs. This place is so wonderful-here's a description

At the mouth of Cold Water Canyon, beneath the towering Santa Ana Range, Glen Ivy Hot Springs lies sheltered by the mountains and open to the sky. Water flows from deep in the earth into this natural sanctuary, as it has for countless generations. The first commercial use of the mineral springs can be traced back to 1860, and for 150 years Glen Ivy Hot Springs has attracted people who seek the pleasures of nature, water and exercise, of good food and camaraderie with others – the relaxation, renewal, and deep sense of well-being a day at the hot springs can bring.

With spacious outdoor pools and year-‘round temperate climate, every visit is an opportunity to rediscover a connection with oneself, with each other, and with the world around. Stretching across 12 acres of lush gardens, the spa also features California’s only therapeutic red clay mud bath, aptly named Club Mud and Cafe Sole where you’ll delight in healthy spa cuisine. Enjoy a soothing soak in the mineral baths and a special day of lettering in one of the beautiful cabanas.Glen Ivy Hot Springs your place to do things that are good and good for you-you deserve this!

The Glen Ivy Spa Lettering and Creativity Experience

An inspiring day of lettering, relaxation, adventure and transformation. Using easy tools like the Parallel pen or Zig Calligraphy markers Lisa will guide us to transform our thinking about lettering. She’ll invite you to break the rules and find your own personal way .

Lisa invites you to embark on a journey of letting go and finding the flow in the magical environment of Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa.

Make this a time for yourself and taking care of you and your muse

This day will allow you to explore lettering in an environment that will nurture your body and soul

the class will run from 9:30 till 5 and the cost which includes admission to all the hot springs is $85! Limited spaces so contact Barbara now at CalligraphyWLA@aol.com

( sorry these pictures are so small-go to their website to see much more!)

MY NEW ETSY STORE!

2010-06-18T23:04:00.000-07:00

ANNOUNCING officially, finally I have stuff on my etsy shop-I just posted for sale 4 new clutches that are hand painted a la Alisa Burke style.( heres a couple pics!) It would be like having art in your pocketbook-PLUS you would be supporting an artist and all good things handmade! so Please check it out-I will be putting more stuff up and having a sale of parallel pens-I also have those sparkly Signo pens for sale-They will be highly featured at my Art Fest class called Pen Addiction-coming in April, 2011-in Port Townsend, WA

New City Farm School

2010-06-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

I will be posting much more _ I have so much news to share-I just returned from an artist's grant workshop and I am so tired! Just wanted to share a cool project I helped with last week-here are pics of the New City School's Farm site -where over 150 people converged to make plots for plants, paint the soon to be constructed farm stand and chicken coop-thats my flower bed in the middle near the hay bales. My meditation group did this as a community service and I met Steve and Silvia and George and also talked to Donna the Chicken LAdy! It was totally fun and neat to see the community come together.
Blogs to come!....Teaching and presenting at Typecon... Flowing letters day retreat at Glen Ivy Hot Springs n October....Save the date for Italy..and much much more!!

I just HAVE to share this-ARTFEST 2011!

2010-06-03T22:52:00.001-07:00

YES! I have been chosen to teach at Art Fest near Seattle in 2011-If you dont know Art Fest please go to www.teeshamoore.com and check it out under Art Retreats. I will be teaching 3 super cool new classes-I cant say yet but there are 40 other teachers and classes that are totally awesome. I t will be in early April and of course I will let you know more soon-heres a pic of one of the projects. It si such an honor as this is really the premier mixed media retreat-I think the best cutting edge stuff comes out of there! I am so excited!

PEN MANIA!

2010-05-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

Lookit this bag o pens from the fabulous Edna Wright! I will be collecting pens ( old or new-just have to work) at the Society for Calligraphy's Annual General Meeting this Sunday( www.societyforcalligraphy.org)-( and at the Trash and treasures event the following weekend) BUT if you want to send me a bag-you can fill a priority mail envelope with a LOT of pens-email me and I'll tell you where to send it. These pens will be sent to teachers in ruraL Africa-where the kids will LOVE them! I can also take donations via Paypal for shipping. The Website is www.pensforkids.com-check it out! Oh and if you donate you will receive a limited edition sticker designed by me!
Heres the scoop from their website....pretty cool charity I think-I am so inspired by this project Ive started to clean out the Whole studio-so much junk I never use! I am loving the cleansing and purging!

The goal of Pens for Kids is to get pens to kids in Africa to assist them with getting an education. To raise standards of living, make informed decisions, and have a greater freedom of choice requires education. The hope for the future in Africa is through education.

The original Pens for Kids idea came from a Danish tourist named Claus Hjomet who visited Kenya and Tanzania and, like most who visit, fell in love with Africa and wanted to help the kids.

In 2008, Linda Schaffer, another safari tourist, wanted to expand the grass-roots project in an effort to reach more kids and develop greater support. She started Pens For Kids International, Inc., a California based non-profit corporation.

Still based exclusively on volunteer work, Pens for Kids has no employees and relies solely on donations of pens and monetary contributions for postage.

Pens for Kids remains free of any political or religious influence, motives of economical or any interests other than helping kids in Africa to get an education.

CrescenDoh Stamps! Coming Soon!

2010-05-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Isn't this cool? I created some stamp designs for Jenny at Crescendoh and Im with great company-They will be on sale soon -check out the whole gang at www.crescendoh.com. The Stamps go on sale June 15th -so this is a sneak peek-I love how they colored it in! There is also another one of my designs on the sheet-a gothic style thats pretty neat too.

Green Fest, Chickens and Goats!

2010-05-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday also brought me to the LB Green Festival-I did the signs for the LB Creative booth-it was very cute! The LB Organic garden was open and hopping-go to my Flickr for even more pictures. I met Donna who had her chickens and Goats there -they were so happy-but as I talked to Donna I found the City of Long Beach wants to have her get rid of these lovely creatures-so she's started a movement to create new ordinances so people can raise their livestock in peace in Long Beach-sounds good to me -PLEASE go to this website-also on Facebook as Long Beach Grows and sign a petition to help her and all these animals! the site is www.longbeachgrows.org and its filled with ultra cool info on chickens and goats and such!Oh and you can see more of my signs at the Facebook page for LB Creative!

Live Calligraphy Painting at the Art Supply Warehouse

2010-05-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

I used the new Montana Hardcore markers-I LOVE! Nice black, gold and silver with a calligraphy edge! This was fun!

The CrescenDoh PArty!

2010-05-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

My big weekend began with the wonderful party thrown by Jenny and CO. at a soundstage in Orange-the place was beautiful! I was bowled over by the beautiful lighting-the recycled flower centerpieces, lovely mediteranean food and the program that included a slide show you can see on the CrescenDoh website. I met my friends Louis Lemoine there ( thats him up top with Colette) and Renee Troy-and I met new friends too-among them-Colette George and Lola Morales ( oh oh-you must go see her website for amazing jewelry and photography! www.sacredcuriosities.com There was also a peek at the new stamps I helped design-they picked the heart one with the tattoo look-I like it!! I am so blessed to be in this incredible circle of artists with the theme of Art Saves!

LIVE CALLIGRAPHY PAINTING-may 22 and 23-BY ME!

2010-05-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Come visit me as I paint a huge painting live using big ol calli tools and brushes. This will be at the Art Supply Warehouse's Book Bazaar weekend, May 22 and 23rd.( 10-1) All their new art books will be 20% off on top of the regular 20% off so that makes a lot of savings-of course I'll be happy to personalize my book to you! Art Supply Warehouse is at 6672 Westminster Blvd 92683-just off the 405 freeway in Westminster 714-891-3626. Many other authors and artist will be there and they will have refreshments! website is www.artsupplywarehouse.com The painting above has just been entered into the Well Versed Exhibit at 2nd City Council Gallery. It is the poem Eulogy by Brian Turner, author of Here Bullet-an amazing work about his experiences in Iraq. You must read the text-I'll include it in the next blog with detail shots!

AWAY THEY GO!

2010-04-27T23:48:00.000-07:00

SO HERE ARE SARAH AND KRIS -OFF TO A NEW ADVENTURE!Leaving the LBC for beautiful Seattle. Sarah will be training at the Aveda Institute and Kris will be working at her business, Eager Beaver Works-where she is described as a General Enthusiast! Its deathly quiet here-thats good and bad but I will miss them both!
Also I included in my pics a lovely downtown mural from the Seventh Letter Crew-sweet

UNIQUE LA THIS WEEKEND-GET IN FREE!

2010-04-19T23:40:00.000-07:00

Heres the scoop-mention my name and be among the first 10 peeps to do so and you will get in free to the fabulous Unique LA gift show-a $10 value! I will be demonstrating and doing your name or special requests for free!I'll be there from 2-4 pm on Saturday-the 24th-check it out at www.uniquela.com
Hope to see you there-pleease feel free to send this email to your friends-oh and I'll have some cool goodies for sale-new handpainted wallets and word pillows and more!

THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU COME TO THIS!!

Your admission includes:
• Free drinks & a hosted bar (IZZE, Honest Tea, water, beer, UNIQUE cocktails)
• Unlimited re-entry for both days
• Your very own collectible tote bag, exclusive to each show… The Spring tote is designed by LA graphic designer Keith Scharwath! Sweet.
• Free eco workshops and cool handmade activities all weekend, brought to you by Your Daily Thread and Quayside Publishing ( Thats me folks-and many other cool make and takes!)
• Family/Kids creativity zone and seating area
• Access to giveaways and door prizes all weekend long
• Souvenir copy of the Vendor Directory + Mini Magazine

Giving Back to Community
Fostering community and using the show as a vehicle to bring awareness to great local community groups is very important to us. UNIQUE LA partners with a non-profit for every show and donates a portion of sales to the organization. We’re excited to announce our partner for the Spring Show is Ed Begley Jr.’s’ GreenWish, which raises awareness and funds for nine local environmental groups including Friends of Los Angeles River, Surfrider Foundation and Algalita. Our great past partners have included 826LA, Create Now and CityLabs, and have all received donations of close to $5000. Thanks for helping to make this all happen!

CRESCENDOH!

2010-04-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

Oh my-Im behind a bit-but I am featured this week on the wonderful website from former Somerset Studios editor Jenny Doh's fabulous new project,Crescendoh! It's theme and mission statement is Art Saves-and I think you can't go wrong with that! I share this week with wonderful Tracie Huskamp and Suzi Blu and a very cool thing is our favorite links are featured and change daily! I had so much fun figuring out my favorites- My grafitti article is up now. my links are for sure quirky but check it out!
ALSO_Etsy store is coming along-I'll announce when we have some more stuff posted-oh and we'll be having a Parallel Pen sale soon too!It is so beautiful now here in SoCal-and its hard to come in out of the garden and work!

ANOTHER SNEAK PEAK-JOIN ME IN ITALY NEXT MAY!

2010-04-09T22:59:00.000-07:00

Oh ho! I have such goodness to share with you! Im thrilled to be teaching Watercolor flowers in beautiful Orvieto Italy in May 2011! Here's a rough description and some samples-please go now to www.adventuresinitaly.net to sign up_ I think this class will sellout for sure!

FIORI BOTANICI
Splendid Watercolor Flower Painting with calligraphy

A Plein-Air workshop in Italy with artist Lisa Engelbrecht

One of the things I remember most about Orvieto Italy were the flowers everywhere! It seemed every villa was adorned with balconies of cascading flowers and vines and lined with color. What an opportunity to explore the nature and beauty of plein air flower painting. Plein-air is a french expression that means “in the open air” and that’s where we’ll venture.
We’ll begin by learning the basics of my no fail :” Really Easy” watercolor flower techniques in the lovely convent classroom. (The local farmers market will provide fresh flowers to study!) Soon we will venture out to the quiet streets and meadows of Orvieto, a classic hilltop town in central Italy. Communal class painting and individual solitary sojourns will spark individual and class critiques.
Midweek I will introduce a simple style of pointed pen lettering that you will love-even if you’ve never done calligraphy before. You will succeed at this-I promise!
We can label our paintings, write flower quotations and journal our innermost thoughts and feelings.
I am so excited to share with you this style of painting. We will all learn about the semitropical flowers of Orvieto like bougainvillea and wild orchids. You will receive a book of exemplars and samples for further study while you create a floral journal to remember this once-in-a- lifetime trip.

Art Saves

2010-03-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

Heres just a little tease for you-Im so blessed! I am honored to be the guest curator for the fabulous Jenny Doh on her new website- www.crescendoh.com I will be giving you daily links to my most favorite of things. This will begin on April 12th-of course I'll be reminding you all when it comes closer. I love her slogan, Art Saves-and this is really a way of life and ties in so beautifully to what I am going through right now! How amazing is the universe that it unfolds exactly as it should. I am busy finishing up my book proposal-"Really Easy Watercolor Flowers and Calligraphy"Or some title like that and busy learning grant writing for my new graffitti program-and enjoying simply beautiful weather here in the LBC. Just wanted to also post I will be at the Unique LA market at the end of next month-check that out at the website listed on the left. I'll be signing books and making stuff ( Oh and thanks for checking out the Letters California Style Flickr pictures!)

HE(ARTS) FOR HAITI FUNDRAISER this Sunday

2010-02-26T22:36:00.000-08:00

This Sunday Im participating in a wonderful event here in Long Beach-CARNIVAL DEL CORAZON or Hearts for Haiti is bringing together all sorts of art, music and dance to raise funds to rebuild Haiti-funds go to the Yele Haiti Foundation. Here are my silent auction pieces-go to www.lbcreative.org. for info , times, etc. It is being held at the Hancock University which I just discovered is one of the finest design colleges in the area...ALSO a great article in the District about this org-I think its going to be aMazing for the arts here in the LBC

LETTERS CALIFORNIA STYLE!

2010-02-23T18:08:00.000-08:00

The Society for Calligraphy hosts a conference for 100 people every year and this year I was so lucky to take a class from Judy Melvin! Here are some pics from the week-but you must go to my Flickr account to see what happened in that class-about 17 pages (I think) of wonderful stuff. This conference is so cool-only 10 teachers, 12 students max each class-we stay in hotel rooms about 100 feet from our beautiful classrooms-I think theres only a few spaces left for next year-Its always on Presidents weekend and the faculty is amazing next year-Randy Hasson, Yves Leterme, Pat Blair ( me too) Go to SocietyforCalligraphy.org if youre interested right now to sign up-this will sell out this year for sure.Oh and its held in beautiful SUNNY Southern California! The other people in the pics above are Heather Lee ( top)-who I was so lucky to sit next to, Judy Melvin and Susan Richardson-who is amazing too!!

Tattoos, Books and sales!

2010-02-19T21:37:00.000-08:00

Hello
Im back after Letters California Style-check out the Flickr account on the right for ALL the coolest pictures! Here is a picture of my very first tattoo design on the beautiful Jana Jennings
I have big news-the Book will be coming out in Paperback-next blog! There will soon be a sale on my website and a new Etsy store! Also Graff Diversion and Watercolor Flowers book-OH SO much goodness to report-stay tuned!!

SURGERY deets-FINALLY!!

2010-01-21T20:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of my hero Dr. Nissen! ( THAT PROBABLY ISNT ME IN THE SURGERY)who on Dec 17th performed the most amazing liver surgery on me at CEDARS Sinai. The surgery was 10 hours and he removed a tumor the size of a volleyball and 99% of all the other tumors so im free and clear of all tumors!! I was in the hospital for a week-ugh and then on Christmas eve went to stay at my in laws-Anne and John-I SHOULD SAY MY ANGELS-THEY TOOK CARE OF ME AND MY EVERY WISH ( sorry- I got a new IMAC AND the caps key is close to the a! Kristin returned early rom India on New Years day and we went home-to the kitties -JEFF TOOK REALLY great care of them and the house-I AM SO BLESSED! I am now up nad about more and more every day-going to CHA for a booksigning and demo-but still use the hoverround in Ralphs-too much fun!! It has been an interesting experience to let go of all the small stuff an appreciate whats important. I am profoundly moved by your love and caring-your prayers and wishes were totally felt and appreciated-Thank you so very much and I hope to beon here moreand more to tell you of the exciting plans I have!!

My very first tat!

2009-12-15T23:31:00.001-08:00

Go to my facebook page to see this beautiful tat on the lovely Jana Jennings! These photos dont do it justice at all!
I am going in for surgery Thursday! Jeff will hopefully update my Facebook as to how Im doing so check it out! Wish me luck-OK Breathe Deeply!

Delayed!

2009-12-10T23:43:00.000-08:00

I have vaguely been referencing an upcoming surgery-and its been delayed again! I have some problems and they want to make sure I am 100% before I undergo this! The deets are I have been diagnosed with Carcinoid Syndrome which in me means I have several large tumors in my liver-that was what all the sickness was from last year. I found one of the best doctors in this specialty at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles-turns out hes a calligrapher! Dr. Wolin has recommended I undergo a liver resection to take out the tumors. they may have been there for years. His surgery guy is Dr. Nissen and I believe I am very lucky to be in his hands. I also love that the symbol for this cancer is the Zebra-and the ribbon for this is zebra striped! I will be in the hospital for a week and recuperating for a month or two after-so the sabattical Idea was wise! These tumors are very dormant and not a spreading type-but the surgery will be major and about 8-10 hours-yikes!
Ive heard Cedars has good food though! ( not that I'll be able to eat it for awhile!)
I thank you for all the good wishes and prayers and cards and letters-I know I am loved and I love you all too. I have so so many blessings. I will try to update this blog at the hospital-no promises-but for sure my son will post on my Facebook page!

Oh Oh-and grand news-I was just photographed for the LA Weekly magazine with Jose Martinez ( Steam) at Homeland about the graffitti /calligraphy program we are starting up-I have NO IDEA when this will be coming out-I hope to be able to pass this on to you-but just in case-keep your eyes peeled!

friend links

2009-12-06T21:41:00.000-08:00

ok-I said that I would post Martha and Janells websites but dumb blogger wouldnt let me
Its
Martha Lever www.marthalever.blogspot.com
and
Janell Wimberly www.jkwimberlydesign.com

these are two incredibly talented gals-uh I mean artists and they are just as wonderful in person as their work portrays!

Sorry!

2009-12-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

I have to apologize to the artists of the last post-I placed their art works askew-here are two finished projects
the last photo is from the fabulous Martha Lever-her finished quilt-Ive posted her website on the right-there are many pics of the workshop and a video of her backgrounds-she was wonderful!

ANd the first three photos are Janell Wimberlys-she took the Book of Intentions to the next level creating a lovely book for her late friend Terry Porter amazing-go now to her website to see the entire book! Listed at right!

Im off to hospital adventures this week-surgery is Wednesday - I promise to update my blog and Facebook as to my progress-even if it is my son doing the posting!-more to come tomorrow

Birmingham!

2009-12-02T22:20:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Alabama! My last away teaching gig for a while and what a wonderful one to go out on! I stayed with the best host and hostess-Deb and Doug Warnat and started my weekend at Moe's Barbeque-we met Kalli Kenney there and closed the place playing with pens and ink!!-you'll have to go to my Flickr to see these places. The weather was beautiful and the workshop the next two days was great! The work produced was amazing-and I had artists from all over-and all media. Sandra and Judy from Memphis and Martha and Patrea from Florida! What an honor that they drove so far to take from me-We went to Dayrons Low Country restaurant and enjoyed local cuisine-It was such a great night and I discovered Hoppin John and Reesy Peasy. On the Sunday night after the workshop Deb brought me to the most beautiful choral concert by the Sursum Corda vocal group-Jewish Liturgical songs-but the theme this evening was thanksgiving. It was so neat-I so wish my mom and Kristin couldve been there! I LOVE choral music-especially in a beautiful church with awesome acoustics!I will so miss meeting these amazing people and I have to thank everyone who haas hosted me and taken a workshop from me and supported my art-Im off to new adventures! Im so excited! ( I will have a brief detour of major surgery on Wednesday but more on this later!)

Incredible Dallas Retreat!

2009-11-04T18:00:00.000-08:00

Yes there are many many pictures of this long weekend with the Kaligrafos group in Dallas! It was fantastic-I know I use aLOT of superlatives-but this was an amazing weekend. I was whisked to a retreat center in Richardson-which is still pretty much in the city altho you wouldnt know it when you are there. I have posted 330 pictures of this place and these people and their wonderful works. The subject was the Book of Intentions and the solutions were as varied and beautiful as all the participants. As you can see from the pictures the retreat was on a pond-this is the view from my room-a most excellent hotel room with all the amenities. there were walking trails and trees and turtles and coyotes -oh my! Jeri Wright and Donna Sabolovic were the masterminds of the retreat-and every detail was taken care of -from yummy meals and full on breakfasts with eggs!-thank you Thomas and Paula and Brenda and all who contributed. We decorated coffee mugs for an exchange-I got my Strawberry fields mug I had my eye on by the oh so talented Janell Wimberly.
We had personalized aprons and wooden name plates with our name in wire! on our room doors-thanks Debbie and all who helped-they were neato. There were flowers on our beds and treats and candy at every turn-oh and the calligraphy! and the paintings-we had many laughs and the team went for all my silly requests-those lists I hope are on fridges all over texas! Please go look at these pictures-and be sure to check out on page 14 Rick Garlington's incredible hand carved stamps-the details on these were so incredible-and then he stamped these on fabric! It was a really super event-I loved the texas hospitality and the members were all very inspiring to me-I surely will miss this next year!!
BUT I still have four more events this year-the OC's Bali Lantern class this weekend-go to www.societyforcalligraphy.org if you can be spontaneous! Then I'll be in Alabama next weekend! a Parallel pen mini workshop Thanksgiving weekend and then the mighty Graffitti Collab with my girls Alisa Burke and Traci Bautista Dec. 4, 5th and 6th at the Art Bar in Santa Ana-more on this soon-I will post a link to this event on the blog too!
Oh and the last night in Texas-after the most beautiful weather it really rained-and we went to wonderful Mexican Restaurant-La Hacienda!!
Thank you all for making me feel sooo welcome

My Kentucky trip!

2009-10-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

At Last -back to the blogosphere-I have been so busy lately -I havent been able to get down to this-I HAVE posted the pictures of this wonderful trip-but I want to tell you about it all! Please go to my Flickr account to see these lovely pieces form this talented group-link on lower right-It says Flickr and some numbers
I was met at the airport by Paula Hardesty-look for her teaching her soldering tricks at Artiscape come spring-and wisked way to Gaye Medbury's ( also teaching book structures at artiscape) amazing and I mean AAmazing studio-I was in shock and didnt take any pictures-but check her out in Studios magazine-it was overwhelming-everywhere I looked there was inspiration-there were stations for metal/collage/art-and drawers and drawers of buttons and doodads too many to mention-but -heres the rub-it was all impeccably organized-wowee! I could live there forever-just throw me some food now and then-Fabric/ assemblage-oh my!
Then off to the location of the workshop where we met Leslie Mc Carthy who owns the cutest darn fabric shop for Miles-Its called Making Ends Meet-( and its offshoot-Making Ends Meet Too)I have some pics of the shop up-I stayed at her house-well-it is a farm she lives on and the house was sooo beautiful-of course the window treatments and all beds and sofas covered in dreamy fabrics and the trims! I woke up to overlooking the acreage-it was a bit cool for me there-Jeff and Leslie Made me feel so at home-the weekend flew by! The workshop was wonderful-I met a few people there I knew from Art Unraveled-Marilyn-! found out we were both friends of the Kurutz's! and went to their wedding in LBC! Susan and m any more new friends! Wonderful work and the nicest people-I am truly going ot miss the people when I stop teaching. OK_ Morelater- There is so much to tell-Graffitti Collab is on and I will post about that and oh yeah the Dallas Retreat whoa! WIll blog bout this imminently! Thank you Louisville and the Kentuckianians!!!

Back from Canada!

2009-10-02T23:37:00.000-07:00

Beautiful British Columbia! I am so happy to have visited this beautiful place! I was again treated like a queen-special thanks to my helpers-and hosts-First I stayed in Vancouver at the lovely home designed and decorated so artfully by architect/artist Maureen Berris! Violet Smythe organized this workshop and wow-was it wonderful-everything I needed and wanted was there for me-ready to go!The West Coast guild is just filled with wonderful people! I again have posted their work on my flickr-but of course I goofed and loaded the last slides first-so they are in backwards!- I am never ever used to the incredible talent that I get to see working and producing such beautiful stuff-Inspiring me !
I then went by ferry ( fantastic!) to Vancouver island-where the beautiful Lorie Rogers got me-=and we went to the Crow and Gate pub in t he middle of nowhere-=a wonderful pub and garden where we met Marilyn Silver-then on to my lecture-which went really well!
Barb Qualley hosted me and Connie Furgason in her lovely home right next to the bay-and yippee we went on a boat ride commandeered by her able husband Stew-we went right at dusk and grilled lamb kebobs on the boat. I cant describe to you the beauty of this place-so quiet and peaceful and the incredible hospitality!
the Warmland calligraphers were so much fun-I really enjoyed them all-thank you for bringing me to your lovely 'warm' land-a little bit hot the first day!! Check out the classwork!
But good! so I was off to another ferry-this time to Tuwassen? where Violet met me again and hosted me for the night-then a quick but great tour of Richmond and the pretty town of Steveston- AND the Olympic Oval-thats me above there!-a fantastic all green structure where the ice speed skating will be held-I went crazy for the Olympic pins-and the mascot is really really cute! Quatchi? I think?
So Im back-reaclimating myself to Socal-I tell you-if they didnt have winter there in BC Id think about moving there!

Next up is Louisville, Kentucky!
Oh and they have TWO SPOTS OPEN! contact Paula at hardesty4@mac.com -Its the weekend of the 17th of October and there will be one day of funky letters and one day of letters on fabric... sweeet!-A Lot of fun! Im down to my last few teaching gigs and its somewhat bittersweet-I'll miss the teaching part -seeing the artists work-but im so excited about the future!

Oh and guess what -don't spread this around-well I guess you can and I wish you would!-its not totally official but my Graffitti COLAB with Alisa Burke and Traci Bautista may be happening in Dec at the Art Bar. A total weekend immersion in all things graffiti-creating a super cool messenger bag, portfolio, accessories and more- A live art event open to the public, creativity talks etc etc...

OK_must rest-Im working on my Ofrenda-altar-for my dad for the Dia de Los Muertos event coming up-will post pics sunday! Im gonna really try to be more consistent with this!

Let's Burn!

2009-09-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

Ah-A little less than a month since my last post! It has been a crazy month to say the least-medical tests and procedures, travel and Thursday my dad passed away! Enough of this! I was sucked into the pictures of the latest Burning Man-I am planning on going next year-Im recruiting you to join me! I want to do a collage/calligraphy/art camp of some kind and I want to have lots of participants! If you don't know what Burning Man is here is a website to see the latest in pictures-looks cool eh?? Oh you just have to go once in your life-the website for pics is http://www.theblight.net/09/bm/
Im off to Canada Friday-then Kentucky and Dallas-whew-
The Book proposal is in finally-Im hoping to seriously start in November-AND I have a great idea for another book! Who knew I would be an author?
Oh and a couple new classes' work has been posted to my flickr site-there's a nifty link on the right that will take you right there-check it out!
The Man burns in 355 days!

ART UNRAveled

2009-08-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

Man was it hot in Phoenix! ABout 114 degrees is all. But my little camry ran like a top and it was a beautiful road trip to the Embassy Suites . My classes were again amazing-I use that word a lot I know but I keep getting these artists in my classes that surprise me beyond belief-Check out the pics on my Flickr link. The vendor extravaganza was so much fun-seeing friends and meeting new ones-thanks to all who supported this starving artist! Well you know what I mean-I appreciate your support beyond words!
The last night I was there Some Guy-the mastermind behind the 1000 Journals Project presented his documentary-Its on Netflix-rent it! What a crazy story of desire and madness and communal art. He brought about 20 of the real journals that have found their way back home so we got to see them and ...yes WRITE in them! Tracy Moore is one of the movies stars.
I have the utmost respect for this project and Id liek to do something big like this on my sabbatical next year!
Today Barb Close and I took Yves Leterme-yes that Yves Leterme to the Sawdust festival in Laguna Beachand had really good conversations about creativity-commerce and being an artist. He is a great guy-and incredibly talented!
Here's some pics of Art Unraveled stuff

Iron and Ink

2009-08-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

OK_ a little tired here-heres the pics of Iron and INk! I apologize to my friend Andy Marsh and Eric Jones for not formatting their photo-go to the Flicker and see how neato this event was-so many cool cars, babes and dudes tatted up-burlesque-art-Super cool tat artists-three floors full!

Phoenix here I come

2009-08-01T23:10:00.000-07:00

Ack-still no consistency of posts on this blog-I apologize-Life is just happening so fast right now!
Monday I have a gigundo scan with a radioactive isotope injected in me and then pictures taken -at 8 and 24 hours-Its so expensive they wont tell me how much it is!!
But that should be the definitive one-and Im feeling fine now-well not exactly now because I have to be off my meds for the scan-but by the time Im in Phoenix for art unravelled I should be golden!
Here are some pics- Idyllwild pics-go to my Flickr site for more of this!the class was amazing

from the blackbook sessions -a wonderful program that gives awards to kids for their lettering art-
This was an incredibleevent

So Many things to catch up on!

2009-07-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

At last Im grabbing some time to blog a bit-I wanted to catch up on my latest adventures-most adventures lately have been with doctors and tests-but its turning out ok-pretty serious but ok! It has certainly puts everything in perspective though and that is such a great gift. Thank you to all of you that have wished me well-I know its because of these positive vibes I have been able to get through this!
I just returned from the mountaintop retreat in Idyllwild and I will blog soon about this
but I wanted to get things up here that happened a month ago! ( Or More!)
First-Tamaras commission-I feel turned out wonderfully-Here are the finished pieces and close ups!