Chair...finished, next up a lamp shade!

Finished the chair...I like it, only wish I had not painted the wood black... thinking of leaving the next one a little distressed. I am now working an a lamp shade woven in the same style, hope I like it too!

Applying what I learned

A few years ago I took a class from my friend Diane who teaches how to make these lovely chairs from neckties. I had a ton of scrap jersey in the studio and knew this would be the perfect way to use it. I finally finished the chair frame and started weaving.


I like...looks like a giant potholder...very pleasing.

Classes

I will be teaching a few classes this Spring at SoPo Art Studios on Sawyer Street in South Portland, Maine. Love to have you join me!
METAL FOLKS

(no experience required)
Learn to make whimsical metal folks using your own photos. This 3 hour class will give you the skills needed to create more folks at home using basic tools.
3-hour class
Monday April 26
6:00- 9:00pm
$35.00+ supplies (approx. $15)
Min class size 5 /Max class size 10
Bring to class:
Scissors(not your good ones, we will be cutting metal)
Xerox or laser copies of faces/heads you would like to use (make head size 1.5"-2 ")
To Register: contact Susan at zazandmo@maine.rr.com

DESIGN YOUR OWN FABRIC
This 4 week class is for both the beginner & more experienced art makker.Each week we will explore a new but versitile surface design method that can be used to transform fabric into your own including stenciling, monoprinting, batik and marbling. Suzanne & Susan will inspire you to create your own individual projects and help you develop your own design sense.
Instructors: Susan Hellier & Suzanne Drown Trout

Mondays- May 3, 10, 17 & 24 6-9 pm
Minimum class size 4, Class limited to 8 people

Fee: $140.00 Materials Fee: $15.00 In addition a equipment and materials list will be provided upon registration.
To Register: contact Susan at zazandmo@maine.rr.com

FIBER & REPURPOSED JEWELRY/REUSING WHAT YOU HAVE

(no experience required)
Starting with the basics, this class will cover my favorite methods for reusing fiber,metal and found & recycled materials to create one of a kind jewelry.
A materials list will be sent after registration.
Instructor: Susan Hellier
To register contact Susan at: zazandmo@maine.rr.com

Two 2 hour classes
Tuesday May 11 & 18
6:00- 8:00pm
$65 + supplies (approx. $30)
Min class size 4 /Max class size 8.

SPRING SCREEN PRINTING

(no experience required)
Starting with the basics, this class will cover my favorite methods for screen printing. Printing on fabric and/or paper, using your own designs. If you have a particular printing project in mind (printed pillowcases, naokins etc), we can plan out the design, materials, and printing. A materials list will be sent after registration.
Instructor: Susan Hellier
To register contact Susan at: zazandmo@maine.rr.com

four 2 hour classes
Wednesday evenings May 12, 19, 26 & June 2
6:00- 8:00pm
$150 + supplies (approx. $50)
Min class size 4 /Max class size 8

RELIEF PRINTING

(no experience required)
Learn to print allover patterns on cloth napkins, fabric yardage, pilowcases (and other items) using handmade stamps. I will teach some of my favorite methods for creating blocks with your original designs. A materials list will be sent after registration.
Instructor: Susan Hellier
To register contact Susan at: zazandmo@maine.rr.com

four 2-hour classes
Wednesday evenings June 9, 16, 23 & 30
6:00- 8:00pm
$130 + supplies (approx. $30)
Min class size 4 /Max class size 8

Hunt & Roast

As I was filling eggs last night I was assuming this would be the last year my children humored me with the traditional egg hunt. Gone was the early am wake up & run to the baskets. More like 9:00 for my daughter & 11:00 for my son & our exchange student. Once they were up and fed, they headed out for the hunt, followed by a silly string fight and then the traditional roasting of the peeps. Lots of laughs, spent with family & friends, yummy food and fun. Happy Easter!

And their vision a reality

If you think it enough, it will become a reality! Congratulations to 2 of my favorite creative artist pals on the opening of SoPo Art Studios. I look forward to all the amazing art that is about to pour out of the space they are creating. Trunk shows, gallery space, teaching space, amazing classes, collaborations...just some of the buzz heard around the hood.

PureArtCards

I love this time of year.


I get to enjoy all the fabulous art work of children participating in PureArtCard fundraisers.


I am ever amazed by the wonderful work the art teachers get these kiddos to produce. A giant applause to all the amazing art teachers out there and their passion for art and for passing it on to all the artists of tomorrow!

Welcome Juan Jose

On Saturday we picked up Juan Jose from the airport. He will be visiting with us for the next 4 weeks. He arrived from Chile, with 20 of his friends for a 4 week exchange program. They are dispersed along the coast of Maine and are all very fresh faced and excited to be here. If you are entertaining the thought of being a host family, I encourage you to do so. The bonds made, from what I can tell so far are long lasting. This is our second year, and the experience for both our visiting child and my family has been quite a wonderful one. My daughter will be visiting Chile in the summer, to spend time with Cami, our Chilean daughter who with us last year. I am just hoping the next 4 weeks do not zoom by as they did last year.