Here are photos from day two of class at Studio Crescendoh:
Sharing circle is always an important part of class. Although it sometimes makes me want to sing Kumbaya, I think it's one of the major reasons to take a class — a shared experience.
Bonus points are always given to those who open their mouths when they pose for the camera. ;)
I always learn when I teach. Always. It's one of my favorite things about teaching. So what did I learn this time?
- "Only you know when you need to poop." This is wisdom from Jenny Doh, which I believe she gleaned from another artist. Essentially, it's the answer to whether a piece is done. Only you really know the answer to that one.
- People are insanely kind and generous. I knew that, but I was so reminded of it on this visit. From offering a ride, to buying a meal, to gifts given, to adventures offered, to compliments spoken, to supplies shared…these women were warm and inviting rays of sunshine.
- Repeat students (students who have taken classes from me before) make me feel very at home. Even after many years of teaching I still get really nervous. Having some familiar faces helps to calm the butterflies in my stomach.
- Take a breath and slow down. General rule of teaching is to calculate that teaching something will take about 3 times as long as it takes you to do it. However, I tend to get anxious when I'm not actively demo-ing. I start thinking that people are bored and it's time to move on to the next step. Not true! People need time to practice and process and they're happy to play. No one likes to feel rushed.
- Bear ears will make everyone you see want to talk to you or laugh at you. Maybe both. :)
It was a lovely two days and I am very much looking forward to returning next year!
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P.S. The February Balzer Designs Newsletter went out on Sunday. If you're not on the monthly newsletter mailing list (it is different from the daily blog list), you can sign up here.
Your Kumbaya reference made me chuckle as my hubby says that whenever I say I went to some activity that may have been refreshing/spiritual/creative (well you get the picture).
People are very kid and giving in many situations. I’ve experienced a higher level of support (willingnes to give) from scrapbookers than any other group that I’ve belonged to.
Your Kumbaya reference made me chuckle as my hubby says that whenever I say I went to some activity that may have been refreshing/spiritual/creative (well you get the picture).
People are very kid and giving in many situations. I’ve experienced a higher level of support (willingnes to give) from scrapbookers than any other group that I’ve belonged to.
Your Kumbaya reference made me chuckle as my hubby says that whenever I say I went to some activity that may have been refreshing/spiritual/creative (well you get the picture).
People are very kid and giving in many situations. I’ve experienced a higher level of support (willingnes to give) from scrapbookers than any other group that I’ve belonged to.
Your Kumbaya reference made me chuckle as my hubby says that whenever I say I went to some activity that may have been refreshing/spiritual/creative (well you get the picture).
People are very kid and giving in many situations. I’ve experienced a higher level of support (willingnes to give) from scrapbookers than any other group that I’ve belonged to.
Your Kumbaya reference made me chuckle as my hubby says that whenever I say I went to some activity that may have been refreshing/spiritual/creative (well you get the picture).
People are very kid and giving in many situations. I’ve experienced a higher level of support (willingnes to give) from scrapbookers than any other group that I’ve belonged to.
I thoroughly enjoyed your class, Julie! Thank you south for the wonderful experience!
I thoroughly enjoyed your class, Julie! Thank you south for the wonderful experience!
I thoroughly enjoyed your class, Julie! Thank you south for the wonderful experience!
I thoroughly enjoyed your class, Julie! Thank you south for the wonderful experience!
I thoroughly enjoyed your class, Julie! Thank you south for the wonderful experience!
It was great fun! I learned a lot and came home inspired to create! I would participate in another one of your workshops any time an opportunity presents itself!
It was great fun! I learned a lot and came home inspired to create! I would participate in another one of your workshops any time an opportunity presents itself!
It was great fun! I learned a lot and came home inspired to create! I would participate in another one of your workshops any time an opportunity presents itself!
It was great fun! I learned a lot and came home inspired to create! I would participate in another one of your workshops any time an opportunity presents itself!
It was great fun! I learned a lot and came home inspired to create! I would participate in another one of your workshops any time an opportunity presents itself!
It looks as though a sincerely wonderful time was had by all. The best thing about these classes is that everyone is there because they eagerly WANT to be… and that makes it so much fun. Hoping to be able to join in at some point!
It looks as though a sincerely wonderful time was had by all. The best thing about these classes is that everyone is there because they eagerly WANT to be… and that makes it so much fun. Hoping to be able to join in at some point!
It looks as though a sincerely wonderful time was had by all. The best thing about these classes is that everyone is there because they eagerly WANT to be… and that makes it so much fun. Hoping to be able to join in at some point!
It looks as though a sincerely wonderful time was had by all. The best thing about these classes is that everyone is there because they eagerly WANT to be… and that makes it so much fun. Hoping to be able to join in at some point!
It looks as though a sincerely wonderful time was had by all. The best thing about these classes is that everyone is there because they eagerly WANT to be… and that makes it so much fun. Hoping to be able to join in at some point!
I’ve adored your blog and online classes for years, and it was an even greater pleasure to learn from you in person, to hear your thoughts as you create, to be able to ask questions and get gentle feedback and guidance from you personally. Jenny is the hostess extraordinaire, her studio space is so inspiring. The group of women who came together for this experience was a wonderful mix of energy, style, and artistic background.
Thank you for a completely fabulous, painty, creative, fun weekend. You bring the Kumbaya with sincerity and just the right amount of sass and “bless your heart” to keep it real! 🙂 I think I’m more in love with you now than ever!
I’ve adored your blog and online classes for years, and it was an even greater pleasure to learn from you in person, to hear your thoughts as you create, to be able to ask questions and get gentle feedback and guidance from you personally. Jenny is the hostess extraordinaire, her studio space is so inspiring. The group of women who came together for this experience was a wonderful mix of energy, style, and artistic background.
Thank you for a completely fabulous, painty, creative, fun weekend. You bring the Kumbaya with sincerity and just the right amount of sass and “bless your heart” to keep it real! 🙂 I think I’m more in love with you now than ever!
I’ve adored your blog and online classes for years, and it was an even greater pleasure to learn from you in person, to hear your thoughts as you create, to be able to ask questions and get gentle feedback and guidance from you personally. Jenny is the hostess extraordinaire, her studio space is so inspiring. The group of women who came together for this experience was a wonderful mix of energy, style, and artistic background.
Thank you for a completely fabulous, painty, creative, fun weekend. You bring the Kumbaya with sincerity and just the right amount of sass and “bless your heart” to keep it real! 🙂 I think I’m more in love with you now than ever!
I’ve adored your blog and online classes for years, and it was an even greater pleasure to learn from you in person, to hear your thoughts as you create, to be able to ask questions and get gentle feedback and guidance from you personally. Jenny is the hostess extraordinaire, her studio space is so inspiring. The group of women who came together for this experience was a wonderful mix of energy, style, and artistic background.
Thank you for a completely fabulous, painty, creative, fun weekend. You bring the Kumbaya with sincerity and just the right amount of sass and “bless your heart” to keep it real! 🙂 I think I’m more in love with you now than ever!
I’ve adored your blog and online classes for years, and it was an even greater pleasure to learn from you in person, to hear your thoughts as you create, to be able to ask questions and get gentle feedback and guidance from you personally. Jenny is the hostess extraordinaire, her studio space is so inspiring. The group of women who came together for this experience was a wonderful mix of energy, style, and artistic background.
Thank you for a completely fabulous, painty, creative, fun weekend. You bring the Kumbaya with sincerity and just the right amount of sass and “bless your heart” to keep it real! 🙂 I think I’m more in love with you now than ever!
Where do you get the deli papers?
Where do you get the deli papers?
Where do you get the deli papers?
Where do you get the deli papers?
Where do you get the deli papers?