My Mother was kind enough to take the family to Canyon Ranch — a health and wellness spa in the Berkshires — for a few days around New Years. Canyon Ranch offers non-stop health and wellness classes in every area — physical, mental, spiritual, holistic, etc. I was delighted to discover that they offered art classes almost every single day! The classes are short — about 90 minutes — and geared towards beginners, but where there is art, there is Julie (and Mom)!
We took a candle making class….
Essentially you dip a string and a bolt into a pot of hot wax and then a bucket of cold water and then back into the wax and then back into the water and so on and so forth until you have a fat candle. The process was super simple and I can see how you could have fun with different color waxes. Beeswax is amazing stuff. This book on making balms and candles and soaps — all from beeswax — looks interesting to me.
We took an earring class…and before you look at the photos, check out that beading board in the first one. I've never seen one so small. I tried to find one that size for myself now that I'm home, but this was the closest one I could find and it's not quite right. Anybody know where to get that super tiny bead board? It's about the size of half a sheet of typing paper.
I was a beader and wire worker way before I had even heard of scrapbooking or art journaling or any of that! In fact the reason I stumbled into papercrafting was beading! So even though the content of the class wasn't new, I still had a great time getting crafty and making design choices!
We took a painting class….
I couldn't help but add some snowflakes a.k.a. paint splats to my canvas! The hardest part of this class was the crappy brushes. I don't mind cheap brushes, but sometimes you just want a $5 brush instead of a .50 cent brush! I like my round brushes to actually come to a point, you know? But as they say, working with unfamiliar materials and products can make you stronger and better!
We took a class all about mandalas. I didn't know a lot about mandalas before the class. I knew the general idea that they were circles filled with design and popular coloring book motifs, but none of the religious history. Do yourself a favor and watch this video for a quick overview of the painstaking process of creating sand mandalas, only to destroy them.
Mom and I simply drew our mandalas…
…but there was a student who made a small and simple sand mandala and then destroyed it at the end of the class. A braver soul than I! I suspect it's probably very freeing, but I'm too much of a chicken…..
Finally, we took a class that involved dyeing silk scarves with tissue paper.
It's a process I shared doing in my art journal back in 2014. I really liked doing it on a scarf, though. I thought that was a great idea!
All in all it was great to have a vacation that involved making art while wearing workout clothes! Don't we look like we're having a great time?!
This feels like the perfect opportunity for me to remind you that making art is part of a healthy lifestyle. Just like physical exercise and eating healthily and sleeping enough, making art is a way of taking care of yourself. Did you get your dose of healthy arting this week? If not, take five minutes right now. All you need is a pen and a piece of paper. Doodle something. Draw something. Write something. Express yourself!
I'm still not sure if exercise endorphins are a real thing, but I know that arting endorphins are! It's addictive!
Thanks for stopping by!
What a fun way to spend a week with your family!
Your Mom rocks (but we already knew that).
What a fun way to spend a week with your family!
Your Mom rocks (but we already knew that).
What a fun way to spend a week with your family!
Your Mom rocks (but we already knew that).
What a fun way to spend a week with your family!
Your Mom rocks (but we already knew that).
What a fun way to spend a week with your family!
Your Mom rocks (but we already knew that).
What a fun way to spend a week with your family!
Your Mom rocks (but we already knew that).
Watched the video…how cool is that. I especially like that they bring the sand to the water after destroying it.
Watched the video…how cool is that. I especially like that they bring the sand to the water after destroying it.
Watched the video…how cool is that. I especially like that they bring the sand to the water after destroying it.
Watched the video…how cool is that. I especially like that they bring the sand to the water after destroying it.
Watched the video…how cool is that. I especially like that they bring the sand to the water after destroying it.
Watched the video…how cool is that. I especially like that they bring the sand to the water after destroying it.
What a wonderful treat from your mom.I’ve heard what a wonderful place Canyon Ranch is, but never saw any mention of art classes offered. I noticed when painting, you were standing and your mom was sitting. Learned a lot from the video. Your mandala looked like a great idea for a rubber stamp.
What a wonderful treat from your mom.I’ve heard what a wonderful place Canyon Ranch is, but never saw any mention of art classes offered. I noticed when painting, you were standing and your mom was sitting. Learned a lot from the video. Your mandala looked like a great idea for a rubber stamp.
What a wonderful treat from your mom.I’ve heard what a wonderful place Canyon Ranch is, but never saw any mention of art classes offered. I noticed when painting, you were standing and your mom was sitting. Learned a lot from the video. Your mandala looked like a great idea for a rubber stamp.
What a wonderful treat from your mom.I’ve heard what a wonderful place Canyon Ranch is, but never saw any mention of art classes offered. I noticed when painting, you were standing and your mom was sitting. Learned a lot from the video. Your mandala looked like a great idea for a rubber stamp.
What a wonderful treat from your mom.I’ve heard what a wonderful place Canyon Ranch is, but never saw any mention of art classes offered. I noticed when painting, you were standing and your mom was sitting. Learned a lot from the video. Your mandala looked like a great idea for a rubber stamp.
What a wonderful treat from your mom.I’ve heard what a wonderful place Canyon Ranch is, but never saw any mention of art classes offered. I noticed when painting, you were standing and your mom was sitting. Learned a lot from the video. Your mandala looked like a great idea for a rubber stamp.
Julie, I love your painting of the winter landscape/trees. I’ve never seen you do such a calm piece of art and it is lovely.
Julie, I love your painting of the winter landscape/trees. I’ve never seen you do such a calm piece of art and it is lovely.
Julie, I love your painting of the winter landscape/trees. I’ve never seen you do such a calm piece of art and it is lovely.
Julie, I love your painting of the winter landscape/trees. I’ve never seen you do such a calm piece of art and it is lovely.
Julie, I love your painting of the winter landscape/trees. I’ve never seen you do such a calm piece of art and it is lovely.
Julie, I love your painting of the winter landscape/trees. I’ve never seen you do such a calm piece of art and it is lovely.
Way to go mom! I can only imagine what a great time your family had!
Is that little board about 6×4″? I got one as a freebie in an order from Fusion Beads. I don’t see it offered for sale on their site though. I am going to email you… 🙂
Way to go mom! I can only imagine what a great time your family had!
Is that little board about 6×4″? I got one as a freebie in an order from Fusion Beads. I don’t see it offered for sale on their site though. I am going to email you… 🙂
Way to go mom! I can only imagine what a great time your family had!
Is that little board about 6×4″? I got one as a freebie in an order from Fusion Beads. I don’t see it offered for sale on their site though. I am going to email you… 🙂
Way to go mom! I can only imagine what a great time your family had!
Is that little board about 6×4″? I got one as a freebie in an order from Fusion Beads. I don’t see it offered for sale on their site though. I am going to email you… 🙂
Way to go mom! I can only imagine what a great time your family had!
Is that little board about 6×4″? I got one as a freebie in an order from Fusion Beads. I don’t see it offered for sale on their site though. I am going to email you… 🙂
Way to go mom! I can only imagine what a great time your family had!
Is that little board about 6×4″? I got one as a freebie in an order from Fusion Beads. I don’t see it offered for sale on their site though. I am going to email you… 🙂
I just love what you shared including the last part at the end reminding us of the health benefits of making art as well. Your mom is awesome. So cool to have the whole family doing something healthy together while being nurtured and cared for by a staff. Allows the family to just be together and have fun. Thanks so much for sharing.
I just love what you shared including the last part at the end reminding us of the health benefits of making art as well. Your mom is awesome. So cool to have the whole family doing something healthy together while being nurtured and cared for by a staff. Allows the family to just be together and have fun. Thanks so much for sharing.
I just love what you shared including the last part at the end reminding us of the health benefits of making art as well. Your mom is awesome. So cool to have the whole family doing something healthy together while being nurtured and cared for by a staff. Allows the family to just be together and have fun. Thanks so much for sharing.
I just love what you shared including the last part at the end reminding us of the health benefits of making art as well. Your mom is awesome. So cool to have the whole family doing something healthy together while being nurtured and cared for by a staff. Allows the family to just be together and have fun. Thanks so much for sharing.
I just love what you shared including the last part at the end reminding us of the health benefits of making art as well. Your mom is awesome. So cool to have the whole family doing something healthy together while being nurtured and cared for by a staff. Allows the family to just be together and have fun. Thanks so much for sharing.
I just love what you shared including the last part at the end reminding us of the health benefits of making art as well. Your mom is awesome. So cool to have the whole family doing something healthy together while being nurtured and cared for by a staff. Allows the family to just be together and have fun. Thanks so much for sharing.
Art is life! It challenges the mind, and nutures the soul. Love the scarf, and the yellow earrings. And this blog! Thanks again for sharing.
Art is life! It challenges the mind, and nutures the soul. Love the scarf, and the yellow earrings. And this blog! Thanks again for sharing.
Art is life! It challenges the mind, and nutures the soul. Love the scarf, and the yellow earrings. And this blog! Thanks again for sharing.
Art is life! It challenges the mind, and nutures the soul. Love the scarf, and the yellow earrings. And this blog! Thanks again for sharing.
Art is life! It challenges the mind, and nutures the soul. Love the scarf, and the yellow earrings. And this blog! Thanks again for sharing.
Art is life! It challenges the mind, and nutures the soul. Love the scarf, and the yellow earrings. And this blog! Thanks again for sharing.
Really look forward to reading your blog……. ❤️
Really look forward to reading your blog……. ❤️
Really look forward to reading your blog……. ❤️
Really look forward to reading your blog……. ❤️
Really look forward to reading your blog……. ❤️
Really look forward to reading your blog……. ❤️
Decorating your spirit and space on vacation—/Wow! I love the glow you and your mom send forward into the world. Absolutely heart-warming and inspiring.
Decorating your spirit and space on vacation—/Wow! I love the glow you and your mom send forward into the world. Absolutely heart-warming and inspiring.
Decorating your spirit and space on vacation—/Wow! I love the glow you and your mom send forward into the world. Absolutely heart-warming and inspiring.
Decorating your spirit and space on vacation—/Wow! I love the glow you and your mom send forward into the world. Absolutely heart-warming and inspiring.
Decorating your spirit and space on vacation—/Wow! I love the glow you and your mom send forward into the world. Absolutely heart-warming and inspiring.
Decorating your spirit and space on vacation—/Wow! I love the glow you and your mom send forward into the world. Absolutely heart-warming and inspiring.
That was so sweet. Thank you for sharing.
That was so sweet. Thank you for sharing.
That was so sweet. Thank you for sharing.
That was so sweet. Thank you for sharing.
That was so sweet. Thank you for sharing.
That was so sweet. Thank you for sharing.
Looks like great fun! I found this beadboard:
http://www.jewelrysupply.com/product.asp?itemid=12182&gclid=CjwKEAiAoIK1BRCRiMqphvnlwlwSJAAOebPMBL7EeFmcwgutTojWoLjZy5ycnIetn-PmTsAAkd1o3BoCb7Hw_wcB
Looks like great fun! I found this beadboard:
http://www.jewelrysupply.com/product.asp?itemid=12182&gclid=CjwKEAiAoIK1BRCRiMqphvnlwlwSJAAOebPMBL7EeFmcwgutTojWoLjZy5ycnIetn-PmTsAAkd1o3BoCb7Hw_wcB
Looks like great fun! I found this beadboard:
http://www.jewelrysupply.com/product.asp?itemid=12182&gclid=CjwKEAiAoIK1BRCRiMqphvnlwlwSJAAOebPMBL7EeFmcwgutTojWoLjZy5ycnIetn-PmTsAAkd1o3BoCb7Hw_wcB
Looks like great fun! I found this beadboard:
http://www.jewelrysupply.com/product.asp?itemid=12182&gclid=CjwKEAiAoIK1BRCRiMqphvnlwlwSJAAOebPMBL7EeFmcwgutTojWoLjZy5ycnIetn-PmTsAAkd1o3BoCb7Hw_wcB
Looks like great fun! I found this beadboard:
http://www.jewelrysupply.com/product.asp?itemid=12182&gclid=CjwKEAiAoIK1BRCRiMqphvnlwlwSJAAOebPMBL7EeFmcwgutTojWoLjZy5ycnIetn-PmTsAAkd1o3BoCb7Hw_wcB
Looks like great fun! I found this beadboard:
http://www.jewelrysupply.com/product.asp?itemid=12182&gclid=CjwKEAiAoIK1BRCRiMqphvnlwlwSJAAOebPMBL7EeFmcwgutTojWoLjZy5ycnIetn-PmTsAAkd1o3BoCb7Hw_wcB
I’m taking a year-long course called Mandala Magic. It’s a journey of self-discovery using the mandala as a tool of expression. We are also learning the mysticism behind the mandala. It’s offered by Julie Gibbons who resides in Scotland. Interestingly, Carl Jung was a mandala artist who used it as an art therapy tool for himself.
I’m taking a year-long course called Mandala Magic. It’s a journey of self-discovery using the mandala as a tool of expression. We are also learning the mysticism behind the mandala. It’s offered by Julie Gibbons who resides in Scotland. Interestingly, Carl Jung was a mandala artist who used it as an art therapy tool for himself.
I’m taking a year-long course called Mandala Magic. It’s a journey of self-discovery using the mandala as a tool of expression. We are also learning the mysticism behind the mandala. It’s offered by Julie Gibbons who resides in Scotland. Interestingly, Carl Jung was a mandala artist who used it as an art therapy tool for himself.
I’m taking a year-long course called Mandala Magic. It’s a journey of self-discovery using the mandala as a tool of expression. We are also learning the mysticism behind the mandala. It’s offered by Julie Gibbons who resides in Scotland. Interestingly, Carl Jung was a mandala artist who used it as an art therapy tool for himself.
I’m taking a year-long course called Mandala Magic. It’s a journey of self-discovery using the mandala as a tool of expression. We are also learning the mysticism behind the mandala. It’s offered by Julie Gibbons who resides in Scotland. Interestingly, Carl Jung was a mandala artist who used it as an art therapy tool for himself.
I’m taking a year-long course called Mandala Magic. It’s a journey of self-discovery using the mandala as a tool of expression. We are also learning the mysticism behind the mandala. It’s offered by Julie Gibbons who resides in Scotland. Interestingly, Carl Jung was a mandala artist who used it as an art therapy tool for himself.
Looks fun, Julie. I like your mandala.
Here’s another site that sells that bead board. http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h203330tl
Looks fun, Julie. I like your mandala.
Here’s another site that sells that bead board. http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h203330tl
Looks fun, Julie. I like your mandala.
Here’s another site that sells that bead board. http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h203330tl
Looks fun, Julie. I like your mandala.
Here’s another site that sells that bead board. http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h203330tl
Looks fun, Julie. I like your mandala.
Here’s another site that sells that bead board. http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h203330tl
Looks fun, Julie. I like your mandala.
Here’s another site that sells that bead board. http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h203330tl
You re so spoiled 😉 what a fab trip! And I love the fact you got to make cool stuff.
You re so spoiled 😉 what a fab trip! And I love the fact you got to make cool stuff.
You re so spoiled 😉 what a fab trip! And I love the fact you got to make cool stuff.
You re so spoiled 😉 what a fab trip! And I love the fact you got to make cool stuff.
You re so spoiled 😉 what a fab trip! And I love the fact you got to make cool stuff.
You re so spoiled 😉 what a fab trip! And I love the fact you got to make cool stuff.
I was so fortunate to witness a mandala being made by Tibetan Buddhist monks. The music and the blessings and the prayers during the sweeping up of the sand and then pouring it into the water is an intense ritual. It swept me into a place where I was only aware of the moment and nothing else existed–so rare.
The monks gave me (and everyone else present) about a tablespoon of sand to distribute on my own. I kept it in a little bag for a long time and then, on a road trip, I let it sift through my fingers as I drove over the Continental Divide in Montana. So some of the sand went to the Pacific and some to the Atlantic.
The idea of impermanence is a big part of the mandala. But I also like to think about how that mandala still exists–just in a different way.
Thank you for the reminder, Julie, and thank you for always sharing your love for art.
I was so fortunate to witness a mandala being made by Tibetan Buddhist monks. The music and the blessings and the prayers during the sweeping up of the sand and then pouring it into the water is an intense ritual. It swept me into a place where I was only aware of the moment and nothing else existed–so rare.
The monks gave me (and everyone else present) about a tablespoon of sand to distribute on my own. I kept it in a little bag for a long time and then, on a road trip, I let it sift through my fingers as I drove over the Continental Divide in Montana. So some of the sand went to the Pacific and some to the Atlantic.
The idea of impermanence is a big part of the mandala. But I also like to think about how that mandala still exists–just in a different way.
Thank you for the reminder, Julie, and thank you for always sharing your love for art.
I was so fortunate to witness a mandala being made by Tibetan Buddhist monks. The music and the blessings and the prayers during the sweeping up of the sand and then pouring it into the water is an intense ritual. It swept me into a place where I was only aware of the moment and nothing else existed–so rare.
The monks gave me (and everyone else present) about a tablespoon of sand to distribute on my own. I kept it in a little bag for a long time and then, on a road trip, I let it sift through my fingers as I drove over the Continental Divide in Montana. So some of the sand went to the Pacific and some to the Atlantic.
The idea of impermanence is a big part of the mandala. But I also like to think about how that mandala still exists–just in a different way.
Thank you for the reminder, Julie, and thank you for always sharing your love for art.
I was so fortunate to witness a mandala being made by Tibetan Buddhist monks. The music and the blessings and the prayers during the sweeping up of the sand and then pouring it into the water is an intense ritual. It swept me into a place where I was only aware of the moment and nothing else existed–so rare.
The monks gave me (and everyone else present) about a tablespoon of sand to distribute on my own. I kept it in a little bag for a long time and then, on a road trip, I let it sift through my fingers as I drove over the Continental Divide in Montana. So some of the sand went to the Pacific and some to the Atlantic.
The idea of impermanence is a big part of the mandala. But I also like to think about how that mandala still exists–just in a different way.
Thank you for the reminder, Julie, and thank you for always sharing your love for art.
I was so fortunate to witness a mandala being made by Tibetan Buddhist monks. The music and the blessings and the prayers during the sweeping up of the sand and then pouring it into the water is an intense ritual. It swept me into a place where I was only aware of the moment and nothing else existed–so rare.
The monks gave me (and everyone else present) about a tablespoon of sand to distribute on my own. I kept it in a little bag for a long time and then, on a road trip, I let it sift through my fingers as I drove over the Continental Divide in Montana. So some of the sand went to the Pacific and some to the Atlantic.
The idea of impermanence is a big part of the mandala. But I also like to think about how that mandala still exists–just in a different way.
Thank you for the reminder, Julie, and thank you for always sharing your love for art.
I was so fortunate to witness a mandala being made by Tibetan Buddhist monks. The music and the blessings and the prayers during the sweeping up of the sand and then pouring it into the water is an intense ritual. It swept me into a place where I was only aware of the moment and nothing else existed–so rare.
The monks gave me (and everyone else present) about a tablespoon of sand to distribute on my own. I kept it in a little bag for a long time and then, on a road trip, I let it sift through my fingers as I drove over the Continental Divide in Montana. So some of the sand went to the Pacific and some to the Atlantic.
The idea of impermanence is a big part of the mandala. But I also like to think about how that mandala still exists–just in a different way.
Thank you for the reminder, Julie, and thank you for always sharing your love for art.
What a great way to welcome in the new year! I love all of your projects! Happy New Year Julie!
What a great way to welcome in the new year! I love all of your projects! Happy New Year Julie!
What a great way to welcome in the new year! I love all of your projects! Happy New Year Julie!
What a great way to welcome in the new year! I love all of your projects! Happy New Year Julie!
What a great way to welcome in the new year! I love all of your projects! Happy New Year Julie!
What a great way to welcome in the new year! I love all of your projects! Happy New Year Julie!
how fab! Love the earrings! The scarf dying looks way cool too
how fab! Love the earrings! The scarf dying looks way cool too
how fab! Love the earrings! The scarf dying looks way cool too
how fab! Love the earrings! The scarf dying looks way cool too
how fab! Love the earrings! The scarf dying looks way cool too
how fab! Love the earrings! The scarf dying looks way cool too
Two things I am looking forward to this weekend…cross country skiing & painting. Both are equally important. The basis of all health is and equal balance of physical, social & mental health. A times, most of us forget to tend to the social and mental sides of that health triangle and only focus on our bodies. A healthy mind and healthy social interactions balance our lives. The older I get, the more I learn that creating art is paramount. Reading your blog post filled in the third side quite nicely. Thanks, Julie.
Two things I am looking forward to this weekend…cross country skiing & painting. Both are equally important. The basis of all health is and equal balance of physical, social & mental health. A times, most of us forget to tend to the social and mental sides of that health triangle and only focus on our bodies. A healthy mind and healthy social interactions balance our lives. The older I get, the more I learn that creating art is paramount. Reading your blog post filled in the third side quite nicely. Thanks, Julie.
Two things I am looking forward to this weekend…cross country skiing & painting. Both are equally important. The basis of all health is and equal balance of physical, social & mental health. A times, most of us forget to tend to the social and mental sides of that health triangle and only focus on our bodies. A healthy mind and healthy social interactions balance our lives. The older I get, the more I learn that creating art is paramount. Reading your blog post filled in the third side quite nicely. Thanks, Julie.
Two things I am looking forward to this weekend…cross country skiing & painting. Both are equally important. The basis of all health is and equal balance of physical, social & mental health. A times, most of us forget to tend to the social and mental sides of that health triangle and only focus on our bodies. A healthy mind and healthy social interactions balance our lives. The older I get, the more I learn that creating art is paramount. Reading your blog post filled in the third side quite nicely. Thanks, Julie.
Two things I am looking forward to this weekend…cross country skiing & painting. Both are equally important. The basis of all health is and equal balance of physical, social & mental health. A times, most of us forget to tend to the social and mental sides of that health triangle and only focus on our bodies. A healthy mind and healthy social interactions balance our lives. The older I get, the more I learn that creating art is paramount. Reading your blog post filled in the third side quite nicely. Thanks, Julie.
Two things I am looking forward to this weekend…cross country skiing & painting. Both are equally important. The basis of all health is and equal balance of physical, social & mental health. A times, most of us forget to tend to the social and mental sides of that health triangle and only focus on our bodies. A healthy mind and healthy social interactions balance our lives. The older I get, the more I learn that creating art is paramount. Reading your blog post filled in the third side quite nicely. Thanks, Julie.