What I Learned Taking a Class...

Sooo, I took a course this past weekend with my friend Joyelle.  I don't usually take classes as they intimidate the crap out of me.  Joyelle is a seasoned class taker and even teaches them.  I don't sign up for her classes either but hers definitely intrigue me and I will likely take one of her classes at some point (yes, you can hold me to that Joyelle).  The class this past weekend was led by Dina Wakley and held at Clipper Street Scrapbooking in Langley.  It was an art journaling layers class.  I hadn't been in a scrapbook store in years and certainly didn't know it would have so many art supplies.  Scrapbooking sure has evolved.  Being rather like a fish out of water I was kinda relying on the fact that Joyelle would be sitting right beside me.  Nope.  We found out quickly that the ladies that were already there had booked in early and weren't moving.  In the end I think it was a good thing as it forced me to believe that I could figure it out even though when I looked at what was staring at me I thought I would barf. 

First, let me just state I don't actually keep an art journal in the form of a book.  I have often wanted to start but have never actually done it.  My creative process, I believe, is a form of art journaling in that how I do it is a form of self expression based on how I am feeling.  My end result is not to keep the design in a book.  This is something I learned during the class.  That said, since I LOVE how art journals look, I may just have to start.

I ended up buying the journal recommended as I didn't have one to bring.  I also didn't know what the parchment like paper would be for, or the sheet of watercolour paper and vintage piece of paper from a book.  Dina explained it all in class as they would become part of the layering process.  I did bring a bunch of paint brushes as required from the sheet of "supplies" along with paper towels. Baby wipes was also on that list and I haven't had those in the house for years so I really had no clue what people used them for in this setting.  I learned that some used them for cleaning their stencils.  I still see no need for baby wipes ~ I don't clean my stencils and I tend to spritz my stamps with water and blot with paper towel to clean. 
 
I also learned that in order to follow along with the class I had to let certain "teachings" pass over my head.  For instance, when Dina said to use a paint brush I didn't.  I much preferred to spread the paint over the page with my hands and apply with a paper towel, per my natural process.  I don't often use a paint brush when creating the layers in a background.  That suggestion, stalled my creativity as if it was too "formal" for my brain.  

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©Kathleen Tennant 2014

Since I realized pretty early on I knew how to layer I spent some time observing those around me.  I realized that what seems to come somewhat naturally to me does not to others.  I saw many struggle with the idea of how to layer and what to layer with.  In other words they were thinking too much and I just let the feeling of the moment dictate the direction I would go. They seemed to worry they were doing it wrong and I just did it knowing it would be right.  For the first time I saw myself as a confident artist and ahead of many in the class.  Some of the ladies had more "tools" than space but when it came down to actually creating they seemed to struggle with being precise.  Art is less precision and more a feeling, in my opinion.  Once you take the worry away from whether it is right or wrong the creativity flows.  In the end, all created beautiful artwork.

©Kathleen Tennant 2014

All in all the class was great!  I did learn a few techniques but mostly I learned a lot about myself. I learned I would have no problems teaching a class should I ever choose to.  I learned I couldn't teach a class that large and would prefer a more intimate setting.  Dina was awesome though, she captivates the room and has an fantastic sense of humour and teaching style especially with so many in the class.  I learned to appreciate all that I know how to do and the ease of how it all comes to me.  It may sound strange but I really did have that moment of clarity that I should feel confident in my ability.  I am grateful for that realization.  I also learned I love lots of layers and my two page spread ended up looking pretty kick ass!