Hi there,

That’s it! Clarity Retreat Week is over for another year. I would say that both my inky, painty workshops during last week and Linda Williams’ Groovi parchment weekend were very well received, and that participants got a lot out of them. We always put a great deal of thought and prep into these events, and it certainly feels appreciated. Even the little touches, like fresh flowers on the ‘lunch tables‘, put a smile on faces. I forgot to take photos though – far too busy making sure everybody was happy! Imagine my delight when said flowers all came home in a box on the last day! So now they are a sweet reminder of a joyous week, spent with good people.

We changed the floor plan layout this year too, and added a little auditorium at the front. So before each exercise or stage in the process, we all came to the front and listened and watched. That way, everybody could see the big overhead screen better, and everybody could hear better. I think it was an improvement.

It also got everybody to step away from their work periodically, to let it rest, let the layers dry. In my workshops we were getting to grips with acrylic paint, so drying time featured heavily. And as we know, whitework in parchment is all about letting the work rest in between layers.

I did remember to take a few action shots, but to be honest, we were so engrossed in the process, I wasn’t thinking about anything else!

Most of our guests have been attending for many years. When I look at the pictures I did take, I know all their names, and many of them are friends. We did have a number of newcomers too, like Margaret here, who was pretty chuffed with her work, and I just had to take a picture of her smile. She did a cracking job of what was really not an easy process on the Gelli Plate.

A couple of good friends were missing due to poor health, and were sorely missed. But we hope to see both Ken and Unity next time.

The groups were slightly smaller this year, which was a good thing, since we were tackling paint! Why were there less guests? Well, I reckon there are a few reasons. We have bolted workshops onto our Open Days both in June and November, so several people have come then instead. But mostly, the Clarity Online workshops have really proven popular, and people are able to join in lessons now without having to travel. For many, this is preferential. Mind you, we still welcomed well over a hundred people over the week; that‘s a lot of tea and coffee! There’s nothing quite like getting together with a bunch of like-minded people, and making art. The creativity in the room was palpable.

There were so many creative and clever people in the room, too. I had a note on my desk the whole time, to remind me to “Let go, and let creatives be creative.” It was important to stop teaching all the time, and let them be the creative makers and artists that they are. So we would have sessions of what I called guided play, in which we were learning the process together, as it were. But then I would invite them to have another go, start from the beginning and repeat the process. This was where they added their personalities to their art. I LOVED THAT.

If you weren’t able to make it, but you would like to get to grips with Acrylic Paint and Gel Press printing, then there is a solution! I am putting together an online course, which will include what we covered together at Ditton – and more. Actually, I’ve been working on it for a while, and now the summer is nearly over, and the leaves are turning, it is time. So watch this space. There will be several online modules spread over the Autumn and Winter months.

Oh! And I’ve already had a great idea for the November Ditton workshop, which will be bolted onto the Christmas Open Days. I hope you are able to come down to Kent for that weekend.

Open Days 14th-15th

Workshops with Barb and Linda 16th.

Before I go, I would like to say a huge Thank You to all the folks who helped make last week the success it was:

• Linda Williams, for designing and delivering a superb parchment weekend
• Paul, for managing everything, including me!
• Lisa, for lovely lunches
• Tom, for preparing the Shop
• All the staff who helped set up and break down the hall
• All those who attended. Without them, what would be the point?

And now, the Bank Holiday Monday is over, and it’s time to prep for tomorrow’s TV Show at Hobbymaker TV. I shall be on your screens at 1pm and 4pm, showcasing a brand new A4 sampler Stamp set. Perfect for those mini makes. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve I’d like to share with you, so do tune in and support if you can. Where can you watch? SKY, Freeview and Youtube. Just look for Hobbymaker, or Hobbymaker.com.

Bye for now!

Love always,

Barb x x x