Janna Wilson: Ringing in the NEW!

Goodness, it's been awhile...

(the remnants of our surprise birthday party for Sara/New Years Eve festivities...I customized this free download that I found through the Pizzazzerie to work with both themes.)

I've been partying for the last three days straight! Well, at least planning for, prepping and carrying through Sara's 12th birthday! Tonight...it comes to an end as I've flopped on the couch with a warm mug, cozy under this warm laptop and blanket. I'm smiling...perusing and recalling the moments and memories through the photos from the last few weeks. I'm dreaming of the future (always). I'm gathering my thoughts and as always...love a new adventure.

One semester of college behind me (actually like three, but one as of recent). All A's in my classes...2D Design, Drawing (man, that was a hard one), Digital Imaging, Speech and Beg. Algebra.

Check!

Last semester, my demanding school schedule left me with little time to devote to "working" and creating beyond a few BHG assignments each month. Sometimes I still ask myself if I'm crazy...yes, maybe! But life is an exciting adventure in creativity!!!

I miss being crafty. :(sad face)

Something I've wrangled with over the last few years is "working" through the computer...selling handmade on the blog, working with various companies and folks via the net teaching classes, craft and scrapbook design work, etc. While each of these avenues for me working was a HUGE blessing...I didn't realize just how much I missed "human contact" until I went back to school. I kind of like being unplugged. Being in a setting with real people to conversate with, lunch with and be creative with. I'm a people person...and for the most part, my life, work...existence has been limited to the confines of my home. I love our home and its wonderful that I've been blessed to be home, to be able to work from home and this is exactly what I intend on continuing to do, hopefully.

The last few months --I've just realized that I love interacting with people, encouraging people, and sharing what I've learned and know to make them feel proud and that same rush that I do when I'm creating! More hands on in the trenches kind of work (play :). So now I'm going to do just that. Or at least give it a whirl anyway! I'm going to take what I've learned in the last eight years designing and teaching scrapbooking classes and gear it towards more arts and craft oriented workshops. This idea came from a lightbulb moment I had when a dear sweet lady at church was telling me about how her daughter in law was teaching art classes. I thought about how much fun we have when the girls have friends over and we paint, or craft or sew...and how fun it is to see those little creative minds flourish. I love it!

(an in progress photo from a recent art party :) --this is by Taylor)

My schedule is somewhat less demanding this semester so I'm going to give this a try! Right now I'm considering Saturday workshops and semester long sessions as well as possibly a summer camp. I'm thinking of doing a basic sewing class and an art class (color and painting). Ages 8 and up for now...and small classes of maybe 4-6 kids per class on a weekly basis after school. Space would be very limited. I'm going to pray about this...plan some more, dream and hopefully be back real soon with firm dates and details.

I feel that art, crafting and creating in general can instill many valuable lessons into children and adults alike...beyond the obvious. It makes them feel empowered, creative (even when they are sure they are not) and if encouraged --can heighten their self confidence and self worth. These classes would not be a free for all painting/creating/fun session. I'm interested in children who show serious interest and are eager to learn and grow from an enriching experience. The workshops would be structured to teach the fundamentals of art/crafting/design in a fun, inspiring format to lead to an end result that progresses the students to expand their own talents and abilities.

(an in progress photo from a recent art party :) --this is by Katie)

So...that is what I'm dreaming of.

Fun.

Creative.

Interacting.

Teaching.

Growing.

Enriching.

...whoever is willing to come and play with me, that is :)

While most people want to go global...me, I just want to go local, I think. For now, anyway.

Thoughts?

Comments

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Yay for you on an awesome semester!!! That takes a lot to juggle! Love the art class idea...so important! If you are ever in the mood to scrap I would love to have you as a guest designer at IB!! ;) Happy New Year to you and your family!!!

Posted by: Jennifer Yates | January 02, 2011 at 10:58 AM