Class Photos? Create Wall Art!

Yes, another school year is coming to an end...the kids are counting down the days while Moms are getting their last "chillaxing" time in while they can before the pool party schlepping begins. If you're feeling the end-of-the-school year crunch, and you're still wondering what to give your child's teacher, here is one more idea. Using your child's class photo and a quick trip to the Dollar Store, you and your child can create a beautiful memento the teacher will cherish for years to come. It also makes a great keepsake and beautiful wall art for your child's room.

OK, while you dash to the Dollar Store to pick up one of their 12" x 8-1/4" (wood frame and cork) Memo Boards, I'll gather a coordinating mix of embellishments and meet you back here. And grab yourself an iced latte, as it's already in the 90's here!

Dollar Store Memo Board

My plethora of embellishments emphasizing

turquoise, yellow and a smattering of red.

Paint the wood frame to coordinate with your color palette.

(I used painter's tape to protect the cork,

then realized it was going to be covered with paper anyway, so you can skip this part.)

Crop the class photo, removing any borders, and back with solid contrasting paper.

Choose paper to coordinate with your paint color, and cut it to fit inside the frame.

Mod Podge the paper to cork.  Don't worry about the ripples; they will disappear by tomorrow.

Alter the memo board, one embellishment at a time.

Here I used my label maker to write "4th Grade".

I use "Scrappy Glue" to adhere the flowers to each other and to the board.

Using a wallet-size photo, I punched my daughter's picture with a scallop punch and backed it with a larger punched circle.  Then added a red binder clip and a small round tag where I wrote the year.

I also stamped some Fleur-de-lis designs using black "Staz-on" ink.

More flowers, a "star" button, and a tag with ribbons,

a "Friends Forever" charm and bling.

Secure  ribbon to the back of the frame to hang on the wall,

and this wonderful altered artwork makes a beautiful keepsake for a teacher or your child!

And now it's time to hit the pool.  Happy Summer!

Creative Therapy

Some call it arts & crafts.  Others say it's time well spent.  I call it creative therapy.

Whatever the name, Altered Artworks provides workshops in a warm, creative environment, giving you the opportunity to awaken your creative muse.  With our busy lives going in many directions at the same time, pause to treat yourself to some creative therapy.

Choose from a variety of altered art projects:  a beautiful clipboard with coordinating pad of paper and over-sized note holder; ceramic tile coaster set, crystal candle holder complete with wonderfully-scented candle, two-panel canvas photo frames, desktop notepad & pen set, personalized journal and a decorative photo box.  View pictures of projects on the right sidebar of this page.  Click on any photo to enlarge it and view the detail.

Each project begins as a plain, bare item.  One embellishment at a time, you will transform this item into a beautiful and useful piece of artwork.  Everything you need is included in the price of the workshop including a selection of designer papers, acrylic paints, ribbons, buttons, metal embellishments, flowers, tags and charms.  You choose your own materials, making each art piece personal and original.

What transpires is Creative Therapy!  Located in the West San Fernando Valley, these workshops are just what you need to get away from it all (for at least three hours anyway). Reservations are a must as space is limited to 8 people per workshop.  Classes are held on selected Friday mornings 10 AM -1 PM and Sunday afternoons 1-4 PM.  In addition, if you get together at least four people, you can plan your own private workshop tailored to your creative needs. Planning a bridal shower?  Make some great votive holders using the bride's wedding colors.  In a book club group? Create reading journals to keep tabs on books and meeting dates. Need a special birthday gift for your BFF? Make a decorative clipboard to coordinate with her office or kitchen.

With the holidays approaching (yikes, already?), it's time to think of all those special people in your life who will appreciate a handmade gift that is useful and doesn't need dusting!  These altered artwork items make great gifts for teachers, coaches, hairdressers, work associates, family and friends.  Once you make it, however, you might want to keep it for yourself, so come and make two!

To register for workshops and get more information, email Doreen at dozeedo@gmail.com.  Looking forward to sharing creative moments together!
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