Time for Teacher Gifts

For those of you who live in the San Fernando Valley area, I want to let you know that I am hosting three workshops in June featuring altered art projects which will make great teacher gifts.  Either come by yourself or with a friend, or bring your child and make your gift together -- your choice.   

The cost includes all materials and supplies you need to complete your project.  YOU choose the colors, theme, ribbons and embellishments to personalize your gifts for the wonderful teachers your children have this year.  As a special end-of-the-school year bonus, you will also make a coordinating gift tag & gift bag.

Friday, June 4

Sunday, June 6

Saturday, June 12

10 AM - 1 PM

Choose from many projects including:

Tile Coaster Set ($10)

perfect for holding a Starbucks gift card

Garden pail ($15) 

Filled with flower seed packet, soil & shovel

Clipboard & Coordinating Notepad  ($15)

Desk Post-it Note Pad Set ($15)

Notes read "Who are these kids and why are they calling me teacher?"
(Different note styles available.)

Coffee-theme Post-it Note Holder ($15)

Space is limited, so please RSVP at least 3 days prior to the date you choose. 

Please email me at Dozeedo@gmail.com with your RSVP, questions or for more details on the projects.

Also:  If you like these altered art projects, but cannot attend one of the workshops,
I have a limited supply of finished projects available for purchase.

My Garden Party Workshop

What do you get when you cross a garden party with altered art?  One of my Altered Artworks workshops, of course!  Last week, four crafty women came over in desperate need of creative therapy.  And that's exactly what they got--three hours of schmoozing with old and new friends, delicious snacks, and most of all, uninterrupted art time. 

From my vast array of scrapbook paper, metal charms, chipboard, brads, buttons, ribbon, and many other embellishments, each participant selected her own combination of colors and textures, creating a beautiful (and useful) garden pail as unique as the individual who made it. 

So, instead of showing you my artwork, I thought this time I would share theirs:

Gotta love this fun, bold print!

Catch the sparkling chipboard butterfly!

Birds, trees & a ladybug--check!

Love the birdcage print with its strong brown & green colors!

After decoupaging (did someone say "pass the modge"?) and embellishing were complete, the garden pails were filled with soil peats, a small terra cotta pot (which they painted), flower & vegetable seed packets, planting instructions and a shiny red pail. 

Although these pails make great gifts, I think my friends were going to keep their artwork for themselves!

Pleasing Aunt Betty and Creating That Perfect Gift

Turkey sandwich, anyone?  I didn't think so.  Then think desserts.  How about some scrumptious chocolate chip cookies?  Blueberry blintzes?  You bake it -- we'll eat it!  Come share your favorite appetizer or dessert  while we eat and craft our way through the holidaze season.  My annual holiday workshops begin this Friday, December 4 and will continue through December 20.

Do you have people on your gift list who are impossible to please?  What about Aunt Betty who says, "Oh, don't get me anything" but would be extremely disappointed if you believed her?  How about creating a personal gift that is both useful and beautiful, tailored just for those special people in your life?   If you've answered yes to any one of these questions, then sign up now for the Altered Artworks workshops.

Choose from several projects including altered clipboards, photo frames, earring "trees", candle holders, message pad holders, photo boxes and more!  View pictures of sample projects on the right sidebar of this page.  Click on any photo to enlarge it to view the detail.  Projects range from $10 - $20.  Make a coordinating tag and gift bag at no extra charge.  All supplies are included.  You choose the theme, colors and embellishments to create unique and useful art.

Below is the schedule of December workshops, each limited to 8 people, so RSVP early.  Email me directly at Dozeedo@gmail.com with the subject, "Altered Artworks RSVP".

• Friday, Dec 4 (10 AM -1 PM)
• Sunday, Dec 6 (1 - 4 PM)
• Wednesday, Dec 9 (7 - 10 PM) - NEW DATE & TIME
• Friday, Dec 18 (10 AM -1 PM)
• Sunday, Dec 20 (1 - 4 PM)

Looking forward to sharing creative and delectable moments together!

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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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Got Photos?

There's nothing more relaxing than a lazy Sunday morning sipping my delicious "King's Road" coffee using my favorite mug, while still in my pj's at 10:30! What a perfect time to update my blog.

If you are like me, you have zillions (is that really a number?) of photos that you are planning to organize -- one day! Well, until that "one day" comes around, here is an easy way to keep and display your photos: in the newly created Altered Artworks photo box and photo holder. This altered box holds all your 4" x 6" photos in one place, filed with three tab dividers (family, vacation, school, etc.). As a bonus, you can choose one or two of your favorite photos to display with the coordinating photo clip.

Altered with beautiful designer papers, coordinating buttons and ribbon, this two-piece set is available in many styles. Look for an upcoming workshop where you can create your own photo box and holder set, just in time for those summer and back-to-school photos.