Valentine Ornament Workshop!

 

Why should decorating end with Christmas? I say leave up the white lights and decorate with Valentine-Themed ornaments! Come to my studio at 18 Garden Street, Rhinebeck, NY,  to play for an hour, and make these wonderful encaustic ornaments....bring a friend! (Max 2 people per session.) 
Friday January 23rd and 30th, from 10-6. Sign up for a slot at 10, 12, 2, 4, or 6 pm, for 1 or 2 people! 20.00 per person or bring a friend for 35.00 for both. Materials and instruction included.

These are my samples; you will do your own collages of course!  Encaustic is hot wax - like giant crayons melted on a hotplate, then painted onto wood forms (about 4" in size); each layer of wax is sealed with a heat gun or tacking iron, then text and images paper are encased in hot clear encaustic medium.  This art form was first used in Ancient Greece and Rome, then forgotten until the work of Jasper Johns and others nearly 2,000 years later. This is the perfect way to be introduced to it. Our very own R&F Handmade Paints out of Kingston, NY, will be used in the process!

Visit my website at pagibbonsstudio.com for contact information or"Like" my Facebook page at
P.A. Gibbons Studio. 

What I Learned

I made it through two of the most grueling months of my life, where I worked 7 days a week, going to school and running my own business. What I accomplished? I finished my 31 page business plan, I pulled off four shows in three weeks, made it through the first year of my business in the studio without losing my shirt, slowly have increased my student base, and sold quite a bit of art. 

I don't usually make resolutions, as they are too easily broken, but I do reflect upon the year, note what I have learned, and see what it is I have to do to make this next one the best possible ever. 

What I learned this year? To be a good business person, I must be organized with my time, my paperwork, and my chores. I must do my accounting on a weekly, if not a daily basis. This will make everything else much more easy in the end. (can you tell I am dreading my 2014 taxes?).  I learned that the best advertising is word of mouth, keeping an interesting active online presence. I learned that when I am tired and stressed, to take care of myself so that I remain physically and mentally on top of my game. I also learned that it is of utmost importance to schedule art days into my busy schedule so I can MAKE ART.  

Thank you all for the support you have shown me on this reinvention-of-self adventure. It isn't an easy journey, but it is a gratifying one. And, as I settle into the groove, it can only get easier and better.

TO ALL OF OUR SUCCESSES!