Merry Craftmas & Happy Glue Year!

When the hustle and bustle of retail extravaganzas and big box store bonanzas has become the new norm, handmade gifts and cards sometimes get lost in the shuffle. But not here in the creative realm of Art & Souler's, I bet! I'm sure you crafted a darling little card, or hand made some gifts this year. Maybe you prepared an amazing table setting for guests, or decorated the house with extra flair. No matter how you expressed your creativity this season — be proud of yourself for keeping the true spirit of art and individuality in the Holidays! 

And thank you all so much for your support of Art & Soul Retreats. Each and every one of you! Students and teachers alike. Taking time out to replenish your soul in a creative way is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity!  And I appreciate you choosing to play and have fun with us year after year. You are part of our success and I wish you the Happiest of Holidays and the Most Creative New Year Ever!

~ Glenny xo

A Creative Christmas Season...

So... the Christmas tree is up and the holiday spirit is taking me over. My festive faux fir is adorned with monchromatic touches of red and white... speckled with icicles, flora & fauna, and a few of my favorite stuffed animals tucked between the branches. Decorating the tree may seem like a simple tradition, but perfectly placing each ornament — as I thoughtfully ponder where each and every one came from (don't we all!) — reminds me how precious family and loved ones are. How precious life is. And how lucky we are to have extended families... like our Art & Soul family!

Like a winter fire, my extended retreat family truly warms my soul. I think back to my first event — over a decade ago — and some of you are still with me, still by my side. And many of you have become the closest of friends. Some of the Art & Soul attendees I've just met, but it's like we've known each other for years. That's what happens when like-minded people, linked by the most precious of gifts — the ability to let go and be free — meet for the first time. And all of my dear, dear retreat goers and teachers from all the years in between... I just cannot believe how lucky I am to have you all in my life. It reminds me how precious life really is.

The day-to-day grind is what it is. Work. Eat. Sleep. Clean the house. But the holidays remind us that those in-between moments are the ones that count. And to be able to fill them with creativity is such a blessing. We are fortunate to have our art that connects us and make us stronger. A bond that is created in one moment, yet lasts a lifetime. We are a tribe of artists... leaning on each other for support, encouragement and inspiration! It reminds me the importance of friendships, not just around the holidays, but every day.

So this holiday season I'd like to thank you all for daring to experience something greater for yourself. The bravery it took to come along on this creative adventure with me. And the heartfelt connections we have made over art. I am truly blessed to have all of you in my life and I hope that your holiday season is filled with the love of family, friends, and perhaps a few random moments of creativity.

Blessings,
Glenny
xoxo

Give the Gift of Creativity for the Holidays!

Looking for that perfect holiday gift for a creative friend? Does your husband keep asking what you want for Christmas? Are you a long-time Art & Souler who's always wanted to take so-and-so along with you (but she was a little short on funds)? Well, an Art & Soul gift certificate — that can be used toward workshops at any of our Mixed Media Art Retreats — makes a great present for your friends and family! It's a creative way to artfully thank someone this holiday.

You can make your gift for any denomination. Just e-mail Glenny at glenny@artandsoulretreat.com and she'll get you taken care of right away!

Button Up & Enjoy Some Alcohol...

Just wanted to pop in and show you some virtual eye candy of the wonderful classes we have at our upcoming Kansas City, MO retreat. Event though it doesn't start until March 19th of 2014 — it'll be here before you know it!


Jean Van Brederode has outdone herself again with this gorgeous Button Up! workshop. In it, you'll create a charming necklace of buttons, buckles, and bling! Upcycle those favorite glass, bone, shell, metal, or plastic buttons as you form a delightful mixed media necklace by encasing and attaching single and groups of buttons in attractive and unusual combinations. You'll get to explore many useful yet simple soldering and connecting techniques, and you will leave with a complete and fanciful ready-to-wear creation!


And Cathy Taylor takes you out of this world with her workshop on Creating Magic With Alcohol Inks. Ohhhh, those bright, beautiful, luscious, yummy alcohol inks. I love it so much, I think I'm going to have to go to Alcohol Inks Anonymous! You'll be enchanted with the amazing new techniques presented in this fun filled, experimental workshop. Using alcohol inks and some weird and wonderful tools, you will create incredible artwork even if you don’t have a background in painting. Quirky, unexpected, and surprising results every time you create. You'll love learning how to go with the flow!

Check out all of our fabulous Kansas City classes for 2014 on our website. Or you can browse by instructor, take a look at our example project photos, or view more of our instructor videos. Any way you look at it, we'd love for you to join us!