Pigments of Your Imagination... A New Book by Cathy Taylor!

We are so excited to announce... or brag, really... about one of our very own Art & Soul instructors, Cathy Taylor. She recently published a gorgeous book on the many ways to create using Alcohol Inks entitled Pigments of Your Imagination. How adorable is that title!

Besides being a popular and talented workshop instructor, Cathy is an award-winning mixed-media artist and one very creative soul. Her artwork is a celebration of the patterns, textures, and color found in the the natural environment. Cathy is known for her ability to interpret a subject in a variety of styles. From her colorful detailed alphabetical designs, to her whimsical collages and multi-dimensional abstracts, Cathy's work is represented in museums, nature centers and private collections throughout the U.S. and abroad. Some of Cathy's work is licensed for use on clothing, textiles, and gift items. She is also a signature member of both the National Collage Society and the International Society of Experimental Artists. She's one talented lady!

Here's what her publisher, Schiffer, has to say about this amazing compilation of unique techniques...

"Discover magic! Join the vibrant, prismatic world of luminous alcohol inks. Mercurial, versatile, inexpensive, and wildly colorful, alcohol inks are one of the newest mediums to hit the art community. Pigments of Your Imagination is your essential guide for working with alcohol inks, from choosing which inks to use for each project to learning how to maximize your artistic potential with a wide variety of fascinating techniques. Using an assortment of materials and tools, learn how to work on a variety of surfaces, including paper, glass, metal, fabric and plastic. Find inspiration for your own masterpieces in the step-by-step demos and guest artist gallery. from the beginning craftsperson to the professional artist, Pigments of Your Imagination offers a broad insight into the expansive world of alcohol inks. Explore the limits of your artistic ingenuity with alcohol inks. Jump Start your creativity!"

We're so very proud of Cathy and this new publication, which will be available this March. For information on the book or to pre-order a copy, you can visit the Schiffer Books website, or amazon.com.

If you're interested in taking a workshop with Cathy in-person, she'll be teaching multiple classes at our Portland Art & Soul event, at our Kansas City retreat, and at the Virginia Beach venue for 2015. So reserve a copy of her book and check out the unique workshops she has to offer!

Congratulations, Cathy Taylor!

© 2015 photo by Schiffer Publishing

A Stitch in Time is... Here Forever!

Patti Calande has always been a maker. As a child her cousin taught her to sew, and her grandmother taught her to crochet. She's taken many classes since that time to further her creative endeavors. When Patti discovered Alabama Chanin, she felt an immediate affinity for their techniques, style, and integrity. She knew this was what she wanted to do. Patti eventually went on to attend multiple workshops at their factory in Alabama, completed their teaching accreditation requirements, and is now a certified Alabama Chanin Sewing Instructor.

Patti is excited to help others discover the wonderful world of hand-stitching heirloom pieces. She not only embraces the pleasure of the process, but also the thoughtful crafting of something beautiful and useful, something to be enjoyed by the maker now and their future generations to come, that’s so good for the soul.

And she's going to help you do that too!

Patti is teaching her Alabama Chainin technique in an amazing workshop at our Portland Art & Soul in March 2015. And it's not just about stitching... it's about beading and patterns and stencils and fabrics and more! Check out her video...


Hand Stitching & Embellishing, The Alabama Chanin Way
Sunday, March 8th, 2015

The Alabama Chanin way offers a fresh take on age-old hand stitching techniques. Join Patti in exploring these techniques, such as applique and reverse applique. She'll talk about different types of stitches, from the running stitch to elaborate embroidery stitches, and their applicable uses. She’ll go over some of her favorite tips and tricks to help make for a smooth, successful sewing experience. She’ll touch on materials, pattern cutting, beading, and stenciling; and you’ll learn garment construction too.



So... are you inspired? I certainly love the peacefulness and calm of hand sewing, stitching and embrioidery... and Patti Calande is just the soul to take you through it!

For more information on our Portland retreat, as well as registration, check out our website today!