Hello there! I hope your week is going smoothly! I just returned home from Bainbridge Island, WA yesterday. The workshop with Crystal Neubauer was amazing!

She is a kind, passionate and generous teacher. I loved learning more about not only her process but the emotions, symbolism and personal meaning in her work. There is nothing better than hearing from an artist why she does the things she does in her creations.

The first day we foraged for natural elements to create our own mark making tools! We bundled up and went beach combing. Here are Robin and I out to find natural treasures!

I came back with a pretty nice stash...

It was such a delight to construct beautiful brushes to create gorgeous and unique marks with black india ink! Perfect for creating collage papers!

On the second day, we got a tour of the beautiful Wacky Nut Farm - where the workshop was being held. This beautiful location is an exclusive equine center with the most exquisite horses you've even seen! After just doing my Spirit Horse class, it was quite a treat to connect with these majestic animals. This is Indigo - a sweet Fresian mare. I loved her!

After our barn tour, we got right back to work. Piles of delicious collage papers awaited! Under Crystal's lovely guidance we created all day long! She showed us wonderful techniques and composition tips too!

I came away with these collages...

Loved this workshop! A big thank you to Crystal and to our lovely host Serena who took such good care of us!

Also, if you guys haven't already bought Crystal's book - it's a must!

Much love to you all!

xo,

Ivy