Believe

painted and collaged background by "Of Towers and Turrets" student Mary Zimany

In the beginning....there were backgrounds, created with happy abandon.  Splashing of paint and swirling of colors were the order of the day.

handcarved stamps by "Of Towers and Turrets" student Monika Schmid

Next came the carving...  Who doesn't love to carve stamps?  Eraser bits were flying on that day!

towers collage by  "Of Towers and Turrets" student Deirdre O'Shea

Bricks were laid, mortar was applied and towers were constructed.  And, what beautiful towers they are!

painting by "Of Towers and Turrets" student Phyllis Peterson

Then came the painting, oh, the painting!  I have to horn-toot a little bit here:  what a fantastic, artistic bunch of students!  Inspired, inventive, generous and friendly...wowza...what a group.  What a swirl of creative energy they are producing!

Come swirl in the Creative Vortex!

Not so long ago, this online workshop was just a daydream in my head.  Serendipitously (or maybe not so much so!) Sharon and I fused our visions for this class...that's the exquisite fusion part of this...and the fun began.  I have to say, I was a little apprehensive.  There are so many details and variables.  Can we get all the work done?  Will anyone join us?  Will I look stupid on video?  Will the students like it?  Will they love it?  Turns out, the answers are...yes (very uncomfortable being on video but finally got over it!)  One of the big lessons of this online workshop experience, for me, has been to trust.   Rely on my faith...let go...believe in myself (not through my power but through His) and my dreams.  This is no easy feat for me being the detail-oriented-prone-to-anxiety person that I tend to be.  But, the very fact that our students are there...and they're happy...and they're creating and loving it...makes me love it.  I love the fruition of this dream.  So, if you have a dream, here's my word to you:  have courage...go out..conquer this world...BELIEVE!

Comments

[pilar]

I really wish I had the time to take this wonderful class. I know both you and Sharon are so generous as instructors and inspiring to your students. The work you have show is awesome. xoxoxoxo

[Diana Frey]

So glad you are pleased with the response you and Sharon have had to your workshop. I would have expected nothing less. Congrats on having the courage to follow your dreams.
Diana

[mary dunn]

yes--you have to believe--my advice: pray, gulp and jump in! :)

[Lis DesJardins Bommarito]

I have a pretty active imagination, but there is no mistaking that registration numbers are still climbing. I would assert unequivocably, that you and Sharon have a huge hit on your hands, and we've only just started. I am quietly and intensely loving everything about this workshop.

Well, maybe not so quiet.

[Mary Z]

Yes, Deryn we are having fun and it's easy being inspired by you and Sharon!!
Mary Z

[Colette]

Well it looks wonderful! I'm joining as soon as I can. Thanks for the encouragement by sharing the work of the participants.

[Sherry Green Peck]

Deryn, thank you so much for sharing your fears....I have similar fears....so you saying what you did, makes me feel braver. And what an awesome looking class this is, that I could not do right now...but will be watching! What a wonderful collaboration of talent!!!

[Sue]

Have been following the progress of Of Towers and Turrets and a friend and I were inspired to a play day, see what we came up with here
http://sroddis.blogspot.com/2010/08/things-you-learn.html
and here
http://craftaddicts-tracyevans.blogspot.com/2010/08/crooked-houses.html
thanks for the inspiration!