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Why I love Craft Shows!
My artwork and my new 'short' hair a t the Sydney Craft Show
Angus and I have just had three fab days at the Brisbane Scrapbooking and Papercrafts Show followed with only a day’s space by the Sydney Craft and Quilt show. All this hard on the heels of the Perth craft show. It’s been a pretty tight schedule!
We offer Crafters a step into ‘Art’. Let me just define that a little…. Most of what is on display at a craft show offers packages, layouts, sets and kits for ‘ easy projects’. Whether it be card making, quilting, scrapbooking, knitting etc etc and this paint-by-numbers approach seems to take any danger of actual ‘creativity’ safely out of the way!
Sydney Craft Show - Photo by Lisa Oxley
For me, ”Art” is something that comes from within, rather than piecing together elements you have purchased as per someone else’s instructions. It’s not meant to be perfect, smooth, neat, tidy and too easy! ArtWORK has the clue built right in there… I’m not saying that art has to be a struggle, but it does need to come from you, and show your individuality and uniqueness.
You may agree with me or not, but what is important is that many , many, many people are feeling the need to put more of ‘Themselves’ into their work, and allow stamps, stickers, rubons, papers and stencils etc etc to become elements, not the major focus. The people I speak to are tired of layout rules and are ready to unleash their creativity and enter the world of ‘Mixed Media’! ( which basically means ; anything goes!)
My Journals at the Sydney Craft Show - photo by Lisa Oxley
At each show I am doing demonstrations at my stand on what Art Journaling is, showing my Art Journals, talking about how I teach people to draw in my online classes and how I use the art supplies I love most. Basically, I get to create all day and chat with like minded people. Some are already on their creative path and ready for a little boost, some who have felt their creative beast stirring and are ready to wake it up and fully get moving, and then there are the people who are fellow art supply junkies and would just like to learn to use their stash!
Many people can hardly speak as they watch me creating, jaw dropped open, whispery ooohs and aaaahs issuing occasionally… Drawing and swirling paint does look absolutely magic, especially if you haven’t done it since childhood. Some people want to grab the paintbrush and pencils out of my hands and sit on the floor and join in straight away!
At some of the shows, I do live drawing and painting demonstrations on stage. I don’t even get nervous anymore, there’s no time! I had to laugh at the Brisbane show though, as the microphone was handheld (usually its a headset – so hands free!). So for a start I felt like I was doing Karaoke all the time… but just try talking into a mike and painting with one hand… I didn’t realise how much I use both my hands to paint! I had great audiences twice a day throughout the show, and we all had a laugh!
Drawing on Stage at the Brisbane Papercrafting Show - Photo Lisa Hayes
Craft shows are a chance for me to see all the latest and greatest products, discover new ways of using them and get burning questions answered! There are classes, demonstrations and talks going on everywhere. I always do a bit of shopping at each show taking advantage of show specials!
At the Brisneyland and Sydney shows , we had Tim Holtz from Ranger Ink . His presence caused a lot of excitement for everyone!
Tim Holtz and moi : at the Ranger Ink training day in Sydney
I got to meet him at a special Ranger training day in Sydney. He was such a wonderful teacher and a real entertainer. I learned so much and the day flew by in a whirl of ink, laughs and omg…glitter!
Yes, I used glitter.
Well, it’s a glimmer really. I think I may become a glimmer girl… I’m not sure how long that will last, but as I’m into drawing fairies and mermaids mode for Joynal, the shimmer element seems to be a natural thing. And the rock candy distress stickles and Perfect Pearl Mists are TO DIE FOR. How did I not know about their awesomeness? I just adore arty people who love to share their knowledge!
Tags I made during the Tim training day - inky fun!!!
The point of my stand is we only offer the supplies that I need to live and breath. I have limited space, and I only have room for the BESTof the best. The most versatile, innovative art products for Art Journals. There is so much choice out there, and I have taken it upon myself to gather just about everything to try it, test it and judge it for my own purposes.
In my online classes, my students get a front row seat as to what are my favourite supplies. The things I am reaching for. Things I KNOW are so awesome that I can’t keep my mitts off ‘Em! These are the things that find their way to the Shows with me.
Which brings me to the last and most important point of why I love Craft shows. I get to connect with my students. Both present and future. I ADORE meeting my existing students- it lights me up inside, especially when they bring their journals with them. Seeing artwork in the ‘flesh’ that I have loved and admired online is exhilarating! Especially when I have seen the trials and flourishings to get it to that point. Sometimes the journals are a surprise from students too shy to post their work. I love seeing any form of creative endeavour!
The Craft Shows are a lot of work, are very expensive and take me away from home and my fur babies, but the benefits they bring to me personally, make me love them!
The next ones are :
Craft and Sewing in Melbourne : July 26 to 29
Newcastle: we are not confirmed, but thinking of attending: August 16 to 19
Sydney Better Homes and Gardens: Sept 14 to 16
(There’s a little Calendar thingy in the sidebar if you ever want to check where I am popping up next!)
xoxox
Jane
p.s. I had about 30cm cut off the length of my hair few weeks ago – yikes!!! I am used to my much healthier hair now, but I did feel shorn for about a week!
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Welcome to my blog Davenpeeps!
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Jane Davenport! I’m a professional artist, art workshop teacher, 5x bestselling author, art supply creator and self-diagnosed art supply addict!
I’m a creativity expert who has guided tens of thousands of women back to their art, defying their self imposed creative gravity and making art with joy and confidence. I share my mixed media art and drawing techniques with everyday artists who feel their creativity calling them to play with colour, texture and their art supplies. I hope my blog can help you embrace the mess, let go of perfectionitis and experience the joy of creativity.
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