Being Creative #2 - How to Learn?

Hello, Hello! I have planned this post for about a year in my head. Yeah, I have been thinking about this even longer! There are loads of links in this post, you have been warned <chuckle>.

A big thank you to everyone who participated last week ! Keep Creating!

Let's get a couple of things out of the way:

-What activities are considered as creative?

Anything you create! And that means not just art. I know, I know we all think artists are the only creatives out there. But how is cooking or making music or painting those vases or shooting photos not creative? So are we settled on this - painting/art is not the only form of creativity? That's all I have to say on this topic.

-This party is to share "anything" you created. I find that I generally I have a tough time participating in themed parties because I can never create anything in the theme, LOL !

 

So now back to topic - about learning! Where does one begin to learn?

Let me a tell you a little story. About 10 years back I moved to Massachussetts and I didn't know a single soul! I worked a very demanding job so I couldn't sign up for any 10 week class because I knew I couldn't make it 10 weeks in a row. And I knew I wanted to learn to create something. The different creative activities I tried are topic for another day. But here's what I learned.

Let's talk about non-internet classes, after all back then there wasn't so much on the internet.

Here are some options:

1. Books - When I couldn't find a single class, books were my best friends. And they still are my friends, they are great for reference. Look for them in your book store, your library and dare I say it - amazon.com (I know I mentioned the internet, it is hard not to!).

2. Community Centers or adult education centers. They have multi-week classes or one-off classes.

3. If there are museums in your neighborhood, check them out. They might have schools. 

4. Look at the local ads/fliers in your coffee shop or grocery store or art supply shops. Even if there are people advertising to teach children, they are generally willing to teach adults too. A lot of art supply stores offer classes or if you talk to the attendants there they can tell you of any artists they know. Some of the artists I took lessons from I met this way.

5. Magazines - Magazines from stampington.com have not only loads of inspiration (that's another topic for another day) but they mention retreats and names of artists. Memorise this - artist names this is important! Some artists also sell tutorial DVDs.

 

6. Stamping Stores. They offer fantastic 3-6 hour classes, they give you materials to play with and you walk out with something very beautiful. 

Okay, okay now let's talk about the internet - it has changed everything including learning how to create something. And it is so convenient, from the comfort of your own home!

Now if you read blogs, which you must <big grin> if you are reading this, people mention classes they are taking or are interested in, on their blogs (like I will today), check those out!

So about artist names, google them and you are likely to find a blog. Artists share not only their work but tips and tricks on their blogs. And here is the important note - they mention where they are teaching their upcoming classes. And some of them teach online! A lot of them also have newsletters you can sign up for. See I told you artist names pay off big time these days. 

So I can't just leave you with this information and not give you some goodies! 

- For mixed-media classes: Suzi Blu. Not only is there loads to learn from her but she even lets you download the videos!

-For photography, digital scrapbooking, paper scrapbooking, paint, photo mosaic classes: Big Picture Classes. Great information and no pressure classes.

-Photography classes: PPSOP

-Painting class: Get Your Paint On

-Learn something about yourself and use your camera (even your point and shoot): Susannah Conway's Unravelling

-Photoshop classes: Susan Tuttle , Kim Klassen

-Strathmore classes:  Strathmore Classes. These are free!  I saw these mentioned on  Tricia's 'alteredschoolmarm.blogspot.com' blog, thanks Tricia!

 

Some creative folks who blog:

Julie Ebersole

Jenn Shurkus

Jane Davies

Dave Brethauer

Tim Holtz

Genine

Tracey Clark

 

My favorite stamping stores in the New England area (and yes, they blog too!):

Ink About It

Absolutely Eveyrthing

 

Also you can always search for videos on youtube and invariably you will find a  video teaching whatever you want to learn!

And this is my sharing for this week. Phew, after all the goodies I shared today I am tired! So instructions on this next week.

So what will you share?

Please leave me a comment if you would like me to email you to remind you about this party. Grab a button if you like and it's really nice when you link back !

 

Oh and before I forget next week's topic: Size and scale of your work and why it matters. Do you like to work on big projects or small ones?

Add your link below:

Comments

[Grace]

that's a helpful list! thanks for sharing and organising this. i have linked my post. best wishes, grace

[karenharveycox]

Amisha,

What a wonderful and informative post, and written so beautifully. I can't wait to check out all the links. I have added my link for today's party.

Happy Sunday.

Karen

[Tricia]

Great topic! Can't wait to check out the links. Thanks for the mention, too! I'll be writing a post later - gotta decide what to write about. Have a great week!

Blessings,
Tricia

[Cinderella Patch]

Hi Amisha

I don't always read everything in the BYW group but this sounded really fun and interesting. I just posted my latest design project. Oversized felted crochet poufs!! Not sure where the idea came from but I made a few and now I have an order for my first 3 :-) Thanks for sharing and I'd love to get a reminder for next week's project.
Have a relaxed, funa and Creative Sunday!!
Best,
Suzanne
(aka Cinderella Patch)

[christine e-e]

Amisha... It's great that you shared this info! I also have a problem with classes that are anymore than a couple of weeks - in addition to having a varied work schedule (some late nights; some crazy 10-12 hour days; some slow days that are used to get caught up with work that got set aside - well you know!!), I just lose steam if the class is too long.

Will save this link so I can refer to it & also bookmark your blog for future visits.

Enjoy your Sunday - stay warm!
Christine E-E

[Jane Davies]

Hi Amisha, Thanks for posting this and e-mailing me about it!! And, of course, for including my blog. Fun fun fun, what a great idea! Very inviting. Hope to see you in April. - Jane

[Tricia]

I missed getting in on the link tool, but I did a post anyway. I didn't realize that you had to post by Tuesday. Oh well, now I know. See you next week.

Blessings,
Tricia