Ministry of Mixology

Well I am FINALLY getting around to blogging my classes from the fab Ministry of Mixology retreat that took place earlier this month. As well as spending quality time with some of my very nearest and dearest friends (and finding some new ones), and drinking quite a lot of prosecco, I also got to enjoy two fantastic classes!

Above is the class I took with the very cool gent that is Andy Skinner; a mixed media altered book using lots of lovely grungy techniques including mega crackle on the background and rust techniques on the cogs. I added a few little details to mine - some metal bits and bobs aged with black gesso and the little bookplate, which I thought made the book a lovely souvenir of a fun weekend!

I also did a gorgeous - and completely different class - with the lovely Michelle Webb. This class was much more out of my comfort zone as it's quite 'painterly' but I really loved it and put my own spin on it with my ombre stencilling (thanks to Paula who's idea that was) and my book page clouds.

SUCH a fab weekend with such talented teachers - hoping to do it all again soon! Roll on Mixology 2016!

Katy x

Andy Skinner with Art Workshops

I very recently went to a fantastic workshop with the uber talented Andy Skinner run by my very dear friend Sue of Art Workshops.

Learned loads of techniques and there is nothing - and I mean nothing - Mr Skinner does not know about the products he demos. The above class was due to be an IKEA mirror but because of my diminishing wall space, I used the painted panels on the front of a sketchbook instead. We used Antiquing Cream which is an awesome product to creating an aged look, and of course lots of paints. Oh and hair wax (but I won't give Andy's secret away!).

The second make was a little hanging again using lots of techniques including a very realistic looking faux rust.

Had a great time with great company. Even if Mr Skinner did spill his beer on me!!!

Katy xxx