community and collaboration

April 24, 2017January 25, 2019

Southwest Maker Fest 2017

I did an envelope journal workshop again this year at Southwest Maker Fest.

Once again, the attendees were super creative, coming up with their own clever modifications to the project, including one multifunctional journal that doubled as a wallet and a paper airplane!

This year, my assigned room was in a different area within the i.d.e.a. Museum that seemed less hectic.

Also, I had help! Several friends showed up and pitched in with explaining the project to latecomers and helping answer questions, etc. A big thank you to Anne, Katie, Trish (who also brought extra art supplies), and the ever-patient Phillip!

It was a lot of fun, and it always gets me thinking about how to make it better the next year!

P.S. You can make this too!

March 27, 2017March 27, 2017

A Friend in the Cellar

Phillip and I are walking through the passage into the cellar under Monticello, when a woman coming the other direction stops us. Because she wants to take a photo. Of us. For us.

Wait…what?

“It just looks so cool with the light filtering through the fog behind you…it’s okay…I work here,” she reassured us with that non-sequitur.

Still slightly stunned, we hand her a phone, pose for a photo, and then find ourselves in a conversation about our visit to Virginia and her work at Monticello (which does not typically involve walking around taking strangers’ photos).

“Have a good trip!” she calls after us when we finally part ways.

I randomly respond with “Thanks! May the Force be with you!”

She stops in her tracks. “Have you seen it?”

Of course, she means the then-newly-released Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, that had shocked fans (including us) with the death of a hero.

“Yes!” I was still moving through the stages of fictional character grief, and she just opened her arms to hug me.

The three of us stood in the passageway awhile longer, talking about the movie and the plot twist and feelings and nostalgia, and it was this beautiful moment of connection in a really unexpected location.

P.S. I just posted more about what to see at Monticello and will be posting how to tackle tickets and tour schedules later this week.

Last photo by Liz Marshall.

February 6, 2017February 12, 2019

Share your #LocalArtLoves!

What art do you love in your part of the world?

Between now and Valentine’s Day (February 14th), I’ll be sharing some of my local faves, and I hope you’ll do the same! Keep an eye out for art in galleries, coffee shops, libraries, and even outside.

Post photos of the local art you love and/or your own work with #LocalArtLoves.

Art is so important. Let’s celebrate what people are creating in our communities!

I’m looking forward to seeing art from your town, and I’ll share a sampling of your Local Art Loves here too.

PS If you blog about it, feel free to add a link when you comment here.

December 12, 2016December 12, 2016

Did you take our word for it? #tcjreco

Have you ever tried something based on a recommendation from Travelcraft Journal?

Maybe you made a project or recipe we featured, checked out a new coffee shop, took a road trip, went to an event on the Happenings List, or purchased something from our gift guide.

(Speaking of which, the 2016 travel gift guide is online now!)

I’m looking for feedback on the impact of what we share, so I’d love to hear if there’s anything you’ve made or purchased or anywhere you’ve gone after reading about it here.

Post about it on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook. Use #tcjreco (for Travelcraft Journal recommendation) and tag me.
Or comment on this post.

So…have you ever tried something we posted about? If not, what are you hoping to learn more about in 2017?

March 28, 2016March 24, 2016

Advice Art

I met artist Betsy Halford at the Hidden in the Hills Studio tour, and I really dig her work. She does really interesting mixed media pieces, work in wax, collaged cards, and jewelry from found items.

She is working on a new piece that will incorporate advice people would give their younger selves.

You can take part in this collaborative work (anonymously, if you wish) by emailing her at betsy [at] monkeygirlartwork.com and answering this question:

If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice, wisdom or support, what age would you go back to and what advice would you give yourself?

So, what advice do you have for a younger you?
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