Sad News Regarding our Retreat

This is a very tough post to write, but unfortunately, after much soul-searching and number crunching, we regret that we must cancel Mixed Media Mélange for 2009.

 

We were not able to meet the minimum students required by our instructors, nor the minimum number of participants to reserve the retreat center for the entire weekend.

 

This is heartbreaking for us as we truly believed that the MidSouth would embrace such an event.  

This has been a real learning experience for us. We are disappointed, and we know that there is a place for this type of event in the MidSouth.  We hope to organize another retreat in the future.

Thanks for all your support during this process.  

Sincerely,

Robyn, Roxi, and Candice

Excitement is building!

Our Lodge is full, but we still have spots left in the very comfy cabins for you and your friends! Classes are filling quickly so don't delay sending in your registration forms. When filling out your packet, please number your class choices (1st, 2nd & 3rd) for each time frame, so we can best accommodate your choices.

We have attendees signed up from all over the country and expect this to be an amazing event. With the talented instructors we have booked, the enthusiasm our attendees are bringing and the fun and inspirational events we have planned, this artist retreat is not to be missed!

Help us spread the word! If you have a blog, internet artist group, or local art club, let us know. We'll be glad to send a button for your blog or a pdf flier for you to print & distribute.

Link to Registration Materials

Click Here to access our registration materials and additional event information.

Welcome!

Are you ready for an awesome mixed-media artist's get-away? Well, you've come to the right place!

The Mixed Media Mélange staff has worked hard to bring together some of the best art instructors in the country! We'll learn, relax, laugh, share and create together in the cozy Pinecrest Retreat Center which is nestled in the woods of West Tennessee.

We invite you to take a look at our class offerings, get to know our talented instructors and plan your Autumn '09 retreat experience. In the posts below, you will find introductions of our instructors and descriptions of workshops, complete with photos of project samples. There are even a few videos for your viewing pleasure!

Additional details about M3, including class schedules, prices, lodging, meal packages, etc. can be found in the registration form. There you will also find information about the special events we have planned for each evening of the retreat. You won't want to miss the live bluegrass music around the campfire, the M3 Marketplace or the autograph party!

Our registration forms are in a PDF file and can be linked and downloaded by clicking here, or on the link at the left sidebar.

Please note that registration is by “snail mail” or email ONLY using the forms in the downloadable PDF ONLY.
You must complete the form to register. Reservation in classes are available on a first come, first served basis. Seating is limited, so get your registration in EARLY. Our registration fee is discounted for early enrollees and we're offering a payment plan, which is detailed in the registration form.

We look forward to spending a great weekend with you! If you have any questions, please email us at mixed.media.melange@gmail.com and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Artfully yours,
The Mixed Media Mélange Staff
Robyn Sharp, Candice Windham, Michelle Murphy and Roxi Phillips

Ruth Rae

Ruth Rae is a classically trained jeweler and instructor. During Ruth’s tenure as a metal smith she began to experiment with other forms of media and techniques. As time has progressed Ruth’s true passion has become “mixed media fiber art.” Ruth’s pieces are internationally recognized for their unexpected yet elegant combinations of altered fabrics, vintage lace and antique papers that find themselves intertwined with transparencies, found objects and words that are bound together by hand and machine stitching. Ruth enjoys sharing her creative process in her contributions to Cloth Paper Scissors, Belle Armoire Jewelry, Somerset Studio and Artful Blogging. Ruth is currently working on her next book about mixed media fabric art that will be released in 2009.
www.Ruthrae.blogspot.com

Keepsake Legacy Album

In this class you will explore how to make a keepsake legacy album. You will learn how to combine your personal or found photos along with small tokens, mementos and Paper Ephemera create pages to tell a story (personal or fictional, you decide) we will create pockets to house mementos or various small art work that we will be making in class such as a small book and multi media art cards. Fabric and paper manipulation along with machine sewing on various surfaces will also be covered in this class. Delight in the details as you learn about the joys of hand stitching to create texture and drama into your pages. Lastly you will assemble your book by way of Japanese Stab Binding.



Wind, Coil, & Curl

Explore the world of wire coiling, Ruth will show you how to work assembly line style as you learn how to create six different jewelry components. Patinas will also be covered. You will then embellish a metal shape (provided with the class) with mixed media techniques that will in turn become the centerpiece of your coiled necklace in this project driven class.



Hand Forged Talisman Jewelry

Create a piece of art for your wrist. Using a sterling silver band learn to saw, file, drill and hammer words of your choice onto the perfect Talisman bracelet. You will explore random design with fibers and antiquing too! This is also a great new version of a Mothers Bracelet.

Laurie Mika

Laurie is a distinguished artist exploring numerous mediums, yet her work retains a certain “look” that is unmistakable whether it be on canvas, furniture, masonite, wood, or cloth. While her background is in painting (and traveling!), Laurie has been exploring the unlimited possibilities of polymer clay for almost two decades. She is the author of Mixed Media Mosaics, a guide for creating her original style of polymer clay mosaics. These days, Laurie can be found on the road sharing her discoveries. Teaching has opened up a whole new world where she can combine her love of travel and her passion for art while meeting some of the nicest people anywhere.
www.mikaarts.com






Urban Icons

This is an intensive, technique driven workshop creating mixed media mosaics. In creating “Urban Icons”, you will learn a variety of overlapping techniques that include: mosaic design, painting, rubber stamping, collage, embossing, beading, and embedding just about anything into polymer clay. The result will be a personal and beautiful icon that can be hung on the wall or displayed on a plate stand. This will be a hands-on workshop where you will get the experience of making and baking your own tiles and component parts. No previous clay experience is required, so come join the fun!


Ancient Amulet

An amulet is traditionally a piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck serving as a magical protection against evil or disease. In this mini workshop, we will create ancient Amulets out of polymer clay that have a medieval look. These amulets will have tiny windows that can contain Milagros, photos, charms or jewelry parts, anything that is significant to the wearer of these special, good fortune jewelry pieces. We will learn a variety of techniques using polymer clay including using rubber stamps, mica powders, embossing powders and embedding all types of materials into the clay. We will also explore ways to create metal-like surfaces with polymer clay.


The Relic Box

You will begin with a plain wood box and it will be transformed by creating hand made mosaic tiles out of polymer clay for the lid. You will discover a variety of techniques for embellishing the tiles that include rubber stamping, using mica powders, embossing powders and embedding objects into the clay. Beaded tassels will be created and added to the sides. Lastly, you will learn techniques for painting our boxes and will finish up by giving them a set of legs to stand on!

Patricia DiBona

Award winning graphic designer, teacher, and creative coach, Patricia DiBona has taken over 20 years of distinctive style of mixed media art and graphic design into the imaginative world of book art. Recognized across the country as “The Artist Who Journals On Canvas,” Patricia made her presence known in the late 1980’s for her unique style of paintings which artistically combine her words with her creative designs offering a message of love, healing, and inspiration.
www.dibonadesigns.com








Love Potion #9

Create your own love book complete with Love Potion #9. Make your own Love Potion #9 book starting with the cover of a vintage book, velvet fabric, METAL, velvet aged ribbon, metal words, and a little bit of magic. Different images of gypsies and tarot cards will be provide along with interesting rubber stamps and other imagery. Techniques will include the use of air clay, copper mesh, gesso, beeswax, and other fun mixed media elements. This will be a truly magical class!

Vintage Shadow Box

Starting with a 6.5” x 8.5” butterfly specimen box with a glass top, inside you will collage with Patricia DiBona papers, additional charms, glass beads, and stamps. Patricia will show you some alter techniques that can carry over to many other projects including adhering mini glass beads to your images, rubber stamping, and embossing, gluing, using acrylic glazing materials, metal word plates, basic collage techniques, and much more. Your beautiful finished piece can sit on a your desk or hang on a wall.









Pollage

Create your own personal canvas! You will use painting techniques to build up your canvas background using acrylics, gesso, primary elements paint with mica chips, and gel medium. You will collage on top of the background with unique Patricia DiBona images or your own collage images that you will need to bring with you. You will further embellish with charms, metal, ribbons, many pieces of printed ephemera from Patricia DiBona’s line including transparencies. You will leave with a completed canvas that you will just absolutely love.

Lauren Ferguson

Lauren is a self-taught Mixed Media Artist. She presently lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from New Jersey, you can occasionally hear her saying "Y'all I need a cup of cau-fee". She entered the craft world after the birth of her first child. Memory art, in particular scrapbooking, is where she developed her love for paper. Lauren was introduced to altered art and collage art very soon thereafter. Still longing to find her niche, she was drawn to the art of bookmaking. It was a natural fit. Her books are full of earthy tones of color and texture. She creates art with her books.
www.everythingaltered.com


Copper Etched ATC Holder

Funky, artsy, cool, industrial, pretty, plain, elaborate - it's your choice! You'll start with all the basics and from there let your mind go! Creativity is the name of the game! You will be creating a one of a kind ATC Holder using your favorite stamped images or images from the instructor. Pockets will be sewn directly onto the spine. In this class you will master a quick and easy way to etch designs and lettering into metal using stamped images and some simple tools. In addition you will be working with other household materials to age and color the metal.


Copper Etched Sewn-Over Fabric Spine Journal

This is a mini copper etched journal. In this class you will learn how to etch copper using everyday household materials found in your local hardware and drug stores. This journal will be sewn across a fabric spine.


Clearly Cool Acrylic Workshop (Photo coming soon)

Have you wanted to work with acrylic but have been afraid? The lessons in this class are designed to demystify the process of acrylic, and bring out the creativity inside everyone. In this hands-on workshop, you will be learning how to completely work with acrylic using full line of innovative techniques. We will be painting, inking, stamping, spraying, glittering, and the works!! You will leave with a set of skills that can be translated to any clear or slick surface even transparencies! The goal is to inspire the creative process. When you are done, you will take these acrylic pieces and turn them into a beautifully stitched hand made journal.

Melissa Manley

Melissa Manley is a multi-media artist. She holds a BA in studio arts in painting and printmaking from University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She spent years doing ceramics and selling various creations at craft shows. Melissa was a self-taught metalsmith until she yearned for more metal knowledge. She went back to school and earned an MFA in metalsmithing from East Carolina University. Melissa loves sharing her passion for making things and has taught numerous people how to find their way with metal at East Carolina University, four times at Artfest, as well as Pocosin Arts’ Cabin Fever Reliever retreats. She currently teaches metals at Cape Fear Community College as well as her private studio. Her work has been published in Somerset Studio, Crafting Personal Shrines, The Art of Enameling, Making Connections and Lark’s 500 Enameled Objects. When she’s not teaching, hammering out objects in her studio, or chauffeuring her 13 yr old around, she can be found kayaking the waters near her home with her kayak guru boyfriend, Robert Smith.
www.melissamanleystudios.com



Darling Danglies

Using metal, mica and images you’ll make these darling little danglies! Add these charms to books or make them into jewelry to wear. You’ll learn how to use two different styles of hand made rivets out of copper, as well as how to saw tiny metal frames with a jeweler’s scroll saw. Melissa will talk about making your own jump rings, head pins and how to texture metal. This will be a great class for beginning metals techniques. But if you’re experienced , join in anyway, you’ll have a blast! Either way you’ll be in a metal charm frenzy after this class!



Find Your Inner Gypsy

Every gypsy knows how sexy a graceful wrist full of bangles and cuffs can be! Find your inner gypsy as you make these great bracelets. You’ll learn beginning metals techniques to texture, heat and roll metal, and then rivet it into gorgeous loops for your wrist. Your friends will hound you after this class to make them one!

Lesley Venable

Self-taught mixed media, collage, assemblage artist, Lesley lives in Roanoke, Virginia with her husband and her furry family of 6. After many years of pushing her artistic side into a corner it has, over the last several years, come forth with a flourish. Her artwork has been published in the Artitude Zine, Somerset Gallery 2008 and Somerset Weddings 4. She is co-author of Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media which was released in August, 2008. She was named as The Spirit of ZNE in July, 2007 by the ZNE art Online Group and is a Design Team Member for JoAnna of Moss Hill Studios.

http://flatwoodsfolkart.typepad.com/






Composition Journals & Beyond

Journaling is something that every artist should do to keep their creative juices flowing as well as to write down those ideas your muse places in your thoughts. In this class you will be taking the lowly composition book and creating a beautiful space for you to journal in. In fact, you will be creating a journal to have in your home or studio and you will be creating a smaller one that will fit into your purse so you can jot down those ideas and feelings that just won’t wait until you get back home. You will be using vintage and scrapbook papers, tissue paper, vintage images, rubber stamping with inks and acrylics, rub-ons and dimensional ephemera to adorn these beauties. You will create pockets on the inside to hold tags with quotes and/or questions to help you set your pen to paper.




Creative Composition—The Layering Effect (on canvas)

In this class you will be using papers, fibers, fabric, stamps, stenciling, paints, fluid chalks and images to create beautiful collages on either a 6 x 6 or 8 x 8 stretched canvas (if you are a fast worker please bring more than one canvas). Although this class may be of more interest to the beginner all levels are welcome to come and join our creative journey.


ATC Workshop—Aces and Eights

Who doesn’t love Artist Trading Cards?? The small size of these treasures allow you to complete a wonderful work of art in a very short amount of time. In this class, you will alter playing cards. You will have so much fun creating multiple cards using such fun media and techniques as: collage, tape transfers, rubber stamping, ribbons, buttons, etc. At the end of class you can trade with your classmates (NOT REQUIRED) to begin, or expand, your collections. You will also see and share in ideas for showcasing your collection.

Roann Mathias

Roann Mathias is a mixed media artist who has specialized in calligraphy since 1980. After receiving a master’s degree in Art History, she began designing greeting cards, stationery and calendars for The Printery House of Conception Abbey. She has also designed cards for Cleo, Expressions Greetings, Abbey Press, and Day Spring. Her work has been published in Letter Arts Review and Somerset Studio magazine. Roann’s calligraphy has been exhibited at the Newberry Library in Chicago, and the first AlphaMark show.
www.roanndesigns.com







Tyvek Adventures

Tyvek, the material used for FedEx envelopes and home construction, is a remarkable product for mixed-media. The surface appears similar to Japanese handmade papers, but no matter how you treat it, it won’t tear. It has excellent archival qualities—is neutral PH, and will not yellow or deteriorate. Use it for paste papers, stamping, decorative backgrounds, book covers, hinges on books, ATCs and more. This class will explore the various media that can be used on Tyvek including acrylics, inks, chalks and pastels, rubber stamps, colored paste, and more. A simple booklet will be assembled to hold the techniques that have been created in class.



Little Black Book

Transform two stretched canvas boards into a chunky book. Hidden inside will be a small accordion fold book featuring techniques that enhance black paper. Painting with Pearl Ex, Twinkling H2Os, acrylic inks and other media will embellish this little gem. Other techniques will include bleach, chalk, and alcohol inks. Students will leave with a finished project showcasing some bold and beautiful artwork on black paper.


Transfer Techniques

Add greater dimension to your artwork by learning these amazing techniques. In this workshop transfers will be made using acrylic medium, water, alcohol and gesso with ink jet transparencies. Experiment in class by transferring to various papers and fabrics.

Candice Windham

Graphic designer, altered artist, paper crafter, rubber stamp artist, painter and instructor, Candice Windham’s work has appeared in various books and publications, including Altered Arts magazine, Today’s Creative Home Arts, Make it Mine magazine and Stamper’s Sampler magazine. Her work is also included in Make it in Minutes: Mini-Books; Make it in Minutes: Party Favors and Hostess Gifts; Make it in Minutes: Wreaths and Make it in Minutes: Last Minute Gifts by Lark Books, a division of Sterling Publishing Co. She is a museum curator and designer, which allows her to combine her love of history and art. Candice lives in Brighton, Tennessee with husband Larry and pups, Pete and Sam.
www.candicewindhamdesigns.blogspot.com






Fauxstone Sculpture

In this class you will learn the techniques to create a beautiful stone-look sculpture which will add beauty to your home. You will be able to select from several designs to personalize your piece.

Registration Packet for MMM

Our registration packet contains all the information you need to experience Mixed Media Melange. Detailed class descriptions are available as well as the schedule of events and details on room and board.

Registration to Mixed Media Melange is paper based and can be sent in via mail, email, or fax ONLY. The registration packet is available for download by clicking on this link.

SAVE the DATE!!!!

Finally!!! An event we have all been waiting for...

A mixed media retreat is coming to the Mid-South. Make plans to attend the first annual Mixed Media Melange artist retreat.

Mixed Media Melange is a premier artist event designed to give mixed-media artists a place to gather and to create unique artistic projects while learning new techniques in an inspiring environment. Classes will be offered by nationally and internationally reknown artists who specialize in inspiring others to create.

This event will be set in a picturesque retreat center in the woods of west Tennessee, just outside Memphis. This intimate venue is the perfect place to get your creative energy flowing with like-minded artists.

The 2009 dates are September 10 - 13. Classes will be conducted on Friday September 11, Saturday September 12 and Sunday September 13, 2009, with a “Mixer” project and gathering on Friday evening.

Classes are being finalized and we'll announce the line up as well as provide detailed registration information in early January.

Registration will also begin in January. Follow this blog for more information as we set up our registration and web site.

For more information, please send us an email at mixed.media.melange@gmail.com

We hope you can join us!

Roxi Phillips, Candice Windham, Michelle Wilkerson, and Robyn Sharp
M3 coordinators