Inspiration Journal class with Donna Downey!

On the way to a family event last week, I was able to stop by Charlotte, NC to see the amazing Donna Downey again and take one of her classes at her studio! (Donna's blog here!). The studio is absolutely beautiful and Donna is as gorgeous as ever :)...

The Inspiration Journal - Creating a Visual Diary class is a 3 hour mixed media/art journaling workshop. Donna's website describes it perfectly:

"A hands-on exploration of your inner artist as we work together creating your visual legacy. The inspiration journal has become the hallmark of my creative play and growth as an artist. This workshop promises to challenge you to look at yourself as a creative soul and will encourage artistic growth with each page you complete. "

I really enjoyed experimenting with new products and techniques and feel a whole lot better about 'letting go' now. The ladies I worked with were all so helpful and talented and it's so inspirational to work in a classroom surrounded by Donna's work...

Donna is a really fun instructor too - she always makes me giggle :)

I worked really hard and felt very proud of my 'war wounds' at the end of the day :).

The amazing Etta!

While we were visiting friends in NC, I got to meet the amazing Etta! Here she is showing me her basement studio. I have never seen such an amazing creative space in someone's home before!

I think I have about 5 different colors of sewing thread...maybe 6...

And her work...OMG...totally gorgeous...

Sewing is her favorite thing...which explains the stockpile of thread :)...

Although it seemed to me that she can pretty much make anything...

I took about a million photos and have some great ideas for Christmas gifts now...if there's time of course...I can't believe it's August already! Thanks Etta for everything - not only are you an amazing artist but a great cook too. Hope to see you again soon :).