Happy Thanksgiving to you all...

The annual Members Christmas Party will be held on 1 December at 2 pm at Ryan's Steak House on Highway 29 (Pensacola Boulevard).  We have a room reserved and the cost will be $8 for the meal, $2 for the drink and a gratuity is added.  Remember to bring up to five ornaments to exchange (you bring the amount you want and will receive the same amount in return).  If you want to participate in the Dirty Santa bring a gift (about $15 -$20).  This will be our last time to get together for the year and we will have fun as always.  Until then I leave you with this wonderful poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson (you know how I am with poems and quotes!!).

Just a reminder....

The newsletter has been mailed but just to remind you that you will need to bring your regular painting supplies along with the items you will need for the class.  Margaret said we would be doing a wash over the pen and ink design and she will furnish the paint.  See you there,

November - and no chill in the air???

I know you all had a great time with Liz Miller last month.  Wish I could have been there but my sister came to town for my nephew's wedding.  And anytime she comes we are super busy.  We cooked (ok, she did most of the cooking) for the shower, we set up a candy bar at the wedding, we shopped in all the best antique stores and the thrift stores, we ate Church's Fried Chicken (she loves this stuff) and had a really great time with all the sisters.  You do know I have six sisters right?  It is even better when they are all talking to each other - you know how it is with siblings, even at our age they still fight - just like when they were younger.  She left last week exhausted and now that we are back on schedule I do plan to attend next months meeting, excited to see what Margaret is teaching.

I apologize for not getting the newsletter out last month.  I am helping my son and his family with picking up the grandchildren after school for a few months and I help my daughter with getting the grandsons to school and back so my days are pretty full.  I didn't realize I had forgotten the newsletter until Thursday before the meeting.  I know you miss all my ramblings but I am working on this months as we speak.

I don't have pictures to show you of the project we are going to do with Margaret at the November meeting but I did receive an email with the items you will need to do the class.  This is different than what we have been doing and I think you will enjoy it.

Margaret sent the following information for the upcoming class in November. 

You will need the following:
The nib is a #102 crowquill pen nib. I have seen them in a pkg at Hobby Lobby and Michael's in the art dept. The pkg has the #102 nib ,holder and a small bottle of black ink for $6.99.

Lemox may have them individually if you can't find them at the craft stores. The nibs retail for $1.39 and the holder is around $1.98

If they are not interested in buying the nibs they can use a white jellyroll pen, also available at Michael's in the area where they sell the Sakura micron pigment pens.

I will furnish the paper and white ink for $1 or $2 depending on the paper, etc.

Looking forward to a fun and easy class.

Margaret

Liz Miller Seminar
6-7 October 2012
Times:  9 am - 5 pm

We will host a Liz Miller Seminar this weekend beginning at 9 am.  Please note that meetings start at 10 am but seminars are at 9 am.  We want to get as much work done as possible hence, the time change.  Lunch is the usual covered dish.  Bring your regular painting supplies.  We will not have a meeting so it would be nice if every one is in their place at 9 am so you can get a good start.

Pictures of the projects are in a post below.  Don't forget your surface.

I apologize for getting this out so late, I am writing it as quickly as possible.  I have yet to do the newsletter and if I can complete it by Saturday I will drop it off at the seminar.  As stated in the email, I have been busy with family and a wedding so the newsletter was the last thing on my mind. 

A reminder that Margaret is going to teach us a new technique at the November paint in.  And the first Saturday in December we will have our annual Christmas Luncheon so start getting those ornaments together.  While we ask that they be handmade we understand that sometimes that is not possible so if you find a nice one in the store you would like to share, feel free to do so.  We just want everyone to have a good time.

Have fun Saturday, I will be thinking of y'all while I am busy working.

Mini-seminar with Heather Mitchell

Our seminar will start promptly at 10am on Saturday.  We will have a very brief meeting then proceed to paint.   I believe this is Heather's first time to teach and she is nervous and excited.  She charges $20.00 per person which will be given to Diane when you sign in.  This way Heather will be able to set up without being distracted.  Please have the correct amount for payment as there will be no extra cash available to make change.  As always we will have a pot luck lunch.

We are on schedule to host Liz Miller next month.  Please make sure you have sent your seminar fee to Jane so we can have an accurate count of those attending.  This will be the last seminar for this year.  But Jane has tentatively scheduled Connie Parkinson for next spring.  Check out her website to view her paintings - www.connieparkinson.com.

I have mailed the newsletters this week and hope they arrive before the meeting.  But the holiday puts everything behind.

As a reminder, please finish up the shoeboxes so they can be handed in to the church next month.  If you are not sure what to purchase or how to decorate your box, give me or Jane a call.  It doesn't have to be fancy but put as many items as you can inside the box for that special child to enjoy.

See you this Saturday,
Brenda

Angel poem from last month

I forgot to give you the Southern Angel Poem last month - it is nice to attach it to your angel when given as a present;

A Southern Angel

The magnolia is as southern,
As southern as can be.
The tree represents strength,
And the flower, beauty and dignity.

This Southern Angel bears a message,
To one and to all,
Have a happy, peaceful Christmas
And a good year, y'all.

Christmas Ornament Paint In

I hope you all got your newsletter this week.  I tried to mail it off a little sooner than usual.  As you know we are having our second part of the paint in this weekend.  We will also be celebrating our 36th Birthday.  I hope you will be able to attend.  Margaret is painting a Snowman with a flocked hat and Barbara will be teaching - but I forgot what she will be teaching.  I just remember it was going to be pretty - am thinking it is a cat with an ornament.  We will have our ususal pot luck lunch with dessert furnished by the club - cake and ice cream of course!! 

Please check your newsletter for upcoming events.  We have our seminars scheduled for this year and Jane is already preparing the schedule for next year.  We will have more news for you tomorrow.  So bring your regular painting supplies and I will see you at 10 am sharp.

Happy Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July, ladies. 

This Saturday we will be painting ornaments for our annual Christmas in July paint in.  Your newsletter should arrive any day - feel free to call me if you don't receive yours.  For the paint in you will need to bring your regular painting supplies and for my class, please bring a glue gun if you have one.  It would also be nice if you added a hair dryer to your supply list, makes painting go a little faster.  We will have three classes and the cost should be less than $5 each.  The teachers will not have change available so please bring ones.  As always, lunch is pot luck.  Hope to see you there.....

Liz Miller Seminar in October

These are the projects you voted for at the last meeting.  I will have more in the newsletter.  If you have not paid your dues for the year do so now so you can continue to receive the blog and the newsletter. 

Painting May Flowers - Saturday

It's May, can you believe it? Of course if you have been outside you might think it was the middle of August. I love the warm days of spring especially when the birds are at the feeders and the little ones are on their way.


I heard you all had a great time at the seminar last month, wish I could have attended. Erika seemed very nice. We have one more seminar scheduled this year in October.

This month we will be working with the filbert brush and liner.  Bring them if you have them along with your other brushes.  We will paint hydrangeas, daisies, and rosebuds.  So bring your regular painting supplies and if you have a brush you are not sure how to use, bring it too and we will figure it out together. If you are interested in teaching we still have several dates available, just sign up with Barbara.


I will see you Saturday at 10 am, bring a dish for lunch, something for the raffle and your painting supplies.  Oh, that is Hilda in the painting above.  She is very talented, free spirited, not one bit bashful and you're gonna love her.  You will be seeing more of her in the coming months.  See you Saturday.

PLEASE BRING A SURFACE TO PAINT ON OR TO PRACTICE ON. A GOOD SURFACE WOULD BE POSTER BOARD WITH A COAT OF BASE COAT. I WILL HAVE SEVERAL ITEMS TO CHOOSE FROM FOR A SMALL FEE ($1.00) IF YOU ARE INTERESTED OR YOU CAN BRING A PIECE OF WOOD OR A SMALL CANVAS ALSO.

JANE ALSO HAS REQUESTED THAT OUT CHECK OUT LIZ MILLER's WEBSITE SO YOU CAN BECOME FAMILIAR WITH HER PAINTINGS. WE NRRD TO VOTE ON THE PROJECTS SOON.

March Paint In

I know you are all expecting a newsletter in the mail but unfortunately that will not happen this month.  I am still working on a new program and when I feel comfortable enough and not as stressed out I will start doing the newsletter, hopefully, by the end of March.  At any rate, this little blog will have to suffice. 

As you know from the last meeting, Sherry had planned to teach this Saturday but is unable to do so.  I will fill in for her with a canvas project - A calla lily on canvas.  I will supply the paints and canvas - you just bring your normal painting supplies.  The cost will only be for the canvas which I will get at Michaels as they have them on sale.  If you prefer to bring your own it will be on an 8x10 canvas.  The background will be a blue black which we will do in the classroom.  Please bring a hair dryer and a mop brush if you have one.  I have a few extras that I am willing to loan.  I am attaching a picture of the one I did in oils on an 8x16 canvas.  If I can find this size canvas at a reasonable price I will pick up a few, if not we will stick with the 8x10.  Of course, if you have an 8x16 and want to use it the pattern will fit nicely.  This is really a simple project with a limited color palette.  The photo shows more blue but ours will have a bit more softer look with a bit of grey.  I think you will like it.

Don't forget to bring a covered dish as the class will continue until at least 2 pm.  We all love our raffles so feel free to bring something in (in a brown bag please) to be offered up throughout the class.  If you aren't wearing your name tag - get that quarter out!!  Got any new tips or techniques, websites, blogs, etc., and would like to share them with the club, please forward an email to me so I can have a full newsletter to send out. 

We really want to thank Diane for the Painting on Rocks class she gave last month.  I do have photos of last months class but I will have to download later this week - so stay tune. 

Make one final check here on Friday to find out if I have added anything to this post.  Things come up at the last minute and I will insert them prior to the meeting.  The meeting will start at 10 am - Look forward to seeing all of you then.  Call me if you have any questions.  See you then,

PS - I have purchased 8"x10" canvases.  I did find 8"x16" canvases at Hobby Lobby but the cost was $6.99 each and that was a little pricey for Saturdays class. 

We are painting on rocks -

Last year we were all impressed with the paintings Diane did for her yard.  She will be teaching a Gnome Home door stopper at our next meeting.  She has done a lot of the prep work for you already by just washing all those rocks.  It sounds like fun and something we have not done before, so, get your OLD brushes , yep, your OLD brushes ready and let's have some fun.  I am enclosing what Diane has requested you bring to the meeting.

Rock painting Feb 4- cost $3.00- includes rock and wood filler.


I purchased and washed 20 rocks. So your future gnome home door stop or garden decoration is ready for you to create.

Supplies needed:

Acrylic paints and painting supplies

Hair dryer

Lead pencil

Your imagination

You will be painting on rock so if your brushes are expensive, I recommend picking up an inexpensive craft set of brushes that contains various sizes.

I don't have a picture to show you because you will each use the colors you prefer and your creative imagination - don't panic, I know you can do it and there will be someone there to help you. 

We will meet at Jane's church again.  We are so appreciative that Jane was able to get this room for us.  But there are some things we will need to go over with everyone at the next meeting - some dos and don'ts.  Til then, enjoy the weather while we can.

A New Year has begun...

“Another fresh new year is here . . . Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear, To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me. . .To live each day with zest . . .

To daily grow and try to be...My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity...Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree, And sing more joyful songs!”

I hate that I had to miss the first meeting of the year but sometimes the hubby has to come first.  Who would have thought a man of his age would have to undergo an emergency exploratory appendectomy??  At any rate he is recovering well.  But I have to tell you, I am not cut out for this housewife stuff.  I have cleaned, cooked, washed dishes, washed HIS clothes, vacuumed, dusted, put out trash - and it goes on and on!!  That is just too much for one person!  I even have had to go out in the cold and get the paper in the morning - all joking aside, you never know how much someone does for you until you have to do it yourself.  Thank you to all who inquired about him - we really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

I see by the minutes you had a very productive meeting.  I am so happy Diane agreed to do the treasury for us.  I think a lot of the board members just need a break for a while.  Now that we are into the new year, Jane F., is already busy lining up artists to teach a seminar.  And we still have lots more to do, one of which will be our charity for this year.  I think you will like what we are suggesting.  We have been talking about other things to do as a chapter so stay tuned, if all goes well we will have a great year.

As requested, I will start putting together the newsletter again.  It is important that you make sure Sue has your correct address.  I have not had time to find a program that will work with my computer but I will be looking this week.  I hope that as a member you will send me articles, quotes, poems, recipes, etc., so the newsletter will be interesting.  I don't think you want to hear only me and my ramblings so I will have to rely on all of you to help out.

I will be posting the dates for our meetings on the blog so please check it out often.  Also, I have posted the minutes, click the above tab to view.

See y'all next month,

Happy New Year!!

A new year - can you believe it??  The older I get the faster the time flies.  I so enjoyed having y'all at the house this Christmas.  I hope everyone was pleased with their ornaments and gifts.  I was.  My ornaments went directly on the tree - we had some really unique ones this time.  And my little snow lady joined the cast of others - we now have four.  As soon as I get the pics from Crystal I will post them online.

This Saturday we will have our meeting at Jane's church starting at 10 am.  We are planning to paint the little ornament that Sandy brought, the penguin on a cinnamon stick.  And of course we will have a covered dish lunch.  I will update the blog on Friday, as soon as I know what you will need to bring.  In the meantime, get together your paints, water container, blow dryer, brushes, etc.  If you have cinnamon sticks, bring those too, you may want to paint multiples. 

I have also included the minutes as listed above.  Since Jackie is going to be unavailable to continue as President this year, I am happy to accept your nomination.  I will do my best to keep our club going and try to make it as interesting as possible.  Jane Fulford has accepted the position as Education Chair.  Welcome aboard, Jane.  We were blessed for many years to have Linda as Education Chair.  This gives her a much needed break.  She is the grandmother to several grandchildren, one having just been born.  Having four grandchildren, I know you want to spend as much time as possible with them and I hope Linda is having a ball doing just that.  Congrats Linda on the birth of the latest grand baby.

Jane has researched several national teachers and will bring photos of their work on Saturday for you to review.  In the meantime, please check out the following websites to see the kind of work they do.  We will also have a short survey for you to fill out. 

Websites:
Ronnie Bringle - http://ronniebringle.com/
Brenda Harris - http://www.brendaharrisart.com/
Liz Miller - http://www.brendaharrisart.com/
Erika Joanne Designs - http://www.erikajoanne.com/

It's a new year and we plan to make it the best it can be.  So join us Saturday at the New Testament Fellowship Church at 812 North "W" Street.  The church faces "W" but the entrance to the parking lot is around the corner on Cervantes.  The upholstery shop in on the corner and to its right is a driveway to the parking lot.