Photography with kids

Armed with a new camera, tons of inspiration from all of the wonderful photographers in blogland and more interest than talent - I created this mosaic last spring and have been playing and learning and pushing my creative boundaries ever since.

And... I thought it would be fun for kids to learn along with me! On Friday, 5th and 6th grade students brought cameras (of all different kinds and qualities) to school and we set off into the playground searching for shape. Our 'Inspirational Artist' was the talented Kenda - we studied her 'Walk through the Churchyard' mosaic and the kids ate up her repetitive use of diamonds, and the way she cropped to create completely different pictures.

Then we headed into the computer lab to upload and manipulate photos and create mosaics - their teacher is a tech wiz!

Photography by M. Gilbert - 6th Grade

Next time we will focus on shadows and reflections...

Autumn Festival in 2 weeks!

Wanderlust Bracelet

Monday October 5

Looking forward to a creative explosion in my barn with a small group of gals, lots of beads, food and wine!

Beads on Metal
Tuesday, October 6

Beachcomber
Thursday, Oct. 8

Wander with Color
Friday - Saturday, Oct. 9-10

Come join us!

Amazing light

Precious moments with my son
Slow down
look
listen
share
Time will run ahead
if we let it

Inspiration come full circle

Deborah Younglao has long inspired me with her stunning silk painting. Some of her work focuses on abstract color play while other pieces are deeply intricate - and all unbelievably painted with wax and dyes. These newest pieces by Deborah were actually inspired by my photos! Take a peek at her process.

And for fun, whimsical, colorful art-to-wear, I am in love with Arlene Watson's nuno-felting. I am bound and determined to take a class from her, even if I have to drag her up to the Pacific NW and gather together a group... maybe in my new beach house?! Turns out, Arlene has made a fabulous nuno-felt bolster pillow inspired by my cornflower picture. You can see it amongst the other gorgeous felt treasures in her etsy shop!


The real beauty of blogs of course is YOU - my wonderful friends, who inspire me on a daily basis with your photography, writing, artwork, insights and close community. It makes me feel all warm and tingly inside to find out that I too have contributed to the stream of inspiration that flows between us all!

Thrilled to be a part

of a new mixed media art retreat: Adorn Me! taking place March 2-7, 2010 in Houston Texas. I will be teaching:

Cornucopia of Gems

Cornucopia of Gems (make earrings too!)

Wander with Flair

and an evening class on Eye For Color

I'll be at: Beads by Blanche in Bergenfield New Jersey November 14-15, 2009. I'm excited to meet Blanche in person (I've heard so many wonderful things about her and her fabulous bead store!) Here are the classes I'll be teaching:

Wander Through Photos

Here is an akebia flower in my garden...

... that found it's way into a necklace! (Wander Through Photos detail)

Flower Garden

Looking forward

to teaching the following classes at Studio Beads in Chicago, November 19-22!

La Duet

Wander with Flair

Flower Garden

Eye for Color

Rippled Netting

Am finalizing classes to be taught at Beads by Blanche in New Jersey (November 14-15). Will let you know soon!

Spots still open in the Autumn Festival - Jewelry Workshops in the Barn to be held October 5-10 in my studio near Seattle, Washington. Come join us for a day or more of creativity, food, wine and beads! Yes of course, chocolate too!

Camp Orkila on Orcas Island

A gorgeous gem in the San Juan Islands - designed for kids, but open 3 times a year for families. The entire experience is breathtaking, from a stunning ferry ride through the islands to the long sandy beaches, huge old forests, grassy fields, horse barns, rustic cabins and buffet meals in the mess hall. Whether you participate in all of the activities (horse back riding, BMX, Climbing wall, giant swing 60 feet in the air, kayaking, elaborate hide and seek game in the forest, crafts, swimming, skits around the campfire... to name a few) or just wander through camp with your camera marveling at salmon spawning ponds deep in the 2nd growth forest, orca whales just off the coast, bright purple starfish in the tide-pools... Camp Orkila is sure to whisk you away from your day-to-day routines and remind you what is important in life and why being a kid is so much fun!

Here are a few images to give you a feel of the vast beauty of Orkila's nearly 300 acres - and this doesn't even touch on all of the activities!