Friday, April 25, 2008

House of Inspiration..

I'm excited to show you the finished project I've been hinting at for awhile now. When Chel asked me to teach at the ZNE Conference: Mixed Media Artists Connected this August, I was beside myself giddy and said yes!! I then realized that she would need pictures of the project I was going to teach ASAP. So I revved my creativity with some estate sale shopping to inspire and tried to wrap my head around a project that was do-able in 6 hours during class, that had some fun new techniques, was fresh, exciting and most of all, people would love their finished product! With some brainstorming with my husband on how to actually construct the piece (thanks, Joe!), I began the process of putting it together."Bare bones" it looks like this. Students will fully construct, paint, distess and embellish this house shaped inspiration/mood board. We will then create the background of the board, the banner and "door".Then is the fun part of adding all kinds of personal touches that can be removed on a whim. We will make secret compartments, pockets and all sorts of fun doo dads. Here is my finished class example. The exciting part is I know that everyone's will look very different, depending on what palette they choose and how they embellish.
I think (hope) this project will be fun and help us all to think outside the box (literally, in this case) and share our stories about what inspires us.
I would love any feedback you have on this project and if you would take a class like this? I would also be thrilled to hear and see YOUR inspiration/mood boards and get a peek inside your creative process. Please share in the comments, if you feel so inclined.

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kari,

I think this looks like an amazing project! Being that I live in Illinois, and cannot make it out to California, I would love to know how you constructed the house. As you make up kits for the class, would you consider making a few extra to sell online? I love how each person's finished project will be so unique to them.

Thanks for sharing,

Melissa

Babsarella said...

This is so cute and adorable and would love to take a class like this! What a fun project and such a great way to use those little bits and pieces that inspire us. I also love the idea of the clothespins so that you can change it up here and there. Since I can't make it out to CA, maybe you can make a few extras to sell on your site (hint hint)!! How come all the cool classes are always in CA??? You should really come down to sunny Florida sometime!!

Funky Finds said...

that is the cutest thing ever! i want! :)

Cyndi said...

OMG! That is so cute! I'd love to take a class to learn how to make it and I'm sure you'd be a great teacher. You're a great inspiration to all of us!

Lilli in Vancouver said...

It's a brilliant idea. It allows for lots of individuality, which is great. Personally, I love anything that's house-shaped. And I would think that class participants would appreciate being show how to make something so solid and carpentry-like :)

I don't have an inspiration board yet, but I have plans to make one

Paula Clare said...

Fab, FAB, FAB! I LOVE IT! I would SO take an online class (or otherwise if you weren't a thousand (or more) miles away!) The colors are wonderful...what about selling it in a kit? Some of us (here in Podunk USA) haven't the estate sales and vintage resources you have...it'd be a WONDERFUL PROJECT!

By the way, got your book from Blurb. LOVE IT! SO MUCH color and inspiration...a MUST HAVE for crafty bloggers!

Anonymous said...

Kari, it's adorable and I would totally take a class like that. What a fabulous idea and the finished project looks great and I can see how it will be highly personalized for each individual. Love it! (Wish I could go to your class in CA!) -Ginger

Lola Enchanted said...

This is just fantastic! I absolutely love it!!!!~

Alison Gibbs said...

Kari it is delightful
Alison

pchickki said...

What a pretty piece of art. I met a lady yesterday that makes art similar to this.
Her work was pretty interesting. If you want to check it out her she is has items on Etsy and her username is VintageFrills.

Congratulations on your invitation from ZNE to teach ! This is such an honor. I know I have learned so much from this group just from online so I can imagine how wonderful it would be in person. My daughter in law Mica with Garb-oodles was invited too. I am so proud of her.

Once again congratulations!
Patti

Our Hands For Hope said...

Great project. My girl friend owns a framing shop. They alsways have chunks for left over framing supplies that they try to figure out what to do with them. I bet you could score some really great pieces to use for your house frame and roof line from a studio around there.
Terisa

Stink Bone Jones said...

This is quite lovely and I've added your blog to my important links. I will be back for more!

Joy for the Journey said...

REALLY gorgeous!! I wish I could see you there!
Sarah

Anonymous said...

Love them...I certainly would go.

Great estate sale in S. Minneapokis today!

Donna Layton said...

Kari, my dear, this is absolute genius. Perfect for a class as you will have an amazing array of very different houses. I would happily sign up for a class offering this piece. You have outdone yourself.

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

I love this! It's amazing because it can really be customed to fit any decor, or changed at any moment. I always with that these classes were available close to me. I wish there were more online classes available.

Jenn said...

Love, love, love it! Would definately buy a kit online!

Cassie said...

Kari,
This looks like such a fun project! It makes me want to pull out my collection of paper dolls and start creating. I live in Ohio so unfortunately, taking your class isn't an option right now but something on line would be great if it were offered. I think I might even try a version of this to do with my four year old daughter. She could make little rooms that she could change around and play house. Thanks so much for the inspiration and have fun teaching the class.
Blessings,
Cassie

Kara Ward said...

This is just "Over-the-Top" Yumminess! I just can't take all of it in. Fabulous! Kara

Michele said...

What a great project! The possibilities for personalizing are one of the things that makes it so special. I would absolutley take a class like this, now all I have to do is figure out how to get there! If you haven't already gotten the hint - do consider making kits for sale! It's a winner! Many thanks, Michele

Adrienne said...

Very cute! I love the stuff you found at the estate/yard sales. Those are the BEST!!! That's one of my favorite hobbies. Thanks for the inspiration.

Lu said...

This is insanely awesome. Beautiful work, as usual!

Birds of a Feather said...

hi kari ~

thanks for your sweet comments somehow i can't picture you with the pink hair!

loving this memory board house ~ just lovely!

take care ~
xo heidi

Anonymous said...

Kari
I am really looking forward to this whole weekend! This looks fabulous...From the looks of this, I will have to make sure that I sign up for your class quickly!!
Have a fabulous week!!

Anonymous said...

This is such a lovely idea, I would love to make one!

The Charm House said...

Hi Kari,
I love this "House of Inspiration"! I live in Georgia and many times feel left out of all the exciting things in California. I would also be interested in a kit if you sell it online! My niece is getting married and I am giving her a shower and I think this would be the perfect centerpiece for her shower!
Thanks for sharing your passion!
Yvette
The Charm House ~ AuntieE

Anonymous said...

Yes, yes, yes, I would take this class. I just love your artsy stuff. Your blog is an inspiration in itself. I love the vintage and the bright and pastel colors of your pallette.
Tess