As most creative people, I have a ton of interests, and want to get my hands on everything, and a few years ago that’s exactly what I did. My studio was brimming with yarn, jewelry making supplies, paints, cameras, and really anything that you could think of. And while my studio is still packed to the gills with who knows what, I realized that if I wanted to be really good at something I needed to focus.

I settled on weaving, and off I went. That doesn’t mean that I don’t ever play with other materials, when I need a new piece of jewelry, I make myself some, I spend a lot of time photographing my work, vacations, and events, but I had put the paints away.

Then the other weekend happened. It was one of the first nice spring weekends, I wanted to create, but I didn’t want to be inside, and my loom, isn’t going to see the light of day until we move.

I had a strong urge to paint, but was trying to ignore it, then I asked myself why?

Here were a few of my excuses:

– I didn’t feel like spending the money, because in my head I needed a giant canvas

– It had been so long since, I’d painted, did I really know what I was doing?

– I should be spending my time weaving, or putting my laundry away ( still haven’t gotten around to that one)

Well the urge wouldn’t go away, so I gave in, got in the car, bought not one but two giant canvases, set up a table out on the deck and went to town. And can I tell you something? I had so much fun.

It was relaxing, fun, freeing. Painting has a wonderful way of calming you down, making you forget everything that you have to do, and making you feel more like a child.

I didn’t want to stop , so I didn’t , I kept adding layers. That’s the other great thing about painting, if you mess up, you can just paint over it, it doesn’t matter. It’s finished when you say it’s finished.

When it comes to painting, or making any art for yourself, you probably have a lot of the same excuses that I did. I’m here to tell you , ditch the excuses and give yourself a chance. It’s like taking a mini vacation, without having to pack, drive, or sit in traffic.

It doesn’t matter if you ” know” what your doing. It’s about the process, the experience, the freedom. The finished piece is just a bonus.

So while I was at the craft store buying my giant canvas, it was the last day of a huge sale on ( you guessed it) canvases. So I went a little crazy, and filled my cart, really I would have bought more, if more would have fit into the cart. ( Note to AC Moore , get bigger carts, and I”ll give you more money)

And while I”m sure that over time I can cover them all with paint, I’d rather share them, and the experience with you. So toss all of your excuses out the window, grab your favorite bottle of wine, and let’s paint. Let’s relax, laugh, rejuvenate.

When: Sunday June 22nd 4-6pm

Where: 154 N Prince St, Lancaster

This is an evening of wine (BYOB) we’ll have cups, snacks, and bottle openers, painting, and friends. That’s right, what can go wrong when wine and paint are involved?

Ladies this one is for you, it’s your night out.

Feel free to look cute if that’s your thing, or put on your yoga pants, a t-shirt, and slippers if that’s what will get you out the door. I’ll supply everything that you need. ( paints, canvas, instruction, snacks, and wine) And don’t worry, if you want to come out for an evening of fun, but prefer to sip water, or tea, that’s fine.

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“Every child is an artist, the problem is remaining one when we grow up.” Picasso

As a teacher and an artist, I firmly believe that buried deep down inside of you, you have both the desire and ability to be creative, you just need some help setting it free. You may not paint like Picasso, then again you might, but no matter what you feel have fun, feel free and relaxed, and we could all use more of that in our lives.

This is an evening of wine (BYOB) we’ll have cups, snacks, and bottle openers, painting, and friends. That’s right, what can go wrong when wine and paint are involved?

Ladies this one is for you, it’s your night out.

Where: 154 N Prince St, Lancaster Pa

When: June 22nd 4-6pm

I’ll be your creative instructor: