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Decorative Dollar Tree Notebooks

This past week in Art Club, we worked on collaging on these pretty little sparkly glittered notebooks that I found at Dollar Tree a while back. I’m a big fan of having a notebook in my purse, to jot down things, reminders, lists, etc. And this little pocket sized notebook was perfect, but needed a little sassying up.

The ladies and I got to work going through our cut pieces of ephemera to add to our book covers. Over the years, I’ve accumulated a TON of printable files from purchases on Etsy, so we use those regularly in our art projects. The latest additions to the printables are the girls that you see in the top pics. Aren’t they lovely! I can’t wait to use them on more pieces!

#Collage #Etsy #Dollar Tree #Mixed Media

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JUST ADDED! Scrappy Bunnies!

New scrappy bunnies are now listed in my online shop! Come on over and take a look. They are adorable!

#Ephemera #New Items #Mixed Media #Card Making

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Art Plans, Ideas and Projects

Now that Spring break is over for school, it’s time to get back into the swing of things and get busy planning more projects, swaps and fun for the members of The Creative Art Village! And I can’t wait! I’ve got so many ideas bubbling over the top of my brain that I can’t seem to work fast enough to write them all down. Just when I think I’ve got everything set, I think of about 10 more fun projects! But I guess this is a good problem to have.

Since the doors are currently closed to new members of our exclusive group, I’ll let you in on a little of what we’ve had going on inside.

One word is “FABULOUS”!

Watching these members create such wonderful pieces is so exciting and energizing. I am amazed by their ideas and creative brains. A few of our members are absolute rock stars when it comes to making journals and books. The details and finishing touches for these projects are simply eye-popping! A couple other members are really rocking it with watercolors and have shared with me their paintings and projects that they’ve been working on. It’s so exciting to me to see how different artists interpret the same project.

This coming week members of the Village will get access to a bonus lesson, some fun printables, a couple of product reviews of new supplies and more. Lots to share and show to our group!

I also just sent out the first batch of Happy Mail to each of the members of our Village. Who doesn’t like to get Happy Mail?! Because they are so wonderful and have taken the plunge with me into creating this group, I put together packages of goodies for each of the Village members to enjoy and create with. This is something I’m planning to do on a regular basis for my members, to remind them how fabulous and appreciated they are! Spread joy and happiness, this is what I say!

Registration for The Creative Art Village is currently closed, but will be reopening in May. I encourage you to come and join us in our joy-filled and supportive art community. I promise it’ll be something you’ll enjoy being a part of! If you’d like to get on the VIP waiting list and be notified when the doors open, click here.

#creative art village #art membership #online art membership #beginner watercolor classes #online watercolor classes #watercolor classes #watercolors #mixed media #mixed media art class

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Heading Out to Sea Watercolor Study

With Summer approaching and warmer weather headed our way (hopefully soon!), we were inspired to paint seaside themed watercolors featuring the water, sand, grasses, boats and sky using a variety of techniques.

Aren’t they stunning? I LOVE LOVE LOVE them all, especially the one in the bottom right. That sky!!!

We used several different techniques, like wax resist, masking, splattering, dry brush and more as we painted in class. And adding in those little sail boats with white gouache and the teeny tiny seagulls floating over head almost makes me be able to feel the ocean breeze as I’m sitting on my beach chair with a good book and a sun hat!

Melissa is part of our Creative Art Village and is always so excited and enthusiastic when creating. She really has such a love for painting and her imagination is just spectacular. Things that she draws or includes in subtle ways are just visual parties for the viewer and I’m always so blown away by her artwork!

#beginner watercolor classes #online watercolor classes #watercolor classes #Watercolors #whimsical watercolors class #adult art class #art community #Art projects #art studio harvard ma #handmade in Harvard #Harvard MA art studio #art studio littleton ma #Littleton MA art studio #Glimmerbug #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #glimmerbugartstudio #glimmerbughandmadeart

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Such Color! Such Beauty! Watercolor Party for Our Eyes!

When we have our weekly Whimsical Watercolor Class, I’m always blown away by the color, texture and excitement that are produced and captured. We are always treated to such glorious color and fanciful doodles that I am constantly energized and inspired!

We are finishing up our final class next week where we will focus on two projects that I am excited to share.

If you’re part of the Creative Art Village, we’ll also be doing these projects in a future lesson so get ready for that! Loads of color and plenty of whimsy to come!

#beginner watercolor classes #online watercolor classes #watercolor classes #Watercolors #adult art class #art community #Art projects #Glimmerbug #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #glimmerbugartstudio #glimmerbughandmadeart #art studio littleton ma #Littleton MA art studio #art studio harvard ma #handmade in Harvard #Harvard MA art studio

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Teeny Tiny Mini Books

Yesterday during our weekly art club meetup, we worked on a new version of the mini book. Since we all love to make zines, we decided to get out our decorative papers and fussy cuts and make books that were a little bit smaller in dimension, just using one sheet of paper.

It’s a fun project because we don’t pay too close attention to what we are doing, so we don’t obsess about what the final result is! We gab… a lot! And we laugh… a lot! So creating something simple such as this project doesn’t take a ton of concentration, and by the end of our session, we have a gorgeous miniature book to add words, sentiments, photos and that sort of thing to. I’m not too sure what each of the ladies are going to do with their finished books, but if they send them to loved ones, they are sure to be treasured.

For the fabulous printables that adorn these pages, I find them on Etsy at various shops. Some I’ve searched for, others have just fallen into my shopping cart. But all are just adorable. Those birds in fancy clothes are a favorite!

Today I’m planning on doing more. It’s rainy and crummy here so it’d be a good day to stay inside and cut paper!

#Mixed Media #mixed media art class #Art Club Projects #art studio harvard ma #handmade in Harvard #Harvard MA art studio #art studio littleton ma #Littleton MA art studio #adult art class #art journal #Art projects #art studio #handmade book #miniature #miniature books #happy mail

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Last Chance Before the Doors Slam Shut!

Tomorrow is the last day to get in at the ground level!

Elevate your creativity and watch your whimsical art journey flourish!

Despite the abundance of information available to creative souls online, genuine community remains elusive.

Whether you seek inspiration, education, camaraderie, or the push to delve further into your craft, this is your place.

We are your village!

Pause for a moment to rediscover yourself and bond with fellow creators in a delightful, inviting, and enjoyable creative art experience.

Welcome to Glimmerbug's Creative Art Village, a monthly membership curated by watercolor and mixed media artist Jill Adamy, tailored for free-spirited creatives at every level, including beginners! Join our creative circle of artsy friends and find the online art club you've been searching for!

#creative art village #art membership

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22 Years Missing This Voice

Back about a hundred years ago, when I was in college, my best friend introduced me to this band. And needless to say, I became completely obsessed with the lead singer, Layne Staley. I just adored him. But not his drug and addiction issues. Sadly, he’d end up losing his battle with addiction on April 5, 2002. I’ll never forget the day I found out. I was in Alabama and a friend called me to tell me. Such sadness for a life cut short too soon at only 34 years old.

This is my favorite, favorite song of all time. And this was one of the last performances you’d see him in. To see such a ghost of his former self but still with the same vocal sound is pretty crushing. My kids refer to April 5th as “Layne’s Death Day.” And they see the photos of what he once was to what he ended up like and it makes them realize how turning to drugs leads to some pretty serious and sad aftereffects. Guess that’s a life lesson for them that is important to learn.

He still does make my heart skip a beat when I hear him sing this song.

#Personal

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The #100DayProject Continues

As the #100DayProject continues, I am enjoying my time creating these little cards. Each time I sit down to work on my cards, I am excited to just see what comes out. Some days I’m feeling watercolors, others I’m into pencils. It’s really just what I have on my desk at the moment. But what I love about doing this project is that I haven’t straddled myself with rules or expectations. Just enjoyment. And that’s the best part!

Here are some snippets of my days 38-45. I especially love the colored monster… he’s adorable. When my kids were little, we would draw out similar faces and then swap with each other to add facial features, arms, legs, etc. Then the final person got to color it in. They always loved doing this creative activity. Hey, it’s a snow day today… maybe I can talk them into doing this with me later on!

#100dayproject #the 100 day project

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Art Club Today Was Full of Color!

Wednesday is art club day and it never disappoints! We busted out the colorful painted paper, stacks of printables from my endless supply and the glue and made little zines to send out as happy mail!

The ladies had a blast! Even though we were short one of our group members, we made the best of it by digging into my stash of art goodies and making adorable miniature books so that the ladies could send them to their college daughters. Talk about opening up an envelope of fabulousness! Each book can be customized with personal notes, coupons, gift cards, quotes, words of encouragement and whatever else can fit! I can’t wait to hear what the daughters say when they receive these gems in the mail. So much better than getting bills!

If you’re interested in seeing more of these zines, there’s a bunch more photos of this project over in The Creative Village. This will also be a fun little class offered in that membership site. They’re addictive to make for sure!

#adult art class #art community #art journal #art membership #Art projects #art studio harvard ma #art studio littleton ma #creative art village #mixed media #mixed media art class

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My Babushka Heart Sings!

Last week in our weekly watercolor class, we focused on the art of the Russian Matryoshka dolls. These dolls are very special to me because my ancestors emigrated to the US from Antopol, Russia (near Kiev). My father loved his heritage when he was alive, and we have a large collection of these dolls that he gave to us when he died 6 years ago. Miss him every single day, but seeing these dolls daily in our house bring us happiness for sure!

The colors, details and beauty of these dolls has always inspired me as an artist. I love drawing them, building them from clay and painting them. So our focus this past week was to create our own Matryoshka dolls using watercolor, pen, colored pencils and doodles. Look at how gorgeous they turned out! I am blown away by the sheer beauty, detail and imagination! Love! Love! Love!

#beginner watercolor classes #online watercolor classes #watercolor classes #Watercolors #whimsical watercolors class #Russian Doll Watercolor #Matryoshka Doll Art

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A Little Easter Treat

Easter is just around the corner! Can you believe it’s on Sunday… the LAST day of March? How the heck did that happen? I can’t believe we are almost into April!

Since we don’t have family close by (CT is the closest), we celebrate with our little family, enjoying a beef tenderloin, mashers, all the sides and a dessert. Of course, when the kids were little, we always did an egg hunt outside. Up until last year, actually! Not sure that they’ll be into it this year, but you bet I am going to try!

I made this little tin can posey for my mother-in-law this year and I’m putting it in the mail tomorrow, along with her other treats. Who doesn’t want chocolate on Easter! Let’s just hope it doesn’t melt before it gets to Florida!

#Personal #Crafts

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The #100 Day Project Update

Sitting down over the weekend for a little bit to play catch up on my #100DayProject. I’m a tad bit behind, which is fine, but I wanted to share with you the cards that I created during my artsy session on Saturday. Hey, you gotta take the time when you can find it, right?

We are a little over a month and not quite halfway through the #100DayProject. If you recall, I’m making 100 playing card sized paintings to store in a tin to keep me inspired if I need that creative jolt! As I peruse through my cards so far, a smile comes to my face because I love all the different little paintings and pieces of artwork. Most of my art is watercolor, but some pieces I grabbed whatever was on my desk and used that. Like these markers that I’ve had in my stash for about 600 years. I used those in a few sections of recent cards and I’m so glad I did! Lotsa fun using materials that aren’t used regularly.

And as I do this I am also able to find materials that don’t work anymore. Like those markers I just mentioned. Several of them were dried up, so into the trash can they went. It’s a great way to go through my stash of supplies and get rid of the crap that doesn’t quite work anymore. One of these days my stash will dwindle and I’ll be able to add to it. But I’ve committed myself to not buy any more pens, pencils, markers, paints, etc. until I get rid of or use up what I already have. Sure, I say that now but then if I walk into Michaels and something just happens to jump into my basket, what am I gonna do!

#100dayproject #the 100 day project

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We Are Getting Watercolor-y In Class!

My Thursday evening watercolor class is so much fun. We have so many laughs, swap hilarious stories about our weeks and share the creativity that we’ve worked on when not in class. And MD never disappoints! Always one to rise to the challenge, she conquers each project with such vim and vigor, it’s exciting to see. I love how she puts her own spin on these projects and always look forward to the abundance of creativity that each show and tell brings.

It’s okay to copy. Really, it is (except if you declare it as your own and try selling it, which that’s not cool!) Because that’s how you learn and you will begin to find your own style. Watching it emerge is the fun part! When I start teaching an in studio class, I encourage my artists to copy my paintings and then feel free to add their own flair. When you first start out painting watercolors, you’re scared! And I get that! But as you move through the weeks in class and get more comfortable, a style starts to emerge. And that’s what has happened to MD. The style has emerged! It also occurred recently with EP during our time together. If there was 100 of the same painting in front of me, I could pick these two ladies out immediately!

#beginner watercolor classes #online watercolor classes #suggested watercolor videos #watercolor classes #Watercolors #whimsical watercolors class #art community #art journal #art membership #Art projects #art studio #art studio harvard ma #art studio littleton ma #creative art village #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #glimmerbugartstudio

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The Creative Art Village is Boomin’!

We’re having a great time in The Creative Art Village now that we’ve got some members! I am so excited and thankful for those who have joined and I am looking forward to getting to know these artists better!

Our first week together has been so much fun! So far in the group, members have been able to:

3 exciting art projects with step-by-step videos!

14 St. Patrick’s printables!

9 Easter printables!

A SPECIAL stash-busting project video!

2 book reviews and suggested readings/Audible recordings!

Exclusive blog postings featuring personal photos and funny little stories about what goes on in my life!

Members have been busy working on all the class videos that are FREE for them with their membership. It’s so fun to know that they are having a great time creating and enjoying themselves while being creative and making art. I can’t wait to see the photos of their wonderful work!

We’ve only got a week left before the price of membership goes up. Right now, founding members can get all the wonderful benefits from The Creative Art Village for $14.99'/month. Starting April 1, the price of membership will increase to $19.99/month. So a big savings for all those who register early!

I hope that you’ll consider joining us in The Creative Art Membership. We’d love to have you in our creative friend group!

#creative art village #adult art class #art community #art journal #art membership #Art projects #art studio #beginner watercolor classes #watercolor classes #Watercolors

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Great Watercolor Videos on YouTube

I thought I’d put together a quick list of interesting watercolor videos on YouTube that you might be interested in checking out. These artists have wonderful and easy style to follow and provide excellent tutorials. Watching other artists work is a great way to help build your skill. You’ll be able to not only follow along with the video, but you can also pick up some great tips and tricks about paints, brushes, paper, technique and more! I’ve even put a few of mine in there for you to enjoy!

#Ellen Crimi-Trent #Alison Dawrent #Emma Lefebvre #Creative Cove #Nianiani #beginner watercolor classes #online watercolor classes #watercolor classes #watercolors #whimsical watercolors class #suggested watercolor videos #Glimmerbug #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #glimmerbugartstudio

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The Grand Finale of Intro to Watercolors

I’m sad to say it, but our Tuesday night Intro to Watercolors class has come to an end. I’ve so enjoyed meeting these folks and painting with them over the last 3 weeks. We’ve had a lot of fun, laughs, snacks and creativity in our weekly sessions! These artists have really impressed me with their willingness and joy as they worked on each lesson (and homework!) to create lovely works of art.

Last night, during our final class, we painted 6 landscapes using wet on wet and wet on dry techniques as well as masking. I find it so interesting to see the variations in color and composition from each artist and absolutely LOVE the results of each and every one! It’s so incredibly satisfying to see their progress and growth in the 3 weeks we were together and I congratulate each and every one on their accomplishments and understanding of how to paint watercolors!

I will miss you, Intro to Watercolors class! And I hope you’ll visit again in another class soon!

#MWCC #Mount Wachusett Community College #beginner watercolor classes #watercolor classes #watercolors #adult art class #art community #Art projects #art studio #art studio harvard ma #art studio littleton ma