I signed up for Tammy Garcia's workshop Novel Approach because it sounded so interesting: an Art Journal/Altered Book workshop. I like both of these things! Workshops, deadlines, prompts & lessons almost always get me to create more art-wise. Sometimes I need a bit of direction or a focus, information and inspiration . . .  plus, a number of my online friends were interested and they were signing up too. It is always fun to work alongside them this way, see what they are doing given the same lessons. I know I will make new friends too, through the private Facebook Group by the close of the course in 2017. Tammy is giving us plenty of time!!

This is a work at your own pace type of workshop. I am still in the beginning of the lessons and did feel a little behind until Tammy reassured us that the techniques are not designed to be rushed through! So while I feel inspired to do more and want to do more, I'm more accepting of the idea that where I am is perfectly okay! I am trying to take my time, discover & learn. Here are some examples of what I created through this online course.

An earlier companion lesson produced a similar but different spread that I had not shared until now. This one also uses acrylic paints; Tammy is teaching us all about acrylics. For the most part, I do not use acrylics in my journals and books the same way that Tammy has us doing for the lessons, so this is refreshing and eye-opening. I highly recommend this workshop! It's wonderful for exploring & learning.

Starting with a collage and using acrylic paint to obscure parts of it…