Thursday, March 28, 2013

New Children's Gallery and Studio in Tucson

Here's the new Facebook page!  https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdsNestTucson
And the new web site http://www.thebirdsnesttucson.com/
Hello my dear students.  Guess what!?  My dream has come true and I have my very own art studio!  I would very much like for you all to come visit.  I'll be offering classes to all ages.  It will mostly be open-studio style with lots of freedom, support and inspiration!  At this point the schedule is pretty open, so find a friend or two, and name your time.  You can also schedule a birthday party for a small group, or just visit a working artist (me) in action.  Best of all, I have supper-fun, week-long, half-day summer camps in the works, so just email me for a registration form (or any questions).  creatorsjoy@gmail.com
The Bird’s Nest
Studio * Gallery * Classroom
204 W. Grant Rd
235-8877

Monday, January 16, 2012

Art classes 2012!

Classes will start up again January 23rd at Trinity.

Mondays at 2:45 will be the original Illustrators' Workshop lessons. Each class the students will learn several drawing or design concepts while completing a project which is fairly structured with room for freedom and creativity. We will use a variety of media. This class will carry on throughout the semester. You can pay for the classes you can come to ($10 per class). Just let me know as soon as you can.

Mondays at 3:45 will be clay classes again. Check out my facebook page Polymer Clay Bakery. or my blog creatorsjoy.blogspot.com to see what that's all about. Those of you who have taken clay classes are always welcome, butt here may be a lot of new students and repeated lessons.

Remember, I also do birthday parties and special events with the ever-popular clay projects.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Polymer Clay Bakery Fall 2011!



For now I've set up shop at Trinity art*dance*gym* studio, and I love it! Other than my in-home art "therapy", this is where all my classes will be held. I'm also offering mostly clay classes, as they are by far the most popular. Start whenever you want. Just pay for the classes you can attend ($10 per one hour class), or stop by for a free trial class.

Mondays Starting October 24th
2:45 - 3:40 - Everything clay!
3:45 - 4:40 - Miniature food
4:45 - 5:40 - Miniature food

Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting Today!
3:45 - 4:40 - Miniature food
4:45 - 5:40 - Miniature food

These are all dependent on enrollment, so please call ahead 235-8877.

These projects are also great for birthday parties! Our place or yours. Same price. $10 per guest.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Fall 2010

Time to start up classes again! I will be teaching at Grace Community Church on Monday afternoons, Casas Christian school on Tuesday afternoons, the Encouragers co-op at CDO baptist on Thursdays, and after school at Cornerstone Christian Academy either Wed. or Thurs. Can't wait to see you all!!!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Summer Classes

This is going to be a very fun summer. I've already been able to add another time. All the information below will stay the same. Classes will be Monday from 1:00-1:55 and 2:00-2:55 at Grace Community Church. Get directions here. PLEASE let me know if you want me to add another time or class. Thanks!
Classes will be on Mondays, June 7 through July 12

Thursday, April 29, 2010

3D Board Game Creation

Well, the squeaky wheel gets the grease!  The most requests came in for making board games this summer.  I can't tell you how much fun this is!  Truly one of my all time favorite classes.  This stretches the students' creativity and problem solving in a completely fun, encouraging, and collaborative environment.  I give each student dice, a strong game board template, and cards if they want to incorporate them.  Then we brainstorm themes and each student can choose his or her favorite.  I help each student manage the project to match his or her age and ability.  We use polymer clay to create the game pieces.  Then we design the board game, creating a world out of clay.  For example, if a student chose an underwater theme, the game pieces might be fish, and she might add a 3D coral, an underwater castle, an octopus, etc. (those who know me know I love anything to do with the ocean!)  If your child has done this before, all the better!  They are bound to have much more fun now that the concept has really sunk in.  Repetition can teach so much in art as in so many things.

Classes will be on Mondays, June 7 through July 12 (6 weeks).  There will be a 1:00 class for sure, but you can come ANY TIME on Mondays as long as you set up a class with me ahead of time.  Just pay for the days you can make it.  Come any time.  I will send supplies home with unfinished projects.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Kids' summer art classes in Tucson

It's time to get ready for summer classes. These classes will be less academic, and all about fun, fun, fun! They will be held at Grace Community Church, unless you would like me to come to another location. I will be offering clay animation, acrylic painting, 3D board game creation, and paper collage. I'm trying to find times to accommodate everyone who is interested. Please contact me and I will find a time that works for your family. Classes are all $10 per hour. 235-8877

Art Show at Nanini Library

For the month of April, the home-school student's work will be on display at the Nanini library. It's wonderful to see their work on display!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Bakeshop Birthday Party

This is really an experiment in moving posts between blogs. However, it's a good example of what we might do in clay class or at a birthday party.








The pictures tell it all! The only thing I want to explain is about the frosting. One would think that a flat piece of clay wouldn't be able to cover the top and sides so smoothly. However, if you gently stretch and smooth out the clay, it will seamlessly cover the cake.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Teaching Blog

Remember to check out my teaching blog, Creator's Joy, for ideas and insight into my teaching philosophy. I always welcome comments and suggestions!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Preschool Classes

I have to admit, preschool/kinder classes are my all time favorite! The little ones get so excited, and there is so much room for the imagination! I have a new location that I'm very excited about. I've worked out a plan with Miss Kim over at Pointe of Grace dance studio in Marana, and I'll be able to offer classes there in the morning. So... come by Thursday mornings, starting in November, at either 9:00 or 10:00. I loved working at Trinity, but this is right next door for some of you! I'll be offering the same class at Grace Community church at 12:00 on Mondays. I'd love to offer even more classes, so if there's a better time, please let me know. The holidays will be so much fun!!!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Birthday Parties!

Art parties are so much fun. I happened upon them by chance when some students asked me to "do my birthday party". We had a lizard party where the children cut open clay "lizard eggs" and then made clay lizards to take home. We've also made glitter globes with clay teddy bears. I can make an art party out of any theme. Just let me know what your child is interested it. Here are some ideas.
*Miniature tea sets, or doll house food
*Board Games
*Clay Castles
*Miniature animals that look like their webkins : )
Also any of the projects you see on my lesson plan blog
www.creatorsjoy.blogspot.com
I can come to you house, or you could have it hosted by Trinity Dance/Gym.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Fall 2009

It's almost time to start classes again! This year I'm teaching after school at Casas and Cornerstone. I'll also be teaching home school classes on Mondays and Thursdays. Monday at 1:00 will be illustration classes. These are kid-centered drawing projects designed to build confidence and knowledge in a fun way. Students are challenged to used their imagination within the guidelines of a structured project. Mondays at 2:00 and Thursdays at 11:00 I will teach projects based on famous artists and art history.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

All My Lesson Plans

Check out my new blog! The link is to your left. Creatorsjoy.blogpot.com. Well, it will take me awhile to post them all, but they'll be there in time. Why give away all my lessons? Because most my students have been kind enough to stick with me and I have to keep coming up with new stuff! Also, some of you have missed important lessons and didn't get a chance to make them up. Finally, some of the wonderful young artist I teach have moved away, but still want to keep up with their art! Will I loose some students? Not likely. The supplies are expensive and the friendships are priceless!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Summer Clay Club

We have had such a great school year! I never realized I would meet such wonderful families! This summer I'll be busy teaching at Casas and Trinity, which will take up most of my days. However, Friday mornings starting May 29 I'll be able to offer Clay Club. It will be from 10:00 - 11:30 at Grace Community Church. $10 per child is an awesome deal for an hour and half, but it's important to me that you parents actually have time to get something done (summer can be long!). It's very informal, so you're child does not have to stay that long if he or she doesn't have that attention span (especially the younger ones). Also... let me know if your interested in BIRTHDAY PARTIES, or PRIVATE PAINTING CLASSES AT MY HOSUSE! Have a great summer!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

New Classes

Parents' Night Out/Art Club meets on Tuesday nights from 6:00 - 8:00. Just let me know which night you want to come. Drop off and pick up times are flexible. $15 per child. Family discounts for families of three or four. Also, please check out previous posts. There is important information and ideas that I don't want you to miss.

Clay Creations at my house Tuesday, 2:15 - 3:15 ($15)

Friday, October 3, 2008

Arts Fest at LaEncantada

I would like to invite you to come se my art display at La Encantada. The Greater Oro Valley Arts Council is hosting an art festival October 18 and 19 from 10am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday. I will be joining other artist as we display our work around the shopping center. I would be so delighted to see you there!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Clay, Glorious Clay!


When I was young, a lady from Germany taught me how to make things with polymer clay, which at that time she ordered from Germany. I'll never forget that experience. I spent countless delightful hours creating anything and everything I could think of. I never could have guessed that I would have this opportunity to pass on that joy! With holiday decorations and gifts to make, this is the opportune time to immerse your children in beauty and creativity. Students will be given tools and techniques as well as help with the creative process. After that, the students are free to create. It's great for students who are tired of listening to the teacher and ready to spend time creating in peace.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Changes!

OK. At this point Monday at 11:00 is now Classical Drawing. I've had a request to change the class on Thursday at 11:00 to Illustration. If I have anyone else who wants to take illustration at that time, then I'll go with that. Anyone want a class on Friday afternoon? Let me know.