Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Botanical Printing at Squam

 classroom photo courtesy of Lucie Wicker

The first two days at Squam were spent teaching Printing with Botanical Designs. Using a simple and accessible technique, freezer paper stenciling, students explored the shapes and patterns that were surrounding us. Because of our stunning location, the presence of the natural world was felt in abundance. An entire forest of varying leaves can be incredible inspiration for one and overwhelming for another.
printing day 2 decks
Thus, I brought my bouquets of flowers from my gardens and daisies from the barn. They magically kept all week! I also printed photographs of leaves and single blooms taken on a white background (thanks for the idea, Margie) to help isolate shapes. 
squam printing day 2
The students that attended each day were phenomenal! They were from all different backgrounds and ages.  There was some definite stretching for the many that claimed to not be "drawers" and felt out of their comfort zone. With the gentle beauty of the lake before them, these amazing individuals created some really stunning work.
squam printing botanicals

printing samples day 1
squam printing day 1
printing- Ysolda and Sarah
squam printing botanicals 

printing day 1
I only managed a group shot the first day... and there are just so many photos I can put into a blog post, so if you'd like to see more loveliness, visit my Squam set on flickr right here. I also recommend checking out the Squam 2010 pool because there were so many inspiring classes happening at one time. Pin It

15 comments:

  1. Loved seeing what my cabin mates brought back from this class. What wonderful creative talent and thanks for being such a great and open teacher. xox Corrine

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  2. Oh mu goodness - what lovely pieces your students made! I'll bet they'll cherish this class for a long time! Bravo!

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  3. what a wonderful group and such a fun and creative class! I love all the pics...wish I had been there :) now this is a project I will have to try soon!

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  4. Nice Job!
    It is nice to do the cloth printing at home with the permanent ink colors and it is great to see that you have successfully done the printing with no mistake.

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  5. I love reading about your workshops. I remember looking upon them last year and drooling, and here I am drooling again. Really does seem like a retreat for the soul. Hopefully one day I'll be able to go. :)

    Thanks for the beautiful post, Maya.

    xoxo,
    Bonnie

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  6. What a wonderful venue in which to create!

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  7. Gorgeous. I get so jealous that we don't seem to have anything like Squam over here.

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  8. I would love to do something like that. *sigh* someday I will live in a real place with real things to do. Maybe...

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  9. Oh how much fun! Squam is beautiful. We are lucky enough to live on the other side of the mountains.

    Love the botanical designs. We just stocked up on fabric paint and have plans for freezer paper stenciling. Curtains for my daughters room, "home" "sweet" "home" for pillows for the porch. I'm ready to get started.

    Thanks for the inspiration.

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  10. Looks like so much fun!! Wish I could make it to Squam some day. xx

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  11. So jealous! What a beautiful place to craft! I collect bits and scraps of things endlessly, but hardly ever find the time to put them to use. My closet is bulging with them.

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  12. Your class was a revelation Maya. I was so fortunate to have chosen it. You made the space so welcoming and special - and everyone's work was spectacular, especially when seen together. I can't wait to see what you do next year! xxoox Caarin

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  13. Wow that place look amazing! I wish I could take classes around here in that setting. looked like a great time!

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