Squam: Botanical Printing

And then there was sunshiney Saturday morning. It was my fourth time teaching Botanical Printing at Squam, but my first time teaching it in only three hours instead of the usual six... and with so many participants. To accommodate everyone, the class was held in the Playhouse. I was only familiar with it at night, since it's the hub of all evening events. I went to sleep worrying about lighting, but Saturday dawned with the most sun we'd seen all week. Yay! The staff were busy setting up tables when I arrived and I began to relax... and then to get excited... what a space!! Holy Smokes! It's a barn!!! Or at least that's what it felt like.

We had a fire going early on, but then pulled open the awnings for light to flood in. Fabulous. The fire was kept going as an aid to dry paint, rather than for warmth. I sent folks foraging for plant inspiration and solitude so the space was often only half full. Isn't this awesome?

This is a workshop that traditionally has pushed the buttons of self doubt in individuals who question their drawing abilities. I always state that there is no experience needed, but some still feel hesitancy. This particular group didn't waver. I might know why. Do you remember my 15 minute exercise? There was a similar energy of diving in, since our time frame was small. Instead of limiting, it seemed to expand courage. So good to know... and now I'm scheming how to capture that feeling to incorporate  into future all day classes.

Above is Jill Draper, who assisted me to make the morning run smoothly and is as fabulous as her cheekbones are gorgeous! Yes, it was another day of beautiful work with incredibly talented and dynamic women! Click on the top group shot to take you to flickr to enlarge the photo and check out their prints in more detail.



There is a  quiet, contemplative hush that happens when folks begin cutting. Using a blade slows you down and centers you. It had meditative qualities, therefore everyone seemed extremely peaceful in between how fun it was to peel back their stencil for the "big reveal".



There is now a tradition of printed tiny clothing on a radiant, rocking-chaired expectant mama. Here's last year's shot.You know I LOVE that! Meanwhile, Jess and Casey (Ravelry), who had been in my printing class 2010 were homebound for the first Squam ever. Jess was due that weekend, so they channeled Squam energy by printing onesies. Go Jess and Casey!

Another day slipped by filled with a lot of joy, and I couldn't be more grateful. Thank you Botanical Printers!