Hello dear friends,
Today I’ll be flying home from Phoenix, where I’ve just wrapped up three workshop at the inaugural Studio Eleven Mixed Media and Jewelry Arts retreat. Each day was an absolute art making frenzy and I am woefully challenged in remembering to take pictures in the midst of it all, but I did capture some really great moments along with plenty of pics of the art.
There have been highs and lows involved in this trip—among the highest of highs is always the people who attend the classes and this one was no exception. Fellow teachers, hosts, and participants all coming to the table eager to partake, participate and impart their own brand of art making, inspiration, and creativity.
Each day I had a mix of students at the table that were brand new to the medium and to my teaching, alongside those who were seasoned artists and returning students from my past workshops. It always feels like something of a reunion to teach at an art retreat, in the best possible way—even among those I’ve only just met, as the air seems to radiate the energy of connection and creative vibes. And of course the lowest of the lows is having to say goodbye to everyone on the final day.
I do plan to come back next year and I’m already contemplating what I’d like to teach. Stay tuned, I’ll be announcing the dates in the coming weeks, along with some other exciting announcements.
It is always a gift to hear students proclaim that they love what they made. This week I was treated to hearing it spoken many times over during class. What a testiment to the power of creative community.
Somehow I didn’t take enough pics and yet I still have dozens on my phone that I could show you. But alas, I have a cab to catch and a long day of travel ahead. The two hour time difference means I’ll be pulling in at home just before midnight. And as sweet as these highlights of my time here have been, I’m greatly looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.
With gratitude and love to you all!
Crystal Marie
One more week to grab one of these three prerecorded classes for half off!
January 4, 11, 18, 25 and February 1, 2026 — A month of Sundays: 5-week Collage series; Noon-2pm CST, online
April 22-27, 2026 — Visual Alchemy: making your mark in mixed media collage; Red Thread Retreat, hosted by Lesley Riley — SOLD OUT
May 9th, 2026 — World Collage Day: A Collage Workshop — SOLD OUT
June 5-7, 2026 — Alchemy Cloth; Studio Joy, Kansas, City MO hosted by Amanda Jolley
August 6, 2026 — Discovering Your Voice in Collage; Studio 11 by Vivi Magoo; Phoenix, AZ
August 7, 2026 — Collage on Cloth; Studio 11 by Vivi Magoo; Phoenix, AZ —
August 8, 2026 — Paper and Layers in Encaustic; Studio 11 by Vivi Magoo; Phoenix, AZ
October 2-4, 2026 — Material Alchemy: Developing Layers of Meaning and Magic in Mixed Media; Bellissima Art Studio, Port Orchard, WA hosted by Kathie Vezzani — details here — ONLY TWO SEATS LEFT!
January 14th: Collage on Canvas (Live online)
February: The Book of Alchemy: Working with textiles in Mixed Media and Collage (A 4-week intensive LIVE ONLINE)
March 15th: Introduction to Momigami: The Japanese Art of Kneaded Paper, Art and Soul; Portland, OR
March 16th: Boro Collage and Konjac Glue, Art and Soul; Portland, OR
March 18th & 19th: Nests, Vessels, and Pods: Crafting Paper and Mixed-Media Sculpture, Art and Soul; Portland, OR
April 1st: Paper and Layers with Encaustic (Live Online)
April 9th: Paper and Layers with Encaustic, Chicago, IL — JUST ONE SEAT LEFT!
April 10th: Optional Additional Studio DayApril 22nd-29th: Boxes, Nichos, and Reliquaries: Sculptural Assemblage Containers with Encaustic Wax, Live Online
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