count down to BASE Camp!

Let's see how concise I can be with something I'm nervexcited for. You know? That thing you've been wanting to do but let planning and having the perfect space and having the exact business model you want and all the tools and materials perfect?

I've got the tool bags. AND TOOLS!! This is the first time I've had everything I need in one spot for students. I am an annoying compartmentalizer. This time, all the stitching stuff, all the painting stuff, all the fusing stuff, all the drawing tools, the felting tools, the binding tools..phew! it's all there. Why? Because I do not want my (imaginary soon to be real) students stocking up on supplies and tools until they know if this art or this craft is something they want to stock up on or if they think "that was fun..next, please". Yes, I've been there. I also think it's super fun to walk around with a tool bag full of possibilities.

so, Tah DAH!!! This is where we'll do all the things..paint, bind, draw, build, stitch, collage, bead, carve, fuse, stick things to other things. Why? well, like the sign says..for peace of art :)

Connection!!(who hasn't missed that?), healing, mindfulness gratitude, joy, calm, freedom, serendipity!!

confession time I'm one of those people who kinda liked the pandemic so I could have an excuse to not connect. As much as I love making art with people, I also love making art alone. I'm a socially OK introvert..meaning once I have people in front of me and stuff to do, I'm great. I wonder where my anxiety went. But before? Just thinking about whether new friends will get me..or whether old friends will think it's as fun and fulfilling as I make it sounds to do arts and crafts. And what if my style is too out there or my techniques are not sophisticated enough or...all the kind of bullshitty excuses to not make art with my people. Who was it that said "comparison is the thief of joy"? probably my girl, Brene Brown channeling Teddy Roosevelt.

anyway..more about connection:

How to explain the connection I have with all kinds of art mediums mixed into a project? Mixed media feels a little lazy. I like specifics. (like mixed vegetables or mixed race...tell me what is in it or YOU!!) I connect with textiles. Drawing and painting designs on a piece of canvas. Stitching where I feel like stitching, embellishing with a button or a bead, or a piece of fused glass, or a handmade clay bead or a felted button or a wooden pin with some symbols burned in it.....

I can see why people generalize. Specifics can be kind of a lot, huh? What I do know is that I am good at applying techniques I love to specific projects. So, if you don't think embroidery is your thing, you might love to "slow stitch" and make something cool out of that hole in your jeans. Maybe painting is daunting but breaking it down to where you can use paint techniques to brighten up a trunk or chair..hell yes!

I also love combining art and craft with wellness so expect a little self awareness here, a little mindfulness there and a whole lot of gratitude and giving.

I like coming up with names and marketing ideas so how's this:

And how about Tuesday nights? Tuesdays with Tori has a great ring to it but I guess I'll stick with BASE Camp on Tuesdays. 7-9 pm

AND!!!!! Saturday Sessions 10am-4pm

BASE Camp Tuesday is where we will learn some basics and some fancies of art and craft in addition to a little bit of self learning and joy (of course). It's wellness and creative practices all tied in a pretty little two hour session every week.

Tuition is $10 per class. Use of tools and materials provided (you should see our TOOL bags!)

** there will be JAM Bags available at each Camp for you to purchase should you want a little extra somethin' somethin' but NOT required!

Saturday and Sunday Sessions are full day or weekend retreat style BASE Camps.

These are the same kind of creative practice and process learning and wellness treats and such as on Tuesday nights but with some focused energy and vacation vibe.

Tuition is $50 Use of tools and materials included as well as a JAM Bag. BYOL (bring your own lunch) for now. That may change from camp to camp.

I'll have a schedule up and running soon and a way to pay tuition online. Now, to publish this change in a blog post I've put on Facebook already. (insert shrugging red head emoji)

Just a little taste. If you're reading this and have time or curiosity to see the rest of the CARE Alliance website, please do. I'm pretty proud of what is happening here and what will be happening when you join in the fun. There are lots of plans to take BASE camp on the road and add more days in the studio..and bring creative joy to peeps in dark places through the charity I'm building. Thanks for reading.

Peace, love and lots of light! Tori