Giving Yourself the Gift of a Workshop

Now that French Gypsy Designs has been open for a couple of months, I have to say that I'm loving the positive interactions with customers, and especially, teaching the workshops. In today's world, we can learn just about anything on the internet. There is an abundance of videos, tutorials, and blog posts showing and/or telling people how to paint or faux finish furniture. These all have value, but in my opinion, something's missing.

What's missing is the hands-on learning that so many of us need to experience when trying to learn something new. There's such tremendous value in the creative interaction with others! With all of our email, texting, smart-phones, and internet videos, it just seems that we are becoming less social as a society.

As a former teacher, I have always seen the value of sharing in a learning environment. Teaching painting workshops is no different. Sharing in a creative learning environment gives the learner the encouragement, support, and "safety-net" that he/she needs, in order to feel safe in taking creative risks. It's fun to share ideas .... to try out another person's idea that we might not have thought of. We "feed" off of each other's creativity in this type of setting. We also learn from our mistakes, as well as the mistakes of others. It's helpful, inspirational, and it's just lots of fun!

My participants learn from me, I learn from them, and they all learn from each other. One of the most exciting things that happens during the workshop "creative flow", is when someone feels knowledgeable and comfortable enough to try something that they normally wouldn't try.

They might pair colors that they normally wouldn't put together ....they might try a technique that challenges them ... just to see what the outcome might be.

When they're able to acknowledge their inner artist and realize the unlimited possibilities of their own creative talents .....  well, it makes my heart swell!

Remember that you are worth it! So, treat your inner artist to a workshop in the near future. It's good for your soul!

Until next time ~

Varina ~The French Gypsy