It's Not A Secret Anymore!

Shouting from the art easel--this is something not to miss!

Now through November 30th, I wanted to share a fantastic opportunity to join in on 21 Secrets, a classic edition of an extraordinary collaborative workshop I was a part of back in 2016. 

 Check it out and be sure to read on for the special code to use at check out:

I had the great fortune to be in tools and techniques last year, during that lesson I gave a tutorial on colorful facial features using watercolors and some simple drawing tools.   While we didn't do the whole face,  isolating on a couple of features can have a bold impact on the viewer and YOU of course.   

Below are the luscious details:

• 21 SECRETS Flashback sale is a $21 discount on 21 SECRETS Tools & Techniques and 21 SECRETS Color, Color, Color ONLY.
• To receive your discount, use coupon code: FLASHBACK during check out to receive the discount.

The last day of the Flashback sale is Thursday, November 30th.  Come December 1st -- the sale is done, over, closed, nada

Remember the code will work on only Tools  & Techniques and 21 Secrets Color.

  Have fun and enjoy creating!  

 Happy Thanksgiving everyone, here's to a holiday filled with

 family, friends, laughter and fun.

-Jodi Ohl

It's been awhile! News and updates!

Hi Guys,   wowie....it's been awhile!  My apologies for falling off the face of the earth!   Life has been crazy busy for sure but I've also had the extra hurdle of being sick for almost a month,  I felt better enough to go on vacation (haha...thank goodness) but then came home and it seems to have returned all over again.    Anyways, I've been still working in my moments of clarity while fighting this bug off, sometimes from the couch and most of the time in my pj's!   That's the one good thing about working from home, right?  I just wanted to drop you a quick line this morning and get you up to speed on some great things that are going on in the artsy world I live in and share it with you as there's lots of fun to be had all around, either in person at one of the several upcoming workshops or online in the comfort of your home.    


First--Pre registration opens TODAY for 21 Secrets "Techniques and Tools"!  I'm participating for the second time for this awesome collaborative class.  You'll enjoy 21 mini workshops from artists around the world who will be sharing some of their favorite tips and techniques, tools and more!  Class begins on April 1st.  Click through on my page to see more (and in disclosure, this is how the artists get paid).

Enter  the code Springsecret and receive 10.00 off your purchase!

And just a hint about my class...we are going to be using some watercolors in this manner---

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We are coming up on the one month anniversary of my online class opening, Diirty Flirty Birds! If you haven't joined in yet, don't worry! This is an online class that is ongoing.   You can jump in and start at any time. The work the students are doing has been nothing short of amazing!   There is a private Facebook group to share and connect as well as 2 more upcoming 1/2 live chat sessions I'm hosting to help you in real time with any questions on the class and or art in general.

Check out more info on the class by going to Creative Workshops.

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Upcoming in person workshops:


I'll be back at Jerry's Artarama in Raleigh at the end of February (27th and 28th) for 2 classes.
Angelic Inspirations and Single Peeps.  We still have  a bit of room so don't be shy, register today for a weekend full of fun!

Big News--I'll be returning to Saluda, NC for a 3 day weekend of workshops.   We are doing things a bit differently this time around by doing an extended class, breaking it up into a Friday evening jump start with a bonus make and take before we launch into a full day class on Saturday.   We will then finish off the weekend with my popular 'Single Peeps" class.    Tons of fun along with many many tips and techniques to learn and grow from.   

Immerse yourself in the beauty of our Western NC mountains,  Random Arts is a wonderfully inspiring place to visit and I am so excited to be back again this year!

Heartland Homes extended class plus make and take with cocktail hour!  March 11th and 12th

Single Peeps- March 13th.

To register,  click here and scroll down the page for  class descriptions and registration policies.

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I have a couple more announcements coming up but the truth of the matter is...with working on the final portion of my book, my unexpected illness and then vacation---I'm running a tad bit behind in all my todos.  Thank you for joining my newsletter and blog and following me in this journey!

I'll be back soon with more updates!  

Marketing Your Creativity, an Interview.....

Earlier this year, I joined an awesome class by Lisa Jacobs and Tim Adams called "Build a Better Creative Business, " and I have to say it was so worth the time and money. We learned so much  the variety of topics covered such as:  building a successful online shop, creating collections, PR, ins and outs of fabric & jewelry design, creating a presence online through social media and more.  Recently Lisa interviewed me over on her website, Market Your Creativity. We talked a bit about having a successful creative business, how I got started, and a few words of wisdom shared for those of you who are thinking about taking your art to the next level.

Please stop by and take a look at the interview and stay tuned for an exciting announcement regarding the next 'semester' of Build a Better Creative Business', which will be coming soon!

Enjoy the Interview!  

Jodi

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Are you looking for ways to 'amp' up your journaling?  Or perhaps you are looking to get started....

well no fear, 21 Secrets is up and running with lessons from instructors around the world just waiting for you.

Take a look and sign up today!

In a Nutshell....lotsa Artsy Goodness Goin' On!

I know...I know...I've been a bad blogger again.  Just when I think I have it all together,  something happens and gets me distracted and before you know it, things fall apart.    But the good news is, I've been having lots of fun while being distracted!  :)

 First on the list was finishing up and getting ready for the launch of 21 Secrets which started April 1st. OMG.  What a line up of instructors, a huge variety of classes on journaling, art making, upcycling, creative prompts, book making and more!
If you haven't taken a peek at what all the hub bub is about, hop on over to the website and check it out.  21 classes all for under 60.00; access them all from now until December 31st! 

You'll be playing with students all around the world!!!  Plus a private facebook group to bond and share tips, pictures and make friends.  What more could you ask for?

In my lesson, I show you how to make your own journal, create prints from COOL tools from the hardware store, and how to put it all together in a page, along with MANY jumpstarts on the PDF workbook (66 pages) from all the teachers.

Also in March I was one of the featured artists at a shop up in Raleigh, NoFo at the Pig (great food and tons of arts and fine crafts)...check out the display of spring goodies.   After the show is taken down, I'll be bringing some of the pieces to Aria Gifts in Apex.  

For the second year in a row, my friends Nancy and Frank have held an exhibit called "Double Takes" at their gallery, "Eye Candy" in Southern Pines, NC; where a photographer and artist are matched up to showcase their 'take' on the same subject--my partner and I ended up being a quadruple take with a photo, my painting, a bracelet and scarf all inspired by the photographers photo (June White):

I had so much fun doing this painting, it may not look like it in the picture but this is a 30x30....I LOVE painting big!!!  I really really want to do more large scale paintings.  In fact..I have a canvas that was bigger than my old car sitting in my bedroom (width wise anyway..lol) that I've been SCARED to do.  Why?  Just do it. I'm going to. Soon. As soon as I catch up! (my conversation I've been having with my self for some time now!)

(Mary, Angie (owner) Me, and Jean) at the Arestry Hideaway in Beaufort, NC

Unfortunately, I didn't get to the show opening because a few fellow artists friends and I made a trip to the NC to fill some galleries with some new spring items.  I made a ton of beach houses and other funky inspired paintings to sprinkle along the crystal coast and grand strand:)

 We returned just before Easter and I swear, I was worn slam out.  The delivering part, preparation, being 'on' for business, and just thinking about my next steps, where to go from here, am I on the right path, am I doing the right things....so much to consider and it definitely can be draining at times, but in a good way.   Doing something you love and trying to be successful at your own business is OOOOOOOHHHHHH so personal.  It's hard not to take any less then successful venture personally, and at the same time, its easy to forget to celebrate the successes because you are worried about the next thing and how long it will all last.  

Nothing is certain.

Ever.

But it is personal. And I do want to be successful, at the same time I need to remember to breathe and take it all in.   Mistakes and all.  They are what make you who you are.  And I'm not saying I'm making huge giant mistakes other than ONE big one last year which is a story all in itself, it's just the figuring out the path to take and second guessing myself when I overestimate either how much I can do, or how well I will do. 

Anyway...along came Easter and I took a few days off to enjoy it with family...my boys are getting so big. All grow'd up:)

The boys and Charlie:)  

This week has been a whirlwind, too...coming off of Easter, this week has been about the launch of 21 Secrets and getting ready to kick up my heels and load the car till the bumper hits the ground full of artsy goodness and head on down to yeehaw Nashville, Tn to take part of the Art Trunk show of Art Is You Retreats, Nashville

This event is open to the public at the Sheraton Music City hotel, from 9-2pm April 6th. I hope I see some of y'all down there!

So yes...this week I've been tying up some loose ends, finishing more paintings and getting my art on!! Can't wait to see all the artsy peeps at the show!

April 12 marks the roll out of session 2 (a re-release) of my class Twinks on Yupo.  If you didn't have a chance to take it in January, you don't want to miss out on this go around--you will have just enough time to make some fantastic paintings for Mother's Day along with learning super cool watercolor techniques using Twinkling H20s,  Yupo Paper and various other textural tools and mediums.  This is one of a kind class that not only will you get 4 weeks of classes, you will have 12 months of access to the class AND get a 30.00 coupon to buy Twinkling H20s for the class!!

Wowza.

Check out more details here. I really hope you join us, the students from the last session are still creating paintings and showcasing them in our facebook group!

There's even more going on then what I can fit in this post...but we will save that for later and perhaps do a giveaway next week of some sort. My peace offering for you sticking around despite my slackerly blogging ways.   

Much love and creative goodness from me to you...

Jodi Ohl

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See what's new in my shop this week! LOTS of summery fun goodies!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Wowza...I'm just totally blown away at the response to my last post and giveaway! Thank you all for joining in on the fun and for ALSO sharing some of your great tips on how to overcome your creative block. We could really make a post just on all of your thoughts. Definitely worth a read to go back and see all the ideas shared in the comments!

Art is about sharing.

Communicating.

Overcoming.

Surviving.

Thriving.

Peace.

Joy.

Thank you all again for giving a little piece of yourself so that others may be inspired, overcome, thrive...find joy in what comes from their own hands and hearts.

Would you like to know who won the contest?  Sorry about the delay, I was supposed to pick the winner on Sunday then post on Monday...and then I started (or restarted) my taxes and 7 hours later I came up for air, did some class work for my class that just opened and before I knew it...the bachelor was on..LOL AKA time to let it all go and relax.  Anywhoosers...so know you that I'm not good at keeping a tight schedule. Something I'm trying to improve upon.

Actually I'm not bad, what I tend to do though is pack more on my list every day, every week then any two or three humans could really do and that is something that doesn't help the creativity, stress or commitments.  I hope to change.  No, hope isn't a strategy, although it is a place to start...I will change!

(some of my Spring collection at NoFo at the Pig in Raleigh NC, show is up through March)

Let's get back to the winners of this contest. First up , I offered a signed copy of Cloth Paper Scissors and one of the pieces of art included in the article I wrote, "Creative Blocks".

That winner is Lanie!

Lanie wrote:  "Would love that class and would love that book. I am starting to get into art journaling right now. LOVE it!"

Congratulations Lanie!  

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Along with finishing up work on my 21 Secrets Class  This week, I had an opportunity to join in the Double Takes show again this year at a local gallery in Southern Pines, NC (Eye Candy Gallery). 

The above piece is my show submission (30x30  "Daisy in Motion"). The theme of the show is for a photographer to capture a photo that they want to represent their work and then an artist do a rendition of that photo in their medium. My photo is a bit more abstract then the photo but I think the two will compliment each other well.  If you are in the area, stop by the gallery after March 19th to see all the featured artists and photographers.  Incredible work by local, NC artists.

 

 

So yes, I had Double Takes to work on, 21 Secrets,   a demo up in Raleigh for the Christian Academy (so much fun, it was great sparking the minds of eager young art students)...work on my class that just opened Behind You on Monday...

and more work creating pieces for my trip to the Outer Banks next week to refill some of the galleries I'm in pre-Spring. 

Crazy crazy. Hard to imagine with a full schedule as I've had lately how one could go through a creative block...but I do, just like everyone else.  

A lot of times when I really soul search, if I'm blocked, it's because I'm tired, stressed, or otherwise placing demands on myself that remove the fun out of creating.

Joining and participating in 21 Secrets, a HUGE class of assorted techniques around journaling, painting, playing, writing, book making and more could be what the dr. ordered.

Doing something like visual art journaling is a great way to just release and play in a way that doesn't have expectations (other than the ones we place on ourselves),  and it is a great way to document your creative and personal journey, test out techniques and tools...and just plain escape.

The winner of the 21 Secrets is a totally cool art chica I've had the pleasure of working with in another class of mine ,  congratulations to Victoria  (Tori) Burgess!

 

If you haven't had a chance to join, it is really one of the biggest bargains out there for online classes right now.  21 Artists, each with a lesson of their own (approx 1-2 hours each) and the cost of the class is under 60.00.  So, for less then 3.00 per lesson, you can be inspired in ways you may have never imagined!  And if you've seen a technique before, take a chance on reviewing how the instructor showcases their take on the tutorial/lesson.  You may find a new product, a new way to do it, or just be re-inspired to try that 'thing' you've tucked away for awhile now.

For more information on the class, please click and sign up through my LINK HERE.  

(Disclosure:  teachers get paid through affiliate sales of their classes so I do appreciate you signing up through my link  xoxo)

Until we meet again,  life is part actively engaging and part observing.  Make time for both. Get Messy. Play.  Listen and repeat :)

Jodi

 

Cloth Paper Scissors "Create" Issue Giveway! Make that GIVEAWAYS!

It's hard to believe it was about 4 years ago that I had my first article published in Cloth Paper Scissors! Since that time, I now have been published in over 19 various art publications!!  When I look back and see how much my life has changed in those four years, it truly is amazing. So many good things have happened and so many wonderful artists met along the way that have inspired me in this crazy fun filled  journey. As a full time artist now, I have the awesome opportunity to teach several times a year in person at amazing art retreats around the country, and online to students throughout the world. Is it really a job? It's hard work for sure, but it doesn't feel like a job when you do something you are passionate about. In the March/April edition of Cloth Paper Scissors you will find myself along with 12 other Artists and Instructors who will be teaching at the various Create Retreats in Chicago, New Jersey, and California.  All of the teachers are sharing wonderful and  inspiring art and techniques in the issue.

This is another gorgeous issue for sure, not to be missed!

I'll be teaching four classes at both the New Jersey retreat and Chicago along with vending for both.

Here's a sneak peek at a couple of my classes:

 Journal Jam

 Texturize This

Totally ooodily full of fun!

In celebration of this event and to share with you some goodies, I'm going to giveaway a signed copy of this issue and a piece featured in the article, "Creative Blocks"  (a mini lesson on using the Gelli Plate in your art and a project for you to do with some of the papers created).

 How to enter the giveaway? Simply leave a comment and let me know how  you get out of your Creative Blocks if you ever do have one (doesn't everyone?? :)).  For a SECOND entry, please share this post on facebook, your blog or twitter-then come back HERE to let me know you have shared.  Limit of 2 entries per person with the bonus entry :)

*Prize will be drawn on March 10th, 2013

 

Source: clothpaperscissors.com via Jodi on Pinterest

More pieces featured in the issue! You can have so much fun with Gelli Printing!! I swear I could do it everyday!

 In other news, my mini workshop, Behind You is opening March 11th (wow..that is coming Monday already!!) , and I'm offering a early bird sale on this class if you register before March 11th.  Early bird price is 24.00; after March 11th, the class will be offered at 30.00.   If you want to get your toes wet painting a portrait and working on '86 ing' your inner critic, come join us.  NO FEAR!

You know what....let's just do 2 giveaways this week! How would you like a entry into 21 Secrets?  A wonderful jam packed journaling and mixed media  workshop that I'm a contributing instructor in, along with 20 other amazing artists from around the world which opens April 1st! WHOOOHOO that's only a few more weeks away, too!  Again, entry into that contest is ezpeezy, just comment on this post for your entry and for a bonus entry, share on facebook, twitter, pinterest, your blog--where evah!  I'll pick two winners on Sunday,  March 10th, One for the magazine and art, and the other for the 21 Secrets Workshop.

Lots of goodness to share.  Please join in on the fun!

You are never too old to learn, it's never to late to create. Live a life full of color and fun!

Jodi Ohl

Stop by my Etsy shop today and see what's new!

Just Do It! Free ART Friday :)

TGIF!  Or at least in some countries it's Friday!

I hope your week was magical and productive. I spent the week doing a lot of learning. We are never too old to learn, right? I've been taking a couple of creative business courses this month which I put a lot of effort into this week,  along with just simply sitting my butt down to figure out things I haven't done yet but have had on my 'to do list' for awhile.

For example, I sat down and created a skeleton of a website I hope to grow into something a lot more flourishing than it is right now. But it's there at least, right? It's farther along than it would be if I was just 'thinking about doing it it' . I actually did it.

Here it is if you want to see it. I mean I should hang my head by even posting it because it's not 'complete'  by any means, but by putting it out there, and I know you will be looking...it'll coax me into keep improving it.  :) I have to use reverse psychology on myself from time to time.

I also learned how to thread my sewing machine this week. HA! I know that's not a biggie but it's something I haven't done in almost a year so I totally forgot how to use it. I couldn't even remember how to sew  in reverse. How sad is that?

But look what I made...well it's not perfect but it's pretty cool. Again..it's a lot cooler in person than just an idea in my head that I never got out. It's here in the world because I forced myself to at least try.

I'm working on several projects for 21 Secrets which opens April 1st.  I have to say, it's been a little bit of a struggle for me because I've moved more away from journaling in a book to  just playing with printing with anything I can get my hands on, sketching in a note pad, doodling on something else, scratching out ideas on loose papers. Journal pages and painted papers are  EVERYWHERE!!  That's actually part of the theme for my class, "Diary of a Highly Effective But Inconsistent Journaler"  you may journal here and there, but it's not consistent, heck it may not even be in a book..but what can we do to make it more a part of our artistic routine?  What are some ideas to reel it all into  one or two places so we CAN use our journals for a reference for future art or just to play with ideas. And just WHAT do we journal on? Do we have to journal on the same type of paper all the time?  

All good questions...and I don't know all the answers but I will share with you several things I've learned along the way and assure you we are in this together and that we can make BEAUTIFUL journal pages..even if they are different from the rest  of the world.  That's the amazing part of journaling. It's totally owwwdilly all about YOU. 

 My other aha 'educational' activity was today when I created my  

Free  ART Lesson

 video for the week.  (haha...like the name?  I had fun playing with some of my facebook friends today trying to come up with a name for my tutorials that I'll be doing weekly) Kinda going off topic here but my idea was to work with some of my partner company's products (as well as other assorted projects)  and share tips or lessons with  my friends and followers on a weekly basis, Friday namely... and come up with a name for this project. 

Free ART Friday or Farting on Friday came up as one of the top choices.  Okay so maybe that's not the best choice, but a funky playful name is trying to be born as we speak but I'm not there yet:)

 

 

 Any whoosers,  in doing this video, I just wanted to do a voice over narration. I had no idea how to do that. I mean, I've done MANY MANY videos before.  I've never narrated a video. No clue.  I literally spent 3 hours trying to figure out how to do it, where the button was, how to get there..then how to edit it once I figured out how to do it.

The videos is just over 3 minutes.  3 hours (not including actual creation time) to do this little ez peezy project. Maybe not the best use of my time...but there again....I LEARNED something and  in doing so...that something I surely can use down the road in other projects. Right? Hopefully! Yes, I know I can use that little nugget of info in future things;)

So are you getting the drift of my article today? You never stop learning.  Even when you haven't done something in eons, you can pick it back up and do something even bigger and better than before.  Doing SOMETHING is a heck of a lot better than doing nothing at all.  When you don't know how to do something..sit your butt down and figure it out...or go ask for help (after you've at least tried to make a go at it). 

Magic will happen, I can assure you.

And last but not least, don't let fear paralyze you from doing the unknown. It doesn't have to be perfect either the first go around.  It gets better and better the more you do it.

Okay so with that said, here's my perfectly IMPERFECT video on creating a 

Faux Stained Glass Journal Page using Twinkling H2O's, Pearl Pens on a gessoed substrate. What am I using for my substrate?  Umm....You'll have to join my class at 21 Secrets to find out the rest of the details.  C'mon, you know you wanna! :))

Enjoy your weekend,  make it fun..play art,  enjoy family and friends....and relax.  You deserve it!


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