A Happy Little Woven Piece

In my last post a few weeks ago, 

I was just beginning to work on a 

small tapestry face.

It was a project I had wanted to try

for such a long time.

I had recently finished weaving

my Eccentric Woven Eyeglass Case

and my sweet Mirrix Loom was sitting empty

and ready for a new warp!

I had just added the Spencer Treadle

(an electric foot pedal)

to my 22" Zach Mirrix Loom,

and I was eager to give it a try.

I put on a small 3" wide warp,

sketched a small face

(inspired by my sweet friend Mindy Lacefield)

you can find her online class on painting faces

right here

Instead of using paints, I was going to create with fiber!
(I even used some of my handspun yarn for her hair)

Each morning before work

I sat at the loom and wove a little before my day began,

sometimes a coffee and scone helped me along!

Boy did I learn many lessons during this tiny

weaving project ...  I didn't think something so

small could teach me so much!

It's definitely not as easy as it seems

I had to learn to adjust to an electric pedal for sure

Even with a small cartoon behind, the design might change

Tapestry continues to kick my butt

I am learning and growing stronger as a Tapestry Artist

I love this weaving process so much

Mirrix Looms are amazing for sure

I made some mistakes, but I also learned how to correct them

I am inspired by other Tapestry Weavers

that make this look so easy

So meet my little "Ruthie"

dedicated to the amazing

Ruth Collier Manning

who inspires me with her weaving,

her gentleness and her wonderful faces.

She makes it all seem so effortless!

One day I will have the pleasure of

taking one of her classes in person!!!

I'm kinda in love with her!

I wonder what my next little person will look like,

can't wait to start another one!

Have a great rest of your summer ...

I'll return after Labor Day with a more regular blog posting.

I told myself I would return to my big tapestry the beginning of fall,

and I have to put a new warp on my Mirrix to keep working

on my online class with the amazing Rebecca Mezoff!

Summer time is meant to have no rules and no deadlines!

It has been a special time of being with family, my puppy,

taking the time to rest the soul,

rejuvenate my spirit,

and prepare for the fall!

I did all that and more!

Donna Lee

Tapestry Artist

(well ... Learning and Discovering Tapestry Artist!)

Attending Workshops ... Learning all the time!

Day One work

Last weekend I traveled to Charlottesville, Virginia
and attended a weaving workshop
with Tapestry Artist and Teacher Joan Griffin!
It was an amazing time of learning for me!
Her studio was beyond amazing,
with inspiration and color everywhere!
I soaked it all in like a sponge!
My iPhone was clicking away
and my photos were taken with Joan's permission.
They continue to inspire me since I have returned home.

 Fiber Stash

 Amazing Colors and Organization

Her Tapestry Bobbin collection

Charlottesville is exactly three hours away from my home,
so her workshop was certainly within reach for me.
She only offers her workshops a few times a year.

The night before I left, Virginia Beach had snow,
and the night I returned home,
Virginia Beach had snow again!!!
Charlottesville is north of us, and they did not get snow!
I felt like the traveling mercies were definitely watching over me!
I was meant to be there!

We learned how to warp a copper pipe loom,
(something I wanted to experience and work on),
we talked about fibers and warp setts.
I learned how to weave my tapestry with the front facing me on the loom,
I had been weaving my work with the back facing me on the loom.
It was good for me to experience both weaving styles.
Every weaver has their own preferences
We studied color, different tapestry techniques, blending fibers,
design, creating a cartoon, inspiration
and so much more.

Demonstrating warp setts

Joan shared her incredible design process,
showed us examples of tapestries hanging on her wall,
and what it took to design these beauties.
She shared her tapestry library, her thoughts, techniques and her own resources!
We listened to beautiful music while we wove . . . it was pretty magical.
I remember saying while we were weaving ... "others are out working on their
Saturday, and here we are weaving together, listening to beautiful music and
enjoying this very moment."
The experience will remain in my heart for a very long time!
I have even found the wonderful piano station she shared with us,
for my own personal use at home.

 Every design concept thought out carefully

One of her beautiful wall tapestries

(more can be viewed on her website)

 All of Joan's tapestries are nature inspired

Joan lecturing about her design process

I am a firm believer that workshop experiences,
whenever available to me,
are a must.
Of course, cost, travel, time always have to be considered.
Workshops teach us to travel out of our comfort zone,
learn new things,
meet new people,
learn to stretch ourselves creatively,
and along the way in the process
we are adding new things to our own creative toolkits.

Joan opened her studio to us so warmly . . .
we had access to all of her amazing tapestries,
her incredible large tapestry loom,
her fiber stash
and so much more.
Thank you Joan for a great experience!

My workshop space

Demonstrating a cartoon behind the warp

 Joan lecturing and sharing ... we were eager to learn

Class samples to ooooh and ahhhhhh over!

I came home and brought the copper pipe loom home with me,
to finish up my project.
I enjoyed it so much it didn't take me a week to complete
my class sample.
Now I will always have a reminder of a wonderful
weekend away to learn!
I'm ready to begin something new right away,
while all the info is still fresh in my brain.

My finished sample before cutting off the loom

I never want to stop learning new things,
meeting new teachers and seeing how they work.
Something way down deep
keeps stirring me to grow, to learn,
and always seek more!
Workshops are a great way to seek out knowledge,
and grow from each experience and instructor.

I am totally in love with the Tapestry Weaving process.
I began this journey over 35 years ago,
abandoned it to pursue other arts,
and now I have come back full circle!
I'm learning, growing, designing and
getting comfortable with it all.
I know now that this Tapestry journey
will take a long time to perfect and I'm ok with that!
I have no regrets for the time I lost, only an eagerness to learn more.
I feel like I am finally home again.

Counting steps carefully

I know when I am teaching my Zentangle® workshops
to others, I want them to have a wonderful experience.
To take away a desire to create more when they leave me.
Whether taking a three hour workshop, a weekend long,
or even a week or two . . .
Don't be afraid to try something new,
learn from your instructor and classmates,
grow  ... stretch your mind and your heart.
I love learning ... don't you!

Have a blessed week!
Reach out to a long lost friend!
Do something different along your life path this week!

Sending Love, Light and all good things to you
Donna Lee

Renewal ... My Word for 2016

My first art journal entry of the year

My first blog post of 2016! 

May I first take the time to wish you well in this new year!

A time of new beginnings,

letting go of what wasn't working,

stepping into freshness,

where everything is new and hopeful!

As I look back on 2015,

I find it was a bit difficult for me.
I eagerly anticipate 2016
and bringing along a new beginning for me.

I recognize that I wasn't at my best.

My health took a slow turn, 

my neck issues kept me from my yoga practice,
and I missed it very much.

I didn't write as much Poetry . . .
and I yearned to put pen to page.

I was definitely creative,
I accomplished a lot artistically,
I taught so many art classes
and even attended a few awesome art retreats.
I made some wonderful connections too!
(filling up my own creative well)

I learned so many new things,
I'm learning to focus on what I am good at
and what truly gives me a sense of peace when I am creating.

 I found my way back to Tapestry Weaving,

which I am most happiest about.
I'm slowly working through
Rebecca Mezoff's online course.
I even brought my new "Gracie"
Dryad tapestry loom into my studio
(freighted here from Pennsylvania)
we are still getting to know to each other!

A few of my favorite moments

As I began the "Word of the Year" process,

I gently wrote down every word that came to mind,

over the process of the last few weeks.

I then scratched out some,

added a few more,

some remained on the list

and some went away, 

because they no longer felt right.

Renewal

became my word.

It was perfect in every way.

I want renewal in the things I love the most in my life.

It is time for me to choose those things that matter most,

let go of time wasters, people drainers,

commitments that rob me of my joy.

Time for a new and creative year,

renewing what stirs my heart and soul!

I look forward to seeing where this all leads.

Do you have a new word?

Have you committed to something new this year?

What are you letting go of?
What do you need most in this new year?

I wish you a year of love and happiness

and all good things.

Reach down deep, find out what makes you stir,

follow your dreams,

listen to your still small voice,

trust yourself and step forward or away!

Love,

Donna Lee

Zentangle is always near by me . . .

Created using Zendala tile!

I am always in love with the creative process,

I certainly share that enough here on my blog.

Recently, I have been trying my hand

at a few other pursuits ...

writing more poetry, art journaling in my

documented life journal,

working on my SoulCollage® process,

and loving the time I spend with my grandchildren!

When I do have a still moment,

a quiet time to reflect and draw,

I always find myself returning to

my first love

Zentangle®

Zentangle and the Mandala Process

White on Black tiles ... another technique

Another love of mine ... Watercolor and Zentangle 

I always carry a small bag with my Zentangle supplies,

it was the bag I got in my very first class,

so it carries some sentimental value for me!!

It's also a great way of starting a conversation

when out in public!

All of my Zentangle students receive one as well,

they get so excited when they peek inside!

My Zentangle kit goes everywhere with me

So whenever I have a quiet moment,

at work, in the coffee shop, waiting for a doctor,

waiting for a flight in the airport ...

I usually pull out my little Z bag.

I love how this process is there for me at anytime.

It relaxes me when there is stress,

cures my insomnia in the middle of the night,

calms my heart and spirit,

it helps me with my writing process

and so much more.

I've been teaching this Zentangle process

since November, 2014

and have been practicing Zentangle

since 2012.

My journey has brought me to many

wonderful places to share and teach,

I have met so many wonderful students

who are continuing the process,

long after their class is over.

That truly delights my heart!

Sharing the process with my sister girlfriends during a retreat weekend!

I have lots of wonderful classes coming up in 2015,

you can catch my next classes at

The Muse Writing Center here,

I am always available for private or group sessions.
I have taught this process in many settings now,
and I still am surprised at the wonderful opportunities
teaching brings to me.

Students from Hermitage Museum

 I will be traveling to New Hampshire in June

to share this process at the amazing

Squam Art Workshops

I am beyond the moon about this opportunity,

Squam Lake, Zentangle, the beautiful woods,

girlfriend fellowship, reconnections with special people,

spending time with the amazing

 Elizabeth Duvivier, founder and creator of Squam!

A favorite moment at Squam in the City
Elizabeth, Bella and Me!

My 2015 is filling up fast

and I am truly grateful for the opportunities

that teaching Zentangle has brought me.
Each time I pick up my pen,
I get lost in this amazing process
and I want others to feel the same!
Blessings to you on your Wednesday!

Donna Lee
(Facilitator of Love and Creativity)

My Creative Process .

I am always amazed when the Creative Process takes hold.

There are days, sometimes weeks, nothing seems to come,

and there are days when in the studio,

it just overflows and time passes quickly.

The process of play and intuition go hand in hand for me.

The hardest thing for me is blocking out time in the studio,

I mean NON INTERRUPTED time,

it is rare these days.

I have been so blessed to take workshops
with some amazing Artists,
attend soul inspiring retreats,

work on some wonderful e-courses

and with each workshop and each book read,

I learn something new ... I take a creative nugget

and apply it to my own artwork.

We are all in this Creative Process together!

I am grateful for the knowledge and experience

I have gained over the past few years.

Now I am creating my own works,

with my own style and techniques,

choosing a color palette 

and designs that speak 

 I have been creating my own canvas work 

to fill my home,

I felt it was time to hang my own work,

not just the work of artists I have admired over the years.

I have created large canvas works as gifts for others,

each one carrying their own unique style,

feeling proud of my own accomplishments

as an Artist.
It has taken quite sometime for me to
call myself An Artist,
and mean it with confidence!

Creativity is a gift,

time alone to create is a gift,

having my own room to create in is definitely a gift.

How I feel a sense of wonder

whenever I enter the studio,

filled with white lights, art supplies,

and inspiration from others!

I am at home with my brushes,
I have learned to just let them move on the canvas,
letting them dance all by themselves.
I love just letting Creativity flow,
there were so many years I tried to follow
others style perfectly, being afraid
to step out on my own,
Believe me, I don't think that way anymore!

The Process is about letting go,
no judgement and certainly no rules,
that is where my best work happens!

Now I am teaching others through An Artful Spirit,
I am thrilled beyond any measure
to share what I know,
every quarter my Artful Spirit partner Suzan Thompson and I
lead others in day long mini art retreats,
the days are filled with magic and creativity!
You can check out our latest offering here
Our next will be held on February 28, 2015
at the beautiful
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel
I would love to see you there
and you too can learn this
beautiful and meditative painting process!

Sending you blessings, love
and all the creative moments you can find in your life.

Donna Lee

My SoulCollage® Facilitator Training

How do you put into words what you don't even know what to say yet?

I have just returned home from training with

the amazing Catherine Anderson

for SoulCollage® Facilitator Training

January 16 -18, 2015

in Charlotte, North Carolina.

I had signed up in October

and was counting the days to get there!

I went this weekend with my dear friend

and Artful Spirit partner

Dr. Suzan Thompson,

which was a gift in itself 

to spend such beautiful and quality time

with my soul sister.

We wanted to learn this process together,

and share it in our own art workshops.

Six hours of conversation in a car (each way!)...

we got a whole lot of brainstorming done too!
I love it when we put our creative minds together.

From the moment we entered Catherine's studio,
I felt a sense of belonging, I knew it was going to be
a magical three days of learning.
My heart was wide open and spilling over!

The studio was a feast for the eyes,
inspiration everywhere and such beauty,
Catherine is an incredible artist.
She freely let us photograph whatever we wanted to
so I am sharing with you!

Catherine opened with the reading of a poem
which was one of my favorites by Hafiz.
I was overjoyed to hear so much poetry read
this weekend,
the Poet in me was delighted to hear
Catherine's beautiful soft voice
reading the words of so many poets.

Each moment, each exercise, each lecture
was thoughtfully carried out,
so much love and attention went into
the care and feeding of our souls!

First Day was wonderful,
and we still had two more to go!
We loved where we stayed,
I had looked into a Bed and Breakfast
 called
803 Elizabeth Lane
that was recommended
and we were not disappointed at all!
Martha and Will, the innkeepers were charming,
the room was delightful
and our breakfasts were created with
love and care each morning ...
a great start to the day ahead!

Days Two and Three we continued to gather,
share, learn, open our hearts, learn from Catherine,
dig even deeper ... and all the while not wanting the day to end,
and I am sure I speak for all of us.
I have attended many retreats in my lifetime,
each one teaching me something wonderful.
I am so grateful and beyond thrilled with
this Facilitator training,
it has changed me, re-directed me
and for that I am over the moon.

 SoulCollage® is a beautiful and self-directed process.
It is a gift you can give to yourself.
It is an intuitive card making process
using images that inspire me.
There are no words or adornments, only images.
My cards are created by me and carry along
the wisdom I need when seeking
life questions for myself
(my written definition created during an exercise)

We browsed through image after image,
Catherine supplied unending images,
We created our cards with beautiful and inspiring music,
each one of us in our own zone,
not much talking going on . . .
we then shared our cards in a small group,
answering with a question . . .
"I am One Who ..."
we were guided through meditation,
we were touched with poetry read to us,
danced to music,
ate delicious meals,
had tea and snacks
cried many tears,
hugged lots and lots,
we opened up our hearts to each other,
twelve women became twelve sisters
in the course of three days,
how hard it was to leave Sunday.
I always capture my world through my camera,
I think the best thing is to share my pictures with you,
they truly say it all ...

I look forward to sharing this process with others
in my hometown, or even further away.
If you have a chance to have a session,
I encourage you ... I strongly urge you to do so!

It seems that each art form I pursue,
grows me deeper and deeper
to finding my own self . . .
My Zentangle® practice,
My SoulCollage® process,
Art Journaling and Poetry writing.
I am on a path to self discovery,
growing a little bit more each and every day.
I am so grateful to have experienced
so much this past weekend;
bringing me closer to my heart,
my dreams and my soul longings.

My 2015 is definitely off to a terrific start!

I was totally overtaken with emotion, joy and heartfelt feelings.
How blessed I will always be to have taken my
Facilitator Training with Catherine.
She is light, she is love and she is a total inspiration to others.
Thank you Catherine for making every minute
of these three days so beautiful!

Donna Lee