This month allowed another opportunity to lead Canvas Creations. Only a day after Inauguration Day, we used this edition to reflect on the Obamas' impact during their time in the White House and to paint Barack Obama. In addition to the photo above, some pictures highlighting our experience are in the slideshow below; even more can be found in TYPE USA's Facebook album.
  In the Wine and Design studio, of course, I was also able to work with a number of people stopping in for paint parties and classes. I did my first out-of-studio party (On Wheels), assisted my first Pet Night, and even taught College Night (more like an open studio with various NC college mascot/signature building paintings going on) for the first time. The gallery of photos below include shots from all of those recent events. The month ahead shows no sign of slowing down, so until then... I'm just trying to keep my patience, improve my teaching and not lose the "fun" in it all. Thank you for reading; and enjoy all of the pictures!

 What happens when you hear that Beyoncé's choreographer is coming to town and will be teaching at a dance workshop? You get yourself together and get there, praying you will to be able put in the work and keep up, that's what!
  Yesterday, as the nation celebrated Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the WonderTwins presented a full-day dance workshop called "Sauce, Slay and Service" that featured classes taught by professional choreographers and dancers. It wasn't just a day off, it was a day ON! Proceeds went to victims of Hurricane Matthew and we also brought nonperishable foods to the event to donate. What a wonderful day of service it was... full of terrific energy and talented movers. I told myself I wanted to make more time for attending dance classes this year and this was a great first class to start 2017 off with. The last time I took a class this challenging was in 2011, only months after I had moved down to Carolina, when Willdabeast was dancing with T-Pain during Chris Brown's F.A.M.E. Tour; and he and Tre Holloway taught at Studio RUSH in Charlotte, NC. It was my first advanced-level class, but I remember leaving feeling inspired by Will's words to me, "...KEEP DANCING!"

First of all... HAPPY NEW YEAR!

  In the spirit of new, this post is about trying new things. Take my Sakura Gelly Roll pens-to-planner cover experiment as example number one! I've used their classic white gel pen for years (no, gel pens never went out of style- lol), but recently got pens from the metallic and the souffle lines and was waiting to try them out on something fun. What better place to test them than on a plain and boring 2017 planner cover? Only a few days in and I'm already on the mission of adding color and pazazz to year 2017. As you can see [from the photos in the gallery below], the souffle ink is transparent while it's being applied and has a solid, vibrant 3D pop once dry. I am happy with my doodle results and now love using my cute, new weekly-yearly planner. The only thing I noticed after applying on the plastic surface was scratching of the souffle ink and smearing of the metallic ink. To avoid this, I suggest covering with an archival laminate or adhere some sort of adhesive to protect your newly decorated surface!

  On to example number two! I also tried my hand at sewing apparel (by request) to start off the year. The red, brown, and yellow tank top shown in the slideshow of photos belongs to my mother. It is one of her favorite summer tops, so she wanted me to make her another one... using the bottom fabric of a dress she wasn't as crazy about. "OK, sure..." I agreed, but was terrified by the thought of completely messing it up. I did it anyway, and though I made some errors, they were either very minor or easy to undo and fix. The only way to improve your skills and build cofidence with something like this is to practice and you have to try and start somewhere in order to do that! There are several ways to sew apparel: with a pattern/kit, with a completed piece/mock up as a guide, make your own pattern design from scratch with measurements, or just freely make something on the whim/drape and pin. Easy for me, I was able to use the already made tank top as a guide. This is one of the easier methods and I show photos of my step-by-step process below.