tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48481557113043673602023-11-15T09:33:29.470-05:00Creative BrushArt washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
PicassoRenee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-15288209251416217292010-07-06T16:10:00.003-04:002010-07-06T16:27:51.256-04:00Christmas in July Events<span style="font-family:verdana;">Ladies, just wanted to let you know that on July 24, from noon until 4:00 we will be holding a Christmas in July open house at Creative Hands. We will be having demos, $5 Mini card classes, door prizes and refreshments. Please stop by if you can.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I will be doing a rare summer show Saturday, July10. Christmas in July show, located at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dunnellon, FL from 9 am - 2 pm.</span>Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-64665523616463450602010-01-18T08:40:00.004-05:002010-01-18T08:46:21.093-05:002010 - or is that Two Thousand and Ten??The new year is here. I am hoping for a brighter and happier year after a tough 2009 for my family and I. Some of you know I lost my father in October. It has been a struggle mentally for me since that time. I am going to try to get back on my feet and and I am making progress every day.<br /><br />I am working on new projects and staying busy in my studio. If anyone is interested in a particular class for painting, jewelry or Gallery Glass, please let me know. I am planning on doing more fabric painting. Those hot summer months are just around the corner, and I always love to have a few new items to wear, and of course will need the jewelry to match that.<br /><br />I look forward to a busy year, and seeing each of you soon.Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-84333454887834909422009-10-11T08:50:00.003-04:002009-10-11T08:54:21.408-04:00Fall is Almost Here!After the tease of cooler weather 2 weeks ago, I am ready for it to come back. I am thinking Fall and Christmas and the heat is oppressive. What is wrong with this picture?<br /><br />I have lots of great classes coming up, especially if you are thinking ahead to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Christmas</span> gifts. Please come by the shop and take a look at the samples. We have a wall full of all kinds of great classes.<br /><br />Hope to see you soon.Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-55404576231235874072009-08-17T15:09:00.002-04:002009-08-17T15:15:40.764-04:00The cast is off. I can type and work again. Life is good. Wow, what a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">relief</span> it was to take a shower without a plastic bag on my arm. The little things mean so much.<br /><br />Big News. Kathi at Creative Hands is expanding. We will now have a larger classroom and more shopping area. Which also means she will start stocking new items. Can't wait to see the completed space. Stop by when you can and see the construction that is going on.<br /><br />I am posting my schedule for September. I am offering some of the same classes from July that I did not get to teach. Look out for October. All new classes coming.Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-7419354706695510682009-05-28T09:06:00.005-04:002009-05-28T09:13:57.758-04:00Well school will be out June 3 so we have planned some great Kids Camp activities for the little ones. I will be offering 2 classes at only $13.00 each. Kathi is running a special that if you sign up for 5 kids camp classes you will get the reduced price of $50.00. What a great deal.<br /><br />We are going to a wild safari/jungle theme for this group of classes. I will be offering 2 classes the week of June 8th. On the 10th I will be offering a One Stroke Palm Sand Art class and on June 11th I will be Offering a painted mug class.<br /><br />Sign up early. These will fill up fast!<br /><br />Hope everyone enjoys a great summer.Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-57557418607655247742009-03-03T06:05:00.002-05:002009-03-03T06:14:06.054-05:00Good morning. Just wanted to let you all know that I appreciate you attending classes. We have been having a lot of fun in the One Stroke and jewelry classes lately. It makes my job even more fun.<br /><br />Beside the regular classes this month, I would like to let you know about a couple of other events that will be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">happening</span>. This weekend, March 7 and 8, I will be in Floral City at the Strawberry Festival in booth number 8. If you come, please stop by and say hello. Also on the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Th</span> of March from 5:00 - 8:00 that night I will be at Patio Paradise in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Michael's</span> shopping center for an opening of my artwork. There will be an artist's reception and I will be showing a lot of new Gallery Glass designs. Please stop by for refreshments and take a look around. Not only is it a great store full of fabulous outdoor furniture, but this is my first time displaying there and I am very excited.<br /><br />Please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing with your latest projects. I am going to go and finish a new landscape that I am working on. Hopefully it will be a class for April.<br /><br />Have a great day!Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-48829190285975905742009-01-05T16:14:00.002-05:002009-01-05T16:20:18.622-05:002009 is HereI hope you all had a great holiday season. What a busy month. I am spending a few days getting organized for the new year. I am also planning lots of new projects in One Stroke and Gallery Glass. <br /><br />I have had a few people ask for more landscape projects with One Stroke and harder Gallery Glass projects. Please let me know what else you are interested in.<br /><br />Please give me a call if you have any questions. 352-584-2555.Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-24311783659517930872008-11-24T05:50:00.002-05:002008-11-24T05:55:34.080-05:00Happy ThanksgivingWishing you all a day full of happy memories that you will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">remember</span> for years to come. <br /><br />The schedule is up for the month of December. If you would like to sign up for a class <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">you</span> will need to call me at 352-584-2555. The shop will be closed, except for scheduled classes until December 2. I hope you can find some classes that will help you with those last minute Christmas gifts. If time is an issue, please stop by our Christmas Open House on December 12, 13, 15 or 16 and see what we have ready for your gift giving. We will be offering a wide array of gifts and will also have refreshments.<br /><br />Hope to see you all soon!Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-51130672178187428922008-10-29T08:56:00.004-04:002008-10-29T09:06:17.706-04:00The Holidays Are Upon Us!As I sit and update the blog I am thinking of all the things I need to do to start getting ready for the holidays. There are items to paint for shows, classes to teach, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">decorations</span> to make for my home, and gifts to make for friends and family. I am sure you are starting to think the same thing. There is just never enough time in the day.<br /><br />This year with a slower economy, I will be making more gifts than ever. All of us have been hit hard this year with the rising cost of gas and groceries. So we have decided at Creative Hands to offer some classes to help you with those Christmas gift lists. Please stop by the shop and see Kathi and our displays of upcoming classes. Kathi has some great Christmas card stamps in now. If there is a class you are interested in, please let us know. We can sometimes repeat classes if you miss them. <br /><br />I have also posted a list of shows that you can see Kathi and I at in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Brooksville</span>. Please come by if you can and see what we have. <br /><br />Happy Crafting!Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-2358112189293482512008-09-03T06:24:00.002-04:002008-09-03T06:31:59.667-04:00September is Here!Good morning to all,<br /><br />I am up early this morning working on a new Gallery Glass design for October. It is a large fruit wreath that I have not done in a class in about 3 years. This one is a toughy! I think you will all like it.<br /><br />I have been very busy painting on glass this week trying to start getting ready for shows. My dining room table is filling up fast. I have been really surprised at my husband, he has not said anything about my artwork filling up the house as it does every year at this time. I guess he has gotten used to it!<br /><br />Yesterday I got a call from our son Chris who has now left for the Persian Gulf for 1 year. It was a little sad, but he has chosen a career in the U.S. Navy and since my husband and I are both Navy veterans I know that what he is doing is as important to him as it is to us. Please keep him in your prayers.Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-36759611194283231282008-08-24T10:53:00.002-04:002008-08-24T11:01:00.152-04:00I know, long time no post. The summer has flown by and been extremely busy. We just got back from a trip to see sick family members and to say goodbye to our son who is headed to the Persian Gulf for a year. It was a long trip but it was good to see everyone. It was even better to be back home and in our own bed!!<br /><br />I have not written since before I went to convention to paint with Donna Dewberry. I promise to do better with that. I have some great new thoughts for classes and now that I am home I will be busily painting up some new samples. <br /><br />As most of you know I also paint for art and craft shows and it is time for me to get busy for that as well. Christmas is just around the corner. Don't forget to start planning for your holiday gifts. I hope that some of the classes I have coming up will inspire you to start painting those Christmas gifts.<br /><br />I also have some great new Gallery Glass projects coming up. We will be making a fruit wreath as well as doing some holiday mosaics. <br /><br />Please let me hear from you if there is something special you are interested in and I will see what I can do!Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-86428549476606415902008-06-30T10:15:00.003-04:002008-06-30T10:55:46.307-04:00I can't beleive June is over. Where is the summer going? I have been working hard this last month getting ready for my art convention in Orlando in July. I am excited that I will be learning some new techniques that I can share with you all. This year I am going with my friends Norma Jean and Randi. This is Randi's first year and I think she is about to pop with excitement. We have painted shirts to wear for the convention. When I get back I will post pictures of the 3 of us all dressed up.<br /><br />It is also a great time to catch up with my other painting friends from all around the country. We share thoughts on painting as well as sharing new projects. I can't wait to see what I come back with this year. After convention my head is so full of new ideals that I can't wait to get home and get busy sharing with all my students.<br /><br />My large project this year is a fireplace screen that I am making and donating to a silent auction for the Maria Dewberry Society. It has taken a little longer than expected, but I hope to finish painting it by Thursday of this week. I can't wait to show you the finished project.<br /><br />If anyone is interested in going to the convention and having the chance to meet Donna Dewberry, please contact me this week and I can give you some infortmation about this. Please give me a call at 584-2555 or contact Amanda at Dewberry Designs at 1-800-536-2627. This is a great opportunity to paint at one of Donna's Grand Sessions as well as joining us for a great day of Do and Dash. Hurry - seating is limited and you must register by July 3rd.<br /><br />Well I better get back to work.Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-28250489586699131042008-06-09T10:25:00.003-04:002008-06-09T10:40:40.486-04:00Summer is here!It sure has gotten hot out! If you are not in the air conditioning you sure want to be. What a great time to brush up on your painting and take a class to sharpen your skills. With gas prices being so high, right now the trend is hobby time. So join us for a fun class and then spend those hot days showing off your talent. Remember the Christmas season will be just around the corner so you can start painting those gifts you want to give now.<br /><br />During the month of July if you come by the shop and register I will be giving either a free Learn the Basics Class or Project class from all the entries. I am letting you know early so you can plan to come by. There will be more information in the Spring Hill Newsletter when it comes out the 1st of July. I just wanted to give my students a heads up on this contest.<br /><br />Don't forget I am once again offering jewelry classes as well as One Stroke and Gallery Glass classes. The Tuscan Grape Gallery Glass class is almost full, so if you want to attend you will need to sign up quick.<br /><br />If you have any questions or need to get in touch with me, please drop me an e mail or give me a call.<br /><br />Happy Painting!Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-5163454948631395372008-06-03T21:03:00.002-04:002008-06-03T21:10:39.508-04:00Gretings to all my fellow crafters!Well classes at Creative Hands are very busy and what fun we are having. This months projects are going to be great. Gallery Glass is back this month . Due to overwhelming response, we are asking that you sign up and pre-pay for your class so your are guaranteed a spot. <br /><br />For new painters I suggest at least 2 Learn the Basic classes, which include the wild flowers, rosebuds and the sunflowers. On the 9th I will be offering a beginner landscape class for even the newest painters. This will be a great chance to try a project class. <br /><br />Come join me for a fun class and lots of laughs!Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-56024872814354936562008-05-05T08:36:00.003-04:002008-05-05T08:37:37.583-04:00Please take a minute to check the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">schedule</span> for May. I have added 2 more basic classes due to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">overwhelming</span> response. Hope to see you soon.Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-19659756786438995322008-04-16T14:52:00.004-04:002008-04-16T15:08:29.254-04:00Exciting News!!!Great News!!!<br />One Stroke classes are back. I will now be teaching at Creative Hands. This shop is located at 3475 Deltona Blvd (Pioneer Plaza) inside the office of the Spring Hill News letter. Kathie (the owner) has a great supply of scapbooking, jewelry and yes, One Stroke supplies.<br /><br />The new classes are posted on the schedule. I will be teaching 2 basic classes and one project class in May. I will also be teaching a beginner jewelry class. We are hoping to add Gallery Glass in the near future.<br /><br />Please let me know by leaving a comment if there are any classes that you are interested in so that I can get them on the calendar for June.<br /><br />I am so excited to be able to teach again. I will update the blog with some new picture by Friday, showing you what the project class will be. If you get a chance to stop by the store, I already have some samples in the store.<br /><br />You may sign up in the store, and I will have supply lists in the store by Friday.Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-68277741001920572872008-03-11T16:08:00.001-04:002008-03-11T16:10:10.875-04:00Please note the change in schedule for the Palm Tree T-shirt. It has been moved to Wednesday morning at 10:00. If you have any questions, please give me a call. 352-584-2555Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-67974490734134880692008-02-27T06:13:00.002-05:002008-02-27T06:14:21.469-05:00Just though you might like to see this letter from Plaid about One Stroke not being offered at Michael's.<br /><br />February 26, 2008<br /><br />Dear Michaels One Stroke Teacher:<br />As you are already aware, Michaels has announced a series of new consumer marketing strategies. The decision to implement these new strategies was based upon extensive consumer research; Michaels asked their customers what was important to them, what needed improvement and what was missing.<br />The entire Michaels class program was evaluated as part of this research, and consumers responded they wanted more in-store events -- outside the classroom -- creating crafting excitement without the need to pay a class fee.<br />Unfortunately, as a result of this consumer feedback, we are confirming today, Michaels has eliminated the One Stroke Corporate Class Program (MOST). The decision to eliminate the program, however, does not single out One Stroke as there are other class programs impacted as well. Michaels corporate office is communicating the details and full scope of the changes to their teacher/employees by the end of this week. Plaid and Dewberry Designs respectfully agreed that Michaels should communicate this news to their employees first, before we published our own statement.<br />The decision to eliminate the program has been difficult for all parties. It does not mean Michaels does not support One Stroke or appreciate the talents and efforts of the MOST Teachers. Together, we want to sincerely thank you for your participation in and contributions to the Michaels One Stroke Education Program. We appreciate your dedication and commitment and hope that you will understand this change in strategy and will continue to work with us to educate the One Stroke consumer.<br />Michaels will continue to market and promote One Stroke to bring consumer awareness to the brand. Plaid and the Dewberrys remain committed to One Stroke and will continue to work together to develop new education programs designed to reach and inspire new audiences.<br />Sincerely,Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-28695348515845591372008-02-26T05:58:00.003-05:002008-02-26T06:05:30.095-05:00One Stroke UpdateI have e mailed you all and told you that there will be no more One Stroke at Michael's. As I have told you before, this is a corporate decision of Michael's and I have no control. If you are unhappy with this you can call 1-800-Michaels to let them know how you feel.<br /><br />I will be allowed to teach other things in the store but I am looking for a location to teach One Stroke. If your community has a clubhouse that we could use, please let me know. I am willing to set up classes so that we can all continue painting together.<br /><br />I know that any of you that have come to classes have spent quite a bit of money to get started painting, and I would hate to see you stop painting and learning.<br /><br />Your comments or thoughts would be appreciated. You may do so by clicking on the comment button under this BLOG.<br /><br />Thank you all.Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-81501189347349211302008-02-20T08:32:00.002-05:002008-02-20T08:35:15.570-05:00I still do not have an update yet on teaching One Stroke in Michael's. I am hoping to hear something this week. I have added my Gallery Glass classes to the schedule for March. They are all day classes. If anyone is interested in taking a night class you may contact me and let me know. <br /><br />I miss teaching One Stoke at the store, and miss all your smiling faces. Hopefully we will all be back to painting and having fun soon.Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-40844895141441759842008-02-07T13:13:00.000-05:002008-02-07T13:21:14.377-05:00I want to take a minute to thank you for your recent responses. I hope all of you continue to paint until I get back in the store. You are welcome to call me with questions about my schedule or even sceduleing a one-on-one class. My number is 352-584-2555. Iwill call back as soon as possible. You can also leave a comment for me on the BLOG.<br /><br />I miss seeing all you smiling faces and painting with you. Don't forget the Gallery Glass classes and the schedule for my home classes. If you call me to schedule a class I will send you a supply list.<br /><br />Happy painting!Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4848155711304367360.post-8713334493244563442008-01-28T06:35:00.000-05:002008-01-28T06:41:31.909-05:00Schedule fo FebruaryGood Morning to you all,<br /><br />As I sent out in my e mail last week, you all know about the classes at Michaels being on hold. Not to worry. I have updated the schedule and will be teaching One Stroke at my house.<br /><br />The schedule is up, and I am surveying to see what else you would like. I will be teaching some projects of varying types and skill levels. You will need to make sure you have your supplies when you come to my house. I do have quite a few supplies in my studio, but may not have everything you need.<br /><br /> I have added two Saturday classes instead of night classes. <br /><br />I look forward to painting with you.Renee Donsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09529593585023877408noreply@blogger.com0