Finn's Video Journals - new YT videos for you!

Hi my lovely creative people!
There is a time when you feel you'd like to do something different, look for the new formula or just try some fresh approach. It happens for me from time to time as well and after months of thinking I've finally got brave enough to start my new kind of videos on YouTube - Video Journals.
What is the plan and the formula?
There is none, to be honest! I've decided to go with the flow and simply focus on the things I'm working on or thinking at that moment, show you a bit more of my life, share some thoughts and experience. It's very likely every episode will be different - depending on the topic and I will be experimenting with different ways of building the video of course... I will try to make it fun for both sides - so you can expect vlogs, over the shoulder shots, chats, inspirational speeches, unboxing of the new product... Well, just expect a bit of everything.
It doesn't mean I won't post tutorials or FB Live anymore! It's just my way to get closer to you and be able to share a bit more of my thoughts and adventures and as my friends - and many of you pointed to me - we are moving away from the blogs and getting on more visual social media more and more... I'm not sure if I like it, but I guess it is time to adapt!

Today I've got Video Journal #2 ready for you! 

If you'd like to know more about images, photos and pictures I keep using in my projects and designs or simply listen to me talking and showing some of the projects - grab your much and have a seat.

Please remember you can always subscribe to my YT channel to be up to date with everything!

We also have Creative Team YT channel as well - here. 

Make sure you won't miss a single tutorial from my fabulous Team!

Just in case if you missed my first Video Journal - you can find it here below - enjoy!

Wishing you all a wonderful, creative week!

Classroom Psychology part II - Positive Thinking :)

Hi there my lovely ones!
I'd like to talk to you a bit about teaching and learning interaction - again. You can find my first post with my random thoughts here, if you wish.

There are some projects which you are really happy with. At least there should be some!
Depending on the level of our self-criticism, confidence and ability to simply "let go" it may happen quite often or very rarely. And as I see, watching all the wonderful people coming to my classes - struggling to make a "pretty" project may be sometimes one element too much in the whole learning process. Trying too hard to perform instead of absorbing as much as possible, trying, playing and experimenting... is there a point it that?

With all my consciousness and responsibility I can say - it is really unusual for me to really "like" any project I've made during my teaching process. I don't get upset with that at all - I know these are my "samples", very helpful to explain the steps and techniques to my students and by all means - it is far more important for me to help my students and focus on their needs than making something that I will be happy with!
I always tell people in my classroom that "masterpieces are made at home in their own, safe studios". And that also applies to me. My best projects happen when I'm focused, emotionally conscious and working in my safe environment.
So why expect the most amazing project of your life will happen in the crowded room, where you are surrounded by other people, working with unfamiliar tools or mediums and very often you are pushed in the uncomfortable time slots? Doesn't it sound like too much pressure in one time?
I guess it does!

Let's look at the example:
Here is the sample I made last weekend - during the last class of the day and even if it is far from perfection and it can be called "old boring composition" I can still be happy about it.

First of all -  it was an important part of the teaching process, allowing me show all the textures, elements, techniques step-by-step. I always like to think that creating in front of the students gives them more will to try and play and confidence it is not that hard at all. (Because it is not, really).
What is more - I had great time creating it, working with great, fun group of wonderful women!
So, where are the other  positive aspects of this project?

Yes I've got tons of similar ones already. Some of them more nice, some of them - not that much.
I've made this class so many times before... but this time I was really pleased with the colour palette I've chosen. With the stamping I did during the demo. And what is the most important - pencil doodling and scribbling gave me ideas for a new project! Perfect!

Demo of the photo painting wasn't bad too. In general - successful class with a lot of beautiful collages created by enthusiastic, talented people!

Now please - think  - is it possible to try to be a bit more kind to yourself ? Not looking for all possible "mistakes" you've made? Not thinking about all the disappointing little bits... and be proud of you have done instead?
Just look at those beauties below:

(projects made by students in Newbridge, Ireland)

I don't know how many times I was trying to convince my students that class is not a "beauty contest" and comparing your work with projects of other students or teacher is like comparing beauty of roses and peonies (or any other kind of flowers). We all come from the different background, we have different skills, taste and preferences. Comparing with others in this perspective sounds totally crazy, right?

I think real value of taking a class is trying new things, pushing yourself a bit out of your comfort zone, being brave, open-minded and experimenting to see which new ideas or techniques you'd like to use in the future. Thinking about possibilities, getting inspired or simply - relaxing and playing in the friendly atmosphere. In the end - these are all pieces of paper, fabric, metal and ugly buttons...
These are the things I'd like my students to focus on - and as far as I can see it works really well!

I hope you all can have a look at your work now and find "positive aspect" in it - I'm sure there are tons of them in each of the pieces you've made.
Sometimes I think we all forget it is important to be kind to ourselves, and the reason we paint, glue, stamp or tear the paper is because it is our passion and way to relax. Taking a class should be helping you to spread your wings - so lease remember to let yourself play, breathe and have creative fun!

I wish I could make sure you all will feel comfortable with what you do... so maybe it is ok to think that enjoying the process is far more important than the final product of it? Hm?

Sending some love in your direction

P.S. If you are interested in this particular class - "Overemotional" you can try to book your seats here:
- Love is in the Details - Manitoba - Canada

- Artsy Stamps and Crafts - Colorado - USA
- The Paper Boutique - Illinois - USA
- Whim So Doodle - Florida - USA

Or check my full schedule here - maybe I'm somewhere nearby this year?