MIBI is one of those rare opportunities when we can convene for a few days of quilts and companionship in a beautiful setting. We will be sharing ideas, work, laughter, and relaxed lunches. The hope is for everyone to get inspired and energized in her own work with quilts, and to gain an appreciation for the work of others.

WHERE
All of these workshops will be offered at my home studio in Topsham, Maine. You'll be treated to seeing many of my works-in-progress, my extensive book collection, and my colorful and energizing work space and home. If you are coming to participate in one or more of these workshops "from away" and will need a place to stay, you can stay in one of the many lovely bed & breakfast inns in this area (including Brunswick, Topsham, and even Freeport).

WHAT Please consider the on-going nature of these workshops and my own work. Ideas presented can be explored in so many different ways and over the course of many sittings. On a different day, you will have a different outlook and will create a different solution to any of the exercises. This is a very exciting and personal way to learn about yourself and how you work, so participating more than once in the "same" workshop is a very, very good thing to do!

HOW Please send a registration check for $50 two weeks prior to each workshop to secure a place in it. Send the check to Natasha Kempers-Cullen, 3 Willis Road, Topsham, ME 04086, and make the check out to Natasha. Be sure to register in a timely fashion as the classes are limited to only five or six people. Upon receiving your check, I will send you the student supply list for the workshop. The balance due will be paid during the workshop (or the whole amount may be paid in advance when you register). The fee for two-day classes is $135, and the fee for the four-day painting class is $250. For all workshops, please bring a lunch and a stool (if you have one; my worktables are tall).

COLLECTING I believe that collecting the "stuff of art-making" is part of the creative process. Enjoy it! And try to make note of what you choose for the class and what you decide to leave at home. More IS better, but let's face it, you can't bring your whole house with you! So, start collecting now, and see how your choices compare to items on the supply list you will receive....

MORE INFO For even more information (yikes!) you may contact me by email or you may call me at 207-725-7539.

I am looking forward to a fun-filled and inspiring 2008. Join me!

2008 MIBI SESSIONS JAN 12 &13 (Sat & Sun) 3-D PERSONAL SHRINE ENVIRONMENTS Mixed Media box-like forms to house your unique experiences in life. (save all those wonderful mementos, antique buttons, etc!) FEB 16 & 17 (Sat & Sun) MIND STRETCHING WITH PAPER COLLAGE Journal/sketchbooks, specific design exercises, soul searching and play! MAR 15 &16 (Sat & Sun) MANDALA EXPLORATIONS History & uses, specific exercises, creating personal mandalas APR 12 & 13 (Sat & Sun) MIND STRETCHING WITH PAPER COLLAGE See above description; this is an on-going, ever-evolving time for you to play MAY 17 & 18 (Sat & Sun) SPIRIT DOLLS Manifest and create your own muse! This will be fun, fun, fun. JUNE 21 & 22 (Sat & Sun) MAKING TOOLS FOR PRINTMAKING Carve print blocks, make a silk screen, plus more! JULY 16 - 19 (Wed-Sat) PAINTING AND PRINTING WITH FIBER REACTIVE DYES (using the tools we made in June!) Learn dye chemistry, paint a sampler of techniques, experiment with tools AUG 9 & 10 (Thu & Fri) MIND STRETCHING WITH PAPER COLLAGE See description above. What a lovely gift to give yourself! More is definitely better with collage and design work! Push your creative boundaries. SEPT 20 & 21 (Sat & Sun) SPIRIT DOLLS Manifest and create your own muse! Start a whole collection.... OCT 18 & 19 (Sat & Sun) PAINTING AND PRINTING WITH TEXTILE PAINTS Create several panels of painted and printed fabrics. Lots of experimenting. NOV 15 & 16 (Sat & Sun) MIND STRETCHING WITH PAPER COLLAGE See description above. You know you want to give this time to yourself! DEC 6 & 7 (Sat & Sun) EMBELLISHED SPIRIT STONES Find special stones and make unique wrappings and meanings for them. 2009 JAN 10 & 11, 2009 (Sat & Sun) MIND STRETCHING WITH PAPER COLLAGE See description above. What more can I say??!! This is really inspiring & fun. What a great way to start the new year! JAN 12 & 13, 2008 (Sat & Sun) 3-D PERSONAL SHRINE ENVIRONMENTS Make a collection of your memories, your beliefs. Review of MIBI 2004