Yesterday afternoon, as I walked on the beach I found a piece of driftwood as black as pitch that looked for all the world like a crow’s head. Now one of the blogs I read on a regular basis is Violette’s Creative Juice – and Violette has a special place in her heart for crows. 
So there I was, wandering back from the beach with my crow, thinking about Violette and her love for crows, I checked the mail and YAY! Violette had sent me her Teen Dream Journal DVD – lucky, lucky me! I am probably the only person in New Zealand to have one!! 
In my job I work with students at risk of failure due to learning and/or behaviour difficulties and self-esteem is a big issue – I mean, if you don’t believe in yourself you’re not going to make optimum progress (at any age). This DVD is so jam-packed full of material designed with increasing self-esteem in mind and I can’t wait to use it! It’s school holidays now so I have to be patient – and that’s not a strength I have when enthusiasm strikes.
I’ve watched from the point of view of a teacher who perhaps doesn’t have much experience in art but knows that kids love to experiment and express themselves. There are enough wonderfully clear demonstrations, explanations, PDF materials and templates for even the most cautious student and teacher to create something unique that reflects their thoughts and feelings.
I can’t wait to use the DVD with teachers and students and I’m certainly recommending it very highly to a friend who works in an alternative school. Actually, if you’re new to art journaling at any age, it’s a terrific resource. Get Violette’s book Journal Bliss as well and you’re on your way!
late start studio 