KISS - Keep it Simple Sweet one!

As we approach teaching online or in person, one key is to keep it simple! 

• Set up so they can see your demo - do a trial run with a buddy if this is new
• Give an overview of the the class and format 
• Talk a bit, then let them do that step! 
• Honor questions - they benefit everyone! (And set boundaries!)
• Allow time at the beginning for your circle, and time at the end for everyone to share their guidance, insights and painting

Ginger and Jean - 4 hour Harvest Queen

Handouts - email:

• Materials list
• Give journaling prompts as pre and post class homework
• You might have a common symbol handout, winged and flaming heart, spiral, bird, ... plus a few words on possible meaning
• Consider including a simple face map (full face is easiest) 
• 
  Linda Allen - Simplicity

Personal prep

• Choose your poem/ readings to match your theme
• Do a practice painting on your theme, in the time you've scheduled for your class
• Keep your sample simple, and leave it unfinished as an example 
• Jot down journaling prompts as you paint, to support your inquiry
• Do your own journaling! 
• I have a painting panel with options for features - eyes, lips
• Practice the visioning
• Have some tools for coping with the critic! 

Linda Allen - Simplicity

Flow

• Create your 13 step prompt cards and perhaps a few extras around your theme
• Combine some if its a shorted class
• The 13 steps are proprietary for intentional creativity, and for our own use. We usually don't talk about them much, saying, "now we're going to do a Risky Glaze to integrate the colors" (rather than "now we're doing the integration step") ...
• Keep the class moving along, give a bit of warning before moving on
• Allow for tea and movement breaks
• Have show and tell time at the end (~20 minutes) 

Two or more sessions

• Generally, glaze by the halfway point, or end of the first session
• If you offer the class over two + sessions, don't work on your class painting between!!
• You could work more on your practice painting - and at the end, share a screen shot of where you left off, and what it looks like after more attention! 
• Share additional journal prompts, including tips for coping with the critic
• Second session - do a mini circle and perhaps short visioning to bring them back 

Charging

• Check what others in your area charge for classes similar in length
• If your class is virtual, you may choose to charge less, as they'll supply the materials, you can still charge for your time!
• Consider the option donations to a favorite charity, provide the link
• Offer partial scholarships, or discount for a second person, as you choose

After completion, invite them to share feedback and photos, and do a follow up email. You may want to schedule a call if someone voices big challenges or insights. 

Thanks to Color of Woman graduate Linda Allen for sharing her Simplicity story card - you can find more of Linda's writing and work here.

Be sure to give yourself time for self care, and integration you worked hard!!    

Virtual classes

Many of this year's Color of Woman students needed to offer their 13 step class virtually, due to 2020 closures. The last two weekends, I've taken two of these with former students, Harvest Queen with Carol Fairbanks, and Princess Silver Hands, or the Handless Maiden, with Christy Cozby. Carol offered two sessions, a well apart, and Christy did hers in one. Both were lovely! 

Harvest Queen - first session

In addition to the general tips for preparing to teach your class, here are some considerations if you're offering it virtually:

E-mail or otherwise communicate with your beloveds before class with supply list and set up suggestions, plus an initial inquiry or, "be thinking about..." 

Sit with your 13, step prompt cards, and decide if you'll be combining/skipping some steps. What do you want to be sure and cover? How will you address journaling?

Your format is the same as in person: housekeeping, Red Thread circle early with your inquiry, then often pull out 3 words for Canvas. You can include the visioning with the inquiry, or have them paint colors for each of the words, and offer the story of visioning while the paint dries. 

While working virtually it's extra important to give clear instructions on what they are to do next. Demo clearly and concisely, field questions, then step back and let them paint!  When it seems time for the next step, "brushes in the water!" and have them watch. Try to allow time for journaling, and give your beloveds a prompt/inquiry for the time between sessions. 

Offer some tools for working with the critic/comparison diva, and remember to make and correct a mistake or two! Invite them to explore symbols, and make notes. If they get stuck with contrast, suggest they edit a photo to Grey scale! This is so helpful with in person classes - and more so remotely! 

If you can, it may help to have a second camera (phone works) suspended above your surface for demoing a step - but that's an extra! You can also play music through your computer speakers. It also helps to have a cohost for logistics - CoW graduate Linda Allen in my Red Thread Creatives FB group and is great at this!  She has a pro account, so I have her schedule my circles.

Harvest Queen - end of day 2

You may want to prepare some samples: I have eye examples painted on a canvas board, with different shapes and angles, and a few "what not to do." It's great to have simple faces that are less polished as examples! I have some demos from previous classes that are great examples of how theirs might look at the end of the session. 

You might also do a sample face with the first layer of lights and darks, and one that's been glazed. You could show these as screen share, or just hold up to the camera. If you have a compost canvas close by, you can demo something you don't want on your main canvas!

Shading example in my journal

Generally, you will want to glaze before the end of the first session / about 1/2 way through your class, and give them an inquiry to work with while she's behind the veil. Remind them to set her up 6' away, and chat with her.

For the second session, offer a brief check in, perhaps another reading, invite questions, then go on with your demos and flow. This is a good time to introduce symbols, and encourage them to journal periodically. Be sure to include a half hour for sharing, at the end! 

Princess Silver Hands - one session

Remember to share your contact information, and email then after the class for feedback, photos, etc. And remember your own self care after the class!! You worked hard!