Ruby Mamas

I have been supporting birthing families for the past 5 years now through Birthing From Within classes. One aspect of the classes, the art process, is something that I have wanted to explore on a deeper level, but have never felt that I had the space or the time to fully give it the attention it so deserves. However, that is all about to change. I am inspired to offer something I have been wanting to do for a long, long time. I am going to offer an art class for pregnant mamas....Ruby Mamas.

We spend so much time filling up our heads with information when we are venturing into the unknown world of birth and mothering, filling up our baskets hoping we will be prepared for the unknown. What we don't do is prepare our hearts and internal wisdom that we all possess. Information isn't what will help a woman when she is trying to cope with contractions nor is it what will support her when she is trying to figure out why her baby won't stop crying. It is her intuition every single time. That is what will be her survival skill in this journey ahead.

So on Thursday November 4th from 7:00 -9:30pm , I am offering a one night workshop for those beautiful pregnant mamas in the Comox Valley. You need bring nothing but yourself, an open heart and some comfy clothes. I will provide the space, art supplies and a wonderfully supportive environment where you can connect with your own creative resources, your baby and other mamas. You don't need to be an artist, this class is not about an outcome, it is all about the Process. Dorothy had the answers within her the whole time as she journeyed to Oz, just as you do. Come and discover how wise you are and create art from the heart. The fee is only $30.00 and the experience will be priceless. You are most welcome here.

For more information or to register please contact Catherine at: 250-597-2770 or catherine@beautifulbirth.ca

I will not teach you to paint Mallard Ducks

When I was a young girl, my mother sent me to Millie's. Millie had an awesome art studio for kids and we were allowed to create freely, without judgment or criticism. I loved it. Then my mom sent me to an art class where I was to learn how to paint Mallard ducks in oil. I was 7. I hated it. The teacher said it wasn't very good. And so the journey of self-doubt began.

I will not teach you how to paint ducks, trees or flowers. Nor will I teach you techniques about depth and distance. What I will do is facilitate a space where you can create freely, without judgment and without critique. I will help you with your own journey of self-discovery and guide you back to the heart. You can still paint ducks if you want, we never know what will come out of our souls when we let go and surrender to the paint. You are an amazing artist, I know it. Come and discover what you can create if you are given the space and time to just let go. Everyone is welcome, even if you can't paint a duck.

come on in!

So after months of hard work, new ceiling, new paint, new floors, new furniture, easels that my husband built (thank you luv) and a refurbished light fixture that is original to our 1920's home, The Ruby Slipper Studio is OPEN!

Classes start tonight, the one day retreat is filling fast. Pregnant mamas are welcome to come to the one night workshop, open your heart with art. This is a long time dream that has come true for me and you are welcome to join me.

That story that you can't paint or you are not an artist, is just that a story. You can hold a paint brush, you love colour, your journey starts here. Come on in!

Check out the side bar for upcoming class dates and information!

progress

It wouldn't be right to teach a class about the process if I wasn't undergoing one myself. Building this studio has been a long time dream for me and just like everything, it hasn't happened overnight. Thanks to my VERY loving husband, he has been spending the last week working on this room. Ugly ceiling tiles taken down, new insulation, ventilation, electrical, light fixtures and vapor barrier, not all the sexy stuff, but one slow step at a time, we are working our way to a beautiful space for women to come to create and find some quiet space for themselves. The drywaller's come on Thursday. New paint colour, new floor, moldings... more pictures to come.....

Fall Schedule!

I am so happy to announce that construction is underway for The Ruby Slipper studio and will open this September! And to celebrate I am offering a 10% discount on all registrations before August 31st. These classes are open to all women of all walks of life. You do not need to be an artist to participate. Because we are focusing on the process not the outcome, you are free to explore through paint, pastel and clay in a supportive and fun environment. This is your journey!

Upcoming classes:

September 29th - November 3rd
Wednesday nights for 6 weeks
Time: 7:30pm -9:30pm
Fee: $180.00 if you register before August 31st

One day retreat- November 27th
10:00am -4:00pm
Fee: $150.00 if you register before August 31st

Open Studio Nights
Starting in November
Monday evenings 7:30 -10:00 pm
Fee: $10.00 pr hour or $20.00 per evening


Space is limited so please register early to ensure your space!

your life is a painting

Do you think you can't paint? How long have you been telling yourself that you are not an artist? Do you feel an urge to paint, to create, to explore but the story you tell yourself stops you in your tracks?

Many of us loved to paint when we were children. We didn't know that we couldn't, it was just what we did. Then somewhere along the way someone said "What's that supposed to be?" and it was all over.

What if you could come to a place where everything was provided for you? What if that place was beautiful, open and safe? What if that place offered you the space to paint without judgment or critique, only support and encouragement? What if that place was full of women just like you, looking to reconnect with their creative self? Would you come and begin your journey? Could you be open to all the possibilities that await you in that paintbrush?

You are already a creative expression in your everyday life. Everything you do, every conversation, decision, process of letting something go, is weaving a magnificent painting right now. You are already doing it in it's raw, unadulterated state just by participating in life. Stepping into the studio is like stepping onto that yellow brick road, you're not sure where it will take you, but you know all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. Are you ready for the journey?