Art in the Mail

The hurrier I go the behinder I get.  Who said this?  Wasn't it that wise philosopher Winne The Pooh?

My most recent aromatherapy class behind me, today I can feel the whirlwind in my head slowing down.   I'm ready to switch my focus to....

• finishing draft posts that have been piling up (don't you hate capturing an inspiration then having to cage it?)
• reading this week's Joy Diet menu item #3 on the inspiring topic of following one's passion
• getting back to my neglected art journaling. 

But first and foremost, I want to acknowledge Janet of Are We There Yet for the beautiful ATC cards she sent me in September. 

Janet has a penchant for collage (cupcakes, too) and her gift for putting things beautifully together on paper can be seen here, here,  here and in yesterday's post here.  Janet shares many more of her more creations on her blog ~ go and have a look!

Last month, I was lucky enough to receive
three lovely pieces of her handiwork. 

Please click on the pictures to see the detail in her cards.

and my favorite

Not only were the ATCs beautiful,
but the envelope she mailed them in was a work of art unto itself. 
You really have to click on the picture to appreciate the detail.

Janet, what technique did you use to give the envelope that antiqued brown finish?
Inquiring minds want to know!

And you've inspired me so much by your envelope that I just ordered this book!

Thank you Janet! 
Oh how I love my bloggy buddies! 

Holistic Aromatherapy Class, October 2-4, 2009

Yes, I have an aromatherapy website.
  Yes, it is very much a work in progress.
Yes, I have a line of essential oils.
No, I don't sell online yet.
Yes, I'm working on that.
Yes, you can buy them at the Institute where I teach.
Yes, this post is a shameless promo for my class. 

***************

What is the class about?
Every October,  I offer my Holistic Aromatherapy Level I class, a three-day program packed with fun and information ~ the participants go home with a really solid foundation for safely and effectively using essential oils.  Sometimes students come into this class not knowing eactly why they signed up other than an interest in learning more about essential oils ~ and they go home full of creative ideas on how to use aromatherapy as an adjunct to their current career or ready to begin a new one in which aromatherapy is featured.

What will we do?
In this class we profile about 40 essential oils and spend a good amount of time learning what is sold out in the world that is not truly aromatherapeutic, even though it is labeled as such.

We will cover the importance of understanding the scientific plant names and we'll cover the very basics of aromachemistry.   

We'll learn blending criteria and how to keep important blending records.

We laugh a lot and sometimes jump up and down and run around the building to stay awake or do a shoulder massage train or a spontaneous steam inhalation.  I don't always know what I'm going to do in a class.

I tell lots of essential oil stories and experiences; in fact, everyone shares their stories and it's one of the most rewarding part of the classes for me.  I have been blessed over the years to have the most wonderful people drawn to this class and connecting with the students is my favorite part of teaching.   They always teach ME so much. 

You'll get a binder packed with information and, of course, I bring loads of oils for a complete "nose-on" experience!

Here is the formal outline for the Level I class:

• The Olfactory Sense and Mechanism of Smell
• Extraction Process of Essential Oils
• Overview of Body Systems and the Essential Oils which support them
• Contraindications and Safety Issues
• Medicinal Properties of Essential Oils
• Basic Chemistry of Essential Oils
• Hands-on Sampling of over 30 Essential Oils
• Therapeutic Methods of Application and Dosages
• Recipes for Hair, Skin and First Aid
• Hands-on Blending - Students Create their own Formulas

Where will the class be  held?
The Mt. Nittany Institute of Natural Health
301 Shiloh Road, State College, PA
 website:  www.mtnittanyinstitute.com
 phone:    814-238-1121

The Institute is easily accessed by major PA highways.    Don't be put off if you aren't around the corner.  I have had students in this class from as far away as Wisconsin, Chicago, Maryland and Maine.  In fact, there is a woman from New York currently enrolled in the October class.   When you call to register, you will most likely speak with Jennifer Cifelli, Master Coordinator at the Institute (and of droopy hat fame).   Jen will send you a sheet of local hotels.  There is also a "Friends of Mt. Nittany" program where out-of-town students can stay in the homes of Mt Nittany "friends".   At the Institute, Joleen Parker handles this.

What are the dates and times?
Friday - Sunday, October 2-4, 2009
9:00am-5:00pm

What is the cost?
 $350 for three days

Where do I register?
You can call Jennifer Cifelli at 814-238-1121 or mail in your registration by going to the bottom of this page.

Can we buy essential oils at the Institute?
There is a shop at the Institute where my line of oils, Liz's Garden, is sold and they always stock up while at the school  they will be available.  It is not necessary to purchase any oils for this class, however, as I will have everything you need.

Will I be able to take a Level II class after this?
I currently have Level I students begging for requesting an advanced Level II class which was #2 on my list in this post.  My goal is to have the class ready for late Spring 2010.

Will you come to my town and teach this class?

If you would like me to bring this class to you, I will do that but need a guaranteed minimum number of students.  The number depends on the distance I must travel, but it's usually 8-10.

If you have any questions, please fee free to email me at: thefragrantmuse@gmail.com.