Teaching Testimonials
Subject: The SoS Workshop April 10-11
Date: May 5, 2010 8:06:16 AM PDT
Dear Melissa,
Sorry I took so long to send this–I was busy having knee surgery.
That was an exceptional workshop! The class not only met my expectations (copyfitting and ideas for borders and embellishment), but far exceeded what I hoped to learn. You covered so many useful topics that I hope I succeded in taking good enough notes, but I’ve been making use of a lot of things you said. I can’t think of any way for you to improve your presentation, which was super. You had a myriad of equipment and examples on hand. I’m sure that everyone else in the class also felt that your generosity in sharing your vast storehouse of ideas and experience , as well as your enthusiasm and incredible sense of humor, made the class educational, practical and enjoyable. The running slide show of your gorgeous work, as well as your singing, on CD and live, was a treat. Two things that will especially stick with me are: always be observant of designs and ideas you see around you – in nature, in printed matter of all sorts, in architecture, on tissue boxes (!)..whatever! ; and never be intimidated by feeling that you are “not an artist” –all over the place are pictures that can be traced or altered for your needs.
Sometimes we get caught up in the process and forget how much we love what we do. The charm and spontaneity of your presentation really reinforced the enjoyment aspect.
Thanks so much!!
Linda Abrams
PS – I was relieved to hear that I’m not the only one who has a royal screaming fit before settling into a search for a solution to the latest calligraphic disaster! But I find that the screaming ( as long as my family can turn it off) helps to avert the migraine that might come after the tense situation, and if that fails, there’s Relpax.
—-
And excerpts from past student evaluations:
I think you are one of the best teachers I have had and I thoroughly enjoyed the class. . . [Melissa] is an excellent instructor & makes it all fun . . . Please come back to New Jersey soon! Thank you for a great day. . . . enthusiastic, encouraging . . . [Melissa] explains everything carefully—very positive approach . . . Organized—enthusiastic—inspiring . . . Excellent teaching skills . . . I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with Melissa . . . I hope that she will be back! . . . Good use of time—kept the class moving along. I appreciated how well organized you were. . . Interesting material—beautifully presented—well organized. How can you improve perfection? Love the way you present so much and make it all seem so simple! . . . Clear explanation; patient . . . excellent . . . Good positive feedback, good demos, generous with help . . . open creative atmosphere . . . Excellent teacher . . . Everything is just perfect . . . Very supportive atmosphere. Encouragement to experiment, plus lots of good ideas . . . Class was well paced. Thanks for your enthusiasm and support . . . You have a beautiful gift of talent, Melissa, and are so generous in your sharing of it. Thanks for a wonderful day—you took the gloom away . . . She’s very talented—gave clear demonstrations and descriptions—and was very enthusiastic and supportive of our efforts. I thought the whole presentation and the workshop itself were enjoyable—I hated for the day to end. The class was very informative and enjoyable. I’m looking forward to taking another workshop with her . . . The teacher was great. Very helpful. She knows her materials well. The workshop was not only inspiring, but also fun. Loved it . . . Excellent. Loved the entire day . . . Great workshop . . . You are very comfortable (or at least seem to be!) teaching, which opens up the class—makes for easy creativity & better work flow . . . Well prepared! Nice hand outs . . . I think I can do Neuland now . From what I can see, and what I experienced today, you are a gifted teacher. Do come back & teach again! . . . Good energy generated between teacher & class. Great examples, handouts, visuals, organization . . . Willing to explain & share, very patient, knows her stuff . . . Give her a ‘10’. . . Good instructor, gets ideas across . . . Thorough! . . . Great teaching style . . . Come back!
