Here is an intro that came out in the "Directions" Sunday newsletter from Craftours......
​Meet Craftours Travel Manager- Deb Haugen! It just dawned on me how sweet my life is, no really, I was going thru pics for this article and realized how damn lucky I am first to be alive, second to lead the life I do, and be surrounded by my family and fabulous people from all over the world. I am so grateful for these experiences. Life really is golden. XXX

Aloha from my little piece of paradise! My name is Deb Haugen, and I’m an artist/designer/teacher from Hawaii. My art career started more than 40 years ago, and throughout my career it has traversed many different paths and mediums. I’ve always been drawn to color, and art in general, that led me to work in Hollywood in art departments on film sets. I worked in film production as an “on set” dresser and as an art director for an independent feature film. I soon realized that supplying my own personal art to production companies was a profitable idea, and I have been licensing my art to popular TV and film projects for many years. I am married to a surfer, care very deeply about the environment, and together my husband and I travel around Oahu documenting a disappearing vintage Hawaii- he with his camera, me with my pen and watercolor. You can see some of the pieces in my SHOP page. They are done in watercolor, marker, and micron pens, or Lamy Safari fountain pens. I like to use smooth Bristol paper as it doesn't pick up paper fibers on my fine tipped pens, and the inks flow smoothly.

Travel is in my blood, and I have the great fortune to be a tour manager/art teacher with Craftours for going on 7 years now. Whether it be in Bali, Vietnam, Italy, or Japan, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to meet many wonderful people on our tours, and truly count them as family now. It is such a joy to teach our travelers a variety of techniques in arts & crafts, collage, urban sketching, fabric design, book-making, and general painting techniques. Art can be a powerful enhancement to our lives in so many ways. It’s a fun way to express ourselves and a meditative way of expressing our inner visions. One of the things I especially love, while I am on tour, is meeting a variety of different artisans who warmly open their homes and studios to our groups. They share with us ancient techniques, sometimes passed down through generations of one family, such as the woodworkers and painters of Bali, Indonesia.

I am happy to invite you to join me on one of my exciting Craftours adventures and travel the world together through a unique and one-of-a-kind experience. If you click on the link you'll see where I'll be headed next. I have a secret....I'm planning a handmade book session, along with a watercolor and embroidery experiment, we are planning on some really exciting tours and crafting in the next 2 years, so hang on, and come join us for a great time of self discovery, travel, meeting artisans worldwide,  and fabulous ART!!!
https://craftours.com/tourcat/deb-haugen/

Another day on tour we went to the largest art gallery in Bali, and have a painting lesson in a beautiful family temple. Each family member graciously help guide our groups in the painting processes.

One of the highlights of our tour is learning about the Art of Batik, and we learn and experience this in one of the largest Batik fabric sources in the world. Master craftsmen show us how to stamp hot wax, dye fabrics, and the layering process of creating these beautiful fabrics.

So if you've ever wondered about Bali, I have to say it is one of my all time favorite places in the world. Sure, it takes awhile to get there, but the positive always out weighs the long flight. You'll find that the people of Bali welcome you with open arms, and the food delicious.  It's so reasonable cost wise once you get there, and the landscape and shopping un-matched. The history of Bali is fascinating, and their religion permeates throughout the entire island. You'll see Hindi temples everywhere, and wonderful Canang Sari (handmade flower offerings) everywhere you go. My son use to live there and one of my all time favorite memories was flying on the back of his scooter through the rice fields to catch the sunset one evening. Bali will mesmerize your senses.....I promise. If you want to get in on the Oct tour you will have to contact Craftours before the end of this month. #Craftours #Bali #TravelBali #ArtistsinBali #TravelswithDeb #Indonesia #Denpasar #Ubud ##Balivacation

Yeah I am also. Really. People see that I create a daily sketchbook page, but sometimes it's  so hard to look for the imagination and drive to get it going.
So, I decided that my rhythms as a creative being comes in spurts, its like when your car is running out of gas it sputters. Jumps ahead a little, then sputters, you fill it up and it flies!

I'm accepting that now, and it comes back to me easier. A lot of times artists & crafters get frustrated with what they're working on, and just quit. Go ahead and step back.
That is how you feel occasionally, and it's ok to just sit back, acknowledge and watch these feelings. It's helped me, maybe it will help you to overcome that block....know it's just momentary.
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Observe and breathe for a minute, just watch, and try to get some energy by reading, watching documentaries, and looking at art. You WILL see something that sparks a light in you.....I promise. Research can be,  and often is inspiring.  I've found that if I lay back on creating and delve into research and just enjoy the art that others are creating it stirs my imagination. What if they did this or combined it this way, and my mind is off and running.

For the past several weeks I've just drawn in my daily sketchbook, that was enough....a portrait of yourself helps also.

I took a vacation, let my mind wander. Hopefully my mind will come back refreshed when I return and pick up a paintbrush. Keep your fingers crossed.

Self portrait 2022, pen and ink, colored pencil

The official travel company for the Emmy-nominated show “Destination Craft!”            

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Whenever I visit Central or Eastern Europe, I can’t help but feel that I’ve been transported back to a century ago with the architecture, traditional food, and old-world charm. In my opinion, Prague is the perfect example of this European feeling. We have created a very special travel experience that offers a variety of things to see and do. Some are popular attractions, and some take you off-the-beaten-path, giving you a unique experience unlike anything you have ever seen. Space is limited to 28 people only, so be sure to contact our office and reserve your space. This is one tour I hope you don’t miss!
9-DAY PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Round-trip international airfare from New York City to Prague. (Airfare available from your closest international airport for an additional fee. First/Business class upgrades available)
• Private deluxe motor coach and professional driver guide the entire time.
• Transfers to/from the airport/hotel in Prague for full package guests.

• A guided tour of the extraordinary Hluboká Castle.
• Panoramic city tour of “Old & New” Prague with a local professional guide.

• Tour of the Rici Marionettes facility to see hand-crafted Czech puppets.
• An arts & crafts workshop with a local Czech artisan.

• “Little Venice” scenic boat ride through the waterways and canals of Prague.
• Tour of 9th century Prague Castle and complex with a local guide.
• Leisurely stroll through the picturesque Wallenstein Garden.

• Free time to explore and shop in the Naplavka Farmers Market.
• A delicious welcome dinner, introductions, and orientation meeting.
• A professional Craftours escort throughout your entire journey.

• Leisurely walking tour and free time in the UNESCO city of Kutna Hora.
• First-class hotel accommodations in Prague. (Suite upgrades available)

• Optional cooking lesson with a local professional Czech chef.
• Delicious buffet breakfast served daily and special farewell dinner.

• A day trip to the spectacular “Bohemian Switzerland” region of the Czech Republic.
• Special 5-course medieval dining experience with music and entertainment.

• Visiting the Moser Glassworks Center and Museum in Karlovy Vary.
• All taxes are included, and insurance is highly recommended.
• A Craftours lanyard, luggage identifier and commemorative gift.

Total cost of this 9-day Czech Republic experience is$3,247.00

Reserve your Space Now!
Call Toll-Free 877-887-1188
Any questions please e-mail: [email protected]