By JODI RALL
In the Bubble columnist

What to do in January? All those resolutions and new resolve have led some ladies in our bubble to learn how to paint. No, not their kitchens or bathrooms, something much more fun than that my friends. Move over scrapbooking and stamping for now, as a new hobby has hit the Brentwood Bubble.

The French meaning of C’est Moi is appropriate when I think about how to describe the painting classes being offered in the store: “It’s all about me.” Yes, 2012 I have decided to be the Brentwood Barbie who makes this year all about me, so of course the classes sounded intriguing.

My only question posed to owner Tawnya Norton was, “What if I am horrible at painting?” No worries Tawnya explained as the paint is simple to use and after you learn the six simple techniques in class you will be on your way to painting a piece of furniture or creating something new in your home. Add to that a time for myself as the class is three hours, plus a time to be creative and “slow down” the busy pace of life. Winner!

Now I know I’m supposed to talk about ladies and gents from the bubble but the first women I met in the class traveled all the way from Hendersonville. Sharon Pace first heard about the paint at Christmas Village and became intrigued. Sharon’s friend was signed up to join in the fun, but sadly had to cancel. No, worries as Sharon left with three new friends, me included.

Each person in class is given a demo board to practice technique on. What I loved about this was seeing each person’s unique stroke to their board. The other funny thing I noted was the verbiage Tawnya uses, kind of like cat nip for women. “Now the paint is like the foundation, and then you powder your face with the wax.”

My favorite was: “Now ladies you can get a little aggressive with your brushes here.” Obviously she has never seen me play tennis. I name hard balls hit after children who are aggravating me that day or sometimes a Ken doll. But back to painting . . .

I talked with Melissa McCall who assists with the classes, and she shared something special about teaching the class. “I love to quilt and to me these classes are like the old quilting bees. Women come together through the class, they get to know each other and make new friends,” she said.

Nicole Klooster wowed me when she said “I’m going to redo my dining room table and chairs.” Overachiever that one is I tell you. For now Jodi in the Bubble is going to paint “something.”

Joking aside, Nicole said what she loved about the class is that “everyone does their own thing. You watch their applications and learn from each other. When I walked in I was not a creative person, not a painter, and yet when I leave I will know I can do this.”

Good for you Nicole and I can’t wait for you to have me over for lunch at your newly painted table. No pressure.

There was only one thing missing from my wonderful Tuesday afternoon. My very crafty daughter would have been in heaven. I highly recommend if you have a daughter who enjoys being creative, take the class together. That brings me to another point: Tawnya mentioned a lot of empty-nesters are taking the class and finding new ways to spend their time. Overall she said 85% of the people who take the class or buy the paint are using for personal use. Yes, decorators have loved it but the ease of use and simple techniques have been a hit with everyone.

Now I don’t want Ken dolls to feel left out, because my own Ken doll went with me into the store to check out the paint back in December. We wanted to paint a chalk board wall and stopped at the store so he learn more. I will admit this to you my friends, I’m not the best painter. Ken doll being the engineer is “exact” in his painting skills to say the least, so he oversees my “little projects.” Maybe you and your honey could paint together? Or not -- it’s  just an idea.

Thank you to the staff at C’est Moi for allowing me to sit in on a class and in addition, thank you to the ladies I got to know during the time we were together.

What other things are Barbies in the bubble up to this January? Ideas and invitations are always welcome. As you can see, I like trying new things. Any other classes I need to try? Let me know.

Until next week . . .