this is a ball...

This is a ball…

It is a bouncy multi-colored ball that lights up when you drop it…
I found this bouncy ball at work one day…
It sparked a creative idea in my head…
I often wonder about creativity and how creativity happens.
I keep track of ideas I have that are inspired by the world around me. Sometimes I know exactly what the idea will lead to, other times I do not.
Specifically I deal with stage designing and experiential elements.

For example: one idea that I knew where I was going with it came from a quick simply question from my brother. Which was, “what do you think about QR codes?” This is what happened with that thought.

 

Another idea I had was from a rubber mat at a library. I have no clue when or where I will use the idea (it has to do with the “feel” of walking across the mat). Super bouncy.
This is my reminder of that mat. It's an actual picture of that inspirational mat.

Who knows…it will find a way into some sort of design or experiential element. I just don’t know when or what.
That is the way it is with creative ideas.

 

These are just a few things which have inspired creative ideas for staging & experiential elements:

1. A ceiling (at the Cheesecake Factory)
2. From retail establishments
3. Pony-tails
4. Scrabble board
5. TV
6. Simply exploring on the internet
7. A bouncy ball (which lit up)
8. Watching SYTYCD
9. Reading other creative’s blogs
10. Starbucks
11. Brainstorming with our team
12. Ikea
13. Talking with my brother (several ideas)
14. On top of a ladder
15. Doughnuts
16. Iconography
17. Reading the Bible
18. Old dilapidated church
19. Driving (this one is hard, because I either have to remember or stop and write the idea down)
20. Home Depot (amazing place)
21. The “Lion King” (the stage play)
22. Reading (in general)
23. S.T.O.M.P.
24. Various types of material
25. The stars in the sky

For me, this is the way the creativity happens, or the cookie crumbles, or the ball bounces...

 

creative fuZion lab //21// simply packaged...

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...

This is the blog kingdom where freaky creatives are able to share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom.

This is the place to share whatever creative element you are using in your weekend service or just something you have been dreaming about.

Come and see what others are doing, come and share what you are doing. Let's spark each other's creativity...

So here’s what you do…

Ready to begin? Here we go.

Let the creative fuZion begin.

Spread the Word.

Dorothy (vicar of vibe)

Today is mostly a repeat of last week. A very simple stage design. But, I got pictures of how I tied the other end of the cloth to the props cage at the school.

I started by attaching on end of the cloth with safety pins to the rope that opens and closes the stage curtains. Then tied it off on the opposite end of the stage to the props cage. Same for the cloth in the front, but it was tied off to the bottom of a mic stand.

I encourage you to utilize whatever you have stage wise. This has been my journey recently. I use everything I am able to get my hands on like this rolling tech cabinet.

So what have you been creating in your mind recently?

creative fuZion lab //21// the end of “I”…

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
This is the blog kingdom where freaky creatives are able to share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom.
This is the place to share whatever creative element you are using in your weekend service or just something you have been dreaming about. Come and see what others are doing, come and share what you are doing. Let's spark each other's creativity...
So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go. Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)


Just when “I” think “I” have reached the edge of what “I” am able to do…
GOD steps in with a new vision.
Again I am learning to step from “I” to “i” and let HIM lead.

Sometimes i am able to walk in with a concept-with no idea if it is going to be successfully implemented or not. Yet, almost every single time it does work.
Often when i walk in on a Saturday to style the stage at XC, i don’t even have a clue what i am going to do.

Actually for me it’s really the continued realization that everything i create is truly from HIM.

This week was one of those weeks, when the inspiration just hit while i was setting up. A very fun process. i knew i was going to raise the cloth "like a flag on a flagpole". But then it hit me, i could actually tie the other end to the props cage backstage (will have to get a picture this week). Viola! It looked so cool!

Have you been focusing on “U” want? What “U” think “U” are able to do in your power?

Keeping it real. Always remember it’s not us, it’s HIM.
Now, it's your turn. Show me what you have been doing creatively!

creative fuZion lab//17// killing the rose...

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
Once upon a time there was a blog kingdom where freaky creatives could share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom. Sadly, it went away.Yet the creative minds keep blogging.
Now there is a place to share all those creative elements again at the creative fuZion lab on Thursdays.
So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go. Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)



We've been doing a 4 week mini series entitled "The Full Gospel". It's really focusing on the details of turning your life over to Christ.
This vid was created by our Bill Hombach. Who wrote the poem, drew the artwork and filmed the vid. The music underscoring the vid was played by Brian Smith (cello) during our Tenebrae service.

Killing The Rose from CrossCurrent Ministries on Vimeo
The creative team didn't plan this series, so I've been playing with some conceptual ideas I've had for staging.
This is mimicking a throne canopy; hung with gaffers and safety pinned to the back curtain.

creative fuZion lab //14// He has Risen!

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
This is a place to share any type of creative element that is designed for the weekend worship experience or dreams of future ideas.
Now there is a place to share all those creative elements again at the creative fuZion lab on Thursdays. So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go.
Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)

For Easter the last two years we have been focusing on the fact that the people that may attend church only on the big holidays; and wind up seeing the same thing, over and over again. With that in mind we try really hard to not give them the same thing that they see every year and balance that with creating something that reflects who we really are every Sunday.

Styling the stage: Actually the stage design was very simple.
We started with the cross image created the previous week of the cross draped in black cloth strips (indications of our sins that we all draped over the cross on Palm Sunday), with during the Amena Brown dramatic reading-the black cloth (our sin) was ripped off of the cross to reveal the cross draped in white and purple.
People had really related to the cross element the previous week. And we had multiple people talk to us about the power of seeing their sins wiped away.




The purple panels were simply beautiful cloth I found at Wal-Mart. What was really cool, when we hung the panels up, crosses were revealed in between the panels. People thought I planned it that way. lol. Wasn’t planned this time, just God.

The previous Sunday we did a Tenebrae service (from Light to Darkness); for Resurrection Sunday we went from:
Darkness (Mourning)
Confusion
Hope and
Light (Celebration)
in four parts. This was wrapped around a four part drama based on the story on the road to Emmaus. In between we had mini-messages.

Instrumental Opener "Pride" (In the Name of Love) U2Personally I like when we use a secular song that fits the message. It’s a connection that people are able to relate to from their own world.

At the beginning of the Celebration portion of the service we had a dramatic reading of "Resurrection" (Amena Brown) with "Hosanna" instrumental playing in the background. It was during this time that the black cloth was stripped away from the cross revealing the purple and white.

For the order of service see Sunday Set list 38 He has Risen!

We do what we do because we love it. Long hours, often without recognition, especially if you are working in what I call the "silent ministries". The ministries where basically no one knows who you are. We know that isn't the reason we do what we do. What I want you to know, is that YOU do make a difference! Keep doing what you do!

Are you excited about an upcoming element?

creative fuZion lab //14// styling on the fly...

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
Once upon a time there was a blog kingdom where freaky creatives could share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom. Sadly, it went away. Yet the creative minds keep blogging.
Now there is a place to share all those creative elements again at the creative fuZion lab on Thursdays. So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go. Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)


This has been one of those weeks. Seriously...
We had our creative fuZion retreat (last Friday and Saturday), where I taught break-out sessions on ENHANCE and taught a total group session on personality indicators (Lion, Otter, Beaver & Golden Retriever). More on that later this week.
Gearing up for our Passover Seder (this past Sunday)
And I left Sunday morning to visit family in Indiana; so therefore had to have this coming Sunday’s elements for our Tenebrae service all prepared.
When we arrived at the retreat facility our worship leader said ”oh btw, could you decorate the worship space.” She had brought a couple pieces of cloth an old graphic backdrop. Good thing that I had brought my ENHANCE bag. So, I found myself styling the stage on the fly...

So we threw some gaffer clips and hung cloth. Now take a look at how we hung the graphic banner. Next time I will have a plan for styling the stage at the retreat.

Since I wasn’t actually at church this week. I don’t have pictures of the set up for the Passover Seder. Someone did take pictures and as soon as I am able to get my hands on them, I will post them with the details.
How is your week gearing up? Is it a little hectic?

Sunday Set List //35// moments...

Today was one of those unbelievable days of worship. Totally rocked it out...

Worship Set 1
Amazing Love (100% rocked out! LOVED it!)

Welcome & Greet

Worship Set 2
You Are My God (edit: was trying to find out the info on this song and found out that it was written by our own Josh Sampson.)
Thank You for Loving Me

Message: Lordship of Christ (pt. 5) Guest speaker

Worship Set 3
From the Inside Out
The Stand

By the third set, we wouldn't stop. People wouldn't stop singing!

I must add; every six weeks or so, we have Josh Sampson (on electric guitar in the photos) join the worship team. He is an extraordinary worship leader. He adds the most amazing tweaks to songs that only come from God. He is able to create these "moments" in the worship music, that create a space where the Holy Spirit is able to come in and fill. It is difficult to explain, but truly inspiring to be in those moments. There were multiply moments this morning!



Sadly we haven't had any creative elements in the last 5 weeks, except the stage design. Which was fun to do. Particularly since God kept giving me more things to do with this specific element. This week on the stage design, I was going to pull the red cloth out even further, but our front rows actually get filled up. So I had to settle for only reaching it out to cover the first row.
I always find it interesting to hear what impressions people are given by the stage designs.
I create what God puts in my mind. I recognise that every bit of this comes from Him, not me.

Did you have any of those "moments" today?

This is part of a gathering of worship leaders (and worshippers) at Fred McKinnon's blog. Come sahre your Sunday Set List this week.

creative fuZion lab //12// explosions...

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
Once upon a time there was a blog kingdom where freaky creatives could share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom.
Sadly, it went away. Yet the creative minds keep blogging.Now there is a place to share all those creative elements again at the creative fuZion lab on Thursdays.
So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go. Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)




Man I LOVE it. God has been exploding in my brain again! What is even more interesting is God has been exploding in another person's brain. But, more on that soon. lol.
This week at XC, we simply pulled the red cloth further out into the congregation and changed the Jesus image.
More of the same, yet not really. One thing I'm learning is that for me, the actual hands-on process begets more ideas. I was working on trying to make the slope of the red cloth, stretch further out...
In the last picture (in the slideshow) you will see where I was trying to tug the cloth out more to create almost a slide effect over the stage, seeing if we could bring the design into the actual seats this coming week. Each week working the design closer (more intimate) to the congregants. I was toying with that idea, when BAMM! God exploded in my brain yesterday.
Enough about this week. Because honestly I can't wait until this coming Saturday's stage set!

I strongly believe that when I am in God's will - He explodes in my brain. He can't be silenced. Am I the only person like this? Does God explode ideas in your brain? Please tell me how?

EXPLODE!

In the short year I’ve been styling the stage at XC. God has given me some design guidelines. One of them is:

further up, out, in…

It's a key phrase that pops up in my mind when designing an element I am always looking to expand designs further up and out. Something that reaches beyond the stage. To utilize all the air in the worship space, not just what is visually in front of our faces on the stage.And to design something that really reaches in(to) people. A new way to experience God.

I’m always amazed how when I am in God's will, God explodes ideas in my brain.

I keep trying to explain ‘how” God explodes in my brain. I’ll try again. Literally, I was looking at the Flickr badge for the creative elements design WAREHOUSE lab (see to the right). Watch how it starts with a small picture, “pops” the picture out and then back in…





















Currently the styling element we are working with starts at the back of the stage and is reaching out…
I was already planning on pulling the red cloth even further out into the auditorium.
Then I saw the flickr badge and thought, what if I pulled the design from the back of the stage and start it from the middle of the stage, then pull it out further...
Going to try it this Saturday when we style the stage...



Pop back in (next) Thursday for creative fuZion lab to see how this idea (pop) plays itself out on stage. I really think it’s going to rock!


Are you able to "see" what I am talking about?

creative fuZion lab //11// adding Jesus...

Welcome to "fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
Once upon a time there was a blog kingdom where freaky creative’s could share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom.
Sadly, it went away. Yet the creative minds keep blogging.
Now there is a place to share all those creative elements again at the fuZion lab on Thursdays.
So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go. Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)


___________________________________________
This week at XC...

Last week's stage design element inspired this weeks worship setlist. When our worship leader Mel, saw the design she asked if we could simply add one of the images of Jesus we have on hand (for this series). And she bridged into worship with a short spoken word about how in society we eagerly roll out the red carpet for cultural icons, stars. Yet, how often are we willing to do the same for the One who really deserves all the glory and honor?
This is the first time in my experience when the stage/set design inspired the worship set list.


I've added specific notes on the pictures in the slideshow.

DESIGN NOTES:
We style the stage with a lot of cloth and gaffer clips. If you haven't used gaffer clips before, here are some instructions on how to use them. They are a great tool.
The images of Jesus are classic images that were purchased and printed onto foam core. At a cost of $250 - $300 per image, I'm not sure I would recommend this method. The foam core is light weight, too fragile and damages extremely easily. And while the damages don't show from the seating in the auditorium, IMHO the durability is a factor when compared with longevity.

Sometimes what doesn't work, is as important to know as what works. What ideas have you tried, that didn't work as well as planned?

how to use a griff clip...

This seems rather simplistic, but we have been training a couple new people for our ENHANCE team and realized it might be helpful to include simple instructions on how to use a griff clip...



We have several griff clips pre-hung (that remain in the rafters each week). It is a simple inexpensive way to hang cloth. And adds a lot of flexibility. After the gaffers are tied onto the fishing line, the fishing line is then flung over the various light bars and curtain rods.














Pretty much if you see cloth hanging in one of our designs, that is how we do it...


XC purchased these griff clips several years ago. If I am able to find out where they purchased them, I will come back and edit.

Have you used griff clips before?

Will you consider using them now?

creative fuZion lab//10//styling the stage...

Welcome to "fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)... Once upon a time there was a blog kingdom where freaky creatives could share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom. Sadly, it went away. Yet the creative minds keep blogging.
Now there is a place to share all those creative elements again at the fuZion lab on Thursdays. So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the Mr. Linky below. (It will pop up in a separate window)
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go back to the pop up window 'Mr. Linky" and visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go. Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe) ________________________________________________________


We are trying to create standard (set of) styling designs. Which eventually we will have a photo book which will show the implementation of each design. I’m looking at about 12 styling designs to start.
Just simple styling of the stage with cloth etc.
So, some weeks we can say “let’s do Design 7 - “zig zag” with blue shiny cloth…
So this is the first week we implemented the first standard styling design(s). How I came up with this idea here.
Which is a combo of:
Design 1 – “Roll out all the way” and Design 4- “Swoosh and Loop”
Here goes…

All this is done with gaffer clips and safety pins...
We tease and say if you are able to operate a safety pin, you could serve on our team.
Because it is true...
Then, because we are mobile and rent our facilty; we had to roll it back up on stage on Saturday. Another group was renting the auditorium Saturday evening. We had to move everything to the back half of the stage, including the screen, the instruments and the stage design. Then show up really early on Sunday to reset the front of the stage again...
Ah, the joys of being mobile!

ugly dioramas...

O.k. I learned a long time ago, I learned to stop questioning God.
But sometimes I just don't get it.
I believe He gifts the called.
But today I am struggling with why in the world He called me to creating design elements.

I am able to come up with the ideas...
But, here is the dilemma. People want me to translate the ideas in my brain into visual interpretations. I've tried sketch-up (still trying, but not working), drawing (I'm not an artist for sure), or today's fiasco (diorama). I feel like I fail miserably.

So, I am trying to create a visual for the team to work on this Saturday.
Started with (this previous Sunday's styling design)...

Seeing this stage design a long time ago on Jim Drakes blog...













For some reason Jim's design made me think of rolling the cloth all the way across the stage and OFF the stage,
Then picking up the chiffon, we did from stage left (from the first picture) and continue following through pleating it in the middle again, bringing it over in front of the red cloth and catching the left side of the chiffon and hang it from a gaffer on back of the stage right. Like this...








That lead me to try to create a diorama that looked like this...
So,
I am praying...either I am able to learn or be better skilled, or find someone who is able to do it.
I think I need to connect with the following type of individual...someone who has a decent amount of time, that is capable of understanding what I am talking about and is able to translate the ideas into something that other people can look at (an example?).
I won't be doing a diorama again...
Or that my team has a LOT of grace and patience...
We'll see what God brings...

Check back on Thursday to see how it turned out.

How do you get ideas for your stage designs?

Sunday Set List//32// imageo...

The youthlings (called imageo) lead the worship today. Yippee! That is always fun! We are actually blessed to have two complete youth bands and growing.

HUGE band today 3 on vocals, two keyboards, two electric & one acoustic guitar, bass, viola and drums.

They particularly rocked "Fields of Grace". Love when the youthlings lead worship!

This is what the stage looked like... oh, but wait that is from behind!

Actually pretty fun stage design; but I need some time to put all the pics together. It will be up for creative fuZion this week. For some reason I was more excited about this one than normal.

Instrumental Opener - Fire

Worship Set 1

Fields of Grace

Famous One

W&G (Announcements) Evidently our staff is now having a competition of who is able to keep the announcements under 3 minutes. What a riot. Maybe we will be able to get rid of them soon...

Video: Worship - A New Day

Worship Set 2

Beauty of the Lord

Till I See You

Message: Lordship of Jesus: Tough Truth

The message today was on John 14: 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. " And submission.

Tough truth, tough message, taken well.

Worship Set 3

God of This City

The Wonderful Cross

How do you feel about announcements?

Come on over and hang out with worship leaders

(and those who worship with them) at Fred McKinnon's Sunday Set List blog carnival. Everyone is invited! This is being posted at the carnival.

PANIC!!!

Maybe not really, but...

I was out shopping at Wal-Mart this morning, checking out the fabric on the bargain table (used to be $1, now $1.50 a yard) and I got some really disturbing news.

Walmart's are getting rid of their fabric departments. Not just the bargain table, but the entire department. We use a tremendous amount of cloth when styling our stage.

So my dear Beth ( ENHANCE team member extraordinaire) and I are going on roads trips over the next two weekends. I figure there are about 17-20 stores within an hour and a half (each direction) from my house. Hitting all the Wal-Marts, depleting their (appropriate) remaining supplies of inexpensive fabric.

So, not really panicking, but have to roll out and stock up.

Now a shout out to one of fav friends...

Jim Drake, what are we going to do?