November Newsletter Retail Therapy |
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My mother-in-law recently stopped driving. I admired her for making this difficult decision, knowing that, while it might keep her and the roadways a little safer, it would also limit her independence. Because she can no longer drive to the grocery store, my husband and I now take her shopping on Sundays. Since I'm not much of a shopper, I often wait for her and my husband in the front of the store or in the car. A few weeks, ago, however, I didn’t feel like sitting around, so I decided to follow them around the Ingles. As we slowly meandered up and down the aisles, I started noticing—actually noticing—the huge variety of foods available. Who knew that there are so many kinds of yogurt one can buy?! When I go shopping, I usually bring a list and stick to it. I pretty much just get what I need and am in and out as quickly as possible. That Sunday evening, though, I took the time to appreciate the experience. There were very few people in the store, and the folks who were there seemed less harried. Like us, they were casually strolling through the aisles, seeming to actually enjoy themselves. Imagine that! The experience made me think about how I normally move through the world. I always seem to be hurrying to check off another item on my never-ending to-do list. Even reading a book has become something I’m supposed to do to prepare for bed. I always say that making art is all about the process, but I sometimes catch myself looking for shortcuts there, too. Like lots of quilters, for example, I occasionally look for ways to make cutting and piecing easier and quicker. I sometimes buy pre-cuts (fat quarters, charm packs, etc.) so I don’t have to spend time cutting fabric myself. I understand that some people have difficulty cutting fabric, so pre-cuts are the only way that they can quilt, but I suspect the majority of people who buy pre-cuts, like me, do so to save time. Unless I’m making an “emergency quilt” (and how often does that happen?!), there’s really no reason to rush. I also pressure myself to finish projects, like lots of folks. Again, unless I have an actual deadline to meet, does it really matter if I ever finish a project as long as I’m enjoying the process? It’s something to think about... And how about you? Instead of rushing to get everything done on your to-do list, I encourage you to consider taking nonessentials off your list and spend more time enjoying what’s left. I bet you’ll find holiday visits less stressful, for instance, if you plan to share store- or bakery-bought desserts with your family and friends rather than exchange homemade goodies. Of course, deciding what’s “essential” is subjective. Making art qualifies for many of us, but having someone else plan the activity can make it easier. Both of our November Chunky Blanket classes are full, but we still have a few seats available for Deana Murchison’s Alcohol Ink Silk Scarf and Tote workshop on 12/3 and Camille Daunno’s Needle Felted Snowman workshop on 12/11. In addition to being lots of fun, both classes produce beautiful, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts to take home! You'll also be able to purchase beautiful handmade gifts at Purple Crayon on 11/27, when we'll be holding a small Arts and Crafts Market from 1:00-3:00 PM inside the studio. Several of our members will be selling their work, and I hope you'll consider dropping by! I look forward to shopping with you! —Pam Robbins, Owner |
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Chunky Blanket (FULL) Saturday, 11/12, 1:00-5:00 PM Looking for a great holiday gift? You’ve probably seen these super soft, super snuggly blankets in your favorite home goods store for over $100. Now you can make your own for a lot less once you learn the technique. PC owner Pam Robbins will step you through the process. No knitting experience necessary! (Contact us to be added to waitlist.) | | |
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Chunky Blanket (FULL) Saturday, 11/19, 1:00-5:00 PM Looking for a great holiday gift? You’ve probably seen these super soft, super snuggly blankets in your favorite home goods store for over $100. Now you can make your own for a lot less once you learn the technique. PC owner Pam Robbins will step you through the process. No knitting experience necessary! (Contact us to be added to waitlist.) | | |
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Alcohol Ink Silk Scarf & Tote Saturday, 12/3, 1:00-3:30 PM This holiday season, give your friends and family (or yourself) beautiful alcohol ink gifts that they can use to accessorize their home or wardrobe! In this fun and colorful workshop, the multi-talented Deana Murchison will show you how to create beautiful, professional-looking artwork with very little effort. No dyeing, drawing, or painting experience necessary! | | |
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Needle Felted Snowman Sunday, 12/11, 1:00-4:30 PM Though we usually don’t get a lot of snow in Asheville, this super cute needle felted snowman is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! Join us for this cool workshop with fiber artist, Camille Daunno. In just a few hours, you’ll learn the basics of needle felting, and you'll leave the class with an adorable 8-1/2” free-standing snowman that will make a charming addition to any seasonal décor! | | |
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Introduction to Gelli Printing Saturday, 1/7, 1:00-5:00 PM Gelli printing is an easy, innovative way to create vibrant, one-of-a-kind monoprints. The results are striking, and all you need is a gelli plate, acrylic paint, and some kind of substrate (paper, canvas, etc.). In this fun, hands-on workshop, paper artist Kristen Grady will teach you everything you need to get started with this fun and versatile tool. | | |
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Creativity Kickstart Mondays, 1/9-1/30, 10 AM-1 PM Do you have intentions to start making art, but for some reason aren’t? Or were you making stuff all the time, but now it’s become a chore to get into your studio? Whether you’re struggling to get going with your art or have fallen into a creative slump, this workshop is for you! Join creativity coach and veteran instructor Robyn Crawford as she takes you on an exciting, 4-week artistic adventure that’s sure to get your creative juices flowing! | | |
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Introduction to Junk Journaling Saturday, 1/14, 1:00-5:00 PM January is the perfect time to start keeping a “junk journal”: a hand-made book used to collect and store daily memories, mementos, photos, collages, inspiring quotes, or anything you want to remember. You can also use junk journals as art journals, a place for collage or daily gratitude lists, or to inspire a daily art practice in general. In this highly imaginative workshop, paper artist Kristen Grady will show you how to design a junk journal to fit your needs. | | |
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Girls' Night (or Day) Out Ongoing Looking for something a little different for your holiday Girls' Night Out or office party? Consider scheduling a private arts and crafts workshop at Purple Crayon! We've got lots of great workshops to choose from, and, if you don't see what you're looking for, we'll be happy to try to find an instructor! Contact us for more information. | | |
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Studio Tours Are you looking for an affordable space to make art and connect with other women artists? We have suspended our Saturday Open Houses, but we would still love to show you around the studio! Please contact us to schedule a private tour. A limited number of memberships are still available. |
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Creativity Circles Creativity Circles, which are open to PC members only, are scheduled times each week when at least one other member has committed to being at the studio. Current Creativity Circles include: - Weekly Mixed Media Circle: Mondays, 1:30 PM-3:30 PM - Book Club: 1st Tuesday of the month, 6:30 PM-8:00 PM - Happy Hour Circle: Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00 PM - Stitching Circle: Thursdays, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM - All-Medium Circle: Saturdays,10:00 AM-12:00 PM - Monthly Mixed Media Circle: last Sunday of the month,10:00 AM-12:00 PM Please contact us for more information |
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Purple Crayon Shirts & Aprons If you've found inspiration at Purple Crayon, now you can inspire others—and support the studio—by wearing a Purple Crayon shirt or apron! You can pick from several styles of shirt (classic tee, slim fit tee, V-neck tee, long sleeve tee, pullover hoodie, and sweatshirt) and a black or white apron. Order yours today! |
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