August Newsletter What If... |
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In this issue... - What If...
- Instructor Spotlight
- Upcoming Workshops
- Creativity Circles
- Other Happenings
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Last Monday, I spent most of the day in the hospital. My 80-year-old father-in-law was having his implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) replaced. It’s normally a fairly routine procedure, but, because he only has 10% use of his heart now, I was a bit anxious—as I’m sure he was, though you’d never know it. Prior to the surgery, he had scrambled to finish items on his to-do list, including: clearing his gutters (from on top of his roof!), mowing his lawn, power washing his deck, and traveling to NY to attend our annual family reunion. Clearly, my father-in-law is no slouch! Honestly, I don’t know if he did all of these things because he wasn’t sure how long it would take to recover, or if he wasn’t sure if he would recover. It was probably a little of both. The experience got me thinking: What if I was heading into a situation where the odds of survival were questionable? How would I spend my last few days? Before I opened Purple Crayon, I imagine I would have spent my time doing the “usual” things: getting my affairs in order, visiting friends and family, traveling a bit, getting as many massages as I could afford, and eating whatever I wanted—including chocolate anything! (OK, so those last two items might just be “Pam” things!) Now that I create on pretty much a daily basis, however, I can’t imagine I wouldn’t want to spend at least some of my time in the studio. As I’ve said in the past, creativity begets creativity. You begin to feel a need to create, not so much to produce stuff, but to express stuff, even if you’re not conscious that that’s what you’re doing or why you’re doing it. I always feel better after being at the studio, and I imagine it’s because I’ve had time to “let go,” if only for a few hours. It’s my emotional release, of sorts, and something I’m sure I’d need if I knew my days were limited. As summer comes to an end, and you start gearing up for the fall, your anxiety levels are likely to rise. While, obviously, not as traumatic as your own impending death (lol!), the end of a season is a death of sorts and brings with it some of the associated stress. I’d encourage you to prepare now for its arrival. If you’ve not created in a while, pull out those paints, plug in that sewing machine, or sharpen those pencils! By giving yourself a creative outlet, you’ll be able to ride out the change much more easily. If you need a little boost to get you started, we’ve got lots of great workshop coming up! I look forward to playing with you! —Pam Robbins, Owner |
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| | Linda Lowery Linda is teaching our Illustrating Children's Picture Books workshop on August 10th. Linda is a New York Times bestselling author of 65 fiction and non-fiction books for young readers. Her books have been honored on “Best Books of the Year” lists from the American Library Association, Bank Street College, Publishers Weekly, The NY Times, Parents Magazine, and the International Society of School Librarians. An Asheville resident for 4 years, she teaches in the Great Smokies Writing Program at UNCA. For more information about Linda, please see www.lindalowery.com. | | |
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| | Anne Magrath Anne is teaching our Needle Felted Mermaid workshop on July 30th. Anne has been needle felting for over 20 years and teaching for over 15 years. She was introduced to the medium through soft cloth doll making. She knew there had to be more she could do with a needle and began making snowmen, pumpkins, and, finally, came full-circle making goddesses. For the last 6 years, she has taught at SAFF (Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair). She loves sharing the magic of needle felting with her students and finds it amazing that a simple needle and bits of wool can create such a variety of things! | | |
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MYO Craft Experience Most Saturdays, 7/7- Looking for the perfect Girls' Day Out? I've put together three fun, hands-on craft experiences for you to enjoy: Locker Hooked Coaster, Decoupage Picture Frame, or Pendant Wirework Necklace. These workshops are a great way to spend an afternoon with old (or new!) friends or out-of-town guests! | | |
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| | Illustrating Children's Books Friday, 8/10, 1:00 PM-4:30 PM When illustrating children's picture books, the artist's challenge is to bring new dimensions to the writer's story. So, how do you even begin? Whether you've dreamed of becoming a professional book illustrator, or you just want to create a keepsake for a loved one, award-winning author, Linda Lowery, will show you how—and she'll make the journey fun and playful for you! | | |
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| | Needle Felted Mermaid Saturday & Sunday, 8/18-8/19 As summer winds to an end, fiber artist, Anne Magrath, will show you how to create your own needle felted mermaid so you can return to the sea (or, at least your memories) anytime you'd like! In this fun, two-day workshop, you'll learn the basics of needle felting a human face and torso; then let your imagination run as you give your mermaid a tail, hair, and her own whimsical personality! | | |
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| | Vision Board Sunday, 9/16, 2:00 PM-4:30 PM Does your life feel a little off-course? Perhaps you're transitioning into a new phase of life, and you're uncertain where you're heading? If so, join life coach and Purple Crayon owner, Pam Robbins, for this encore, Pay-What-You-Want workshop! When created from the heart, a vision board will help you set a direction for your life and attract more of what you want, whether it's just a feeling or something more specific. | | |
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| | Intro to Block Printing Sunday, 9/23, 1:00 PM-4:30 PM Join printmaker, Margaret Dahm, as she shows you how to get started on this fun and foolproof craft. First, you’ll use found objects, fruit, and other household items to practice rolling ink, mixing colors, and regulating printing pressure. Next, you’ll design and carve small pattern blocks and play with printing on paper, cardstock, and, eventually, kraft postcards. Then, you’ll puzzle out a design and, finally, carve and make a basic reduction print. | | |
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| | Intro to Mosaics Saturday, 9/29, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM If you like doing puzzles, you'll love doing mosaics! Just bring your imagination, and we'll supply everything else you need to get started! In this fun, encore workshop, Purple Crayon owner, Pam Robbins, will teach you what a mosaic is, the materials and tools you need to create one, what to consider when designing a piece, and, finally, how to do it. By the end of the class, you’ll have created a pretty—and practical—coaster to showcase your new craft! | | |
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| | Intro to SoulCollage® Sunday, 10/14, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM Join SoulCollage® Facilitator, Marcia Gleason, LCSW, as she teaches you the fundamental principles of SoulCollage® and how to create your own deck of cards. First, you’ll learn about the various suits of the SoulCollage® deck and how to explore your inner world through the cards. Then, you’ll practice the simple process of making and reading cards, including the “I am the One” process, which is how cards “speak” to the creator, imparting guidance and connection. | | |
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| | Creating Personal Mandalas Sunday, 10/21, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Mandalas, a Sanskrit word meaning center, circumference, and magic circle, are found everywhere. But did you know that they can also reveal how you view yourself? Join mandala specialist, Lynn Karegeannes, as she takes you on a fascinating journey to, first, create a personal mandala, and, then, explore possible interpretations of what you’ve expressed. | | |
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| | Introduction to Eco Printing Monday, 10/29, 12:00 PM-5:00 PM Did you know that leaves, flowers, seeds, and other plant materials behind a unique “signature” when exposed to water and heat? In this encore workshop, join fiber artist, Patricia Spangler, as she explains the basics of eco printing and shows you how to lay out and design an eco print, bundle and process materials, and pre- and post-mordant fabric. As a final project, you will print your own silk scarf! | | |
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Creativity Circles (Members-Only) |
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Writing Circle: 1st & 3rd Mon, 6-8:30 PM Reading Circle: 2nd Mon, 6:30-8:30 PM Stitching Circle: Tue, 3-5 PM Crafting Circle: Wed, 2-4 PM Drawing Circle: 1st & 3rd Sat, 10 AM-12PM | | |
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Open House Saturday, 8/4, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Every month, Purple Crayon opens its doors to the public. You can check out what our members are up to and see if the studio is a good fit for you. Come see what all the excitement is about! |
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Inaugural Birthday Bash and Art and Supplies Sale! Saturday, 10/13, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Happy Birthday, Purple Crayon! To celebrate our First Anniversary, we're having an Art and Supplies Sale! Our talented members and instructors will be selling their art and new or gently used supplies. The public is welcome to attend. Come join us for what we hope will become an annual event! FREE! |
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