July Newsletter

Biding My Time

In this issue...

  • Biding My Time
  • Upcoming Workshops
  • Ongoing Events

This month, I plan to finish my “pandemic quilt,” so-called because I’ve been working on it for the past year-and-a-half. It’s a little uncomfortable not knowing what big project I want to work on next, but it’s also kind-of exciting.

 

Although I’ve worked on a few minor projects since starting the quilt, I’ve felt compelled to finish it, even though it's become a bit boring. Unlike some folks, who gladly flit from project-to-project, I prefer to complete one project before moving on.

 

Now I’m free to explore what’s next. While I may end up starting another quilt, after taking Nancy Grindstaff’s Barn Quilt Painting workshop in May and Christy Ammerman’s Textile Collage workshop a few weeks ago, I’m kind-of itching to revisit those mediums. I guess we’ll see!

 

(By the way, both of these wonderful instructors are teaching classes at Purple Crayon in September! Nancy is teaching her Barn Quilt Painting workshop again, and Christy is teaching a new mixed media workshop: Altered Fabric.) 

 

In the meantime, I’ve been thinking about how to select my next big project. As much as I’d like it to be an organic process, I know that that’s easier said than done for me, Miss Project Manager. In my mind, all projects, including “Select a New Project,” have a beginning, middle, and end.

 

If you’re waiting for your next big project to reveal itself—or, more accurately, WHEN you’re waiting, since all artists wonder “What’s next?” at some point—I’d encourage you to consider how I’m planning to bide my time.

 

First, I'm going to create an environment that supports exploration and inspiration. I still have to bind my quilt, but that shouldn’t take long. After that’s done, I plan to clean up my station and remove all traces of my quilt. That will make space, literally and figuratively, for my next big thing, whatever it may be.

 

Next, I'm going to remain open to new ideas that spark my interest. Knowing me, I’ll be anxious to find a project to commit to just for the sake of committing, but I’ll try to resist the urge. Instead, I’ll wait until something really grabs me.

 

Throughout the process, I'm going to observe how I feel when playing with different mediums. I'll remember that, even if I really loved doing something in the past, that doesn’t mean I’ll still love doing it—and I'm going to give myself permission to let bygone passions go.

 

Most importantly, I'm going to keep showing up in my studio. Even if all I do is organize my supplies, I’ll surround myself with creative energy, and, eventually, I'm confident that my next big project will find me!

 

Of course, as Purple Crayon’s owner, I also get to attend all of our workshops, which always get my creative juices flowing! This month, I’m looking forward to learning how to make a Copper Bangle Bracelet on July 10th and a Wet Felted Bowl on July 24th. I hope you’ll join me!  

 

I look forward to creating with you!

 

​—​​​​​​Pam Robbins, Owner

Upcoming Workshops

Intro to Wire Wrapping:

Copper Bangle Bracelet

Saturday, 7/10, 1:00-5:30 PM

Have you always wanted to make your own professional-looking jewelry? In this introductory wire wrapping workshop, Jewelry Designer Nadine Fidelman will show you how to create a beautiful copper bangle bracelet in just a few hours! No previous jewelry making experience required!

 
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Introduction to Wet Felting

Saturday, 7/24, 1:00-4:00 PM

Wet felting, the process of applying water to layers of wool and repeatedly agitating them until the fibers weave together, has become very popular in the past few years. It’s fun, easy, and can be very useful! In just a few hours, Camille Daunno will teach you how to make a sheet of felt that you can turn into a bowl, bag, etc. using only wool fibers, soap, water, and good old fashioned “elbow grease.”

 
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Intro to Resin Art Pouring: Tray

Saturday, 8/7, 1:00-4:00 PM

(Full but waitlist available)

Acrylic pour painting is all the rage these days, and the results ARE amazing. Resin art pouring uses a similar process, but the results are even more beautiful—if you can imagine! Its translucent and ethereal layering of colors is difficult to recreate using any other medium. In this exciting workshop, Resin Art artist Donna Cook will show you how to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind resin tray. 

 
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Intro to Polymer Clay: Mandela

Saturday, 8/21, 1:00-4:00 PM

Polymer clay is an amazingly versatile art medium! In this workshop, internationally-known author and artist Barbara McGuire will fast track your learning by showing you how to create a beautiful polymer clay mandala pin or pendant. You’ll learn how to build a colorful polymer clay “cane” and further enhance your project with a delightful assortment of premade cane designs. Along the way, you’ll learn all the basics of creating with polymer clay. 

 
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Intro to Barn Quilt Painting

Saturday, 9/11, 1:00-5:00 PM

Join the barn quilt movement by creating your own painted Electric Fan quilt block! These beautiful outdoor pieces are popping up everywhere—and typically cost upwards of $100-$150! Once you learn the process, however, you can make them for a whole lot less, as Barn Quilt Painting artist Nancy Grindstaff has discovered. Follow along as she teaches you her process.

 
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Mixed Media: Altered Fabric

Saturday, 9/25, 1:00-4:00 PM

Take your mixed media skills to the next level by making your own altered fabric! In this fascinating workshop, Mixed Media artist Christy Ammerman will show you how to turn ho-hum fabric scraps into inspiring, collage-worthy material. In just a few hours, you’ll learn how to “rust” fabric, as well as dye it using tea, alcohol inks, acrylic paint, and bleach sticks. The results will surprise and delight you!

 
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Girls' Night (or Day) Out

Ongoing

Looking for something a little different for your next Girls' Night (or Day) Out? Consider scheduling a private arts and crafts party 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!

 
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Ongoing Events

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.

Tangle Art Club (Online)

Fridays, 3:00-5:00 PM

If you love doodling but would like to make your work more intentional, this art club is for you! Each Friday, we'll take you on a new "tangle" adventure. It won’t take long before your mind settles, your to-do list melts away, and you get into the zone, weaving structured patterns into beautiful, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. The Club is open to the public for a nominal fee and free to PC members.

 
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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. Circles are currently scheduled for Tuesdays from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 PM, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. We also have a Stitching Circle on Thursdays from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, and a Mixed Media Circle on the last Sunday of the month from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. 

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