December Newsletter

Send Yourself a Care Package

In this issue...

  • Send Yourself a Care Package
  • Upcoming Workshops
  • Upcoming Events
  • Ongoing Events

When was the last time you felt taken care of? I mean REALLY taken care of? Tucked-under-a-blanket-given-hot-tea-and-asked-if-you-wanted-anything-else taken care of? If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. Most of us—and by “us,” I mean women—rarely get this kind-of attention.

 

I posed this question to some ladies at the studio the other day, and most of them had to go all the way back to childhood to conjure up the memory. Most of the time, they said, they were the ones tucking someone in versus the other way around.

 

It’s part of how we’re socialized, they conceded, in our country, anyway. Women are the caretakers, and that’s the role everyone—including we—expects us to play. It’s not that way in some other countries, one member clarified, but it is in ours.

 

Except at Purple Crayon, another woman chimed in, and they all agreed. It was one of the reasons they appreciated the studio so much, they concurred. While they usually have to make their own tea, it’s the one place where, surrounded by other women, they always feel taken care of.

 

How do you define "being taken care of"? I asked. They were all strong women, so I doubted they wanted to be coddled. It was more about feeling seen and appreciated, they explained—though I’m sure none of them would turn down a little pampering now and then!

 

The women described how, when they’re at PC, members ask how you’re doing and what you’re working on, and they really want to know. In turn, the ladies continued, they inquire about other members’ well-being and sometimes even ask for advice about their art, knowing that whatever suggestions are given are done so with a genuine desire to help.

 

Everyone needs a sanctuary like PC, we agreed, and we felt so grateful to have it.

 

How about you? Do you feel seen often enough? If not, it may be time to start asking for what you need (I bet most of your loved ones have no idea that you’re feeling this way) or look for support elsewhere.

 

If you don’t live near PC, you might consider joining, or starting, an all- or mostly-women group. Most communities have Meetups (groups of people who share similar interests),  but, if that doesn’t appeal, even attending a monthly book club meeting will provide a bit of food for your soul.  

 

If you want a place to be with other women artists, and you’re local, December is a great month to join the studio! While we don’t have any dedicated stations available right now (though that could change any day), we’re still accepting new Lavender members. And, this month, if you sign up with a friend, and you both stay for at least three months, you’ll both get your third month free!*

 

(PC Members: If you sign up a friend during December, you can take advantage of the deal as well, but please see note following the blog.)

 

If you’re interested in taking advantage of this offer, please contact us, and we’ll schedule a time for you to tour the studio.

 

No matter what you decide, I’d encourage you to find a "comfort community" sooner rather than later. We’re heading into what promises to be a particularly challenging winter, and we could all use a little extra TLC to get through it.

 

Happy Holidays! 

 

​—​​​​​​Pam Robbins, Owner

 

*This offer only applies to Lavender membership fees.

Upcoming Workshops

Zentangle for Beginners (Online)

Saturday, 2:00-4:30 PM, 12/5

Zentangle® is an easy-to-learn, relaxing way to turn structured patterns—called “tangles”—into tiny (3.5” x 3.5”) masterpieces that can, ultimately, be assembled into a larger mosaic. In this workshop, Susan Goodman, CZT, will teach you how to use “strings” to create boundaries within a paper tile, how to create several tangles, and, finally, how to shade your designs to increase their depth and richness. No previous drawing experience necessary!

 
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Polymer Clay Mokume Gane Pendant (Online)

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

Polymer clay is an amazingly versatile art form! It can even be used to create “mokume gane,” a traditional Japanese method of manipulating colored metals to create wood-like patterns. In this workshop, polymer clay artist Barbara McGuire will teach you how to apply her unique brand of mokume gane surface design to create one-of-a-kind clay beads, art jewelry, pendants, cabochons, covered journals, or sculpted art. You’ll be amazed at how easy the process is—yet how mesmerizing the results are!

 
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Mixed Media and Collage: Reenergize Your Creative Spirit! (Online)

Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 PM, 1/12-1/26

Feeling a bit depleted creativity-wise? Who wouldn’t after the year we’ve been through?! Reenergize your creative spirit by joining us for this fun and inspiring three-week Mixed Media and Collage course. Whether you’re new to the medium, or just want to jump-start your muse, Mixed Media and Collage artist Kate Corcoran will stoke your imagination and have you “playing” again in no time!

 
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Introduction to Watercolor: Paint Your Pet (Online)

Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 PM, 2/2-2/23

Wash—watercolor wash, that is!—away the winter blues with this fun introductory watercolor class, and create an expressive painting of your favorite pet while you’re at it! Local artist Terrilynn Dubreuil will teach you the basics of watercolor in this playful four-week course. No previous drawing or painting experience necessary!

 
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Online Girls' Night (or Day) Out

Scheduled by Request

Having to cancel your holiday gathering because of COVID-19? Consider celebrating together virtually instead! Unlike our in-person workshops, both women and men are welcome to participate in our online GNOs, so everyone in your "family" can join! To ensure a great experience, only a few of our workshops are being made available online, so please contact us if you think you might be interested.

 
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Upcoming Events

PC Pop-Up Market

Saturday, 12/5, 10 AM-3 PM @ PC
(Rain Date: Saturday, 12/12)

Looking to buy a one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one—or yourself? You'll find beautiful, fine arts and crafts at this outdoor pop-up market featuring PC member creations. 

Ongoing Events

Studio Tours

Are you looking for an affordable space to make art and connect with other women artists? Due to COVID-19, we have temporarily suspended our Saturday Open Houses, but you can contact us to schedule a private tour and meet some of our amazing members. A limited number of memberships are still available.

Zentangle® Art Club (Online)

Fridays, 3:00-5:00 PM

If you love doing Zentangle®, but struggle to make time for a regular practice, this art club is for you! Each Friday, Zentangle artist Amanda Smith will take you on a new Zentangle 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. Basic Zentangle skills required. The Club is open to the public for a nominal fee and free to PC members.

 
More Info

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 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. 

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