In this issue... - Big Magic
- Upcoming Workshops
- Creativity Circles
- Other Happenings
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The other day, an idea hit me—I mean, literally, hit me. I was taking my morning walk, not really thinking about anything, and, the next thing I knew, I had solved a problem I’d been wrestling with for the past few days. I’m sure you’ve all had similar experiences. You’re just minding your own business when, all of sudden, you get an epiphany of some kind. Elizabeth Gilbert actually has a name for the experience: “big magic.” Here’s how she describes it: …ideas spend eternity swirling around us, searching for available and willing human partners. When an idea thinks it has found somebody—say, you—who might be able to bring it into the world, the idea will pay you a visit. It will try to get your attention. Mostly, you will not notice…But sometimes—rarely, but magnificently—there comes a day when you’re open and relaxed enough to actually receive something…The idea will organize coincidences and portents to tumble across your path, to keep your interest keen…And then, in a quiet moment, it will ask, “Do you want to work with me?” (Big Magic, pp. 35-36) In Big Magic, Gilbert describes what happens when you say no (the most common response), and what happens when you say yes (the more difficult, but infinitely more rewarding response). I find her description of inspiration interesting and, well, inspiring. I love imagining that ideas are just floating around waiting for us to catch them. The “only” thing we need to do is get out of our heads—which, of course, is easier said than done! I plan to practice getting out of my head more often, and I encourage you to do the same. Consider taking more breaks from your screens; not wasting time being angry or disappointed in others (or yourself); taking stuff off your plate. Just be more present, in general, and the ideas will come! Of course, another way to stoke your imagination is to do something creative! We’ve got lots of great workshops in our spring line-up, including a few new arrivals: Introduction to Zentangle® on May 20th, Writing from the Top of Your Head on Tuesdays, June 5th through the 26th, Mixed Media Wall Art on June 10th, Decoupage Picture Frame on June 16th, and Pendant Wirework Necklace on June 23rd. I hope you’ll find time to join us and GET INSPIRED! I look forward to playing with you! —Pam Robbins, Owner |
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| | Photo Transfer and Altered Paper Techniques Sunday, 5/6, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM Not sure how to get started with mixed media? We'll show you! In this fascinating workshop, you’ll learn how to transfer images from photocopies and magazines to paper and cloth. Then, you’ll “age” papers and fabric using household items. (Note: This workshop had to be rescheduled due to illness. Don't miss a second chance to get in on the fun!) | | |
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| | Watercolor Greeting Cards Saturday, 5/12, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM You don't need to be a watercolor artist to create beautiful watercolor greeting cards! All you need are good quality cards, gel pens, colored or watercolor pencils, and some basic coloring skills. If you're looking for something fun to do with Mom this Mother's Day weekend—or you just need a little break yourself—consider taking this interesting and relaxing workshop. | | |
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| | Zentangle® Sunday, 5/20, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM Zentangle® is an easy-to-learn, relaxing way to turn structured patterns—called “tangles”—into tiny (3.5” x 3.5”) masterpieces. Even if you don't consider yourself an artist, certified Zentangle® teacher, Susan Goodman, will show you how to create beautiful abstract images using this fun, meditative process. | | |
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| | Wet Felted Landscape Saturday, 6/2, 1:00 PM - 3:00 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. And it’s easy to understand why: it’s fun, easy, and versatile—and you're almost guaranteed to produce something you’ll be proud to display, even on your first try! | | |
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| | Writing from the Top of Your Head Tuesdays, 6/5-6/26, 6:30-9:00 PM Writing from the Top of Your Head is a unique method that takes into account the vulnerability of what it means to be an artist and writer. It combines powerful group Creativity Coaching with writing exercises that will help artists of all types to loosen up and connect with the source of creativity. | | |
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| | Mixed Media Wall Art Sunday, 6/10, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM To the untrained eye, a twig is just a castoff piece of wood. But, to a mixed media artist, a twig can be bundled with other twigs…and bark…and moss to create a beautiful, three-dimensional picture. In this workshop, we'll show you how to turn natural "found objects" into a mixed media piece of art. | | |
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| | Decoupage Picture Frame Saturday, 6/16, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM A photograph is a great way to capture a memory—but displaying it in a frame that also captures the moment makes it even more special! In this workshop, you’ll create a decoupage picture frame that captures something meaningful for you. If you can picture it, you can “paint” it with just a little glue and paper! | | |
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| | Pendant Wirework Necklace Saturday, 6/23, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Looking for the perfect, personalized gift to give a friend or loved one? How about a picture pendant necklace? You can put pretty much anything inside the pendant: a photograph, drawing, or even a magazine clipping! We’ll show you how to do it—and we’ll teach you how to create a beautiful, wirework beaded chain to go with it! | | |
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| | Wheel of Life Thursday, 6/28, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM If you’re working, do you wish you had more time for play? If you’re retired, do you still feel like you’re in workmode? And how about the rest of your life? Does it feel like something's missing? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, this Pay-What-You-Want workshop is for you! You’ll use a "Wheel of Life" to get to the source of your imbalance, and, then, you'll visualize how you want your life to look moving forward. | | |
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| | Locker Hooked Coaster Saturday, 6/30, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Cappy Tosetti has been repurposing found materials since childhood. In this fun-filled, two-and-a-half-hour workshop, she’ll show you how to take scrap material—yarn, ribbon, fibers, fabric strips, leather, and plastic—a hook, and rug canvas and turn it into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece. Once you master the locker hooking technique, you’ll be able to create pillows, wall hangings, and lots of other items for your home and friends! | | |
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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, 5/12, 2:00 - 4:00 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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