March Newsletter The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of |
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In this issue... - The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of
- Upcoming Workshops
- Ongoing Events
- Purple Crayon Shirts
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As I’ve written in previous newsletters, I’ve been playing with polymer clay for the past few months. I love experimenting with it best of all. I’ve made lots of “Natasha beads,” for example, and, when I get them looking just so, I squish them into a new shape—or, if I’m really feeling adventurous, I run them through my pasta machine—to see what happens. Once in a while, I end up with something even cooler, but, most of the time, I just end up with a mess. Either way, I love the process and figure I could either spend a few dollars on a bar of clay or a piece of pie (Baked Pie Company is just a couple of doors down from the studio!), and the former has a lot fewer calories. What I don’t like as much is finishing my pieces, yet I feel the need to do so—AND to make something useful, even if it's just going to decorate my house. I have the same issue when I quilt. While some folks are perfectly fine making and, then, storing quilt tops, I feel the need to turn them into actual quilts and either hang them or give them away. Truthfully, I feel the same way about all of my art: I have a hard time creating stuff if I don't have a plan for it. Even when I’m choosing workshops for Purple Crayon, I start with the end in mind: What are students going to walk away with, and will they find it useful? I assume that most people, like me, don't want more stuff cluttering their home. To ease my mind, I guess I could simply redefine my artistic goals. Instead of striving to create something functional, entertainment or self-therapy could be my aim. Last weekend, I discussed my issue with another PC member, and she said that she, too, had struggled when she first started doing mixed media. As an engineer, she was used to having order, structure, and purpose define her work. Over time, and with a lot of practice, however, she accepted the idea that, when she finished a mixed media piece, "It was OK that it was just something." I “get” this in my head, but my heart isn’t so sure. And, unfortunately, I’ve not come up with a solution beyond just working on it. If you have a similar struggle, I hope it’s comforting to know that you’re not alone! If you’re looking for a calorie-free opportunity to entertain yourself, I hope you’ll consider taking one of our upcoming workshops. And, if you missed out on signing up for our Watercolor for Absolute Beginners or Wire Wrapped Ring workshops, today is your lucky day: a seat has opened in both of these classes! I look forward to just playing with you! —Pam Robbins, Owner |
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Alcohol Ink Silk Scarf Saturday, 3/5, 1:00-3:30 PM (Full but waitlist available) If you love experimenting with color, you’ll love making these beautiful, one-of-a-kind scarves! Deana Murchison, one of our most popular instructors, will be teaching this NEW workshop. As you drip, blow, and manipulate the brilliant colors of alcohol ink onto silk, you’ll have fun watching intricate patterns emerge! In just a couple of hours, you’ll have created a stunning 11” x 60” scarf that you’ll be proud to wear out or give as a gift. | | |
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Watercolor for Beginners Mon, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21 & 3/28, 10:00-12:00 If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at watercolor but thought it might be too hard, think again! Local artist Terrilynn Dubreuil has been helping first-time painters get their feet—or, rather, brushes—wet for over 30 years. Join her as she explores the many creative possibilities the medium presents. No previous drawing or painting experience necessary! (Only 1 seat left!) | | |
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Wire Wrapped Rings Saturday, 3/19, 1:30-4:30 PM Have you always wanted to make your own professional-looking jewelry? Jewelry Designer Nadine Fidelman will show you how to create a beautiful sterling silver and gold filled “hug” ring and a sterling silver “snake” ring in just a few hours! You’ll leave with two (or three, if time permits) one of-a-kind pieces that all your friends will envy! Previous wire wrapping experience preferred but not required. (Ony 1 seat left!) | | |
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Intro to Resin Art Pouring: Tray Saturday, 4/2, 1:30-4:00 PM 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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Introduction to Shibori Saturday, 4/9, 1:00-4:00 PM (Full but waitlist available) Although the exquisitely detailed patterns of Shibori, a form of tie dye, look complicated, they can actually be quite easy to make—especially if you learn from a pro. Veteran textile artist Camille Daunno will teach you everything you need to know to get started with this ancient Japanese art. You’ll take home a beautiful 15" x 60" scarf and several smaller pieces of Shibori that you can hang on your wall or turn into another home accessory. | | |
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Introduction to Zentangle Saturday, 4/23, 1:30-4:00 PM 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, Michelle Marshall, 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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Introduction to Fluid Art Saturday, 5/7, 1:30-4:00 PM Have you ever wanted to create an abstract painting but weren’t sure how to start? If so, fluid art—also called [acrylic] pour painting, flow art, liquid art., etc.—might be just what you’re looking for! In this workshop, Dawn Barnard will show you several different ways to do acrylic pours. Then, you’ll practice the techniques, making multiple 8” x 10” abstract paintings. This is a fun and easy class and is great for experimenting with color! | | |
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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! 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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Tangle Art Club (Online) Fridays, 3:00-4:15 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. While previous tangling experience is helpful, it's NOT required. Contact us for more information. |
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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 1:30-3:30 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. Contact us for more information. |
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Purple Crayon Shirts If you've found inspiration at Purple Crayon, now you can inspire others—and support the studio—by wearing a Purple Crayon shirt! You can pick from several styles (classic tee, slim fit tee, V-neck tee, long sleeve tee, pullover hoodie, and sweatshirt). The slim fit and V-neck tee come in a medium purple, and the rest of the shirts come in a dark purple (pictured below). Your shirt(s) will ship directly to your home. Order yours today! |
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