November Newsletter Cause to Pause |
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In this issue... - Cause to Pause
- Upcoming Events
- Instructor Spotlight
- Upcoming Workshops
- Creativity Circles
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At Purple Crayon, I see lots of women going through transition. Some have recently moved; some have recently retired; and some have recently done both. I also see women who’s lives haven’t changed significantly, but who are hoping they will. All of these women come to the studio because they want to spend more time on their art. Unfortunately, many of my members struggle to make their vision a reality. They are so excited—almost giddy—when they first sign up, imagining all of the possibilities. They commit to making art several times a week, and some even tell me which days and times they’re planning to come. Most do come in once or twice a week for awhile. Then they start falling back into their old pattern of doing for others instead of, and at the expense of, doing for themselves. If company is coming, they’ll choose to clean the house instead of painting. If grandkids need to be taken care of, they’ll choose to babysit instead of quilt. If partners need to be fed, they’ll choose to make lunch instead of collaging. While they may no longer be getting paid for their services, they continue to serve. (Full disclosure: I, too, sometimes fall into the trap, coming to the studio later or leaving earlier than I’d like to care for my family.) As the holidays approach, I suspect even more commitments will be broken. While some of us will say that we enjoy getting ready for company, I suspect most of us would enjoy being able to just show up to a clean house, delicious meal, and planned itinerary more—especially if it meant being able to make art instead of cleaning, cooking, and planning. Who else will do these things, we bemoan, if not us? And it’s true. But what would happen if they just didn’t get done? I think that that’s what we fear most: we’d get judged for their absence—and we’d be the ones judging ourselves the harshest. No one wants to feel like they’re a bad mother, wife, daughter, friend; indeed, a bad person. I think that most of us know this to be true, yet we continue to follow the pattern: committing to prioritizing our own needs; then, slowly but surely, setting them aside for others’. The only solution I’ve found—and it may be easier for me to do since I own Purple Crayon, and being at the studio is still sort-of a job—is to treat doing my art like a job, showing up at the studio with the same sense of obligation I had when I was working. My boss and clients wouldn’t have put up with me being late, leaving early, or not showing up at all, and neither do I (most of the time, anyway). Changing patterns is hard, especially patterns that are so firmly enmeshed in who we are as women. We are biologically and culturally programmed to serve others. The first step is to simply acknowledge that not prioritizing our art is just a habit and, as such, can be altered. For the next couple of months (and, yes, I’ve picked November and December intentionally because they’re typically very busy), I would encourage you to schedule at least two, two-hour blocks of time each week to play in your studio. Then, just notice what happens, without judgment. If you break your commitment, ask yourself, “Am I running errands, babysitting, etc. because I want to do it more than making art?” If not, consider why you’re doing it. It’s perfectly reasonable to skip out on your art if something has to be done immediately and no one else can do it, because you're not feeling well, or because you need to do it to survive. But doing it to gain praise (from others or yourself), avoid risk, or just out of habit might give you cause to pause. The key question is: Would you have taken off work to do it (or is your "excuse," in fact, work, and you need the income to eat)? Purple Crayon still has creation stations available if you need space to do your art or prefer creating among other women. We also have some great workshops coming up this winter. "Getting your art on" has never been easier! Don't forget to visit us at the TC Roberson Holiday Market. I'll be promoting the studio, and several PC members will be selling their art. I look forward to playing with you! —Pam Robbins, Owner |
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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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Open House Saturday, 11/2, 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! (This month, PC Member, Jessica Auge, will be hosting while I'm at the Holiday Market.) |
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| | Pam Robbins I am the owner of Purple Crayon, and I'll be teaching our Mosaic Votive workshop on November 15th-16th. Prior to opening Purple Crayon, I was an Instructional Designer and Performance Consultant for a large corporation. In 2003, I graduated from Coach U and became a Life Coach. I have been helping women discover the joy of play since then, initially encouraging them to create and, now, being fortunate enough to also be able to provide a space to do it. I love quilting, collaging, and mosaicking—and, of course, running the studio and teaching workshops! | | |
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| | Sarah Jane Oiler Sarah Jane is teaching our Tree of Life Dreamcatcher Ornament workshop on November 30th. A horticulturist by trade and artist by heart, she was diagnosed at a young age with a rare form of breast cancer. During a very difficult and emotional recovery, she was inspired by a piece of art created over 40 years ago by her great grandmother Jean. She began handcrafting unique wire bonsai trees just as her great grandmother had many years before. Her work is currently sold in shops and galleries throughout NC. www.facebook.com/BeansBonsai/ | | |
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| | Mosaic Votive Candle Holder Fri, 11/15, 6-8 PM & Sat, 11/16, 1-3 PM This beautiful mosaic votive candle holder is similar to those found at the Walt Disney World resorts. We think ours is prettier, though, and it’s relatively easy to make! Purple Crayon owner, Pam Robbins, will step you through the process in this fun, two-day workshop. | | |
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| | Tree of Life Ornament Saturday, 11/30, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Unlike most dreamcatchers, the “string” used in these beauties is wire that’s been shaped into a tree of life! At only 3”, this miniature-size version is perfect for your Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush! Join Sarah Jane Oiler as she shows you how to create your own! | | |
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| | Sharpie Silk Scarf Saturday, 12/7, 1:00-3:00 PM Not only are Sharpie silk scarves beautiful, but they’re super easy—and fun—to make! Join Purple Crayon owner, Pam Robbins, as she shows you how to use Sharpie markers and rubbing alcohol to dye silk scarves. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful colors and fluid patterns you can create with just a few simple lines. | | |
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| | Introduction to Crocheting Thu, 1/9-1/30, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Which is better: knitting or crocheting? Although knitting is all the rage these days, many think crocheting is where it’s at. If you like finishing projects quickly and hate fixing mistakes, you’ll love learning how to crochet! Join veteran stitcher, Camille Daunno, as she teaches you a skill that will not only last a lifetime but is filled with endless creative possibilities! | | |
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| | Writing from Top of Your Head Thursdays, 1/9-2/13, 6:30-9:00 PM "Writing from the Top of Your Head" is a uniquely devised 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 “open the tops of their heads” to access their inner voices without censoring or judging. | | |
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| | Art Journaling Saturday, 1/11, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Want to make 2020 your most creative year yet? Start keeping an art journal! Linda Robinson and Kate Corcoran will show you how in this fun and inspiring workshop! You’ll learn what art journaling is and why it’s beneficial, get help planning your first journal page, prepare your page for mixed media, and spend the rest of the workshop creating it! | | |
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| | Introduction to Quilling Saturday, 1/18, 1-3 PM Quilling is the art of curling and swirling thin strips of paper into colorful designs and shapes. It’s used to decorate pretty much any surface you can think of (greeting cards, scrapbook pages, boxes, etc.), and it can even be used to create 3D pieces. Dating to at least the 15th century, quilling is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, and, after trying it yourself, you’ll know why! | | |
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| | Fluid Art: Basics and Beyond Saturday, 1/25, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Fluid art is a form of abstract art that uses acrylic paints with a runny (fluid) consistency. In this workshop, Deana Murchison will show you several different ways to do acrylic pours—including some more advanced options. This class is great for people who have never created fluid art, but it also gives “frequent flyers” opportunities to try new pouring methods and continue experimenting with color! | | |
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Creativity Circles are scheduled times each week when at least one other member has committed to being at the studio. They are held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 PM, Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. | | |
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