October Newsletter Pals and Pies: The Perfect Pairing |
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In this issue... - Pals and Pie: The Perfect Pairing
- Upcoming Events
- Instructor Spotlight
- Upcoming Workshops
- Creativity Circles
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This month marks the two-year anniversary of Purple Crayon, my biggest, scariest, and most rewarding “project” yet. The last couple of years have been quite a ride, each month bringing with it new challenges, disappointments, and celebrations. I’ve learned a lot about running a business, in general, and Purple Crayon, specifically, and I’m sure I’ll learn lots more before the adventure is over. Perhaps the most important benefit of the business, however, is what it’s teaching me about myself. Over the years, I’ve learned not to take too many things personally, but I never realized how poorly I am at managing stress—and asking for support when I need it—until I opened the studio. As a coach, I’m really good at helping others recognize and label their pain, but, when I’m in the other chair, I struggle to heed my own advice. I know that I shouldn’t be surprised at the unpredictability of studio life—members come and go, workshops fill and get cancelled, and even studios, occasionally, need to move—but the changes affect me more than I expected. My difficulty handling stress has been my greatest learning from the studio, and figuring out how to manage it, perhaps it’s greatest gift. (I say “perhaps” because I’m still working on it.) Last weekend, I went out on a limb and did, in fact, admit that I could use a little support. I shared my feelings with a few studio members, who I also consider friends, and they did exactly as I had hoped. They offered a little much-needed encouragement, and some ideas to help solve a problem I was struggling with, but, mostly, they just listened and validated my pain. It was immensely helpful. I also did what I frequently suggest in these newsletters: I made art. Writing this article, in and of itself, has helped me process my pain. Running Purple Crayon has been particularly difficult these last few months, as I’ve been disconnected from the studio, literally and figuratively, because of travel and moves (both the studio and my home). Focusing on writing this piece has forced me to reconnect with myself and help me feel more grounded than I’ve felt in a while. I would encourage you to reach out to someone you trust—and make some art—the next time you need a little support. And, this month, I'm offering opportunities for both at Purple Crayon! In addition to attending one of our fun-filled workshops, you can join us for our Two-Year Anniversary Celebration and Pie Contest on Saturday, October 5th, from 1-3 PM. You’ll find lots of friendly folks, and you’ll have a reason to make a pie! While you don’t have to make a pie to participate in the judging (aka sampling!), the more pies we have, the more fun it will be! More information about the Pie Contest is available on the Purple Crayon website (www.purplecrayonavl.com/pie)—or, of course, you can contact us. I look forward to playing (and eating) 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, 10/5, 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—and stay for our Two-Year Anniversary Celebration and Pie Contest if you like! |
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| | Patricia Spangler Patricia is teaching our Eco Printing: Beyond the Basics workshop on October 12th. She has over 30 years of teaching experience in both the public and private sector. In 2015, she designed and developed a workshop called "Introduction to Eco Printing" and has been teaching eco printing in various studios throughout WNC, including Purple Crayon, since then. For more information, see www.thelanguageofleaves.com. | | |
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| | Terrilynn Dubreuil Terrilynn is teaching our Fun with Faces workshop on October 30th. She is an award-winning pastel artist and, like Patricia, has been teaching adults and high school students for over 30 years in both private and group settings. Her favorite creative memory is watching a student grasp an idea and burst through to her personal creative spirit with excitement and creativity! For more info, see www.travelingartista.com. | | |
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| | Eco Printing: Beyond Basics Saturday, 10/12, 12-5 PM Take your eco printing skills to the next level! In addition to employing basic eco-printing techniques, in this workshop, you'll learn to apply color from natural sources, including cochineal (fuschia), osage orange (yellow-orange), and logwood (blue-purple). While white backgrounds are wonderful, you’ll love the transformation color creates! | | |
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| | Fun with Landscapes Thursday, 10/17, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM Release your “inner artist”—which we all have—by learning how to draw! It's easier than you probably think! In this fun and stress-free class, you’ll learn a new skill and create a beautiful landscape in the process. Best of all? You’ll have had a great time doing it! Basic drawing concepts learned can be applied to other art mediums, too! | | |
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| | Dot Mandala Painting (FULL) Saturday, 10/19, 1:00-3:00 PM In Buddhist culture, mandalas are said to transmit positive energy to the environment and to the people who view them. Learn how to create your own dot mandala painting with local artist, Deana Murchison. This new art craze is fun, easy, calming, and very addictive! Please contact us to be placed on a waiting list. | | |
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| | Fun with Faces Wednesday, 10/30, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM If you've ever wanted to do something creative but didn't know where to begin, this workshop is for you! In this fun and stress-free class, you’ll play with drawing faces. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a lovely portrait to hang on your wall, and you’ll have developed a drawing style that is uniquely yours! | | |
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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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Creativity Circles & Other Members-Only Events |
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Collaging: Mon, 1-3 PM Reading: 2nd Mon, 7-9 PM Creative Cluster: 2nd Tue, 10-11 AM Stitching: Tue, 1-3 PM Quilting: Thu, 1-3 PM Drawing & Painting: 1st & 3rd Sat, 10 AM-12 PM Mosaicking: 2nd & 4th Sat, 10AM-12PM | | |
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