What would YOU like to make today?
We are constantly changing and evolving as more artists and organizations get involved. These are just a few of our current workshop descriptions. Please contact us for further information or to schedule a meeting and discuss how we can tailor a workshop specifically to your organization.
Artistic Trading Cards/Mini Masterpieces
Artists Trading Cards are miniature artworks about the same size as modern trading cards or baseball cards, (2 1⁄2 by 3 1⁄2 inches). Starting with a large sheet of paper that has been taped out in a grid, participants are encouraged to use the whole sheet of paper, not focus on individual rectangles. The magic happens when the tape is removed, revealing a series of mini-masterpieces. We will provide one frame for each person to hang their favorite one!
Start the project as a team building exercise by swapping the sheets of paper during the process...everyone gets a hand in every piece. Then continue the workshop as everyone gets their own sheet of paper.
At the end of the workshop, each participant will have at least one (probably more) artist cards that they can trade throughout the company. Make it an ongoing project for a month or two and then have us back to mount a show of all the tiny paintings!
Recycled Sweater Creatures
Starting with stick armatures that suggest an animal, participants will fill out the shape with aluminum foil and masking tape, molding bodies onto the armature. We then wrap them in strips of old sweaters (we will provide some or bring your own!) to create their “skin”. Wrap them in yarn, and add bead eyes, ornamenting them as you’d like with materials provided.
Talismans With Stones and Fiber
At the beginning of the workshop, we will alll set an intention for how we want our creation empower us. What do we want to bring into our lives? Joy, Abundance, Permission? Do you have a meaningful stone of your own? If not, why not take a walk along a stream, and find one that calls to you. I will provide fabric, yarn, thread and beads and other materials for us all to share. Feel free to bring bits of things of your own to add to your talisman.
Mini Books
Start with your own writing, something you overheard, and funny expression that you like, or use something that already exists. Cut it up from found text, or handwrite it in your book.
Illustrate your words however you want, or use the words themselves as illustration.
Give some thought to words or writings that you like before you come, and bring your word resources. We will provide paper, colored pencils, needle and thread, ephemera and embellishments and encourage you to bring your own.
Altered Bookmaking
We will provide a number of reclaimed books as well as materials such as paint, pastels, and scissors for altering. Participants can go through the books and find one that calls to them, or inspires deeper thought. They can also bring a meaningful book from their personal library.
The written words and images act as starting points, providing participants with the structure and opportunity to eliminate, change, or maintain the existing contents. They can be mounted onto board with collaged backgrounds or remain as a book that can be opened and closed. Folding the pages into a lantern shape is extremely meditative!
We encourage participants to also bring personal photos, memorabilia and ephemera to add to their book.
Sticks and Stones
Nature provides us with extraordinarily beautiful things all around us. I happen to love sticks and have a vast collection of them in all shapes and sizes. I also collect stones. Seems a natural marriage of materials.
Using antique style nail and old wire, along with glue, we can create wall art, tabletop art, or a mobile. We will provide some sticks and stones, but participants are encouraged to take a nature walk and find some of their own to add to the experience! Driftwood makes a great base, but the wood used in these two photos were both found walking around Rodgers Forge!
Stick Loom Weaving
An easy and fun way to learn the basics of weaving using yarn, string and Y-shaped sticks. We will demonstrate the basic weaving technique and offer suggestions for color, textures and adding various other materials to your finished piece. Materials provided.
Oil Pastel Abstracts
Did you know that oil pastels are one of the easiest mediums to work with? By using mineral oil, it can be blended like paint. By adding chalk pastels and pencil to the surface, a number of marks can be achieved, and the results are never bad or wrong. Working in a small format, you can release your creativity in the fluid and fast-paced workshop.
