Artful Alchemy Fridays!
Start the weekend with an art activity that blends a little magic or metaphysics into the making. This enchanting series focuses on a different art medium or genre each month but leans toward the mystical, incorporating symbolism and intention.
*This is an ongoing series, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged for each class. If you have creative friends you want to hang out with but they don’t want to participate in the class, they can bring their own sketchbook, needlework, or similarly contained project to do, there is no need for them to sign up.
August 8th: Fabric Mache Bowl
With August comes the first of the harvest celebrations in the old traditions, and to hold the bounty, one must have a bowl. Practical bowls are well and good for sliced peaches or pickles, but how about a little something beautifully handmade, just for the joy of making and the beauty of beholding? Use my fabrics or bring your own thinner cottons and laces.
August 15th: Cup Runs Over, Playing with watercolor doodles
If trying formal watercolor technique scares you, this loose, easy option might be a better intro to the medium. This class starts with some lighthearted, doodley introspection on the abundance in our lives, and once we’ve painted some bits we like, out come the scissors and glue to make either flat or pop-out collages. Can be done in your journal, if desired.
August 22nd: Making Magical Snail Mail
Who doesn’t love getting surprises in the mail? This 3-fold collage in junk journal style, filled with treasures to discover, gives you so many ways to send magic and joy to someone you hold dear, or to your future self. Enchantment Warning: Intuitive collage is addictive, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll be signing up for more of my paper arts classes!
September 12 – Create a Covered Sketchbook Journal
You can use this covered sketchbook for all kinds of things, but it’s especially good if you’ve been wanting to try visual journaling or art journaling. Start your journal journey with this easy make, and by the time you’re done, you’ll want to come back next week to dip your toes into the visual journaling waters. Art skills are NOT important for visual journaling.
September 19 – Mixed Media Journal Exploration #1
Any journey begins with knowing where you are, and in this class, we’ll do an easy search through personal history to discover our “Quintessential.” Answer the question “What makes you, you?” and then create a colorful, one-of-a-kind page spread using paint, collage, and whatever else catches your fancy. This is art play, so no skills required.
September 26 – Mixed Media Journal Exploration #2
“I say YES to…” This classic journaling prompt is the key to using your visual journal to create the life of your dreams, one colorful page at a time. Learn techniques for drilling down to truths you’ve forgotten and then learn tricks to turn intuitive art pages into visually appealing, memorable pages full of personal mojo.
October 10 – Crescent Moon Wreath
Turn twigs and trimmings into a charming moon-themed autumn arrangement for the door or wall. Materials, including pre-bent twigs and embellishments, are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring favorite stuff they already have. Silk, dried florals, feathers, leaves, seashells, tree cones, ribbons, lace, larger charms, and found objects all work well.
October 17 – Weaving on Twigs
Repeat requested, so here you are! Several people who saw the twig weaving projects the first time I taught this class said they would have signed up if they had seen them beforehand. Trust me, they are way more amazing than this tiny photo shows! This is an easy, relaxing, free-form weaving technique that can be meditative and quite addictive.
October 24 – Leaf Prints
Can’t paint? Who cares? Make gorgeous art for your walls, greeting cards, or journal pages anyway! This easy technique is such a sweet cheat method to create beautiful botanicals. If you’ve found (not yet crispy dry) leaves you want to use, bring them, or just use some of what I’ve gathered on autumn walks around town.
November 14 – Gingerbread Construction Tips & Centerpiece
Learn the essentials of successful gingerbread construction with an easy-to-bake and build centerpiece project. We’ll discuss types of dough, and then you can choose between construction grade or dentist-approved. Pro tips for precision shaping, easiest construction, strength, and longevity will send you home ready for competition or Christmas decorating.
November 21 – Wire Wrapping Stones & Other Small Pretties
One more time, for those who keep missing this popular beginner class! Polished rocks, seashells, and tiny glass bottles are provided, but you may want to bring your own, especially if crystals are your jam and you have a few you’d like to embellish or make wearable. This is a great gift-making activity, but not the most relaxing to learn, and some students stay late to finish.
November 28 – Pine Needle Baskets
Turn an abundant local resource, pine needles, into palm-sized works of art! Hang them on a wall, add them to an altar, or use them to hold trinkets, sewing notions, and such. They make lovely gifts on their own or as a presentation container for jewelry. Supplies, including embellishments, are included, but students are welcome to bring beads or charms to add.
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Instructor: Dawn-Marie DeLara
Date: Fridays (excluding First Fridays)
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Last Day to Register: Ongoing - Join Anytime!
Ages: High School & Adults
Location: Crossroads Downstairs Studio
Class Size: Max. 12
Cost Per Session: $21 member/ $52 non-member
Supply Fee Per Session: $5
Too Much? PAY WHAT YOU CAN! Enter the amount you want to contribute at checkout!
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First time taking a class at Crossroads? Please submit a Participant Registration Form prior to the first day of class. If you have filled out a Participation Registration Form within the past year, there is no need to submit one again. Forms may be emailed to melody@crossroads-arts.org or delivered to Crossroads.
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Participation Registration Form - English
Participation Registration Form - Spanish
