Artful Alchemy Fridays - Click to see monthly schedule!
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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.

December 12 – Upcycled Christmas Card Ornaments

Bring your own cards if you wish, and come enjoy a relaxing evening of classic crafting with fun folks. Transform sweet wishes from far-off friends into keepsakes for your tree or to gift again. Didn’t save the old cards? That’s okay! We have more than plenty, along with all manner of papers, ribbons, and sparkly bits.

December 19 – Polymer Clay Reindeer Charm or Ornament

Do you know the origins of the flying reindeer and gold coming down chimneys? Hint: It’s way, way older than Saint Nick. Come learn a little old holiday history while you learn to sculpt your own small reindeer ornament or tinier reindeer charm from polymer clay. A whole rainbow of colorful clay is available if natural brown seems dull for a magical deer.

December 26 – Spirit of the New Year Art Doll

Angel, Faerie, Goddess, or Spirit, whatever you call your creation, let them carry your intentions for the new year in their heartspace. This class is a little bit introspective and a whole lot of lighthearted fun. We’ll use a wide variety of materials and learn techniques applicable to so many other projects, you’ll leave with more than just good intentions!

January 9 - Cracker Box Junk Journal

This is the classic junk journal, but if the messy edges look isn’t for you, have no fear! You can keep your pages straight and tidy and even make a much thinner version. What everyone learns is the most common book binding technique, an overview of possible materials, and most of all, how easy and fun it is to make your own books.

January 16 - Junk Journal Ephemera

Not just for those who take the Jan. 16 Junk Journal class! Tonight, we create lots of fun tags, cards, hidden paperclips, pockets, stickers, and more to include in any journal or to add to your magical snail mail. We have papers of all sorts, but if you are a visual artist, you might want to bring small copies of your own art or photos to work with.

January 23 - Fabric Collage Tapestry

Curious about art quilts, slow stitch, or mixed media fiber arts? This flexible class lets you dabble in a variety of styles, and if you love fabric but not so much stitching, you can create most looks with fabric glue and just a few stitches.  Simple projects can be completed in class, but most students will take home supplies to finish at their own pace.

January 30 – Embroidery Stitches for Embellishment

Embroidery never goes out of style completely, but it’s had a resurgence in popularity recently. This class is a great opportunity to learn several basic embroidery stitches, as well as ways to combine stitches to create borders or embellish crazy quilt seams. Perfect class, too, for those who took the Fabric Collage class on January 23^rd to add finishing details.

February 13 – Felt Folk Heart Sachet/Ornament

Once embellished with as much or as little stitching as you like, these charming, tiny pillows of wool-blend felt can be stuffed with aromatic herbs (bring yours or use mine). This class will cover a few basic stitches, but those with a larger stitch repertoire can embellish endlessly, so you might want to sign up for the January 30^th Embroidery class, too.

February 20 – Resin Charms

UV resin is such a versatile medium, super easy to use, and talk about instant gratification! If you’ve wanted to give it a try but hesitate to invest in yet another batch of craft supplies and tools, do take advantage of this opportunity. Experiment with molds and bezels, adding inclusions like dried flowers, glitter, etc., and even topping tiny paper collage charms.

February 27 – Not Your Mama’s Paper Dolls

These paper dolls make great residents for your visual journal or refrigerator gallery, but I’ve never met anyone who tried them and didn’t fall in love with creating them just for the pure whimsical fun of it. Learn some basic collage and paper arts techniques with this low-key, perfection-not-required project, in a roomful of warm laughter on this cold winter evening. 

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