Nurturing Creativity

My article for The Leaf Chronicle tomorrow touches on the subject of fostering my creativity.  I’ve mentioned it before in various blogs posts (like this one) and I’ve made promises to myself—albeit rather publically—to make creativity a priority in my life time and again, but to no real avail.

Shortly after opening Hodgepodge some 8 years ago, Kendall and I started offering workshops which we called “How do They do That?”  With the intention of investigating how to’s of various crafting and artful endeavors which we found compelling or were mentioned by customers and friends (usually one in the same).  They were well-received and we had a lot of fun.

(making wine bottle lanterns)

(making mixed media pendants)

Unfortunately, however, as time wore on, I had to tend to other aspects of my business and family life, so those workshops were pushed further and further down the path of “someday” and I just stopped offering them.  Until last fall when Kendall, Kimberly Santiago and I decided “someday” was here again. 

We sat down over coffee and cashews at Kimberly’s lovely home and hashed out the plans for Artful Origins.  After two hours of brainstorming, we came-up with a schedule of workshops and commenced to getting creative.

(making Advent candles)

We took a brief hiatus over the holiday season, but now we are back with bells on and have a full schedule of inspiring workshops to encourage you to engage the right hemisphere of your grey matter.

We will be making garlands using old books and ribbons; you can learn to use vinyl stencils to make a graphic sign; you’ll stitch felt hearts onto burlap; and, you will gather your own special mementos into an unique display.  (that’s just a few of the workshops we have scheduled.) 

I hope you decide to join us for at least one, if not all of these get-together’s.  We always have fun and you will leave with your spirit refreshed and a sense of accomplishment.

Please visit our blog specifically dedicated to these workshops—you will find it here.

If you have any ideas for workshops you would like for us to offer, please contact us here. 

Also, if you’d like to schedule a workshop tailored to your group or for a special event (ie.: bridal shower or birthday party), we’re equipped to meet those special needs.  Just leave a comment here, give us a ring (931-647-0444) or drop us an email.

As always, I thank you for your indulgence.

P.S.  if you are an artist or enjoy sharing your creative skills with others, we’d love to talk with you about using our space for your workshops.  you may contact me using any of the above-referenced methods.