Workshops
Please be sure to check our Calendar page for a complete list of workshops and events.
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Girls' Night (or Day) Out (Ongoing)
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Introduction to Crocheting (Thu, 1/9-1/30)
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Writing from the Top of Your Head (Thu, 1/9-2/13)
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Fluid Art: Basics and Beyond (1/25) —FULL
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Introduction to Mosaics (2/15)
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Dot Mandala Painting (2/22) —FULL
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Introduction to Wet Felting (2/29)
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Mixed Media Shadow Box (3/14)
Registration and Cancellation Policies
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When you successfully register for a workshop, a receipt for your purchase will be emailed to you. If you do not receive a receipt, your registration is NOT confirmed. Please contact us.
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Purple Crayon reserves the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment or other circumstances which would make the class non-viable. If we cancel a workshop, we will inform all registered students as soon as possible and issue a full refund.
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If you are unable to attend a workshop, you are welcome to transfer your seat to a friend. If you cannot transfer your seat, our cancellation policy is as follows (no exceptions):
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8 or more days before the workshop, 100% refund, minus a $10 processing fee
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7 days or less (or leaving workshop early), no refund
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Girls' Night (or Day) Out
Date: Ongoing
Time: Varies with workshop
Workshop Fee: Varies with workshop
Instructor: Varies with workshop
Skill Level: All
Materials & Tools Needed: Varies with workshop
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! More...
Introduction to Crocheting
Date: Thu, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30 (4-week series)
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $90 (Members), $100 (Non-Members)
Instructor: Camille Daunno
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials & Tools Needed: You will need one skein of worsted weight yarn and one size G or H crochet hook. A solid color yarn works best, as it makes it easier to see your stitches. (Note: Please do not bring designer yarn, as it is expensive and not necessary for learning basic crocheting skills.)
Which is better: knitting or crocheting? Although knitting is all the rage these days, many think crocheting is where it’s at. If you like finishing projects quickly and hate fixing mistakes, you’ll love learning how to crochet!
Camille Daunno has been crocheting since she was old enough to hold a hook, and teaching folks—both kids and adults—how to crochet for almost as long!
In the first two classes, Camille will cover the “mechanics” of crocheting, including how to read a pattern and understand crochet terms. After that, you’ll learn how to make a chain and form all the basic crochet stitches: single, double, half double, triple (or treble) crochet. Finally, you’ll learn how to increase and decrease and make a simple finished edge.
For just $25 per class, you’ll gain a skill that will not only last a lifetime but is filled with endless creative possibilities!
Writing from the Top of Your Head
Date: Thu, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6 & 2/13 (6-week series)
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $247 (Members & Non-Members*)
Instructor: Nina Hart
Skill Level: All
Materials & Tools Needed: Favorite notebook and pen
"Writing from the Top of Your Head" is a uniquely devised method that takes into account the vulnerability of what it means to be an artist and writer. It combines powerful group creativity coaching with writing exercises that will help artists of all types to loosen up and connect with the source of creativity.
This course is for writers who want to generate fresh material, or who feel stuck and struggle with writer’s block, or for those who have always wanted to write but are too afraid to start. Participants will be guided, in a criticism-free environment of support and safety, to “open the tops of their heads” to access their inner voices without censoring or judging.
Participants will also benefit from learning invaluable brain-training tools and strategies that will help them move through their creative life with grace and resilience, and attain the freedom on the open page that they've been longing for.
For more information about Nina's writing workshops, please see www.writingfromthetopofyourhead.com/writing-workshops/.
*Unfortunately, we are not able to offer members a 10% discount for this series.
Fluid Art: Basics and Beyond (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 1/25
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $51 (Members), $55 (Non-Members)
Instructor: Deana Murchison
Skill Level: All
Materials & Tools Needed: Apron. All other materials supplied.
Note: This workshop is full. If you would like to be added to the wait list, please contact us.
Have you ever wanted to create an abstract painting but weren’t sure how to start? If so, fluid art—also called [acrylic] pour painting, flow art, liquid art., etc.—might be just what you’re looking for!
Fluid art is a form of abstract art that uses acrylic paints with a runny (fluid) consistency. The paints react with each other when combined to make interesting and visually organic motifs. As the paints run amok and spill across your canvas, the possibilities are endless!
In this workshop, Deana Murchison will show you several different ways to do acrylic pours—including a couple of more advanced options. You’ll practice the techniques, making multiple 8” x 10” abstract paintings, and you’ll learn how to finish your painting with an acrylic coating.
This class is great for people who have never created fluid art, but it also gives “frequent flyers” opportunities to try new pouring methods and continue experimenting with color!
Note: To preserve the integrity of your design, your paintings must dry flat for at least 24 hours before moving. You will need to return to the studio to pick up your pieces and finish your paintings with acrylic coating at home.
Silk Painting Using Resists
Date: Saturday, 2/8
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $61 (Members), $65 (Non-Members)
Instructor: Jo-Ann Jensen
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials & Tools Needed: Apron or clothes that can be stained. All other materials supplied.
If you’ve ever seen a tie-dye t-shirt—and who hasn’t if you live in Asheville?—you’ve seen the effect a “resist” can have on fabric. It can produce beautiful and complex art pieces. In this workshop, fiber artist, Jo-Ann Jensen, will teach you how to paint on silk using three different methods of resist: batik, serti, and shibori.
First, you’ll create a 16”x16” silk painting using batik, or “wax drawing.” Jo-Ann will show you how to use a kistka and tjanting tool to create a colorful heart by applying a soy and beeswax resist—just in time for Valentine’s Day! Then, you’ll learn about the serti paint resist method, and, if time allows, you’ll have the opportunity to incorporate it into your piece as well. Finally, you’ll create a second 16”x16” silk painting using shibori: folding, twisting, tying, or binding fabric to create a resist.
When your pieces are dry, you can display them individually or join them together to make a pillow or piece of wall art.
Introduction to Mosaics
Date: Saturday, 2/15
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $46 (Members), $50 (Non-Members)
Instructor: Pam Robbins
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials & Tools Needed: All materials supplied
If you like doing puzzles, you'll love doing mosaics! Just bring your imagination, and we'll supply everything else you need to get started!
In this fun and easy workshop, Purple Crayon owner, Pam Robbins, will teach you what a mosaic is, the materials and tools you need to create one, what to consider when designing a piece, and, finally, how to do it. By the end of the class, you’ll have created a pretty—and practical—coaster to showcase your new craft!
Dot Mandala Painting (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 2/22
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Workshop Fee: $37 (Members), $40 (Non-Members)
Instructor: Deana Murchison
Skill Level: All
Materials & Tools Needed: All materials supplied.
Note: This workshop is full. If you would like to be added to the wait list, please contact us.
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!
You’ll start by making a simple, perfectly symmetrical dot using a special tool. Then, Deana will show you how to expand your mandala by adding dots of all different sizes and colors. You’ll also learn how to layer dots to produce a 3D effect. You’ll leave with two completed stones or coasters and all the skills needed to continue dotting on your own.
Introduction to Wet Felting
Date: Saturday, 2/29
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $51 (Members), $55 (Non-Members)
Instructor: Camille Daunno
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials & Tools Needed: All materials supplied.
Wet felting, the process of applying water to layers of wool and repeatedly agitating them until the fibers weave together, has become very popular in the past few years. It’s fun, easy, and can be very useful!
In just a few hours, Camille Daunno will teach you how to make a sheet of felt using only wool fibers, soap, water, and good old fashioned “elbow grease.” Then, she’ll show you how to turn your sheet into a beautiful bowl, or, if you’d rather, give you suggestions for manipulating it into something else: clothing, bags, or other decorative items.
Mixed Media Shadow Box
Date: Saturday, 3/14
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $51 (Members), $55 (Non-Members)
Instructor: Christy Ammerman
Skill Level: All
Materials & Tools Needed: All materials supplied. However, participants are encouraged to bring art papers, images, text, and small objects (shells, beads, coins, broken jewelry, etc.) that are meaningful or beautiful to them. Participants may also bring their own wooden box if they prefer. (Cigar boxes work great for this project!) Box dimensions should be approximately 9”x12”. If participants bring photos or other images, they should bring photocopies, not computer prints, if they want to make transparent transfers. A limited number of scissors, exacto knives, and cutting mats will be available, but participants may want to bring their own so they don’t have to share.
Mixed media is a fun way to combine the textures of collage with three-dimensional elements. In this workshop, you will use a small box to create a little world combining color, texture, and dimension.
With mixed media artist Christy Ammerman’s instructions and advice, you’ll start by covering your box with two-dimensional material, such as photographs, postcards, interesting papers, or fabric. Then, you’ll continue adding various mixed media (shells, beads, coins, broken jewelry, etc.) until your piece commemorates a special memory, place, or person/people—or captures a totally imaginary scenario!
This workshop is great for people who have never created a mixed media piece, but it also gives more experienced artists an opportunity to explore new materials and techniques.
Alcohol Ink and Sharpie Silk Scarves
Date: Saturday, 3/21
Time: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $74 (Members), $80 (Non-Members)
Instructors: Deana Murchison and Pam Robbins
Skill Level: All
Materials & Tools Needed: Apron or clothes that can be stained. All other materials supplied, including two 11" x 60" silk scarves.
Love wearing one-of-a-kind, handmade scarves but don't love their price tag? In this super fun workshop, Deana Murchison and Pam Robbins team up to show you two different ways to create beautiful, inexpensive silk scarves using just a little ink and alcohol.
First, you’ll experiment with using alcohol inks. As you drip, blow, and manipulate the brilliant colors, you’ll have fun watching intricate patterns emerge on your first scarf!
Next, you’ll play with using Sharpie markers and rubbing alcohol to dye your other scarf. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful colors and fluid patterns you can create with just a few simple lines!
No dyeing, drawing, or painting experience necessary!
Zentangle®: Beyond the Basics
Date: Saturday, 3/28
Time: 1:00-3:30 PM
Workshop Fee: $41 (Members); $45 (Non-Members)
Instructor: Susan Goodman
Skill Level: Basic Zentangle® skills required
Materials Supplied: All materials supplied. However, participants are encouraged to bring their own Zentangle® supplies as well.
Zentangle® is an easy-to-learn, relaxing way to turn structured patterns—called “tangles”—into tiny (3.5” x 3.5”) masterpieces that can, ultimately, be assembled into a larger mosaic.
In this workshop, you will re-acquaint yourself with the basics of Zentangle®. Then, you will continue to build your knowledge by learning new, more complicated tangles*, adding shading and highlighting to your piece, and working with different colored squares and pens.
*The instructor will ensure that participants who have already taken this workshop will learn tangles that are new to them as well!
