Workshops
Please be sure to check our Calendar page for a complete list of workshops and events.
Go to...
-
Girls' Night (or Day) Out (Ongoing)
-
Mosaic Votive Candle Holder (11/15-16)
-
Sharpie Silk Scarf (12/7) —FULL
-
Introduction to Crocheting (Thu, 1/9-1/30)
-
Writing from the Top of Your Head (Thu, 1/9-2/13)
-
Art Journaling (1/11)
-
Introduction to Quilling (1/18)
-
Fluid Art: Basics and Beyond (1/25)
-
Introduction to Mosaics (2/15)
-
Dot Mandala Painting (2/22)
-
Introduction to Wet Felting (2/29)
Registration and Cancellation Policies
-
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.
-
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.
-
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):
-
8 or more days before the workshop, 100% refund, minus a $10 processing fee
-
7 days or less (or leaving workshop early), no refund
-
Girls' Night (or Day) Out
Date: Ongoing
Time: Varies with workshop
Workshop Fee: Varies with workshop
Facilitator: 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...
Mosaic Votive Candle Holder
Date: Fri, 11/15 & Sat, 11/16
Time: 6-8 PM (Fri); 1-3 PM (Sat)
Workshop Fee: $46 (Members), $50 (Non-Members)
Facilitator: Pam Robbins
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Materials & Tools Needed: All materials supplied.
This beautiful mosaic votive candle holder is similar to those found at the Walt Disney World resorts. We think ours is prettier, though, and it’s relatively easy to make!
Purple Crayon owner, Pam Robbins, will step you through the process. On the first day of the workshop, you’ll learn how to use a glass cutter and straight edge to cut several strips of stained glass, which you’ll, then, glue to your candle holder. After the glue dries, you’ll return to the studio to grout and finish your project. You’ll leave with a lovely piece that you can give as a holiday gift or keep for yourself!
Students should have a moderate amount of hand strength and dexterity. Some mosaic and grouting skill helpful but not required.
Tree of Life Dreamcatcher Ornament
Date: Saturday,11/30
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $37 (Members), $40 (Non-Members)
Facilitator: Sarah Jane Oiler
Skill Level: All
Materials & Tools Needed: All materials supplied.
The term “dreamcatcher” means “spider” in Ojibwe—and that’s typically what we think of when we see one: a web of string wrapped inside a hoop. Unlike most dreamcatchers, however, the “string” used in these beauties is wire that’s been shaped into a tree of life! At only 3”, this miniature-size version is perfect for your Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush!
Join wirework artist, Sarah Jane Oiler, as she shows you how to create your own mini tree of life dreamcatcher using wire, beads, and hand tools. You’ll start by watching Sarah Jane demonstrate how to wrap a 3” wire hoop. Then, you’ll take a hoop that Sarah Jane has pre-wrapped to save time (and your hands!) and begin twisting and bending wire to form your tree of life’s branches and trunk. Eventually, you’ll add bead “leaves” and refine your unique sculpture.
Students should have a moderate amount of hand strength and dexterity.
Sharpie Silk Scarf (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 12/7
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $32 (Members), $35 (Non-Members)
Facilitator: Pam Robbins
Skill Level: All
Materials & Tools Needed: Apron or clothes that can be stained. All other materials supplied.
Note: This workshop is full. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact us.
Still need some last-minute holiday gifts for the special women in your life? We’ve got you covered! Not only are these scarves beautiful, but they’re super easy—and fun—to make!
Join Purple Crayon owner, Pam Robbins, as she shows you how to use Sharpie markers and rubbing alcohol to dye silk scarves. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful colors and fluid patterns you can create with just a few simple lines. If you can doodle, you can do this!
No dyeing, drawing, or painting experience necessary!
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)
Facilitator: 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*)
Facilitator: 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.
Art Journaling
Date: Saturday, 1/11
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $51 (Members), $55 (Non-Members)
Facilitators: Linda Robinson and Kate Corcoran
Skill Level: All
Materials & Tools Needed: You will need one mixed media paper pad (8”x10”). All other materials will be supplied; however, participants may bring additional art paper scraps, fabric scraps, and/or small found objects, such as tags, metal and wooden decorative elements, buttons, etc. to embellish their art journal page(s).
Want to make 2020 your most creative year yet? Start keeping an art journal! Linda Robinson and Kate Corcoran will show you how in this fun and inspiring workshop!
Linda and Kate will begin by introducing you to the practice of journaling; you’ll learn what art journaling is and why it’s beneficial. Then, they’ll provide visual images and writing prompts to help inspire your first journal page. After preparing your page for mixed media work, you’ll spend the rest of the workshop creating it by:
-
Applying color via watercolor, paint pen, or acrylic paint;
-
Creating texture through stamps, stencils, molding paste, and other embellishments;
-
Hand lettering with watercolor, brush pens, micron pens; and
-
Doodling.
You’ll leave the workshop with at least one completed art journal page and the skills and confidence to continue journaling on your own!
Introduction to Quilling
Date: Saturday, 1/18
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $32 (Members), $35 (Non-Members)
Facilitators: Amanda Smith
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials & Tools Needed: All materials supplied.
Quilling is the art of curling and swirling thin strips of paper into colorful designs and shapes. It’s used to decorate pretty much any surface you can think of (greeting cards, scrapbook pages, boxes, etc.), and it can even be used to create 3D pieces. Dating to at least the 15th century, quilling is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, and, after trying it yourself, you’ll know why!
In this workshop, award-winning quiller, Amanda Smith, will teach you the history of quilling and give you some ideas of what you can do with it. Then, she’ll introduce you to the tools and materials you need to quill, give you some tips and tricks for achieving great results, and help you make a sampler of common quilling shapes. Finally, you’ll practice your new skills by making a quilled card(s) and pin(s).
Each student will receive a quilling kit, which she can use in class and then take home to continue building her skills.
Fluid Art: Basics and Beyond
Date: Saturday, 1/25
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $51 (Members), $55 (Non-Members)
Facilitator: Deana Murchison
Skill Level: All
Materials & Tools Needed: Apron. All other materials supplied.
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)
Facilitator: 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)
Facilitator: 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
Date: Saturday, 2/22
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Workshop Fee: $37 (Members), $40 (Non-Members)
Facilitator: Deana Murchison
Skill Level: All
Materials & Tools Needed: All materials supplied.
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)
Facilitator: 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.
