Phoenix Nest Soul Arts

Introducing Zentangle®

Some people think Zentangles® are just doodles, but they are so much more. Creating Zentangles is a meditative process that allows you to relax deeply. In this class, you’ll learn how to make some of the designs that work best as fills in paper art, such as Artist Trading Cards, postcards, and art journals.

Materials you will need: drawing paper, Micron or Sharpie black pens in ultrafine and medium points, a pencil.

Skill level: Beginner
Age:12 and up
Class length: Three hours
Cost: $35

Books by Hand

Making a book by hand is easier than you think. The book pictured above, called “The Mermaid’s Garden,” was created out of a cereal box that I covered with paper. The binding was done with an extremely simple pamphlet stitch. You can make a book like this as well!

I will show you how to construct a cover out of simple materials, how to create groups of pages called signatures, and how to sew them into the book.

All materials for this project are included in the class price.

Other themes may include botanical gardens, Halloween or other holidays, or one you request.

Skill Level: Beginner
Ages: 12 and up
Class length: 7 hours
Cost: $125

Introducing the Art of the Quilt

This class is a chance for you to bring your vision to creation. What you see above are examples of what you could make if you were inclined. You can choose to do a landscape, or something else in a small (18″ x 24″ or less) format.

You will need a sewing machine and basic quilting accessories. Fabric and decorative elements will depend on your vision. I will consult with you prior to the class to talk about what you’d like to do and what you’ll need to do it.

Skill Level: Intermediate (must know basics of both sewing and quilting)
Age: 12 and up
Class length: two days (approximately 6 hours of working time each day)
Cost: $150

Introducing Artist Trading Cards

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are one of my favorite things to make, as they are usually quite fast. ATCs are 2.5” x 3.5” pieces of art. The small area forces you to focus on design elements and is an excellent way to hone your skills.

I will demonstrate how to make a miniature collage as well as how to create cards that are part of an edition (e.g., gelli prints, using inks, etc.).

All materials to make some cards are included in the class fee.

Skill level: Beginner
Age: 12 and up
Class length: 4 hours
Cost: $50

Mixed-Media Adventure

Choose from a selection of different projects to create your own art using paint, paper, textures, found objects, and so on. You’ll leave with an frameable canvas masterpiece of your creation. This class makes a great day out for a small group of friends.

All materials to create your chosen project are included in the cost of the class.

Skill Level: Beginner
Ages: 12 and up
Class length: 4 hours
Cost: $50

Paint your Soul

Do you ever wonder how you got to the place you are now? What has shaped your relationship with the Divine (however you describe it)? What are the core values that define who you are?

I am one who has cultivated a deep faith and understanding of the Divine, through a variety of religious experiences. No one view dominates our discussion in this class.

In this class I will lead you in a retrospective of your relationship with the Divine and the creation of a worldview map that identifies what you value and what you believe to be your life’s purpose at this point in your life. You’ll create a painting that creates a statement about who you are.

All materials are provided.

Skill Level: Beginner
Age: 18 and up
Class Length: 4 days (approximately six working hours per day)

Introduction to Art Journals

Art Journals, as I use them, involve using visual elements with limited writing to address some issue or problem that’s on my mind. When I have looked back on my pages, I see the way I have changed and grown. While some text is involved, found images are the primary element in describing the problem, which is turn can suggest various ways to address it. Generally, the meaning of the journal is known only to you, which helps if you have people around who tend to snoop.

I will show you how to prepare a purchased journal to avoid “white paper panic,” as well as instructing you in how to make your own journal.

All materials for this class project are provided.

Skill level: Beginner
Age: 12 and up
Class length: Six hours
Cost: $125

SoulCollage® Basics

Skill level: Beginner

Within you is wisdom waiting to be discovered. SoulCollage® is a technique of making cards that align with our experiences to remind us of what we already know. This technique uses found images from magazines to create collages that reflect our loved ones, the voices in our heads, and our connection to ideas found across different cultures.

This class introduces the concept of the SoulCollage® deck and provides the opportunity for you to make several cards (depending on your speed) as you start your own deck and begin to explore your own knowledge.

All materials for this class are included in the class fee.

Skill Level: Beginner
Ages: 18 and up
Class Length: Four hours
Cost: $50

Learn the Basics of Your Sewing Machine

Have you got a sewing machine gathering dust somewhere? You bought it (or it was purchased for you) with great intentions, but you’re not quite sure how to operate it? Spend a day with me learning the basics of your machine: learn how to thread the needle, wind a bobbin, make sure the tension is correct, test out different stitches and learn their use, and create a notebook of stitching samples for reference. For this class, you must bring your own machine and all its accessories, but notebook material and fabric will be provided to you.

Skill Level: Beginner
Age: 12 and up
Class length: 4 hours
Cost: $50

Quilt in a Jiffy

Lap-sized quilts are a wonderful way to start a new, engrossing hobby. They also make wonderful gifts! This class will take you through a simple, lap-sized quilt from beginning to end. The pattern is provided, and there will be rotary cutters, rulers, scissors to share. Fabric kits, thread, and backing may be purchased from me, and I have a limited number of sewing machines available for use on a first come-first served basis.

Otherwise, you will need to bring the following: Your sewing machine with all accessories, including a ¼” sewing foot and a walking foot; 5-6 coordinated fabrics in ½ yard cuts; 2 yards of coordinated fabric for the backing; thread to match your fabric; and a package of 45 x 60 batting (also known as a crib batting). You’ll learn how to read a pattern, cut with a rotary cutter and do strip piecing for faster assembly of blocks, arrange blocks into a quilt top, pin layers together, quilt them together, and attach a binding. You’ll also learn what all those words mean!

Skill Level: Beginner (must know basics of sewing and how to use own machine)
Age: 12 and up
Class length: 3 days (approximately 6 hours of working time each day)
Cost: $150