The first workshop was in the morning with Sarah Strong at her cozy Strong Heart Press & Studio located at 143½ E. Limestone Street (tucked away in back). Six participants were set loose on tables filled with scrap papers, stamps, inks, glitter, handmade papers, envelope templates, "crazy scissors" and more. Sarah provided instruction, guidance, muffins, chocolate, tea, and inspirational materials. It was a very right brain workshop: random, intuitive, synthesizing. Reminded me of all the art therapy classes I've taken where the class is held in what looks like a kindergarten playroom, shelves enticing with a wide assortment of art supplies.
The afternoon workshop took place at the YS Library with instructor Christine Mach who guided participants through four card stations -- each station presenting a new technique. Participants left the workshop with four distinct and beautiful holiday cards. This was a very left-brain workshop: logical, sequential, and rational. The combination of both workshops in the same day made for a very satisfying and rejuvenating mind vacation -- leaving the stress and details of the day at the door and fully immersing oneself in the act of creating.
Thanks to both instructors for a fabulous "stay-cation"!
Christine Mach teaches card-making workshops at Memories 4 All Seasons in Xenia. She can be reached at memories4allseasons@hotmail.com
Sarah Strong's next workshop takes place Friday, December 9th: Pocket Journals (fee: $45, all supplies included.) Time: 9:30 a.m.-noon
Pre-registration required. Contact Sarah at 317-525-1785 or find her on Facebook. Also visit the studio during her Third Friday Fling Open House, December 16, 6-9 p.m.
photos by Susan Gartner