We all have stories to tell, just by virtue of just being alive. Every day we have experiences, both large and small, that make us who we are. They test our resolve, they make us see differently, they renew our hope, they make us believe in ourselves and others. These experiences, when accumulated over a lifetime, combine to make each of us into unique individuals with a wealth of valuable lessons and experiences to relay to others. Our professionals can help you record your unique life story, on paper and on video. Computer typing experience is not necessary.

All programs are available in-person or by video (except Photo/Possession Documentation)

All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover

DISCUSSION GROUP

• “Pieces of My Life” – Participants bring to the group various personal possessions that are important to them (such as heirlooms, artifacts or anything of importance), and explain the stories and significance of each item to the group. This opens the door to conversation, and offers opportunities for the participants to learn new things from each other and get to know each other better. Participants can bring as many things to the discussion group as they would like. (1 hour class)

WRITTEN LEGACIES

• Getting Started With Legacy Writing – Learn how to get started compiling a memoir, ethical will or family tree. Students will learn how to gather information, conduct research, organize information and get it down on paper. They will also learn various publishing and presentation options. Documenting family photos and possessions will also be discussed.  (1 hour class)

Watch our Video about Legacy Writing

• Researching Your Family Tree – Learn how to research and document the various branches of your family tree. Students will learn about the different agencies and websites available for research, and how to organize the information they uncover. We also discuss how to incorporate stories, photos, and documents to help tell the story. And we teach options for publishing a family trees once the research is finished. (1 hour class) Please provide internet access
• Autobiography/Family History/Memoir Class – Many people think about writing a legacy but need help getting going. This class helps you begin writing about the life experiences that you wish to pass on to future generations. It can take the form of your entire life story (an Autobiography), life stories of your family members (a Family History), or selected important personal events you may wish to write about (a Memoir).  We help you with writing and organizing, and teach you guidelines for editing and publishing.  (4 or 8 week class, 90 minutes per week.  The 4-week class helps you organize your thoughts and start writing.  The 8-week class helps you get about halfway through your writing.)
• Decidedly Me: Why I Am Who I Am – This workshop will help you explore, define and write down the ethics, values and beliefs that have shaped the person you are, and that act as a compass for your daily thoughts and actions. Through analyzing the lessons you have learned, the things you have accomplished, and the plans you have for your future, we will define and record what “makes you tick”. This is an insightful tool for defining and strengthening the things that are important to you. Your Personal Ethics journal can be kept private, or it can be used as a topic of meaningful discussion with the important people in your life. This class will help you define your thoughts, organize your writing, and will provide guidelines for editing and publishing. (Three options (1) One hour class for general overview (2) 4-week class to help you organize your thoughts and start writing (3) 8-week class to help you get about halfway through your writing.)
• Photo/Possession Documentation – We work with people individually to help them organize their photographs into albums and document the names, dates, and places for each one so that families know who everyone is and where the pictures were taken. We can do the same with important personal possessions, documenting the stories about where they came from, and why they are an important. This information is a very valuable gift to hand down to future generations. Time and cost varies, please contact us for options

For more writing classes please click here to go to our Writing page

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Click on the categories below for a full program list

The way we decorate our living spaces expresses who we are and what we like. Our living spaces also act as showcases for the things that are important to us, the people we love, the places we have traveled, and the treasures we have collected. Just as no two people are the same, no two personal spaces are the same. “Personal space” can take on many different forms throughout a lifetime – our childhood bedroom, our first apartment, the house where we raised our children, our retirement home or apartment. Our spaces should continue to be a reflection of who we are, and give us a comfortable place to be ourselves. Any space can feel like home, no matter where that home might be.

This symbol indicates programs that are available in-person or by video

This symbol indicates programs that can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover

• Interior Decorating Class – An interactive slideshow. Learn decorator’s “tricks of the trade” that you can apply to your own home, no matter how big or small it may be. We will discuss decorating guidelines and tips, how to use color and pattern, low-cost decorating,  re-arranging what you already have, do-it-yourself projects, organization and clutter management, and decorator’s secrets and discounts.  (2 classes, 90 minutes per class – 3 hours total) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Quick Tips For Interior Decorating – A shorter, condensed version of the above class, without organization and clutter management tips. (1 hour class) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Interior Decorating Collage Project – A 15-minute slideshow about the principles of interior decorating, plus a “Design Your Dream Home” collage project. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Balance and Harmony Through Feng Shui – Feng shui is the ancient Chinese art that helps us to live harmoniously with our environment. Proper placement of furniture and accessories enhances the positive energy in a room, making it “feel” better. Learn how to create balance and harmony in your living space, no matter how large or small it may be, using this ancient decorating technique. Learn how color, shape, and material has an effect on positive energy. We will also discuss the difference between “yin” and “yang” features, and how to balance them to create a pleasing harmony.  (2 weeks, 90 minutes per week – 3 hours total. Please contact us for pricing.) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Introduction to Feng Shui Class – A shorter, condensed version of the above class, consisting of an overview of Feng Shui principles. (1 hour class) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Interior Spruce-Up – Whether you just need to rearrange one room, or you need a whole makeover, we work with you to design whatever improvements are needed.  It can be as simple as a new pair of curtains, or it can be as comprehensive as a makeover. We can help with paint colors, draperies, bedspreads, pillows, rugs, furniture, lighting, mirrors, artwork, photos, and accessories. We can also help reorganize the things you already have to create pleasing arrangements. And we can help with de-cluttering and organizing too! Your involvement in the design process is empowering, and for those living in group communities this can help ease the sadness of living away from home. (Time and cost varies, please contact us for options)
• Relocation Help – Whether you are relocating from your home to an apartment or a group community, we work with you to plan the layout of your new space. We draw the blueprints of your new space and help you decide what to take with you and how to arrange it. We can also help you to rearrange and decorate your current house to give it a better chance of selling. And we can meet the truck on moving day to direct the unloading effort and make sure everything goes where it’s supposed to. Once you are moved in, we can help you with all of the things listed above under “Interior Spruce-Up”. (Time and cost varies, please contact us for options)
• Holiday Activity
  Visit our Holiday Activities page for fun seasonal programs such as
  • Holiday Decorating Help

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Click on the categories below for a full program list

There is nothing that takes away worries like burying your nose in a bouquet of flowers. As we breathe in the aroma, it awakens our deep and primal connection with the earth.  It comforts us, and brings us into the present moment. The mere act of digging in the dirt and making a physical connection with the earth also makes gardening one of the most basic and primitive of all activities. Gardens are also living masterpieces, changing over time, and continually engaging our interest. And the fact that gardens depend on our attention and care in order to thrive, gives us a feeling of importance, and gives us wonderful surprises to look forward to.

All programs are available in-person or by video

All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover

•  Container Gardening – An interactive slideshow with a hands-on planting activity. Learn how to create beautiful, versatile container gardens either indoors or out. Students will learn about preparation and placement of containers, soil, watering, sunlight, fertilizing, and starting from seed. We will also teach the principles of aesthetically-pleasing container garden design. A planting activity completes the fun! (1 hour class plus materials fee: $3 per person for a 2-3″ pot and seeds, $6 per person for a 3-4″ pot and one plant, $10 per person for an 8″ pot and 3 plants. We can also make larger pots – please contact us to discuss pricing.) Please note: Herbs and vegetables are usually available beginning of May through June. Perennials are usually available mid-May through June. Annuals and seeds are usually available mid-May through July. Houseplants are usually available year-round. Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the health and longevity of plants.
• Garden Structures –  An interactive slideshow with a hands-on building activity. Learn about the design of garden gazebos, pergolas, trellises, arbors, fences, and benches. We will also study how garden pergolas are built, and we’ll build a miniature model of a pergola for you to keep. (1 hour class plus $4 per person for materials) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Birdhouse Design – An interactive slideshow with a hands-on project. Learn about the different birds in our area, and what they look for when choosing a home to nest. Students will learn how bird houses are designed and built, and we will also see examples of beautiful, creative, and whimsical birdhouse designs. Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow. We have a choice of two projects for this class:
  • Full-Size Birdhouse – We’ll build a birdhouse for you to place outdoors and enjoy watching the birds nest in it (1 hour class plus $20 for materials)
  • Mini Birdhouses – Each participant will receive a pre-made birdhouse to paint as they desire. (1 hour class plus $4 per person for materials)
• Birdhouse Decorating – We will learn about birdhouse design from a professional birdhouse builder, and see some examples. Then each participant will receive a pre-made birdhouse to paint as they desire. (1 hour class plus $4 per person for materials)
• Wild Flower Planting – Each individual will receive a pot and soil to plant their seeds. First we’ll decorate the pots using paint/paintbrush or markers. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
• Small Terrariums – With a selection of miniature plants, some moss and colorful stones, you can create a beautiful garden that is easy to care for. (1 hour class plus $7 per person for materials)

 

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Click on the categories below for a full program list

“Food, clothing, and shelter” form the essential triad of our basic needs, allowing all other aspects of our lives to flourish.  And it is not insignificant that food is the first on the list!  When we get together with family or friends, it’s often for lunch or dinner. Our holiday celebrations always have special food dishes associated with them.  And the act of cooking allows each of us to connect with our sustenance, impart a piece of ourselves in what we create, and share it with those around us.

All programs are available in-person or by video

Click on the categories below, or scroll down, for a full program list

• Healthy Eating
• Cooking for Brain Health
• Gourmet Cooking
• International Cooking
• Desserts and Treats
• Wine and Cheese
• Holiday Treats
• Recipe Books

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HEALTHY EATING

• Have Your Cake and Eat it Too – Finally…desserts you can feel good about! Lighter and healthier options sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. We will discuss sweetener options and healthy ingredient substitutions. And we will make a recipe to eat in class. We can also provide a pamphlet of recipes for those who like to cook. (1 hour class plus ingredients)
• Happy and Healthy – New healthier twists on your old favorite recipes that will leave your taste buds happy…and your waistline too! And we will make a recipe to eat in class. We can also provide a pamphlet of recipes for those who like to cook. (1 hour class plus ingredients)
• Healthy Cooking For One or Two – For independent singles and couples. We teach how to cook healthy meals without a lot of fuss. Students learn how to prepare easy recipes, how to use ingredients to create more than one dish, and how to store ingredients and leftovers safely. They will also learn the importance of healthy eating, and tips for making healthy food choices. We can also provide a pamphlet of recipes for those who like to cook. (1 hour class)
• Healthy Pizza – Can pizza really be healthy? Yes! Home made pizza allows you to reduce the fat and calories, while still creating a delicious treat! Learn about healthy crust and topping options, and taste some delicious and healthy pizza. (1 hour class plus ingredients) Please provide a toaster oven, clean-up sink, plates and utensils.

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COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH

• Cooking for Brain Health – Learn about foods that help boost focus and memory, and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. And we will make a recipe to eat in class. We can also provide a pamphlet of recipes for those who like to cook. (1 hour class plus ingredients)

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GOURMET COOKING

• Winter Soups – We will make delicious and hearty winter soups to help warm you up from the inside out (1 hour class to make 1 soup, or 90 minute class to make 2 soups, plus ingredients) Please provide a stove, clean-up sink, bowls and utensils.
• Spring Salads – We will welcome spring by making fresh, healthy and delicious salads (1 hour class to make 1 salad, or 90 minute class to make 2 salads, plus ingredients) Please provide a clean-up sink, plates and utensils.
• Vegetarian Gourmet – We will make and taste easy vegetarian recipes that are so delicious, you won’t miss the meat! Choose from BBQ Chickpea Patties, Peruvian Corn Cakes, Teriyaki Squash, Tofu Chorizo Pasta, Veggie Fried Rice Bowls, or White Bean Patties (1 hour class to make 1 recipe, or 90 minute class to make 2 recipes, plus cost of ingredients) Please provide cooking appliances (varies depending on recipe selected), clean-up sink, plates and utensils.
• Easy Appetizers -We will make some tasty and simple appetizers using everyday ingredients, that taste like gourmet treats. (1 hour class plus cost of ingredients) Please provide an oven, clean-up sink, plates and utensils.
• Hearty Casseroles – Perfect for Fall and Winter, these easy and delicious casseroles are sure to warm you from the inside out. (1 hour class to make 1 casserole, or 90 minute class to make 2 casseroles, plus ingredients). Please provide a stove, oven, clean-up sink, plates and utensils (alternatively, one of the casseroles can be made in a microwave)

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INTERNATIONAL COOKING

• Viva Mexico! – An interactive slideshow celebrating the people, culture and food of Mexico. Learn about the art, music, dance, customs, holidays, and festivities of Mexico while tasting some yummy Mexican food and listening to mariachi music. We will even learn how do the Mexican Hat Dance! (Can be either a 1 hour or 90 minute class, plus cost of ingredients) Please provide food prep area (no cooking required), clean-up sink, plates and utensils. Please also provide a computer, TV or projector for the slideshow. (Materials fee varies depending on food selected, please contact us to discuss).
  
• April in Paris – Celebrate spring with this interactive slideshow about all things French. We’ll learn about French food, music, architecture, art, fashion and even perfume. We’ll taste some yummy French foods while listening to traditional French Cabaret music. Vive la France! (Can be either a 1 hour or 90 minute class, plus cost of ingredients) Please provide food prep area (no cooking required), clean-up sink, plates and utensils. Please also provide a computer, TV or projector for the slideshow. (Materials fee varies depending on food selected, please contact us to discuss).
  

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DESSERTS AND TREATS

• Create Your Own Good Fortune – We’ll snack on fortune cookies and tea while discussing goals and dreams that we have for our lives. We’ll talk about ways that we can make our fortunes come true, and how we can overcome obstacles that we might face. We’ll write down our fortunes as a way to remember and help manifest our dreams. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for tea and cookies)
• Candy Making – We will make tasty flavored suckers using candy molds. Sugar-free options are also available (1 hour class plus ingredients) Please provide a microwave, freezer and clean-up sink.
• Gourmet Ice Cream – Create delicious ice cream treats using interesting and unusual toppings, ranging from sweet to savory to spicy. Sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in new ways! 1 hour class to make 3 toppings ($3 per person), or 90-minute class to make 5 toppings ($5 per person). Please provide cooking appliances (varies depending on recipes selected), clean-up sink, plates and utensils.
• The Fruits of Summer– Make 2-3 juicy and delicious recipes using summer stone fruits and berries, with some chocolate and ice cream to make it perfect! Learn some unusual flavor combinations in these easy-to-make recipes. (1 hour class plus ingredients) Please provide a microwave and freezer for 2 recipes, a stove for the 3rd recipe, clean-up sink, plates and utensils

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WINE AND CHEESE

• Wine and Cheese: The Perfect Pair – An interactive slideshow. Learn the interesting history and process of wine and cheese making, and the correct way to choose and taste different wines and cheeses. We’ll also learn which wines and cheeses go well together. We will also taste several different cheeses and non-alcoholic wines. (1 hour class plus ingredients) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow. Alcoholic wines may be served, if purchased and served by the client.

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HOLIDAY TREATS

Visit our Holiday Activities page for fun seasonal programs such as

• A Healthier Thanksgiving
• Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making
• Gourmet Ice Cream
• Viva Mexico!
• April in Paris

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RECIPE BOOKS

• Recipe Books – This program begins with a wonderful discussion group where people bring the recipes that are meaningful to them, and share the stories and memories that make the recipes so special to them. We then compile the recipes and stories, and publish it as a beautiful professional-looking cookbook.  The cookbooks make wonderful heirlooms for family and friends. (Time and cost varies, please contact us for options)

To view our other holiday programs click here

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Click on the categories below for a full program list

The creative arts are a wonderful opportunity to express individuality and be the sole creator of something beautiful that never before existed.  The act of creating something new, using materials with your own form of personal expression, can be very therapeutic and empowering.  Our projects have very flexible goals so that even those with limited experience, or limited abilities, can succeed in creating.  We demonstrate the techniques and guide the group through the learning process.  Our individual assistance helps take the fear out of getting started, even if this is their first art project.  And if anyone is having trouble seeing or using their hands, we can help them make it.  We can also hold an art party at the end of the class, with all of the students’ work on display.  The parties are a wonderful way for them and their families to learn new things about each other.

All programs are available in-person or by video

All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover, except Soap Making

Click on the categories below, or scroll down, for a full program list

• Art History And Culture
• Card Making
• Origami
• Drawing
• Painting
• Printing
• Soap Making
• Wreath Making
• Holiday Art Programs

ART HISTORY AND CULTURE

• Fun with Art History  This class explores the life and work of one particular artist (various artists are available). Participants will learn about the artist’s art and life, and will then explore his/her work through a hands-on art project. The class helps participants to reestablish ties with the past while becoming familiar with the special techniques of the artist. (1 hour class plus $5 per person for materials)
  • GEORGIA O’KEEFFE – American painter became famous for her larger than life flower paintings and of desert scenes and objects. Participants will draw a flower as if looking at it through a magnifying glass and color it in with craypas, paint or colored pencils. ( 1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • VINCENT van GOGH – Dutch painter famous for his bold brush strokes and vivid colors. Participants will recreate Starry, Starry Night (their own interpretation) using craypas on paper. ( 1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • GEORGES SEURAT – French painter known for his “dot” paintings. Participants will create a simple picture using q-tips as their paint brush. Using just primary colors, new colors will be formed by placing the dots very close together which will give the illusion of a different color. ( 1 hour class plus $ 3 per person for materials)
  • JOHN JAMES AUDUBON American painter who concentrated on painting all the birds of America true to size in their natural habitat. Participants will paint a bird of their choice using watercolor paints or colored pencil. – ( 1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
  • PABLO PICASSO – Spanish Cubist painter who simplified objects and people to geometric shapes. Participants will study the painting The Three Musicians and create a collage of cut colored paper of a musician and their instrument. ( 1 hour class plus $2.50 per person for materials)
• American Folk Art
  Discover the beginnings of American Folk Art and why it is still so popular today. Students will learn interesting facts of American history while creating their own Folk Art piece using different techniques and supplies.
  
  • Heart & Hand Paper Valentine – Tokens of love, friendship or an expression of esteem were very popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. Students will trace and cut their own hand or use a hand stencil using red or white paper. A paper heart will be cut to decorate the hand. A simple weaving technique will be used on the wrist part of the glove to finish it off. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • Sailor’s Treasure Box – While on whaling or cargo ships for months or years at a time, sailors needed a hobby to occupy their off-duty time.  Small wooden boxes were carved and decorated with shells and flowers, and brought home to their loved ones. Students will decorate a cardboard box using paint, shells and ribbon. (1 hour class plus $5 per person for materials)

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CARD MAKING

• Greeting Cards  – Make your own unique greeting cards for any special occasion or “just because”. We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person materials fee for 3 cards and envelopes per person)

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ORIGAMI

Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper to create abstract animals, birds, flowers and other objects. Participants will learn about the history of Origami and will then create a project of their own. Both basic and intermediate projects are available, depending on the abilities of the participants. (1 hour class plus $1.50 per person for materials)

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DRAWING

• Line – Discover the many wonderful things a line can be: straight, wavy, zig zag, and spiral. Using paper and an assortment of drawing tools we will explore the rich variety of the simple line. You may also choose to create a mandala or spiral design. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Stenciling – Using either the positive or negative portion of a stencil shape, stencil designs are a fun and easy way to use paint, markers, crayons and colored pencils. Stenciling can be done on fabric as well as paper. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)

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PAINTING

• Flower Pot Painting – Acrylic paint is applied to a clay flower pot, then decorated with stencils or free-hand painting to create a one of a kind container for your favorite plant. (1 hour class plus $4 per person for materials)
• Mini Birdhouse Decorating – Pre-made mini birdhouses are painted and decorated with various embellishments. The birdhouses look lovely on a shelf, or nestled among your houseplants. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
• Painted Rock Cactus Garden – Oddly shaped rocks are painted to look like cacti, and glued to a bed of sand. This garden makes a nice decorative piece with no care required! (1 hour class plus $5 per person for materials)

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PRINTING

• Stamp Printing – Personalized stamp images are designed and cut out of foam sheets, then glued onto blocks of wood.  The stamps are then inked onto paper to create unique patterns and designs. We will also work with novel stamping materials such as fruit and found objects to create interesting patterns and textures. This process can also be used to create beautiful personalized stationery. (1 hour class plus $5 per person for materials)

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SOAP MAKING
Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.

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WREATH MAKING
Make a beautiful wreath to decorate your wall or door using artificial flowers and greenery mounted on a pre-made wreath form. Wreaths can be themed to a season or holiday. Overhead cover recommended when displaying outdoors. (1 hour class plus $9 per person for 8-10″ wreath or $11 per person for an 18″ wreath. Optional 15″ long wreath hangers are $5 each.)

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HOLIDAY ART PROGRAMS

Visit our Holiday Activities page for fun seasonal programs such as

• Folk Art Snowman Art Project
• “Create a Snowy Day” Art Project
• Holiday Greeting Cards
• Holiday Soap Making

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Click on the categories below for a full program list