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.

• 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 weeks, 90 minutes per week – 3 hours total. Please contact us for pricing) 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 – Holiday Decorating Help – We can help decorate one room or several using your decorations, or we can purchase decorations for you. We unpack them and put them up, creating beautiful artistic arrangements and displays for you and your guests to enjoy. When the holidays are over, we will help organize and pack them away for next year. (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

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.

•  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, so
  il, 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. Planting activities vary, please contact us for options) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• 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)

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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.

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)
• Vegetarian Cooking 101 – Take the confusion out of becoming vegetarian! Learn the benefits of a vegetarian diet, how to get started, and how to get all the nutritional intake you need while following a delicious and nutritious meat-free diet. We will also talk about the environmental and moral reasons why people choose vegetarianism. 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 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

• International Cooking Class – Same as above, focusing on one country and doing a hands-on cooking activity of a typical dish from that country. (1 hour class plus ingredients) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• 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.
• 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.

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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, or 90 minute class to make 5 toppings, plus cost of ingredients) 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

• Holiday Class – A Healthier Thanksgiving – New twists on your favorite Thanksgiving classics. Lighter and healthier versions sure to satisfy you and your guests. We will also learn new recipes that are sure to become “old classics”, 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)
• Holiday Class – Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Great for any holiday! Participants will learn cake decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus ingredients)
• Holiday Class – Gourmet Ice Cream – Great for any summer holiday or event! 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, or 90 minute class to make 5 toppings, plus cost of ingredients) Please provide cooking appliances (varies depending on recipes selected), clean-up sink, plates and utensils.
• Holiday Class – 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.
• Holiday Class – 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!

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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.

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

• Art History And Culture
• Card Making
• Drawing
• Painting
• Printing
• Paper And Collage
• Origami
• Soap Making
• Jewelry 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)
  • LOUISE NEVELSON – American sculptor specializing assembling and carving scraps of wood. Participants will create a pasta sculpture that is supported by a box top. They will then paint their sculpture in black, white or gold paint just as Louise painted hers.  (1 hour class plus $3 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)
  • HENRI MATISSE – French painter turned collage artist due to an illness. Participants will create an abstract collage using freeform shapes which they cut out from very colorful paper. ( 1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • CLAUDE MONET – French Impressionist painter famous for his Water Lily Pond. Participants will recreate their version using sponge brushes and paint. ( 1 hour class plus $3 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. – ( 1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
  • GRANT WOOD – American painter famous for his American Gothic painting started out as a boy painting chickens and roosters on his father’s farm. Participants will paint a chicken or rooster while learning the art of “feathering”. ( 1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
  • GIUSEPPE ARCIMBOLDO – 16th Century Italian painter who painted flowers and vegetables in place of facial features and created very unique portraits. Participants will create their self portrait by cutting
    out catalog pictures of fruits and vegetables. ( 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)
• Art Travelogue
  During this fun, relaxed approach to art, students “visit” a foreign country and learn the type of art originating from there. We will also create our own “passport” to show each country visited by making a hand stamped image representing that country.
  • CHINA
    • Class 1: Block Prints – Students create a simple design on paper which is then traced onto a styrofoam tray. The design is transferred onto paper using a stamp pad or paint and sponge. Repetition of this pattern creates an entirely new design. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
    • Class 2: Book Cover – We use our designs from Class 1 to create a cover for a handmade book. (1 hour class plus $4 per person for materials)
  • BRITISH COLUMBIA – Paper Sewing
    The Inuit natives of British Columbia told stories of their life by making hooked rugs which were both functional and decorative. Students will create a paper “rug” using an animal as the main focus and sewing the animal to a paper background. ($3 per person for materials. 90 minute class – please contact us for pricing)
  • FRANCE – Notre Dame Stained Glass Window
    Using special colored acetate that has been treated with black wax, students “scratch” away the wax to reveal colorful designs they have drawn underneath. This makes a beautiful sun catcher for your window. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • JAPAN
    • Class 1: Marbling on Paper – Students learn two different techniques of marbling on paper. One uses shaving cream, the other uses Ivory liquid and water. Drops of India ink or food coloring are used to create the designs. We use our designs from Class 1 to create a cover for a handmade book. (1 hour class plus $2.50 per person for materials)
    • Class 2: Book Cover – We use our designs from Class 1 to create a cover for a handmade book. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials)
  • CARIBBEAN – Sailor’s Shell Box
    Students paint a small cardboard box, then decorate it with sea shells and ribbon. We then line the interior with fabric. The box can be used to hold jewelry, or other special treasures. (1 hour class plus $5 per person for materials)
  • RUSSIA – Nesting Doll
    We read the book “The Littlest Matryoshka” to help students learn about this traditional art form. Students then paint their own doll on a piece of wood in traditional colors, which can later can be hung on the wall. ($3 per person for materials. 90 minute class – please contact us for pricing)
  • IRELAND – Illumination
    Illumination is the Celtic art of decorative lettering used to enhance books and holy texts before the printing press was invented. Students choose one letter and create designs which become part of the letter, using markers and gold paint. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • AUSTRALIA – Dot & X-Ray Painting
    The Aborigines told stories of their beginnings through “dream” paintings. Symbols represented different aspects of their heritage, and they painted them with dots and lines. This is a fun and easy way to tell a story through painting. (1 hour class plus $2.50 per person for materials)
  • AFRICA
    • Mask Making – Students create one of two styles of traditional masks. The first is drawn on paper and filled in with markers, colored beans and raffia. The second is drawn on foil and the designs are embossed. (1 hour class. Materials fee of $2 per person for paper masks and $4 per person for foil masks.)
    • Mancala Game – Mancala is a traditional African game of strategy using beans on a hollowed out piece of wood. Students paint an egg carton to represent the Mancala board. Playing the game afterwards is part of the fun! (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
    • Mancala Game and Pouch – Same as above, plus students sew a small fabric pouch to hold the beans. ($3 per person for materials. 90 minute class – please contact us for pricing)
  • MEXICO
    • Tin Art – Students create a framed mirror using a foil sheet. The sheet is then embossed, and needle sized holes are punched into the designs. A small mirror is then glued in the center of the design and the bottom is adorned with wire and beads. ($5 per person for materials. 90 minute class – please contact us for pricing)
    • Bark Painting – Amate bark painting is made from special bark that has been pounded into paper. Students use a brown paper bag that has been textured with crayon to create a painting of animals, flowers and designs. Neon paint and a black marker complete this colorful project. ($3 per person for materials. 90 minute class – please contact us for pricing)
• 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.
  
  • Ice Fishing Decoy – Decoys have been used to lure fish since prehistoric times. Students will design and paint a traced or hand drawn fish on a wooden board. (1 hour class plus $4 per person for materials)
  • Weather Vanes
    • Using green construction paper, metallic crayons, and popsicle sticks, students will design a weather vane representing themselves in the form of a hobby, interest or past occupation. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
    • For a more involved weather vane project, copper foil can be embossed in place of paper. (1 hour class plus $6 per person for materials)
  • 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 make their own box using cardboard, and decorate them with paint, shells and ribbon. (1 hour class plus $5 per person for materials)
  • Theorem Painting – Theorem painting became popular during the 1840’s. Students will create a still life painting of a fruit basket on fabric or paper using stencils and pastels or paint. A simple application of fabric paint with a sponge will complete this traditional style of painting. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
  • Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Sign – Hex signs or barn signs have been a apart of a sign of faith, part of the legends and superstitions of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Students are guided to create their own designs using samples of hex signs, or they can color pre-printed designs. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • Fraktur Birth Certificate – The Pennsylvania Dutch were also known for their fanciful and ornate birth certificates. On a pre-printed birth certificate, students will decorate around the wording in the style of the Pennsylvania-German illuminated text using markers and gold paint. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
  • Penny Rugs – In colonial times rugs were used to cover furniture instead of floors. Fabric circles (“pennies”) cut into graduating sizes are either glued or sewn onto a felt background to create a colorful, decorative piece of art. Buttons are also used for embellishment.
    
    • Glue method – 1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials
    • Sewing method – $3 per person for materials. 2 hour class, please contact us for pricing.
  • Cross Stitch Sampler – One of the first sewing projects a child learns is a cross stitch sampler. Usually they stitch the letters of the alphabet as a means of practicing their stitching skills and learning the alphabet at the same time. Students will mark out their initials on gingham fabric. They will cross stitch their initials, then sew a running stitch around the edge to attach it to a background. This can be used as a wall hanging or tabletop cover. ($3 per person for materials. 2 hour class – please contact us for pricing)

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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 $2 per person for materials)

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DRAWING

• Zentangle – This therapeutic approach to drawing is similar to doodling, and takes the intimidation out of drawing. Different shaped spaces are filled in with repetitive lines to create pleasing and calming patterns. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Tree – Drawing a tree can seem intimidating, but with this easy step-by-step procedure a beautiful tree can be created. The fun continues by giving the tree a “personality” by adding special embellishments of your choosing. Adding leaves, birds, snow and seasonal themes creates limitless pieces of art. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
  
• 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)

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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)
• Styrofoam Printing – This is a variation of a beautiful form of fine arts etching. Images are drawn or traced onto styrofoam sheets. The surface is then coated with printing ink and paper is pressed on top, revealing a white line contour drawing in reverse. Each piece is one of a kind, but can be printed several times to create a limited edition series. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
• Found Object Printing – Using a sponge brush and paint, a variety of “found” objects can be used to print varied and interesting patterns on paper. The simple technique of rotating the paper while printing creates a new design. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)

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PAPER AND COLLAGE

• A Collage of Me! Create a visual story of yourself using collage and drawing to illustrate your feelings and interests. Select photos from magazines that tell your story, and combine them with easy drawing techniques. The stories are always interesting and complex, and we encourage you to share important discoveries about yourself. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
  
• Paper Weaving – Strips of colorful construction paper are woven together to create abstract patterns. Ribbons, lace and thinner cut paper are used to enhance the design. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Yarn Weaving – Using cardboard, paper or plastic plates, we will create colorful and beautiful yarn designs. The simple over/under weaving pattern can be a very relaxing experience. Experimental patterns can be created also. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Celebrating Me! – Our artist will take portrait photos of each participant, then each person will decorate their own picture frame to reflect their tastes and personality, and place their photo in the frame. 
• Box Owls – Felt, wool, feathers and paper are glued to a box to create a decorative owl that looks wonderful as a shelf decoration. (1 hour class plus $2.50 per person for materials)
• Rock Gardens – Flat rocks are decorated with pictures of flowers to create a “garden” that is both colorful and carefree. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Bean Mosaic – Beans and seeds are glued to a mat board to create designs and patterns reflecting a variety of colors and textures. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)

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ORIGAMI
A traditional Japanese art of folding paper to create animals, flowers and other beautiful objects

• Dog or Cat Face – Fold a cat or dog face, then use crayons or paint to add a body, food dish and other details. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Tulip Time in Holland – Fold springtime tulips blooming in a field in Holland with a paper windmill in the background. Crayon or paint to add accents for a special Spriing scene. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Japanese Kimono and House – Fold a person in a kimono standing next to their home. Use crayon or paint to add landscape features to finish the scene. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Sailboats on Lake Erie – Fold colorful sailboats. Using crayons and watercolors, finish the peaceful summer scene with houses on the shoreline overlooking the lake. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Lotus Blossom – Fold a beautiful multicolor free standing lotus blossom on its lotus pad. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)

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SOAP MAKING
Learn how to make quick and easy scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. While the soap is cooling we’ll learn about the history of soap making, decorate bags to keep our soaps in, and even have a fun sing along if there’s time. (1 hour class plus ingredients – $2 per soap for basic packaging, $3 per soap for holiday packaging)  If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.

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JEWELRY MAKING

• Necklace Making – Make beautiful and unique necklaces using various beads and other stringable items. We’ll also add personal touches using paints and different types of cord materials.

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HOLIDAY ART PROGRAMS

• Holiday Activity – Folk Art Snowman Art Project – Painting and glued objects to create a wooden folk art snowman. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Holiday Activity – “Create a Snowy Day” Art Project – A torn paper art project to create a wintry wonderland. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Holiday Activity – Holiday Greeting Cards – Make your own unique greeting cards for any holiday. We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Holiday Activity – Holiday Soap Making – Make quick and easy scented soaps to give as gifts for any holiday. While the soap is cooling we’ll learn about the history of soap making, decorate gift bags for our soaps, and even have a fun sing along if there’s time. (1 hour class plus $3 per soap for ingredients) If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.

To view our other holiday programs click here

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Click on the categories below for a full program list

We can turn off the radio, we can walk past a museum, and we can choose not to write poetry.  But we cannot avoid architecture.  Buildings form the backdrop for almost all of our activities: we live in them, work in them, shop in them, and learn in them.  Architecture is part of the essential “food, clothing, and shelter” triad.  Our experience of the built environment begins when we are young, with memories of our childhood home.  It continues through all phases of our lives and becomes an important part of our life experience.

• The Architectural History of Cleveland (1835-1931) – Step back through time from an architectural perspective and learn about the buildings that have helped to shape Cleveland’s skyline as well as its rich history. Students will learn the interesting stories behind each building, as well as why they are an important part of Cleveland history. (1 hour class) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow. This class can also make a fun and interesting guided bus tour for groups. Please contact us to discuss this option.
• Residential Building Styles of Cleveland Class – An interactive slideshow. Learn how to recognize the characteristics of the prominent residential design styles in Cleveland.  Students will learn about the materials and features that make each style unique, the function of various parts of the structure and details, and how to identify each style. It’s a great way to understand the history of the neighborhoods we call home. (1 hour class) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Home Adaptability (for individuals living at home) – An interactive slideshow. This program teaches people how their homes can be adapted to accommodate physical and mental health challenges. We will discuss specialty products and construction projects that help people live safely and comfortably in their homes – things like making the bathtub easier to get into, installing door hardware that is easier to grasp, and accommodations for wheelchairs. We will study simple, inexpensive product options for earlier stages of adaptability; all the way up to more complex projects for later stages. This class is helpful for those who wish to Age-In-Place, as well as families who have someone with physical challenges living with them. (1 hour class) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Life History Museum (for group communities) – If your building has an extra room or an extra corner in the lobby, we can create a museum display where people contribute artifacts or heirlooms from their lives, or artwork they have created.  The stories behind the display items are written out, to explain their significance.  This can be either a permanent or temporary installation; and it can be a changing display, where the items on display are varied throughout the year. (Time and cost varies, please contact us for options)

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Click on the categories below for a full program list