BASIC SEWING 101 - PILLOWS
so you ended up with aunt edna's sewing machine and it's been gathering dust in the garage...bring your machine down and we'll set you up with all the basics. learn how to thread your machine, load and change the bobbin, back tack, drafting a simple pattern, cutting, a bit about fabric, what supplies you need and simple sewing techniques-like basic straight stitches and zig-zag stitches (used for appliques). then you’ll use your new skills to create an adorable pillow accented with an applique.

*please bring... your sewing machine and the manual for it-if you don’t have the manual check out sew4less.com or contact the manufacturer (if you don’t have a machine let us know- we have a few extras), 3/4 to 1 yard of fabric for your pillow that’s not stretchy and any scraps for appliques or embellishments like buttons, ribbon etc. (if you don’t have this you can choose from our fabrics and notions.)

SEWING PAJAMA PANTS & APPLIQUE CAMISOLE
utilize your basic sewing sewing skills and make comfy pants and embellish a camisole with a matching applique to create a fabulous set for your next pajama party or just look to hang around in. you'll learn how to work from a pattern. after the class you’ll have your pajama set and take home a pattern and all the knowledge to make more p.j.’s.

*please have basic knowledge of the sewing machine and straight and zig-zag stitches or take our basic sewing 101 class.

*please bring... your sewing machine (if you don’t have a machine let us know- we have a few extras), 2 yards of fabric for your pants that’s not stretchy-cotton or flannel would be best and 1/4 yard of a contrasting fabric for the tie and appliques, and scraps for appliques or embellishments like buttons, ribbon etc... also bring a tank top or tee to match your pants that will can/will reconstruct/embellish to make a matching set.

RETRO APRONS
next time your in the kitchen look super stylish in your vintage inspired apron. we’ll make a pattern, design, cut and sew a full aprons with pockets in this class. you’ll leave with your new apron, a pattern and all the know-how to make more aprons at home.

*please have basic knowledge of the sewing machine and straight and zig-zag stitches or take our basic sewing 101 class.

*please bring... your sewing machine (if you don’t have a machine let us know- we have a few extras), 1 1/2 -2 yards of fabric for your apron that’s not stretchy (a cotton print works the best) and any scraps (for pockets, ties, appliques or embellishments like buttons, ribbon etc.

PURSES 101
in this fun and truly functional class you'll create a purse to cart around all your stuff. first we'll make a pattern for your bag and then we'll get down to business and sew it. feel free to bring any embellishments for your project to create appliques, pockets or other extras.

*please have basic knowledge of the sewing machine and straight and zig-zag stitches or take our basic sewing 101 class.

*please bring... your sewing machine (if you don’t have a machine let us know- we have a few extras), bring 1 yard of fabric for the outer bag-a medium weight-like denim, canvas or heavy cotton and 1 yard of fabric for the lining-cotton or similar weight.

CHIC & SIMPLE BAGS &WALLETS

Take your basic sewing skills to the next level in this fun & functional class as you create simple yet classic small accessories. You will learn all the skills needed to make a slew of make-up bags, wallets, change purses or any other small bags. You’ll design your own pieces and then learn all the in’s & out’s of zippers, buttons, snaps to make your new creation professional and adorable.

*please have basic knowledge of the sewing machine and straight and zig-zag stitches or take our basic sewing 101 class.

*please bring... your sewing machine (if you don’t have a machine let us know- we have a few extras)

*feel free to bring in any fabrics or notions for your bags or use ours.

CREATING HOMEMADE SPA GOODIES
next time you slip into the bath and relax you can use your own handmade bath and body goodies. we'll create a full line of products focusing on natural and easy to find ingredients and then personalize them with creative packaging using fabulous papers and collage materials. you'll leave this class with three full sets including salt and sugar scrubs, bath 'cookies' (exfoliating bath salt bars that look like cookies), soaps, bath salt sachets, moisturizing lip balms, and lip glosses perfect to keep or give as gifts.

*bring in any papers or images to decorate your containers and any empty jars or feel free to use ours. you'll also get a resource list for ingridients so you can make more goodies at home.

BOOKMAKING
instead of buying a journal or sketchbook make your own. we bring bookmaking down to the basics so you can make blank books simply and with little cost. you’ll learn about some essential techniques, terminology and applications for the tools used to create professional handmade books. we’ll provide all the supplies and know how for this project and you’ll leave with your books, all the smarts to make more in varying sizes and a guidebook including supply resources to help you along.

*please bring... any fun papers or images for you book if you have them or feel free to choose from our selection.

SCREENPRINTING 101
this intensive workshop is designed to give you a basic understanding of the art of screenprinting. you will each build your own one color press to use in class and take home as well as explore water-based printing, go over the basic supplies and techniques, print your images on both paper and fabric and learn about drying methods. this class focuses on printing techniques and not on burning a screen. we will however explore some easy diy ways to get our images onto the screen and ready to print. when you leave the class you’ll have all the know how to print everything from your own stationary and paper goods to clothing. you'll also have all the supplies to keep on printing at home... including: your own one color press, squeggee, and screen with your image on it.

*you will need to email your black and white image for printing one week before class.

*please bring one to 5 pieces of clothing to print your image on as well as any paper you’d like to print on.

QUICK HANDMADE CRAFTS

in this fun and efficient class we will master new skills and whip out ready to go professional looking crafts to keep or have on hand for last minute gifts. we’ll make natural soy candles and pair them with a cute decoupaged matchboxes, a selection of felt & fabric brooches, pins or hairclips and create decoupage collage pendants we'll turn into jewelry.

*please bring any cute papers, fabrics for collage as well as any containers or jars for candles or feel free to use ours!

CRAFTY KIDS PARTY
your little one has a birthday coming up- instead of the same old cake and games routine try a crafty party! random nicole will come to the party (or you can have it in our studio) with all the supplies to turn the day into an unforgettable experience of crafting and fun. the best part is the kids get to take home thier very own creations. we can tailor a class and project to fit the need, age and skills of the guests. some projects include... decoupaged birdhouses, applique tees, slumber party sleeping tee and tote, ‘dough’ jewelry, screenprinting, my first journal, bath & body goodies and more!

*fee, date and time depend on the class. just email nicole for details or to set-up a party.

TRANFORMING YOUR TEES
this long-awaited class is the perfect chance to transform your old tees into one of a kind edgy tops. so clean out your closet or head to thrift store and pick up those forgotten tees that are too big or too plain & boring. in this class we will reconstruct and refashion your tees giving them new life through unique techniques in cutting, sewing, appliqué, ruching, stitching, embellishing and stenciling. the best part is you don’t need previous crafting experience--- just show up with 4-8 tees (at least 1, preferably 2 that are too big) that you’re ready to transform.

*please bring any embellishments, fabrics, notions etc to spice up your tees or feel free to use ours!

CREATING SUSTAINABLE MOSS TERRARIUMS
with roots in victorian england, the terrarium (or wardian cases as they
were originally) is a garden craft that has adapted easily to contemporary
styles. rather than the diminutive stained glass palaces that were in vogue
in the 1900s, we’ve pared the terrarium down to miniature moss wonderlands
comfortably housed in anything from an empty pickle jar to a footed
apothecary. learn how to create a sustainable moss terrarium along with
polymer clay landscaping, and leave with two completed pieces. green thumb
not necessary.

*we’ll have a selection of containers and mosses available, but if you have
something special in mind we encourage you to bring it along.

EDGY TEXTILE ACCESSORIES
this class will spark your creativity as you learn some basic techniques of working with textiles to create one of a kind pins, headbands, hairclips, necklaces and more. we’ll explore three techniques to make our finished pieces…
-vintage inspired flowers created from yarn, wire, string and raffia on looms
-retro fabric sewn yo-yo circles
-felt as a medium to create unique designs
you’ll finish your pieces by learning how to turn the completed designs into wearable art with some basic sewing and jewelry making skills.

MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE JEWELRY
have you ever seen funky collage jewelry and thought…
“i could do that! hmmm… but how?”
well… your chance is here!
in this unique class you learn the skills and techniques of creating one of kind necklaces, bracelets, pins, earrings, magnets and more using simple inexpensive materials. you’ll learn elements of design, color, collage and some basic jewelry making techniques and create several one of a kind artsy jewelry pieces that reflects your sense of style.
we’ll explore 3 genres…
1. creating pendants using scrabble tiles and photos
2. transform discarded “trash” like cardboard, paper and newspaper into vintage inspired handmade brooches & bracelets
3. combine elements of collage, jewelry and ceramics to create personalized beads from clay, photos and half marbles.

* Please bring… any fabric scraps to work with or just use ours!

CANDLES 101- an intro to making soy candles
create your own incredibly scented container candles and votives using soy wax – a great alternative to paraffin for a cleaner longer burning candle that doesn’t release carcinogens. your finished candles will be gift ready when you decorate the jars and pair them with a decoupaged matchbox. you’ll also find out where to get all the supplies to keep making more candles at home.

*please bring any containers you want to use for candles or paper and collage materials to decoupage with or feel free to use ours.

INTRODUCTION TO CREATING HANDMADE PAPER

learn all the basics of simple diy papermaking in this workshop. you’ll build your own papermaking mold and screen frame to use in class and take home. a variety of fibers and textures are explored as we discover the art of papermaking. we’ll learn how to reuse and recycle things into paper as well as get creative with embedding things like thread, dried flowers, seeds, color etc into our paper. use your new skills to create one of kind business cards, greeting cards, wrapping paper, art projects, handmade books… the possibilities are endless after your master these simple techniques.

WHAT'S THIS BUTTON DO?-BASIC DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHY

got a digital SLR but don’t really know how to use it? be the master of your camera. learn all the basics of photography in this 3 hour photo workshop. from simple composition to the technical mumbo jumbo on your camera, unlock all the fun and potential hidden in that little view finder. hours of fun and a lifetime of memories.
instruction includes composition, digital formats, lenses, f-stops, shutter speeds, flash and discussions on software for your photography.

what to bring: your camera and manual

HOLA VINO Y QUESO- INTRO TO CHEESE & WINE TASTING & PAIRING: FOCUS ON SPAIN

two local cheesemongers will walk you through the basics of pairing cheese and wine, focusing on the region of spain. this class will enable you to confidently have your own cheese and wine party, and inform you about different types of cheeses and why they pair with certain wines. You will also be tasting three wines and three cheeses so you can experience that a good pairing can elevate your taste buds to new levels! A "cheat sheet" will be yours to take home so you can throw your own party!

*please note that all participants must be 21 or over.

KNITTING 101

learn the bare basics of knitting: from casting on, the knit and purl stitches, binding off, checking gauge and reading simple knit patterns. in this 2-hour beginning class you will knit up a sample of swatches and learn to fix minor mistakes.
please bring to class: 1) at least 100 yards of worsted weight yarn - make sure that your yarn does not have any novelties, ie: eyelashes, bobbles, chenille, etc, and is not black). you can check yarn labels for worsted weight yarn. if you're not sure - it doesn't hurt to ask! 2) a pair of small scissors. 3) a tape measure 4) a blunt tipped darning needing 5) size US 8 needles - you can choose straight needles or circular needles. if you're planning on attending the knitting 201 class, you will need size US 8 - 16" circular needle. 6) of course, your excited self, ready to take on an awesome hand made craft.

KNITTING 201

let's move beyond just using knit and purl stitches. in this next installment, we're going to learn how to increase and decrease stitches, change color, and a basic cable. students will learn about pattern repeats and will do home with the beginning of a hat that is knitted in the round.
please bring to class: 1) at least 200 yards of worsted weight yarn - unlike knitting 101, go wild! - choose different colors, textures, and fibers. just make sure that it is similar to worsted weight yarn. you can check yarn labels for worsted weight yarn. if you're not sure - it doesn't hurt to ask! 2) a pair of small scissors. 3) a tape measure 4) a blunt tipped darning needing 5) size us 8 - 16" circular needles 6) of course, your excited self, ready to take on an awesome hand made craft!

prerequisite: knitting 101 of knowledge of basic knitting

BASIC PRINTING MINI-WORKSHOP

rubber stamps can be used with all kinds of art forms, limited only by your imagination. when you carve your own rubberstamps there truly are no limits to their use in your creative endeavors.
join us for a demonstration of the basics of carving rubber stamps, including: 1) transferring your design to your carving material, 2) carving tools and carving technique, 3) printing and registration
tools and carving material will be available for participants to try carving for themselves. everyone will be encouraged to stamp enough atcs to swap with each other, following an age-old rubber stamp carving tradition of swapping images.
everyone will receive an instructional handout and a set of ideas to choose from for potential carvings.

basic rubberstamp tool kits will be available for sale.

APPLIQUE HEADBANDS & HAIRCLIPS

the perfect class for beginning crafters to explore their creativity or for experienced crafters to add a few new skills to their repertoire. learn some basic hand-sewing skills * stitches and how to create a few simple but versatile designs, like fabric rosettes & yo-yo’s as well as felt flowers. embellish your appliqués with our varied selection of fabrics, felts, buttons, feathers and other notions then turn your masterpieces into headbands & hairclips. .

THE CHEESE & BREW CREW

two local cheesemongers will walk you through the basics of pairing cheese and beer. this class will enable you to confidently have your own cheese and beer party, and inform you about different types of cheeses and why they pair with certain beers. all beers will be from southern california. you will also be tasting three beers and three cheeses so you can experience that a good pairing can elevate your taste buds to new levels! a "cheat sheet" will be yours to take home so you can throw your own party!

RECYCLED PAPER JOURNALS

with paper from the recycle bin we will create numerous sheets of paste paper and bind them into a fun and funky journal (approx. 4.25"x 5.5"). with a variety of colored paste we will create patterns with "found" stamps allowing the texture of the paper to show through. you will learn how easy it is to carve your own rubber stamp images (up to 6 images) and make your own unique marks in the paste. no previous carving experience required. come prepared to get messy.

COLLAGE PENDANT JEWELRY
have you ever seen funky collage jewelry and thought…
“i could do that! hmmm… but how?”
well… your chance is here!
in this unique class you learn the skills and techniques of creating one of kind necklaces, pins, earrings, rings & earrings and more using simple materials. you’ll learn elements of design, color, collage and some basic jewelry making techniques. we’ll explore using scrabble and game piece tiles and photos to create several one of a kind artsy jewelry pieces that reflect your sense of style.

*please bring… any fabric scraps to work with or just use ours!
.

PRINTING ECO-TOTES
never be embarrassed by taking an albertson's shopping bag into trader joe's again. now you can proudly take your own beautifully designed shopping bag into any store. they also make a unique gift bag. we will learn how to carve a large rubber stamp, (no previous carving experience required, all tools and materials provided) and print on your 100% cotton shopping bag.
*additional blank shopping bags will be available for sale during the workshop.

*be sure to wear clothes that can get paint on them & magnifying glasses/cheaters 2x or 3x if you need them

CRAFT & A MOVIE: PRETTY IN PINK

watch pretty in pink on the BIG screen- and get inspired as you watch molly ringwald craft herself an indie prom dress from the store-bought one her dad bought. we have TONS and TONS of thrift store clothes for you to sift through as you search for the perfect pieces to reconstruct into your new pieces. helpers will be on hand to assist with basic hand stitching and appliqué techniques. feel free to bring your own unwanted clothes for someone else to discover, treasure and redo. bring a snack or drink to share if you'd like.

PICKLING & PRESERVING

make the most of your garden by preserving and pickling your extra produce! two local personal chefs will teach you to make stove top jams and pickled vegetables with a twist. We will provide a variety of produce for you to choose from, or bring your own! Keep for yourself or give as a unique gift!

*Please bring a small cutting board, knife for cutting and a large spoon, we will provide two mason

AROUND THE WORLD WITH CHEESE

taste cheeses from italy, spain, england, france, holland and the u.s. learn how cheese is made and the history behind the craft. two local cheesemongers will discuss different cheese making practices and why certain cheeses are controlled by the government (much like certain wines). you will also learn how to pair condiments and accompaniments with cheeses. a "cheat sheet" will be yours to take home so you can throw your own party.