HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-12-03, Page 7Craft classes offer variety of artistic outlets
By Janice Becker
Citizen staff
From the delicate touches required for folk art painting and flower arranging to the eye for
detail in knitting an intricate pattern, local craft artists offer their expertise in classes for the
beginner and more knowledgeable crafters.
With the holiday season upon us and the cold of winter closing in, many are looking for ideas
to create a perfect holiday bouquet or a craft which can fill hours when snuggling at home.
Though many of the local craft classes are winding down for the season, Linda Wilson of
Unique Designs, is planning a few floral arranging sessions later in December.
She is offering silk arrangement lessons with Christmas themes as well as fresh flower
creations on the evening of Dec. 17 and possibly the morning of Dec. 19.
In creating the designs, Wilson says she like participants to bring a unique container in which
to arrange the flowers.
most of the classes, which range from season
specialties to beginner sewing, quilt-top creations,
and for those already planning for next summer,
lawn chair weaving.
Craig adds to the selection of crafts courses with
one-on-one knitting instruction.
With the wide variety of courses, Craig says every
age group, both male and female, attend.
In the beginner sewing class, there are a lot of
children from public school while men like the lawn
chair class, she says.
Though most classes are just one evening, the
beginner sewing sessions occur three evenings in a
row, while the quilt-top course is one night per week
for three weeks.
"We have to give the quilters time to get some
work done," she says.
At Olde Village Accents, owner Bev Elliott says
employee Nancy Hakkers hosted folk art painting
sessions through the fall, with the final classes over
the next couple weeks. From September to
December, Hakkers held six different courses.
Classes are set to begin again in February.
With participants ranging in age from young
women to older artists, Elliott says, everyone has
thoroughly enjoyed the courses.
"We have many first-time people and with only
six to eight in the class, they get a lot of individual
attention."
The popularity of the craft is also apparent as
Elliott says they draw participants from Teeswater
and Lucknow, to Centralia.
For Luann Taylor of Luann's Country Flowers, her
silk flower arranging courses are completed for this
year with the schedule to resume in the spring.
"I get people coming from Clinton, Wingham and
Brussels for the classes," she says, but fewer locals.
The price for most local craft courses range from $5 to
$10 plus materials, with a duration of two to six hours, over
one to three nights. Anyone interested in signing up may
call local crafters
for further inform
ation.
Now open 7 days a week, until Christmas
Fridays 'til 8, Sundays 12-5
"I have had people bring in everything from
old lanterns, a lamp base with cherubs and
even an old pulley," she says.
Though unsure about the pulley at first
consideration, Wilson says once it was painted
in red and green and the arrangement
completed, it looked very nice.
Saying she has used an old pump for her
creations, Wilson suggested people look in
their closets and sheds for unique containers,
for a personal touch.
Once a decision has been made on the
holder, Wilson says clients may purchase
material from her for the display or bring in a
collection of seasonal items as they did for fall
designs.
"We gathered weeds from roadsides," she
says.
Wilson also encourages people to call her
with ideas for crafts, if they have something
specific in mind. "I am open to ideas."
Marilyn Craig, at Stitches by MJ, is focusing
her craft courses on Christmas accessories as
well.
With only three weeks until the holiday,
Craig still has classes planned for the creation
of a handkerchief angel, Dec. 4, and a no-sew
Christmas ornament, Dec. 9.
Debbie Hakkers, Craig's daughter teaches
Quick Christmas accessory
Materials
1 lace appliqu^ (#977)
1 wooden 1/2" bead
2" string of 2.5 mm pearls
1 scented pebble (vanilla)
wrapped in plastic wrap
1 small satin rose
1/2 yd.-1/16" satin ribbon
washed ming fem
1-1" broach pin (optional)
Kits available at Stitches by MJ
Equipment
Scissors
Glue gun (optional)
Directions
1. From centre of appliqu^, pleat
back on each side (about three
pleats). Glue as you go till you can
see angel taking shape (see photo)
2. Glue head on top of appliqu€
between wings.
3. Glue pearls on top of head to form halo.
4. Cut 3" from 1/16" ribbon. Glue 3" piece around scented pebble, Set aside.
5. Using remaining ribbon, make a small loop bow with long, uneven tails. Secure
with wire. Glue to front of angel under chin.
6. Decorate with washed ming fem and small sating rose.
7. Glue scented pebble under dress, between pleats. (Apply glue to ribbon)
8. Glue broach pin to back of angel in middle of wings.
Optional use: Eliminate broach pin, glue additional length of ribbon to back to hang
as ornament
Created by Sharon Fitchie of Joan's Trim and Lace, 227 Ottawa St. N. Hamilton.
Beautiful
Ecru Throws
Embroidered and
personalized in
Christmas &
everyday designs
(personalized orders
by Dec. 15)
O L DE -tT7*’ .«<>
120 Queen St.
BLYTH 519-523-9187
OAniczue
CJcs/yns
by Linda
Christmas
Open Jdouse
Friday, Dec. 5
9 a.m. -12 noon
Saturday, Dec. 7
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
(519) 523-9605
370 King St. E., Blyth
Do you need gift ideas?
We have them
Pewter photo frames, gift baskets, baskets of gourmet
foods, bath products, candles & holders, twig
furniture & accessories, kitchen accessories, silk
arrangements and more.
Fresh Christmas arrangements
starting at $22.00
Gorgeous poinsettias $4.50 & up
Order a Hostess Bouquet $9.99 &
up to take to your next Christmas
gathering.
Christmas Count Down Special...
Three weeks 'til Christmas and you can save
$3.00 off any Pine Ridge Calendar (for wooden frame)
Dec. 4-10 Cash & Carry - no layaways
We deliver flowers to Clinton, Brussels, Seaforth, Goderich, Wingham and
area & we can send flowers anywhere with our 2 wire services
O Riltflora- *
d Luann's Country Flowers
519-523-4440 1-800-610-7757
117 Queen St., Blyth