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TCC Handmade

Button-Tufted Family Tree

Friday class registration closed. Saturday open. Memory crafting is something Big Picture teachers Stacy and Wendy are experts at conceptualizing, with their combined experience of 20+ years in the scrapbooking industry. Spend time in this workshop creating a memory display piece that represents your personal heritage. You will make a button-tufted family tree that will be housed in a hollow frame, made from up-cycled wood. Learn the basics of upholstery tufting, wood staining, and paper crafting. You'll also make the foundation of a mini-album that will be displayed with your piece to tell your favorite family stories. We can’t wait for you to join us in creating an heirloom piece that you will proudly display in your home for years to come!

Woodland Sewing Set

Friday Class-Open. Saturday Class-Registration Closed. Betz White teaches her adorable felt trio, The Woodland Sewing Set. In this class you'll learn to make a woodsy tree stump pincushion, an owl scissor case, and toadstool tape measure. The $25 Kit Fee, payable to the instructor at the time of class, includes all the materials you'll need: pattern, felt, trims, and tape measure. Knowledge of basic sewing machine operation is required. Sewing machines will be available, but feel free to bring your own.

Cage Contender-Whimsically Edgy Pendant

Pair your favorite found objects with steel wire for a whimsically edgy pendant, ring, or both-in-one! Cage Contender teaches you how to capture any object—drilled or un-drilled, found or unfound—inside an intriguing and fun wire bezel. This transferable technique will work for any number of item sizes and shapes, and with all wire types. Neck ring design and creation is covered along with steel wire manipulation, forging, and finishing!

Materials provided for attendee use in class:

  • Tool set designated for use with steel wire
  • Hammer and hammering surface
  • Files
  • Wire brushes and steel wool
  • Tissue
  • Finishing wax and application rag
  • Ring/other mandrels
  • White pencil

Materials provided in kit (additional materials fee of   $30 is payable at workshop):

  • Several gauges of steel wire
  • Cage-able found objects and trinkets for three focal cages
  • Ear plugs
  • Neck ring and bangle size templates
  • Handout

Wrangled Bangles

Fashion your own set of bangles by shaping, forging, drilling, texturing, twisting, and looping steel wire into edgy urban style. A fun grouping of trinkets, objects, and beads will be given to each attendee, but do bring your own to add and make as many Wrangled Bangles as time will allow! Jump ring forming will be covered as well as steel wire forging and finishing. Techniques are adaptable to other wire types!

Professional Image: Distinguishing Your Personal Style as your Professional Identity

In the professional image workshop, you will learn basic theories of personal style and how to apply them towards a distinct, polished persona. In this course you will:
  • Discover your personal color typing - makeup, hair color, and wardrobe.
  • Identify your body type.
  • Categorize style types.
  • Master your individual look - current and professional.
  • Take home an exclusive style look book.

Inspiration Boards

Come learn how to keep your creative energy up and your projects organized with the use of inspiration boards and inspiration collections. In an action-packed three hours we will run through countless techniques to keep your visual inspirations together and useable for all of your design and craft projects. Learn different ways to hang your inspiration collections on the wall, fun collage and journaling techniques, as well as a clearer starting point for your creative voice. No matter how you express yourself, be it decorating, scrapbooking, card making, quilting, cooking, or crafting of any kind, organized inspiration boards and collections will help you be more productive and achieve your creative goals. We will finish the class with a portable inspiration board you can take home!

Lovely Ladies, Layers & Lines

Friday Class Open-Saturday Class Registration Closed. In this class, we aim to erase many of your artistic fears while giving you the tools and confidence it takes to create a gorgeous multimedia portrait of a stylish retro gal. You'll be tracing, painting, cutting and pasting, collaging, and color washing, etc. We promise that no prior experience in drawing, painting, or collage is necessary. Aside from freeing yourself to create, what’s great about this workshop is that you’ll leave with a unique piece of portrait art for your home. In the end, you'll create a piece of artwork that uses all of the techniques taught during the class. Each student will leave with a read-to-hang canvas showcasing her new artistic skill set!

Paper Fun with the Toymaker

Creator of the award-winning website, www.thetoymaker.com, Marilyn Scott-Waters will take simple paper and show how cutting, pasting, and folding create simply delightful toys. Join Marilyn as she teaches you how to make a koi kite, paper butterfly, miniature fairy book, cornucopia, and an accordion folder! She'll demonstrate tips, tricks, and more. Skill level: beginner. Materials supplied: paper. Printed instructions and tips will be given to each student. Skill level: beginner. Materials supplied: paper. Printed instructions and tips will be given to each student.

Looped Jewelry

Using linen, copper, and other wires, students will learn the technique of “looping.”  There will be many options for shape and design, and students will work on several small projects that can be used as necklaces, small sculptures, or other jewelry. Driftwood, rocks, found objects, tumbled glass, and recycled items can be used, both as molds and as a unique part of these pieces. Students should bring their own found objects to work with. Students will have the opportunity to start several pieces and use both wire and soft fibers for looping. Although students may not finish in the class time, they will have the material and instructions to complete the work on their own.

DREAM BIG Business Art Journal

You will be guided through creative exercises in painting, collage, and doodling during this workshop to build your “Dream B.I.G.” creative business art journal. This inspiration NOTEBOOK will be filled with colorful pages ready for you to brainstorm your dreams, lists, goals, images, and ideas to promote YOU. It’s never too late to DREAM BIG. This workshop is designed to go hand-in-hand with my DISCOVERING Y.O.U. art marketing class but you may also take the class independently if you’d like to learn how to create an art journal. $40 materials/kit fee, payable to the instructor, includes:
  • DREAM BIG art journal kit - this is a paper/fabric kit with creative inserts, tabs, stickers and collage sheets for your journal.
  • Acrylic or watercolor paint
  • Tulip fashion graffiti/fabric sprays
  • Tulip Slick dimensional paint
  • Printing plate
  • Mark making tool kit
  • Paper towels
  • Collage Pauge
  • India ink
  • Gesso
  • Miscellaneous paint brushes
  • Sharpie markers/Sakura gel pens/Prismacolor pencils
  • Colored masking tape
  • Freezer paper
  • Bookbinding tools - needles/waxed polyester/binder clips/awl
  • Metal rulers
  • Pens/markers/crayons/oil pastels
  • Stamps/stencils

Illustrating Children’s Books A-Z

Learn everything there is to know about illustrating children’s books! Starting with a manuscript, this course will take you step-by-step through the process of illustrating a book. You will learn how to layout the story, select what is important in the story to illustrate, why, and how to tell the story through the illustrations. You will also learn publishing terminology, insider tips on what children love in picture books, common mistakes to avoid, and how to get your work published. For this class, you will need a sketchpad, pencil, and a story—either one that you wrote or a story you like. A classic fairytale is a good choice and easy to find online without illustrations. Please do not bring an illustrated book. Feel free to bring a work-in-progress or your portfolio for tips and critiques!

Illustrated Travel Journal

Travel helps to open our eyes to everyday sights and events that are difficult to see in our daily lives. In a specially designed workbook created by Lizzy House, you'll work on illustrative components to create your own travel journal for your next trip. Whether traveling to Europe or walking down a familiar street, learn to keep track of scenes that strike a chord with you. Though this is an illustration class, it's also a travel class that teaches you how to bring a new awareness to recording the adventures in your life. Choose to remember.

Peep Boots

Friday class, registration closed. Saturday class open. Based on the shoes of the Peeps in Lizzy House's smash hit fabric collection "Castle Peeps," Lizzy brings the boots to life in an unconventional Christmas stocking. They are medieval, they are precious, and they are awesome! Combine basic sewing and quilting skills with fun fabrics and favorite ribbon or trim to create Peep Boots for your very own Christmas Kingdom.

Sun & Surf Tote

Friday Class-Registration Closed. Saturday Class-Open. Come learn how to make one of MODKID's top selling sewing patterns from the designer herself! Our Sun & Surf Tote is perfect for a trip to the beach, swim lessons or a day at the park. It’s big enough to hold a couple of towels and has plenty of inside and outside pockets for all of your smaller items. It features a padded strap for comfort and a button & loop closure for easy access. Best of all, it is the perfect size to use as a diaper bag or a market bag, while being stylish and unique! Each student will complete the tote as pictured using Patty Young's "Sanctuary" fabrics. Basic sewing knowledge is recommended.

A kit will be provided at the start of the class that includes:

  • Sun & Surf Tote sewing pattern
  • Enough fabric to complete the tote exactly as pictured
  • Fabric will be from the Sanctuary collection by Patty Young for Michael Miller Fabrics
  • Fusible interfacing, stabilizers and fleece
  • Plastic canvas for bottom of tote
  • 1 large decorative button
  • 2 large snap-on grommets
  • Sewing thread
  • All items will be beautifully packaged in a MODKID signature bag

Law-Maze™

Have you been thinking about taking your creative endeavor to the next level? Are you dreaming of starting your own business? Do you have the entrepreneurial bug, but aren’t sure what to do next? Rebekah Teal’s Law-Maze™ is the workshop for you. Just as Lamaze® classes teach women how to diminish the pain of child birth, the Law-Maze™ class teaches you to ease the pain of birthing your own business. In a fun, relaxed, intimate setting, you’ll learn about organizational structures, contracts, branding, strategy, licensing, trademarks, and ethics. You’ll also learn about start-ups, funding, and everything in between. This 3-hour workshop will guide you from the spark of your idea through the legal and business mazes. We’ll take a real-live creative business idea through the Law-Maze™ process. You will leave the workshop empowered to take your business idea to the next level. Rebekah is tailoring her Law-Maze™ workshop especially for the 2011 Creative Connection Event and would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions, issues, and comments to Rebekah at lawmaze@gmail.com. If you have dreams of starting your own business, you won’t want to miss this workshop.

Bibelot Charme Workshop

Join Wendy Addison and Kaari Meng, two designers who have been at the forefront of the craft world for years, as they open their archives of old notions, beads, ribbon, glitter, and tinsel and co-teach a fantastical jewelry box and jewelry workshop. Wendy will lead the first half of the workshop with an embellished mache egg box covered in old glass glitter, antique metallic ribbon, and waxed vintage millinery flowers. Kaari will present her vintage glass jewelry kits and teach how to make a wonderful charm bracelet and a pair of special earrings. Basic jewelry techniques include jump ring work, wire looping, and charm making. All materials and tools are provided to make jewelry. Both projects have been developed exclusively for The Creative Connection 2011.

Boite de Bijoux Workshop

Join Wendy Addison and Kaari Meng, two designers who have been at the forefront of the craft world for years, as they open their archives of old notions, beads, ribbon, glitter, and tinsel and co-teach a treasured keepsake box and jewelry workshop. Wendy will lead the first half of the workshop with an embellished keepsake box with a glass shadowbox lid, displaying a vignette of vintage beauties. Kit will include box form, antique wallpaper, Dresden ornaments, antique boullion tinsel, vintage flowers and leaves, message banners, vintage images, and glass dome. Students are encouraged to bring with them any keepsake items, including tiny pictures and tokens, to embed in their shadowbox lid. Kaari will present her vintage glass jewelry kits and teach how to make a beautiful necklace and pair of special earrings. Basic jewelry techniques include jump ring work, wire looping, and charm making. All materials and tools are provided to make jewelry. Both projects have been developed exclusively for The Creative Connection 2011.

Creative Writing for Beginners

Do you love reading? Have you ever set a New Year's resolution to write a book? This is your chance to get started. Find the story you never knew you always wanted to tell as you learn about archetypes, plots, descriptive writing, and the hero's journey. Bring your pad of paper and a pencil for some hands-on practice, and prepare to be dazzled by just how creative you can be.

Photo Styling: Producing Professional Photo Shoots that Suit Your Brand

In the photo styling workshop, you will learn how to dominate your competitors with visual advertising and eye-catching photos. In this course you will:
  • Determine how to select a photographer that's right for you.
  • Discover ways to frame your subjects and products to maximize their natural beauty and appeal.
  • Learn how to use angles to achieve captivating and flattering photos.
  • Discuss principles of staging and prop usage.
  • Learn to direct live models and poses that hit the mark.
  • Find how to develop a clear professional looking concept that will propel your brand.
  • Take home photo styling look book.

Loopy Loop Earrings

Registration Closed Friday Morning. Saturday Morning Open. Add style to any outfit with these fun and easy loopy loop earrings! We’ll cover basic jewelry-making tools and three different ways to create a loopy-style earrings. You’ll leave with a resource list to purchase your own supplies in the future. Each student will create three pairs of earrings to take home, choosing from a variety of colorful pearls, stones, and glass. Come play and get inspired!

Jewelry-Making Basics

This is the perfect class for beginning jewelry makers! We’ll cover all the basics of beading--including using crimp beads, working with jump rings, and how to wire wrap beads and pendants. You’ll leave with a supply list and resources to purchase more beads and supplies at great discounts. Each student will also create their own necklace and earrings to take home! Not a beginner? That’s okay, too! We’ll have a variety of freshwater pearls, stones, and pendants. Come play and create something beautiful.

Crochet Slippers with Super-Cute Embellishments

Registration Closed. Utilizing the slipper sole starters from Simplicity, this class will learn all the skills needed to create a super-cute buttoned slipper. More advanced students will get the chance to learn some techniques for embellishing their slippers, and everyone will go home with the handout with everything covered in the class.

Photography for Knitters & Craft Bloggers

Learn to tell the story of your craft visually and make your images sing! Want to improve your photography? Join Gale Zucker for a hands-on digital photography workshop. This class will include technical instruction, tips for choosing situations/locations, working with light, the psychology of photographing people and how to make them comfortable while capturing images that keep the focus on your handwork. We’ll concentrate on making images of yarn, knitting, crafting, finished objects, as well as capturing the world around you. This class will include an illustrated talk, demonstration, and plenty of hands-on action--photographing inside and outdoors (weather permitting). Gale will also demonstrate how to optimize your images once they’re out of the camera and into a blog page or website, using a free web-based software--no PhotoShop knowledge required. If WIFI is available, students can practice along with the instructor. A DSLR isn’t necessary; point and shoot cameras are welcome. Students must know how to access the settings on their cameras.

Fun with Screen Printing

Registration Closed. This is a special opportunity for crafters of all levels to get hands-on experience learning silk-screen printing without special or expensive equipment. On muslin fabric, you will explore Celina’s assortment screens, colors, and techniques for printing. While Celina shares tips for successful screen printing, you will print four linen placemats or napkins stitched with tiny pockets to hold handwritten messages. Vintage and rescued buttons, sewed on by hand, will provide the final details to your project. You will leave the class with a finished project, plus many pieces of printed muslin (perfect for small projects) that you will make during the class. All printing and sewing supplies, and blank recycled paper note cards, will be provided. This class is limited to 15 people.

Signature Button and Felt Flower Headband

Friday class open. Saturday class closed. Add a little bit of customized pretty to your outfit while showing off your own handiwork!

Every day in our studio, we create custom bouquets, accessories, and dresses to reflect our brides' unique styles, and now I am sharing some of our favorite techniques with you. In this class, you will learn to make a beautifully embellished headband with a garland of buttons and hand-embroidered felt flower. Each kit will also include vintage ribbon and buttons from my personal collection to customize your project. Once you learn the process, you'll be able to recreate these headbands with any of your favorite materials at home. These make fabulous presents for friends, family, even bridesmaids!

Alice’s Marvelous Monogrammed Prize Ribbon

Congratulations, you're #1! You've won the contest! You're the best around! As a bridal designer, I use my bouquets and accessories to express brides' unique styles and make them feel beautiful, but I don't think it has to be your “Big Day” for you to feel pretty and special. In this class we will teach you to make a customized prize ribbon. You'll learn some of our signature techniques including hand-ruffling fabric, covering buttons, and basic embroidery. Each kit will also include vintage trims and fabrics from my personal collection to customize your prize ribbon. Once you learn the process, you'll be able to re-create these ribbons with any of your favorite materials at home! These ribbons are great for birthday parties, bridal showers, party favors—or just pin it to your bag to show that you are the best at being you.

Photography to Boost Your Creative Voice (Basic Digital)

The exploding world of digital photography can be overwhelming. Understanding the basic principles will help boost your confidence as a new photographer and encourage you to find your creative voice. Learn essential concepts of lighting, composition, and the basic equipment you will need to achieve the perfect photograph. We'll also be discussing online photo management and some elementary editing.

Home is Here Textile Banner

From an inspired jumble of textiles, papers, bits and trims, we'll build personal art quilts that celebrate our love of home (and birds). One stitch is all you need, though I will also teach a few fancier stitches to incorporate into the project. All skill levels are welcome, and if sewing is soooo not your thing, I have a nice work-around to share with you too, but this is a very good time to learn a simple stitch or two. Please bring a few materials that you would like to work into the piece such as vintage linens, lace, doilies, felts, buttons, trims, trinkets.

The Book Bag

You know those cute vintage books you hang onto because the covers are so great? Let's turn them into clutch handbags! Bring a sturdy, thrifted hard-cover book with a 1-2" wide spine and a few treasures to decorate it with. Your favorite clip-on earring or a big button makes a darling clasp! If you would prefer it as a shoulder bag, I'll show you how to engineer that too. All skill levels are welcome.

Ribbon and Bows 101

Registration Closed -We'll be learning: Types of ribbon; Satins, grosgrain, French woven. Types of fabrics uses for wired edge ribbon. Ribbon widths; standards in the industry. Bow tying:

  • the basic bow
  • the double ribbon bow
  • the multi-ribbon bow
  • the embellished bow
  • the creative bow.

RIBBON = PROFIT

  • How to decorate a Christmas wreath using ribbon
  • How to decorate a spring wreath
  • How to use ribbons & bows in a bridal bouquets
  • How to use ribbons on packages

Open discussion;

  • Ways to use ribbon
  • Different techniques to bow tying

Record Cylinder Tree, Ornament and Card Holder

Let’s get a jump on the holidays with these beautiful record-sleeve tree displays. Miniature handmade sisal trees will fit into a 100-year-old record cylinder sleeve covered in beautiful typography and graphics and adorned with book page trim and glitter. Also included are wire holders to display collaged cards that we will create along with an embellished cylinder lid-turned-ornament. Materials Included:
  • Antique record cylinder with lid--colors and graphics vary
  • Florist foam
  • Moss (or book paper grass fill may be substituted)
  • Wire holders
  • Handmade sisal tree, student to fluff and trim to shape
  • Blank cards
  • Vintage milk bottle lid disk (for ornament)
  • Glitter
  • Vintage and reproduction paper, trim, bits and bobbles

Reverse Canvas Winter Scene with Photos

Saturday Afternoon Class-Registration Closed. Friday Afternoon Class-Open. Create a sweet winter scene on the backside of an 8” x 10” wood-frame stretched canvas. With this project we’ll use a vintage paint-by-number image reproduced onto fabric, mid-century Kodak slide frames with black & white winter photos, a tiny bottle brush tree, cotton, and mica snow. Add your own tiny photos if you’d like and spell out a special holiday message or family name with customizable pennant bunting. The instructor will supply:

  • 8” x 10” canvas
  • Vintage Paint-by-Number winter image on cloth
  • Vintage Slide frames
  • Mini vintage photo images
  • Clear acetate
  • Vintage ledger paper
  • Bleached bottlebrush tree
  • Cotton
  • Mica dust
  • Alphabet Pennant sheet (17 spaces max width for message)
  • Baker’s twine
  • Name label
  • Mod Podge

ArtJOURNALING Daily

Based on my popular blog series about art journaling, this creative PLAY workshop is filled with painting, doodling, collage and freestyle lettering jumpstarts. We’ll play with different found objects and materials to make marks and I’ll show you how to build layers on visual journal pages in my graffiti style. You’ll learn about creating prints from handmade stamps and layering techniques for your mixed media creations. The last hour I’ll talk about how to create a blog series from idea creation to content generation and share techniques for creating engaging blog posts. In this workshop you get a little mix of art and business ideas. Check out my artJOURNALING daily blog series!

Making a living as an Artist

Making a living as an Artist - from teaching, creative partnerships to being published. You have been working hard on your creative business and are setup online. Now it’s time to find alternative ways to make a living doing what you LOVE. I’ll share my strategies and secrets on how to build your business and brand through teaching and creative partnerships. Plus, I'll give you an overview of my experiences writing two mixed media craft books and the components to writing a #1 best selling book. Here’s an overview of the workshop topics:
  • Teaching - numerous strategies for Spreading the LOVE building your brand through teaching, demos and
  • speaking engagements
  • E-course creation - creating and promoting online courses and digital products
  • writing a craft/art book - the process from research, initial concept to writing and promoting your book. I’ll talk about book tours, events
  • creative partnerships - writing articles, working with publishers and product manufacturers. I’ll talk about the numerous ways to develop relationships for product sponsorships working with manufacturers, developing creative partnerships,
  • creative marketing road map - plans, resources and strategies to encourage you to be successful in your creative endeavors. Ideas for your visual and written plan of action to market your art and build your creative business.

Brave Girl Soulbook

"This is a book to look at on days that you forget who you truly are, what you want out of life, and what you are about. This will be a very fun and personal art journal that will be a sort of guidebook for your soul...to use when you are feeling lost...ya know? All of the words will be provided...and we will just be cutting and pasting (in the literal sense..with scissors and glue) what speaks to us each as individuals...you just need to bring some cut cardboard, some gaffer tape..and then a whole bunch of stuff to collage on....we will have some fun things for you too, but most of it, you will bring yourself so that it is uniquely yours...." Click HERE for more information

Zigzag Modular Workshop

Registration Closed. Learn how to take your knitting in multiple directions, making the most out of your lovely multicolored hand-dyed yarn, in this fun class. The classic zigzag scarf can be used in so many ways, as a cowl, shawl, or as a long scarf wrapped around multiple times. Once you have started with these multi-directional techniques you will learn in class, it will be hard to stop.

 Experience: Beginnner

The Present Workshop

Registration Closed. This gift of "The Present" is about sharing a piece of yourself & your story with another woman. During this class hosted by the non-profit organization Enchanted Makeovers, each participant will create their own special & unique handmade items and a handwritten letter that will be placed in a polka dot box provided by Enchanted Makeovers. The boxes will be given to a local shelter for women. This workshop is designed to empower both the giver & receiver to tap into the present- the gift we receive every moment of every day. The opportunity to breathe life into our future however we choose.

Halloween Paper Wreath

Registration Closed. Students will learn a simple paper craft project, making dimensional circles to attach to a wreath form. Wreath finish size will be 6-7 inches. Students can purchase a kit with all the supplies: wreath form, ribbon, paper, embellishments and common pins for $15.00 Each student will receive a copy of Autumn with Matthew Mead and chances to win one of four special prizes.

Decoupage Plate

Registration Closed. We will be creating a 10 1/2 inch glass decoupage paints. I will have kits available for purchase which includes the plate, mod podge, brushes and felt. $10.00 for each kit. I will have prints available for the actual project but I would request that students bring prints of family photos, art, or anything else they would like to use for printed material to the class printed on at least 8 1/2 x 11 inch double sided matte paper. Each participant will get a free copy of AUTUMN WITH MATTHEW MEAD Each student will be entered to win one of four special prizes.

Online Workshops 101: How to Create and Teach in Your Own Cyber Classroom

This is a course for art instructors who are ready to take their classes to a bigger platform - the Internet! Sure it's fun to travel and teach, but now there are plenty of options for offering, teaching and making income right form your office or studio. We're talking online workshops. Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, will walk beginners through the process of brainstorming, planning, pitching and running online courses. Students can sign up, pay, and partake in the lessons from anywhere in the world as long as they have an Internet connection. This class will cover: - How to set up your own private online classroom. - How to come up with a seasonal curriculum that works for you and your fan base. - How to devise lessons plans, videos, run a discussion forum, offer live chats. - How to work with students on an individual basis. - How to promote your classes - Dos and don'ts

Crafty Chica Jewelry: Muy Mexicana Faux-Glass Pendants and Sculpted Leather Rings

Registration Closed. Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, will show you how to create two types of her original bold jewelry pieces. First you'll create an artful affirmation pendant and pin. You'll learn to create the look of cut and fired glass using - melted plastic, photographs and resin. These pins are stunning because of their brilliant colors, uplifting imagery featuring Kathy's chicafied illustrations and heavy shine. Kathy will also show students how to make one large sculpted leather ring that is embellished with paint, gems pictures and buttons.

Essential Hand Stitches for Garment Making by BurdaStyle and Gretchen Hirsch

Knowing the right hand stitches is what gives your garments that couture touch. Plus, hand stitching is relaxing and satisfying! In this hands-on workshop, an overview of the most common stitches used in clothing construction will be provided: running stitch, slip stitch, fell stitch, catch stitch, pad stitch, pick stitch, back stitch, stab stitch, basting stitches, buttonhole stitch, blanket stitch, hand overcastting and whipstitch. An introduction to various threads that can be used, the best needles for hand stitching, using beeswax to strengthen your thread, and knots will be discussed. Students will leave with their own samples of each stitch so they can refer back to them in crucial construction moments!

*No Sewing Machine Needed

Writing a Successful Sewing Blog with BurdaStyle.com and Gretchen Hirsch

The online sewing world has never been more vibrant, and blogs are the heart and soul of our community. If you have aspirations to start a blog, or amp up your existing traffic, this workshop will help you meet your goals. Teacher Gretchen “Gertie” Hirsch started her blog, Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing, in 2009 and 2 years later was able to become a full-time sewing writer and teacher, brand ambassador for BurdaStyle with a book coming out in 2012 from STC Craft/Melanie Falick Books. She’ll discuss online etiquette, networking, finding your audience, getting noticed, writing valuable content, bringing in income, and tips for aspiring authors. Gretchen will share her real-life experiences--successes and foibles--on the road to becoming a successful sewing blogger. *No Sewing Machine Needed

I Have An Idea-Vintage Canvas

Come join me as we create this fabulous mixed media art piece to celebrate the most often spoken sentence of every creative person..."I have an idea!" Learn innovative and funky texture, background and collage techniques along with fabulous and fun techniques to make the collage your own by personalizing the edges of your deep edged canvas. A class that you will love, and an art piece you will embrace as a creative muse to take home and hang in your creative space or studio! Come join the fun! Click HERE for more information

French Window Pillow Cover

Friday Class-Registration Closed. Saturday Class-Open. Let me show you how to create a modern take on a classic patchwork pillow. This pillow received the most oooh's and ahhh's of all when I showed it at Quilt Market last Fall, featuring a cheerful patchwork of my spa-inspired “Sanctuary” collection designed for Michael Miller Fabrics. My French Window pillow cover features 9 colorful charm squares sashed in white, and backed with an envelope-style backing for easy care. We will even create and add some lovely contrast binding along the edges for extra pizazz and a more professional finish. Each student will complete the pillow cover as pictured (finished size 18" x 18") using Patty Young's "Sanctuary" fabrics. Basic sewing knowledge is recommended. A kit will be provided at the start of the class that includes:

  • French Window printed tutorial
  • Enough fabric to complete the pillow cover exactly as pictured. Fabric will be from the Sanctuary collection by Patty Young for Michael Miller Fabrics.
  • Contrasting Binding
  • MODKID seam insert
  • Sewing thread
  • All items will be beautifully packaged in a MODKID signature bag
  • NOTE: the pillow insert will NOT be provided, but you can bring your own or take the pillow cover home flat.

Essential Hand Stitches for Garment Making by BurdaStyle and Gretchen Hirsch

Knowing the right hand stitches is what gives your garments that couture touch. Plus, hand stitching is relaxing and satisfying! In this hands-on workshop, an overview of the most common stitches used in clothing construction will be provided: running stitch, slip stitch, fell stitch, catch stitch, pad stitch, pick stitch, back stitch, stab stitch, basting stitches, buttonhole stitch, blanket stitch, hand overcastting, and whipstitch. An introduction to various threads that can be used, the best needles for hand stitching, using beeswax to strengthen your thread, and knots will be discussed. Students will leave with their own samples of each stitch so they can refer back to them in crucial construction moments!

Record Cylinder Tree, Ornament and Card Holder

Let’s get a jump on the holidays with these beautiful record-sleeve tree displays. Miniature handmade sisal trees will into a 100-year-old record cylinder sleeve covered in beautiful typography & graphics and adorned with book page trim and glitter. Wire holders display collaged cards that we will create along with an embellished cylinder lid-turned-ornament.
      • Antique record cylinder with lid, colors and graphics vary
      • Florist foam
      • Moss (or book paper grass fill may be substituted)
      • Wire holders
      • Handmade sisal tree, student to fluff and trim to shape
      • Blank cards
      • Vintage milk bottle lid disk (for ornament)
      • Glitter
      • Vintage & reproduction paper, trim, bits and bobbles
    • Materials Included:

The Book Bag

You know those cute vintage books you hang onto because the covers are so great? Let's turn them into clutch handbags! Bring a sturdy, thrifted hard-cover book with a 1-2" wide spine and a few treasures to decorate it with. Your favorite clip-on earring or a big button makes a darling clasp! If you would prefer it as a shoulder bag, I'll show you how to engineer that too. All skill levels are welcome.

Ribbon and Bows 101

We'll be learning: Types of ribbon; Satins, grosgrain, French woven. Types of fabrics uses for wired edge ribbon. Ribbon widths; standards in the industry. Bow tying:

  • the basic bow
  • the double ribbon bow
  • the multi-ribbon bow
  • the embellished bow
  • the creative bow.

RIBBON = PROFIT

  • How to decorate a Christmas wreath using ribbon
  • How to decorate a spring wreath
  • How to use ribbons & bows in a bridal bouquets
  • How to use ribbons on packages

Open discussion;

  • Ways to use ribbon
  • Different techniques to bow tying

Wrapping and Crafting with Japanese Washi Tapes

Come learn how to incorporate these enormously popular tapes into your crafting, scrapbooking, and card making projects. We will also make paper “quilts,” stunning book covers, and discuss tons of wrapping ideas—all with tape. You will also learn how to use these tapes to quickly decorate ordinary items for your entertaining needs, along with fresh ideas for collage and journaling. Of course we will have to get busy during our three short hours together and make some fun tape-inspired projects that you can take home! A kit will be provided at the start of the class that includes:
  • 3 rolls of Japanese washi tape
  • A blank notebook
  • An assortment of FABULOUS paper scraps in various sizes
  • An assortment of envelopes
  • Tags
  • Blank card
  • All items will be beautifully packaged together for you.

Crochet Slippers with Super-Cute Embellishments

Utilizing the slipper sole starters from Simplicity, this class will learn all the skills needed to create a super-cute pair of buttoned slippers. More advanced students will get the chance to learn techniques for embellishing their slippers, and everyone will go home with the handout with everything covered in the class. (Instructor sponsored by: Boye and Simplicity Creative Group)

Children’s Books 101-Becoming a Published Author

Do you want to be a published author? Have you ever thought about writing a children's book? There are many ways to achieve that goal. Author and illustrator Marilyn Scott-Waters will explore the rapidly changing world of book publishing, including print-on-demand, self publishing, agents, ebooks, as well as traditional publishing for children. She offers tips on brand building, sheds some light on the entire process of getting published, offers sample query letters, and even gives examples of what not to do! Students are given printed material with resources, tips, and advice.

Woven Copper Jewelry

Using Copper sheets, then weaving with Birch bark and decorative papers, students will weave flat surfaces wrapped in copper that may be made into a necklace, pin, or earrings. Students will also be able to add embossing, mica, and cold connections to the pieces. These pieces are very unique and individual, and the workshop is fun and fast paced!

Bibelot Charme Workshop

Join Wendy Addison and Kaari Meng, two designers who have been at the forefront of the craft world for years, as they open their archives of old notions, beads, ribbon, glitter, and tinsel and co-teach a fantastical jewelry box and jewelry workshop. Wendy will lead the first half of the workshop with an embellished mache egg box covered in old glass glitter, antique metallic ribbon, and waxed vintage millinery flowers. Kaari will present her vintage glass jewelry kits and teach how to make a wonderful charm bracelet and a pair of special earrings. Basic jewelry techniques include jump ring work, wire looping, and charm making. All materials and tools are provided to make jewelry. Both projects have been developed exclusively for The Creative Connection 2011.  

Discovering Y.O.U.-Marketing your Creative Business

You are a creative soul, with the passion to make your artful dreams a reality. This workshop is a mixture of creative play, writing, exploring, and discussion. I will reveal clever ways to visually brainstorm your business ideas and market your ART. This workshop will get you thinking about DISCOVERING YOU...combining your talents and passions to help you find unique ways to pursue creative business opportunities. I will be sharing my ideas and experiences, and let you peek inside my business DREAM BIG INSPIRATION book. It’s a collection of lists, goals, IDEAS, drawings, collected images, and creative dreams from the past 15 years. These pages have been my guiding force in planning and strategizing my business. My DREAM BIG INSPIRATION book has been my creative marketing roadmap to a successful art career. If you are ready to take your business to the next level, dream BIG, and creatively market YOUR art...join me on this exciting journey! Also, don’t forget to check out discovering Y.O.U. part two: making a living as an artist. Here’s an overview of the workshop topics:
  • Discovering Y.O.U. - fun and creative exercises to help you brand yourself, write a unique artist/mission statement, and express your goals and creative dreams on paper
  • DREAM BIG Inspiration Collage - this exercise involves collecting and putting together a work-in-progress inspiration collage, inspirational 10-minute collage exercises, and creative ways to keep your inspiration files
  • Digging deep - researching your market, finding opportunities, developing product ideas, working with manufacturers, developing creative partnerships, leveraging your art
  • The CREATIVE YOU package - designing and brainstorming your logo, business cards, stationery, press kits, portfolios, and promotional materials
  • Mélange marketing - includes strategies for finding niche markets and alternative ways to promote your business, craft/art shows.
  • Social media - Creating your online presence, tips on social media, email marketing, creating your story and building relationships through blogging, Facebook and Twitter.

Illustrating Children’s Books A-Z

Learn everything there is to know about illustrating children’s books! Starting with a manuscript, this course will take you step-by-step through the process of illustrating a book. You will learn how to layout the story, select what is important in the story to illustrate, why, and how to tell the story through the illustrations. You will also learn publishing terminology, insider tips on what children love in picture books, common mistakes to avoid, and how to get your work published. For this class, you will need a sketchpad, pencil, and a story—either one that you wrote or a story you like. A classic fairytale is a good choice and easy to find online without illustrations. Please do not bring an illustrated book. Feel free to bring a work-in-progress or your portfolio for tips and critiques!

Alice’s Marvelous Monogrammed Prize Ribbon

Congratulations, you're #1! You've won the contest! You're the best around! As a bridal designer, I use my bouquets and accessories to express brides' unique styles and make them feel beautiful; but I don't think it has to be your “Big Day” for you to feel pretty and special! In this class we will teach you to make a totally customized prize ribbon. You'll learn some of our signature techniques including hand-ruffling fabric, covering buttons, and basic embroidery. Each kit will also include vintage trims and fabrics from my personal collection to customize your prize ribbon. Once you learn the process, you'll be able to re-create these ribbons with any of your favorite materials at home! These ribbons are great for birthday parties, bridal showers, party favors—or just pin it to your bag to show that you are the best at being you.

Button-Tufted Family Tree

Memory crafting is something Big Picture teachers Stacy and Wendy are experts at conceptualizing, with their combined experience of 20+ years in the scrapbooking industry. Spend time in this workshop creating a memory display piece that represents your personal heritage. You will make a button-tufted family tree that will be housed in a hollow frame, made from up-cycled wood. Learn the basics of upholstery tufting, wood staining, and paper crafting. You'll also make the foundation of a mini-album that will be displayed with your piece to tell your favorite family stories. We can’t wait for you to join us in creating an heirloom piece that you will proudly display in your home for years to come!

Discovering Y.O.U.-Marketing your Creative Business

You are a creative soul, with the passion to make your artful dreams a reality. This workshop is a mixture of creative play, writing, exploring, and discussion. I will reveal clever ways to visually brainstorm your business ideas and market your ART. This workshop will get you thinking about DISCOVERING YOU...combining your talents and passions to help you find unique ways to pursue creative business opportunities. I will be sharing my ideas and experiences, and let you peek inside my business DREAM BIG INSPIRATION book. It’s a collection of lists, goals, IDEAS, drawings, collected images, and creative dreams from the past 15 years. These pages have been my guiding force in planning and strategizing my business. My DREAM BIG INSPIRATION book has been my creative marketing roadmap to a successful art career. If you are ready to take your business to the next level, dream BIG, and creatively market YOUR art...join me on this exciting journey! Also, don’t forget to check out discovering Y.O.U. part two: making a living as an artist. Here’s an overview of the workshop topics:
  • Discovering Y.O.U. - fun and creative exercises to help you brand yourself, write a unique artist/mission statement, and express your goals and creative dreams on paper
  • DREAM BIG Inspiration Collage - this exercise involves collecting and putting together a work-in-progress inspiration collage, inspirational 10-minute collage exercises, and creative ways to keep your inspiration files
  • Digging deep - researching your market, finding opportunities, developing product ideas, working with manufacturers, developing creative partnerships, leveraging your art
  • The CREATIVE YOU package - designing and brainstorming your logo, business cards, stationery, press kits, portfolios, and promotional materials
  • Mélange marketing - includes strategies for finding niche markets and alternative ways to promote your business, craft/art shows.
  • Social media - Creating your online presence, tips on social media, email marketing, creating your story and building relationships through blogging, Facebook and Twitter.

Reverse Canvas Winter Scene with Photos

Create a sweet winter scene on the backside of an 8” x 10” wood-frame stretched canvas. With this project we’ll use a vintage paint-by-number image reproduced onto fabric, mid-century Kodak slide frames with black & white winter photos, a tiny bottle brush tree, cotton and mica snow. Add your own tiny photos if you’d like and spell out a special holiday message or family name with customizable pennant bunting. Supplied:
  • 8” x 10” canvas
  • Vintage Paint-by-Number winter image on cloth
  • Vintage Slide frames
  • Mini vintage photo images
  • Clear acetate
  • Vintage ledger paper
  • Bleached bottlebrush tree
  • Cotton
  • Mica dust
  • Alphabet Pennant sheet (17 spaces max width for message)
  • Baker’s twine
  • Name label
  • Mod Podge

Fun with Screen Printing

This is a special opportunity for crafters of all levels and experience to get real hands-on and learn how to silk-screen printing without special or expensive equipment. You will explore Celina’s assortment screens, colors and technique printing first on muslin fabric. Then you will print 4 linen placemats or napkins stitched with tiny pockets to hold note cards of handwritten messages while Celina shares instructions and tips for successful screen printing.  Vintage and rescued buttons sewed by hand would give the final detail to your project. You will leave the class with a finished project plus as many pieces of printed muslin (perfect for small projects) you had been able to print during the class. All printing and sewing supplies and blank recycled paper note cards will be provided. This class is limited to 15 people.

Home is Here Textile Banner

From an inspired jumble of textiles, papers, bits and trims, we'll build personal art quilts that celebrate our love of Home (and birds). One stitch is all you need, though I will also teach a few fancier stitches to incorporate into the project. All skill levels welcome- and if sewing is soooo not your thing, I have a nice work-around to share with you too, but this is a very good time to learn a simple stitch or two.
Please bring a few materials that you would like to work into the piece such as vintage linens, lace, doilies, felts, buttons, trims, trinkets.

Photography to Boost Your Creative Voice (Basic Digital)

The exploding world of digital photography can be overwhelming. But starting with understanding basic principles will help boost your confidence as a new photographer and encourage you to find your creative voice. Learn essential concepts of lighting, composition and the basic equipment you will need to achieve the perfect photograph. We'll also be discussing online photo management and some elementary editing.

Crochet Slippers with Super-Cute Embellishments

Utilizing the slipper sole starters from Simplicity, this class will learn all the skills needed to create a super-cute pair of buttoned slippers. More advanced students will get the chance to learn techniques for embellishing their slippers, and everyone will go home with the handout with everything covered in the class. (Instructor sponsored by: Boye and Simplicity Creative Group)

Zigzag Modular Workshop

Experience: Beginnner

Crafty Chica Jewelry: Muy Mexicana Faux-Glass Pendants and Sculpted Leather Rings

Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, will show you how to create two types of her original bold jewelry pieces. First you'll create an artful affirmation pendant and pin. You'll learn to create the look of cut and fired glass using - melted plastic, photographs and resin. These pins are stunning because of their brilliant colors, uplifting imagery featuring Kathy's chicafied illustrations and heavy shine. Kathy will also show students how to make one large sculpted leather ring that is embellished with paint, gems pictures and buttons.

Peep Boots

Based on the shoes of the Peeps in Lizzy House's smash hit fabric collection "Castle Peeps," Lizzy brings the boots to life in an unconventional Christmas stocking. They are medeival, they are precious, and they are awesome! Combine basic sewing and quilting skills with fun fabrics and favorite ribbon or trim to create Peep Boots for your very own Christmas Kingdom.

Brave Girl Soulbook

Signature Button and Felt Flower Headband

Add a little bit of customized pretty to your outfit while showing off your own handiwork! Every day in our studio, we create custom bouquets, accessories, and dresses to reflect our brides' unique styles, and now I am sharing some of our favorite techniques with you! In this class we will make a custom headband with embroidered flower detail, wrapped in vintage ribbon, and finished off with a wreath of buttons you will make yourself! In this class you will learn to make a beautifully embellished headband with a garland of buttons and hand-embroidered felt flower. Each kit will also include vintage ribbon and buttons from my personal collection to customize your project. Once you learn the process, you'll be able to re-create these headbands with any of your favorite materials at home! These make fabulous presents for friends, family, even bridesmaids.

Law-Maze™

Have you been thinking about taking your creative endeavor to the next level? Are you dreaming of starting your own business? Do you have the entrepreneurial bug, but aren’t sure what to do next? Rebekah Teal’s Law-Maze™ is the workshop for you. Just as Lamaze® classes teach women how to diminish the pain of child birth, the Law-Maze™ class teaches you to ease the pain of birthing your own business. In a fun, relaxed, intimate setting, you’ll learn about organizational structures, contracts, branding, strategy, licensing, trademarks, and ethics. You’ll also learn about start-ups, funding, and everything in between. This 3-hour workshop will guide you from the spark of your idea through the legal and business mazes. We’ll take a real-live creative business idea through the Law-Maze™ process. You will leave the workshop empowered to take your business idea to the next level. Rebekah is tailoring her Law-Maze™ workshop especially for the 2011 Creative Connection Event and would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions, issues, and comments to Rebekah at lawmaze@gmail.com. If you have dreams of starting your own business, you won’t want to miss this workshop.

Record Cylinder Tree, Ornament and Card Holder

Let’s get a jump on the holidays with these beautiful record-sleeve tree displays. Miniature handmade sisal trees will into a 100-year-old record cylinder sleeve covered in beautiful typography & graphics and adorned with book page trim and glitter. Wire holders display collaged cards that we will create along with an embellished cylinder lid-turned-ornament.
      • Antique record cylinder with lid, colors and graphics vary
      • Florist foam
      • Moss (or book paper grass fill may be substituted)
      • Wire holders
      • Handmade sisal tree, student to fluff and trim to shape
      • Blank cards
      • Vintage milk bottle lid disk (for ornament)
      • Glitter
      • Vintage & reproduction paper, trim, bits and bobbles
    • Materials Included:

The Book Bag

You know those cute vintage books you hang onto because the covers are so great? Let's turn them into clutch handbags! Bring a sturdy, thrifted hard-cover book with a 1-2" wide spine and a few treasures to decorate it with. Your favorite clip-on earring or a big button makes a darling clasp! If you would prefer it as a shoulder bag, I'll show you how to engineer that too.
All skill levels are welcome.

Ribbon and Bows 101

Registration Closed-We'll be learning: Types of ribbon; Satins, grosgrain, French woven. Types of fabrics uses for wired edge ribbon. Ribbon widths; standards in the industry. Bow tying:

  • the basic bow
  • the double ribbon bow
  • the multi-ribbon bow
  • the embellished bow
  • the creative bow.

RIBBON = PROFIT

  • How to decorate a Christmas wreath using ribbon
  • How to decorate a spring wreath
  • How to use ribbons & bows in a bridal bouquets
  • How to use ribbons on packages

Open discussion;

  • Ways to use ribbon
  • Different techniques to bow tying

The Present Workshop

This gift of "The Present" is about sharing a piece of yourself & your story with another woman. During this class hosted by the non-profit organization Enchanted Makeovers, each participant will create their own special & unique handmade items and a handwritten letter that will be placed in a polka dot box provided by Enchanted Makeovers. The boxes will be given to a local shelter for women. This workshop is designed to empower both the giver & receiver to tap into the present- the gift we receive every moment of every day. The opportunity to breathe life into our future however we choose.

Bibelot Charme Workshop

Join Wendy Addison and Kaari Meng, two designers who have been at the forefront of the craft world for years, as they open their archives of old notions, beads, ribbon, glitter, and tinsel and co-teach a fantastical jewelry box and jewelry workshop. Wendy will lead the first half of the workshop with an embellished mache egg box covered in old glass glitter, antique metallic ribbon, and waxed vintage millinery flowers. Kaari will present her vintage glass jewelry kits and teach how to make a wonderful charm bracelet and a pair of special earrings. Basic jewelry techniques include jump ring work, wire looping, and charm making. All materials and tools are provided to make jewelry. Both projects have been developed exclusively for The Creative Connection 2011.

Alice’s Marvelous Monogrammed Prize Ribbon

Congratulations, you're #1! You've won the contest! You're the best around! As a bridal designer, I use my bouquets and accessories to express brides' unique styles and make them feel beautiful; but I don't think it has to be your “Big Day” for you to feel pretty and special! In this class we will teach you to make a totally customized prize ribbon. You'll learn some of our signature techniques including hand-ruffling fabric, covering buttons, and basic embroidery. Each kit will also include vintage trims and fabrics from my personal collection to customize your prize ribbon. Once you learn the process, you'll be able to re-create these ribbons with any of your favorite materials at home! These ribbons are great for birthday parties, bridal showers, party favors—or just pin it to your bag to show that you are the best at being you.

Button-Tufted Family Tree

Memory crafting is something Big Picture teachers Stacy and Wendy are experts at conceptualizing, with their combined experience of 20+ years in the scrapbooking industry. Spend time in this workshop creating a memory display piece that represents your personal heritage. You will make a button-tufted family tree that will be housed in a hollow frame, made from up-cycled wood. Learn the basics of upholstery tufting, wood staining, and paper crafting. You'll also make the foundation of a mini-album that will be displayed with your piece to tell your favorite family stories. We can’t wait for you to join us in creating an heirloom piece that you will proudly display in your home for years to come!

Making a living as an Artist

Making a living as an Artist - from teaching, creative partnerships to being published. You have been working hard on your creative business and are setup online. Now it’s time to find alternative ways to make a living doing what you LOVE. I’ll share my strategies and secrets on how to build your business and brand through teaching and creative partnerships. Plus, I'll give you an overview of my experiences writing two mixed media craft books and the components to writing a #1 best selling book. Here’s an overview of the workshop topics:
  • Teaching - numerous strategies for Spreading the LOVE building your brand through teaching, demos and
  • speaking engagements
  • E-course creation - creating and promoting online courses and digital products
  • writing a craft/art book - the process from research, initial concept to writing and promoting your book. I’ll talk about book tours, events
  • creative partnerships - writing articles, working with publishers and product manufacturers. I’ll talk about the numerous ways to develop relationships for product sponsorships working with manufacturers, developing creative partnerships,
  • creative marketing road map - plans, resources and strategies to encourage you to be successful in your creative endeavors. Ideas for your visual and written plan of action to market your art and build your creative business.
 

Reverse Canvas Winter Scene with Photos

Create a sweet winter scene on the backside of an 8” x 10” wood-frame stretched canvas. With this project we’ll use a vintage paint-by-number image reproduced onto fabric, mid-century Kodak slide frames with black & white winter photos, a tiny bottle brush tree, cotton and mica snow. Add your own tiny photos if you’d like and spell out a special holiday message or family name with customizable pennant bunting. Supplied:

  • 8” x 10” canvas
  • Vintage Paint-by-Number winter image on cloth
  • Vintage Slide frames
  • Mini vintage photo images
  • Clear acetate
  • Vintage ledger paper
  • Bleached bottlebrush tree
  • Cotton
  • Mica dust
  • Alphabet Pennant sheet (17 spaces max width for message)
  • Baker’s twine
  • Name label
  • Mod Podge

Home is Here Textile Banner

From an inspired jumble of textiles, papers, bits and trims, we'll build personal art quilts that celebrate our love of Home (and birds). One stitch is all you need, though I will also teach a few fancier stitches to incorporate into the project. All skill levels welcome- and if sewing is soooo not your thing, I have a nice work-around to share with you too, but this is a very good time to learn a simple stitch or two.
Please bring a few materials that you would like to work into the piece such as vintage linens, lace, doilies, felts, buttons, trims, trinkets.

The Present Workshop

This gift of "The Present" is about sharing a piece of yourself & your story with another woman. During this class hosted by the non-profit organization Enchanted Makeovers, each participant will create their own special & unique handmade items and a handwritten letter that will be placed in a polka dot box provided by Enchanted Makeovers. The boxes will be given to a local shelter for women. This workshop is designed to empower both the giver & receiver to tap into the present- the gift we receive every moment of every day. The opportunity to breathe life into our future however we choose.

 

Peep Boots

Based on the shoes of the Peeps in Lizzy House's smash hit fabric collection "Castle Peeps," Lizzy brings the boots to life in an unconventional Christmas stocking. They are medeival, they are precious, and they are awesome! Combine basic sewing and quilting skills with fun fabrics and favorite ribbon or trim to create Peep Boots for your very own Christmas Kingdom.

Paper Fun with the Toymaker

Creator of the award-winning website, www.thetoymaker.com, Marilyn Scott-Waters will take simple paper and show how cutting, pasting, and folding create simply delightful toys. Join Marilyn as she teaches you how to make a koi kite, paper butterfly, miniature fairy book, cornucopia, and an accordion folder! She'll demonstrate tips, tricks, and more. Skill level: beginner. Materials supplied: paper. Printed instructions and tips will be given to each student.

Signature Button and Felt Flower Headband

Add a little bit of customized pretty to your outfit while showing off your own handiwork! Every day in our studio, we create custom bouquets, accessories, and dresses to reflect our brides' unique styles, and now I am sharing some of our favorite techniques with you! In this class we will make a custom headband with embroidered flower detail, wrapped in vintage ribbon, and finished off with a wreath of buttons you will make yourself! In this class you will learn to make a beautifully embellished headband with a garland of buttons and hand-embroidered felt flower. Each kit will also include vintage ribbon and buttons from my personal collection to customize your project. Once you learn the process, you'll be able to re-create these headbands with any of your favorite materials at home! These make fabulous presents for friends, family, even bridesmaids.

Law-Maze™

Have you been thinking about taking your creative endeavor to the next level? Are you dreaming of starting your own business? Do you have the entrepreneurial bug, but aren’t sure what to do next? Rebekah Teal’s Law-Maze™ is the workshop for you. Just as Lamaze® classes teach women how to diminish the pain of child birth, the Law-Maze™ class teaches you to ease the pain of birthing your own business. In a fun, relaxed, intimate setting, you’ll learn about organizational structures, contracts, branding, strategy, licensing, trademarks, and ethics. You’ll also learn about start-ups, funding, and everything in between. This 3-hour workshop will guide you from the spark of your idea through the legal and business mazes. We’ll take a real-live creative business idea through the Law-Maze™ process. You will leave the workshop empowered to take your business idea to the next level. Rebekah is tailoring her Law-Maze™ workshop especially for the 2011 Creative Connection Event and would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions, issues, and comments to Rebekah at lawmaze@gmail.com. If you have dreams of starting your own business, you won’t want to miss this workshop.

ArtJOURNALING Daily

Based on my popular blog series about art journaling, this creative PLAY workshop is filled with painting, doodling, collage and freestyle lettering jumpstarts. We’ll play with different found objects and materials to make marks and I’ll show you how to build layers on visual journal pages in my graffiti style. You’ll learn about creating prints from handmade stamps and layering techniques for your mixed media creations. The last hour I’ll talk about how to create a blog series from idea creation to content generation and share techniques for creating engaging blog posts. In this workshop you get a little mix of art and business ideas. Check out my artJOURNALING daily blog series!

TCC Morning Panel #1 – Self Publishing

The world of book and magazine publishing is changing moment by moment. Now, we all can be publishers. But what exactly does that mean? Is it simpler than it sounds? How do you find and make the contacts? How do you distribute your book or magazine? Is it better to self-publish online or in print? Learn from top industry professionals with self-publishing expertise!

TCC Morning Panel #2 – Working with a Sponsor: What does it mean and how do you find one?

Do you know the difference between a sponsor and an advertiser? Do you how a sponsor might benefit your blog, event, or brand? If you’re wondering how to connect with a sponsor, or how to make a “pitch” when you do, be sure to attend this dynamic panel and hear first-hand advice from companies who sponsor creative businesses. They might be looking to reach an audience of readers and customers like yours!

TCC Afternoon Panel #1 – Agents, Publicists and Brand Consultants: Who are they and what can they do for you?

When you hear about agents, brand builders, and PR teams, do you ever wonder if you need one? What exactly do they do? At which stage in your business are they necessary? Are they worth the expense, or is it possible to promote yourself alone? Hear from the experts themselves who will discuss exactly what they do, and why their work may benefit you!

TCC Afternoon Panel #2 – Creating Community through e-Commerce

One of the buzz words today is "community building"—how we all need to create a community for our businesses and brands. But how do we do that? Come listen to business owners and women who have built community and revenue through e-commerce and an online presence.

TCC Morning Panel #1 – How to Turn Your Passion for Food into a Business

Most of us are passionate about food—a particular family recipe, Sunday night dinner, fresh seasonal jams. Others take that passion to another level completely. Whether you’re creating a recipe, dressing a stunning table, or writing about either, food and the lifestyle of food have become big business. Hear how these women—a restaurateur, food blogger, and author—started businesses based on their love of food!

TCC Morning Panel #2 – Creating an event

Have you thought about creating your own event? Would it be large or small? Would it have a single focus, or bring together various topics like business and creativity? How would you start? Where would you host it? Is a partner helpful? How much would it cost? These are just some of the questions to consider before creating a successful event. Hear from top event creators—all with their own niche and perspective. Learn from the pros as they offer tips and ideas about how to differentiate your event and succeed with flying colors, all while growing a business.

TCC Afternoon Panel #1 – The Nuts and Bolts of Launching a Creative Business

Many creative women want to launch a business based on their passion. Where do you begin? How do you manage your time, manage your financials and understand the legal issues and needs any small and growing business must have? In this panel you will hear from women who have launched their own creative business in design, life coaching, and legal advice. Hear how they have grown their businesses through the ups and downs of juggling and multi-tasking we all face. You will also have the opportunity to hear about—and ask questions on—best practices and best mistakes.

TCC Afternoon Panel #2 – Licensing and Copyright Design: What does it really mean and how do you do it?

Do you dream of designing and then licensing your designs to companies? Do you wonder what the process is? Is it lucrative, or more of a brand-building process? Who do you contact? And, what about obtaining copyrights? Learn from this panel of top agents and companies who work with designers interested in licensing their designs to manufacturers and retailers!