2020 Workshop Schedule is coming soon!  Descriptions are below.  Got a special event coming up?  Need a team-building idea? Planning a day with family or friends?  I run private workshops as well.  Contact me here:  linda@graceanddiggs.

CRUMPLESTILTSKIN
​PAPER BAG HATS

These whimsical hats are made from recycled grocery bags and are guaranteed to bring smiles and laughter (not to mention great photo ops).  This is a two-part workshop with Part One covering basic shaping and Part Two covering embellishing and decorating.  You do not have to attend one workshop in order to participate in the other.  ​

SHRINK WRAP PORCELAIN

Every spring, acres of plastic shrink wrap comes off boats.  It is wonderful stuff (not to mention free) and we use it to make flowers that are a weatherproof as, well, shrink wrap.  They look just like porcelain and can be used as decorations for outdoor events or shaped into wreaths & door swags. ​

BUNTING, BANNERS, & GARLANDS

Across time and place, people have draped strings of small fabric shapes for functional, spiritual, or celebratory events.  It is a great  way to use scraps of fabric.  Got  heirloom linens or doilies that are just sitting in a drawer?  Wondered what might be done with books of decorator sample fabrics? This is a great way to give them new life!  For anyone with a special event on the horizon, these make beautiful, personalized decorations.

STEAMJUNK

Plastic trash that is painted and cobbled together mimics old-world machinery in delightful ways.  Bring a pair of safety goggles or an old hat to create a piece of Steamjunk art that can be worn.  Image:  Tia Cole, wears a piece made for 2019 Rubbish to Runway Fashion Show.

POM POMS AND PROM DRESSES

I categorize a whole realm of handmade flowers as “pom poms.”  The technique for making them is the same as making pom poms for ski hats ("toques" where I come from).  These are some of my favourite flowers to make and I use as them as the foundation of most of my work.  The technique is always the same, but varying the materials gives so many options.  We use thrift-store prom dresses as materials.

DAHLIAS DAHLING!

This technique for making fabric flowers is for all you left-brainers out there!  The method is structured and logical with measuring, planning involved. It helps if you can sew a simple seam by hand, but is absolutely not necessary (this is why glue guns were invented).  We use recycled formal wear for materials and the end result reminds me of dahlias.  They make great lapel pins, headband decorations, or can be slipped onto a pet's collar.

Whirligigs

These are plastic bottles that have been painted and cut into spirals.  They bounce! Wiggle!  They bring all the fun and way-finding delight of balloons but will not escape into local waterways.  Try a bouquet of them at your next event!  I guarantee you won't miss the balloons.