What’s Happening in Studio
Don’t forget that if you see an idea that might work for Studio and it would appeal to the general public, bring it in and we will assess the cost of materials, etc. If it is cost and time effective, we may be able to add it to our inventory.
Please do not purchase any materials until a decision has been made.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday.
Team Leaders – Linda R., Karin K-C.,
Table Captains – Judy A., Shirleyan E., Barbara M., Joan M., Marg N., Cheryl S.
Secretary – Lynne B.
Convener – Jeanne Anne G.
STUDIO PROTOCOL AND INFORMATION
General
a) Studio is every Monday (unless specified) from 9:00-1:00. The studio belongs to you. Take as much time as you need to familiarize yourself with every drawer, cupboard and storage area to learn where things are kept. (check the website or email for any changes in dates and to see what is on the agenda for the next studio date)
b) Studio starts at 9:00AM. Tables will be set up for different projects.
Projects
a) The sooner you get there the better your chances of choosing a project you would prefer to work on
b) Sometimes everybody must work on a specific project that needs to be completed.
c) If you arrive later and the projects are taken, you may be given an individual project or you may be asked to do some housekeeping. There are always things to be done and we do appreciate any help you can give us.
d) We have picked projects that we believe will sell. We try to design these so that you can use your creativity. However, if you think there is a better and more creative way to make it, please discuss it with the table leader. It is always exciting to see how others may alter or enhance the project so don’t be shy. Please show us.
e) If you have a project idea, please show it to the studio convener or assistants. If you can make up a prototype, all the better. New ideas are really appreciated and welcomed.
Table protocol
a) Usually, the table leader sets out the supplies for a project. You are responsible for getting your own tools for a project (this will familiarize you with where all items are located and stored).
b) When you leave, you are expected to clean your work area. If others are still working then just clean up your tools. The last worker will put away the project supplies. It is always a great help to us if you have time to sweep up the table area.
Glue
a) Our items all have to be sold so glue and other adhesives must not be showing.
b) Cleaning you glue gun is important. While still warm, cautiously wipe it clean with a paper towel and wrap the cord around it before placing it in the drawer.
c) Please use a board or mat for your glue gun to avoid glue residue on the tables and covers
Studio supplies
a) We are very dependent on our members to bring in natural products e.g. Cones, acorns, seed heads, branches, bark, sticks etc.
b) Make sure these are conditioned before you bring them to us
c) If you wish to borrow something to finish at home, please inform the convener or assistants.
d) If items need to be purchased for a prospective project, the convener must authorize the expense before the money is spent
Hostesses
a) Insert your name on the list on the studio wall and coordinate with your co-hostess to decide on what you each will contribute
b) Everyone is expected to hostess at least once throughout the studio year
References
a) If you are new to the studio there are some basic techniques you need to learn. Please make sure someone (perhaps your sponsor), teaches you how to COVER WIRE, MAKE A WIRE HANGER, MAKE A BOW, UNDERSTAND OUR SPRAY AND PAINTING TECHNIQUES. or view the videos
b) SOP (Standard Operating Procedure): (These will be available in the near future as documents as well as short videos)
i) How to cover wire
ii) How to make a wire hanger
iii) How to make a bow
iiii) How to use spray paint and clear the nozzle to prevent clogging
c) Remember that we have a fabulous library in our studio so feel free to use it.
Upcoming Horticulture Boutique Workshops
Workshops will be held at 9:15 a.m. at the Garden Club. Both
are free to all members.
Horticulture Boutique
We hope that you have had both a fun and restful summer and are now full of energy for material gathering and preparation. Boutique will be one week later this year on Saturday November 19th, giving us a little more time to prepare.
- To date we conducted four workshops in July to help get new members started on various techniques to create urn material.
- In preparation for Boutique, we are looking for interesting items for the urns and welcome any donations.
- To help us get started please consider donating the following: • galls • mullein • thistles • lotus pods • any interesting pods • curled birch bark • interesting pieces of bark • birch branches 3-5 feet in length and between 3-5 inches in diameter (smaller ones are helpful too
- Also appreciated would be: • small and medium pieces of driftwood • Chinese lanterns • bittersweet • rose hips • dried hydrangea • dried sedum • Silver dollars
- These are just some suggestions and if you find some plant material that dries well and would look interesting as a Christmas pick, please don’t hesitate to bring it in.
- As well, we will be looking for donations of succulents since we are hoping to prepare succulent containers again this year. We are also looking for old skates, cross country skis, snowshoes, toboggans and sleds that we can decorate. These will be used to create designs to be raffled.
- With regard to greens to be used for Boutique, please consider cutting down any conifer trees in November so that we can gather the greens for our urns.
- As well, if you have shrubs to be pruned, please consider doing this in mid-November. We are looking for yew, juniper, boxwood, grape vine, curly willow, woody tree roots, red dogwood and any other interesting material that could be used in both urns and centerpieces.
- If you have a landscaper who tends to your property, please consider asking if the landscaper can give us some conifer materials that are the result of pruning your property or those of others.
- The high-water levels in the Great Lakes this year have made finding driftwood very difficult. If you have some at home which you have gathered in previous years and would like to move them along to a new home, please consider us.
- Birch logs and branches have also been difficult to find, so if you have any that are dried that you no longer need, we would love to have them.
- We look forward to seeing you at Studio on Mondays starting September 9th and hope that you will stop by our tables to share your ideas and skills.
Pressed Flowers
Bring your creative talents to the Pressed Flower Tables and learn how to design and make pressed flower cards.