The History and Vision for The Handwork Studio

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I was taught how  to knit when I was 7 years old by my mother.  During my childhood, handmade sweaters at Christmas, screen printing in the garage, easels for oil painting, and a loom in the living room large enough to weave rugs were the norm.  This passion for the arts that my mother has lives deeply in me and I have been fortunate to bring it into my work.  I have been a teacher for 30 years, most of those years teaching handwork classes alongside academic classes, combining them whenever possible.  The joy I feel in witnessing a student learn a new skill or create something all on their own inspires my own creativity and exploration. That joy in teaching along with the love and admiration of crafting has lived in me as a seed for what might grow in a community. 

It's one of those long held dreams that waxes and wanes as life's events move us through days, years, and decades. 
Then, it seems to happen suddenly but the truth is, multiple paths have been heading towards this moment for quite some time.
Deciding to take it up and try to create something of value is exciting and inspiring.

With the gracious opportunity to share a space at the Community Center with Woodhaven High School, I started figuring out what classes I could offer, how many individual students I could tutor, and what the community might want at this point in time. 
My overall goal is to provide a space for people of all ages to craft together,
a multi-generational community of insight, wonder, and joy in seeing each other as fellow crafters, artists, and mentors. 
So was launched, The Handwork Studio.

The learning curve now is websites, scheduling, advertising, and responding to feedback. 
Not exactly the crafting I had in mind but it's good to expand one's skills!
If you've visited the site, you've probably noticed my learning curve on full display. 
Your patience is deeply appreciated.

I will be offering seasonal as well as on going skill building classes in the new year. 
This is the beginning of what I hope becomes a heart beat in our South Whidbey community.  

A special thanks to all of you who came in for a class not knowing who I was or what you might find when you arrived! 
Your creations have been wonderful and meeting you has been a highlight of my year. 
I look forward to more crafting in the new year!