We now have In-Person Workshops!

Now that I have shared all the “things” that happened the last couple of years, it’s time to dive into the present (and maybe some teasers for the future). As I shared previously, I bought an office condo back in 2022. And this office condo has a great layout to offer in-person workshops to get other people making jewelry too. 

In a prior chapter of my life when I had my digital marketing business, I used to teach workshops for local businesses on how to optimize their digital footprints. Due to that setup, I already had all the furniture and such to create another classroom. But instead of rows of tables facing forward, we’ll be changing things up a bit when we get crafty. 

Sadly our first class was canceled due to a snow storm, but I’m certainly looking forward to the next one coming up in a couple of days (at the time I’m writing this blog). My intention is to start with 2 classes per month, and as I get my sea legs under me, I intend to increase to 4 classes per month. And who knows….maybe I’ll have even more each month! A girl can dream!

I’ve always been the type of person to share what I learn. So I’m not in the jewelry making game to keep everything to myself. I want to spread the creativity and engage others to find it in themselves like I did. Most people have such busy lives these days that we find it hard to find “me” time. And I just think that is such a tragedy. I want to create a place where people can come and build a sense of community while doing something relaxing. Here in Boulder, it’s not such a big city that you can’t get to know your neighbors, and I like that. 

Not only can getting a sense of “fitting in” with your community be a positive affect on your psyche, but there are LOTS of studies that prove creating art can give you many different health benefits as well. 

• Emotional Expression: Art therapy provides a non-verbal means for individuals to express complex emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Through the creative process, individuals can explore and communicate their feelings, leading to increased self-awareness and emotional insight.
• Stress Reduction: Engaging in artistic activities can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. The process of creating art can serve as a form of mindfulness, helping individuals to focus on the present moment and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension.
• Self-Exploration and Insight: Art therapy encourages self-exploration and reflection, allowing individuals to gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through the exploration of imagery and symbolism, individuals can uncover underlying issues and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.
• Enhanced Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence: Completing art projects and witnessing personal growth in artistic skills can boost self-esteem and self-confidence. Success in the creative process can foster a sense of accomplishment and mastery, leading to improved self-perception and self-worth.
• Coping Skills Development: Art therapy provides individuals with a constructive outlet for coping with difficult emotions and life challenges. Through the exploration of different art mediums and techniques, individuals can develop adaptive coping strategies and build resilience in the face of adversity.
• Communication and Social Skills: For individuals who struggle with verbal communication, art therapy offers an alternative mode of expression. Art can serve as a bridge for communication, facilitating interactions and fostering connections with others. Group art therapy sessions can also promote socialization and peer support.
• Trauma Processing and Healing: Art therapy has shown promise in helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Through the creation of art, individuals can externalize their trauma, gain a sense of control, and work towards integration and resolution.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Engaging in the creative process stimulates cognitive functions associated with problem-solving and innovation. Art therapy encourages individuals to think outside the box, explore alternative perspectives, and approach challenges with creativity and flexibility. *

By holding these classes in my local community, it gives me the opportunity to showcase my work IRL as well. Since my jewelry store is an e-commerce business, there aren't a lot of opportunities for people to physically see my products. By having my workshops, I can also give potential customers an opportunity to see my stuff as well. 

At the end of the day we are all humans, and in turn it means we crave human interaction. By opening up my space to invite people in my community to congregate and create, I’m feeding that need for human connection. So if you are local to Boulder, Colorado or here visiting, be sure to check out our latest workshops and come join us!

Until next time.....

Dianna

* I flexed my 21st century muscles and tried my hand at ChatGPT for the list of benefits art can have for individuals. Just wanted to be transparent on the bullet points. I also want to disclose that my workshops are not art therapy sessions, please seek professional help if you feel you need that type of support.