Minneapolis... A Retreat On Repeat!

Felted Flower Rings by Susan Rossiter

Our new midwest location was such a happy success that we're doing it again next year! Woohoo! Yup, that's right kiddies... Art & Soul will be back in Minneapolis in 2017 and we've already got a great lineup of mixed media workshops for you taught by so many talented instructors. Here is just a sneak peek at what we have in store...

With the growing popularity of mandalas lately — and the zen that comes along with them — it's no wonder they've made their way into the mixed media world. And what better way to unwind and relax than to spend a day creating Mixed Media Mandalas  using fabric and paper with Rebekah Meier. Breathe in.... breathe out... cut and paste.... ahhhhhhh. Doesn't that feel good!

OMGoddess! Release your inner goddess while being gently guided in techniques of beading and fringe with Doris Arndt in a glorious workshop where basically everything is provided for you. Just bring your inner divinity!

What about learning this amazing technique on how to Cut, Stencil & Stitch From Scratch and create your very own multi-layered garment with Patti Calande? You'll learn about cutting fabric, stenciling, stitches, techniques, and construction, and you will gain key hands-on experience to complete this and other beautiful, heirloom hand stitched projects!

Or try your hand at metal etching and leather tooling in Erin Keck's workshop, The Shoe Cobbler's Journal. Under Erin's expert guidance, you'll construct a unique steampunk-esque journal made from shoe sole leather, learn dyeing techniques, metal etching, hinge creation and leave with a finished journal and a wealth of knowledge!

Carol Sphon's Cruising for a Rooster workshop.

And that's just a small sampling of what we have in store for you! Registration for next year's Minneapolis Retreat opens on August 1st — which isn't that far away! And we've got a Special Offer for all you early birds... Sign up by October 31st and get $15 dollars off your registration fee and $15 off each full day class!

Art & Soul Minneapolis

April 26th - May 1, 2017

Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel

Minneapolis, MN

So grab yourself a drink and a snack, make sure your printer has plenty of paper and ink, and start planning your dream mixed media playcation!

A Stitch in Time is... Here Forever!

Patti Calande has always been a maker. As a child her cousin taught her to sew, and her grandmother taught her to crochet. She's taken many classes since that time to further her creative endeavors. When Patti discovered Alabama Chanin, she felt an immediate affinity for their techniques, style, and integrity. She knew this was what she wanted to do. Patti eventually went on to attend multiple workshops at their factory in Alabama, completed their teaching accreditation requirements, and is now a certified Alabama Chanin Sewing Instructor.

Patti is excited to help others discover the wonderful world of hand-stitching heirloom pieces. She not only embraces the pleasure of the process, but also the thoughtful crafting of something beautiful and useful, something to be enjoyed by the maker now and their future generations to come, that’s so good for the soul.

And she's going to help you do that too!

Patti is teaching her Alabama Chainin technique in an amazing workshop at our Portland Art & Soul in March 2015. And it's not just about stitching... it's about beading and patterns and stencils and fabrics and more! Check out her video...


Hand Stitching & Embellishing, The Alabama Chanin Way
Sunday, March 8th, 2015

The Alabama Chanin way offers a fresh take on age-old hand stitching techniques. Join Patti in exploring these techniques, such as applique and reverse applique. She'll talk about different types of stitches, from the running stitch to elaborate embroidery stitches, and their applicable uses. She’ll go over some of her favorite tips and tricks to help make for a smooth, successful sewing experience. She’ll touch on materials, pattern cutting, beading, and stenciling; and you’ll learn garment construction too.



So... are you inspired? I certainly love the peacefulness and calm of hand sewing, stitching and embrioidery... and Patti Calande is just the soul to take you through it!

For more information on our Portland retreat, as well as registration, check out our website today!