Workshop Information
| Please watch this space for upcoming workshops | ||
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There are no workshops scheduled at this time. Please watch this space for more information or signup for the mailing list.
The Designs by Gretchen eMail list.
Would you like to be notified of pending workshops? We would be happy to add you to the Designs by Gretchen eMail list. Just drop Gretchen an email at: Gretchen@GretchenLima.com to receive advance notice of workshops in your area. Your privacy is important to us, you may submit your email address with confidence, we will never sell, rent, loan or give out your address to any party. It will be used only for providing you with Designs by Gretchen information.
Guardian Spirit Workshop!Guardian Spirit Workshop $125 10am-3pm
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Quilted Spirit Pony Workshop.2 days— $175Date: TBA This is the Spirit Pony Workshop as seen on the left. YOU MUST be able to use the sewing machine because you will be sewing your own Pony from already cut out pieces. There is a lot of hand sewing and beading on this piece, and will take 2 days to complete. If you don’t think you can do that work, this workshop is not for you. Experienced sewers only. All materials and supplies are included in the price. $175, pre-paid. Class is LIMITED to 6 students, so sign up EARLY. I will take a few students on a wait list. Bring a sack lunch each day. More info to follow after you sign up. Call me to sign up and pay your $175520-762-0447 |
Protective Spirit Workshop$95 10-3pm,Not Scheduled at this time.Beginners Welcome Participants will cut out, sew and stuff their Protective Spirit. I will demonstrate the sculpting of a face, and the doll will begin to take shape with a head-dress, leather shield and woven shawl. All materials and supplies are provided, however you may bring special totems if you wish. Bring a bag lunch, and your sewing kit (scissors, pincushion with needles etc). To reserve your space (with a $20.00 non-refundable deposit) and receive a supply list and map to my studio in Vail, AZ, call me at 520-762-0447, or email gretchen@GretchenLima.com |
"Making Faces" Workshop10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $95Not Scheduled at this time.Beginners Welcome We will be making several faces, so that when you get home and want to do more by yourself, you hopefully will remember how we did it... --Practice makes perfect--Then we will put one of the faces on a simple structure, hanging doll body that you will stuff and decorate with wovens and beads. All materials and supplies are provided, however you may bring special totems if you wish. Bring a bag lunch, and your sewing kit (scissors, pincushion with needles etc). I only have 6 spaces for each workshop..so do not wait to let me know if you are interested by sending your non-refundable deposit of $95.00 to: Gretchen LimaWoodPO Box 352 Vail, AZ 85641 call Gretchen at (520) 762-0447, or email gretchen@GretchenLima.com |
The Medicine Woman Workshop2 days - $230
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Cactus Woman Workshop10a.m. - 3p.m., $95Not Scheduled at this time. Participants will cut out, sew and stuff their Cactus Woman. I will demonstrate the sculpting of a face, and the doll will begin to take shape with a head-dress, woven shawl and beaded Cactus flowers and necklace. All materials and supplies are provided, however you may bring special totems if you wish. Bring a bag lunch, and your sewing kit (scissors, pincushion with needles etc). To reserve your space (with a $20.00 non-refundable deposit) and receive a supply list and map to my studio in Vail, AZ, call me at 520-762-0447, or email Gretchen@GretchenLima.com send a check to: Gretchen Lima, PO Box 352, Vail, AZ 85641 |
Mermaid Workshop2 days 10a.m. - 3p.m. each day $230Not Scheduled at this time.Experienced Sewers
In the VERY busy TWO day workshop, students will sew and stuff the body, made from my pattern, hand sculpt the face, and decorate the doll using my materials and shells. If you have fabrics or shells of your own that you want to incorporate into this piece, feel free to bring them with you. You should bring 1/2 yard of a cotton fabric you want to use for the body of your mermaid. To reserve your space (with a $20.00 nonrefundable deposit) and receive a supply/tool list, call Gretchen at (520) 762-0447, or e-mail her at gretchen@gretchenLima.com |
Design Your Spirit Guide2 days $250Not Scheduled at this time.I have had many requests for the "Creating Your Spirit Guide workshop". It is a 2 -day workshop and includes designing your own doll from conception to completion. It is open to students who know how to use a sewing machine and have some experience with dollmaking/hand sewing, or have been to one or more of my other full day workshops. The cost of the class is $195, which includes woven fabrics and trinkets, sculpey, stuffing and wool for hair, and snacks for both days. You are required to bring a yard or so of a favorite fabric to use for the main body of your doll, and any other fabrics you want to incorporate into your piece, and I will have my fabrics for decorating available for you to use. Also, as usual, bring your pincushion, scissors and needles/sewing kit. Your sketch pad-if you have one- and pencil is a must! And a bag lunch for each day. I will send a list of nearby hotels and more details upon receipt of your non-refundable deposit of $50.00. I will only have 6 openings for this workshop. call Gretchen at 762-0447, or email gretchen@GretchenLima.com |
The Small Quilter Woman Workshop2 days $250Not Scheduled at this time.
You will have some homework to do before you come to the workshop. Bring about 1/4 yd of 5 different fabrics which will be the skirt of your Quilter Woman. All the specifics will be mailed to you after your $20.00 non-refundable deposit is received. Also, as usual, bring your pincushion, scissors and needles/sewing kit. You may bring any other fabrics you wish, but it is not necessary as I will have all kinds of hand-woven fabrics and beads for you to use. Each student will cut out, stuff and decorate your doll, create the skirt, as well as learn how to sculpt the face. Your quilter will hold a basket, which I will supply, with fabrics from your 5 skirt choices. She will be made to hang on the wall in your sewing room! The requirements for this workshop are knowledge of the use of the sewing machine. It is for the more experienced sewer ONLY. I only have room for 6 students for this workshop so you must sign up early! To reserve your space (with a $50.00 nonrefundable deposit) and receive a supply/tool list, call Gretchen at 762-0447, or e-mail her at gretchen@gretchenLima.com |
Design your OWN Grouping Workshop2 days $250Not Scheduled at this time.Experienced sewers ONLY.
The requirements for this workshop are knowledge of the use of the sewing machine. It is for the more experienced sewer ONLY. I only have room for 6 students for this workshop so you must sign up early! To reserve your space (with a $50.00 nonrefundable deposit) and receive a supply/tool list, call Gretchen at 762-0447, or e-mail her at gretchen@gretchenLima.com
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Artist's Statement
I have been creating dolls for 35 years. During that time, I used the twists and turns life takes to create positive images of women. Strength, courage, and wisdom are all recurring images in my work.
Over the years, I have discovered a great connection with women of all ages around this theme. I feel that is part of the joy of dollmaking.
People at art fairs ask me how I got started in dollmaking. I believe it's a 50-year old story, interwoven with a need and a passion to create, using detail, color and a sense of spirit.
My work is not only an expression of what I see, but of what I feel. I create the messages and give a voice to a girl inside who has patiently waited to be heard.
Workshop Description
Slide Presentation:
The slide lecture includes slides of my work over the past (almost) 25 years of my dollmaking career, and slides of drawings and the dolls made from the drawings. I explain MY creative process and share the personal challenges which inspired my work.
Guided Imagery:
The guided imagery is my way of calming and quieting the rest of my life so I can listen to messages from within. I have given this guided imagery to mostly women who have never experienced it before. The vast majority enjoy it and say it is their favorite part of the workshop. It is what I do that makes my workshop different, I believe.
It is my belief that you must listen to yourself, go within (guided imagery is a great tool), in order to create from your heart. For some people this may be a bit intimidating, but once they try it, very satisfying.
Basically, guided imagery is this: I play some very soothing Native American flute music, and read a story I have written. The participants close their eyes, if this is comfortable for them, and listen to the story. Afterwards, we talk about what they saw and/or do a primitive drawing of what they saw.
It helps to set the mood for the rest of the workshop.
Demonstrations:
During each workshop, I demonstrate the sculpting of a face. I also give gentle assistance with the construction of the doll and show techniques for decorating. I want this to be an "out of your box" experience for each person so I allow as much personal freedom of expression as needed.
Some Comments from Workshop Participants
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I cannot believe how much I learned ... and not just about doll making. What a journey! I will be following your work and can't wait to take another class... This was better than a therapist and a day at the spa combined.
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...just loved making the doll. I, for one, never thought that I would be able to make a face. You made all of it seem so easy and relaxing!
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It was very relaxing, inspirational, and a great one day get-away. In addition to your wonderful creative abilities you are an excellent teacher.
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Don't think I've ever taken proper time in thanking you... It is such a treasured memory for me...the inspirational meeting with my "Wise Woman"... thanks to your kindness in sharing. All could not have happened at a more appropriate time... and as I learned further from you.. is so true in all of life if we would only choose to recognize and accept this. Thank you for TEACHING and SHARING ...your art, your passion and so much more!
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... very patient with non-sewers, nicely presented.
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This was fabulous! The highlight of the retreat for me. I loved the guided imagery.