This slow stitch session introduces Cloth Weaving and Couching techniques as a way to expand your slow stitching practice or use in other hand sewing projects.

This class will build on the Introduction to slow stitching class but is also open to all with a basic knowledge of hand sewing. In this class ,we explore and practice cloth weaving as a way to create interesting foundations for slow stitch or other hand sewn projects. We will also learn to “Couch” thicker and textured yarns to our woven foundation, adding texture and interesting form to your hand sewing projects.

In the spirit of slow stitching, we continue with a laid back, beginner friendly space, where the only rule is “you DO you”!

This class utilizes scrap fabric, left over yarn pieces, and other bits to create interesting and unique fiber art while teaching techniques and methods you can use and expand in your own slow stitch practice and projects. All supplies are provided but feel free to bring your favorite fabric scraps to work with!

This class is for anyone with any level of hand sewing experience. If you know how to thread a needle and do a basic running stitch, you can do this. All are welcome!

Age 16 +

$20

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Join Ari (they/them) to learn how to make a soft little owl figure using a specialized notched needle to sculpt dyed wool. You’ll learn to create three-dimensional forms and add details, and you’ll develop the foundational skills to continue needle felting at home. You’ll come away with an owl to keep or give as a gift, as well as a felting mat and needle of your own.

Ages 12 and up

$35

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Want an adorable little houseplant that you’ll never have to water and you can’t kill? Join Ari (they/them) to needle felt a succulent (Sedum adolphi, variations of which include Shooting Stars, Firestorm, and Gold Dust)! We’ll use a specialized notched needle to sculpt dyed wool, and “plant” our succulents in real mini terra cotta pots. You’ll learn to create three-dimensional forms and add details, and you’ll develop the foundational skills to continue needle felting at home. You’ll come away with a succulent to keep or give as a gift, as well as a felting mat and needle of your own.

This class is suitable for beginners and intermediate students. It is a stand-alone class, but also part of a series- come back for more and construct a whole succulent garden!

Ages 12 and up

$35

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Join Jennifer Perkinson for a class focusing on different types of floral embroidery stitches. You will receive an embroidery hoop, needle and thread set up with outlines to follow as we cover learning and practicing the stitches together and embroidering a few flowers. You'll leave with a handout of the stitches we've covered and a few other helpful ones for storing in your embroidery bags for future reference. If you have an item you'd like to embroider on, feel free to bring that along to consider using during class or talk about.

Beginner and intermediate friendly.

Ages 13 and up

$25

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Join the amazing Minou for an hour of toddler fun- singing, story time, and creative art exploration. Come in clothes you don’t mind getting messy!

Every Thursday morning at 10:30

$13

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Slow Stitch Sanctuary is a welcoming, open stitch circle for slow stitchers and hand‐sewers/stitchers of all types and levels. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a supportive start or an experienced hand stitcher wanting community, inspiration, and company while you stitch.

Join us for gentle, unhurried stitching time where community comes first.

We will be in the Book Nook at Scrappy Elephant on Fridays from 12-2 pm.

Drop in for whatever time you can, grab a cup of tea or coffee, share stories, seek advice, practice techniques, and support one another’s creative journeys. This is an informal, come as you are space for stitching, conversation, and just spending time with other creatives. Bring your own project or shop Scrappy for all you need to start your next one.

This is an inclusive, non-judgmental, and safe space where all creatives are welcomed and respected.

Contact: Carolyn Nowak

Feel free to join our email list for updates and upcoming slow stitch classes(optional)

Send email to Freespiritstitch@gmail.com with subject “subscribe “

Do you enjoy painting but would like more opportunities to practice your skills? Are you intrigued by watercolor but would appreciate some gentle guidance on how to begin? Or would you just like some time to unwind from the week by exercising your creativity in a supportive environment? Join us for a relaxed, joyful evening of painting!

In this open painting session, a structured lesson won’t be provided, so you’ll be free to follow your own creative inspiration as much as you would like without any constraints. How you choose to use this time is up to you: you could work on a project of your own, gain additional practice in a certain technique, or simply have fun experimenting with pigments on paper. All supplies for watercolor painting will be provided, and you won’t need to bring any additional materials (but are certainly welcome to do so if you would prefer!). Heather will be available to provide one-on-one instructor feedback, targeted instruction if desired, or assistance with any projects or questions that you have. Some seasonal reference photos will be offered if you don’t have your own project and would like some inspiration.

This session is perfect for students who have taken one of Heather’s watercolor classes in the past and would like additional practice, but it would also be a good fit for people wanting one-on-one feedback on their work, complete beginners wanting to dip their toes into watercolor before joining a more structured class, or anyone just wanting to create without any desired outcome.

Come as you are! Uplevel your skills or simply experience the joy of painting and creativity for its own sake among like-minded people. Feel free to bring bevvies!

ages 15 and up

$25

Sign up here!

Come learn 10+ additional stitches (blanket stitch, feather stitch, french knots, etc) and variations of some stitches that will create unique looks and expand your stitch library. You will have time to practice by creating a stitch sampler you can take home as a reference. We will explore how to use these stitches to enhance your slow stitch pieces so if you have a slow stitch piece you are currently working on, feel free to bring it with you.

This class will build on the knowledge and skills from the Foundations of Slow Stitch Class but those with prior sewing/stitching experience looking to review or expand their own stitch “Library” are welcome to join. Those without sewing experience are encouraged to start with Introduction to Slow Stitch Class prior to this class.

Supplies will be provided for use in class to make an 8”x10” sampler of stitches

Fabric provided will be a neutral color cotton with a limited selection of 6 strand embroidery floss.

If you have a favorite solid color piece of soft cotton or soft linen fabric (minimum 8”x10”) or favorite colors of 6 stranded embroidery floss you prefer to use, feel free to bring those with you.

Age 16 +

$20

Sign up here!

Join Ari (they/them) for a fun felting class. Learn how to make a butterfly or moth pin using a specialized barbed needle to apply dyed wool to your choice of felt base. Make your insect realistic or fantastical, whatever you like! You’ll develop foundational needle felting skills, and leave class with one or more completed pins to keep or give as gifts.

Beginners and returning students welcome!

ages 12 and up

$35

Sign up here!

Want an adorable little houseplant that you’ll never have to water and you can’t kill? Join Ari (they/them) to needle felt a star cactus (Astrophytum asterias, also called sand dollar cactus, sea urchin cactus, and star peyote). We’ll use a specialized notched needle to sculpt dyed wool, and “plant” our cacti in real mini terra cotta pots. You’ll learn to create three-dimensional forms and add details, and you’ll develop the foundational skills to continue needle felting at home. You’ll come away with a cactus to keep or give as a gift, as well as a felting mat and needle of your own.

This class is suitable for beginners and intermediate students. It is a stand-alone class, but also part of a series- come back for more and construct a whole succulent garden!

ages 12 and up

$35

Sign up here!

Learn oil painting in an approachable and organized format. Each week we will paint together in a process that will enable you to take those techniques and paint anything! For each class you will paint and bring home a different original oil painting. This class will be a landscape composition based on the reference photo below.

This is a class for people who have never oil painted before, or even people who have never painted before! However, experienced oil painters are also welcome and will learn to further their techniques.

Topics include color mixing, composition, values, simplification, and edges. We will also go over materials and supplies, choosing appropriate reference photos, and setting up your home studio.

This is a stand-alone class but will not be repetitive if you come back again and again! Please wear comfortable clothing. Smock or apron suggested if you do not wish to get painty. You can download the image onto your phone or tablet if you would like to have the reference photo in front of you (not mandatory).

Oil painting is more accessible than you think! Come start or expand your creative practice in a casual and fun environment- all are welcome!

ages 14 and up

$45

sign up here!

Beginner Art Class for kids & adults! We will have foam mosaic squares to create funky art with fun dimensions. Bring your littlest artist for a fun take on mosaics and a chance to get crafty together!

All materials will be provided by the Scrappy Elephant, just rock up and get creative.

ages 6 and up

$10

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Join the amazing Minou for an hour of toddler fun- singing, story time, and creative art exploration. Come in clothes you don’t mind getting messy!

Every Thursday morning at 10:30

$14

Sign up here!

Join Charlotte in the Scrappy Elephant Classroom to learn the art of Lino/Block Printing! You are not expected to have any prior abilities but you won't be held back if you've block printed before. All the materials will be provided and you will have the chance to make at least one linoleum stamp, and MANY prints to use for cards or decoration!

for ages 15 and up

$35

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This class is designed to be an introductory course for those with little or no hand sewing experience. In this class students will learn three basic sewing stitches (running, back, and slip). These stitches will be practiced and then applied to a simple pincushion project done in class that students can take with them. Button sewing will be included. Sewing notions and project will be provided. This beginner hand sewing class is ideal to take before enrolling in the Mending Workshops offered.

ages 15 and up

$20

Sign up here!

Dive into a tropical paradise by learning how to paint exotic botanicals in watercolor!

Tropical plants feature a vibrant array of colors and textures that invite creative experimentation. In this class, we’ll have fun bringing them to life on the page through the dynamic mingling of water and pigments.

We’ll start with some exercises in brushwork and water control to gain confidence with our tools and then explore how to utilize a variety of foundational watercolor techniques to represent tropical flowers and other botanicals. Developing the ability to layer will build depth and texture in our subjects, and understanding how to use fluid brushstrokes to construct leaves and petals will result in more dynamic compositions. Finally, we’ll use these skills to create a vibrant composition of exotic flora with a significant range of color and depth. You’ll leave with a completed painting and a set of techniques to utilize in future work.

Beginners are welcome in this class! No prior watercolor experience is necessary, and you’ll gain a sense of how fun this medium can be through our time together and ways to continue your learning if desired.

Join us in paradise for a relaxing time of exploring the creative versatility of watercolor!

ages 15 and up

$40

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Join Charlotte to follow a simple & beginner friendly crochet pattern! It's an envelope style sleeve which can be used to store books, journals, art supplies and more! Yarn will be provided by the scrappy elephant, if you have some DK yarn you're dying to use, one skein will be plenty for this project so feel free to bring your own if you'd like!

Basic crochet knowledge (chain stitch & single crochet) will be necessary for the class. If you have a H, I or J hook (5-6mm) please bring it along, but hooks will be provided if you forget or don't have one.

ages 14 and up

$30

Sign up here!

If you are looking for a fun, easy, and creative outlet to help you relax, spark your imagination, and express your thoughts and ideas with more clarity, this two-day workshop is for you. The course teaches basic drawing skills and how to think and communicate using simple pictures and words. Drawing skills are not required and any experience level is welcome to participate in this visual process.

Ages 12 and up

two Wednesdays, August 12th and August 19th at 1:30

$80

Sign up here!

Join the amazing Minou for an hour of toddler fun- singing, story time, and creative art exploration. Come in clothes you don’t mind getting messy!

Every Thursday morning at 10:30

$14

Sign up here!

Ignite your imagination and unlock your artistic potential. Facilitated by Stephanie Wood, this unique experience blends ceremonial practices with hands-on activities, fostering a supportive space to overcome creative obstacles and reconnect with your innate creativity. This class is for anyone trying to tap into their inner artist, writer, singer, or dancer. All experience levels are welcome.

$25

Sign up here!

Join Emma as she teaches you how to knit @dagworthy’s lucky duck! As long as you know how to cast on and knit, you can join! Bring your favorite fingering weight yarn and size 2.25mm double pointed needles. 
3 classes at 11am- August 16th, 23rd, and 30th

ages 12 and up

$100

sign up here!

Learn oil painting in an approachable and organized format. Each week we will paint together in a process that will enable you to take those techniques and paint anything! For each class you will paint and bring home a different original oil painting. This class will be a floral composition based on the reference photo below.

This is a class for people who have never oil painted before, or even people who have never painted before! However, experienced oil painters are also welcome and will learn to further their techniques.

Topics include color mixing, composition, values, simplification, and edges. We will also go over materials and supplies, choosing appropriate reference photos, and setting up your home studio.

This is a stand-alone class but will not be repetitive if you come back again and again! Please wear comfortable clothing. Smock or apron suggested if you do not wish to get painty. You can download the image onto your phone or tablet if you would like to have the reference photo in front of you (not mandatory).

Oil painting is more accessible than you think! Come start or expand your creative practice in a casual and fun environment- all are welcome!

ages 14 and up

$45

Sign up here!

Do you enjoy painting but would like more opportunities to practice your skills? Are you intrigued by watercolor but would appreciate some gentle guidance on how to begin? Or would you just like some time to unwind from the week by exercising your creativity in a supportive environment? Join us for a relaxed, joyful evening of painting!

In this open painting session, a structured lesson won’t be provided, so you’ll be free to follow your own creative inspiration as much as you would like without any constraints. How you choose to use this time is up to you: you could work on a project of your own, gain additional practice in a certain technique, or simply have fun experimenting with pigments on paper. All supplies for watercolor painting will be provided, and you won’t need to bring any additional materials (but are certainly welcome to do so if you would prefer!). Heather will be available to provide one-on-one instructor feedback, targeted instruction if desired, or assistance with any projects or questions that you have. Some seasonal reference photos will be offered if you don’t have your own project and would like some inspiration.

This session is perfect for students who have taken one of Heather’s watercolor classes in the past and would like additional practice, but it would also be a good fit for people wanting one-on-one feedback on their work, complete beginners wanting to dip their toes into watercolor before joining a more structured class, or anyone just wanting to create without any desired outcome.

Come as you are! Uplevel your skills or simply experience the joy of painting and creativity for its own sake among like-minded people. Feel free to bring bevvies!

ages 15 and up

$25

Sign up here!

The goal of this class is to learn techniques for mending holes with visible or invisible mending in clothes. Visible mending patches holes visibly with decorative accents. Invisible mending repairs holes with very little notice of the mend. Participants are encouraged to bring in their own articles of clothing in need of repair and learn to fix them during class time. Sewing notions will be provided. A basic knowledge of sewing by hand or by machine is ideal. Demo repair projects will be available for practice.

ages 15 and up

$20

Sign up here!

Rage but adorable. Got something to say? Let it all out in this sassy sign workshop. We'll be using beads, glitter, and sewing notions to create whimsical art with an important message - yours! 

AND…

This welcoming orientation for new (and returning) members, is designed to provide you with some basic information about the Indivisible Charlottesville organization, connect with each other, and explore ways to get involved. We'll give a brief overview of who we are and why we organize, and provide you with opportunities to meet team members and learn about different ways to plug into our antifascist, pro-democracy work. All are welcome—come as you are and bring a dish or snack to share if you’re able.
Childcare available on site!

If you are coming for the craft, please come at 12:30, if you are just coming to learn the information, please come at 1pm.

ages 15 and up

pay-what-you-can, recommended $10

Sign up here!

Bring your imagination and a love for detail to this cozy, hands-on workshop! In this series, we will learn the basics of making furniture, decor, and household items out of everyday materials. Each session will focus on a specific technique and will result in a miniature room. This month we will focus on making kitchen counters/appliances out of everyday items.

ages 16 and up

$30

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In the top five list of items any crafter might have lingering in their craft cave is unused paper and scraps of material. With that and a little bit of mat board, glue, string, and the desire to journal or keep records of all your crafts and feelings, you can make a journal of your very own.

In this class, local craft-o-logist, Rebecca, will show you how to put together a journal using up-cycled items such as fabric, paper, cardboard, and string. You will also be introduced to the art of bookbinding and go home with a journal your own and the knowledge and resources to continue your new craft.

Ages 12 and up

$45

Sign up here!

Join the amazing Minou for an hour of toddler fun- singing, story time, and creative art exploration. Come in clothes you don’t mind getting messy!

Every Thursday morning at 10:30

$14

Sign up here!

This is a beginner-intermediate crochet pattern involving primarily the Granny Stitch. In this workshop, Charlotte will guide you through how to make a hexagon cardigan, provide all the yarn and supplies & instruct on how to tailor the fit to you (or a loved one).

In the first session we will select yarn and begin the garment! You will be provided with a pattern, with instruction on how to follow a written pattern, if needed.

Then, you're welcome back to a second session to learn basic sewing of crochet pieces & select your finishing touches.

You will be expected to know how to crochet basic stitches, such as chains, slip stitches & at least single crochet. All materials will be provided, but if you have a preferred I, J or K hook, you're welcome to bring it along for the ride!

ages 16 and up

$80 for two sessions, Friday 8/28 and Friday 9/4

Sign up here!

Join Ari (they/them) to learn how to make beautiful sprigs of lavender out of felt and florist supplies with the help of hot glue guns. You will learn to make two different styles of sprigs, and there will be time to make several of each to take home. At the end of class, you’ll have the option to scent your creations with real lavender essential oil, or to duck out beforehand if you are sensitive to scents.

ages 16 and up

$35

Sign up here!

Learn oil painting in an approachable and organized format. Each week we will paint together in a process that will enable you to take those techniques and paint anything! For each class you will paint and bring home a different original oil painting. This class will be a floral composition based on the reference photo below.

This is a class for people who have never oil painted before, or even people who have never painted before! However, experienced oil painters are also welcome and will learn to further their techniques.

Topics include color mixing, composition, values, simplification, and edges. We will also go over materials and supplies, choosing appropriate reference photos, and setting up your home studio.

This is a stand-alone class but will not be repetitive if you come back again and again! Please wear comfortable clothing. Smock or apron suggested if you do not wish to get painty. You can download the image below onto your phone or tablet if you would like to have the reference photo in front of you (not mandatory).

Oil painting is more accessible than you think! Come start or expand your creative practice in a casual and fun environment- all are welcome!

ages 14 and up

$45 per class

Sign up here!

Come to Scrappy and make something special. Ari (they/them) will provide some tips and tricks for collaging on cardstock. You’ll also learn backstitch and running stitch techniques to add to your composition with embroidery thread.

All materials will be provided, including stickers, washi tapes, stencils, shiny things and pretty papers to cut and paste. If you have some favorite collage items or papercraft tools you’d like to bring to use yourself or share with the group, please feel free!

ages 12 and up

$25

Sign up here!