Love this idea! I’ve shared it with a friend and we are thinking about cohosting! I’m not “artistic” but the way you share your ideas and your own work is inspiring- thank you!
sounds like a wonderful night. I used to have craft nights with friends, and one of my friends was determined that she wasn't a crafter, so she would balance her checkbook. After months and months ... we got her started on needlepoint. My guess is, she still is in the middle of that project!! We tried! ha ha!
But in all seriousness, I love that you host these ... this may just be the nudge that I need to start one up in my neighborhood!
I love this story! First I love that she showed up to balance her checkbook for so long. 😂That you eventually got her to open her creative hatch even a little bit is a big win in my book!
I love this Aimee. I used to host Reading Days where we would all bring a book or a project to work quietly on, and then we'd break for snacks and visiting. I would love to do something similar with art but I really just wish I was your neighbor so you could organize it and I could just show up ; )
Oooh, the Reading Day is a fun idea. Have you heard of places hosting a silent book club? Everyone shows up to a coffee shop and reads their own book quietly? My daughter told me about one recently.
I would love for you to drop in for Art Night. 🥳 Nashville's just a jump. hop and a skip away, right? 😉
I love this, Aimee! Wish I lived nearby and could come to your art nights! It’s funny, I’ve recently been scheming about how to have a particular friend of mine who claims zero creativity come to my house this month to make some big paper bag snowflakes for the upcoming holiday season (they’re so much easier than they look, and I think she’d be blown away by the wow factor, hopefully recognizing the creative side of herself). Also inspired to try collage now … such interesting and varied end results. Very cool!
When I started reading, I was reminded of Carolyn Yoo’s post and had planned to share it with you. Look at that! I really like the idea of having an entry activity and then giving the chance for people to work on anything they want.
I’ve wanted to host a wreath-making party, but my barrier is that those supplies can add up quickly (unless they’re out of season artificial flowers!). Do you think it’d be fair to ask people to contribute towards the cost? I’m nervous the night wouldn’t feel as accessible to others—not sure what the balance there would be!
I completely understand the problem about asking/not asking for money toward supplies. When I used to do these events regularly it was very normal for us to mention a supply fee between 5-10 dollars with each invite.
I’ve tried to avoid it this time around but that means I’ve swallowed some of the cost myself and that’s not sustainable. For example I can see myself doing a flower arranging class and I know I’ll have to ask for 10ish dollars per person.
You can remind them that they’ll be going home with a fresh wreath (and probably for less than they could have bought one in the store). And you could say: “the supply fee is 10 dollars but if it’s an issue for you then just pay what you can”.
I love this! Maybe you don’t feel comfortable with the word “artistic” (yet!) but that just means you’re going on a journey with your co-host and anyone who shows up!
Do it! Invite the friend over to make the snowflakes (do you have a link to the idea so I can see what they look like?) I think it’s a great mission to open up our friends to see their creativity. Some people just have a narrow definition and too easily think “not me!”
Also the paper stars we made were easy as well and I was thinking those could be themed by buying holiday paper.
Love this idea! I’ve shared it with a friend and we are thinking about cohosting! I’m not “artistic” but the way you share your ideas and your own work is inspiring- thank you!
sounds like a wonderful night. I used to have craft nights with friends, and one of my friends was determined that she wasn't a crafter, so she would balance her checkbook. After months and months ... we got her started on needlepoint. My guess is, she still is in the middle of that project!! We tried! ha ha!
But in all seriousness, I love that you host these ... this may just be the nudge that I need to start one up in my neighborhood!
I love this story! First I love that she showed up to balance her checkbook for so long. 😂That you eventually got her to open her creative hatch even a little bit is a big win in my book!
Just do it!
Baby steps, right???
I love this Aimee. I used to host Reading Days where we would all bring a book or a project to work quietly on, and then we'd break for snacks and visiting. I would love to do something similar with art but I really just wish I was your neighbor so you could organize it and I could just show up ; )
Oooh, the Reading Day is a fun idea. Have you heard of places hosting a silent book club? Everyone shows up to a coffee shop and reads their own book quietly? My daughter told me about one recently.
I would love for you to drop in for Art Night. 🥳 Nashville's just a jump. hop and a skip away, right? 😉
Our local library does a silent reading group but I’ve never been.
And Nashville is a pretty big hop and skip but that would be fun!
I love this, Aimee! Wish I lived nearby and could come to your art nights! It’s funny, I’ve recently been scheming about how to have a particular friend of mine who claims zero creativity come to my house this month to make some big paper bag snowflakes for the upcoming holiday season (they’re so much easier than they look, and I think she’d be blown away by the wow factor, hopefully recognizing the creative side of herself). Also inspired to try collage now … such interesting and varied end results. Very cool!
When I started reading, I was reminded of Carolyn Yoo’s post and had planned to share it with you. Look at that! I really like the idea of having an entry activity and then giving the chance for people to work on anything they want.
I’ve wanted to host a wreath-making party, but my barrier is that those supplies can add up quickly (unless they’re out of season artificial flowers!). Do you think it’d be fair to ask people to contribute towards the cost? I’m nervous the night wouldn’t feel as accessible to others—not sure what the balance there would be!
I completely understand the problem about asking/not asking for money toward supplies. When I used to do these events regularly it was very normal for us to mention a supply fee between 5-10 dollars with each invite.
I’ve tried to avoid it this time around but that means I’ve swallowed some of the cost myself and that’s not sustainable. For example I can see myself doing a flower arranging class and I know I’ll have to ask for 10ish dollars per person.
You can remind them that they’ll be going home with a fresh wreath (and probably for less than they could have bought one in the store). And you could say: “the supply fee is 10 dollars but if it’s an issue for you then just pay what you can”.
I’d love to hear about it if you do it!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me!! This was really helpful, Aimee!
I love this! Maybe you don’t feel comfortable with the word “artistic” (yet!) but that just means you’re going on a journey with your co-host and anyone who shows up!
Also having a co-host is gold, it helps so much.
Do it! Invite the friend over to make the snowflakes (do you have a link to the idea so I can see what they look like?) I think it’s a great mission to open up our friends to see their creativity. Some people just have a narrow definition and too easily think “not me!”
Also the paper stars we made were easy as well and I was thinking those could be themed by buying holiday paper.
I hope you try collage.🥳