The first quarter of this year has been real fun for workshops! I haven’t had the chance to blog about them so here’s a round of the craft projects I’ve taught and classes I’ve held since the beginning of the year.
JAN 21: New Year, New You
I kicked off 2018 with a Creative Journaling Workshop with Maartsy. As part of their “New Year, New You” workshop series, they invited me to share my process on how to document life events and highlights in creative and practical ways.
Journaling has very much worked for me the last few years and I think my days and weeks have become more meaningful and well-reflected as a result. It really is a meditative activity. So I was definitely excited to share it with others.
We were also so fortunate to have received free Instax film from Fujifilm for the session! Using the Instax SP-2 printer, all participants got the chance to print photos which they included in their journal layouts.
Not only that, I also created a set of journaling stickers exclusively for this class. I’m so happy with how they turned out and how useful they are for layouts!
This was a lot of fun so I’m thrilled to announce that I’m having another Creative Journaling Workshop with Maartsy this April! Do follow them on Instagram or Facebook for updates and registration details.
FEB 3: Valentines Crafts
My first Instax & Crafts session for the year was Valentines themed! And the project I came up with was something to make and share — Candy Bouquets!
It’s basically paper flower making with a twist. Each flower had a lollipop inside which served as a sweet surprise.
It was fun making these and some of the participants really joined the workshp with the sole intention of making a Valentines gift for their special someone. Isn’t that so sweet?
Every bouquet turned out differently and I love all the happy color combinations! I’m sure those who received them were pleased by the effort and thought put into making each of them.
If you want to learn how to make Instax Candy Bouquets, find tutorial HERE.
FEB 24: SEW GOOD
I’m not fantastic at sewing. I may even be below average. But for some reason, I always gravitate to it when coming up with craft projects.
Like last month, I put together a handsewn Fabric Wall Organizer project for Instax & Crafts. It seemed like a lot of work but when I made a prototype, I gained confidence that the participants would easily pick it up and even enjoy.
I was right. I was also very impressed. Their finished projects were amazing! In my mind, I was like “Wooow, why didn’t I think of that?!” — which is something I consider a very good thing. I know I’ve done something right when I introduce a platform or opening where people are able to burst out in creativity to make something unique.
This, I must say, is my favorite Instax project I’ve come up with so far. I would love to hold it again some time! In the meantime, you can DIY by following this TUTORIAL.
MAR 11: Freshly Carved
Finally, my true love — stamp carving! I’m always happy to do this and I think I’ve also become more comfortable teaching it. I used to be so worried that my students will hate it because it can be a very tedious craft. But I’m thankful because through the years I’ve discovered ways to teach it that makes it easier and more fun to do specially for beginners.
Just last week, I held my second Rubberstamp Carving Workshop with Maartsy —Yes, I’m really enjoying working with them and I’m thankful for the opportunity!
It happened very early on a Sunday morning but everyone came alert and eager to learn. That’s a lot more than what a teacher could ask for, really, and it was such a breeze teaching this batch. Though they were very quiet, which is unusual in my workshops, they did learn in speed and worked quite fast. I was amazed that within the first hour, most of them have already begun working on their third stamp!
I was so happy to see these participants rejoice over what they made and also be so excited to keep carving. It’s wonderful when people discover just how fun and full of possibilities the art of stamp making is. I really do hope they keep at it!
And that wraps up my workshop updates! It’s been helluva busy first quarter of the year but I’m very fortunate because I get to do things that make me happy and at the same time, share the fun with more people. Thanks again to everyone who took time out of their schedules to make things with me. I hope you all enjoyed the workshops just as much as I did 🙂
If you’re interested in joining my upcoming workahops, event updates are always posted on my Instagram. Simply follow @nicacosio. Thanks and see you!
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