Announcing 2017 Creative Retreats at Leyden Glen Farm

Apr 13, 2017

Hello Colorful Friends:

Big news today! I have officially posted the Creative Retreats at Leyden Glen Farm that I have planned for 2017 on my website today. I hope you will hop on over and take a look at what I am offering. There is a lot of information to read so take your time.

There are 3 weekend long retreats. They are:
--July 15/16 - Fabric Printing and Lampshade Painting

--July 29/30 - Fabric Printing, Decorative Embroidery and Ceramic Tile Design

--September 23/24 - Color and Embroidery for Knitters and Crazy Quilt Swatch Afghan

I hope you will come to the farm, enjoy the garden, the scenery, our colorful farmhouse and good food while immersing yourself in a creative, warm and friendly atmosphere with a very small number of students. This year's classes are quite varied and will be packed with excellent information that you will be able to take away and practice on your own. See the photos below for techniques and projects I am offering. Beginners are welcome!

You can watch a video about our farm at the end of this email. Our farm is located 2 hours from Boston and 3 1/2 hours from NYC. We are at the northern most part of western Massachusetts bordering Vermont. Our farm is 15 minutes off of Route 91, the north/south highway connecting Montreal to NYC.

I'm excited to be adding two new classes - in July Ceramic Tile Design and in September for knitters a Crazy Quilt Swatch Afghan. See more photos at the end of this email.

If you have any question, please contact me at kristinnicholas@gmail.com.

And because so many of you love to read links, here are some things I found on the web:

â€¢ Spoonflower, the digital fabric and wallpaper company, has sent out a mail-order catalog. Interesting concept for a business that is based on the internet. You can look through it virtually here.

â€¢ These felted and embroidered flower gardens, bunnies and birds are incredible.

â€¢ If you are an artist, you know that your work constantly shifts and changes. I like this essay called Unraveling by my friend Lisa Curry Mair who has been known for her handpainted floorcloths that are in museums and homes throughout the USA. Food for thought for any craftsperson or artist.

â€¢ Loved this article by Joanna Moorhead about her cousin artist Leonora Carrington.

â€¢ Have you ever had trouble with moths? You aren't the only one. According to English Heritage, moths are a big problem in the great British historic houses. Read the article for tips.

â€¢ This fiber related art project in The Netherlands begs for audience participation. Fun.

â€¢ It looks like polka dots might be coming back in fashion. I love polka dots!

Any questions about the retreats, gladly answered. Send them to kristinnicholas@gmail.com

It looks like spring has finally arrived in western Massachusetts. Yippee!

Yours in color and creativity,