Crafty creation
New venture, the Mobile Makery, hits the road Nov. 23
Jen Croken says it’s like finding treasure when she spots seaglass on the beach.
“I’ve never been able to meditate, but I’m able to do that when I’m looking for seaglass because that’s all I’m focused on.”
She walks her dog on the beach whenever she can, indulging her passion for glass at the same time. She has some pieces from the 1800s rum-runners and some pottery, too.
“You learn about the history and the origins, there are a lot of levels to it I guess, to reasons why I love it.”
She’ll have some of her favourite finds at the first Mobile Makery workshop at the P.E.I. Brewing Company on Nov. 23, but just to show.
She’ll really be there to help others make their own art.
“I just love seeing the ideas people come up with.”
The Mobile Makery workshops are the brainchild of Emilie Boucher and Amy Seymour. It’s a new way for local artisans to share their talents.
“It came to us like magic,” said Boucher.
She and Seymour will organize the venue, supplies, set up and clean up, while the artisan guides folks through a project.
It’s a relaxed and social atmosphere to try a new craft. All of the workshops are beginner friendly and all supplies are provided.
“You just show up, you have no prior experience needed and you just come and you make some cool things,” said Boucher. “And just relax.”
Wreath-making and watercolour Christmas cards, as well as Croken’s seaglass, are the three scheduled events before Christmas – all hosted by the artists.
“I love to lead workshops and I love to plan events and stuff like that.” Boucher said.
Boucher and Seymour put the call out to the artisan community, and the response was fast.
“The floodgates just opened,” said Boucher, adding she and Seymour were responding to messages all day.
One of those who responded is Debbie Misener, a watercolour painter, who’s leading a Christmas card workshop on Dec. 3.
“People on the Island are so talented, and they like to get out and learn new things.”
She’ll demo the painting and walk the group through the steps to making their own.
“(You) can’t help but have fun when you’re painting with watercolours, you never know what’s going to turn out, you just have to go with it,” laughs Misener.
She’s keeping the designs simple, nothing too intimidating.
Croken often hears that people have seaglass at home but feel they could never make art like hers.
“But, they absolutely can,” she says.
There will be glass available, but Croken encourages folks to take their own sea glass with them if they want to include it in a piece of art.
“I personally believe that people are capable of a lot more than they realize. Sometimes they just need someone to guide them a little bit, but they’ll have a skill set they didn’t know that they had.”
Croken thinks Boucher and Seymour will be great hosts.
“They’re very friendly and they’re very approachable, I think it’s fantastic.”