A Weekend of Calligraphy

Our spring season in the Studio for the Imagination begins tomorrow with Bill Kemp's Calligraphic Flourishing and Introduction to Spencerian classes. Bill arrived from Albuquerque this morning to prepare everything for the weekend, and we couldn't help but notice the gorgeous turned wood oblique pen holders he'd laid out on the table. Our students this weekend will get first crack at these beauties, which he picked up from a maker in Colorado, and we plan to carry them in the store soon.

Shooting Stars and Silver Bells

This Thursday night we will have our final class of the year in the Studio for the Imagination, the second of John McRae's Heirloom Christmas Ornaments class (Two seats left as of this writing.) John is bringing in some vintage silver ball and bell ornaments and a trove of glittery adornments (including bullion, tinsel, scrap, and other goodies) for them. Take a look at these photos of the ornaments John and his students made last at last week's class. I'm sure the ones this week will be just as dazzling.

Back from the Dead!

We were all smitten with this hapless fellow the day Ulla Milbrath brought him in to Castle in the Air. He's our sample for Ulla's Dia de Los Muertos Shadowbox class. He once lived a vibrant life, but sadly died of a broken heart. Ulla took pity on the little guy and arranged his bones inside a pretty little casket decorated with velvet and Dresden trim. A candle sits on top of the casket and the door is hinged in case he ever gets a little more life in his bones.

Speaking of which, the Shadowbox class sold out so quickly that Ulla's agreed to teach it a second time, on Friday, October 30. Whether you missed the opportunity to sign up for the class originally, or if you're just now meeting this charming but brokenhearted box of bones, now's your chance to make your own Dia de Los Muertos Shadowbox. See you then!

Fall Classes Are Here!

For the first time ever, Castle in the Air is selling its entire season of classes through our Online Shoppe! Don't miss your chance to fall into a seat in the Studio for the Imagination!

Three Generations

We spent today at the shop putting the final touches on the autumn class mailer, and as I was talking with our class coordinator Shari on the phone, she mentioned an amazing fact: Caron Dunn had three generations of students in her class this past week! Mother, daughter, and grandmother spent the day together at Castle in the Air learning and creating together.

It got me thinking about all the sorts of people who take classes at Castle in the Air. Mothers come with children to have a special day. Friends reconnect in class with a favorite craft, or to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion. Some people come not knowing anyone in the class but leave with new friends and a real sense of accomplishment because of what they've made and learned.

In a class a few weeks ago, a student asked about the possibility of having a private class, just for her and her friends. Why not? Maybe you are the sort of person who celebrates with a special class at Castle in the Air!

Illustrated Letters

Before there were web pages and blogs, it was more common to see people adding color to their communication by drawing and painting images on the letters they sent through the good old U.S. Mail. Tomorrow Caron Dunn and I are teaching a class on illustrated letters in the studio at Castle in the Air, so this morning I worked up some sample envelopes. What makes illustrating letters such a delight is that it really gives you more time to think about the person who will be receiving it, and making art that you think they'll really enjoy.
Of course, any letter is a joy to receive, especially if it has a beautiful stamp on it. The post-office is raising its rates on Monday to 44 cents for a first class letter, so we bought a new book of stamps for the shop. They've got some wonderful art on them!

Summer Classes Are Here!

Our summer class mailer is at the printers and will be in the mail soon, but in the meantime, you can get the first look at our offerings at the Castle in the Air website. Click on the "Classes" link to page through our calendar and register online for your seat in our Studio for the Imagination.