Class Schedule April – August 2025

NEW! Next Steps Watercolor Endeavors | April 9, 16, 23, 30 | IN-PERSON

Have you taken one, (or more!!) of the beginning watercolor classes? Learn new tips, techniques, and tricks. Build on the skills you have acquired. Always inspired by the Garden, you will experiment with color, try new brush techniques, and play with some new media. All supplies will be provided and the materials are also “next steps”! The only expectation is that you are familiar with the most basic techniques which have been introduced in the beginning classes. I am excited to see you and to approach watercolor painting with a creative spirit!

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Introduction to Alcohol Inks on Tile | May 7 | IN-PERSON

Alcohol inks are a relatively new fascination of painters and crafters. A vibrant, fast drying medium they are used to paint on non-porous surfaces such as glass, tile, or metal. The possibilities for experimentation are limitless. Experience the almost instant magic of these inks on tile. Using florals as inspiration, participants will create colorful, abstracted tiles. Painting expertise or even any experience at all is not necessary. Designed to be a creative adventure, this class is for everyone.

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NEW! Printing Plants & Pollinators | May 9, 16 | IN-PERSON

Linoleum printmaking is the process of carving a design into a rubbery material to create a stamp, which is then rolled with ink and printed onto paper or other surfaces. In this workshop, students will explore the art of linoleum printmaking while celebrating the vibrant plants and pollinators of the Lewis Ginter gardens. Students will learn the essential steps of linocut printmaking, including drawing, transferring the design, carving, inking, and hand-printing. Open to all skill levels, this course allows participants to either create their own designs inspired by the plants and pollinators of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden or trace from our curated collection of reference images.

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NEW! Spotted in the Garden | May 28 | IN-PERSON

In this class we’ll build images with a variety of papers that we’ve enhanced with mixed media. We’ll experiment with color palettes and mark making, and once the papers are complete, we’ll cut, tear, draw, paint and paste to create collaged images inspired by The Garden. Bring along any papers you may have on hand that you’d enjoy incorporating into your work.

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NEW! Botanical Pop-Up Cards | June 5 | IN-PERSON

Learn basic techniques for creating cards that POP! With the springtime Garden as our inspiration, we’ll cover the mechanics of cards with sliding, rotating and folding pop-up images, and build mock-ups and final versions of our designs. If you have a collection of papers, images on paper, or drawing materials you’d like to use, feel free to bring them along as well.

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NEW! Pollinator-Inspired Polymer Clay Earrings | June 27 | IN-PERSON

In this fun maker night, you’ll learn the basics of making polymer clay earrings with Sarah Schultz of Fragment Jewelry Co. We’ll mix, texture, shape, bake and assemble our polymer clay pieces to create a lovely pair of pollinator-inspired earrings you can wear when you leave! You will be able to choose from a wide variety of clay cutters in all kinds of bird and bug shapes. While your earrings bake, enjoy a glass of Virginia-made wine paired perfectly with a delicious cheese plate by the Garden’s in-house caterers, Restaurant Associates. This workshop is 21+ only. No prior crafting experience is required.

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NEW! Pressed Flower Resin Jewelry Workshop | July 11 OR August 16 | IN-PERSON

Create stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry using real pressed flowers and resin! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the techniques for preserving flowers, working with resin, and designing unique pieces such as a necklace pendant and a pair of earrings. We’ll cover best practices for composition, curing, and finishing to ensure professional-quality results. Each participant will leave with their own handcrafted jewelry, take home resin kit, and the skills to continue making beautiful botanical pieces at home. No prior experience needed—just bring your creativity!

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NEW! Nature-Inspired Ceramics: Petite Pots & Vases | July 15, 22 | IN-PERSON

Design, create and embellish small clay pots and vases with wonderful textures and colors. Using a variety of handbuilding techniques, we’ll form these little gems on day one, and add color with glazes on day two. They can hang or sit on a shelf and they’ll be sure to brighten up your home or become lovely gifts. All materials are provided, and if you have clay tools or stamps you prefer, please bring them along. Completed pots will be available for pick up at the Garden ten days after the second class.

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Introduction to Nature Journaling | August 1, 2 | IN-PERSON

In this guided class, local artist and pollinator advocate Stephey Baker will show you how to capture the magic of nature using words, sketches, and numbers—no prior experience needed! Absolute beginners are welcome, and all art materials are provided, so you can jump in—no shopping list, no stress. We’ll begin with a brief, friendly orientation on basic materials and simple techniques. Then, through curiosity-driven exercises, you’ll learn to capture the beauty of nature using words, sketches, numbers in a way that’s uniquely yours.

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NEW! Marble Paper with Garden-Inspired Colors | August 15 | IN-PERSON

Learn the art of Suminagashi – a Japanese technique that uses special inks floating on water to marble paper, resulting in free-flowing abstract prints. These marbled papers are beautiful on their own as standalone artworks and make excellent additions to collages, scrapbooks, and more! In this workshop, participants will explore this unique and accessible technique to marble paper with colors inspired by the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Students will start by creating several marbled paper prints in swirling floral colors. Then, they’ll experiment with using masking fluid to craft “negative space” botanical designs on some of their prints.

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Ink and Watercolor on Japanese Masa Paper | August 19, 20 | IN-PERSON

Create a uniquely different painting on Japanese masa paper using permanent pens and watercolors. Masa paper is a type of machine-made Japanese art paper. The first day will be spent drawing with pencil and permanent marker. We will paint on the second day. The unique paper and process make this an exciting project with beautiful results. Some drawing ability will be an advantage but is not necessary.

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For creative workshops where you can use live plants to make plant creations to take home, check out our Plant Play: Make and Take Workshops learning category!