Frances, oft-heralded one of central Phoenix's best boutiques, continues its popular hands-on craft series this fall. Taught by local talent, the monthly workshops, which in the past have ranged from terrarium building to jewelry making to cocktail creation, are designed with both the craft capable and novices in mind.
See also: How to Build a Terrarium with Phoenix's Ian Christiansen of TerrarIAN
The cost of each workshop includes all necessary materials. Those in attendance will be treated to light snacks and refreshments and a 20 percent discount throughout the store. Each event is held on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. through the end of the year at the Medlock Plaza shop, just west of Central Avenue on Camelback Road. Reservations are required for each workshop. For additional information visit www.francesvintage.com or call 602-279-5467 to reserve a spot.
Thursday, August 21: Writing
Hosted by New Times managing editor Amy Silverman and contributor Deborah Sussman, the writing round table focuses on stories of personal style. Whether its a memorable outfit or a fashion disaster, those in attendance will produce short, personal narratives during this two-hour session. Prompts will be provided to help direct the exercise, designed to give aspiring writers a (well-dressed) leg up on their craft. The event is $25 per person.
Thursday, September 18: Herb Gardens
Kenny Barrett is undoubtedly downtown Phoenix's resident green thumb. The urban farmer, who created the Valley of the Sunflowers project and co-owns the GROWop and Grow House, a boutique and community garden just off Roosevelt Row, brings his nurturing nature to this workshop. Green gardeners will learn about a variety of herbs and plant their own miniature herb gardens. Cost has not yet been announced.
Thursday, October 9: Contact Transfers
Those interested in the intricate art of image transfer will enjoy this how-to from Josie Cirincione. Perfect for greeting cards and memorable gift tags, the class will teach delicate yet easy methods for layering on top of text and patterns. Each seat at the workshop is $40.
Thursday, November 13: Ben's Bells
Intentional kindness may not be a traditional cause, but it's the motivation behind Ben's Bells, an organization that educates the public on relationships and decency through creativity. The Tucson-based non-profit, created by Jeanette Maré, exists to bring concepts of kindness and collaboration to the forefront of people's daily lives. Those who attend the workshop will help make the group's signature clay bells (part of a 10-person process from kiln to display) by painting ceramic pieces that are then hung around communities for people to enjoy and take -- for free. Unlike the others, this workshop is free, but donations are accepted.
Thursday, December 11: Wreaths
Just in time for the holiday season, Malori Maeva of Hoot & Holler will be on hand to teach wreath making. Designs will be made of vibrant greens and fresh flowers and head home to the hearth at the end of the night. The workshop is $85 and features eats from chef Kevin Lebron of Upward Projects' Federal Pizza.
