New Year's Resolution-- Learn a new instrument!

Introduction to Violin
Wednesdays: January 20th - March 24th, 6pm - 8pm (10 sessions, 2 hours each)

Image: Daniel St.Pierre / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
In this course you will learn the basic foundation skills of playing the violin. Among other things, students will be taught to identify the parts of the violin, and the basic technique.

You will need a violin in working order along with a bow. A limited number of violins may be available for rental from the instructor. Please inquire at registration. Once those run out we can suggest local music stores to rent from.

$200 for this 20 hour class.

Instructor: Hannah Miller, Waldoboro, ME
Hannah has played violin for over 19 years, and has taught private lessons during that time.

More info here:http://sweetlandretreat.com/workshops.htm

Register Now!

Upcoming Workshop- Introduction to Encaustic!

Intro to Encaustic Painting
Sunday, January 17th, 12pm-4pm

Learn the ancient art of encaustic painting! Encaustic is the use of beeswax and damar resin melted together and combined with dry pigments to create a unique painting medium. This paint is applied hot/molten and manipulated with a direct heat source. It makes for a lovely layered image into which objects and photographs can be added. If you've seen a Jasper Johns painting then you've seen an encaustic painting!

This class will cover a brief history of encaustic, supplies and where to buy them, setting up, basic encaustic painting including fusing, embedding objects, and creating texture, as well as cleaning up, and caring for your paintings. Participants will complete 1-2 small paintings. No painting experience necessary. Open to ages 15 and up. (private classes available upon request)

$70, all supplies included. Feel free to bring along objects to incorporate (dried natural objects, paper, and photographs on plain paper work well)

Instructor: Jamie Ribisi-Braley, Manchester, ME

More info here:http://sweetlandretreat.com/workshops.htm

Register Now!

A perfect way to start your New Year!

Meditation in Motion "MAGIC STEPS" - let's dance
Sunday, January 10th, 10am - 12pm

From many ancient cultures archaic dancing sequences have been handed down, which have direct impact on our consciousness and our abilities of perception. To practice them is a form of meditation in motion, which opens the door to a conscious experience of the unity of body, mind, and soul. The roots of theses magic steps are thousands of years old.

They address human archetypes which are hardly lived anymore in our modern times, as they are so devoid of conscious rituals.

These movement sequences are quite easy to learn and open the door to a space beyond our every day worries and the constant struggle with our past and our future. This seminar is an invitation to deal with your own being, physical body, and originality.

A part of the training will be accompanied by live music and each dancer has the opportunity to work on the connection of rhythm, voice, and dance. This workshop is wonderful for all levels. Be prepared to move!

$25, students should wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Instructor: Joao Carlos Bordallo, Portland, ME
Joao Carlos Bordallo is an instructor of Movement Concept and the Brazilian martial art, Capoeira. He has trained in Capoeira for thirty-three years and was honored with his master’s belt, achieving the title of “Mestre,” in 1995. His work is a unique combination of martial art, dance and meditation that blends balance, agility, strength, music and mindfulness. Joao’s work is inspired by his training in Sufism in Turkey and Germany, and his study of Butoh in Japan. He has traveled as a teacher and creative instructor to Asia, Africa, Europe and America.

More info here:http://sweetlandretreat.com/workshops.htm

Register Now!

Rescheduled due to snow...Scrubby goodness!

Natural Body Scrub & Bath Salt Workshop *new date!*
Wednesday, December 16th, 6pm-7pm

Create an assortment of all natural body scrubs & bath salts- great for yourself or for gift-giving. You will leave the workshop with 3 finished 8oz containers of your own mixtures of body scrubs and/or bath salts (more containers may be purchased at the class). Scrubs will be made from a base of sugar or salt and feature your choice of ingredients including: pumpkin, coffee, almond & orange extracts, lemon balm, essential oils, and much more. All ages are welcome- make this a family event!

$20 includes all supplies

Instructor: Joy Ribisi, Manchester, ME
Joy M. Ribisi originally hails from Long Island, NY and now lives in Manchester, Maine where she's living out her dreams of running an artists' retreat in her 1860s farmhouse. Joy is co-owner of Sweetland Retreat.

Some of the plant ingredients used in this workshop were grown right here at Sweetland Retreat!

More info here:http://sweetlandretreat.com/workshops.htm

Register Now!

Dyeing to Hoop!

Make Your Own Tie Dye
Saturday December 5th, 10am-12pm

You are never to young or old to learn to tie dye, Lizzy have done instruction for ages 4-80! Age has no place in this adventure. There is something special about seeing people creating their own artwork.

She will provide everything needed for the completed project. It is a great time and students get something they have created to take home. Each participant will be able to choose the design they wish to make and will learn how to tie the shirt up for that design. Each will bring home a finished product that will need to process for 24 hours. Instructions will be sent home for the wash out and end processing.

$15 includes all supplies (indicate t-shirt size at registration)

Instructor: Linda "Lizzy" Kennedy aka Lizzyoos, and Kyndmamma, lives in the woods of Maine. She has two grown sons and a granddaughter. She is a Tie Dye professional, a music lover, promoter, Radio Dj (wmhb.org), Homegrown Network Rep, an original Phunky Bitch. She spends her days dying new projects, making jewelry, hula hoops, reviewing music, and just enjoying nature. You can find her on the Maine music scene and at many of the summer festivals vending as Lizzyoos. Check out Lizzyoos.net

More info here: http://sweetlandretreat.com/workshops.htm

Register Now! & make a day of it...come to hula making, too! ....

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Hula Hoop Crafting
Saturday December 5th, 1:30pm-2:30pm

Come join us and make your own personalized hoop to use for fun and exercise! Hula hooping is national past time that is great for young and old. All supplies will be provided (included in the supply fee) and you can decorate your hoop with many colors of tape and even sparkly tape too. Open to all ages, great family activity!

$25 includes all supplies

Instructor: Linda "Lizzy" Kennedy

Make a day of it...come to both classes!

More info here: http://sweetlandretreat.com/workshops.htm

Register Now!

Perfect for Holiday Gifts!!

Falling Into Craftiness- Leaf-Printing on Fabric
Saturday November 21st, 2pm - 3:30pm

Leaf-printing is a fun and easy printmaking method. Using fabric screen printing ink and real leaves, students will create unique, one-of-a-kind fabric art on tote bags, clothing, scarves, or whatever they would like to try! We will also try leaf-printing on paper to make some unique gift tags or cards.

There is NO experience necessary to jump right into this craft, so NO WORRIES! It is easy and fun and yields awesome results no matter what your printmaking experience is.

Kids welcome! This craft is suitable for ages 5 and up, but we do need a parent/guardian there to work with their child. For each parent who registers for the class, one child 10 and under can attend for free.

$20-- Provided by instructor: screen printing ink, brushes, brayers, 1 small 8" x 9" tote bag to print on. Students need to bring: Fabric to print on for additional projects- this can be t-shirts, scarves, shawls, socks, tote bags, table runner, skirts, etc. The fabric should be smooth (i.e. no terry cloth or knits), and fairly light in color to allow the ink to show up well.

Instructor: Grace Kendall, Litchfield, ME

More info here: http://sweetlandretreat.com/workshops.htm

Register Now!

Card Making!

Quick Card Technique
Wednesday November 11th, 6pm - 8pm

Join Lorna and Maryanne for an evening of fun with cardmaking! You will learn how to make 10 cards out of one 8 1/2 x 11" sheet of decorative scrapbook paper. Additional decorative papers, including holiday themed designs, along with ribbon, brads, stamps, and other embellishments will be available to create your cards.

We will think 'outside the box' and you will discover just how easy and fun this is. You will be amazed! Instructions will be handed out at the class, examples will be provided, and door prizes are drawn at the end of the class. This class is stress-free and the only thing you have to do is HAVE FUN! All ages are welcome.

$15 includes all supplies

Instructor: Lorna Plourde, Gardiner, ME

More info here: http://sweetlandretreat.com/workshops.htm

Register Now!