May in the studio
Creative workshops, events, and a handmade swap in Beacon, NY this May. A look at what’s happening in the studio and what’s coming this summer.
Spring has been a bit of a reset in the studio. We’ve been paying attention to what’s resonating, what’s not, and where people are craving more connection and time to make.
This month, we’re leaning into that — with a mix of workshops, new events, and a few things we’re trying for the first time.
If you’re local to Beacon or just passing through, it’s a nice time to join us.
What We’re Trying
We’re starting to bring back community events in a slightly different way.
After trying a few formats that didn’t quite land, we’re experimenting again — this time with something more playful, more interactive, and more consistent.
We’re introducing our first That Handmade Swap on May 31.
The idea is simple — bring something you’ve made (soap, baked goods, small artworks, anything handmade) and swap it with others.
We’re planning to make this a seasonal series:
a handmade swap to start
a book swap on Aug 5
a recipe swap on Nov 1
and on Jan 3, a chance to swap that gift you got but can’t return
It’s a different way to gather — less about making something from scratch, and more about sharing what you’ve already have.
World Collage Day: A Collage Party
To celebrate World Collage Day, we’re hosting a Collage Party — but not in the usual way.
Instead of everyone staying in one place, we’re turning it into something more like musical chairs, but with collage.
Over the course of two hours, you’ll move around the room, adding to different pieces, building on what someone else started, and letting go of the idea that you need to “finish” anything on your own.
It’s meant to be a little unexpected, a little collaborative, and a lot more fun.
Upcoming workshops we’re excited about (a little peek at what’s coming this summer)
Drawing for the Petrified
If you’ve been wanting to draw but feel hesitant, this one is designed to take the pressure off and give you a way in.
Heirloom Handbrooms
A hands-on workshop where you’ll learn traditional techniques to create a beautiful, functional broom to take home.
Loom Weaving with Botanicals (with Courtney Salerno)
Courtney is back, guiding you step by step in creating a woven piece using natural materials in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Stained Glass Workshop
Learn the fundamentals of stained glass and leave with your own handmade piece — equal parts process and play.
Looking Ahead to Summer
We’re also putting the finishing touches on our summer schedule.
We’re getting even more hands-on with stained glass, exploring coil basketry, and natural dyeing. We’re also expanding our watercolor offerings — with workshops on weekday evenings, weekday afternoons, and weekends — so there are more opportunities to find a time that works for you.
Why This Matters
One thing we keep coming back to is how easy it is to let creativity fall to the bottom of the list.
Having something on the calendar — even just a couple of hours — can shift that.
Whether you’re local or just visiting Beacon, it’s a nice way to spend a few hours doing something different.
You can see the full schedule and sign up here.
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