February came and went without a newsletter! So now for some big catch up.
Lots of great classes in the works – some with a bird and nature focus, some on wild foods, a painting with thread class and some dyeing workshops.
Our first class coming up in April is Shibori Explored with Elin Noble.
Elin has taught our sold out indigo dye classes with many students requesting more in depth instruction on creating the many pattens using a variety of techniques. In this two day class, held on consecutive Saturdays you will learn to tie, wrap, stitch, bind and otherwise contain the fabric in many ways to creat diverse patterns when the dye is applied.
A separate class will happen on September 23 where you can dye your fabric.
May 6 2023 – it’s a great Enviromental class with 3 teachers – all biologists & respected scientists.
May 6th will find a lucky group of folks soaking up the wide and fascinating knowledge of 3 well respected biologists and researchers.
Birds, Forests, Nest Checks & Netting is our broad title to this expansive class
Dr Sievert Rohwer, Dr Alejandro Rico-Guevara & Scott Freeman, come together for a power packed day of birds, forests, nesting, netting and research information to delight any would be bird enthusiasts.
This class is free with all donations going to the Burke Ornithology department. Suggested donation is 300.00 but donate what you can please.
Homemade pie and hot beverages as well as gluten free treats are served. Bring your own lunch.
May 13, 2023 – Feral Foods of Whidbey Island
Herbalist and teacher Erin Vanhee will lead a group to explore the delightful flavors of wild plants right outside your door. With a life time of instruction, Erin is a natural to bring the many surprising flavors to light and you will be preparing a wild salad to go with the lunch you bring.
June 10 – Thread Paining with Salish Stitches, Jamie Conners
Jamie Conners designs and stitches beautiful patterns using a selection of threads, blending to give a painterly feel to the embroidery. She will have a leaf drawn out and clear instructions and guidance so you can complete your project during the class. All supplies included. Class size us limited for maximum instruction. Enjoy tea and pie while you stitch, bring your own lunch.
June 17 – Secret Medicinal Plants of the Perennial Garden
Erin Vanhee will guide us in this intriguing class to discover useful plants – both medicinal and edible – that grow in many peoples perennial gardens. Beauty and usefulness – what could be better?
Bring your lunch and a notebook – I’ll supply tea and pie.
June 24 & 25 – Earthen Plasters, Paints and Pigments taught by craftsperson extraordinare Kaili Plummer-Slate.
Kaili is a very organized detail oriented teacher who will open your eyes to the wide range of beauty found in the minerals, pigments and clays available to create special features on your project be it large or small. With detailed handouts and reference materials you will leave ready to tackle an exciting project at your own home.
Late February we took a road trip to California to visit family with a delightful day trip to The Pinnacles National Park where the shooting stars were blooming and we even got a dusting of snow. We saw no condors but this is the place the nest so it was exciting to think of the possibility of seeing those huge birds.
Berkeley is a climate that seems to let every kind of style flourish from flamboyant flowers to people with all kinds of styles, tattoos and piercings – it’s all possible in the Bay Area!
It’s the wide variety of plants that really excite me but I’m often amused by the styles of free spirits in the Berkeley area.
In my ongoing volunteer work at the Burke I got to help grade the molt pattern of saw whet owls.
Under a black light the newer feathers show up a brilliant pink. Ornithologist can figure out molt sequence with this tool on this type of owl.
A visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium had some magical parts – the jellyfish were especially wonderful. I’d say I prefer our fabulous Seattle Aquarium overall however.
Museo in Langley is hosting a show – Stitched Painted, Folded and Formed that our Bojagi teacher Patti King has 10 pieces included – some of her lovely bojagi work so don’t miss the chance to be inspired and delighted by her work and others.
Summer Arts & Crafts Market – July 29 & 30
Looking forward to some new as well as old artists at this summer market.
Spring is on it’s way along with lots of inspiring classes.
Hope to see you!
Mary Fisher
7568 Cultus Bay Rd
Whidbey Island
Clinton WA
360-622-6275
@cultusbaygardens
@maemaesew