Short workshops for children (presented in schools, camps, or home-learner groups), or private circles of children & parents:

(1.5-2 hrs) Simple Motanka-making (wishing doll) along with storytelling

(1.5-2 hrs) Embroidery and simple hand-sewing, binding our good wishes

(1.5-2hrs) Making a Winter Mother who will live in the outdoors, with story-telling

(1.5-2hrs) Summer wreath with gathered plant materials

(3hrs) Ancestral work can be challenging. We may not know who our ancestors were, or if we know them, we may not like them or what they represent to us. We may be disconnected from our roots for reasons outside our control. Finding ways to heal ties with ancestors or creating room for root-resolution inside ourselves is the focus of this handcrafting workshop.

A Motanka is a talismanic vessel — vessel for our intentions as well as ancestral wisdom. Some participants may choose to work with an intention of root-resolution, -healing or -release. Others may choose to invite (re)connection to their ancestors and roots.

While crafting, we dialogue about the power and healing potential of ancestral handwork practices. What is the importance of centering ourselves in these practices?

Participants complete and take-home their own Motanka.

(3hrs) Bones are seemingly “unalterable.” They are the evidence that remains of our life-walk. Picking up a bone reminds us of the ancestors – those who have walked life and the lands before us.

To write from the bones is to reach into the deepest parts of ourselves, to reach back (symbolically) through the spans of time, to the Bone Grandmothers – the first to walk life… And then to sense and feel along the lines of time – where have our relationships unbalanced – un-righted – themselves?

Relationships to Mati Zemlya (Mother Earth), to one another, and to ourselves…

Accessing this deepest place, we write on the surface of bone (eggshell using beeswax and dye) a radical intention – to re-right relations in whatever ways we can.

Learning to caretake the talisman means that we stay active with this intention, because writing is only the first step!

(2-3hrs weekly) The act of sewing, when done mindfully and ritually, is an act of binding. We are taught to bring “good intentions” to our stitches, and be aware of the thoughts and feelings we are binding into the piece we are creating.

With this awareness, we “stitch together” stories and connections to one another, land, culture, history, and explore handwork traditions through sewing with good intent in our hands and care in our hearts.

By gathering the varied threads of our life experiences together, we care for the earth, community, and one another as we co-create handcrafted blankets. Our time, efforts and blanket creations will be gifted to those who can use them through local service organizations.

Participants will take home hand-stitch techniques, a sense of contribution, and new community connections.

**If you would like to bring this project to your organization or location, please contact me!

Mending as care…

Textile repair as a life skill.

Held in varying locations, community mending clinics are facilitated, drop-in learning spaces where participants are supported to mend and repair their own textiles.

Clinics focus on teaching participants how to mend with hands-on guidance, shared tools, and accessible materials.

Participants leave with repaired items and the confidence to continue mending independently.

For organizations with mandates to improve life skills, reduce poverty, increase dignity and self-sufficiency, mending:

• helps individuals build confidence, self reliance and personal dignity

• stretches resources, reducing household costs

• reduces waste

• builds sense of care for personal items

• supports community connections through shared learning environment.

**If you are interested in bringing a mending clinic to your organization or community, as a one-time or on-going service, please fill in the message form at the end of this page.

The Path of Sacred Handwork

The Textile Apprenticeship

Both programs, listed and detailed earlier on this page, are available in-person and can be brought to your organization, learning space, or community group.

Please fill in the message form at the bottom of this page to connect with me directly.