What’s On

Artsy Mending

Unleash your creativity with Anne Warburton! Learn a variety of methods to revive your beloved torn or discoloured clothing and textiles to give them new life using fabric, stitch, and more. As with the Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, we will highlight the mend instead of trying to hide it, while keeping these old and damaged items out of landfill.

Bring a few items that are in need of repair. Practice material will be provided. Join Anne for a creative and relaxing afternoon, and escape from the stresses of the world today.

When? Wednesday, May 14, from 1pm – 4pm
Where? The MVTM’s Millworkers’ Learning Centre
How much? $60 to register + $5 supply fee paid directly to the teacher.

Cross Stitch 101

Are you curious about the charming world of cross stitch? Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this workshop with Geneviève Fujarczuk is the perfect starting point for you! Connect with fellow crafters and share your passion for creativity. Join us for a fun and creative journey!

What’s included? A starter kit- all the materials needed to complete your piece! Hands-on guidance- step-by-step instruction of the stitches, pattern interpretation, and essential materials. Finishing techniques- tips on finishing your beautiful creation.

When? Wednesday, May 21, from 10am – 1pm
Where? The MVTM’s Millworkers’ Learning Centre
How much? $75 to register + $20 supply fee paid directly to the teacher.

Palestinian Tatreez:
Art, Heritage, Resistance

Tatreez is a traditional form of Palestinian embroidery that traces its roots back to ancient Canaanite communities. Rich in symbolism, this cross-stitch technique has been passed down through generations, telling stories through patterns, colors, and thread.

In this beginner-friendly workshop facilitated by Hanna Abdo, participants will receive step-by-step instructions and a pattern to create a simple tatreez design — either a coaster or a bookmark — using traditional techniques. We’ll also explore a brief history of tatreez, the meanings behind common colors and motifs, and offer practical guidance on how to begin your own embroidery journey.

A portion of the proceeds from this workshop will be donated to Medical Aid for Palestine Association / Association Aide Médicale pour la Palestine (CRA registration: 886421395RR0001). To learn more about the organization or to make a personal donation, click here. This workshop is generously supported by Local Immigration Partnership’s Culture Connect!

When? Sunday, June 15, from 1pm – 4pm
Where? The MVTM’s Millworkers’ Learning Centre
How much? $65 (all materials included, MVTM membership discount does not apply)

Little Gems: Mixed-Media Collage

Using 5 x 5 inch birch panels as a substrate, collage one or two multi-media artworks with Katharine Fletcher! Participants will use varied mixed-media elements like papers, tea bags, and pressed plants. Students may want to bring their own favourite photographs or small ephemera. Everyone will take home one or two creations.

What’s included? Katharine will supply two 5 x 5 inch birch panels per student so that everyone can make two mixed-media works if they wish. She has a selection of papers to share for collaging, as well as extra paints, mark-making tools, inks, ink pads, pressed plants and assorted ephemera.

When? Saturday, June 21, 10am-2pm
Where? Spiritwood, 4316 chemin Steele, Quyon, QC J0X 2V0
How much? $85 to register + $15 supply fee paid directly to the teacher.

Eco-Dyeing with Flowers and Leaves

Eco-dyeing is a process whereby we create stunning prints of plants on watercolour paper using a rusted iron-water “boiling bath”. Katharine Fletcher will lead participants on a gentle walk through her perennial gardens at her hobby farm, Spiritwood, where she identifies blossoms and leaves that will be picked for printmaking.

Then “sandwiches” of the botanicals will be made, placing them in folded pieces of watercolour paper which will be bound tightly between precut wooden boards. After boiling these bundles, nature’s gorgeous botanical prints are revealed.

What’s included? All watercolor & other papers, wooden boards, string, boxes for plant specimens, pruning shears (to share), tweezers (to share), old towels for drying, tablecloths to protect tables, all rusted iron, vinegar, onion skins and avocado pits for the boiling water. 

When? Saturday, July 19, 10am-2pm
Where? Spiritwood, 4316 chemin Steele, Quyon, QC J0X 2V0
How much? $85 to register + $15 supply fee paid directly to the teacher.

Fun with Gelli-Plate Printing!

Make unique and beautiful gelli-plate monoprints with Katharine Fletcher! Using a variety of printable things, such as botanicals that you’ll collect while strolling Spiritwood’s beautiful gardens, lace, and other textured items, Katharine will introduce you to the amazing world of gelli-plate printing.

What’s included? All watercolor & other papers, wooden boards, string, boxes for plant specimens, pruning shears (to share), tweezers (to share), old towels for drying, tablecloths to protect tables, all rusted iron, vinegar, onion skins and avocado pits for the boiling water. 

When? Saturday, August 9, 10am-3pm
Where? Spiritwood, 4316 chemin Steele, Quyon, QC J0X 2V0
How much? $85 to register + $15 / $35 supply fee paid directly to the teacher.