Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead – is a joyful holiday celebrated on
November 1st in Mexico and around the world in many other cultures. It
is a time to honor and 2nd and commemorate those who have departed,
welcoming them back to the world of the living with food offerings,
prayer, lively song, gifts, candles, and flowers (especially marigolds).
You won’t want to miss what SmittenDust has in store to recognize this
special time! Join Shirley K. Bentsen and Jane Reiter for fun craft
classes, art sale, and craft supplies for purchase, and a delicious
potluck brunch to remember our special friends, family, and loved ones
who have touched our hearts. Think dancing skeletons, Frida Kahlo,
vibrant colors, and happy memories! All skill levels are welcomed!
STITCHED FELT SKULLS Sat. Nov. 1st
$30 class fee plus $10 kit fee, payable to Shirley K. Bentsen
Using decorative hand stitchery and simple applique, create a felt skull
in the Mexican folk art tradition, sprinkled with sequins and other
embellishments. Give each its own delightfully unique personality! Your
creation may be finished as a brooch, strung on cording for a
one-of-a-kind necklace, used to decorate a fabric tote bag, or placed in
a personal shrine (see below)! Please bring a basic sewing kit with
embroidery needles, neutral sewing thread, fabric scissors, and fabric
glue.
PERSONAL SHRINES Sat. Nov. 1st
$30 class fee plus $10 kit fee, payable to Jane Reiter
Start with these blank shrines and add personal
mementos to add meaning!
Create your own distinctive shrine honoring a special person, place, or
pet. Starting with a painted wooden base that is provided, you’ll have
loads of fun decorating with items of personal significance, as well as
embellishments included in your kit. Students choose one shrine kit from
four themed options: Frida Kahlo, Cross, Sugar Skull, or Flaming Heart.
Please bring items, photos, or mementoes you wish to incorporate into
your shrine, a pair of scissors, glue, and your imagination!
Personalize your shrine with photos of loved
ones or whatever you’d like!
CELEBRATION OF FAMILY AND LIFE POTLUCK BRUNCH
Sun. Nov. 2nd, 11:30am-12:30pm
Who are you remembering today? Join us as we celebrate all of the
remarkable and extraordinary people in our lives. Please bring pictures
or photographs to share if you desire. Bring a dish to pass and enjoy a
delicious meal before our afternoon session. If you only wish to
participate in lunch, FANTASTIC – see you there!
FIESTA CELEBRATION FLAGS Sun. Nov. 2nd, 1pm-4pm
Team taught by Shirley K. Bentsen and Jane Reiter
$30 class fee plus $10 kit fee, payable to Shirley K. Bentsen (See note below)
These flags are always a crowd pleaser! Make your own fiesta-inspired
mini banner with felt, stitchery, and embellishments – each flag is 2” x
3”. When hung in a special place, prayer flags communicate positive
thoughts and feelings to the universe. Once embellished, flags are
strung on a ribbon or cord for display. Students will complete five
flags during class. Please bring a basic sewing kit with embroidery
needles, neutral sewing thread, fabric scissors, and fabric glue. If you
wish to personalize your mini flag series, also bring small scale
memorabilia that has significance to you. These flags are the perfect
accompaniment to the “personal shrine” project.
NOTE: Previous students of Shirley’s Prayer Flag classes receive a discounted class fee – $18.00 if you’re a former participant.
