Things I Said I’d Try This Year

Teaching a workshop has been on my creative to-do list this year, so when the opportunity came up to lead a decoupage plate workshop at Art Cafe, I figured it was time to stop talking about it and actually do it.

On September 24, fifteen people showed up to spend the evening making something. Two had tried decoupage before. The rest were trusting me to show them what to do, which was both exciting and a little nerve-racking.

Esther (one of the owners) introduced me as the artist-in-residence at Sunrise Cellars, a member of the Westfield Art Association marketing committee, and a local renowned artist. No pressure.

I brought examples of my work, including a Christmas ring dish, so everyone could see how the technique could be used beyond the plates we were making that evening. The plan was simple: tear the paper into strips, apply glue to the back of the plate, overlap the pieces, and keep layering until the surface came together. More glue, more paper, more glue.

I had spent some time worrying about how I was going to fill two hours. Would I have enough to say? Would everyone understand the process? Would we run out of things to do?

As it turned out, I probably didn't need to worry. Once everyone got started, the room filled with conversation, laughter, drinks, and the occasional question about what to do next. People were comparing papers, taking videos of their process, and figuring out their own ways of approaching the project. It was less about everyone making the same thing and more about giving them the tools to make something their own.

I enjoyed seeing how differently everyone's plates came together. Even with the same basic instructions, each person made different choices with the paper, colors, and placement. That's one of my favorite parts of working with mixed media: the materials might be familiar, but the finished pieces never have to be identical.

By the end of the evening, people were already suggesting ideas for another workshop - a more advanced holiday session. Apparently, decoupage was not going to be a one-and-done situation.

I left feeling good about having tried something new, and even better knowing that people had enjoyed themselves. There is a difference between making art in your own space and standing in front of a room full of people, explaining your process and helping them work through their own. It pushed me outside my usual routine in a way that was worthwhile.

My husband was waiting afterward so we could grab dinner and a drink, which was a nice way to end the night. I was happy to have done it, happy to have met everyone, and already thinking about what I might try next.

P.S. Art Cafe isn’t just for kids! It’s a mom-owned creative studio and coffee shop in Westfield that also hosts evening workshops for adults. A chance to get creative, try something new, and enjoy a night out. You can find their upcoming schedule here.