(From left) Bee Beddingfield, artist; Jessamy Ames, artist; Emileigh Zola, artist
On Thursday, December 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Marshall, three artists will present a class on traditional crafts that make useful and beautiful gifts while introducing participants to some handy skills. Handcrafted Holiday Gift Workshop: Brooms, Spoons & Candles will be taught by Bee Beddingfield, of BeeSymmetry Designs; Emileigh Zola, of Rhythm & Ritual Craft; and Jessamy Ames, of North Star Candle Co. The class will meet in the newly renovated Marshall High Studios.
“Traditional handcrafts are all about the blending of utility and beauty, something that meets human needs from two angles: practical and aesthetic,” says Beddingfield, self-taught in the art of pyrography and author of the book Creative Woodburning. “In essence, you’re gifting someone a useful tool and the time, attention and care you poured into the item as you made it with your own two hands. It’s personal and meaningful. Additionally, the quality and longevity of a traditionally handcrafted item usually far surpass that of a mass-manufactured item.”
During the day-long class, participants will create three small brooms, three candles and a pair of wooden spoons. “The class is held in a very intentional way and the teachers help remind students that it’s not about perfection, it’s about the process,” Zola says. Taking up the study of herbal medicine at age 19 led her to the exploration of traditional and earth-based skills and crafts, including broom-making.
“Traditional ways of making are a doorway,” Zola adds. “They represent a time, not so long ago, when our values were more firmly rooted in community, slowness, patience, attentiveness, creativity and quality.”
The class promises benefits to participants besides the acquisition of knowledge and skills. “Working with beeswax and dipping taper candles in the traditional, hands-on method is a beautifully meditative craft that brings people together to share the gifts of the bees while creating tools for lighting the home and hearth, rituals, celebrations and memorials,” Ames says. “Making candles together allows participants to settle into a calming rhythm while we circle round the wax pots, connecting with one another and learning about the magic of honeybees.” She began working with beeswax during COVID as a means of creating something useful, sustainable and beautiful. A lifelong learner and lover of art and craft, Ames has expressed her creativity through a variety of mediums including metal, jewelry, clay and photography.
“Crafts have always been a way to unite people and foster creative inspiration, especially in the making of something tangible and useful,” Ames adds. “Sharing traditional knowledge of handmade goods feels like a wonderful way to gather together and thrive during uncertain times.”
To register for the class, visit HandmadeBrooms.com. Marshall High Studios is located at 115 Blannahassett Island Road, in Marshall.
