Let’s show up and commit to making art in community. Who cares if it looks good or is the correct way to make art? Instead let’s lean into imperfection and just plan to make bad art.

We’ll explore colors, mark making, collage, and whatever feels fun. Seasoned artists or the craft averse are welcome to our creative playground. Developing a bad art practice is for the beginner who doesn’t know where to start, for the seasoned artist who wants to shake things up, and for those shackled by perfectionism.

There are days when the pressure of creating something pretty feels like too much. But the call to play with color and shapes is still there. Our perfectionistic tendencies can lead to thoughts of “this isn’t good enough” or “who do I think I am calling myself an artist?”

Sometimes all we can do is show up. It’s not about getting it perfect or knowing exactly what is next. It’s a matter of doing what feels like the next right thing.

Heidi Moos is a professional coach, educator, and creative practitioner who helps people reconnect with themselves through creativity and self-trust.

Sober since 2016, Heidi has built her own recovery toolkit grounded in equanimity, creativity, and connection. A daily art practice became an essential part of her recovery, bringing calm, embodiment, and joy.

She brings warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for each person wherever they are on their journey.

ages 15 and up

$20

Sign up here!

For the crocheters, knitters, felters, embroiderers, needleworkers, tatters, quilters among us, join Charlotte in the Classroom (please come in through the side-door as this club begins after the store closes). Bring your current Work in Progress & get crafty!

This is a free weekly event, but please sign up so we have enough room for you. Sign up here!

This class is for anyone who has never picked up a crochet hook but is eager to learn!

Charlotte, an experienced crocheter with 5+ years of experience, will guide you through everything from how to hold the hook to how to finish off your pieces!

All materials will be provided by the Scrappy Elephant, so just bring yourself and let's learn to crochet! It might just become your favorite hobby...

$35

age 12 and up

Sign up here!

Join the amazing Minou for an hour of toddler fun- singing, story time, and creative art exploration. Come in clothes you don’t mind getting messy!

Every Thursday morning at 10:30

$14

Sign up here!

Slow Stitch Sanctuary is a welcoming, open stitch circle for slow stitchers and hand‐sewers/stitchers of all types and levels. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a supportive start or an experienced hand stitcher wanting community, inspiration, and company while you stitch.

Join us for gentle, unhurried stitching time where community comes first.

We will be in the Book Nook at Scrappy Elephant on Fridays from 12-2 pm.

Drop in for whatever time you can, grab a cup of tea or coffee, share stories, seek advice, practice techniques, and support one another’s creative journeys. This is an informal, come as you are space for stitching, conversation, and just spending time with other creatives. Bring your own project or shop Scrappy for all you need to start your next one.

This is an inclusive, non-judgmental, and safe space where all creatives are welcomed and respected.

Contact: Carolyn Nowak

Feel free to join our email list for updates and upcoming slow stitch classes(optional)

Send email to Freespiritstitch@gmail.com with subject “subscribe “

Bring your imagination and a love for color to this cozy, no-sew fabric art class! Using the Japanese technique of Kinusaiga, you’ll craft a 9” x 9” art panel from foam board and fabric scraps—turning leftover textiles into something beautiful. The studio will provide a variety of fabrics to choose from, but participants are also encouraged to bring their own special scraps or meaningful pieces to incorporate into their design. You’ll leave with a finished piece ready to hang and a newfound appreciation for fabric as an artistic medium.

ages 16 and up

$30

Sign up here!

Sew a cozy kitty just in time for Halloween with Ari (they/them), and get creative with embroidered details! We will follow a sweet cat pattern by Aimee Ray together. You’ll come away with a bitty kitty cat (about 3 inches) with the option to turn it into a pin or ornament. Some basic hand sewing experience would be helpful for this class.

ages 12 and up

$40

Sign up here!

Join Ari (they/them) for a beginner-level felting class. Learn how to make soft and colorful mushroom decorations using a specialized barbed needle to sculpt beautiful dyed wool. You’ll learn to create three-dimensional forms and add details, and you’ll develop the foundational skills to continue needle felting at home. You’ll come away with one or more completed mushrooms to keep or give as a gift.

Ages 11 and up

$35

Sign up here!

Join Ari (they/them) to learn how to make a soft little possum figure using a specialized notched needle to sculpt dyed wool. You’ll learn to create three-dimensional forms and add details, and you’ll develop the foundational skills to continue needle felting at home. You’ll come away with a possum to keep or give as a gift, as well as a felting mat and needle of your own.

Beginning and returning students welcome!

Ages 12 and up

$40

Sign up here!

Do you like knitting AND the natural world around you? We have just the thing for you!

Join University of Virginia Environmental Sciences graduate students/fiber artists for a fall knit and learn. In this series, we will meet once a week and feature a graduate student who will talk to us about their research. You’ll learn about eel grass, oysters, bio char, flooding, air quality and more, all while working on your own knit project or a one of a kind scarf inspired by the subjects discussed during this class. The pattern* will be shared with registrants a week before the session and will be designed with stash busting in mind! Note that this is not a learn-to-knit class, and participants should feel comfortable with color work, knitting and purling, and knitting in the round.

This week, Mirella, a micrometeorologist, will talk about the impacts of infrastructure on permafrost in the Arctic village of Utqiaġvik, Alaska.

Can't make every session? No problem! Stop by for as many or as few programs as you like. We'll get you caught up! This is a free event in our Book Nook, but please sign up so we have enough room for you. Thanks!

Sign up here!

*the image pictured here is not the pattern you will receive, but it will be similar

1st-5th Grade Students can come create fun storybook themed art projects during their day off school!

Materials and Snack included!

$80

Sign up here!

For the crocheters, knitters, felters, embroiderers, needleworkers, tatters, quilters among us, join Charlotte in the Classroom (please come in through the side-door as this club begins after the store closes). Bring your current Work in Progress & get crafty!

This is a free weekly event, but please sign up so we have enough room for you. Sign up here!

Join the amazing Minou for an hour of toddler fun- singing, story time, and creative art exploration. Come in clothes you don’t mind getting messy!

Every Thursday morning at 10:30

$14

Sign up here!

1st-5th Grade Students can come create fun storybook themed art projects during their day off school!

Materials and Snack included!

$80

Sign up here!

Slow Stitch Sanctuary is a welcoming, open stitch circle for slow stitchers and hand‐sewers/stitchers of all types and levels. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a supportive start or an experienced hand stitcher wanting community, inspiration, and company while you stitch.

Join us for gentle, unhurried stitching time where community comes first.

We will be in the Book Nook at Scrappy Elephant on Fridays from 12-2 pm.

Drop in for whatever time you can, grab a cup of tea or coffee, share stories, seek advice, practice techniques, and support one another’s creative journeys. This is an informal, come as you are space for stitching, conversation, and just spending time with other creatives. Bring your own project or shop Scrappy for all you need to start your next one.

This is an inclusive, non-judgmental, and safe space where all creatives are welcomed and respected.

Contact: Carolyn Nowak

Feel free to join our email list for updates and upcoming slow stitch classes(optional)

Send email to Freespiritstitch@gmail.com with subject “subscribe “

Come learn how to use a punch needle and make a cool craft in a hoop with Ari (they/them). Punch needling is a relatively quick, easy and forgiving fiber art used for decoration and rugmaking, allowing you to make pictures and patterns using yarn. There’s no knot tying or counting necessary! It’s great!

In class we’ll get a good start on a project that you can take with you and finish at home. You’ll leave with a punch needle and hoop to keep.

This class is intended for people who are brand new to punch needling. It requires moderate hand strength, as well as attention and coordination, as we will be using a sharp tool.

ages 14 and up

$40

Sign up here!

This class is designed to be an introductory course for those with little or no hand sewing experience. In this class students will learn three basic sewing stitches (running, back, and slip). These stitches will be practiced and then applied to a simple pincushion project done in class that students can take with them. Button sewing will be included. Sewing notions and project will be provided. This beginner hand sewing class is ideal to take before enrolling in the Mending Workshops offered.

ages 15 and up

$20

Sign up here!

You have a collection of art supplies, time on your hands, but no idea where to start. In this class, you will create a personalized deck of art prompts using collage and playing cards.

The magic of this is experience is brainstorming ideas in community. A fiber artist may come up with a prompt that is perfect for art journaling or the mixed media artist may create a prompt that sparks ideas for finishing abandoned projects. All attendees are invited to share their cards to be digitally scanned and shared with other participants.

No more wondering where to start on your next art project. You'll sit down with your deck of cards, pull one, and follow the prompt. The decks are perfect for warming up, getting out of your comfort zone, or adding whimsy to your next project.

All supplies are provided. Also, feel free to bring any collage materials you already have on hand.

Heidi Moos is a professional coach, educator, and creative practitioner who helps people reconnect with themselves through creativity and self-trust.

Sober since 2016, Heidi has built her own recovery toolkit grounded in equanimity, creativity, and connection. A daily art practice became an essential part of her recovery, bringing calm, embodiment, and joy.

She brings warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for each person wherever they are on their journey.

To learn more about Heidi visit https://www.heidimoos.com.

Ages 15 and up

$20

Sign up here!

Let's carve some spooky prints together! Get in the seasonal spirit while learning a new craft! Whether you're a complete beginner, a skilled printmaker or somewhere in the middle, this class will be tailored to your level. All the materials will be provided.

Bring a reference image for what you'd like to print (digital is fine). You'll have the chance to make at least one linoleum stamp, and MANY, MANY prints to use for cards or decoration!

ages 15 and up

$35

Sign up here!

Do you like knitting AND the natural world around you? We have just the thing for you!

Join University of Virginia Environmental Sciences graduate students/fiber artists for a fall knit and learn. In this series, we will meet once a week and feature a graduate student who will talk to us about their research. You’ll learn about eel grass, oysters, bio char, flooding, air quality and more, all while working on your own knit project or a one of a kind scarf inspired by the subjects discussed during this class. The pattern* will be shared with registrants a week before the session and will be designed with stash busting in mind! Note that this is not a learn-to-knit class, and participants should feel comfortable with color work, knitting and purling, and knitting in the round.

This week, Dan, an ecohydrologist, will tell you about beaver's role in restoring streams here in Charlottesville.

Can't make every session? No problem! Stop by for as many or as few programs as you like. We'll get you caught up! This is a free event in our Book Nook, but please sign up so we have enough room for you. Thanks!

Sign up here!

*the image pictured here is not the pattern you will receive, but it will be similar

Have a bunch of carved lino-stamps you're dying to make into prints?* Want to get an early start on holiday cards? Just want to play around with printmaking inks without as much of the clean up? We have the session for you!

In the Scrappy Elephant Classroom, we will have a dozen stations for making prints! With a wide variety of paper and ink colors, you won't run out of printmaking combinations! The inks are water-soluble block printing inks that create a pigmented image that you'll surely love.

Aprons will be available, but dressing in your finest attire is not recommended ;)

ages 14 and up

$15

Sign up here!

*please note- you need to bring your own pre-cut lino-stamps. This is not a stamp carving class, only a printing workshop

Learn oil painting in an approachable and organized format. Each week we will paint together in a process that will enable you to take those techniques and paint anything! For each class you will paint and bring home a different original oil painting. This class will be a still life composition based on the reference photo below.

This is a class for people who have never oil painted before, or even people who have never painted before! However, experienced oil painters are also welcome and will learn to further their techniques.

Topics include color mixing, composition, values, simplification, and edges. We will also go over materials and supplies, choosing appropriate reference photos, and setting up your home studio.

This is a stand-alone class but will not be repetitive if you come back again and again! Please wear comfortable clothing. Smock or apron suggested if you do not wish to get painty. You can download the image below onto your phone or tablet if you would like to have the reference photo in front of you (not mandatory).

Oil painting is more accessible than you think! Come start or expand your creative practice in a casual and fun environment- all are welcome!

ages 14 and up

$45 per class

Sign up here!

For the crocheters, knitters, felters, embroiderers, needleworkers, tatters, quilters among us, join Charlotte in the Classroom (please come in through the side-door as this club begins after the store closes). Bring your current Work in Progress & get crafty!

This is a free weekly event, but please sign up so we have enough room for you. Sign up here!

Join the amazing Minou for an hour of toddler fun- singing, story time, and creative art exploration. Come in clothes you don’t mind getting messy!

Every Thursday morning at 10:30

$14

Sign up here!

Slow Stitch Sanctuary is a welcoming, open stitch circle for slow stitchers and hand‐sewers/stitchers of all types and levels. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a supportive start or an experienced hand stitcher wanting community, inspiration, and company while you stitch.

Join us for gentle, unhurried stitching time where community comes first.

We will be in the Book Nook at Scrappy Elephant on Fridays from 12-2 pm.

Drop in for whatever time you can, grab a cup of tea or coffee, share stories, seek advice, practice techniques, and support one another’s creative journeys. This is an informal, come as you are space for stitching, conversation, and just spending time with other creatives. Bring your own project or shop Scrappy for all you need to start your next one.

This is an inclusive, non-judgmental, and safe space where all creatives are welcomed and respected.

Contact: Carolyn Nowak

Feel free to join our email list for updates and upcoming slow stitch classes(optional)

Send email to Freespiritstitch@gmail.com with subject “subscribe “

Do you enjoy painting but would like more opportunities to practice your skills? Are you intrigued by watercolor but would appreciate some gentle guidance on how to begin? Or would you just like some time to unwind from the week by exercising your creativity in a supportive environment? Join us for a relaxed, joyful evening of painting!

In this open painting session, a structured lesson won’t be provided, so you’ll be free to follow your own creative inspiration as much as you would like without any constraints. How you choose to use this time is up to you: you could work on a project of your own, gain additional practice in a certain technique, or simply have fun experimenting with pigments on paper. All supplies for watercolor painting will be provided, and you won’t need to bring any additional materials (but are certainly welcome to do so if you would prefer!). Heather will be available to provide one-on-one instructor feedback, targeted instruction if desired, or assistance with any projects or questions that you have. Some seasonal reference photos will be offered if you don’t have your own project and would like some inspiration.

This session is perfect for students who have taken one of Heather’s watercolor classes in the past and would like additional practice, but it would also be a good fit for people wanting one-on-one feedback on their work, complete beginners wanting to dip their toes into watercolor before joining a more structured class, or anyone just wanting to create without any desired outcome.

Come as you are! Uplevel your skills or simply experience the joy of painting and creativity for its own sake among like-minded people. Feel free to bring bevvies!

ages 15 and up

$25

Sign up here!

Let's make a cryptid! Join Ari (they/them) to learn how to make a cute and spooky little Mothman using a specialized notched needle to sculpt dyed wool. You’ll learn to create three-dimensional forms and add details, and you’ll develop the foundational skills to continue needle felting at home. You’ll come away with a mini Mothman to keep or give as a gift, as well as a felting mat and needle of your own. Beginners and returning students welcome!

ages 12 and up

$40

Sign up here!

Join Ari (they/them) to learn how to make a soft little pumpkin, gourd or jack-o’-lantern using a specialized notched needle to sculpt dyed wool. These are perfect for autumnal or Halloween decor. You’ll learn to create three-dimensional forms and add details, and you’ll develop the foundational skills to continue needle felting at home. You’ll come away with at least one pumpkin, gourd or jack-o'-lantern to keep or give as a gift, as well as a felting mat and needle of your own.

Beginners and returning students welcome!

ages 12 and up

$35

Sign up here!

This class is for anyone who has never picked up a crochet hook but is eager to learn!

Charlotte, an experienced crocheter with 5+ years of experience, will guide you through everything from how to hold the hook to how to finish off your pieces!

All materials will be provided by the Scrappy Elephant, so just bring yourself and let's learn to crochet! It might just become your favorite hobby...

$35

age 12 and up

Sign up here!

In this class, we will take a few pieces of scraps and transform them into your very own, personalized journal. We will go over basic binding stitches and tools to get you started on your book journey.

Ages 12 and up

$45

Sign up here!

In this playful workshop, we’ll crochet an “F-bomb:” a small amigurumi sphere finished with a bold letter “F.” Equal parts cute and cathartic, it’s the perfect desk mascot or gift for a sassy someone who appreciates a little fiber-based pun.

We’ll use basic amigurumi techniques including working in the round, shaping, and simple appliqué. Along the way we’ll stitch, chat, sip on mocktails, and share stories about craft life—making this an excellent workshop for beginners and experienced hookers alike.

Led by Lisa Ha, a crochet comedian (yes, those exist) known as "Get to Hooking Crochet" with more than 280K combined social media followers, expect an afternoon of laughter and yarn.

The class fee includes all materials needed to make your F-bomb and a signed copy of Lisa’s debut pattern + joke book, “Snarky Crochet.”

Come for the stitches, stay for the snark!

Skill level: Adventurous beginner and up (must know basic crochet stitches)

ages 13 and up

$45

Sign up here!

Do you like knitting AND the natural world around you? We have just the thing for you!

Join University of Virginia Environmental Sciences graduate students/fiber artists for a fall knit and learn. In this series, we will meet once a week and feature a graduate student who will talk to us about their research. You’ll learn about eel grass, oysters, bio char, flooding, air quality and more, all while working on your own knit project or a one of a kind scarf inspired by the subjects discussed during this class. The pattern* will be shared with registrants a week before the session and will be designed with stash busting in mind! Note that this is not a learn-to-knit class, and participants should feel comfortable with color work, knitting and purling, and knitting in the round.

This week, Meara, a coastal hydrologist, will share how satellites tell us about the water quality in our estuaries!

Can't make every session? No problem! Stop by for as many or as few programs as you like. We'll get you caught up! This is a free event in our Book Nook, but please sign up so we have enough room for you. Thanks!

Sign up here!

*the image pictured here is not the pattern you will receive, but it will be similar

Join Emma as she teaches you the basics of knitting. No experience needed. Leave with a pair of knitting needles, the beginning of a scarf, and enough yarn to finish it!

ages 12 and up

$35

Sign up‍ ‍here!!

For the crocheters, knitters, felters, embroiderers, needleworkers, tatters, quilters among us, join Charlotte in the Classroom (please come in through the side-door as this club begins after the store closes). Bring your current Work in Progress & get crafty!

This is a free weekly event, but please sign up so we have enough room for you. Sign up here!

Join the amazing Minou for an hour of toddler fun- singing, story time, and creative art exploration. Come in clothes you don’t mind getting messy!

Every Thursday morning at 10:30

$14

Sign up here!

Slow Stitch Sanctuary is a welcoming, open stitch circle for slow stitchers and hand‐sewers/stitchers of all types and levels. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a supportive start or an experienced hand stitcher wanting community, inspiration, and company while you stitch.

Join us for gentle, unhurried stitching time where community comes first.

We will be in the Book Nook at Scrappy Elephant on Fridays from 12-2 pm.

Drop in for whatever time you can, grab a cup of tea or coffee, share stories, seek advice, practice techniques, and support one another’s creative journeys. This is an informal, come as you are space for stitching, conversation, and just spending time with other creatives. Bring your own project or shop Scrappy for all you need to start your next one.

This is an inclusive, non-judgmental, and safe space where all creatives are welcomed and respected.

Contact: Carolyn Nowak

Feel free to join our email list for updates and upcoming slow stitch classes(optional)

Send email to Freespiritstitch@gmail.com with subject “subscribe “

A zine is a self-published, handmade, or small press booklet that is distributed for the purpose of sharing ideas, experiences, and perspectives, often of historically marginalized or underrepresented subcultures. Zines come in many different shapes and sizes and can be about ANYTHING, but it’s especially satisfying to make an 8-page mini-zine from ONE piece of printer paper.

Join local artist and zine-maker Jess Walters for an interactive workshop “How to Make A Mini-Zine.” We will explore a variety of examples of zines, learn some of Jess’ favorite collage techniques, and pick up some copying tips and tricks before transforming an ordinary piece of paper into a creative work of art.

Jess will demonstrate how to fold a sheet of paper into an 8-page mini-zine and materials and prompts will be provided* for folks to fill out their zine with writing, stickers, drawings, and/or collage. Take your zine home, make copies to share with friends, or bring some to swap with other zine-makers!

ages 16 and up

Sliding Scale. Suggested Donation $10

Sign up here!

Eileen has been installing community mosaics throughout Charlottesville in schools and Habitat for Humanity buildings. Her work can be seen at C’ville Arts Coop on the Downtown Mall.

This very beginner workshop will focus on tools, materials and basics of cutting tile and glass, how to properly adhere mosaic bits to a substrate, make a curve from a square, and grouting. You’ll have a fun, relaxed time making your first impressive mosaic art piece at your own pace. We will be making a fall leaf. You will go home with a ready to hang wall hanging with bright and shiny glass and ceramic tiles. All materials are provided.

5 hours with a 40 minute break to let the tiles set before grouting.

ages 12-112

$68

Sign up here!

The goal of this class is to learn techniques for mending holes with visible or invisible mending in clothes. Visible mending patches holes visibly with decorative accents. Invisible mending repairs holes with very little notice of the mend. Participants are encouraged to bring in their own articles of clothing in need of repair and learn to fix them during class time. Sewing notions will be provided. A basic knowledge of sewing by hand or by machine is ideal. Demo repair projects will be available for practice.

ages 15 and up

$20

Sign up here!