ART WORKSHOPS — Creative Expression

$79.99

$49.99 for members of the Heroine’s Year

September Theme: Step-by-Step Bird Journaling

A Guided Creative Workshop

Sunday, September 27 | 1:00–4:00 p.m.

What happens when you sit down in front of a blank journal page and a table full of beautiful art supplies? For some of us, the possibilities feel exciting. For others, they can feel a little overwhelming. Where do I start? What am I supposed to make? What if I’m not artistic?

For September’s Creative Expressions workshop, you won’t have to figure it out on your own. I’ll guide you step by step through creating a bird-inspired entry in your art journal. We’ll build the page together, one layer at a time, beginning with simple shapes to sketch the outline of our birds. Then I’ll share techniques and materials you can use to bring your bird and journal page to life.

You’ll be able to make your own choices along the way — colours, images, words and little details that speak to you — but you’ll have a clear process to follow from beginning to end. Think of it as guided creativity rather than a blank canvas.

And no, you do not need to know how to draw a bird!

The purpose isn’t to create a perfect piece of art. It’s to slow down, notice, play and discover what happens when we give ourselves permission to create without needing to be “good at art.” By the end of the afternoon, you’ll have completed your own bird journal entry — and perhaps discovered a few techniques you’ll want to use again.

What’s included

Your art journal and all creative materials will be provided. I’ll guide you through the process step by step, with plenty of room to personalize your page and make it your own.

We’ll create around the table together in a relaxed, supportive setting with other women from the Ottawa Women 50+ community.

No previous art or journaling experience is needed.

Come curious. Leave with a page that is entirely yours.

$49.99 for members of the Heroine’s Year

September Theme: Step-by-Step Bird Journaling

A Guided Creative Workshop

Sunday, September 27 | 1:00–4:00 p.m.

What happens when you sit down in front of a blank journal page and a table full of beautiful art supplies? For some of us, the possibilities feel exciting. For others, they can feel a little overwhelming. Where do I start? What am I supposed to make? What if I’m not artistic?

For September’s Creative Expressions workshop, you won’t have to figure it out on your own. I’ll guide you step by step through creating a bird-inspired entry in your art journal. We’ll build the page together, one layer at a time, beginning with simple shapes to sketch the outline of our birds. Then I’ll share techniques and materials you can use to bring your bird and journal page to life.

You’ll be able to make your own choices along the way — colours, images, words and little details that speak to you — but you’ll have a clear process to follow from beginning to end. Think of it as guided creativity rather than a blank canvas.

And no, you do not need to know how to draw a bird!

The purpose isn’t to create a perfect piece of art. It’s to slow down, notice, play and discover what happens when we give ourselves permission to create without needing to be “good at art.” By the end of the afternoon, you’ll have completed your own bird journal entry — and perhaps discovered a few techniques you’ll want to use again.

What’s included

Your art journal and all creative materials will be provided. I’ll guide you through the process step by step, with plenty of room to personalize your page and make it your own.

We’ll create around the table together in a relaxed, supportive setting with other women from the Ottawa Women 50+ community.

No previous art or journaling experience is needed.

Come curious. Leave with a page that is entirely yours.

WHO IT’S FOR:

This gathering is for women who are longing to reconnect with their creativity, quiet the noise of everyday life and explore self-discovery through imagination, art and nature.

No artistic experience is necessary.

Only curiosity and a willingness to play.

DETAILS:

Marlene will facilitate the workshop using various art supplies.

Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 1-4pm
In the Ottawa, Ontario off Blair Road (Exactly address to be sent after registration)

Street parking is available.

Please note that the entrance is not wheelchair accessible.

YOUR AFTERNOON INCLUDES:
- Step-by-step guidance to create your bird journal entry. We’ll work through the process together, beginning with simple shapes to sketch your bird and gradually building your page one layer at a time.
- Guided creative techniques you can actually use again. You’ll experiment with colour, texture, words and mixed-media elements while learning simple ways to bring your journal page to life.
- Plenty of room to make it your own. Although we’ll follow the same process together, you’ll choose the colours, details, words and creative elements that speak to you. No two journal pages need to look alike.
- Your own Strathmore mixed-media journal. Your journal is included with your first Creative Expressions workshop registration. Returning participants will continue adding a new creation with each Creative Expressions experience.
- Reflection prompts and meaningful conversation to help you connect what you’re creating on the page with what may be unfolding in your own life.
- A relaxing afternoon with premium tea, light seasonal refreshments and snacks, giving you time to slow down, create and enjoy conversation with other women.
- A welcoming community where you don't need to be “artistic.” You won't be left staring at a blank page wondering what to do next. I'll guide you through each stage, while giving you the freedom to make your creation entirely your own.
Perfection isn't the goal. Presence is.
As your journal fills with Creative Expressions projects, it will become a beautiful keepsake — a visual story of your personal journey through the seasons of your life, one page at a time.