| Cactus Woman Workshop --10-3, $75.00
Monday, March 5, 2012
 Participants will cut out, sew and stuff their Cactus Woman. I will demonstrate the sculpting of a face, and the doll will begin to take shape with a head-dress, woven shawl and beaded Cactus flowers and necklace. All materials and supplies are provided, however you may bring special totems if you wish. Bring a bag lunch, and your sewing kit (scissors, pincushion with needles etc).
To reserve your space (with a $20.00 non-refundable deposit) and receive a supply list and map to my studio in Vail, AZ, call me at 520-762-0447, or email Gretchen@GretchenLima.com
send a check to: Gretchen Lima, PO Box 352, Vail, AZ 85641
ONLY 3 spots left
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| Protective Spirit Workshop - $75.00 10-3pm,
Monday, March 12, 2012
Beginners Welcome
 Participants will cut out, sew and stuff their Protective Spirit. I will demonstrate the sculpting of a face, and the doll will begin to take shape with a head-dress, leather shield and woven shawl. All materials and supplies are provided, however you may bring special totems if you wish. Bring a bag lunch, and your sewing kit (scissors, pincushion with needles etc).
To reserve your space (with a $20.00 non-refundable deposit) and receive a supply list and map to my studio in Vail, AZ, call me at 520-762-0447, or email gretchen@GretchenLima.com
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| "Making Faces" and Chachka Woman Workshop --10-3, $75.00
Monday, March 19, 2012
 We will be making several faces, so that when you get home and want to do more by yourself, you hopefully will remember how we did it... --Practice makes perfect--Then we will put one of the faces on a simple structure, hanging doll body that you will stuff and decorate with wovens and beads. All materials and supplies are provided, however you may bring special totems if you wish. Bring a bag lunch, and your sewing kit (scissors, pincushion with needles etc).
I only have 6 spaces for each workshop..so do not wait to let me know if you are interested.
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| Wise Woman Workshop!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Wise Woman Workshop $125.00 10am-3pm
 The day begins with a slide presentation followed by a guided imagery meditation during which the participants are taken on a search of their Wise Woman. As time allows, a brief sharing of individual experiences is followed by creating an image of this Wise Woman, using a pre-sewn body. Gretchen demonstrates the sculpting of a face. All materials are provided, however you may bring special totems if you wish. Bring a bag lunch.
To reserve your space (with a $20.00 nonrefundable deposit) and receive a supply/tool list, call Gretchen at (520) 762-0447, or e-mail her at gretchen@gretchenLima.com
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| The Medicine Woman Workshop - $195.00 10-3pm each day
Not currently scheduled
 The cost of the workshop includes woven fabrics and trinkets, grapevine branches, sculpey, stuffing, wool for hair, leather for her Medicine pouch, and beads, everything you need to complete your doll EXCEPT, bring 1/2 yd of a cotton fabric for the body of the doll. (BUT, if you do not have a particular fabric you want to use, you are welcome to pick something from my private stash)
This is a busy two days in which participants will cut out, sew and stuff the body, create their own face with a demonstration from Gretchen, and assemble their doll.
Also, as usual, bring your pincushion, scissors and needles/sewing kit. You may bring any other fabrics or trinkets you wish, but it is not necessary as I will have all kinds of hand-woven fabrics and beads/totems for you to use. Bring a bag lunch for each day.
Hotel list and map to my studio in Vail, AZ, will be sent upon receipt of non refundable deposit of $50 required to hold your space. Spaces fill fast, so sign up early.
call Gretchen at 762-0447, or email gretchen@GretchenLima.com
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| The Small Quilter Woman Workshop, 16” tall.
Not Scheduled at this time, 10am -3pm each day, $210.00.
 This is a new Workshop which is designed for the “Quilter” inspired by all my quilter friends.
You will have some homework to do before you come to the workshop. Bring about ¼ yd of 5 different fabrics which will be the skirt of your Quilter Woman. All the specifics will be mailed to you after your $20.00 non-refundable deposit is received.
Also, as usual, bring your pincushion, scissors and needles/sewing kit. You may bring any other fabrics you wish, but it is not necessary as I will have all kinds of hand-woven fabrics and beads for you to use.
Each student will cut out, stuff and decorate your doll, create the skirt, as well as learn how to sculpt the face.
Your quilter will hold a basket, which I will supply, with fabrics from your 5 skirt choices. She will be made to hang on the wall in your sewing room!
The requirements for this workshop are knowledge of the use of the sewing machine. It is for the more experienced sewer ONLY.
I only have room for 6 students for this workshop so you must sign up early!
To reserve your space (with a $20.00 nonrefundable deposit) and receive a supply/tool list, call Gretchen at 762-0447, or e-mail her at gretchen@gretchenLima.com
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Medicine Woman Workshop January 2012 in Gretchen's studio |
| "Making Faces" and Chachka Woman Workshop.
It was a successful Day with each student making 4 different faces and then using one of them on their "Chachka Doll." Below are pictures of the 6 students and their completed doll.
  
  
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Projects completed
Quilter Woman Workshop January 2011 in Gretchen's studio |
Click Here to see a slide show of a workshop at the Creative Needle Arts & Gallery in Traverse City, MI.
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Artist's Statement
I have been creating dolls for 25 years. During that time, I used the twists and turns life takes to create positive images of women. Strength, courage, and wisdom are all recurring images in my work.
Over the years, I have discovered a great connection with women of all ages around this theme. I feel that is part of the joy of dollmaking.
People at art fairs ask me how I got started in dollmaking. I believe it's a 50-year old story, interwoven with a need and a passion to create, using detail, color and a sense of spirit.
My work is not only an expression of what I see, but of what I feel. I create the messages and give a voice to a girl inside who has patiently waited to be heard.
Workshop Description
Slide Presentation:
The slide lecture includes slides of my work over the past (almost) 20 years of my dollmaking career, and slides of drawings and the dolls made from the drawings. I explain MY creative process and share the personal challenges which inspired my work.
Guided Imagery:
The guided imagery is my way of calming and quieting the rest of my life so I can listen to messages from within. I have given this guided imagery to mostly women who have never experienced it before. The vast majority enjoy it and say it is their favorite part of the workshop. It is what I do that makes my workshop different, I believe.
It is my belief that you must listen to yourself, go within (guided imagery is a great tool), in order to create from your heart. For some people this may be a bit intimidating, but once they try it, very satisfying.
Basically, guided imagery is this: I play some very soothing Native American flute music, and read a story I have written. The participants close their eyes, if this is comfortable for them, and listen to the story. Afterwards, we talk about what they saw and/or do a primitive drawing of what they saw.
It helps to set the mood for the rest of the workshop.
Demonstrations:
During each workshop, I demonstrate the sculpting of a face. I also give gentle assistance with the construction of the doll and show techniques for decorating. I want this to be an "out of your box" experience for each person so I allow as much personal freedom of expression as needed.
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Some Comments from Workshop Participants
- I cannot believe how much I learned ... and not just about doll making. What a journey! I will be following your work and can't wait to take another class... This was better than a therapist and a day at the spa combined.
- ...just loved making the doll. I, for one, never thought that I would be able to make a face. You made all of it seem so easy and relaxing!
- It was very relaxing, inspirational, and a great one day get-away. In addition to your wonderful creative abilities you are an excellent teacher.
- Don't think I've ever taken proper time in thanking you... It is such a treasured memory for me...the inspirational meeting with my "Wise Woman"... thanks to your kindness in sharing. All could not have happened at a more appropriate time... and as I learned further from you.. is so true in all of life if we would only choose to recognize and accept this. Thank you for TEACHING and SHARING ...your art, your passion and so much more!
- She was very patient with non-sewers, nicely presented.
- This was fabulous! The highlight of the retreat for me. I loved the guided imagery.
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| A student works on her doll during the May 2008 workshop in Vail. |
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The January 2002 Shaman Woman Workshop at Gretchen's studio produced many empowered Women/Shamen.
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| Gretchen demonstrates face sculpting, March 2000 |
Click Here for images of the Traverse City, MI Workshop from May 2003
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| Beaded Protective Spirit Workshop
Not Scheduled at this time, 10-3pm $75.00 all materials are included
 Students will cut out, sew and stuff their Protective Spirit from a pattern and fabric, supplied by Gretchen. We will then create the sculpted face. The doll is then beaded by hand using beads which are included in the price. Of course, as always, you may bring favorite beads of your own to use, but it is not necessary as they will be provided for you, as well as the special beading needle.
Bring a bag lunch.
To reserve your space (with a $20.00 non-refundable deposit) and receive a supply list and map to my studio in Vail, AZ, call 520-762-0447, or email gretchen@GretchenLima.com
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Workshops with open enrollment