Traditional Watercolor with Leslie Watkins
5 Points Arts Center
855 University Drive, Torrington, CT
Thursdays, October 15, 22, 29, and November 19, 2026
11:00am -3:00pm
Hellebore, watercolor by Leslie Watkins, ©2026
Learn the foundations of traditional watercolor through materials, limited-palette color mixing, and essential techniques such as wet-in-wet, dry brush, and glazing. Working from life, participants will develop strong observational skills while exploring value, form, atmosphere, and multi-layered washes. Demonstrations and personalized guidance are provided to support each individual’s growth.
NEW! Live Arts & Crafts Workshops Every Month
In The Turner Café at Market Street Creatives
100 Lawton Street, Torrington, CT
Witchy Whimsy Hat
Saturday, October 3rd
In this fun, hands-on workshop, you’ll create a wonderfully whimsical witch’s hat filled with Halloween character. Layer ribbons, lace, gauze, rosettes, flowers, copper accents and other decorative details alongside classic spooky favorites—black cats, spiders, webs and even a watchful eyeball.
I’ll guide you step-by-step as you assemble, shape and embellish your hat, while encouraging you to add your own creative touches along the way. The finished hat makes a charming seasonal decoration for a shelf, table or entryway—and it’s appropriately sized to wear as part of your Halloween costume!
Morning Session 10:30am-12:30pm
Afternoon Session 1:00pm-3:00pm
$45 per session, Witchy Whimsy Hat Kit included
All skill levels are welcome, including beginners. Please bring your own hot glue gun.
Additional Witchy Whimsy kits and papercrafting supplies will be available for purchase in the Dandelion Cottage Design Shop, Space #3C
Registration
Introduction to Dot Mandalas
Dot Mandala Notebook and Bookmark by Leslie Watlkins
A Day of Dot Mandalas
Introduction to Dot Mandalas
Morning Session, $45
Saturday, September 12
Morning Session: 10:30am–12:30pm
The word mandala comes from Sanskrit and means “sacred circle.” Mandalas use repeating shapes, patterns, and colors to create designs that evoke wholeness, balance, and harmony. The process of creating them can be wonderfully meditative—inviting you to slow down, focus, and enjoy the moment.
In this introductory workshop, you’ll learn the basic tools and techniques used to create dot mandalas. Through guided practice, you’ll explore spacing, repetition, color, and pattern while creating beautiful designs of your own.
No previous experience is necessary, and all materials are included.
Dot Mandala Notebook & Bookmark
Afternoon Session, $45
Saturday, September 12
Afternoon Session: 1:00–3:00pm
Continue exploring the relaxing art of dot mandalas as you learn to combine dots with a variety of strokes, marks, and decorative patterns.
We’ll begin by practicing on a coordinating bookmark, giving you an opportunity to experiment with techniques, pattern, and color. Then you’ll use what you’ve learned to decorate the cover of a blank, lined notebook—creating a beautiful and useful piece that is uniquely your own.
Your notebook, matching bookmark, and all materials are included.
Join Us for One—or Make a Day of It!
Both Sessions, $80 Save $10!
Take Introduction to Dot Mandalas in the morning to learn the fundamentals, then put your new skills to work during the afternoon Dot Mandala Notebook & Bookmark workshop.
Together, the two sessions offer a relaxing creative day with plenty of time to learn, practice, experiment, and enjoy the wonderfully calming rhythm of dot painting.
Beginners are welcome. Step-by-step demonstrations and individual guidance are provided throughout each workshop.
NEW! Kit Together
A Monthly Papercrafting Workshop
Come Kit Together for a relaxed and creative papercrafting workshop! Each month features a new selection of seasonal projects, kits and creative ideas, with demonstrations and step-by-step guidance.
September Kit Together
This month we’re celebrating the transition from late summer into early fall with autumn leaves, pumpkins and a little Halloween magic.
We’ll create an assortment of seasonal notecards, place cards and treat holders, using coordinating papers, ribbons and embellishments. You’ll learn ways to make the most of your kit while adding your own creative touches to each project.
Saturday, September 26
Morning Session: 10:30am–12:30pm
Afternoon Session: 1:00–3:00pm
$30 per session — includes a kit of your choice
Additional kits are available for $20 each.
Beginners Welcome
No previous papercrafting experience is required. You’ll be guided through the projects step-by-step, with extra papers, ribbons and embellishments available to help you personalize your creations.
Bring your own papercrafting tool kit and favorite adhesives if you have them. Additional papercrafting supplies are available in the Dandelion Cottage Design Shop, #3C.
Make a Day of It!
Come for the morning or afternoon session—or stay for both and enjoy a full day of creativity with a break in between. Bring your friends and Kit Together!
Snacks, coffee, soups, sandwiches and more are available at Market Street Creatives.
Market Street Creatives, in the Turner Café
100 Lawton Street
Torrington, Connecticut
Witchy Whimsy Hat Workshop
In this fun, hands-on workshop, you’ll create a wonderfully whimsical witch’s hat with ribbons, lace, gauze, rosettes, flowers, copper accents and other decorative details alongside classic spooky favorites—black cats, spiders, webs and even a watchful eyeball!
The finished hat makes a charming decoration for a shelf, table or entryway—and it may be worn as part of your Halloween costume.
AM & PM Sessions avaialbe, $45, includes kit.
All levels are welcome. Bring your hot glue gun. Additional Witchy Whimsy kits and supplies are available in the Dandelion Cottage Design Shop, Space, #3C.
Past Online Classes
Introduction to Watercolor Zoom Class, FREE!
Free Zoom Painting Lesson – Bring Your Stamped Images to Life!
Join me for a fun and free live Zoom painting lesson where I’ll show you how to transform simple stamped images into beautifully dimensional characters using just a handful of supplies—many of which you may already have!
In this beginner-friendly class, we’ll be working with a stamped image from the Storybook Friends collection, making it easy for stampers to follow along. You’ll learn:
• A simple 3-step process to add depth and dimension to any character.
• Basic color mixing and values to create a natural, blended look.
• Watercolor techniques that can be applied to any form, perfect for both painters and papercrafters.
This lesson is designed for beginners through intermediate painters, as well as papercrafters looking to incorporate watercolor techniques into their own classes.
Grab your brushes, gather your supplies, and let’s paint together!
Holiday Treat Bags, Gift Boxes & Tags!
Starting with Halloween, followed by Thanksgiving and Christmas, each holiday month will feature new papercrafted projects for Notecards, Treat Bags, Gift Boxes and Tags for perfect gifts, table place holders, stocking stuffers or home decor. The designs may be customized to make them uniquely your own. Watch weekly the videos on my YouTube channel “Dandelion Cottage Design”, and tune into the Facebook LIVES, “Watercolor Wednesday” and “Papercrafting Thursday” at 12N EST!
See the Event page for in-person classes
Stamped images from “Apple Harvest” stamp set, #159944, ©Stampin’ Up!®
Coloring Apples, 4 Ways
We’re going “Back To School” in September ~ October with a beginners’ techniques class, designed especially for papercrafters who’d like to improve their coloring of stamped images. Class tutorials include using Watercolor Pencils, Stampin’ Blends, Painting with Ink and Watercolors.
For full class information, class supply list and more, please subscribe to NOTES from Dandelion Cottage
A page from the Watercolor Sketchbook, Peonies, watercolor by Leslie Watkins ©2023
Summer in the Gardens at Dandelion Cottage
Join me virtually in the beautiful gardens at Dandelion Cottage as they transform from month to month. We’ll paint a different floral subject each month from mid-June through mid-September.
You’ll learn how to get started with watercolors, what supplies to use and how to use them for beautiful results. The workshop is appropriate for both beginning and experienced painters. Registration closed.
Subscribe to NOTES from Dandelion Cottage for upcoming online classes, workshops, retreats and more!
Watercolor Sketching
Learn how to create lovely watercolor images that can be used on note cards. You can do it with some basic supplies, a little knowledge and practice. The video tutorial breaks it down into 3 easy to follow steps. The class includes a Card Kit with materials for 4 fine quality note cards, practice paper and the class Zoom.
Decorating the Scrapbustin’ Journal Workshop
Scrapbustin’ Journal Workshop
Learn traditional bookmaking techniques to make a sturdy hardcover journal and use items from your stash to decorate it. The book may be used as an Art, Gratitude, Bullet List, Quote, Photo Journal or any combination-you decide.
Workshop fee includes the Journal Kit, Gift-filled Pouch, Video Tutorial and Bonus videos. You supply adhesives.
Share your journal in the Zoom and see what everyone else makes. Participate in the Creative Challenge in the Facebook Bookmaking Group for the chance to win a prize!
This workshop provides the foundation for more scrapbustin’ journal projects to come and everything you’ll need to know to make your own unique journals. Don’t miss it!
12 Weeks of Christmas Special!
Free Mini Classes every week for 12 weeks
Get a gift from me when you place an order of $50 or more!
Quick & Easy weekly mini-classes are perfect for making lovely labels, tags and gift cards just in time for the holidays! Classes include video tutorials so you can create at your leisure.
Place an order ($35 minimum before tax and shipping) by end of day Tuesday Nov. 8, and you’ll get the Class Kit for Free! Order $50 or more and get the Class Kit and a pack of embellishments as my gift to you!
Use this week’s host code to get your kit: 6ZMVCAN4
Suggested supplies to complete this week’s projects
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- STAMPS/DIES: Christmas Banners Bundle, #159993
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- INKS: Real Red, Garden Green
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- EXTRAS: Red Rhinestones #146924, Real Red & Garden Green 3/8″ Ribbon Combo Pack #159577
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- TOOLS: Snips, Bone Folder, Trimmer, Cut & Emboss Machine, Clear Blocks B, C, E, I,
You may substitute items with things you already have. I don’t send any pre-stamped images as per Stampin’ Up! policy.
Your order must be placed by end of day Tuesday, 11/8/22 to get this Class Kit. Packets will be mailed by 11/12/22.
The online classes are Live, Saturdays at 12:30pm EST through 12/10/22, with no purchase necessary. You must register to get in. Visit the classroom anytime to watch video tutorials at your convenience.
Texture Chic Journal Workshop
I’m teaming up with Lisa McGrew again to bring you another wonderful journal making workshop. You’ll be getting twice the design ideas to decorate the inside spreads and covers. Watch the instructional videos at your leisure. The kit contains everything needed (except adhesives, available separately) to make one soft cover journal with 7 spreads and a note card should you chose to give it as a gift. Join us at the Zoom After Party to share your creations and have the chance to win a prize! Registration with supplies will be announced in NOTES:
Sentimental Rose Journal Class
Make a really cute journal using the contents of the Sentimental Rose Card Kit. Learn how to build a text block, add a hard cover and embellish with an assortment of tags, pockets, flip outs and tucks. Stamping and watercolor decorate the cover. Registration with supplies will be announced in NOTES:
Sentimental Rose Alternate Project
Learn to make a simple soft cover journal using the Sentimental Rose all inclusive kit. Everything you need is in the box and when you buy any of the kits from the Stampin’ Up!® Kit Collection in June, you’ll get a second one at half price! Buy your kits using the Host Code ZTCMEP92 and you’ll also get a FREE video tutorial on how to make the Sentimental Rose Journal alternate project. Stay tuned for the hardcover Sentimental Rose Journal Class coming in July!
Happiness Abounds
Fancy Folds & Watercolor/Ink Painting Class
Special Two For One Class: Two Instructors and Two Topics!
Join me in a collaboration with my wonderful friend Lisa McGrew for a very special Fancy Folds & Watercolor/Ink Painting online class. We’ll be making 8 notecards, 2 each of 4 designs. You’ll learn how to create Fancy Folds and how to get started painting with water based inks. You’ll also be invited to attend the Zoom party afterwards with a chance to win a prize!
This class is great for both beginning and advanced papercrafters. You’ll get a FREE mini watercolor lesson and learn how to paint with ink refillers. Even without drawing skills or prior experience you’ll be able to make a lovely hand painted card using images from the versatile Happiness Abounds stamp set (or set of your choice).
You’ll also get an invitation to our Zoom Party to see some alternate designs, share what you made, meet the other participants and for a chance to win a prize! Bring snacks and your favorite beverage.
Robot Buddies All Inclusive Kit For Kids!
Make cards with stamps, stickers and googly eyes with this all inclusive kit! Just add kids!
Take a byte out of the Robot Buddies Card Kit! This kit is programmed with kids in mind, making it a great kit to create with children. With precut pieces and simple instructions, this friendship-themed robot card kit will make your crafting experience a breeze!
The quirky robot imagery and birthday sentiments will help your child get excited to gift their handmade card to a friend. You’ll go nuts and bolts over this kit! Also available in French.
The all inclusive Robot Buddies Kit contains everything you need to make 9 cards with envelopes and you’ll have plenty of extras!
The Honeybee Workshop
Papercrafting, Book Making and More!
An all day online workshop, morning and afternoon sessions, followed by a Zoom party!
Honeybees are the theme of this workshop. If you like bookmaking, papercrafting, watercolor painting and sewing, you won’t want to miss this one! Subscribe to NOTES from Dandelion Cottage to be notified of this special workshop.
Ranunculus Romance
Don’t miss this card making class packed with loads of ideas, techniques and inspiration! You’ll learn to get the most out of a stamp set using a variety of styles. This class will show you how to get started with the basics: Stamps, Ink & Paper and then how to transform a simple card into a unique work of art using specialty papers, dies and embellishments.
Decorate The Christmas Planner
Christmas Planner Kit
Get organized this year! Now is the time to order the Christmas Planner Class and Kit. Get it in time to assemble and give as a gift or keep for yourself. The class has everything needed to assemble the planner, (except adhesives which are available separately). Includes video tutorial, cover, planner pages, a coordinating roll of ribbon, a spool of thread, 1/2 pack of Designer Series Paper and more!
Hand Painted Ornaments
Create holiday keepsakes that will be cherished for years to come. Learn to paint birds and animals to decorate die cut ornaments, that may also be used as gift tags. You’ll get beautiful and professional looking results in this extra special holiday class. Class Kit includes materials for 6 different designs. A “Tutorial Only” option is available.
Frightfully Cute Pop Up Card Box
Get the tutorial to make this extra special interactive notecard by subscribing to NOTES from Dandelion Cottage.
Watch the Frightfully Cute Video
Subscribe to NOTES for information on classes, workshops, tutorials and online events
Introduction to Watercolor & Painting With Ink
Counting Sheep Board Game Tutorial
The Design Journal Workshop
Watch the video HERE
Journal Making and Painting With Watercolor Pencils
This month I’ll be showing you how to make your own Nature Journals. You’ll learn how to make and decorate simple stitched journals and portfolios to hold your artwork. I’ll be using watercolor pencils to demonstrate painting flowers and other natural subjects with just a few very easy to use supplies.
Pop them into a tote or backpack with a handful of art supplies and head out to the garden or create from home. I’ll show you how easy it is to get started with watercolor pencils. We’ll sketch and paint from flowers as our subject. The journals may also be used with stamped images and for writing.
This class is FREE with an order of $25* or more and includes enough supplies to make a journal and portfolio with embellishments. To register use March Host Code 7YMUMFME when placing your order to automatically register for the class. Let me know if you need help ordering.
The Natural History and Portraiture of Eastern Woodpeckers:
Painting Woodpeckers Workshop
A collaboration of Sharon Audubon, Bushnell-Sage Library, Oliver Wolcott Library and the Scoville Memorial Library
Artist Leslie Watkins presents an overview of nature studies using watercolors. This session will focus on the familiar Downy Woodpecker with notes on artistic bird anatomy and useful art materials. Watkins will provide painting instruction while demonstrating, followed by Q&A and critiques for those who wish to share their paintings. Suitable for beginners to advanced students.
Dr. Eileen Fielding, Sharon Audubon Center Director, will provide a brief natural history of woodpeckers, featuring our colorful local species, their particular specialties, amazing anatomy, and their importance to the forest.
Butterfly Brilliance Pop Up Card Class
Special 2 in 1 class!
Learn how to create fascinating interactive pop up cards that are as fun to make as they are to get! In this class we’ll use the absolutely gorgeous stamps and dies from the new Butterfly Brilliance bundle. This bundle is extremely versatile and includes 12 dies.
This is 2 classes in 1! You’ll also learn how to get beautiful effects by painting with water based inks. Learn color mixtures, values and painting techniques. You’ll make 2 each of 4 different card designs. Kits include enough supplies for 8 notecards and add on kits are available.
Beginning Watercolor
The Norfolk Library presents Beginning Watercolor with Leslie Watkins, an overview of basic watercolor materials, set up, color mixing and techniques while working from flowers. Watkins will demonstrate universal art concepts as participants practice from supplied reference, followed by a Q&A and individual critiques. All levels welcome.
Painting with Watercolor and Water Based Inks
Perfect for both watercolor painters and papercrafters who would like to learn how to paint with ink. In this class you’ll learn to paint a hummingbird, a butterfly and flowers using the “A Touch Of Ink” stamp set, only available during Sale-A-Bration, ending 2/28/21. The class kit contains supplies for 8 notecards, 2 each of 4 designs. Both the class and stamp set are FREE with a qualifying order. Use this month’s host code 6AKWUV6A to qualify and register before 2/9/21.
Watercolor Card Club February’s subject is the hummingbird, with an emphasis on painting iridescence. All members have access to our private FB group and Zoom Q&As.
Box Making Workshop Learn how to make 3 basic kinds of boxes: a simple box, a reinforced box and an explosion box. Once you know how to make them, the sky is the limit on decorating!
Watercolor Card Club January’s subject is the hellebore, also known as the Christmas Rose, and how to paint white flowers. All members have access to our private FB group and Zoom Q&As.
Card Class: Dragonfly Garden This is one of the beautiful new suites from the January-June Mini Stampin’ Up!® Catalog and it’s gorgeous! Make 8 notecards, 2 each of 4 designs. Class includes card kit and a Wink of Stella marker.
Blue Valentine Card Class The card kit contains supplies for 8 notecards, 2 each of 4 designs, both in blue and pink. FREE with a qualifying order!
Gift Boxes A tutorial on basic box making techniques. You’ll learn to make 3 different easy boxes: a simple box, a reinforced box and an explosion box. All can be decorated with your choice of decorative papers, ribbons, embellishments or die cuts.
Christmas Cards and Tags This class includes a stamp set, ribbon, embellishments and a card kit with enough supplies to make 2 Christmas Cards, 2 Gift Card Holders, and 4 coordinating tags.
Watercolor Card Club December’s subject is Holly, with an added holiday bonus tutorial, Chickadee! All members have access to our private FB group and Zoom Q&As.
For more information and to register subscribe to “NOTES”
Watch the Gift Box Video
Beautiful Watercolor Notecard Gift Box Class
Make a very pretty hand painted desktop notecard box to hold 8 cards and envelopes. You’ll also be able to purchase additional card sets for this class.
Dandelion Cottage Stamp Camp, a one day mini-retreat! ~ The 1st annual Dandelion Cottage Stamp Camp & Bingo, a day filled with papercrafting, watercoloring and guest calligraphy artist. There will be raffles, prizes and special treats. The photo above shows the Gift Box prize that will be won during Bingo–it’s a one of a kind handmade gift box painted with an original watercolor design containing over $50 in art supplies!
Beautiful Watercolor Notecards
presented by The Scoville Memorial Library
September 17th, 12:00N – 2:00PM EST ~ FREE Zoom Class ~ Please register by September 8th to get your kits in time!
Learn to paint with watercolor by making beautiful little paintings that can be sent to friends as notecards or given as gifts. It’s much easier than you think! Just a few strokes of color will brighten someone’s day and your own! It’s the next best thing to being with your loved ones. And the Postal Service will appreciate the business!
Leslie Watkins will demonstrate how to paint simple flowers using a variety of brush strokes. You’ll create unique floral designs of your own. You’ll learn color mixing to create an entire rainbow with just 3 colors. Whether you are a novice or want to brush up on your technique you’ll love this class!
Beginning Watercolor
Beginning Watercolor is for the true beginner. If you’ve never tried watercolor painting and would like to give it a whirl or ready for a rock solid foundation, these lessons will get you started right. I cover the basics: color mixing, shading, values, set up and materials and more. Using a bare minimum of supplies, you’ll be amazed at how much you can do with so little. You’ll gain the confidence to continue to develop your skills. 4 “Live” weekly lessons, a private FB group for questions and critiques, followed by a Zoom Q&A, $200
Register now for my online watercolor painting course. It consists of 5 easy to follow lessons that will get you started right. I’ve streamlined 30 years of art instruction experience into a confidence building, economical, foundational approach that will help you begin with knowledge and inspiration.
It starts this month with the “Beginning Watercolor” video tutorial, a materials list, a private Facebook group for constructive critiques and a Zoom Q&A session.
We’ll continue in August with 4 weekly lessons on Color, Value, Form, Edges, Perspective and Design with loads of tips along the way.
Whether you’re just getting started or have been painting for awhile, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the painting basics that will improve your painting.
Watch the video for the painting, “A Summer Bouquet”
And 2 papercrafting classes: Elegant Envelope and Stamps
Watch the video How To Make An Envelope
For full description of all the Online Classes and to register, subscribe to “NOTES from Dandelion Cottage“
SPECIAL: Not sure if an online class is right for you? Subscribe to NOTES and watch a Card Making tutorial for FREE! When you receive NOTES, click on “Register” then select the “FREE Card Making Class” option.
At Dandelion Cottage there are several gardens bursting with peonies ~ I love them! I sell Peony Bouquets at my local Farmers Market and by special order. I’ve had a love affair with peonies since I was a little girl. This month’s Online Classes include Painting Peonies, Two Ways, in both watercolor and water based inks using a stamp set. Don’t miss this one, it only comes around once a year!
Watch the video How To Paint Peonies (the class video includes much more)
This month’s 3D Class, Outside The Box: 3D Peony, is an elegant box decorated with a beautiful paper peony.
Paint A Seascape
Special bonus class “Paint A Seascape”, use either Water Based Ink or Watercolor.
3 new classes in May including “Beginning Watercolor”
I’m excited to present 3 new Online Classes, each using a different technique: Beginning Watercolor, Painting With Ink, and a Gift Box with Cards. For complete information, class listings and how to register subscribe to “NOTES from Dandelion Cottage”.
Notes from Dandelion Cottage is sent on the 1st day of each month. Stay up to date with new events, opportunities, monthly class listings, special announcements and inspiration.
In my Watercolor and Papercraft courses, you’ll get plenty of clear and easy to follow instruction with my recommendations of everything you’ll need to get started; the best tools and supplies to invest in and what to add on over time. I share tips and techniques that will save you time and money and help you to advance quickly. These are comprehensive courses that describe fully the nuances and details you are looking for to achieve professional results. Also in the works are quick and easy mini courses, full courses, and master classes. Sign up for “NOTES from Dandelion Cottage” for early announcements and specials.
I love teaching! You never know who will sign up. Here is former CT State Representative Brian Ohler, painting a Mother’s Day card for his mom. It came out great, so proud of him!