November 1-17, 2024
Holiday Papercrafting Classes
in the Artisans Guild Annex, Norfolk, CT!
Leslie Watkins of Dandelion Cottage Design will present a series of in-person Holiday Arts & Craft classes in Norfolk, CT, including Table Decor, Christmas Cards and Fancy Gift Boxes. Various technique classes such as Sculpted Paper Flowers, Watercolor and Calligraphy will add to the projects. There’s plenty to choose from for all levels, beginner through advanced. Pre-registration is strongly recommended as seating is limited. Private arts & craft parties may also be booked. Start preparing for the holidays now!
Adults, beginners through advanced, all materials included
Class Schedule
11/1 Kit Together, stop in 1pm – 4pm, Price: $30.00
Stop in and select from an assortment of all inclusive papercrafting kits. Schedule a private holiday party to craft with friends! Extra kits and adhesives are available for purchase.
11/1 Friday Night Kit Together, 6pm-8pm, Price: $30.00
Book a Kit Together with friends and bring your favorite beverage for a fun evening of creativity. Select from a large assortment of kits, everything is included with instruction.
11/2 Thanksgiving Table Decor, 12pm – 2pm, and/or 3pm – 5pm, Price: $35.00
In this class you’ll make place card/treat holders, cutlery envelopes and buffet tags using stamps, inks and decorative papers. Morning and afternoon sessions. Kits and adhesives are available for purchase. Bring your crafty friends and win a chance for a door prize!
11/3 Italic Calligraphy for Place Cards & Tags, 12pm-3pm, Price: $45.00
Practice the Italic alphabet with gold ink. Demonstrations and individual instruction, no experience needed. You’ll get a broad point nib and holder to create beautiful tags and place cards. Tea & scrumptious snacks will be served. Reservations required, seating is limited. Bring a new friend and you’ll each select 3 free handmade cards. Sign up for all 3 Sundays and select a Kit for free! Beginner though advanced.
11/7 Free Studio Time, 1pm – 4pm, Free
Free studio time for students who have signed up for 1 or more classes. Complete your unfinished projects, catch up on your Christmas Cards. Great for making surprises and when you don’t have room at home!
11/8 Stocking Stuffers, 12pm – 2pm, and/or 3pm – 5pm, Price: $35.00
Surprise and delight family and friends with Chocolate Treat Holders, Gift Cards and Cocoa Pouches made with beautiful decorative papers, heat embossing and embellishments.
11/8 Friday Night Kit Together, 6pm-8pm, Price: $30.00
Book a Kit Together with friends and bring your favorite beverage for a fun evening of creativity. Select from a large assortment of kits, everything is included with instruction.
11/9 Christmas Cards, 12pm – 2pm, and/or 3pm – 5pm, Price: $35.00
Learn to make beautiful cards and gift card holders you’ll be proud to send to family and friends. 2 sessions to choose from for plenty of time to finish your cards.
11/10 Watercolor, 12pm – 3pm, Price: $45.00
Learn to paint a holly motif for cards, tags and ornaments. Basic color mixtures and easy techniques will be demonstrated. You’ll received individual instruction to help get you off to a great start. Watercolor supplies are available for purchase, or bring whatever materials you already have. Bring a new friend and you’ll each select 3 free handmade cards. Sign up for all 3 Sundays and select a Kit for free! Beginner though advanced.
11/14, Free Studio Time, 1pm – 4pm, Free
Free studio time for students who have signed up for 1 or more classes. Complete your unfinished projects, catch up on your Christmas Cards. Great for making surprises and when you don’t have room at home!
11/15 Gift Bags and Tags, 12pm – 2pm, and/or 3pm – 5pm, Price: $35.00
Make quick and easy gift bags and tags. Learn heat embossing, die cutting and basic papercrafting skills. Great to to have on hand for small gifts, hostess presents and unexpected guests.
11/15 Friday Night Kit Together, 6pm-8pm, Price: $30.00
Book a Kit Together with friends and bring your favorite beverage for a fun evening of creativity. Select from a large assortment of kits, everything is included with instruction.
11/16 Fancy Gift Boxes, 12pm – 2pm, Price: $35.00
Learn the art of traditional box making for beautiful, well made and study boxes that will be saved as keepsakes. Stay for the afternoon session and decorate your box with the gorgeous sculpted paper flowers. $60 for both classes.
11/16 Sculpted Paper Flowers, 3pm – 5pm, Price: $35.00
Learn the art of making 3D gorgeous sculpted paper flowers. Attend the Fancy Gift Box morning class also and pay $60 for both classes.
11/17 Brush Lettering, 12pm-3pm, Price: $45.00
Learn the basics of brush lettering with water based inks. No experience needed. Tea & scrumptious snacks will be served. Reservations required, seating is limited. Bring a new friend and you’ll each select 3 free handmade cards. Sign up for all 3 Sundays and select a Kit for free! Beginners though advanced.
Congratulations, Theresa Dendinger!
SPECIAL GIVEAWAY WINNER!
This is a special Dandelion Cottage Design gold tone box. The compact palette has 2 mixing areas and holds both 1/2 pans and full pans, or a combination of both. I’ve bundled it with a size 8 round synthetic travel brush that fits perfectly inside. This is the same kind of watercolor box I take with me everywhere! Great for the studio and on painting trips.
In-Person September Pop Up Studio!
September 7 through 29, 2024
Get together with friends and receive one on one instruction!
Leslie Watkins presents a “Pop Up Studio” featuring adult watercolor classes and holiday papercraft projects. Learn to paint with watercolors, make a unique art journal for yourself or to give as a gift. Get an early start on handmade holiday table place cards, Christmas cards, gift boxes and tags. Beginners through advanced. Book a private party! Early registration is advised, seating is limited.
- Watercolor Classes
- Art Journal Making & Decorating
- Papercrafts: Cards, Boxes, Bags & Tags
Friday 6pm-8pm Kit Together
Bring your friends and favorite beverage for a fun night of creativity! Lots of different kits to select from, everything is included with full instruction. Private parties may be booked. includes 1 kit, snacks and a chance to win a door prize!
Sunday 11am-3pm Crafternoon Tea
Make 4 easy notecards with a different theme each Sunday, with demonstrations and full instructions, no experience needed. You’ll learn step by step how to create beautiful and professional looking cards you’ll be proud to share. Tea & scrumptious snacks will be served. Reservations required, seating is limited. Bring a new friend and you’ll each select 3 free handmade cards!
Saturday 11am – 2pm Botanical Watercolor Class
Learn the basics of watercolor and how to get started without a lot of supplies. Basic color mixtures and techniques will be demonstrated. You’ll receive plenty of individual instruction to help get you off to a great start. Watercolor supplies are available for purchase, or bring materials you already have. Beginners though advanced
Saturday 2:30pm – 5:30pm Papercrafting Class
In this class you’ll make 4 beautiful projects using stamps, inks and decorative papers. Projects change each week. Extra card kits and adhesives are available for purchase. Bring your crafty friends and a chance to win a door prize!
Thursday 1pm -5pm Art Journal Workshop
Learn traditional and not so traditional bookmaking skills to create your own art journal. It can be used for artwork, photos, mixed media or any combination. Great to keep for design inspiration or to give as gifts. Reservations required, seating is limited. Materials provided with full instruction.
Thursday & Friday 11am -1pm Coffee & A Card Make & Takes
Grab a cup of coffee and stop in to make a card for free! Card Kits and adhesives are available for purchase.
3 Station Place, Norfolk, CT • Thursday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and by appointment
Check back weekly for complete schedule of events!
Landscape Paintings by Leslie Watkins
An exhibit of oil Landscape Paintings by Leslie Watkins featuring scenes painted on location from CT, VT, MA, ME and NY. Stop in Thursday through Saturday, 11am-6pm, Sundays, 11am-3pm, or by appointment.
Trip to Provence ~ Crafternoon Tea
Sunday July 14, 11am – 3pm
July 14th is Bastille Day! We’re celebrating in the “Pop Up Shop” with an in-person “Trip to Provence” themed paper crafting class, featuring Lavender and Citrus motifs. You’ll learn how to easily make beautiful note cards that you’ll be proud to send.
We’ll be serving scrumptious tea snacks homemade by the wonderful (and very French) Marie Christine. Bring a friend and you’ll each receive a handmade card as a gift. Registration is required as space is limited.
Crafternoon Tea classes will be held every Sunday until the end of July, each one with a different theme. We’re in the Artisans Guild space at 3 Station Place, Norfolk, CT. Please join us!
July 2024 ~ A Creative Pop Up Shop!
July 5 – 28, artist Leslie Watkins will be exhibiting
Landscape Paintings
and offering Watercolor and Papercrafting classes
in the Artisans Guild space in the Royal Arcanum Building,
3 Station Place, Norfolk, CT
Opening reception to commemorate the rich history of the Artisans Guild in Norfolk on Friday, July 5, 5-7pm
Classes include Watercolor Painting, and making unique
Note Cards, Fancy Boxes and Art Journals
Thursday – Saturday, 11am-6pm
Please reserve your spots, seating is limited!
Events include:
“Kit Togethers“, Friday evenings at 6pm
“Crafternoon Tea”, Sunday 11am – 3pm
“Coffee & A Card“, Thursday and Friday, 11am – 12pm
Private group parties are also available
Subscribe to “NOTES from Dandelion Cottage” for new classes and events
Gal-entines!
The Norfolk Library
February 2, 2024, 1-3pm
Join us for a cozy get together in the great room of The Norfolk Library to make Valentine’s for your sweethearts!
Perfect for beginners. You’ll make 3 different note cards,ll materials provided. Register with the Library to hold your spot, limited seating.
The Norfolk Library
9 Greenwoods Road East
Norfolk, CT 06058
“Sip & Splash” ~ Holiday Watercolor Painting
The Norfolk Library, Thursday 12/7/23 from 5-7pm
Halloween Treat Bags FREE Papercrafting Class!
October 20th, 1-3pm for Adults
Register at The Hub, Norfolk CT: (860) 542-7185 by 10/17/23
“Weekend In Norfolk“, August 5 & 6, 2023 Dandelion Cottage Art Show & Sale, and Papercrafting BOGO ~ Buy One, Get One Free!
Original Paintings Sale and Live Watercolor Demonstrations Both Days!
Attention Papercrafters, Scrapbookers & Journal Makers ~ Art Studio Sale!
• Rubber Stamp Sets & Dies ~ BOGO!
• Make & Takes
• Kits, Ink Pads, Adhesives, Ribbons, Embellishments
• Papercrafting Tools
• Art Supplies, Papers & More!
• Tag Sale, various Home Goods
• Books
• Door Prizes & Raffle Tickets!
Journal Making Workshops
Scrapbustin’ Journal ~ Use Up Your Stash!
Decorating the Scrapbustin’ Journal Workshop, Registration opens soon!
Making the Scrapbustin’ Journal Workshop, Registration closed
Please look under Online Classes for more information
Learn to make and decorate a beautifully bound journal that can be used for watercolor sketching and to safely store your paintings. Perfect for subscribers to the Watercolor Card Club!
Subscribe to NOTES from Dandelion Cottage for upcoming classes, workshops and retreats
The Honeybee Workshop
An all day online workshop, morning and afternoon sessions followed by a Zoom Party!
Registration Closed
September 2021
Design Journal Workshop ~ registration closed
Registration closes September 30, 2021
August 2021
New Design Journal Workshop
Subscribe to NOTES for more information and to register. Watch the video HERE
March 2021
Subscribe to NOTES from Dandelion Cottage for full information and to register
February 2021
Painting Hummingbirds
with Watercolors and Water Based Inks
December 2020
Retired Christmas Stamp BOGO!
Buy One Get One, Live on Facebook, 12/6 at 2PM
Peruse the offerings in the Dandelion Cottage Design Facebook BOGO Group ~ more will be added. Each stamp set is $20 unless otherwise noted. Get an equal value in products from any current Stampin’ Up!® catalogs. Attend the FB Live event on 12/6 at 2PM to claim your retired stamp sets. To qualify you must use this Host Code when placing your order: JM3UBDPB
You’re Invited to a
Handmade Christmas Tag Party!
A Virtual Zoom Party on December 4th, 7PM
A fundraiser to benefit the Norfolk Community Garden
Presented by the Botelle Elementary School PTO
A virtual crafty party from the safety and comfort of your home! Proceeds to benefit the wonderful Norfolk Community Garden. Donate a minimum of $25 or more and receive an invitation link to the Zoom party, a Christmas Tag Kit to join in the crafting fun and a chance to win a prize!
Leslie Watkins will demonstrate how to make your own beautiful Christmas tags and cards. To register click button below or call (860) 542-3920. Please act soon.
Registration Closed
Dandelion Cottage Design
Monthly Schedule
1st: NOTES from Dandelion Cottage released
1st: Class registration opens
Tuesdays 9:30AM: DCD Team Zoom
2nd Friday 12N: Watercolor Card Club
9th: Class registration closes
3rd Friday 12N: Card Class
4th Friday 12N: Card Class
4th Friday 7PM Zoom: Girls Night In
Every Week at 12N FB Live
Marvelous Monday
Watercolor Wednesday
Papercrafting Saturday
Host a Private Zoom Party
Friday Evenings 7PM
Saturday Evenings 7PM
Sunday Afternoons 2PM
Host A Virtual Private Party
Would you like to host your own private papercrafting party with friends and family? You’ll have a great time from the comfort of your homes. Grab some snacks, a favorite beverage and get ready to create something beautiful. No special skills required and it’s fun!
You invite 5 or more of your friends and I’ll set up and run a Live Zoom class. I’ll prepare the materials and demonstrate how to use them. The class is $20 per guest or FREE with an order of $25 or more. The parties go for about 2 hours.
I’ll mail out your card kits with everything included, except adhesives (available separately). We’ll make 4 easy projects that you and your guests will love.
Everyone receives a free catalog with a $5 coupon, a wish list, order form and the chance to win a prize. At the end of the party I’ll take orders. If the combined total is $150 or more you’ll receive a host reward. Email me or call 860-542-3920 to schedule your party now.
November 2020
Introducing the NEW Watercolor Card Club!
In November we’ll paint Autumn Leaves and in December, Holly. Each month will feature a new subject. Instruction is for both watercolors or you can use Stampin’ Up!® water based inks instead. You’ll receive a card kit to turn your paintings into beautiful notecards and a tutorial with a demonstration and instructions. If you’d like to paint from a stamped image there will also be a recommendation for a set that coordinates with the lesson. Join by the month or with a six month subscription for savings. Subscribe to NOTES for details.
Also coming in November Christmas Card Classes and more!
Subscribe to “NOTES from Dandelion Cottage” to reserve your spot.
October 2020
Save The Date: Saturday October 3rd, 12N FB Live to celebrate
World Cardmaking Day
Brighten someone’s day with a handmade card and give the USPS a boost. I’ll be demonstrating how easy it is to make beautiful, stamped notecards. Follow along with the all inclusive Four Seasons Floral Collection. There are enough supplies to make 10 cards with envelopes and you’ll be able to use the stamps over and over again for many more cards and projects. No cutting required and it comes with tape adhesive. Just click below to order yours. It’s a very pretty set!
1ST Annual Dandelion Cottage Stamp Camp & Bingo
Stay tuned for 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 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!
This is a “Virtual” event that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. Card Kits will be mailed to you, you supply tools and adhesives.
Watch the Gift Box Video
September 2020
Beautiful Watercolor Notecards
presented by The Scoville Memorial Library
September 17, 2020, 12N – 2PM EST Zoom Class
Register by September 8th to get your supplies 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!
To learn more, register and get the supply list, go to:
“Beautiful Watercolor Notecards”
April 2020
The live workshop “Celebrate Spring” at the Norfolk Hub has been tentatively rescheduled to May 9th, 11am – 1:20pm due to the pandemic. More as we get closer to the date. Thank you for your understanding!
“Celebrate Spring!”
A combination watercolor and papercrafting workshop, using flower gardens, bees and butterflies as the theme.
We’ll make 4 cards, 2 of 2 designs and a beautifully decorated gift box containing 4 more petite notecards. We’ll use watercolors, die cuts and sponging techniques. The workshop is free with the purchase of products, with enough left over for more projects. No experience necessary.
March 2020
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Corona Virus all current classes will be online only. April’s online class “Positive Thoughts” is listed on the ONLINE CLASSES page. Stay up to date with a subscription to NOTES.
February 2020
Feb 1, 10am Handmade Journal Group monthly meeting at the Norfolk Hub
Feb 5, 5-9pm Girls Night Out Valentine’s at Station Place Café, papercrafting, dinner & dessert
Feb 8, 10am-1pm Wire Wrapped Beads workshop at the Scoville Memorial Library, Salisbury CT, $18 materials fee
Feb 12, 12noon “Painting Poppies” Introduction to watercolor painting and papercrafting,
Feb 14, 6pm Small Works opening reception at 5 Points Gallery
Feb 17, 10am Crafty Café at the Berkshire Country Store, Free
Feb 22, 11am History of Watercolor slide presentation and talk at the Hub, followed by demonstration, Free
Feb 22, 1pm Botanical Watercolor Demonstration and workshop at the Hub, Free
Feb 23, 10am Make a Card demonstration and adult workshop at the Hub, Free
Feb 23, 1pm Chicken Stampin’ for kids at the Hub, Free
January 2020
Introduction to Watercolor: “Painting Poppies”
January 25th, 10AM – 1PM, The Norfolk Hub, Station Place, Norfolk, CT
Learn basic watercolor techniques to create beautiful paintings and how to combine watercolor with stamping for even more great effects. Everyone will receive their own super-versatile “Painted Poppies” stamp set, ink pad, block, liquid glue and a set of 20 blank note cards with envelopes. I’ll supply everything else you’ll need, including a special gift from my garden. Bring any watercolor supplies you already have.
October – November 2020
Holiday Papercrafting Classes at The Norfolk Hub
Norfolk, Connecticut
Saturdays, 10am – 1pm
10/26, 11/2, 11/23, 12/14
Leslie Watkins will present a series of adult watercolor and papercrafting classes in time for the holidays at The Hub, including handmade Halloween and Thanksgiving Treat Boxes, Place Cards, Christmas cards, Tags and Gift Boxes. These classes are perfect for beginners who would like to add something creative to their holiday celebrations.
10/26 Halloween & Thanksgiving
Autumn themed cards, boxes and place cards. Take home 4 different projects. Very easy.
11/2 Christmas Cards
Stamp and learn to paint with watercolors. Take home 4 different cards. For beginners, very easy.
11/23 Christmas Boxes & Tags
Ready to make and embellish, gift tags and boxes. Take home 2 boxes and 2 tags. Learn heat embossing and die cutting.
12/14 Fancy Gift Boxes
Handmade gift boxes using an assortment of materials from scratch. Learn box building basics. Create a one-of-a-kind gift box for someone special, or to keep for yourself.
INTRODUCTION TO WATERCOLOR: PAINT A SPRIG OF HOLLY
Join Leslie Watkins at The Norfolk Library, November 9th, 2-5pm to make your own Christmas cards using watercolor painting, stamping and papercrafting techniques. There is limited seating so register early! All materials supplied, beginners to advanced. Bring a friend, it’s free!
September 2019
CALLIGRAPHY AND WATERCOLOR MINI ART RETREAT
Enjoy a Full Day of Fun, Food, Inspiration and Art!
Saturday, September 14th, 2019, 9:00am-4:30pm
at Whiting Mills, Winsted, CT
Join Leslie Watkins, for a full day of creativity that’s sure to inspire. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or seasoned artist. You deserve a relaxing time with all day coffee, tea and treats in a friendly environment. You’ll receive a gift bag with art supplies and be automatically be entered into a raffle for additional prizes.
Start the day by practicing calligraphy using traditional tools and ink, then break for a delicious catered lunch including vegan and gluten-free options.
In the afternoon paint with watercolors and learn useful tips to help you get started on your creative journey. Towards the end of the day you’ll combine what you’ve learned to create a beautiful collage to take home.
Registration includes:
AM & PM Workshops
Individual Instruction
Art Supplies
Coffee, Tea & Treats
Catered Lunch
Gift Bag & Raffle Entry
Plenty of Inspiration!