Saturday Classes

March 23, 2024


All classes during the weekend are offered “ala carte.” Register for one, or register for many. Just be mindful not to register for two classes during the same timeslot!

All of the RETREAT weekend details can be found by clickling here.

The full list of classes can be found on the Class Line-up Page by clicking here.


Mini Master Piece in Needle Felt
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time:  9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Location: Event Center
Fee: $50
Class Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor:  Anna Walker

Using a famous painting, or picture you love, with a barbed needle and fluffs of wool in an assortment of colors, you will stab a mini masterpiece into existence! This beginner friendly class is the perfect introduction to needle felting as well as a great place to hone your needle felting skills. Everything you need is provided in this class which includes my Basic Felting Kit and enough fiber to create several projects. We will begin with my 3 Rules of Needle Felting, sketch out your basic shapes onto a piece of felted wool fabric, and by the end of this 2.5 hour class, you will have your project completed, or nearly completed, suggestions for finishing your masterpiece, and a treasure trove of new felting skills to continue playing!

Copper Byzantine Bracelet
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time:   9:30 am – 11:30 am
Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Location: Event Center
Fee: $30
Class Level:  Beginner
Instructor:  Lynn Kvigne

Learn the classic Byzantine Chainmaille weave and create a beautiful bracelet! You’ll also create a hand forged clasp and stamped tag to personalize your bracelet. Kit includes copper rings, wire (for clasp), tag, smooth jawed pliers, and the (psssst) secret weapon that every chainmailler needs to have! Bring a task lamp for extra light if desired and reading glasses if you need them for close detail work. You must have strength and dexterity to open and close 18-gauge jump rings. Supervised kids 12+ welcome!

Kit fee: $35 includes copper jump rings, wire, tag, Wubbers Baby pliers

Students might want to bring a task lamp for added visibility.

Lampwork Glass Bead Making (Two Sessions)
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Session 1) or 1:30-3:30 (Session 2)
Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Location:  Crystal Forge Studio
Fee: $85
Class Level:  Beginner
Instructor:  Lori Skupa

Start with beads as your introduction to the world of melting glass. Learn how to safely operate a torch, melt glass and create several beads. Plus simple decorating techniques. All materials and equipment are included. Your beads will be kiln annealed and available to pick up the next day at Crystal Forge.

Imperfectly Beautiful Quilting with Improvisational Elements
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time:  9:30-12:00
Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Location:  Studio 202 (2nd floor)
Fee: $45.00
Class Level:
Instructor:  Amy Bowling

I’d love for you to join me for Imperfectly Beautiful Quilting, a class for beginners who want to learn how to make a quilt without worrying about the rules. We won’t be using a rotary cutter or lining up the points or even measuring anything. In this class, you will learn how to look for beauty in the imperfections and create something you’ll love. During the class, you will create a mini quilt top by stitching together four quilt squares that you will make using half-square triangles (HST) and squares. You will be given three simple HST designs to choose from, as well as ideas for three other types of designs, using the techniques of raw-edge applique, Fabric from Fabric, & Scribble Scrabble. After creating a quilt sandwich (I will provide the batting), I will teach you three different techniques you can use to quilt your project. However, we will not cover binding in this class. I will send you several good resources to learn my favorite easy way to bind, which you can do at home. To participate in the class, please bring your favorite scissors for cutting fabric and a basic sewing machine that’s threaded with a full bobbin. You should have a fundamental understanding of how to use the machine you bring. Only a regular stitch and a zigzag will be used in this class. I will provide a straight edge for use during class and batting for you to use in your quilt sandwich. You should bring fabric of your own, or you may purchase fabric from me for $17. You will need 12 oz of fabric, with seven different patterns, prints, or solids.

Students should bring:
1) Bring fabric or purchase fabric kit from instructor for $17. (pay for at the time of class direct to the instructor
2) Threaded sewing machine including a bull bobbin and sharp fabric scissors. 

Clarity Through the Creative Process:  Photography, Watercolor & Writing
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time:  9:30-12:00
Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Location: Studio 206 (2nd floor)
Fee: $75
Class Level: Beginner
Instructor:  Jackie Jacober

Is there an issue that keeps popping up and draining your joy? Do you have an energy-zapping feeling that you would like to peek at? This class is all about gaining clarity. You will find the next right action for you, designed by you.

Using light yoga, visualization, and aromatherapy we will set the stage for clearing our mind and bringing what we wish to work on to the forefront. We will watercolor our soul’s query and then set it to the side. We will then venture out on a wandering photo walk and photograph captures our fancy. Any phone camera is all you need.

Upon return, we will use writing techniques to harvest an answer to our query. After that joyful insight, we will write/draw/notate onto our watercolor painting, so we capture our clarity creatively.

You will leave class with a new perspective on your energy block. You will know how to pull your joy and freedom back to yourself. And you will have a watercolor painting to document your discovery.

Included in class will be a handmade journal to collect your thoughts on paper. All you need is your phone camera and your favorite pen. There will also be boring pens available.

This is powerful stuff! I hope you join us!

Hoop Dreams Needle Felting
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Location: Event Center
Fee: $ 50
Class Level:  Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor:  Anna Walker

Hoops aren’t just for embroider anymore!  Choose one of the designs in your kit or create your own design on the enclosed blank piece of Stick N Stitch and use the assorted fibers in your kit to stab your design onto a piece of wool fabric.  Your design will be complete, or nearly complete by the end of this 2.5 hour class, and you’ll have finishing instructions for when you return home, as well as suggestions for additions you may choose to make (embroidery, beading, etc.)  to complete your design.  All supplies needed are included with your kit as well as complete instructions, including finish.

Creative Picnic with Stencils, Chalk Paste & Inks
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Location:  Event Room
Fee: $35
Class Level: Beginner
Instructor:  Connie Gildersleeve

Can’t Draw? Can’t Paint? Me either! Even my stickmen & women leave little to be desired! However, I CAN easily create beautiful art with ease using stencils and special formulated Chalk Paste & Inks!

We will start this FUNshop with instructions on the proper handling of the stencils and practice time applying the chalk paste with a little squeegee. Next you get to pick from a variety of stencil designs & quotes to use on TWO items from the picnic table of options to chalk a design on to take home! Some of the items to choose from will include mini chalkboards, magnetic memo stands, glassware, wood blocks & tote bags.

To get an idea of the variety of chalk stencils available, take a peak at my website and then you’ll know if this is a class for you! https://conniegildersleeve.magnoliadesignco.com/

p.s. Laughter & Chocolate included!

*Note if you choose to stencil on a tote bag the ink will need to thoroughly dry before we heat press the ink. If you will not be back to the H&C Retreat the next day, I will show you how to set the ink at home with an iron.

Punch Needle Fun
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time:  1:00pm -3:00 pm
Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Location: Studio 202
Fee: $42
Class Level:  Beginner
Instructor:  Amy Bowling

If you’ve been wanting to learn how to punch needle, here is your chance! All tools and materials will be available for use during the workshop and a resource list will be provided. This workshop will begin at the beginning: what supplies you will need. We will then discuss how to set up your tools and materials for success. Next I will demonstrate and you will practice the mechanics of using your tool. Finally we will discuss design progression, stitch-length options, and project presentation. Each student will have access to hand-carved linocut stamps from which to create your piece, but if you would prefer to bring your own design, you are welcome to. It should fit in a 6.5” or 8.5” circular embroidery frame. This is an introductory workshop, but you should leave with a finished product and be will given ideas for how to use or display it.

Truth Card:  Cut & Paste Love Notes
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time:  1:00-3:00
Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Location:  Studio 206 (2nd floor)
Fee: $75
Class Level:   Beginner
Instructor:  Jackie Jacober

Truth cards are messages from your soul to your heart. In this class we will use a cut and paste message method to remind you of who you really are- a loved Soul.

With a packet of words and phrases, we will layer photos of you to create a personalized affirmation to remind you what is true about you. We often forget that we are perfect just the way we are.

The creative process will include aromatherapy, light yoga and visualization. We will use paint, paper, collage, and washi tapes to create two Truth Cards.

You will walk away with two affirmation cards and the rest of your cut and paste packet to go home and create more.

All supplies are included.

You will want to bring photos of yourself printed in black and white on computer paper no larger than 2×3”. Alternately, you can create Truth Cards for a loved one with their photos. This project has such an impact with your image combined with the words that speak to you.

Learn to Gelli Print
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Location: 3rd Floor
Fee: $50
Class Level:  Beginner
Instructor:  Cindi Brusse

Learn everything you need to start mono-printing on a gelatin plate! In this class I will teach you everything you need to know about gelatin plates, the paints to use, mark making tools and papers to use. We will explore building prints on papers and then making a fun concertina book for you to take home and admire you work in! We will also discuss other uses for your gelatin prints. All the materials you need to create your book are included in the class and I will provide you with written instructions and a supply resource list for you to take home. So that you can keep on printing!

Exploring Ideation Workshop on Canvas
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time:  3:30-5:00
Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Location: Studio 206
Fee: $45
Class Level: Beginner
Instructor:   Denise Pullen

During this 90-minute workshop we will explore creative ideation technique as found in the DAISIA Innovation Process, a book written by the facilitator, Denise Pullen prior to the book’s release.  Each participant will create a meaningful representation of the DAISIA process on a 9×12 inch canvas and will later receive a signed copy of the book upon its release.

Intro to Amigurumi – Crochet a Baby Chick
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time:  3:30-5:30
Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Location: Studio 202
Fee: $40
Class Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor:  Val Kemp

Learn the Japanese crochet art of amigurumi!  In this class you will learn how to crochet an adorable baby chick (just in time for Easter).  All levels of crochet welcome, even if you have never crocheted before!  All materials provided, including crochet hoot.

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The fine print:  In registering for the retreat or retreat classes, participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Sweet Creative LLC  DBA Degrees by Kelli or DBA as Hibernate and Create, the Hot Shop Art Center, Crystal Forge Studio and any event sponsors, instructors or volunteers from any and all causes and action which may arise from the Hibernate and Create Retreat.  I grant permission for Hibernate and Create /  Degrees by Kelli to use any photos, videotape, etc. taken of me, my products or classes in any and all publicity and advertising promoting the retreat.  By signing the Registration Form or registering online, I Agree and acknowledge that the  waiver has been read and understood and that I will abide by all Rules.