Interested in refining your floral arranging skills, learning how to make jam or cheese, or perhaps even revisiting some basic sewing or crocheting techniques long forgotten? If you answered yes to any of the above, you’re in luck. Thanks to The Conservatorie, you have the opportunity to partake in any or all of these activities and even more.
Although best known around town and beyond for floral and event design, The Conservatorie offers a range of creative workshops in-house. And a new season of spring workshops kicks off February 5. While the “Flowers 101” workshop may be centered on foliage, workshop offerings extend outside the scope of flowers, and all the way to a financial management class, with tips geared toward individuals involved with running a creative business.
The idea to conduct workshops was born out of the desire by The Conservatorie owner Amy Armstrong to extend an engaging opportunity to the local community, reminiscent of workshops she experienced while growing up. “I wanted to provide the resources for individuals to learn new things within a community environment,” she explained.
Since The Conservatorie’s move to its new location, Armstrong now has the space to bring this desire to life. She was met with a positive response to her fall series of workshops, and it’s something she is eager to continue to build upon. The spring workshop selection includes several returning favorites, plus new additions.
The workshops are an extension of what The Conservatorie excels at, as well as representative of shared interests of Armstrong and her team. “The workshops flow with the concept of what The Conservatorie is about,” said Armstrong.
All workshops are suited for individuals at any skill level, and are instructed by Armstrong unless noted.
Following is a sampling of The Conservatorie’s spring lineup of workshops:
Flowers 101: This workshop allows you to learn the basics of floral arranging and go home with an arrangement, made by your own two hands. Because The Conservatorie is always working with seasonal flowers, even if you elect to attend multiple floral arranging workshops, you can expect to create something original and totally different every time. Feb. 5 & March 13; $50 per person
Aromatherapy: Curious to learn about the power of essential oils, or aromatherapy and its use as a cleaning agent? Here’s your chance to learn from a local expert. Led by a professional aromatherapist, the aromatherapy workshop offerings allow you to learn the basics and mix up your own concoction to take home with you. Feb. 12: Romance & March 19: Spring Cleaning; $40 per person
Soap Making: Discover the cold press process of making soap from scratch, with a focus on how to include natural ingredients. Feb. 26; $35 per person
Strawberry Jam Making: Craving something fresh, seasonal and delicious to indulge upon for breakfast? During this workshop, get a detailed look at how to make your own strawberry jam from scratch so you can repeat the process at home. And of course, enjoy taking home a jar of jam with you. April 2; $15 per person
Basket Weaving 101: Learn how to make baskets using various materials and go home with a basket made entirely on your own. April 9; $35 per person
All workshops are held at The Conservatorie, located at 299 San Marco. Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. and last just under an hour and a half, unless otherwise listed. For a full schedule of spring workshops, click here.
CREATE YOUR OWN WORKSHOP
If it doesn’t work within your schedule to attend one of the spring workshops listed, but you have an interest in a particular subject, The Conservatorie offers the option of private workshops. All you need is a group of five or more friends, family members, bridesmaids, coworkers, etc. Yes, this means you can even have a floral arranging, jam making, or basket weaving birthday party at The Conservatorie, if you so choose.
To sign up for a workshop, simply give The Conservatorie a call at 904-829-1129. Because space is limited and supplies are purchased based on attendance, individuals are asked to sign up in advance. Also, if you happen to have an idea for a workshop you don’t see offered, The Conservatorie is all ears.
To learn more about The Conservatorie visit conservatoriedesign.com. For daily floral-themed inspiration, follow @theconservatorie on Instagram.
