by Joey Phoenix
Creative expression has many interpretations. It can take the traditional forms of dance or visual art. It can take on an inward focus through yoga or self-care. Or, in the case of Linda Mullen of Grace and Diggs, it can mean digging through recycling bins and discarded materials to turn them into sculptures, installations, and wearable fashion.
This Saturday, Linda is teaching a new workshop – Crumplestiltskin Hats! A Hat Making Workshop – at Creative Spirit, a center for creativity and personal transformation housed two blocks from beautiful Marblehead Harbor. Owned and operated by creative visionary Peyton Pugmire, Creative Spirit is constantly bringing in diverse programming that feeds the creative mind, body, and soul of every person who steps through its doors.
“Linda imagines and creates outside of the box, and this is what Creative Spirit is all about,” says Pugmire. “I also really wanted to help bridge our communities – Marblehead and Salem.”
For this workshop, Linda will be teaching guests how to make their Crumplestiltskin DIY Hats that she has designed and perfected over the years.
“One of the things I love about these hats is that there is no “wrong” way to make them,” Mullen explains. “I love watching when someone comes along and says, ‘Oh I’m not creative at all….I could never do this.’ And you give them a hot glue gun and a piece of flair and it is magical to watch.”
Building a business is also a creative act. For me, creating my little shop is as intriguing as the practice of making fantastical hats & headpieces.
Linda Mullen, Grace and Diggs
When Mullen and Pugmire met to talk about the collaboration, they hit it off immediately, connecting over creative ideas, the best to display art, how to make brick & mortar shops work, and most importantly, how to reach into different communities. They both agreed that this collaboration would be a great first step.
“I am all about community, connection, and helping to bring communities together for the purposes of joy and inspiration,” says Pugmire. “And, from the business point of view, collaboration helps keep the work fun, fresh, and innovative.”
Mullen also agreed that the business side of what she does also involves a great deal of creativity.
“Building a business is also a creative act. For me, creating my little shop is as intriguing as the practice of making fantastical hats & headpieces,” she explains. “So working with other business owners is like that sculptor taking a sewing class – there is always some new insight or mentoring that happens.
“Peyton is so creative and methodical – I’ve loved discussing and hearing how he runs his show and have come away with some new thoughts about how to run my own.”
We are all creative spirits with innate creativity, and these experiences invite us to be bold and just have fun with our unique styles of creative expression.
Peyton Pugmire, Creative Spirit
Both Mullen and Pugmire stress that nobody has to be an “artist” to come for one of these workshops. The idea is to come and have a great time, and maybe learn something more about themsevles in the process.
“People come into my shop and put on a paper-bag hat and ask, ‘Do I have it on right?’ Says Mullen. I love telling them this: ‘You are wearing a paper bag. There is no wrong way to wear a paper bag.
“So, I am bringing this idea to Creative Spirit and Creative Spirit adds a layer that I couldn’t. My shop is creative mayhem. Peyton, on the other hand, has created a calm, welcoming, and grace-filled atmosphere I am excited about combining these 2 energies.”
“Inclusiveness is the name of the game when it comes to these kinds of workshops,” Pugmire adds. “We are all creative spirits with innate creativity, and these experiences invite us to be bold and just have fun with our unique styles of creative expression.”
The Crumplestiltskin DIY Hat Making Workshop at Creative Spirit is this Saturday, May 18 from 10 AM to 1 PM. Click here to register.
