Crafting workshop held at Indiana Joan's

Thirteen women from diverse backgrounds met recently at Indiana Joan's in Newbury Park for a six-hour crafting workshop. The women created their own unique objects with guidance from Joan Bryant, owner of Indiana Joan's.

Bryant is a self-proclaimed "maker and fixer" who studied art and costume at Indiana University. When she moved her women's clothing, shoe and gift boutique from Malibu to the Paraiso Town Center in Dos Vientos Ranch in December, the new space allowed her to host a women's crafting workshop.

Bryant had held these craft days before in her home workshop for her friends as a special day where women could play and make new crafts in a supportive setting.

At the event, Bryant provided all supplies and examples of the items that could be made. The $50 fee included the catered lunch.

Among the completed craft objects were birthday and Valentine's Day cards, bridal headbands, large candles layered with gold and silver lace and embellished with jeweled crosses, crowns, hearts or fleur-de-lis.

Ballpoint pens were made into gifts with the addition of a silk rose, floral tape, ribbon and rose oil.

Bryant told the women that craftspeople like to collect various items that could be turned into something interesting.

In times of economic uncertainty, people can learn to make inexpensive projects which can be given as gifts or used as party favors. Mothers can host a child's craft day while saving money.

Crafting is also environmentally friendly and supports the consciousness of "reduce, reuse and renew," said Bryant.

Bryant is planning an altered art mixed media workshop, along with three more women's craft workshops this year.

For more information or to sign up, call the store at (805) 262-2699 or e-mail indyjoan@aol.com.