So here I was, standing in front of ten kids, about to teach my very first watercolor workshop. I felt the stress rising and suddenly started doubting my introduction speech. I went on and explained how their paintings would be transformed into ten greeting cards each (that’s why we hosted the workshop in a printing store). Their curiosity and enthusiasm made me feel more confident right away.

For two years, I’ve been taking art classes every Saturday, and I absolutely love it. Watercolor, oil painting, sketching, even art history — I’ve learned so much. And during our Thanksgiving break at art school, I got to give a class of my own. That felt pretty amazing.

The hour and a half went by in a blur. I gave a tip here, explained a technique there… and the kids had such good questions. Things like “What colors should I use for the snow?” or “How do I mix this color?” One child even proudly recited all the primary and secondary colors to me, and it made me smile.

Finally, the part everyone was waiting for: printing! Luca, the store employee, was flying around trying to keep up, printing one painting after another while the kids watched impatiently. And then the first batch of cards came out of the printer, still warm.

The cutting, scoring, folding, rounding corners, and punching out words… it was all part of the fun.

And — tada! — each participant had their very first set of ten handmade greeting cards. I call that a success. I think it worked so well because the kids weren’t only painting — they knew they were working toward a finished product, their own set of cards. I hope the families and friends who receive them for Christmas will be thrilled.

🎥 We captured a tiny moment on video that day — watch it here.

💡 We print our illustrations as greeting cards, but you could try different products with your own art — a T-shirt, stickers, even a tote bag. It’s such a thoughtful Christmas gift when something you’ve drawn becomes a real object.

❤️ And you, friends… if you’d like to join the next round, we’re doing it again just before Valentine’s Day. More details soon.

🙏 Huge thanks to Offix Edge for sharing their space with us for free and for printing everything at such an affordable price. They’re a local Sunset print shop, and if you ever need printing done, definitely check them out.

👉 I’m curious… have you ever taught something you love, even in a small way? And if you haven’t yet, what skill or interest would you turn into a workshop of your own? Hit reply and tell me — I’d love to hear.

💌 New here? You can still catch up — read our previous newsletters here.

🔁 And if you know someone who might need this newsletter today, feel free to forward it their way.

Zélia, for SoliaVenture

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