From the basics for beginners to additional layers for experienced painters, we offer practical, expert technique instruction to take your finishes to the next level. Our courses are focused and self-contained in one session, so that you can jump in anywhere.
In addition to our in-person workshops, we’ve given tutorials via facebook live at me & mrs. jones. (all videos are saved to the page.)
Like a theater ticket, workshop fees are non-refundable. if you have registered and are ill or have an emergency, please call us to inquire about options: (901) 494-8786.
join us at a workshop
Registration for workshops is not complete (and spots unfortunately cannot be held) until payment is received, so please email or call us if you need help with booking.
the fine print: Payment in full holds your spot. | Registrations for workshops cancelled more than 48 hours in advance will be credited towards an available seat at a future session - COVID-19 exception: if you feel ill, please stay home! call us before the class begins, and we will credit your fee towards another date. | Dress for comfort, aprons are provided for you. | Other than a specified ‘bring your own’ class, our workshops include all materials and supplies. Just come casual and ready to learn! | Doors open 20 minutes before class time. | Workshops are suited for students ages 15 and up.

furniture painting essentials {with jolie paint, wax & varnish}
are you ready to learn to paint furniture, floors, fixtures and more? join us! this session is geared for those who want a solid foundation for using our fabulous jolie paints & waxes.
you’ll get hands-on, creating four layered samples of our most popular painted finishes as you learn the essentials of cleaning, repairing, painting, varnishing, and waxing, plus some fabulous finishing touches…come learn how to turn your cast-offs into treasures.
we cover the best ways to paint different surfaces and to create a variety of looks, using the matte paint as a wash and on a dry brush, two different methods of distressing, adding texture, creating a smooth finish, mixing your own custom colors, and so much more.
you'll go home with a sample library of your own, new skills under your belt, and the confidence to tackle all your projects.
{our workshop attendees receive a color chart, a jolie 'everyday guide' to finishes and a discount to use at palladio on all purchases from our booth.}
wooden crate your way workshop
learn something new and solve a storage problem all in one afternoon? yes, please! come create a personalized wooden crate that can be used so many ways (or shipped off to college or that new apartment with a recent grad!)
we’ll begin with a sturdy crate that you’ll apply a painted finish to, selecting a solid paint color or a wood-toned wash that lets the grain come through. the crate measures 12.5” x 10” x 18”.
on top of that, you’ll add your choice of iron orchid designs embellishments. want to try a transfer? get to know paint inlays? make a monogram or add a motif with stamps? you’ll choose one of the techiques and patterns you want to focus on and we’ll teach you how to apply it.
you’ll go home with a completed crate and lots of new diy tricks. hope you’ll join us.

embellished urns workshop {with iod moulds}
want to customize something useful and gift-able while learning all about iron orchid designs’ moulds? join us and make a pair of embellished terra cotta urns!
if bunnies are not your thing, no worries! you’ll choose from a myriad of motifs…birds, bees, butterflies, cows, sheep, pigs, horses, hounds, foxes, toads, turtles, dragonflies and ladybugs. like something more classic? there are also cameos, rosettes, swags, fleur-de-lis, and seashells. for something more whimsical, choose a fairy-house door and some toadstools.
you’ll also have over a dozen paint colors to select from for your project. we’ll teach you to measure, cast, apply and finish your moulds, and to complete your urn with a wash of paint or tinted wax to bring out all the yummy details.
you’ll take home a pair of 7.5” diameter pots and lots of new creative tricks up your sleeve. we’ll also have a special price on moulds and clay here at the studio that day just for you.

it’s our arrow-versary!
come celebrate with us! this year has flown by in our new studio - so much to be happy about and grateful for. we’ll be popping corks, sharing snacks, and drawing names for giveaways and coupons from 11 until 2. and you can create painted and stamped peat pots to take home with you. (no charge, it’s a party favor!)
if you haven’t been to arrow creative yet, this is a perfect time to stop by and see what it’s all about! come have a drink, play with IOD stamps, and say hello!

patina’d urn workshop
join us to learn all about modern masters metal effects paints, and create a classic urn for your front porch or garden. you’ll begin with a heavy-duty plastic urn in a traditional style, and layer bronze, iron and/or copper reactive paints atop your choice of a layer of antique white, verdigris (aqua,) or bliss (robin’s egg blue) jolie decorative paint.
you’ll learn how to manipulate the paints and the reactive solutions to attain a rich, oxidized finish. (during ‘dry time’ breaks, we’ll discuss how to use these amazing paints on so many other surfaces. we’ll also teach you to create texture with saltwash, to replicate a gritty, aged surface.
all materials & supplies are included, as well as a tip sheet for your future projects. the urn measures 18.75″ high, 19″ wide, and 19″ deep. grab a friend and join us!

paper + pallet art
in this workshop, you'll create and embellish a pallet-style panel (20" by 28") that our favorite local carpenter builds for us. these make the perfect gift for a dad or grad in your life, too!
choose from any of our cavallini decorative papers...we have lots of patterns that you'll love...several different vintage-style school charts, maps, botanical studies (fruits, flowers, ferns...) celestial charts, bicycle blueprints, fishing fly and canoe charts, and more. the high cotton fiber content of the cavallini papers allows them to distress beautifully!
then we'll get on to the fun...you'll learn
decoupage
distressing
stamping (with iron orchid design's magical cracquelure, distressed, and chippy paint stamps)
aging with glaze
applying strategic sparkle with german glass glitter.
yep, the whole combo platter! your art can be hung on the wall, or propped on a mantel or...!
don't miss a fun, unplugged, creative afternoon.

furniture painting essentials {with jolie paint, wax & varnish}
are you ready to learn to paint furniture, floors, fixtures and more? join us! this session is geared for those who want a solid foundation for using our fabulous jolie paints & waxes.
you’ll get hands-on, creating three layered samples of our most popular painted finishes as you learn the essentials of cleaning, repairing, painting, varnishing, and waxing, plus some fabulous finishing touches…come learn how to turn your cast-offs into treasures.
we cover the best ways to paint different surfaces and to create a variety of looks, using the matte paint as a wash and on a dry brush, two different methods of distressing, adding texture, creating a smooth finish, mixing your own custom colors, and so much more.
you'll go home with a sample library of your own, new skills under your belt, and the confidence to tackle all your projects.
{our workshop attendees receive a color chart, a jolie 'everyday guide' to finishes and a discount to use at palladio on all purchases from our booth.}

embellished wooden box workshop
let your imagination run with us for an afternoon! in this workshop, you’ll embellish a wooden planter/catch-all box (hand-made by our favorite local woodworker, (measuring 6” deep, 9.75” wide, and 7” tall) with…
jolie paints
saltwash
iron orchid designs moulds
tinted waxes
gold leaf
create a garden fairy house, a sailor’s valentine-style box, or an old-world cachepot. you’ll go home with lots of new skills and ideas, and a multi-purpose container for plants, desk essentials, remote controls, wedding invitations & keepsakes…whatever you need it to be!

mixed media art panels
ready to flex your creative muscles a little? (super-gently, by the way!) join us and create a pair of mixed media art panels.
you’ll work with…
decoupaging old book pages and papers from cavallini & co,
layering stamps and transfers by iron orchid designs,
adding aging glaze,
and a zhuzh of gold leaf on the edges.
make a pair of 5 x 7” panels, or (as shown here) an 8 x 10” and 3.5 x 5.5” set.
the photo shows just one example…there are lots of design ideas for you to choose from - birds & eggs, butterflies & insects, seashells, and plant life (including florals and mushrooms.)

tag & art sale
together with some of my fave artists and inspirators (inspirers? inspirationists? you see where i am going, anyway…) @debivincentart, @bridgmanpottery, @the_cozy_maker, @akstevens_art, @huntingtonchristina, we’re having a combined sale of vintage & antique goodies, project pieces, new & pre-loved art, creative supplies…all kinds of things! *and* fresh florals by @midtownbramble.
day 2 of the sale will be sunday, april 2, from 1-4. please watch this space if the forecast changes…we will have a rain date later in the month.
grab a coffee, put on your treasure-hunting shoes and join us! the sale will be all outdoors. no earlybirds, please. see you there!

decoupaged book set workshop
in this session, you’ll upcycle three castoff books into a pretty decorative set, while learning decoupage techniques with mint papers and using decorative paint and varnish (or wax) from jolie.
you’ll also have the option of adding a small medallion to the spine of each book, cast using iron orchid designs’ moulds and air-dry clay. the moulds can be painted with your choice of metallic finishes.
you’ll have your choice of colors and paper styles to choose from so that your completed book bundle will reflect you and add personal pizzaz to your shelves, desk, or coffee table.

intaglio art panels workshop
jasperware, how do we adore thee? your gorgeously muted colors, creamy white relief decorations, matte ‘biscuit’ finish…what’s not to love? let’s use iron orchid designs’ moulds to create a set of four wedgewood-esque (or intaglio-inspired) mini-panels. you’ll…
choose jolie paint colors to base coat a trio of 3.5” x 5.5” wooden art panels (we love lilac grey, french blue, bliss, sage, olive, cream, rose quartz and/or graphite for this style)
use iod’s air-dry clay to cast decorative medallions using your choice of moulds,
apply a band of gold leaf to the edge of each panel as a finishing touch, along with just a smidge of tinted wax, if desired, on the medallions.
your panels will look great hung together as a little grouping, set among books on your shelves or as part of a tablescape, or wrapped up as sweet gifts.

we heart IOD party
are you new to the world of iron orchid designs embellishments? an experienced fan? or just haven’t had the chance to try the products yet? well, set your OOO notifications and sneak over to our studio at arrow to celebrate the spring release with us!
the brilliant IOD sisters are debuting their first collection for 2023 of new transfers, moulds, inlays and stamps on february 14, and you. will. love. them. {seriously, i think these are some of their best designs yet…and that is saying something!} kate and i will be demonstrating different techniques, and you’ll have the chance to apron up and try things for yourself. so come create a sample or two, and learn something new!
we’ll have sandwiches, snacks and sweets, so come on your lunch hour. there is no charge for this event…it’s a party, and we look forward to seeing you! you will be able to see, purchase (or pre-order, if they sell out) the items in the collection.
{we’re not permitted to share any images until that day…sorry to keep you in suspense!}

furniture painting essentials {with jolie paint, wax & varnish}
are you ready to learn to paint furniture, floors, fixtures and more? join us! this session is geared for those who want a solid foundation for using our fabulous jolie paints & waxes.
you’ll get hands-on, creating three layered samples of our most popular painted finishes as you learn the essentials of cleaning, repairing, painting, varnishing, and waxing, plus some fabulous finishing touches…come learn how to turn your cast-offs into treasures.
we cover the best ways to paint different surfaces and to create a variety of looks, using the matte paint as a wash and on a dry brush, two different methods of distressing, adding texture, creating a smooth finish, mixing your own custom colors, and so much more.
you'll go home with a sample library of your own, new skills under your belt, and the confidence to tackle all your projects.
{our workshop attendees receive a color chart, a jolie 'everyday guide' to finishes and a discount to use at palladio on all purchases from our booth.}
shop small saturday party!
please work us in to your #shopsmallsaturday plan! drop by our studio at arrow creative for a poinsettia cocktail and to make a stamped gift bag & tag. there are so many shop small opportunities in midtown for you…start (obviously!) with the holiday bazaar at arrow, with work by more than 80 local artists and creatives. from there, mosey over to palladio interiors and then palladio antiques to browse more than 100 vendors who are fully decked out for the holidays!
i can also highly recommend heading three blocks south on cooper street to cooper-young gallery + gifts and then a few blocks north to paradox at peabody & cooper streets. both are terrific local shops with tons of unique offerings.
make a day of it and have some lunch or dinner at the farmer, cafe palladio, bain barbecue, hattie b’s chicken, the second line, or any of the other terrific local spots in the neighborhood.
holiday bazaar first dibs party
one of my favorite nights of the year was always the memphis college of art’s holiday bazaar preview party. sadly, the college has closed…but there’s a silver lining: the party lives on at arrow creative!
join us thursday evening, november 17th, from 4:30-7:30 pm to:
shop & meet 80+ artists…truly something for everyone on your list!
sip cocktails by old dominick distillery and enjoy small bites from the farmer restaurant and frost bakery
tap your toes to music by jeff hulett & friends
feel warm all over for supporting local artists and the programming at not-for-profit arrow creative!
tickets are limited…grab yours below.

flea-market pot workshop
we’ll be hosting this drop-in workshop as part of the harvest arts festival in marion, arkansas, at trinity in the fields church.
between 2 and 4pm, stop by and create a vintage-crockery-inspired flower pot with us. you’ll learn a rustic, wet-distressed paint technique, stamping, fly-specking, and how to age your paint with a wash. your pot will be dry and ready to take home in just a few minutes. there are several stamp styles to choose from, and all the materials are water-based and non-toxic.
allow about 30 minutes to complete your project (and yes, you can make one to keep and one to give!) $14/per pot fee includes everything needed. no reservations necessary…we’ll keep painting as long as supplies last!

intaglio art panels workshop
jasperware, how do we adore thee? your gorgeously muted colors, creamy white relief decorations, matte ‘biscuit’ finish…what’s not to love? let’s use iron orchid designs’ moulds to create a set of four wedgewood-esque (or intaglio-inspired) mini-panels. you’ll…
choose jolie paint colors to base coat a trio of 3.5” x 5.5” wooden art panels (we love lilac grey, french blue, bliss, sage, olive, cream, rose quartz and/or graphite for this style)
use iod’s air-dry clay to cast four decorative medallions using your choice of moulds,
apply a band of gold leaf to the edge of each panel as a finishing touch, along with just a smidge of tinted wax, if desired, on the medallions.
your panels will look great hung together as a little grouping, set among books on your shelves or as part of a tablescape, or wrapped up as sweet gifts.

patina'd deer workshop
everyone’s favorite buck is back! join us to learn all about modern masters metal effects paints, and create rustic decor for your front door or mantel. you'll begin with a wooden deer form (he measures 22” from tip to base) and layer bronze, iron and/or copper reactive paints on top. he’s light weight, so you can easily wire him into a wreath, too.
you'll learn how to manipulate the paints and the reactive solutions to attain a rich, oxidized finish. (during 'dry time' breaks, we'll discuss how to use these amazing paints on so many other surfaces.)
all materials & supplies are included, as well as a tip sheet for your future projects. grab a friend and join us! our students receive a discount coupon to use on all purchases in our booth at palladio antiques, from paint to art papers.

september studio social
just like we did this summer, the studio residents are opening for an evening with sips & snacks…the perfect chance to come browse around and meet the artists at arrow creative!
so come have a drink and a peek around, socialize, and shop a little, too…whatever you’re in the mood for. no rsvp or ticket is needed…just come as you are and say hello.

paint inlay party! {come try your hand at IOD inlays!}
curious about the new iron orchid designs paint inlays? drop in to our studio anytime between 11 and 2 and learn about them as you create a sample to take home. we’ll have several inlays and paint colors for you to choose from, as well as example pieces that we’ve done.
please allow 30-45 minutes to make your sample (and you can browse around arrow while yours is drying!) no registration is necessary…just pop by.
paint inlays are a brilliant new way to apply decoration to a surface. they are painted patterns on tissue paper that are laid into wet paint. once the paint dries, the transfer tissue is peeled away, leaving behind a beautiful design that can be blended, distressed, and manipulated before sealing.
glossy gallery tray workshop
can a workshop be relaxing and yet action-packed at the same time? we think so! join us to create a beautiful, versatile tray and learn some new skills. we’re starting with a locally made wooden gallery-style tray and your choice of a dozen styles of mint specialty papers…you’ll learn:
decoupage (using an iron…you heard me! no wrinkles or bubbles, like magic)
jolie paint & wax techniques for a smooth finish
poured epoxy resin (we’ve got a new low-odor, safe-for-indoor-use formula)
german glass glitter
the tray measures 12.25” x 17.25” and makes a beautiful accessory for you to keep, or to give as a gift. mint papers come in a range of whimsical patterns as well as prints of classic paintings.
workshop attendees receive a 10% off coupon for their entire purchase in our booth at palladio antiques.

furniture painting essentials workshop {with jolie paint, wax & varnish}
are you ready to learn to paint furniture, floors, fixtures and more? join us! this session is geared for those who want a solid foundation for using our fabulous jolie paints & waxes.
you’ll get hands-on, creating four layered samples of our most popular painted finishes as you learn the essentials of cleaning, repairing, painting, varnishing, and waxing, plus some fabulous finishing touches…come learn how to turn your cast-offs into treasures.
we cover the best ways to paint different surfaces and to create a variety of looks, using the matte paint as a wash and on a dry brush, two different methods of distressing, adding texture, creating a smooth finish, mixing your own custom colors, and so much more.
you'll go home with a sample library of your own, new skills under your belt, and the confidence to tackle all your projects.
{our workshop attendees receive a color chart, a jolie 'everyday guide' to finishes and a discount to use at palladio on all purchases from our booth.}

furniture painting essentials {with jolie paint, wax & varnish}
are you ready to learn to paint furniture, floors, fixtures and more? join us! this session is geared for those who want a solid foundation for using our fabulous jolie paints & waxes. you’ll get hands-on, creating layered samples of our most popular painted finishes as you learn the essentials of cleaning, repairing, painting, varnishing, and waxing, plus some fabulous finishing touches…come learn how to turn your cast-offs into treasures.
we cover the best ways to paint different surfaces and to create a variety of looks, using the matte paint as a wash and on a dry brush, two different methods of distressing, adding texture, creating a smooth finish, mixing your own custom colors, and so much more.
you'll go home with a sample library of your own, new skills under your belt, and the confidence to tackle all your projects.
{our workshop attendees receive a color chart, a jolie 'everyday guide' to finishes and a day-of discount on all purchases.}

intaglio art panels workshop
jasperware, how do we adore thee? your gorgeously muted colors, creamy white relief decorations, matte ‘biscuit’ finish…what’s not to love? let’s use iron orchid designs’ moulds to create a set of four wedgewood-esque (or intaglio-inspired) mini-panels. you’ll…
choose jolie paint colors to base coat your four 3.5” x 5.5” wooden art panels (we love lilac grey, french blue, bliss, sage, olive, cream, rose quartz and graphite for this style)
use iod’s air-dry clay to cast four decorative medallions using your choice of moulds,
apply a band of gold leaf to the edge of each panel as a finishing touch, along with just a smidge of gilding wax, if desired, on the medallions.
your panels will look great hung together as a little grouping, set among books on your shelves or as part of a tablescape, or wrapped up as sweet gifts.

paper + pallet art workshop $95
in this workshop, you'll create and embellish a pallet-style panel (20" by 28") that our favorite local carpenter builds for us. (and which, btw, make really great graduation and father’s day gifts.)
choose from any of our cavallini decorative papers...we have lots of patterns that you'll love...several different vintage-style school charts, maps, botanical studies (fruits, flowers, ferns...) celestial charts, bicycle blueprints, and more. the high cotton fiber content of the cavallini papers allows them to distress beautifully!
then we'll get on to the fun...you'll learn
decoupage
distressing
stamping (with iron orchid design's magical cracquelure stamp)
aging with glaze
applying strategic sparkle with german glass glitter.
yep, the whole combo platter! your art can be hung on the wall, or propped on a mantel or...!
don't miss a fun, unplugged, creative morning.

furniture painting essentials {with jolie paint, wax & varnish}
are you ready to learn to paint furniture, floors, fixtures and more? join us! this session is geared for those who want a solid foundation for using our fabulous jolie paints & waxes. you’ll get hands-on, creating layered samples of our most popular painted finishes as you learn the essentials of cleaning, repairing, painting, varnishing, and waxing, plus some fabulous finishing touches…come learn how to turn your cast-offs into treasures.
we cover the best ways to paint different surfaces and to create a variety of looks, using the matte paint as a wash and on a dry brush, two different methods of distressing, adding texture, creating a smooth finish, mixing your own custom colors, and so much more.
you'll go home with a sample library of your own, new skills under your belt, and the confidence to tackle all your projects.
{our workshop attendees receive a color chart, a jolie 'everyday guide' to finishes and a day-of discount on all purchases.}

the bunny...but make it toile {miss mustard seed’s milk paint + IOD workshop}
where are my blue & white fans? (or pink & white, or lavender & white? the color combo will be your choice!) join us to learn some furniture painting and embellishing skills as you create cute seasonal decor for your door or mantel. the 22” long bunny is made from wood and light enough to suspend from a ribbon or to wire into a wreath. of course, he’s darling propped on a mantel or buffet, too.
you’ll learn and practice…
painting techniques with miss mustard seed’s milk paint
creating crackle with a wax resist
adding layered patterns with stamps from iron orchid designs
sealing your bunny so he is protected for outdoor use.
unplug for a morning and come get creative with us!

pat-ina the bunny {with oxidizing paints}
everyone’s favorite bunny is back! join us to learn all about modern masters metal effects paints, and create a darling rabbit for your front door or mantel. you'll begin with a wooden bunny form (he measures 22” from paw-to-paw) and layer bronze, iron and/or copper reactive paints on top.
you'll learn how to manipulate the paints and the reactive solutions to attain a rich, oxidized finish. (during 'dry time' breaks, we'll discuss how to use these amazing paints on so many other surfaces, and enjoy a mini container gardening tip session with the plant magicians from palladio garden.)
all materials & supplies are included, as well as a tip sheet for your future projects. grab a friend and join us! our students receive a workshop-day discount on all purchases.
two eggs, any style workshop
join us to create a pair of door-decor eggs, finished your way! you’ll go home from this workshop with a pair of 18” tall eggs…one for your front door, one for the back? one to keep and one to give? or, if you have double doors, one for each. so…your choice! finish the eggs as a matching pair, or try two different techniques. create a choice of:
indigo pysanky eggs, miss mustard seed-style (using milk paint and iron orchid designs’ bohemia stamp)
rae dunn-inspired eggs (with jolie paint, iron orchid designs’ farmhand stamp and a message of your choice)
classic blue & white transferware eggs (with jolie paint and iron orchid designs’ rose toile or peony stamp)
a chintz or chinoiserie wallpaper eggs (using jolie paint and the new iron orchid designs’ paint inlays)
wedgewood/jasperware pottery eggs (with IOD moulds & air-dry clay, plus jolie paint)
you’ll learn techniques that go along with each style, along with glazing and washes. the eggs will be sealed for protection outdoors (though a covered doorway is recommended for the wedgwood eggs) and while we can’t offer you a choice of bacon or sausage with your eggs, you’ll pick a ribbon or fishing line for hanging.
private workshops
Please contact us to arrange a private workshop for your group of 4 to 12. projects begin at $45/person, and you’re welcome to bring the refreshments of your choice.