Evergreen Summer 2026

The Heart of Making

This summer, Evergreen Studio offers seven unique weeks of creative exploration for kids ages 7–11. The Heart of Making is an immersive studio series that explores an engaging theme each week through a wide variety of art mediums and processes.

My programs are designed to build real art skills, art literacy, and creative confidence in a balanced and joyful environment. From the alchemy of "The Secret Studio" to the tiny architecture of "Small Worlds," every week provides a blend of instruction and gentle guidance with ample space for kids to use their own ideas as they work with new materials, concepts, and techniques. 

Time: 9 AM - 4 PM. 

Cost: $400 / week 

Please feel free to reach out to me, Susie, at evergreenlifelearning@gmail.com with any questions. Registration information is at the botton of this page.

The Evergreen Difference

I keep my camp groups small to ensure every child has a dedicated seat and the personalized attention they need. The day is designed around a thoughtful rhythm, balancing focused studio work with active outdoor play. In addition to our planned projects, each day includes plenty of time for free drawing, painting, and creative games. My goal is for every child to leave the studio feeling inspired, energized, and proud of what they’ve created.

This same standard of care extends to the materials we work with. I believe the supplies an artist chooses are an integral part of the art they create, which is why I have made a conscious choice to phase out environmentally harmful paints, glues, and plastics—including acrylic paints—in favour of supplies that are safer for both children’s health and our environment. I am committed to using high-quality, and environmentally sustainable materials whenever possible -some of which I even produce myself right here in the studio. I find that when we work with superior supplies, the creative process is more satisfying and meaningful, and the results are naturally more beautiful.

While this approach challenges me to be more resourceful as a teacher, it is well worth it to model a deep respect for the world my students will inherit. My mission is to provide a safe, thoughtful space where the quality of our materials honours the heart of our work.

Week 1: July 6-10 ONE SPOT LEFT

Comfort Creatures (Character Design & Mixed Fibre Arts) 

Step into the studio to bring your own collection of characters to life! Mixed media and fibre arts meet character design as we create our own original soft sculptures, puppets, and pocket friends. It’s a week of imagination and skill building as we discover ways to express personality through colour, texture, and form using felting, hand-sewing, and sculptural techniques. 

Week 2: July 13-17 FULL

The Secret Studio (Mysterious Ingredients & Studio Alchemy) 

Step into a world of wonder where the art begins with the very supplies we create. This week, artists become keepers of secret recipes, mixing their own inks and paints and using curious ingredients like "bug extract" and "moon dust." We will craft paper by hand for enchanted scrolls and secret maps, concoct clay to form magical amulets, and turn soft fluff into vessels for treasure. It'a a week of imagination and transformation, where the materials themselves are as captivating as the treasures we create with them. 

Week 3: July 20-24

Forest Finery (Nature-Inspired Wearable Art) 

Calling all forest dwellers! This week, we bring the spirit of the woods into the studio to create a collection of accessories that reflects the beauty of the wild. We’ll create wearable art inspired by woodland flora and fauna using sculpture, felting, beading, and botanical dyeing. From forest elf hats to fungi-inspired jewelry, artists will craft finery that makes them feel right at home in the woods. 

Week 4: July 27-31

The Art Collab (Shared Works & Art Swaps) 

This week is all about the magic of connection through sharing and teamwork. We will dive into the tradition of Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)—miniature artworks designed to be swapped—while also joining forces on large-scale collaborative pieces. Using painting, printmaking, and felting, we will create dynamic works of art as a group, and at the end of the week, these large pieces will be mindfully divided so every artist takes home a unique piece of our collective work. 

Week 5: August 10-14

Small Worlds (Micro Village & Miniature Design) 

Step into the role of architect and designer of tiny things! This week is all about the art of the miniature. We will build a sustainable micro-community from the ground up using wood, clay, beeswax, and found materials. From felting tiny textiles and building mini furnishings to creating botanical landscapes and micro decor, artists will exercise their ingenuity as they create their small-scale worlds.

Week 6: August 17-21

The Decorative Arts Studio (Art for Your Home) 

Develop your designer’s eye and create unique art for your own space! This week, we dive into surface design, sculpture, collage, and fibre arts to make one-of-a-kind pieces that beautify our surroundings. We will explore how colour and form can transform a room, creating everything from wall art and light-catching lanterns to mobiles and objects d’art. 

Week 7: August 24-28

Forever Felting | A Celebration of Our Studio Favourite

I’ve decided to dedicate our final week of the summer to the studio’s absolute favourite activity: felting. This medium has quickly become the one my students ask for most, so I wanted to honour that enthusiasm by offering a full week to truly immerse themselves in the craft.

Students are always amazed at the unique creations they can form with soft, fluffy wool. This week will allow us to try out a variety of new and familiar projects as we explore both needle and wet felting techniques. From three-dimensional sculptures to vibrant fibre paintings, it is a tactile and captivating process that the kids always find deeply satisfying—making it the perfect, joyful way to wrap up our summer together.

How to Register: 

I keep the groups small to ensure that each artist has plenty of creative space and personalized attention. Spots fill up quickly, so I recommend registering early to secure your child's spot. 

To register your child for Evergreen Summer 2026: The Heart of Making, please email me directly at evergreenlifelearning@gmail.com with your chosen week(s). 

Once I receive your email, I will guide you through the steps to complete the registration, and provide you with all camp details and policies. 

I look forward to creating with your artist this summer!

-Susie