Haydee Perez
Staff Writer
Instead of spending the day watching Netflix, there are plenty of opportunities for University of La Verne students to get in touch with their creative side in the community.
Three local stores in particular give students the opportunity to express their creativity – Mud Shack, Petals ‘n Wings and Sewciety.
Petals ‘n Wings, located in the Claremont Village, specializes in miniature gardens and accessories.
Tucked in the gardening area of the Vintage Odyssey at 201 W. Bonita Ave., Petals ‘n Wings offers workshops for customers to familiarize themselves with miniature gardens and succulents.
“Many come back because it becomes a hobby, collecting and making the gardens are a great way to get everyone in the family involved,” Tina Lambrecht, owner of Petals ‘n Wings, said.
The shop carries a unique supply of succulent accessories and small figurines that bring the gardens to life. Visitors can bring their own pot from home or choose from the variety of shapes and sizes available in the store.
Petals ‘n Wings offers a fun place to exercise their green thumb and imagination while creating a miniature garden of their own. The garden is open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Sewciety is a modern day sewing studio that offers classes for all ages and levels of ability. The price for each class varies by the amount of sessions needed and the amount of supplies.
“Sewing is a social thing. We sit around and create together. It creates community,” co-owner Yvonne Dill-Cruz said.
Sewciety specializes in small classes so each person has the right amount of hands on time with instructors. Multiple courses like learning about hemp bags have been added for the month of October to get the community involved.
The studio, located at 218 W. Foothill Blvd. in Claremont, is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. To enroll in a class visit sewcietystudio.com.
Mud Shack, located at 2145 Foothill Blvd. in La Verne, is a small store which allows visitors to paint pieces of ceramic that they will get to take home as a lasting piece of art. With artwork showcased on the walls, the store provides a welcoming and calming environment.
“It is a fun place to be, and a good place to let your creativity flow,” said Rachel Bramer, Mud Shack employee.
For a $10 studio fee guests can cover their piece in paint and glaze. Each ceramic object, from plates and mugs to sculptures and statues, is priced individually.
Jackie Guijarro of Fontana and her 12-year-old daughter Alyssa spent a majority of their morning Sept. 16 painting mugs for one another.
Alyssa said she loved having the ability to create her own work, even if it came out funky.
Jackie said that she loved the freedom she felt when painting.
The process takes about one week to complete. After the piece is painted, it is baked and glazed throughout the week. Every first Sunday of the month, is Family Day at Mud Shack, and groups up to five people are able to paint for a $20 studio fee.
Haydee Perez can be reached at haydee.perez@laverne.edu.
Haydee Perez