Befriending Our Shadow VI 2023 is now full.
Dates will be changed for next year, Fall 2024. Stay tuned! And sign up for mailing list. 
Sign-up dates for 2024:

Sign-up begins, August 2024
Early bird deadline for discounted price, September 2024
Final deadline to sign-up, First week October 2024 
On-line Course Dates
​
Fall 2024.  For the Full Engagement level* course, there are two on-line sessions of the course to choose from, one starting on Tuesday and one starting on Wednesday. Both run for eight weeks (with a break on the week of November 21st for American Thanksgiving.) Dates are Tuesdays, October 10th to December 5th OR Wednesdays, October 11 to December 6th, 2023.  
Note: There will be no classes on the week of November 21st, American Thanksgiving

Zoom-calls:
If you sign up for the Full Engagement Level course, with Zoom calls, there are two options for dates and times.
Tuesdays 4-6 PM, EST.
Wednesdays 2-4 PM, EST. 
Note: classes are now two hours to allow for more doll-making time during the Zoom sessions.

*NOTE: There is an additional Basic Level participation option that does not include the Zoom calls. Please see below for more information about this option. 
​                                                                       

This workshop is for you if:

  • ​You're at mid to late life and feel a sense of urgency and discontent with roles that no longer fit and you want to commit to your true self.
  • You may have experienced a major upheaval in your life, in the form of a physical illness, or a life change such as a career change or retirement.
  • You have the sense that this upheaval has the potential to go in either direction, towards settling into inertia or even despair, or towards developing newfound meaning and inner strength. 
  • You've lived long enough to know that there is more to life than the surface and you want to seize life and live more fully.
  • You've maybe taken some creative classes and you might have learned some skills but you sense there is something deeper that these other experiences didn't touch.
  • Or maybe you haven't ever taken a creative class before.

In any case, you are curious about the potential in doll-making for discovering and mirroring deeper sides of yourself. 

ONLINE OFFER:

​Befriending Our Shadow 

A doll-making e-course about befriending our shadow, using tenderness and compassion to connect with all parts of ourselves. Flip dolls are two-sided dolls connected at the waist. These two- sided dolls have the capacity to capture divergent views of reality, dark vs light, joy vs sorrow, love vs alienation. In this course you will have the chance, through exploring and befriending your shadow, to discover hidden strengths within.

​And at the end of the course, your doll will represent and unite both shadow and light. And, important note, you do not need to know how to sew beforehand. This class is open to those at all levels of sewing ability. 
Through this course, you will: ​
  • discover how the shadow, an integral and sometimes scary part of our nature, can reveal hidden strengths
  • connect to your shadow as an ally and guide
  • bask in the healing power of group process, finding strength in working together with and being witnessed by others
  • learn the benefits of mistakes, how an intuitive, exploratory approach to creativity can free you to deeper, more authentic expression
  • explore the benefits and challenges of planning ahead (or not)-you will have the structure of a pattern to work from but may find yourself going off in your own personal direction and that's OK
  • learn about the historic flip doll and how it can help you to integrate dark and light in your life
  • experience the benefits of slowing down, through hand stitching and other meditative sewing techniques
  • discover the myth of the "ugly"-and how "ugly" (this word can sometimes turn up when we are just beginning to learn to create) is just a step along the path towards deeper exploration and possibly even greater hidden beauty
  • And you will ultimately have a "gem" of a doll that you will want to place in a prominent place in your house to serve and a mirror and reminder to you in all your dimensions 
"I had to overcome worrying about the aesthetics & techniques of the doll making process...the course has provoked a lot of thinking. I feel a little compassion for the shadow, but more than anything I understand better the connection between who I am / have become/ decisions I've made and importance I place on things. I can see the thread that connects the shadow to me....

...I loved stitching alongside listening/talking. I felt there was option to ask for advice re: construction, if needed. Not having techniques central to the sessions, I think encouraged/supported the variety of different outcomes from people rather than all having identikit dolls....
 
I've never done a course quite like this and it's tapped into parts of me that I haven't explored before."

Felicity Wingfield
Befriending Our Shadow V
Testimonial from  Befriending Our Shadow alumnae: 

"Carl Jung said 'The shadow is where the gold is.' The process of working on a flip doll in a community of doll-makers under the tutelage of Erika Cleveland was a wonderful way of accessing shadow parts of my personality, those parts of myself I have trouble acknowledging and seeing clearly.

​The craft tutorials, lectures, book-making, visualizations, and group sharing all helped me manifest in form complexes that were latent in my mind. I was surprised and delighted by the doll I made and what ’she’ continues to teach me. Erika is gifted at guiding her students to the gold. 

Joanne Rocky Delaplaine
​Befriending Our Shadow I


"I didn't have any specific expectations other than I would learn about making a doll and explore my shadow. And that happened! I did take the class to help me with my grief work about my mother's death. It has helped me. 
​
The balance between hands on and the material we needed to hear to get in touch with our shadow sides was good. I'm enjoying the sewing I'm doing on my doll...

Erika is very sensitive, knowledgeable and caring as a facilitator. Her doll making skills are superb. I felt very comfortable with her as a facilitator and also as a teacher of the shadow work and doll making...."
 
Vita Sims
​Befriending Our Shadow V

Slide Show of Dolls created by previous Befriending Our Shadow participants...


​Click here for more detailed testimonials

"...What surprised me most was learning that there is a lot of power in my shadow aspects.....
 
Like most people I've seen my shadow as the part of me which 'if I could just get rid of them, I would be happy and loved.' But I'm learning ... that there is a middle path of embracing my shadow aspects....
 
I loved my group! ... the participants spoke so much from their hearts, rather than treating the class like group therapy. In my opinion, this is the "heart" of the value that was provided. 
 
And Erika does such a great job of creating a safe, comfortable structure. The class has been an oasis." 

Judy Murdoch
Befriending Our Shadow V
"My expectations were more than met. The transformational aspect seemed appropriate for both the transitions happening in my own life, as well as for these uncertain times we’re in...
 
I was surprised at the deeper level of inner exploration. What I didn’t realize was that it would become such a personal journey, and how my compassion for myself would grow in so many directions.... And, you get a really cool doll at the end."

Linda McNutt
Befriending Our Shadow III
Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Do I have to know how to sew? No, you do not need to know how to sew ahead of time, though there is room for experimentation for more experienced sewers.
 
  • What is a flip doll and why are we making one in this class? Flip dolls (sometimes topsy turvy dolls) are two-sided dolls connected at the waist. They have a long history which I will introduce you to in the class. But what makes them so relevant to this course is that they have the potential, with their two sides, to contain and connect opposites. This makes the flip doll an ideal way to explore, for instance, your shadow on one side and hidden strengths on the other. What I love about the flip doll is that it also brings the two separate ideas together in the middle, bringing them to a place of oneness.
 
  • Do I need to have made a doll before? No, again, the e-book provides detailed instructions on how to make a doll and you will be supported through the process during the Zoom calls and in the Facebook group. You also have the option of signing up for a 1:1 session with Erika.
 
  • Do I have to buy a lot of supplies? No, we will engage with simple materials that you can mostly find around your house. To see the materials list go here.
 
  • Will I have the freedom to explore my own way of creating? Yes, by all means. The templates, videos and other teachings are  starting points for your own creative exploration. You have the option of enlarging the doll-making pattern provided or to use your own inspiration as a guide.
 
  • Will we be working on making our dolls in the class? Yes! There will be guided visualization, some lecture and discussion but there will be time also for working on your doll in the class. Please bring doll-making materials to the classes. For the Fall 2023 version of Befriending our Shadow I have added an additional half hour so that there is more time for "making" in the class!
 
  • Do I have to participate in the Zoom calls? I'd rather just work on my own. No, you are not required to sign up for the Zoom calls. You will be able to choose your level of engagement, from fully participating in all calls and in the online forum, to using the videos and written guidance as a jumping off point for your own creative process. 
 
  • IMPORTANT: What is the difference between the Basic Level and Full Engagement Level course? This is important to understand. Some people prefer to participate in a weekly live (on Zoom) group process and if this kind of in-person (on Zoom) group interaction is very important for you, the Full Engagement level is for you. If however, for some reason* you don't want to be in the Zoom sessions, then the Basic Level is for you. (Reasons might be: you are less comfortable in a group, you want to work on your own timeline, you can't make any of the scheduled Zoom session times or any other reasons you might have.)
 
  • What if I'm not on Facebook? I understand your hesitation with Facebook. I too had some concerns about it. The advantage to Facebook is being able to see everyone's work as it develops over the course of the eight weeks and to be able to interact with and support each other during that time as well. If you really are not able to participate in Facebook but can do the Zoom classes you will still get some of the group process. You may also consider signing up for an individual session with Erika for extra support. 
 
  • If I do want to be part of the Zoom calls, how long is the class? How often does it meet? The Zoom calls meet over a period of eight weeks, once a week for two hours each session. For more details and dates and times, see above and below...(more details section)
 
  • How long will I have access to the different elements of the class (e-book, Facebook group, Zoom videos?) The e-book is yours forever, once you download it, and instructional videos that go along with it are accessible for the foreseeable future, or as long as this program continues online. The Zoom classes go for eight weeks, see below for exact dates and times. The Facebook group will remain open during the course of the class and for as long afterwards as there is activity in the class. After that, you may join an alumni group for previous participants in Befriending Our Shadow. The recordings of the Zoom sessions will be made available for download so that you can store them for yourself. Once the class ends, the download option will no longer be available. 
 
  • What if I want some individual attention from the facilitator? You can sign up for an individual session with Erika in addition to the other components of the class.
 
  • Can I share images from this class online? This is an intimate and private class where we recognize and support each others' personal space, so please do not share images made by other participants online. However you can share your own work online but I would appreciate your mentioning Befriending Our Shadow. 
 
  • Can I share the e-book with others? I would greatly appreciate if you didn't do this. The e-book and videos represent a significant number of hours of work and this would prevent me from being able to be compensated for that work. Thank you. 
 
  • Once I sign up for this course can I change my mind? Sorry, but due to the digital nature of this class, refunds are not possible. 
 
  • I'm not in mid to late life but this really interests me. Would I be able to participate too? Yes, absolutely. If this material draws you in, then you're in the right place.

You will get the most out of this workshop if:
  • You are ready to dive deep to work with your shadow, this can be challenging (and even a bit scary) at first
  • You are willing (if you have signed up for the Zoom calls) to commit to participating in all the Zoom calls. These are precious and intimate sessions. The more we can all show up each week, the more safety there will be in the group
  • You are willing to try something new. You don't have to have experience with sewing or with doll-making but it helps if you are ready to suspend judgement and let the process develop
  • You are fully committed to supporting and witnessing others going through their own deep process in their own way, (either in the Zoom sessions or Facebook group or both.)   
Here are some words of advice from a participant in a previous class:
​
  • "Be prepared to delve into the shadow side. Embrace it, even if you are afraid, do it anyway. It is worth it. You will be in good company. There will be give and take, and you will be better for it.
  • Use Erika’s meditations as you ponder your own dark and light. They will focus you.
  • Do not be in a rush to finish your doll. She will grow as you grow. She will guide you. 
  • Be open minded. Be true to yourself. And know that you are gathering with incredible women.
  • I recommend this workshop highly. It was wonderful. You will learn and explore, and so will your creative ideas and skills."
 MORE DETAILS

When you sign up, you will receive the e-book which includes links to videos that will take you through all technical aspects of making your own Befriending Our Shadow Doll. 

If you sign up for the Full Engagement Level course, with Zoom calls, there are two options for dates and times,
Tuesdays 4-6 PM, EST, October 10-December 5th, 2023.
Wednesdays 2-4 PM, EST, October 11-December 6th, 2023. 
Note: There will be no classes on the week of November 21st, American Thanksgiving

 IMPORTANT: These groups will fill on a first come first serve basis. All efforts will be made to get you into the class time that you want, but if you sign up earlier, you will be more likely to get your chosen time. 

There is a limit of 6 spaces in each of the two Full Engagement Level Zoom sessions. It will fill up first come, first serve.

IMPORTANT Note: The Basic Level course participants do not have their own small group Zoom calls. However the Basic Level participants can join the Facebook group and connect with the other students there. 

There may be an introductory group Zoom call before the class begins for all participants. date and time TBA (to be arranged.)

Early Bird Pricing: enroll by midnight on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 deadline and get a discount for the basic level class, the full group engagement level or the private session level. 

Sign up Deadline: Friday, October 6th final deadline for sign up. Course starts October 10th (Tuesday) and October 11th (Wednesday.) 

Course ends: December 5th (Tuesday) and December 6th (Wednesday), 2023.

Note: This time around there is an additional half hour, so that each session meets for two hours. This way there will be more time for "making" during the class. Please do bring your doll-making materials to each class session!

Again: Please read this clarification about the difference between the basic and full engagement levels.  Some people prefer to participate in a weekly live (on Zoom) group process and if this kind of in-person (on Zoom) group interaction is very important for you, the Full Engagement level is for you.
If however, for some reason* you don't want to be in the Zoom sessions, then the Basic Level is for you. (Reasons might be: you are less comfortable in a group, you want to work on your own timeline, you can't make any of the scheduled Zoom session times or any other reasons you might have.) note: see testimonial below from one of the Basic Level participants, Sam Margarette to find out more about the experience of the basic level course.

Course dates and times: October 10/11th-December 5th/6th, 2023  Two sessions, Tuesdays 4-6 PM EST ,  Wednesdays 2-4 PM EST (Note: Once you register, you will be guided to a sign-up to choose the day of your Zoom session.) 

All calls will be recorded and will be made available to the participants within that subgroup. 

​Most materials for this e-course should be relatively easy to find around the house or to order from a fabric supply store such as Joanne Fabric. You can view the materials list HERE. Please contact me below if you have any questions. 
​

"I started off thinking I was just making a doll. But the course was so much more. It really challenged my artistic process and offered something to think about. I learned about my creative process and am taking away a new set of questions available for me next time I get stuck somewhere….

The format was amazing. I would sign up again. I really enjoyed getting to know folks. It felt like a sewing group in person.

I think for the price, it was an extraordinary value. Now I understand why some people keep signing up. Really well done.  I got way more than expected. Thank you."

​Barb Siegel
Befriending Our Shadow II
What's included:

Themes for Each Week*: 

Week 1             Introduction and Overview

Week 2            The Shadow from a Jungian Perspective, and the "Golden Shadow"
                                              
Week 3            Meeting Our Inner Guide for the Shadow Journey

Week 4            Shadow in the Spiritual Realm, The "Dark Night of the Soul," Dealing with Grief
                          Shadows

Week 5            Shadow in the Spiritual Realm: Dark Goddesses, Dealing with Anger Shadows
                                                                                                                              
Week 6            The Shadow in Fairy Tales: Dealing with Shadow Layers

(Week off for American Thanksgiving break)
                                                                                                                             
Week 7             The Shadow/Dark in Nature
                                                                                                                                         
Week 8            Final Celebration: Blessing of and Sharing of Dolls

*Note: These are the topics for each weeks' discussion in the Full Group Engagement Level Zoom calls. These topics will be also covered in the e-book, shared with all engagement levels.  
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Sign Up for Fall 2023 Befriending Our Shadow VI


​Three Price Levels for Befriending Our Shadow: 

Basic Level
  • a companion e-book to the e-course, with detailed descriptions and images about the construction of your doll, and  a detailed deep dive into multiple aspects of the shadow (see listing of topics for each week above), weekly questions for discussion and journaling, links to recorded guided visualizations and more.
  • a series of six videos, included in the e-book, and providing detailed instructions and encouragement for making your doll
  • a PDF with patterns for making two different Flip dolls
  • a private Facebook group to share your progress on doll-making and share with other doll makers​  
  • Please note: This level does NOT include weekly Zoom calls.

Full Group Engagement Level:
  • Everything in the above level AND: 
  • 8 weekly intimate Zoom sessions for support from your Befriending Our Shadow classmates and from the facilitator.  With no more than six participants in each series of sessions, the groups are intimate. There are two available eight-week sessions of Zoom calls, either on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
  • Recordings of all Zoom sessions for your reflection afterwards. These will be safely and securely recorded and stored so that you can download them. 
  • An optional "Snail-mail" (stash and/or tiny stitched piece) exchange to build sense of community among group participants, depending on group interest.

Full Engagement II, including Bonus Private Zoom Session:
  • Everything in the above two levels AND: 
  • Private session with group leader to focus on your doll in a more intimate way, to get additional witnessing, feedback and guidance from the facilitator. ​​

Important note: once you register for the course (full group engagement, with or without additional individual session), you will be guided to a sign up for the day of the week (Tues or Wed) that you prefer for your Zoom sessions. These will fill on a first come/first serve basis, so please sign up as soon as you register. 

Prices:

Basic Level: e-book, instructional videos, Facebook group,
does not include Zoom sessions.
​
                       Early bird-before Tuesday, September 26th,                                                 $170 
                       FINAL sign-up deadline, Friday, October 6th                                                $190

Full Group Engagement Level: includes everything in basic level, plus full
engagement level: 
                       
                       Early bird-before Tuesday, September 26th,                                                 $210 
                       FINAL sign-up deadline, Friday, October 6th,                                              $230
​
Full Group Engagement Level, plus Private Session: includes everything in basic
and full group engagement level, plus one private
one hour Zoom session:  
                       
                        Early bird, before Tuesday, September 26th,                                               $250​ 
                        FINAL sign-up deadline, Friday, October 6th,                                             $270

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no refunds once you have signed up for an e-course. I am a one woman show, doing my best to create a small group, intimate and nourishing experience for you. Thus I am unable to offer refunds. 



​"... The biggest surprise I experienced was just how much peace the process and result brought me....

As far as the spiritual part of the course, it helped give a face to and a place to speak with the Shadow, which was new for me....

This class was definitely an exercise in Happy Accidents,..I learned a new way to play and how to get out of my own head!"


Sam Margarette
Befriending Our Shadow II

    This all sounds interesting but I have a question. Feel free to ask your question here.

"I have taken Erika's "Befriending the Shadow" class four times, the second time at the "basic" level. Erika is a wonderful teacher - delightful and real and a trusted "mirror" and witness throughout the process. Initially I was anxious going in, not sure what to expect and knowing that I have issues being vulnerable in group settings. I quickly relaxed after seeing how carefully Erika and the others were to keep the space dedicated to healing and support.

​Erika set the tone for creating safety and connection between participants. The groups are kept small and intimate and provide a safe "container" to go deeper into scary places.   I appreciated that she brought fresh material and insight to the second class so it still felt fresh. I highly recommend this class. Having Erika holding the flashlight allowed me to go much deeper into exploring the dark.."

Eileen McGarvey
www.instagram.com/e_mcgarvey/​
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