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Deep Winter Visioning for 2026: 

An in-person Workshop to help you gently step into the New Year 

Deep Winter-Visioning for 2026 — In-Person Workshop with Erika Cleveland

The first opportunity of 2026 (!) to work with Erika in her intimate studio space, surrounded by her inspiring collection of dolls.
This is Erika's first in-person offering for the year—and spots are limited!

✨ Workshop Overview
Spend the day in a small, supportive group of like-minded creative women. We will use creative journaling, meditation and active imagination to find your emotional and spiritual grounding for stepping into the year 2026. Then we will create a small black walnut headed talisman/doll to inspire and guide you into the new year. I usually use the beginning of the year to reflect on my intention for the coming days and this year I decided I wanted to share this process with you. This past year has been challenging and draining and we can use this opportunity for a fresh start. And maybe let's just focus on the next few months for now. I am already getting some inklings for the spring, but that is another time!

Whether you're new or experienced doll-maker, this workshop offers a powerful and grounding experience.
See below for more details. 

📅 Dates & Times
One Sunday Session, January 25, 2026 

​ Time:
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
(with a mid-day break if needed)
On Sunday there is free, unlimited street parking near the studio.
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Place:
At my studio at the Jackson Art Center, 3050 R. St. NW, Washington, DC on the second floor, Studio 15A

👥 Group Size

• Limited to 4 participants per session
  (To maintain intimacy and due to limited studio space)

🧶 Techniques & Materials
We'll be creating soft sculpture black walnut head dolls, using a simple method of construction that allows for your own intuitive process to guide you. 
We will also be doing some journaling, and collaging to be added to a small journal that you bring with you. For inspiration we will turn to our inner guides through active imagination and meditation. 

​Materials list suggestions include black walnut heads (which I will provide), sewing supplies, quilt batting, fabric and stuffing. Collage materials. Also a small journal or pad to write and sketch in. You will receive a more comprehensive materials list upon sign-up. 
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You will be asked to reflect on your vision for Winter 2026 before you come to the class. Do you want to focus on healing for your body, make a change in your relationships or work, or just get clearer on what the next months have in store for you?  If you aren't sure, that's ok too. This safe setting can be a place for you to get insight and clarity that you may not yet have. 


🎨 Benefits from this workshop:

• Release Stress and Worry that can come with this time of year 

           Even though the busyness of the holidays is over, the dark short and cold days can bring stress and worry if we aren't     
           tuning into nature's rhythms. This workshop will serve as a way to reconnect ourselves. 

• Tap into your intuition to ground and align yourself with your intentions
  These creative processes take us away from the head and into the body and heart, freeing us to realign and connect with our purpose. 
• ​Become aware of the Power of the Winter-time 

          Winter is an inward-focused time, Just as the trees are focused on their roots, while the bare branches are all that is
          visible, we too can connect into our roots. 

• Engage in Intuitive, Process-Based Artmaking
  Explore spontaneous, hands-on techniques that emphasize process over perfection—fostering creativity, self-discovery, and personal insight.
• Work in an Intimate, Artist-Led Environment
  Receive thoughtful guidance from Erika Cleveland, a professional artist, in a studio surrounded by her evocative doll art.
• Join a Supportive Creative Community
  Connect with like-minded women artists in a small, nurturing group that encourages openness, curiosity, and experimentation.
• Expand Your Artistic Practice
  You will discover new materials, methods, and approaches to incorporating intention, healing, and narrative into your artwork.

❓ Common Questions

• Do I need any previous art experience? I'm not an artist—can I still participate meaningfully?
  You don't have to be an artist or have previous doll-making experience. The focus of this work is process rather than content. You will be guided along the way, as much or as little as you would like. You will learn from the group. 

 

• Will we be sharing our dolls or intentions with the group? Is sharing optional, or will there be opportunities for private reflection?
  This is one of the benefits of the small size of the group-if you feel reluctant to share within a large group setting. Participants are accepting and warm. You will have plenty of time to reflect on your own process, but you will be encouraged to share as much and in as much depth as you are willing to do.. 
  
  
• Can I bring my own materials or special items to incorporate into the doll? (e.g., fabric from a loved one’s clothing, found objects, personal symbols)
  Absolutely yes, In fact, this is strongly encouraged. 
  
  
• What should I wear or bring for the day? (Comfortable clothing, lunch/snacks, a journal, etc.)
  Wear comfortable clothes. My studio is usually warm in the winter but you may want to have layers, just in case. There are lots of options for lunch. You may bring your own lunch but there are also several restaurants within walking distance of the studio, where you can purchase a lunch. There is a garden (Montrose Park) across the street from the studio where you can eat your lunch if you choose to. 

 

• Is the studio accessible? 
  Please note: The studio is on the second floor and there isn't an elevator, so if you have mobility needs this might be a challenge. The bathroom is on the basement floor. (I get a lot of exercise in my studio going up and down to the bathroom.)
  
  
• Will there be time for discussion or journaling during the workshop? How much of the day is spent making versus reflecting or talking? 
  Yes, but in a fluid, integrated way. Discussion will naturally unfold as part of the creative process—think of it as talking while your hands are moving. We won’t set aside long periods just for conversation, but meaningful dialogue and shared insights often arise as we work. You’re also welcome to pause and journal or take notes at any point. With such a small group, we can be flexible and responsive to what the moment calls for.

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• What if I get emotional during the process?
  Please note: this is not therapy and is not being advertised as such. You may become emotional and this is a part of the process. The studio is a safe space and you will be encouraged and supported in sharing your emotions. However, if you are in crisis or struggling with unmanageable emotions, please make sure you already have a support system in place and consider your healing intention with this in mind. (In the latter case, Perhaps your intention is more about gathering support and developing inner resources, rather than delving deep into difficult feelings at this time.)

 

• Can I photograph my work (or others’ work)? Are there guidelines around documentation and sharing on social media? This work is private and you are expected to respect the privacy of others work. You may choose to share your own work if you like, but please do not share others work without permission. This also goes for what is shared in conversation-what is discussed in the group should remain in the group. Thank you!

 

• What if I have no idea of a vision for the up-coming days? Trust yourself. Trust your doll. Try asking the question with your dominant hand and then answering with your non-dominant hand. Do a brief check-in with your body. See where you feel tight or where you feel pain. Are these places where you might want healing? Set an intention to ask for healing and then do a free writing session for ten minutes and see what emerges. Don't worry, we will talk about this more during the session. 

 

• Can I bring a friend? Yes, but make sure they are prepared with materials and an intention before attending. 

   

• Will I finish my talisman/doll?
  Many participants will finish in one session, depending on how complex a doll you want to make and how large you want it to be.  

 

• I understand that we will be making a black walnut headed doll. What if I want to make another kind of doll? The doll-making guidelines and prompts  that I will be providing are intended to inspire you and get you started. You can feel free to create another kind of doll if you like and are so inspired. 

 

• Are handouts provided?
  Yes, relevant handouts and links will be shared during the workshop.

 

• What happens if I have to cancel?
  Is there a refund or rescheduling policy? 
  Please note: Because this is a small business and it is just me, I cannot afford to give refunds unless there are extraordinary circumstances. 

 

• Additional questions? write to me at [email protected] to ask your question. 

💰 Cost & Payment

• $250 per session)

Payment:
Pay by credit card through the Transformative Healing Doll website link below. (Note: if you want to use PayPal, you have to go all the way through to the last payment option and a small icon for PayPal will show up)
Direct sign-up link below if you already know you are ready to sign up.  
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Deep Winter Visioning Workshop

$250.00

Tap into the energy of deep winter to create a small talisman black walnut head doll that can embody your vision for the next year. This is an in-person workshop, small in size to encourage safety and intimacy. It will take place in doll-maker and artist, Erika Cleveland's inspiring studio space located in Georgetown, DC.

SIGN UP HERE