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Maiden. Mother, Crone , Death: Journey to the Fierce Feminine

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PictureDeep Listening Crone
 an ON-LINE OFFER:

Maiden, Mother, Crone, Death: Journey to the Fierce Feminine
to Reclaim and Honor the "Juice" of the Transition into Mid to Late Life, Revisiting and Integrating Previous Life Milestones.


Are you feeling exhausted from the toxic ways in which our culture divides us from our true connection to the web of life? Are you yearning to be immersed in a new/ancient way of claiming your identity as an older woman? Do you want to wake up into the adventure of what remains, while celebrating all the facets of your inner self?

Maiden Mother Crone Death is a doll-making e-course and an invitation to take a deep dive to reclaim and honor the "juice" of the transition into mid to late life, revisiting and integrating previous life milestones and coming to an acceptance of the full cycle of all the lives we live as women. 


Note: Spring 2024 class is now sold out but there is a wait list. Please email me if you would like to be added to the list. 



This workshop is for you if:
  • ​You are at the crossroads of mid to late life and living in a society like ours, which does not value old age, especially for women, and you're ready to jump in and reexamine and release some of these unhelpful frames of thinking about aging. 
  • You're willing to take a deep dive into the question, what must I dig deep inside myself to find, in order to face the challenges of this stage of life? 
  • You're drawn to the idea of the dark feminine, a spiritual, earthy force that guides you in a deep way. 
  • You are tired of the way our culture looks at aging, especially for women. 
  • You are curious about ideas such as the "Divine Feminine" but aren't quite sure how to think or talk about this, sometimes it sounds too Hallmark cardy!
  • You're not interested in "spiritual bypass" (using spirituality as a way of avoiding real growth) or relentless positivity. You want this to be real.
  • On the other hand, you believe there is a vitality and a source of life within you that is seeking its full expression-you don't need to dredge up old hurts and traumas. They will find you without you needing to look and you can deal with them then! 
  • 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.
  • Or maybe you aren't at mid to late life, you are younger and yet you are drawn to understanding these archetypes in the life unfolding ahead of you.
  • You have a sense that all life and death is part of a cycle and that death is not talked about enough in our culture.

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


Through this course, you will: ​
  • delve into the archetypes of women at various key stages of life
  • 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 be guided with various ways of constructing dolls, but you may find yourself going off in your own personal direction and that's OK
  • explore various doll-making techniques and media
  • experience the benefits of slowing down, through hand stitching and other meditative sewing techniques
  • experiment with an intuitive painting technique that can serve as a jumping off point for doll-making ideas (you don't have to know how to paint)
  • 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 


Course Dates:

Enrollment Starts                      February 12, 2024
Early Bird Deadline                    March 25th, 2024
Sign up Deadline                        April 5,  2024
Course Begins                           April 11, 202
​Course Ends                         June 20, 2024
​
Testimonials for Maiden Mother Crone Death: 

I found in Maiden Mother Crone Death a great community of making dolls together. I loved the intuitive painting technique also. It inspired me for future doll making. The background information in the e-book and other prompts and inspiration were very helpful and inspired me to look further into mythology. It all stimulated my creativity. Thanks!

Nancy Bennett Karasik
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Mother, Protector, Activist, Healer doll, by Nancy Bennett Karasik


Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Do I have to know how to sew? You do not need to know how to sew ahead of time, though some basic knowledge of sewing would probably make this class easier for you. There will be some instruction on doll-making (instructional prompts, videos, etc) but, that being said, the primary focus of the class is more about integrating the concepts and ideas into your doll.  This is NOT primarily a "how-to-make-a-doll" class.
  • Do I need to have made a doll before? No, Erika will be providing instruction in the class on various ways 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 if you would like extra support and guidance. However, see the above question that explains that this is not primarily a "how-to" class. 
  • OK, I get that this is not a "how-to" class but I still want to join and I have never made a doll before and I am not very experienced at sewing. What would help me to get the most out of this class? You are still in the right place, even with no doll-making or sewing experience, if you are willing to make mistakes, to have things not be "perfect" and to do a bit of research on your own about doll-making techniques. My classes tend to attract both experienced and less experienced sewers and doll-makers and I have found that each learn from the other. And as I describe above, I do share many ideas and inspiration in a variety of ways. If you are still not sure, please feel free to ask your specific question using the form below. 
  • Will this be interesting for me if I am an experienced sewer or doll-maker? There is definitely room for experimentation for more experienced sewers. You will be provided with prompts and direction but you can go your own way if you want. There is no "right" way to do things in this class. 
  • Will I have the freedom to explore my own way of creating? Yes, by all means. The teachings are just starting points for your own creative exploration. 
  • What if I was never a mother and/or don't want to be? You don't have to be a mother to experience the "mother" part of the maiden, mother crone cycles of life. We are all mothers to ourselves, to our friends and even sometimes to those we happen to meet in the course of our days. And we will also be exploring other archetypes of mid-life, including warrior, teacher and others. 
  • Do I have to buy a lot of supplies? No, we will engage with simple materials that you can mostly find around your house. There may be some materials that you will want to purchase ahead of time. For the materials list, go here. 
  • Is this a therapy class? This is NOT a therapy class, though we will be delving into deep and personal topics. Erika has trained and practiced as an art therapist but this is not an art therapy course. Please make sure you have enough additional supports in your life if you are struggling with trauma or severe loss. Please ask if you need help finding other resources. 
  • Do I have to participate in the Zoom calls? Yes, this is a Zoom class with a focus on group engagement and group participation. We learn from each other. The Facebook page is supplemental to the "in-person" groups. 
  • 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 three months, every two weeks, for two hours each session, with a break during each session. For more details and dates and times, see below...(more details section)
  • How long will I have access to the different elements of the class (Facebook page, Zoom videos?)  The Zoom classes go for three months, see below for exact dates and times. The Facebook page  will remain open during the course of the class and for as long afterwards as there is activity in the class.  The Zoom videos 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 on-line? 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 on-line. However you can share your own work online but I would appreciate your mentioning Maiden, Mother, Crone, Death. 
  • Once I sign up for this course can I change my mind? Sorry, I am a very small business and cannot afford to offer refunds at this level. Please consider your commitment carefully. Feel free to write and ask questions, if your questions are not answered here. 
  • 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.
  • Do I have to have taken Befriending the Shadow before taking this class? No, there are no pre-requirements for this class. Though, if you have taken Befriending the Shadow, it may give you a deeper experience of this course. 
Picture
"Maiden doll, Pandora"
She comes from the Pandora story. She is much “prettier” than most dolls I make but since she was reportedly made in the image of the beautiful Athena, I went with “pretty.” …Some versions of the story say she was gifted a golden crown. Others said a garland of flowers for her hair so I gave her both and put the “Maiden Moon” on the front of her crown to tie her into the moon phases… From that point, she diverges from the reported/repeated mythology. You can see that much more positive qualities have spilled out of her jar. The list is not all inclusive, of course, but she gets credit here for many good things. Curiosity was the key to open it and “hope” did NOT stay in the jar. It was also set free and I think we can all attest to the fact that hope lives eternal in our own lives so thank you, Pandora!!

Here are some words to describe Erika and this class: Unique, insightful, deep, surprising, creative, artistically fearless!


Kathryn Hall

My biggest takeaway was about how I can use my dolls, representing the Goddesses, to explore myself, to be honest about what is going on with me, and gain suggestions about how to deal with my feeling and thoughts.

I feel like I now have a "point" to my dollmaking that is all about me. I needed that. My next steps will be to MAKE MORE DOLLS!!! Thank you. You have touched me and taught me more than you will ever know.


Jan Calloway Baxter
Picture
Iris Maiden Goddess, Messenger/Warrior doll by Jan Calloway Baxter
Picture
Crone Grief doll, by Jan Calloway Baxter


You will get the most out of this workshop if:
  • You are ready to dive deep to work with the feminine archetype of the crone, this can be challenging (and even a bit scary) at first.
  • You are willing to commit to participating in all the Zoom calls to the best of your ability. These are precious and intimate sessions. The more we can all show up for these twice a month sessions, 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, (in both the  Zoom sessions and Facebook page.)
  • You have some experience with sewing or other methods of three-dimensional construction, however this is not essential. You will be guided and supported in your doll-making during this course.   

Some examples of the intuitive painting technique that is a part of this course. See Erika's other website, for more images and inspiration. 

MORE DETAILS

When you sign up, you will receive a materials list and a welcome introduction to the course, which will guide you in creating your Maiden, Mother, Crone, Death doll. You will also receive the Maiden Mother Crone, Death e-book, which will provide prompts and inspirational stories and images for each of the three months of the course.  
 
There is a limit of 10 spaces in the Zoom session. It will fill up first come, first serve.

Early Bird Pricing: enroll before the deadline and get a discount for either the course itself or the course with an additional private session.

Sign up: February 12, 2024.

​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. Please contact me below if you have any questions. 



Overview of the Course:

Themes for Each Month

Month 1          Exploring the Archetype of the Maiden

  Session 1   April 11    The Maiden: What does it mean to unearth and release toxic patterns of thinking about your younger self?  We will look at how unhealthy archetypes of the maiden that we carry in our bodies.  Whether or not we are aware of it, we carry within us the ancient stories of  goddess such as Persephone, Eve, Pandora, and Philomena. We will explore and revision their stories of being  scapegoated, shut down or worse for qualities such as curiosity, agency, boldness. Through Intuitive painting we will begin to reclaim the positive qualities within the Maiden archetype.
​

  Session 2    April 25    Doll Making and Sharing Session #1 Introduction to various techniques to make simple wrapped doll bodies. You will have a chance to practice these techniques in this making session so that you can further explore them over the next month. You are invited to make a representation of a maiden figure as a means of reclaiming the "juice" of the feminine divine in her maiden form. We will explore ways of revisioning the maiden story into a more positive and hopeful archetype.


Month 2          Exploring the Archetypes the Mother/Madonna

  Session 3   May 9    The Mother: Exploring, releasing and unearthing toxic patterns of thinking about the mother-the ways in which mothers are unacknowledged, blamed, overburdened, made to be overly responsible?  Exploration with Ishtar, Inanna, Isis, Europa, the Black Madonna and the Marys. We will reclaim the aspects of these powerful goddesses from the ways in which they have been shut down, attacked, and ignored by the over-culture out of fear of their power. Intuitive painting with the Mother/Madonna. 
                                                                                                                              
   Session 4   May 23       Doll Making and Sharing Session #2 We will continue our learning about doll-making, with a focus on the body.  We will look at the mother story as an archetype, however and whenever you have experienced yourself as mothering others and yourself. You will be encouraged to create a mother doll, again revisioning the mother/madonna archetype in the old stories.
                                                                                                                             

Month 3          Exploring the Archetype of the Crone and a New Vision of Old Age and of Death
                                                                                                                                          

Session 5   June 6      The Crone: The Crone is one of the most powerful archetypes from the ancient stories.  We will explore stories of crones from fairy tales and myth such as Baba Yaga, Kali, Hecate, and Hel and reclaim their strength, wisdom and power, from the ways in which they were often ignored, vilified or made into dangerous beings. By integrating our inner crone,  we reclaim our place in the Cycle of Life. We will also explore death, both death as an inevitable stage in the cycles of life and death and as a metaphor for those symbolic deaths we experience throughout life, such as losses of loved ones, identities, and illnesses. Explorations with  Intuitive painting with the Crone and Death. 

Session 6   June 20      Final Doll Making and Sharing Session #3  We will explore embellishments to the dolls, and the way in which runes, symbols and animal spirits can amplify the messages our dolls are telling us.  Consider making a powerful talisman doll that integrates what you have learned and explored during the three months of the course. 

​


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What's Included?

​What's included in Maiden, Mother, Crone, Death: 


  • Two-two hour-intimate, no more than 10 participants, sessions a month on Zoom, one to explore archetypes of the ancient feminine and do intuitive painting, the other to work on making a doll or dolls representing your Maiden, Mother, Crone, Death. 
    • Informational and monthly two hour Zoom sessions on the topic of Maiden, Mother Crone
    • Monthly making and sharing sessions about the Maiden Mother Crones dolls being created by participants
  • In-class Instruction on a variety of doll-making techniques
  • Detailed e-book with stories, images and inspiration about the archetypes of the Maiden, Mother Crone and of Death
  • a Facebook group to share your progress on doll-making and share with other doll makers

​Dates and Times:

April 11-June 20. Every second and fourth Thursday, from 3-5 PM EST. Note: we will meet the first and third Thursday in June (for consistent alternate week sessions.) 
Session #1 - April 11
Session #2 - April 25
Session #3 - May 9
Session #4 - May 23
Session #5 - June 6
​Session #6 - June 20

Sessions will be recorded. 


Prices:

Early bird price for MMCD course before March 25th-$250
Regular price for MMCD after March 25th-$290

Early bird price for MMCD plus individual deepening session with Erika-before March 25th-$300

Regular price for MMCD plus individual deepening session with Erika-after March 25th-$340

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. 



Sign up for Maiden,Mother, Crone Death 2024

Maiden, Mother, Crone, Death 2024

$290.00 $250.00

An Invitation to Take a Deep Dive Maiden, Mother Crone, Death: Journey to the Fierce Feminine to Reclaim and Honor the "Juice" of the Transition into Mid to Late Life, Revisiting and Integrating Previous Life Milestones.

Course includes:

Two-two hour-intimate, no more than 10 participants, sessions a month on Zoom, one to explore archetypes of the ancient feminine and do intuitive painting, the other to work on making a doll or dolls representing your Maiden, Mother, Crone, Death. 

  • Informational and monthly two hour Zoom sessions on the topic of Maiden, Mother Crone
  • Monthly making and sharing sessions about the Maiden Mother Crones dolls being created by participants

In-class Instruction on a variety of doll-making techniques

a Facebook group to share your progress on doll-making and share with other doll makers

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Maiden, Mother, Crone, Death 2024- Additional Private Session Level

$340.00 $300.00

An Invitation to Take a Deep Dive Maiden, Mother Crone, Death: Journey to the Fierce Feminine to Reclaim and Honor the "Juice" of the Transition into Mid to Late Life, Revisiting and Integrating Previous Life Milestones.

Includes everything in the course, plus 1:1 deepening session with Erika, course facilitator, to be arranged at your convenience.

Shop
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  • Welcome
  • Gallery
    • Flip Dolls >
      • Large Scale Flip Dolls
      • Shadow Flip Dolls
      • Alter Ego Flip Doll Exhibit
    • Healing Crone Dolls
    • Ancestor Dolls
    • Fairy Tale Dolls
    • Original Dolls
  • Workshops and Resources 2025
    • Other Doll Art Resources >
      • Videos and other Resources
      • Other Doll Artists
  • Storefront
    • Dolls
  • About Erika...
  • Blog