TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING DOLLS
  • 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
    • Tending Your Inner Garden: Imbolc Celebration >
      • Imbolc Materials List
    • Private Individual Sessions with Erika
  • About Erika...
  • Blog

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

COURSE NOW CLOSED for 2022
PictureHieros Gamos side of a talisman flip doll in progress. Soft sculpture and mixed media.
 an ON-LINE OFFER:

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

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. 




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, with the option of making a flip doll if you choose
  • learn about the historic flip doll, as a possible modality among others and how it can help you to integrate the maiden, mother, crone and death within you. 
  • 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 

tent
Tentative  Dates:

Enrollment Starts                       January 2023
Early Bird Deadline                     February 2023
Sign up Deadline                        March 2023
Course Begins                           March 2023
                 Course Ends                           tentative  June 2023
​
Testimonials about a similar doll-making course, Befriending Our Shadow: 

"I was drawn to the class because the exploration promised spoke keenly to my soul. I wanted to learn more about embracing the shadow side and expressing the journey in a doll. I found the experience to be exhilarating, terrifying, gratifying, and fun. 

This workshop series delivered on the stated goals, and more. Erika nurtured an environment of support, wisdom sharing, safe space, and creativity. We grew to trust one another with our fears, our ideas, and our deep thoughts. I never made a doll before. I never imagined making a doll before this class…Making my doll…forced me to think long and hard…In the end, the process helped me to find a modicum of peace and acceptance.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this workshop series. I looked forward to our weekly meetings. Our time together was a combination of practical tips, meditation, sharing, coaching one another, and enjoying the company of talented, strong women. Erika’s facilitation style is supportive, gentle, and inviting. She valued every one of us. She welcomed our creativity and celebrated our outcomes. 

Angela Roberts
Picture


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 some basic knowledge of sewing could be helpful. There is room for experimentation for more experienced sewers.
  • 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.
  • Do I need to have made a doll before? No, I will be providing instruction in the class on various ways to make a doll and you will be suppported 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.
  • Do I have to make a flip doll? 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 and can serve as a useful model for holding all parts of the maiden, mother, crone, death archetypes. This is just one among many options of possible doll-making techniques. You may be drawn to another sort of doll for this class and I will be providing a lot of support for whichever kind of doll you want to make. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Again, isn't there a better platform than Facebook? I hear everyone's concerns about FB. I share them, too. And right now, the easiest way to do this is on FB. So, that's what we'll be doing this round. Please know I am actively researching other options for the future, and look forward to finding an even better way to do this.
  • 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
Picture
"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. It seemed that it would open some new directions, and I wasn’t wrong…
 
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. The process is ongoing. And, you get a really cool doll at the end.
 
I really enjoyed seeing and hearing about everyone else’s dolls. I so appreciated being allowed into their process…I felt we became a supportive and safe community. Amazing women, so heart-opening, creative. Very good facilitating."


Linda McNutt

​ Initially, I was concerned that my limited sewing skills and lack of access to fabric supplies would slow me down. However, that was not the case. Instead, I was able to create my doll with a repurposed vintage linen napkin and a piece of worn out denim. I assembled my doll with a simple running stitch, back stitch and an assortment of decorative stitches for embellishments.

This workshop appealed to me because I was experiencing a life changing event and was looking for a meaningful way to channel my creativity. 

This workshop is not just about “making a doll”. Erika has carefully curated a multi layered approach to guide each participant along their own unique path to self-discovery. 

Gail Saour
Picture

Additional Testimonials:
To read testimonials for a related course, Befriending Our Shadow. 


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.   
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 a materials list and a welcome introduction to the course, which will guide you in creating your Maiden, Mother, Crone, Death doll. Over the three month time frame of the course, you will receive prompts and information before each session to prepare you for what we will be covering. 
 
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: begins TBD 2023. 

​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       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  Persephone, Eve, Pandora, and Philomena who were scapegoated, shut down or worse for qualities such as curiosity, agency, boldness. We will explore some of these stories and practice Intuitive painting with the Maiden to begin to reclaim these qualities. 
​

  Session 2        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. 


Month 2          Exploring the Archetypes the Mother/Madonna

  Session 3       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          Doll Making and Sharing Session #2 Focus on bodies and faces. Looking at archetypal body forms of ancient times. Shedding our lens with relation to what bodies are supposed to look like. Introduction to various techniques for making bodies.
                                                                                                                             

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

Session 5         The Crone: The Crone archetype holds some of the most painfully toxic stories from the overculture. We will explore stories of crones from fairy tales and myth such as Baba Yaga, Kali, Hecate, and Hel and reclaim them from the ways they have been vilified and ignored in our culture. 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         Final Doll Making and Sharing Session #3 Talismans that integrate the three faces of the goddess, Mother, Maiden and Crone. Consider making a talisman flip doll that integrates what you have learned and explored during the first two months. We will also explore embellishments to the dolls, and the way in which runes, symbols and animal spirits can amplify the messages our dolls are telling us. 

​
tent Month 4 Death TBD

"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
Picture

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

​Dates and Times:

TBD

Sessions will be recorded. 


Prices:

TBD

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. 



COURSE NOW CLOSED for 2022
Picture

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

Submit
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • 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
    • Tending Your Inner Garden: Imbolc Celebration >
      • Imbolc Materials List
    • Private Individual Sessions with Erika
  • About Erika...
  • Blog