:: Creative Escape's blog ::

Off to a fresh start....

2010-06-21T16:45:00.003+08:00

I'm off to a freash new start in Sydney and Creative Escape is moving into a new chapter!!!

Neena Ali, founder of Chalk and Ali (www.chalkandali.com)has taken over the studio and will soon have a fabulous new "creative escape" ready for you to enjoy!!

Thank you all for your support and kindness while watching Creative Escape grow over the years. I will miss it dearly but the time has come to pass the torch and watch the creative flare of the studio grow....

Thank you and wish me luck!!

Arden xx

BIG NEWS....... I'm moving to a bigger island!!!!

2010-04-13T16:01:00.000+08:00

I'm excited to announce that new opportunities have presented themselves and I will be embarking on another adventure and relocating to Sydney!

Part of the process unfortunately, means that from mid-May Creative Escape as you know it will no longer be operating in Singapore. However, we will be here for you and in business until then. . .

. . .But nothing would mean more to me than to see Creative Escape continue beyond this!!

So...? Does this open an exciting opportunity for you or someone out there? Would you or someone you know like to jump at the chance to own your own Creative Escape? All it needs is a little imagination and spark and you could be taking Creative Escape into a new chapter!!

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested in this rare opportunity.

Creative Escape has been a labor of love for me for almost five years. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey and unbelievable learning experience. I have watched my dream of Creative Escape come true and to have had the honour of sharing it with all of you, some of the most colourful and creative people I have met.

Thank You and I will miss it!!!

Sincerely,

Arden Williams

Creative Escape

Easter Creative Escape

2010-03-05T08:21:00.004+08:00

Join us for a few hours of getting creative and crafty for Easter!!

Painting pottery and textiles, paper crafts, Easter gifts and more….

This 2-hour kids drop off session is fully dedicated to Easter crafts

All crafts are suitable for ages 6 and up.

$60 inclusive of all materials

Friday, April 2nd from 10-12pm //
Saturday, April3rd 2-4pm

March at Creative Escape....

2010-02-26T08:26:00.004+08:00

Getting March off to an exciting start we are proud to announce

***A fresh new calendar look: Our calendar of workshops, classes and special events has just got easier to use!

Apart from its sleek new appearance all scheduled events now have direct links to course descriptions and registration

***The latest new studio offering... introducing "Precious Prints"!!!

Precious Prints

2010-02-26T07:00:00.008+08:00

Precious Prints: a cherished keepsake of your little prince & princess unique fingerprint, captured in fine silver to treasure for a lifetime. Each piece of jewellery is as unique & individual as your child!

The Precious Prints Escape Route:

1) Make an appointment to visit the studio with your child to take their fingerprint impressions (takes approximately 15-30mins)

2) Select your charm shape (heart, flower, teardrop, circle etc)

3) Choose a finish (high polished silver or brushed satin finish)

4) Specify engraving (name, birth date...)

5) Choice of adding a sterling silver chain, bracelet, key ring or transform them into cufflinks

Your pieces will be finished and ready for collection within 14 days.

A truly precious gift for all occasions, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthdays, proud grandparents, just because days...

Additional information:

* There is no age limit, although, the impression / fingerprint your child makes gets better and develops with age. Every child is different and the clarity of the impression is unique to each child, it is possible to take a good impression by 4-5 months of age. Precious prints are not restricted to babies alone we can make charms at any age even adults.

** Prints will be kept for 6 months for easy re-ordering.

*** Charms are made in fine (99.5%) silver. All additional silver components (cufflink backing, chains etc) are made from sterling (92.5%) silver.

**** Prior confirmed appointments must be made via email at create@creative-escape.com.sg or by calling the studio at 6732 4262

Pricing:

Each charm shape is individually priced and start from $40. There is no additional charge for engraving or specific finish.

For any additional information please don't hesitate to contact us at
create@creative-escape.com.sg

February's Creative Workshop Schedule....

2010-01-27T09:51:00.004+08:00

Celebrating another New Year's this month with Chinese New Years, we have added another "NEW" workshop...

* NEW Handmade Bath & Body Products ~ A workshop for a little creative and personal pampering...

For February's full workshop schedule please visit our website

In order register for any of our workshops please do so at least 2 days prior to the workshop through the PayPal drop down menu provided under the description of the particular workshop. For easy navigation to a certain workshop use the category tags on the right hand side.

Handmade Bath & Body Products

2010-01-27T08:55:00.005+08:00

Create and design your own bath & body products from scratch!

Mixing pure essential oils, organic lavender and chamomile flowers, natural sea salts and a plethora of ingredients to design your own products.

Bath Bombs, Salt Scrubs, & Skin Softening Powders

$65 inclusive of all materials, recipes and decorative packaging

Book Binding ~ Coptic Stitch

2010-01-27T08:41:00.005+08:00

Learn traditional binding techniques to create a sleek, stylish, and functional book from scratch!! Choose from a variety of printed and solid papers and various embellishments to make your own distinctive creation!

A coptic binding is a beautiful finish to any handmade book. Learn to stitch an open-spine binding in which the cover and text pages are held together with a series of exposed stitches. Show off your bookbinding and sewing skills with this technique!

Fee: $55 inclusive of all materials to create an A5 book

Sewing ~ Fashion Series

2010-01-08T10:34:00.007+08:00

These 4 class series are geared toward beginner sewers and are full hands-on project based classes that will have you sporting your new fashion in no time!!

The first class focuses on sewing basics and using the sewing machine. We’ll make an
attractive scarf which will give you additional practice with fundamental skills.
Over the next three classes, you’ll complete your choice of either a skirt or a tunic
made from a pattern from our shop’s selection. You’ll learn how to shop for
appropriate fabric, use a commercial pattern, fit your garment as you progress,
and end up with a finished wardrobe piece that you will be proud to wear
everywhere

Fee: $300
The 4 class series includes pattern and notions. You will need to provide fabric according to pattern requirements.

Dates & Time:
Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 9pm: March 16th, 23rd, April 6th & 13th

Starting 2010...

2010-01-04T19:53:00.003+08:00

As we start off 2010 we couldn't resist adding a few "NEW" things for the New Year...

~ a full calendar of workshops for January is now on the website with new Open Session time slots

~ new party packages are now on offer & the online flyer can be downloaded from the website

~ a new added jewellery workshop "Dichroic Glass Bird Nest" pendants has been put on the calendar

~ a new Gallery Link to our website!

Hope you enjoy!

Dichroic Glass Wire Bird Nest

2010-01-04T19:31:00.006+08:00

Add a delicate touch to a dichroic glass cabochon with this fancy wire work.

Such a versatile technique that can be used with beads or glass cabs to create pendants, ornaments, broach, scarf pins, collage....

Fee: $65 inclusive of all materials to make 2 pendants (a variety of colours of dichroic glass cabochons on offer)

Copper Piercing 101

2009-10-28T14:52:00.011+08:00

Piercing (or sawing metal) is an invaluable skill in jewellery making.

Break out the tools, take a seat at the workbench & have a laugh while learning the basics of piercing sheet metal to create delicate and decorative jewellery.

$60 full use of all tools and inclusive of 10cm x 7cm of copper sheet

Vintage Inspired Enameled Charms

2009-10-28T14:48:00.011+08:00

Enameling is quick, fun and a fab replica retro & vintage charms fix.

Transform shaped copper blanks with special glass powders, decals and decorating materials to create funky charms. Ideal for colourful pendants, earrings, wine charms….

$55 inclusive of starter kit of copper blanks

Fused Glass Jewellery

2009-10-28T14:45:00.007+08:00

Create stunning glass jewellery using colourful art glass and brilliant metallic dichroic glass.

This project based workshop takes you from the beginning with cutting glass, different layer techniques and use of a variety of materials to create pendants and earrings, cufflinks or rings.

**This is an introductory workshop which does not require any pre-requisite class

$80 inclusive of all materials

**pieces created in this workshop will need to be kiln fired and will be ready for collection within the week.

Book Binding ~ Japanese Stitch

2009-10-28T14:40:00.011+08:00

Japanese style bookbinding is ideal for notepads, journals, sketchbooks, albums and of course a perfect gift for any book lover.

A versatile style which can vary from very simple to very complex. Learn the basics of creating a book from scratch, using a method that will leave you to explore creative developments in your handmade books to come!

$55 inclusive of all materials

We Have MOVED!!!

2009-10-08T10:35:00.002+08:00

Thank you all for your patience and understanding over the past couple of weeks while we have been getting our new studio up and running.

It was a great deal of work but we are very very excited to have our new stylish studio ready for you to enjoy!!

Visit us at:

Looking forward to seeing you all soon

Arden

Open Studio Sessions

2009-10-08T10:28:00.004+08:00

Our "Open Studio" sessions are the perfect opportunity to come in and use the studio outside of our set workshops and classes.

Ideal for pottery painting, t-shirt and apron painting, glassware painting, baby hands & Feet prints on pottery and much much more...

Let your creativity flow, relax and enjoy a little "creative escape"

Visit our calendar for times and dates

* Open Studio sessions are 2 hour sessions within the hours stated
**bookings are recomended
***glass fusing and silver jewellery require our pre-requisite taster class before able to be part of the open studio sessions

We're Relocating!!!!!

2009-09-15T07:11:00.003+08:00

PMC Silver Jewellery Workshops

2009-08-18T11:43:00.016+08:00

Silver has always been recognised as a high valued precious metal.

Precious Metal Clay (PMC) brings this incredible material into to your own creative design possibilities and in its finest form 99.9% fine silver!

The possibilities are endless....

Introduction courses (Silver Leaves & Silver Charms) are offered as a chance to try your hand working with PMC.

Silver Charms

A taste of making your own silver charms using PMC Silver Clay.

Try you hand at this incredible metal clay that leaves you with you own unique pure silver jewellery. Your imagination will go wild...

During this 2 hour introductory workshop we will take you through handcrafting & designing a pendant or charms using texturing techniques.

Cost: $65 (inclusive of 7grams of clay)

Silver Leaves

Become inspired by the gift of nature.

Create stunning silver leaves using real leaves and recycled silver paste. Each and every one will be unique, exclusive and truly capture nature’s beauty.

$35 plus silver (silver is based on weight of silver used)

Silver Clay Open Sessions

This is a perfect addition to continue polishing your skills after our introductory classes. Learn different techniques & steps that will have you customising your own jewellery.

Advance your skills with ring design, stone setting, silver lace and much more...

Each technique will take 1 – 2 session for completion.

Cost: Each session is $35 for up to 2 hours. (Does not include materials but does includes full instruction, resource books, select tools and kiln use)

***Please make an appointment via email at create@creative-escape.com.sg. These sessions are held during our open sessions. An introduction workshop of Silver Charms is a pre-requite.

Glass Fusing Taster

2009-08-18T11:34:00.013+08:00

Glass fusing opens up a huge range of creative design possibilities....

Our taster is the perfect experience to try your hand at designing with glass to create stunning one of a kind jewellery or decorative ornaments.

Curious what it’s all about?? Learn a bit about glass, glass cutting and how layer and fuse coloured glass to create unique art glass jewellery or ornaments.

Choose from either a taster in Jewellery, where you will personally handcraft unique pendants & a set of earrings or cufflinks, or our Ornamental taster, where you will be designing and creating a set of coasters.

Cost: $80(inclusive of all glass materials and tools for set project)
Pre-requisite for all other glass fusing classes

Play some more...

Loved the experience of working with glass?! Here's your opportunity to develop your skills learned in the taster workshop and continue experimenting! Move through our different project based workshops....

Glass Fused Jewellery - Decals and Dichro

Follow up from the Jewellery Taster and work more in depth with decals and brilliant dichroic glass. Images in glass and that metallic sparkly shine will have you proud to say you made them yourself!

Ornamental Fused Glass – From Flat to Draped
Go beyond flat … This workshop we will be designing with art glass to create a “blank” that will be transformed by draping over a floral form mold. The result - an intriguing free form ornament. No two are ever the same …

Ornamental Fused Glass – Slumping?

During this exciting workshop you will be learning tips and tricks for design glass that will then be slumped into a mold to take on its shape. Handcraft a decorative dish, plate or bowl from coloured art glass.

Tack Fusing

Play with a different firing schedule that will leave you with dimensional glass pieces. This technique can be used for either jewellery or ornaments.

***Please make an appointment via email at create@creative-escape.com.sg. These sessions are held during out open sessions and scheduled glass fusing times. The Glass Taster is a pre-requite for all following classes

Open Sessions

2009-07-06T20:18:00.005+08:00

Our "open sessions" are times dedicate for you to come and use the studio outside of set classes and workshops. Feel free to try your hand at a variety of crafts on offer.

Paint Your Own Pottery, Glassware, T-shirts, Aprons, and more!

Open Session ~ Escape Plan

1. Pick a craft
2. Pay the Studio Fee of $25 (for up to 2 hours).
3. Pay individually for what you use that isn’t included
in the studio fee (pottery, t-shirt, glass etc)
4. Create, relax and above all have fun!!

**All additional materials must be paid on the day of use.
**Studio time cannot roll over to a subsequent date.

For Open Session Time & Dates visit our calendar

Crafty & Creative Parties

2009-07-06T19:29:00.007+08:00

A unique party experience is one your child, guests and you will always remember. At Creative Escape we offer a variety of crafty and creative parties to suit all individuals.

Visit our website to download our full party menu or email us for more details

Pottery Painting Parties

One of our most popular birthday party packages ~ Paint Your Own Pottery is the ideal craft for any age & ability. Providing creative fun & a lasting memento for everyone!

Full instruction is provided from your own personal party host, loads of paint colours to choose from, decorating materials and inspiration are all at your disposal. A party favour in itself!!

Polymer Clay Jewellery Design Party

The ideal choices for any girl that loves to accessorise!

A party where all the guests become jewellery designers for the day! With a little creativity and flare, create own hip and funky set of chunky beads from colourful polymer clay. Walk away adorning your very own necklace and bracelet set!

Copper on Fire Enamelling Party

Watch the transformation happen before your eyes....turn copper blanks into colourful accessories using special glass powders. There is no limit on how creative you can get. Viola - personalised jewellery!!

Visit our website to download our full party menu or email us for more details....

Frequently Asked Questions

2009-07-06T13:27:00.007+08:00

When can I visit the studio?
Creative Escape’s opening hours correspond to our schedule of Workshops and Open Sessions. If you haven’t booked into a workshop but would like to see the studio for yourself please visit during our Open Sessions (see calendar for details). If these times don’t suit you please call to arrange an appointment.

How do I register for a workshop or class?
In order to register for our classes please book and pay online through our blog at http://crea-escape.blogspot.com (for quick search please use category labels from home page).

Registration must be completed at least 2 days prior to start of the workshop.

For Open Session the studio fee is payable upon online registration and additional material costs will be charged on the day itself. Please note that at the studio we accept all modes of payment except NETS.

You do not need a PayPal account to submit a payment by credit card. Simply follow the instructions provided by PayPal.

What happens if I have registered but cannot make the class?
If for any reason you need to cancel your workshop, refunds will only be made with a 3 day notice period. If you would like to transfer to a different session a $5.00 transfer fee will be applicable and due to available space.

Were is Creative Escape located?
Our address is 75 Kim Yam Road, #02-01, Singapore 239371. However please listen.... The entrance to the studio is from Tong Watt Road not Kim Yam. In locating us here are a few tips.. There is no way to get to the studio if you are on Kim Yam Road. Follow the road around the block to Tong Watt Road and you will find us at number 75.

If you have any problems at all please call us at 6732 4262

Interested in joining our team?
Creative Escape is always looking for vibrant, passionate and enthusiastic people looking to lead unique workshops. We welcome all suggestions for workshops.

If you are interested in joining our team please contact us with the following proposal information.

Workshop requirement:

- All workshops must be able to be completed in a 2-3 hour time frame
- Beginner skill level

Proposal requirement:

- A bit of info about yourself
- Outline of workshop
- Photos of craft or online portfolio or shop
- Day and night availability

Please submit all proposals to arden@creative-escape.com.sg. After proposal submission is reviewed we will get back to you shortly.

Please browse through Creative Escape’s website at www.creative-escape.com.sg to gain an understanding of how our studio set up and workshops are conducted.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

When in doubt??
Give us a call or drop us and email and we would be happy to assist you!!

Tel: 6732 4262
Email: create@creative-escape.com.sg

Passed Mid-Week Getaways...

2009-04-11T11:00:00.014+08:00

Join us every Wednesday Evening from 7 to 9pm where we will explore a different craft each week! Getways start at just $25 and includes instruction, light refreshments and basic materials. The evening's additional materials fee will depend on the craft. Wine and coffee are also available at an extra charge.

April 29th 2009 - PMC Silver Jewellery Design

A taste of making your own Silver Jewellery using PMC Silver Clay.

Try your hand at this incredible metal clay product that leaves you with your own unique pure silver Jewellery. The applications are endless and your imagination will go wild!!

During the Getaway we will be handcrafting and designing a pendant using texturing methods.

Starter Kit Material fee: depends on how much clay you need....Clay sold at $4/gram (for a first project 5-7 grams is recommended)

April 15th 2009 - Glass Texturing

Curious what it’s all about?? Only one way to find out! Join us for our Mid-Week Getaways and discover texturing glass panels with fiber paper. A tactile experience leaving you with a gorgeous end product.

Extra material cost: Depends on glass size, starting from $6.00 for a 6"x6" blank

Wednesday, April 1st - Book Binding

All of us have spent time browsing through blank books at beautiful stationary stores - gorgeous covers, crisp clean pages, ready to have ideas jotted down or sketches and doodles bounce across the pages.

This week's Getaway is a must for the stationary and notebook lover!

Learn to make your own notebooks. The focus of the evening will be on selecting cover paper, preparing the pages, and bringing it all together with a beautiful coptic stitch.

Traditional book binding - a true craft.

March 18th 2009 - Glass Painting

Look around and you'll see evidence of this wide spread trend everywhere - from department store shelves to the windows of chic boutiques and home decor stores!

Today, the popular craft of painting on glass is more accessible and diverse than ever. Why not paint your own glass masterpieces!

Evenings materials cost ~ either bring your own glassware to or purchase ours (prices range from $2.50 - $15)

March 11th 2009 - Knitting & Crochet

It's true - knitting and crochet has made a resurgence as one of today's hip and trendy crafts!! Don't think you have to miss out just because of our ever so hot and humid climate - we have hand picked some fab beginner's projects to start you along the way of knitting for Singapore's climate and for new babies!

Bring your own project or come along and we can fix you up with a starter kit...

Creative Escape is pleased to present our new blog!!

2009-02-06T14:20:00.007+08:00

In order to assist in keeping you up to date with all our new course offerings please navigate through our craft categories to find details and descriptions of all out workshops!

Find a class you like and want to register??

Workshop Registration:

Online registration and payment is coming soon....

In the mean time if you are interested in any of our workshops on offer please email the following information to create@creative-escape.com.sg:

Name of course
Participants names
email address
contact telephone number

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require any further information!

Hope to see you at one of our workshops soon...

Creative Escape has re-opened!!

2009-02-04T08:42:00.003+08:00

With a fresh new look and revamped schedule...
Entering into 2009 we took the opportunity and mixed things up a bit to be able to serve you better. Hope you are as excited as we are about all the changes.

So what's happened..

* We just got COLDER!! New air-con has been installed! Definitely making your experience with us more comfortable!
* We have given our Glass & Jewellery making a new home in our "Orange" room. The ideal workshop set-up provides you with more space to spread out and get creative!
* We have become more course orientated ... we understand hectic lifestyles and that free time is hard to come by. So we have structured our workshops with just that in mind! Series of short workshops and taster courses without the pressure of a long term commitment.

As we changed the studio around we have also revamped our format...

* In line with our new workshop focus, our calendar is packed full of courses to offer you. Please check our calendar on our website.
* As our calendar has changed so have our operating hours. Creative Escape will be open during scheduled workshop/class times and "open sessions".
* The "Open Sessions" are literally that. Come along and try your hand at the range of crafts we offer. "Open sessions" are scheduled on our calendar.
* Our studio is here for you, our customers. We encourage its use!! Should you wish to arrange your own studio sessions outside of those scheduled please do call or email to make an appointment.

And best of all... to assist in keeping you up to date with all that is going on at Creative Escape check our website regularly : www.creative-escape.com.sg.
The website will be updated frequently with new workshops, studio times, & special events.

Thank you for all your support and look forward to seeing you at the studio soon!!

Welcome to Creative Escape

2009-02-03T18:55:00.000+08:00

Creative Escape is not ordinary arts and crafts studio.
Providing you with a tranquil atmosphere to stimulate your creativity and imagination.
Become inspired through our wide range of workshops or visit during our open sessions for a little "creative escape".