FALL2025 The Enchanted Apothecary

Enchanted Apothecary

Taught by:

Phoebe Stout

Offered:

Thursday, September 4th
OPEN

Friday, September 5th
OPEN

Experience level: all levels

Let’s dive into the play and exploration we enjoyed as kids making magic with foraged finds.

Phoebe regularly gathers bits while out and about on her daily walks that she carries back to her studio. There, they are blended with other elements (found and made) into an ever-growing collection of enchanted apothecary jars.

These delightful, one-of-a kind jars marry Phoebe’s love of all things botanical with a deep connection to story and myth.

In this class, we will be creating an enchanted apothecary jar using both found bits of nature surrounding us in the woods and down by the lake, as well as dried plants, flowers, berries, and leaves that Phoebe will be bringing from her cherished collection.

Watch how an empty jar becomes a blank canvas
for a fantastical tale just waiting to be written!

While the foraged findings that fill the jars are certainly real, the transformation happens as we tap into our intuition to create make-believe herbs or remedies by the creation of imaginary names and stories to accompany them. By the end of class, you will find that each jar is its own finished work of art. The jar will travel home with each participant to sit on a shelf, mantle, or bedside table and serve, not only as a wonderful reminder of our magical time at Squam, but the magic that lies within each of us.

  • Spending time with natural elements from our surroundings promotes
    connection to the earth.
  • Foraging sparks a curiosity to appreciate plants and “weeds” that may
    otherwise go unnoticed.
  • The enchanted remedies we create, while originating solely from our imaginations, will be a balm for the sometimes heaviness of real life. A comforting tale when we need one, or a reminder to dream.
  • Beyond the pure joy of creating this magical jar, the skills learned in this class are easily used to transform your real-life herb jars into a spice rack worthy of a period film set.


The class will combine a number of creative techniques and skills, including:
– drying flowers, leaves, and berries
– naturally dyeing paper to create labels for the jars
– using quill pens for writing names and drawing borders on labels
– distressing / aging glass, paper, and cork
– creating interesting closures for jars, inspired by historical references
– creative writing (if so desired – a recipe, enchantment, or “uses for the contents” could be written and affixed to the jar using a wax seal.)

 

Kit fee: 25 USD

Materials:

Phoebe will bring her extensive collection of fairy tale, fantasy, and enchanted forest books to help spark imagination and prompt our own playful storytelling.

While all supplies for the class with be provided, students may bring, if they desire: their own dried flowers, plants, or magical bits to add their jars.

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