Karissa RangelWatercolor has never been my forte. Or at least I thought so for 13 years. Dabbling in the medium during art class in elementary and middle school, my pictures were always…disappointing. The paint ran all over the white page and blended in ways I didn’t like. There had to be something I was missing.
Photo by Karissa Rangel
First hearing about Mint & Maple through Bird Bakery’s Facebook page, I wanted to learn more. Mint & Maple is an Austin-based creative brand founded by Natalie Coulter, specializing in workshops, kits and inspiration. Natalie offers workshops all throughout Texas; her San Antonio classes take place at Bird Bakery at 5912 Broadway Street, including treats from the shop, cupcakes, cookies, sandwiches and drinks.
Photo by Karissa Rangel
Each course—Brush Lettering 101, Watercolor 101 and Modern Calligraphy 101—spans two hours and goes from learning the basics of the skill to making a final project to show off your new talents. Did I mention your supplies are included and yours to keep afterward, so you can continue on your creative journey.
During Watercolor 101, I was excited to finally learn what I was doing wrong all those years ago. Natalie walked us through the basics of watercolor, supplies, techniques and color theory before setting us free to play. Painting was a nice way to clear my mind after a day at work. Groups of friends laughed and painted alongside each other as we grew as a small community of new painters. By the end of the workshop we all set out to make cards that even the Pinterest community would be proud of.
Photo by Karissa Rangel
Not only is Natalie a great artist, she is also a great teacher. She recently launched The Art Journal Kit ; Mint & Maple brings you the instructions and all the supplies you need to get into art journaling. Supplies are hand-chosen by Natalie, including a travel book with watercolor paper, a watercolor set, tools like brushes and pens, and of course the illustrated step-by-step guide to lead you through art journaling. Perfect for holiday gifts, Mint & Maple sells gift cards. They can be applied to the purchase of a place at any of their workshops or The Art Journal Kit.
Photo by Karissa Rangel
Take a leap into creativity and art with Mint & Maple! These workshops are perfect for artists of all levels. You’ll leave creatively inspired and excited to keep going. True story, not even 48 hours later, I have already visited Michaels for a watercolor notepad, and some paints to add to my palette. You heard it hear first; I’m going to be an artist now.
Photo by Karissa Rangel
Visit the Mint & Maple website for a list of their upcoming workshops. The next San Antonio workshop—Brush Lettering 101—is set for January 24, 2018 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bird Bakery. Register today; you might even see me there!