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January 9, 2025
Hi, friends . . . 
 
Here we are - nine steps into the new year already. January, one of my favorite months, is not only a door into new beginnings, but also is a time of rest. Winter calls us indoors to rest and to quiet. In the stillness of this season, we recharge our spirits and prepare for the new growth that spring will bring. 
 
Coming off the giving season of Christmas, now its time to do something for you. We all need to refill ourselves and one way to do that is to create. 
 
We have several opportunities this month to nourish your creative self. Even if you think you aren't very creative, trying something new can help us grow. If you think you don't have time, here's a gentle reminder that you are in control of your time, and dedicating a couple hours for yourself is OK. You need to be replenished, your own cup needs to be filled. 
 
This weekend is pottery weekend here at Bella. We are excited to have local potter, Dorothee Pfundt, here teach workshops on Saturday AND Sunday! Come create something beautiful with Dorothee. More details on her classes are below. 
 
I'm looking forward to another year at the shoppe. We are open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in January.  Lots of new awaits you when you visit. But mostly I hope you'll come and feel the peace of this place. A little time to step away from whatever you are dealing with. Leave it at the door, and when you pick it up again, I hope it feels lighter. 
 
Blessings on your day.
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The Kind of Quiet That Wakes Us Up
When words refuse to come, I borrow someone else's. This week I'd like to share a podcast by Emily P Freeman. It's a beautiful reminder of how to quiet the body and mind so the soul can be heard. I hope you'll take a few minutes to listen to it. You can also read it here.  

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I am delighted to offer a new line of beautiful botanical designs on tea towels, journals, planners, and stationary from Botanical Paper Co. They are a small, family-run stationary brand based in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Their designs are quite lovely whether in your kitchen or on your desk. 
 
I'm also making them available to purchase online. You can pick up instore this weekend, or have your order shipped to you. Below are three in our online shop. 

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Ceramic Tray or Wall Pocket
Saturday, January 11 @ 10 am
Create a beautiful tray or wall pocket from slab clay imprinted with evergreens, doilies, or decorative embossers. You'll also have several color of glaze finishes to choose from. Class will be taught by local potter, Dorothee Pfundt. Following the class, Dorothee will take the trays to fire and glaze, and return them to Bella Botanica for pickup in about 3 weeks.

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Ceramic Tray or Vase Class
Sunday, January 12 @ 1 pm
Create a beautiful tray or vase from slab clay imprinted with evergreens, doilies, or decorative embossers. You'll also have several color of glaze finishes to choose from. Class will be taught by local potter, Dorothee Pfundt. Following the class, Dorothee will take the trays to fire and glaze, and return them to Bella Botanica for pickup in about 3 weeks.

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Needle-Felted Gnome Workshop
Saturday, January 25 @ 10 am
Learn how to make a cute gnome using needle-felting techniques. Instructors, Lydia Thomas and Sue Dorn, will lead you step-by-step. Other colors are available. Gnome is about 6 inches tall and can be attached to a small birch slice. 

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Vintage Valentine Collage Necklace
Saturday, February 1 @ 10 am
Create two special necklaces, one for yourself and one for your valentine, in this workshop. Participants will use vintage valentines and decorative paper to create two heart-shaped pendants. No previous experience necessary. All supplies included. Plan on 1.5 hours. Taught by artist, Tiffany Knopow.

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If you enjoyed this newsletter, please share it with a friend. 
Until next time, you can find me on Instagram  @bellabotanicaboutique or if you are a fellow plant geek, follow along as I post plant pics @beautyseekr. 
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1787 Walworth Street
Springfield, Wisconsin 53176, United States