Creative Evenings at Boxwood

Hosting workshops at Boxwood has become one of my favorite parts of what we do, especially watching what happens once everyone settles in around the table. Yes, I love seeing what everyone creates and takes home at the end of the night, but for me, it has become about so much more than that. I love seeing friends come in together for a night out, someone arrive on their own and end up making a new friend, the conversations that start across the table, and all the laughter that seems to happen along the way. There is just something about being together, learning something new, and using our hands to create that gives everyone permission to slow down for a couple of hours.

And I have to admit, I also love seeing Boxwood after hours. The shop takes on a completely different feeling when the doors are closed, the glasses are poured, and everyone is gathered around the table creating something.

This October we have three very different creative evenings planned. Jewelry, flowers, and needlepoint are all on the calendar, taught by three incredibly talented local women we are so excited to welcome to the shop.

Pearls & Prosecco

Thursday, October 15 | 7 pm–9 pm

Pearls, colorful gemstones, charms, and a glass of bubbly? This one was pretty easy for us to say yes to.

For Pearls & Prosecco, Melanie Idler of Watermelan Designs is bringing her charm bar inside Boxwood for an evening of jewelry making. Guests will choose from an assortment of pearls and colorful gemstones to design a one-of-a-kind charm necklace on a gold-filled chain. Melanie will finish each piece with a clasp, which means everyone gets to put on their new necklace before heading home.

Melanie has been popping up outside Boxwood since May, and we have loved watching the crowd she attracts. Her necklaces and charms are gorgeous, beautifully made, stylish, and just plain fun. Every time she sets up, there is always something that catches my eye.

Melanie calls Old Town Alexandria home and is the owner and designer behind Watermelan Designs. Inspired by the ocean, she creates colorful, one-of-a-kind jewelry using natural gemstones, pearls, and coral. Her pieces are fun, personal, and designed to make people happy when they wear them.

We think this will be such a fun night to grab a few friends, sip a little Prosecco, play with lots of pretty things, and leave wearing something entirely your own.

Harvest Table Florals

Friday, October 16 | 7 pm–9 pm

It has been a few years since we hosted a floral workshop at Boxwood, and we could not be more excited to bring one back. Floral workshops have always been a favorite around here because, really, who doesn't love fresh flowers? And they are even better when the arrangement was made by hand.

For Harvest Table Florals, Anu Grover of The Blue Hydrangea will guide the class through creating a beautiful fall centerpiece in a soft, neutral palette. Participants will learn how to choose, arrange, and layer seasonal blooms, while adding their own personal touch along the way. Everyone will leave with a finished arrangement ready for a fall gathering, Thanksgiving table, or simply to enjoy at home.

Anu is the owner and creative talent behind The Blue Hydrangea, an elegant floral design business right here in Old Town Alexandria specializing in event florals, bespoke arrangements, and floral design workshops.

While Anu has an established background in law, flowers have long been her creative passion—and it shows. There is so much thought behind her work, from the flowers she chooses to the tiniest details in an arrangement. Her flower selections always feel exactly right for the season or occasion she is designing for, and her hope is a simple one: that the flowers she creates bring people joy.

We have a feeling there will be plenty of that around the table this evening.

Needlepoint: Stitch, Sip & Slow Down

Wednesday, October 28 | 7 pm–9 pm

The name really says it all.

Our Stitch, Sip & Slow Down workshop is a chance to put everything else aside for a little while, pick up a needle and thread, and learn the timeless art of needlepoint with Taylor Heasley, owner of Goldie Mae Needlepoint.

Designed with beginners in mind, Taylor will introduce the fundamentals of needlepoint, from materials and stitches to finishing options, while also sharing why this traditional craft can be such a wonderful way to slow down and create something meant to last.

Each participant will receive a hand-painted canvas, all the materials needed for the project, and a self-finishing pink hydrangea luggage tag to take home. No experience is necessary—just a little patience and a willingness to try something new.

Taylor is an Alexandria native, a third-generation needlepointer, and everyone here at Boxwood absolutely adores her. Her mother taught her to needlepoint when she was just six years old, and she has been stitching, designing, and creating ever since. Her Goldie Mae Needlepoint designs have a wonderful way of honoring the tradition of needlepoint while still feeling fresh, colorful, and fun.

Taylor is also a full-time teacher at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, which probably explains one of the things we love most about her: she is an amazing instructor. She is patient, kind, encouraging, and has a way of making everyone around the table feel comfortable.

And we have a story that says it all—last year, two women who happened to be in Alexandria on a business trip signed up for one of Taylor’s workshops at Boxwood. They enjoyed the class so much that the following month, they traveled back to Alexandria from Texas just to take another class with Taylor. If that doesn't tell you how special an evening with her is, we don't know what will.

And Then There’s Mahjong...

We couldn't talk about workshops at Boxwood without mentioning Mahjong 101.

Our classes have taken off, with most sessions selling out, and we love seeing so many people learning the game around our tables. Because of the demand, we have added two more Mahjong 101 classes in November and another two in December.

We especially love the idea of taking a class during the holiday season. It is something fun to do with family or friends visiting from out of town, and a Mahjong class also makes a pretty great experience to give as a gift.

And because an evening at Boxwood wouldn't be complete without a little shopping, workshop participants receive 15% off their Boxwood purchases on the evening of their class, excluding consignment items.

Three October evenings. Three very different things to make. And three wonderful reasons to grab a friend—or come on your own—and spend a little time around the table with us.

SEE ALSO: A Special Day with Maison Venu