Milton Library hosts CRAFTer Dark, a monthly program geared toward adults. The goal is to provide programs that make art/crafts accessible to all skill levels in such a way that each participant produces a stunning piece, even with no prior experience.
December’s CRAFTer Dark invited adult participants to unwind, experiment, and create during an evening of mixed media art inspired by winter trees. While the project offered a suggested theme, artists were encouraged to follow their own ideas—and the results reflected a range of personal styles and interpretations.
We began the evening working on watercolor paper, where participants used both traditional and metallic watercolors to paint abstract designs. These shimmering washes of color would later become the trees themselves, so there was plenty of room to play with blending, layering, and texture. Optional metallic accents added subtle shine, making each painted sheet feel special and full of movement.
While the watercolor paper dried, attention shifted to the canvas. Participants painted their canvases with blue acrylic paint, creating cool, wintery backgrounds. This step laid the foundation for the final composition.
Once the watercolors were dry, participants returned to them and began cutting out tree shapes. Each tree was completely unique, shaped by the original abstract watercolor designs. White gel pens were used to add fine details—lines, dots, and patterns that suggested snow-covered branches or added visual interest.
The trees were then arranged and glued onto the painted canvases, bringing the mixed media elements together into a cohesive piece. As a final layer, participants could add snow details using Q-tips and white acrylic paint, creating gentle snowfall effects across the scene. Pre-cut white paper snowflakes were available for those who wanted a more graphic touch, and clear rhinestones offered an optional finishing sparkle.
The completed artworks were stunning, ranging from serene winter forests to bold, imaginative designs that stretched beyond the original theme. December’s CRAFTer Dark was a wonderful blend of relaxation and creativity, giving participants time to explore materials, try new techniques, and leave with a piece of art that captured their own version of winter. We loved seeing how each artist made the project their own and look forward to the creativity the new year will bring. ✨🎨❄️
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Add a comment to: CRAFTer Dark – December: Winter Trees