A child grabs a rubber stamp and makes various colorful prints with it on a piece of a paper; he adds his artistic touch here and there and then politely creases it into a card.

It may not have the aesthetic appeal of a store-bought card, and then again it might very well exceed it, but regardless of its artistic qualities it remains a gift from the heart. This, according to the Firehouse Art Center, 444 S. Flood Ave., is the aim of its many holiday workshop classes to be held this December.

"Handmade gifts are a sentimental way to express appreciation for someone close to you," said Lana Wilkens, Firehouse events coordinator.

Wilkens said the yearly workshops are held in order to offer the opportunity for people to create gifts from the heart and learn something new about art as well. Each workshop to be held this season will focus on a different process of creating art as well as a variety of fine art media.

The art center will be holding 20 unique workshops this December and they will be more than just for children, Firehouse instructor Jayne Hughes said. Classes can include anyone from age six to 96 and crafts to be made will include such things as candles, necklaces, cards, ornaments, keepsake boxes and more.

"This has been the biggest year and we've never had this many workshops," Hughes said. "And [students] get a bit more instant gratification."

After one workshop session, Hughes said students can expect to have their projects fully completed.

Hughes will be teaching one particular class for ages 16 and up on making crocheted wire necklaces. She said the necklaces, crocheted with sterling silver and beads, seem to be particularly appealing to college students. In the past many members of sororitiess have visited the art center to make individual necklaces or bracelets with their sorority's colors in them.

For those with children, Hughes said there are many classes that serve purposes for both the child and the parent.

"I'm one of the three instructors for the Santa's Little Workshop class and basically we wanted it long enough for parents to go out shopping," Hughes said.

The three hour class allows the children to create three different projects and take breaks while also allowing parents to accomplish shopping or other tasks during the time.

Classes will be taught by various instructors, Hughes said, some of who are OU graduates and students.

Amy Patterson, early education senior and an employee at the gallery, is hoping to help teach some of the holiday workshops.

"I just would like to work with the kids," Patterson said.
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