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A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
by Victoria Wise
Last year, when deciding on Madeworthy’s 2026 themes, the idea of hobbies came up. We thought it was the perfect summer reading subject, since traditionally, summertime is when we take time to slow down. We take time to spend the long days with our family, and squeeze in some trips near and far. We do not begrudge those who choose to relax, unwind, and reset by doing absolutely nothing, but for those of us who fnd peace in the "doing" of things, a new hobby might do the trick.
QContributors Question
What’s a hobby you have always wanted to master?
Victoria Silver and goldsmithing. I think I've always wanted to feel like a "real" jewelry designer, since I know how to do technical drawings and make beaded jewelry. Time is ticking, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to learn, much less master it.
David
I've always wanted to be able to play the piano, but my musical ability capped out at "Ode to Joy" on the recorder. I've pivoted to tennis. I want to be great at tennis.
If you know me, you know I fll my time from morning to night doing something. Once I complete my work tasks, home tasks, attend to family needs, and walk the dogs, I reward myself with time to unwind with my hobbies. I may or may not be quite embarrassed if you saw the amount of arts-and-crafts supplies I have amassed, but my favorites to date are watercolor, soft pastels, ceramics, and making beaded jewelry.
My go-to hobby is watercolor, since starting and completing a painting in under 30 minutes is possible thanks to the medium's quick-drying nature and the small paper size I chose. When I know I have two to three hours to get lost in a medium, I choose ceramics, but here’s what no one tells you: you need two to three days to babysit the items you have just made while they dry to leather hard before you can handle them and begin fne-tuning your pieces. Then there is fring, glazing, and fring again. It’s massively labor-intensive, but it also allows you to be one with an earthy substance. It’s the most gratifying art form where you can mold something with your own hands and use fre to make a usable item. My mother-in-law, who holds a master’s degree in ceramics, describes clay as “seductive.” It's a perfect description, so prepare yourself to get lost for days, years, even, in this hobby.
My newest purchase, made this week, is gouache designer paints. Some say gouache is the love child of watercolors and acrylics. I’m excited to learn more about the medium and see
I always wanted to be able to play the piano!
Bonnie
I’ve always wanted to master other basketweaving techniques like coiling and twining.
if I can produce art that I am proud to display.
The cost is relatively inexpensive, and here’s a pro tip for those of you on a budget: search for artists’ tutorials on Instagram, YouTube, and Patreon. You will fnd the look or style you like best, and you can begin following them or subscribing to their channels to learn how to paint. This is exactly how I learned to paint in soft pastels. I found Valerie McKeehan on Instagram and then joined her affordable monthly sessions to learn more. I have sold many pastel paintings that have more than covered the cost of lessons and supplies, and I have found a medium I am passionate about.
(Please do not feel you need to sell an item for a hobby to be valuable. I have four kids, and for me, my hobbies help pay for the extras, and now for college expenses.)
In the pages of this issue, you are going to learn about some very interesting hobbies you can explore. From basket weaving to needlepoint, urban gardening to mahjong, and if those don’t fip your skirt, you’ll read about calligraphy and a special local art infuencer who holds creative sessions at local businesses, and the community their arts build.
Community built around a shared hobby is, shall I say, sublime. Most artists or makers work alone, and some very much
Reading! I've always struggled with how long it takes me to read because of my dyslexia, but this year I fnally stopped caring how long it takes to fnish a book, and I've been getting lost in the characters and plots.
Lee
I would love to be able to play piano like my grandfather, who played by ear. Or sketch and paint like my husband and children. Or sing without causing children to burst into tears. I guess I'll keep crocheting and needlepointing
enjoy doing that. I was always jealous of my mom's art center in Norman, Oklahoma, the Firehouse Art Center, where you could join as a member and take classes in all sorts of art forms. Creatives share a space, each with their own projects, working alongside each other. Why doesn't Fort Worth have a space like this?
Our editor has prepared a spread on Page 13 where you can fnd outlets for your specifc hobby of interest, and on Page 14 are locals who have found a hobby that gives them life. In the digital age, with AI creeping into all aspects of our lives and information coming at us at the speed of light, there is a need for hand-created arts and crafts or pastimes like sailing, fshing, running, reading, cooking, and drink mixing to allow ourselves to slow down and fnd our humanity. Let us know what hobby made this summer more fulflling for you. We want to hear about it!
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Fort Worth Events - July/Aug 2026
Through Mar 1 Cowtown Marathon cowtownmarathon.org
Through Jul 5
Sherlock Holmes & the Adventure of the Ghost Machine stagewest.org
Jul 2
Brunch and Bingo fortworthtx.gov
Jul 2
Celebrate America Wine Walk grapevinetexasusa.com
YOUR HOME
and
Schedule a f ree estimate to protect your largest investment
Jul 4 Fort Worth’s Fourth fortworthsfourth.com
Jul 4
America 250 Golden Jubilee grapevinetexasusa.com
Jul 5
KIDS Cook: All American centralmarket.com
Jul 8
Story Time with the Fire Department fortworthtexas.libcal.com
Jul 9
Second Thursdays at the Carter: Drink & Draw cartermuseum.org
Jul 10
Fête Nationale Française Happy Hour Celebration kimbellart.org
Jul 10-26
Footloose stolenshakespeareguild.org
Jul 10-26
A Twisty Intergalactic Spectacle hippocket.org
Jul 11
Parker County Peach Festival parkercountypeachfestival.org
Jul 11
Reel Adventures: Finding Nemo fwmuseum.org
Jul 11
The Polyphonic Spree tulipsftw.com
Jul 14 & 15
Modern Kids Summer Flicks themodern.org
Jul 15-26
Jul 17
Cuban Family Traditions centralmarket.com
Jul 17
Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters billybobstexas.com
Jul 18
Phoenix Fest featuring CKY at The Rail therailclub.net
Jul 19
Red, White and Blue Half Marathon runsignup.com
Jul 19
Tipps & Obermiller Album Release southsidepreservation.com
Jul 22 through Aug 16
The Shark Is Broken amphibianstage.com
Jul 22
My Favorite Films: The Princess Bride themodern.org
Jul 25
Space Day fwmuseum.org
Jul 25
School of Rock AllStars tulipsftw.com
Jul 25
Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band: Keep the Party Going Tour dickiesarena.com
Jul 28-20
Kids Summer Cooking Camp: Farm to Table haosgrocerycafe.com
Jul 29 through Aug 1
Les Liaisons Dangereuses ntlive.com
Jul 29
Genealogy for Kids fortworthtexas.libcal.com
Jul 30 through Aug 2
Rent: School Edition casamanana.org
Jul 31
French Steakhouse centralmarket.com
Jul 31 through Aug 30
Klook & Vinette jubileetheatre.org
Aug 7-16
Steel Magnolias stolenshakespeareguild.org
Aug 7-30
Raggedy Farm hippocket.org
Aug 7
Marco Antonio Solis: Tour Gratitud 2026 dickiesarena.com
Aug 8
Reel Adventures: How to Train Your Dragon fwmuseum.org
Aug 8
Noah James thepostfw.com
Aug 8
Meach Pango tulipsftw.com
Aug 9
Modigliani and His Secrets kimbellart.org
Aug 9
Disco Cowgirl Market thedistrictatwillowpark.com
Aug 12-30
The Cottage stagewest.org
Aug 14
Hamilton basshall.com
Jul 16 through Aug 6
Sew Easy: A Practical Intro to Sewing my.thewelmanproject.org
Jul 17
Balloon Lab: Animals fortworthtexas.libcal.com
Aug 4
Family Friendly First Tuesday: GAME NIGHT! stagewest.org
Aug 4-9
Suffs basshall.com
Aug 5
Beginner Embroidery fortworthtexas.libcal.com
Teen Jewelry Club fortworthtexas.libcal.com
Aug 15 through Jan 3, 2027
The Statue of Liberty from Bartholdi to Warhol cartermuseum.org
Aug 15 Liberty Talks cartermuseum.org
Aug 18 through Nov 17 Youth Glass Club, Fall 2026 sinacastudios.org
Aug 18
MAMAMOO 2026 dickiesarena.com
Aug 21
Kimbell Casual Friday: Dynasties and Destinies kimbellart.org
Aug 21-23
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily presents The Greatest Show on Earth dickiesarena.com
Aug 22
The Music of Elton John casamanana.org
Aug 24
Panther City Writing Club fortworthtexas.libcal.com
Summer’s here, and that means light dishes with minimal cooking. It also means lots and lots of watermelon – watermelon salads, watermelon soups, or just a great big slice of icy watermelon on a hot summer afternoon. Madeworthy friend Chef Deb Oxman of Savor Culinary Services graciously shared three recipes featuring summer’s happiest ingredient.
Watermelon Gazpacho
Ingredients
4 heaping cups cubed seedless watermelon
1 English or hothouse cucumber, diced (reserve half)
3 medium tomatoes, diced (reserve half)
1 small red bell pepper, diced (reserve half)
1/3 cup chopped green onions (reserve half)
1 garlic clove
Small handful fresh basil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 jalapeño, diced (optional)
Diced avocado (optional garnish)
Microgreens (optional garnish)
Directions
Yellow Tomato and Watermelon Caprese with Mint Pesto
Ingredients
For the salad
2 large yellow (or red) heirloom tomatoes, sliced about ¼ inch thick
3 cups seedless watermelon (yellow and/or red), sliced about ¼ inch thick
1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced about ¼ inch thick
Salt and pepper
Blend the watermelon with half of the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and green onions. Add the garlic, basil, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Blend until smooth.
Transfer to a large bowl and stir in reserved cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and green onions. Chill for at least 3 hours before serving.
To serve, ladle into chilled bowls and garnish with diced avocados and/or microgreens. Serves 6
Watermelon BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
1/4 cup brown sugar
6 ounces tomato paste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons tamari
[Editor's Note: I used low-sodium tamari]
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Directions
Red pepper fakes (optional garnish)
Sprouts (optional garnish)
For the mint pesto
A huge handful fresh mint leaves
A few basil leaves
1 small garlic clove
1/4 cup pine nuts
Juice and zest of 1 small lemon
1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper
Directions
For the mint pesto
In a small food processor, blend the mint, basil, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, andpepper. With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Extra pesto can be stored in the refrigerator to toss with pasta or to top grilled chicken, lamb, or fsh.
For the salad
Arrange the tomato, watermelon, and mozzarella on a plate. Make sure all the pieces are about the same size. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with the mint pesto. Garnish with red pepper fakes and sprouts if wanted. Serves 6.
Puree the watermelon in a blender or food processor. This should yield approximately 3 cups of watermelon puree. Strain the puree through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove any larger chunks.
In a medium saucepan, combine the watermelon juice and brown sugar. Bring to a low boil over medium heat, then cook for a few minutes. Add the tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, cumin, chili powder, tamari [Chef Deb says that teriyaki sauce can be substituted for the tamari], and minced garlic. Stir and bring to a low boil.
Allow the sauce to bubble for about 1 to 2 minutes, then reduce it to a simmer. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Serve over grilled or smoked meats. Chef Deb suggests baby back ribs. [Editor’s Note: I used this with smoked chicken and grilled pork tenderloin, and it was delicious.]
By Lee Virden Geurkink
AN AFTER-HOURS MUSEUM ADVENTURE THAT BRINGS MOVIES TO LIFE
Enjoy themed activities, dress as your favorite characters, and experience the charm of family favorite flms in the Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater.
My Gardening Journey
by David J. Morris
I am a proud indoor gardener. My house is alive.
I have fowers, fruit trees, long vines, and a tall cactus that call my house home. I’ve spent the last several years watering, trimming, fertilizing, harvesting, and cultivating the perfect urban jungle. Currently, the humidity in my living room is 47%, and the temperature is 73 degrees. The window shades are up, and my plants are soaked in sunlight. They are loved. In exchange, I get the regular dopamine hit of a job well done. Every new leaf is a grateful wink, every fower a thank
you, every new bud or blossom a pat on the back.
When I frst started gardening, I started plants from seeds exclusively. You cannot convince me that a seedling isn’t a miracle. It’s truly magic. You place a seed in soil, you add a little moisture, and then you wait. From the ground comes a green sliver of life with unimaginable potential. How does it know when to wake up and begin germination? How does it know which direction to grow? There’s no light below the soil. A seed doesn’t have a central nervous system saying, “It’s go time.” In the wild, birds and mammals eat, digest, and evacuate seeds miles away from where they grew, and yet through that muck and trauma, those miraculous little seeds still fnd a way to grow. For every forest and every salad, we have seeds to thank. They are the embodiment of potential.
For years, my parade of plants thrived. Season after season, my little urban garden bloomed, fruited, dropped leaves, grew leaves, and was the picture of vitality. I plucked peppers and eggplants. Orchids bloomed. Everyone was happy. I genuinely thought I had a grip on this garden thing. I was a good gardener.
I was wrong. I had no idea how wrong I was.
In my naivete, I offered to take a plant in from a neighbor to perform some
our youngest readers
much-needed frst aid. When the Swiss cheese plant arrived, it showed classic signs of underwatering. The leaves were yellow and drooping. There were a bit of white fuzz and some small brown bumps on the stems and leaves, as well, but I didn’t pay them too much mind. I knew this plant needed water, some fresh soil, and a few weeks under a grow light.
Several days after I took the ailing Swiss cheese plant into care, I noticed small brown bumps on the trunk of my citrus trees. After the bumps, I noticed trails of sap and white fuzz on their leaves and stems. In wanting to help a neighbor, I unwittingly introduced pests into my home. Our troubled visitor was a Trojan horse. I quickly learned I had a full-scale scale invasion. That is not a typo. The small brown bumps and clusters of fuzz are minuscule insects known as scale. Those unassuming brown-and-white nodules on my plants were sinister. They were pests. They were parasites.
Scale insects are my greatest enemy. I think about them while I’m at work. I think about them while I watch TV. I’m writing about them now. They are, by far, the most formidable adversary I’ve dealt with on my gardening journey. These unassuming little bumps have wreaked havoc on my psychological safety and the physical wellbeing of my garden. Unchecked, these little monsters anchor on the leaves, stems, and bark of my beloved plants and suck the life out of them.
What makes these pests so formidable? They have an external waxy coating that leaves them unfazed by solutions that wreak havoc on less armored pests. They are the Tefon-coated enemy. I tried every remedy available. They remain. The only way to defeat them is manual removal. Now, I inspect every stem, branch, and leaf in this home with the precision of a watchmaker. One by one, the scale insects are removed. It’s the only way. These invaders will not win. My hobby has transformed. I used to garden. Gardening was gentle. It was affrming. It was peaceful. Now, my hobby is defeating scale.
Reader, despite my struggles with scale, I encourage you to garden. I encourage you to love your plants and see the potential in each of them. Care for them. Cherish them. Hold them tight. When they are attacked, fght for them. Do not get weary of the fght. The joy you get from gardening is worth everything.
NUMBER MATCHING
by Tabetha Weeks
by AMR Authority
e Power Play Taking Over a Nation
When Amanda Wolsey moved to Pittsburgh, she left behind everything familiar: her Fort Worth hometown, her friends, and her job teaching ffth grade at Tanglewood Elementary School. She was navigating a new city where she knew no one. One day, a coworker invited her to join a mahjong group that had already been playing together for a year.
Unlike her coworker, who had grown up playing mahjong with her Jewish grandmother, Amanda had never heard of the game. She almost decided not to go.
"I thought I was going to show up and play bunco," she laughed. "I was highly uninterested."
She went anyway, thinking it would be a good way to meet people. By the end of the night, she was hooked, not just on the game itself but on what it created around the table – a community. That one reluctant “yes”
would go on to shape the next 15 years of her life, two businesses, and a national mobile application that is changing how American women play the game of mahjong and compete on a worldwide stage.
The Hobby Taking Over the Country
Mahjong is growing in popularity all over the United States. Yelp data shows that searches for mahjong clubs are up nearly 4,500% from last year. Searches for coaches are up 800%. Between 2023 and 2024, searches for mahjong events on Eventbrite jumped 365% nationwide, and the number of actual events went up 179%. The North American Mahjong set market was valued at $185 million in 2024, with analysts projecting it to grow at a rate of 6.2% annually through 2033.
Amanda explained that mahjong is more than a game; it’s really about fnding community. A review published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease in 2024 found that mahjong players had a stronger
sense of social connection, which may help slow the progression of dementia symptoms.
So, What Is Mahjong, Exactly?
Think of mahjong as a mix between Scrabble and gin rummy. Each player has 144 tiles. These are small, dominolike pieces covered in symbols and imagery. Each player draws a hand of 13 or 14 tiles. The goal is to build complete patterns based on the National Mah Jongg League card, an annual guide that defnes the season's winning combinations. Think of it like assembling outfts, where each matching set is one complete look, and you are racing to fnish your whole wardrobe before anyone else does. The frst player to complete their hand calls "Mahjong!" and wins. But the game is far more than its rules.
“It excites all your senses – the weight of the tiles in your hand, the sound they make when shuffed across the table, the visual beauty of the pieces themselves,” Amanda explains.
That last part has changed dramatically in recent years. Many companies have reimagined tiles as art objects, creating hundreds of beautiful tile lines. There are foating pool tiles, hand-painted sets, and limited-edition artist collaborations. What was once a fairly standard game piece has become something people genuinely want to look at.
"You play with your eyes frst," Amanda said.
The game of mahjong dates back to the early years of the 19th century in China and arrived in America in the 1920s. In 1937, four wealthy Jewish women gathered four hundred women at the Essex House Hotel in New York City and founded the National Mah Jongg League, formalizing the rules that most American players follow today. That is the version Amanda Wolsey and her business partner, Bethany Factor, teach, play, and have built their entire operation around. "We are purists," Bethany said. "We stick to the rules."
From Pittsburgh to Fort Worth
Amanda grew up in Fort Worth, graduated from the University of Texas, and came home after college. Her husband, also a Fort Worth native and UT grad, was asked to relocate to Pittsburgh for a new project. They moved, leaving their community behind.
photos
Life and the Tiles Dealt
Amanda started playing mahjong every Thursday night. She played at happy hour lunches. She and her husband played together. By the time that the Wolseys moved back to Fort Worth in 2012, Amanda was completely in love with a game that almost nobody in Texas had heard of, she said.
She tried to fnd people to play with and hosted games with neighbors. She taught anyone willing to sit long enough to learn, but no one seemed to love the game quite like she did. It was not until the COVID pandemic that real interest in the game was sparked, and when it did, it came fast. Friends started reaching out and asking her to teach them. One friend fnally gave her an ultimatum: “Let us pay someone from Dallas to come teach us, or let us pay you.”
Amanda started teaching people to play mahjong. She built a coaching practice. She designed her own line of tiles and custom tablecloths for gameplay. She was doing it all out of her home until the weight of it told her it was time for something permanent. That was where Bethany came in.
The Other Half
Bethany Factor spent 15 years on an oil and gas trading foor, in one of the most male-dominated environments in one of the most male-dominated industries on the planet. Women make up only 15% of the oil and gas workforce, and that number shrinks fast the higher you climb. Bethany climbed and succeeded, earning promotion after promotion in a world built on fast decisions, high stakes, and a lot of yelling. She carries that energy into everything she does, including the tennis court, where her 4.0 USTA ranking puts her in the top quarter of all adult players in the country. She can only be described as a force of nature, full of grit and determination.
Bethany learned mahjong the way a lot of women do. Her friends were playing, and she did not want to be left out. She sat down, quickly picked up the rules, and never stopped playing.
Where Amanda brings the teaching, the creativity, and deep institutional knowledge of the game to the partnership, Bethany has the business acumen, the accounting expertise, the marketing insight, and the operational thinking necessary to build a business.
They connected through a mutual friend who told them they needed to talk. Both women had been thinking the same thing: Fort Worth needed a real place to play mahjong. The dynamic duo had all the right tiles between them to build an incredible business.
"Let's just go for it," they said, and that was that.
In 2024, Amanda and Bethany opened The Mahj Clubhouse near Camp Bowie. It was the frst dedicated mahjong club in the country, they explained. Running a business based on a game was a little scary at frst. Would they make rent? Would enough people show up?
"My pride's not gonna get hurt," Amanda said. "My bank account might.”
The club grew faster than either of them expected. Classes flled up.
one evening, sitting at a bar with Amanda, she said her idea out loud.
Why don't we build a ranking system for mahjong?
“”
At every event, the same problem kept recurring: women who wanted to compete had no reliable way to know whether they were playing against someone at their level.
Game nights built waiting lists. The community Amanda had always believed mahjong could create was creating itself right there off Camp Bowie.
"It's intentional socialization," Amanda said.
"[Mahjong is] the new book club for moms," Bethany added.
Research supports the community that Amanda and Bethany have built. Studies show that face-to-face mahjong play fosters conversation, observation, and shared experience, with researchers documenting cases where people who once struggled to form social connections exchanged numbers, met outside scheduled sessions, and developed lasting friendships.
The Idea Born at a Bar
After years of running the Clubhouse while each of them raised four kids, ranging in age from 18 down to fve, between them, they started hosting tournaments across Texas and eventually across the nation. At every event, the same problem kept recurring: women who wanted to compete had no reliable way to know whether they were playing against someone at their level.
Bethany recognized this problem from her tennis career. Her USTA ranking always mattered because it guaranteed a real match: someone who would push her, not blow her out or get crushed. Mahjong had no equivalent. After a teaching session
developer behind Amanda and Bethany’s app? A bartender at Colonial Country Club who was studying computer science. Amanda struck up a conversation with the young man, discovered what he was studying, and asked if he could build what she and Bethany envisioned.
Fortunately, he said yes.
Since beta launching on Apple in September 2025 and holding its offcial launch in April 2026, the AMR Authority has already grown to nearly 500 users, and a points reward system is currently being coded so players can earn perks like complimentary drink service at tournaments.
To understand why the app matters, consider what competitive mahjong looked like before the app existed, when Amanda and Bethany played in a Las Vegas tournament. Scores were written by hand, entered into Scantrons, and fed through a machine by hand for 284 players.
"There was just a need to formalize the game," Bethany said. "Bring it up to speed."
What Comes Next
The women’s vision goes well beyond Fort Worth. Amanda and Bethany see a tournament structure that works like a bracket, with city winners, then state winners, and fnally a national championship. Three events are already on the calendar:
1. A day tournament at Sidesaddle Saloon in the Stockyards on June 27th; 2. a tournament at the Venetian in Scottsdale, Arizona; 3. and their third annual event at Possum Kingdom Lake.
"That's it," Amanda said. "That's our next thing."
Building the AMR Authority
The American Mahjong Ranking Authority, or AMR Authority, is an app that gives every mahjong player a skill-based ranking and lets them fnd competitive games wherever they are. Think USTA for tennis or Duper for pickleball, applied to mahjong. It uses an ELO ranking model, the same framework used by both of those sports, and rankings update once a year on April 1st, the offcial release date of the new National Mah Jongg League card.
The app tracks three types of games, each weighted differently.
1. Casual games played with blanks and extra jokers, easier variations not using offcial NMJL rules, are weighted the lowest.
2. Standard NMJL games played by the offcial rulebook sit in the middle.
3. Tournament games, with their strict rules and negative scoring (yes, you can fnish a round in the red), carry the most weight in the rankings.
To keep things honest, scores are not self-reported. After a match is submitted, two other players at the table must confrm the score within 60 minutes. The whole thing gets settled at the table, while everyone still remembers what happened.
Developer and Bartender Every app needs a developer. The
"Each business idea led us to this," Bethany said. "We see it going worldwide."
Mahjong is already trending in that direction with or without them. Celebrities including Julia Roberts and Meghan Markle have publicly embraced the game, and luxury hotels around the world are now hosting mahjong nights. But in Fort Worth, two women who almost didn't show up for their frst games are doing something nobody else has done. They are building the competitive framework for American Mahjong for the 21st century.
The ranking system that Amanda and Bethany created is live, and if their track record proves anything, these women are just getting started.
photos by Walt Burns
BAM M TIME!
GOOD
Learn | Play | Laug h
Bam Good Time exists to make modern American Mahjong feel like it belongs to everyone. You don’t have to be a member of a club (but maybe you are!) We're here to honor the game, reimagine the table around it, and build a community where first-timers and fourth-generation players share the same table.
T
iles & Tactics | Open Play | Leag ue Play | Mobile Mahj
From learning the basics to full competitions, Bam Good Time will support you from novice to expert-level playing. We will even bring the game to you!
Tablescape Rentals
Whether you ’ re hosting a party and need another set-up or just wanting offer thoughtful premium mat, ra
opportunities,
In addition to her love for mahjong, Carmen is a college professor of Algebra and longtime board member and volunteer for The Women’s Center of Fort Worth When she’s not yelling “BIRD BAM!” you will find her chasing her three teenaged daughters, two pups and one diva cat
to
Carmen Hudman, Bam Director
Numerous studies extol the benefts of having a hobby. Did you know that having a hobby can not only boost your mental wellbeing and improve your cognitive function, thereby decreasing the risk of dementia, but can also boost your endocrine, immune, and nervous systems, which can reduce the risk of chronic disease? On this page, we highlight places in Fort Worth where you can learn a new hobby. Turn the page, and you will read about some members of the Tanglewood Moms Facebook group and their hobbies.
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If you are itching to pick up an artistic hobby but don’t know which one, why not try out several? Fuzz Lab, a Texas-based company, offers classes in rug tufting, painting, clay work, and beading. You can even create your own design for a rug to tuft! Fuzz Lab is a great place for a date night, a girls’ night out, or some team building. Or, if you’re out and about and feeling crafty, you can walk on in and start creating. No matter which craft you choose, you get to take home something YOU made.
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There’s nothing like spending a day out on the water. However, not everyone loves the noise of a motored craft. And besides, fuel is EXPENSIVE these days! If you want to learn to sail or are already experienced and want to fnd a community of like-minded people, head out to Lake Worth and the Lake Worth Sailing Club (LWSC). Since 1935, the LWSC has met to sail, race, and just have fun together. If you’re not a sailor but love being on the water, that’s just fne. The LWSC is always looking for enthusiastic crew members!
Hot Hobbies & Clever Crafters
By Lee Virden Geurkink
[Editor's Note: We edited these for space and clarity. We will run the full pieces on our website.]
JuJu Knits
552 Lipscomb Street
Fiber crafts like knitting and crocheting have become HOT. No longer confned to sweet grandmothers in rocking chairs, fber crafts are for everyone, everywhere. Julie “JuJu” Fairley knows this. Her shop, JuJu Knits, is the center of a fber community that just keeps growing. Sign up for a class, join a sip ‘n stitch session at WineHaus, or fnd that perfect yarn for your next project. (JuJu Knits is not responsible for any yarn addictions that might form.)
JuJu Knits also does charity drives, collecting for nonprofts around Fort Worth. So get out and get knitting (or crocheting, or weaving, or…)
Founded in 1983 by the late J. Michael Dailey, a renowned classical guitarist who wanted to share his love of the art form, The Guitar Studio is THE place to go if you want to learn the guitar. Whether you prefer classical, rock, country, blues, or jazz, you can take classes or private lessons from professional musicians with years of performing and teaching experience. If you like performing and want to play with a group of fellow enthusiasts, no matter your level of playing experience, consider joining The Guitar Studio Community Ensemble and enjoy biweekly rehearsals and a community of fellow enthusiasts.
Divine Touch Crafts
112 Northwest 24th Street
Awaken your inner crafter at Divine Touch Crafts. You can learn how to make candles and jewelry, paint, embroider, tattoo (yes, you read that correctly!), and more. Take part in workshops like Tacos and Tattoos or Cafecito and Crafts, book a private class or workshop for you and your
friends and/or coworkers, or stop by to take part in a Bible study group. Located in the Historic Stockyards, Divine Touch Crafts has a community of crafters and is waiting for you.
Meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 at the
Did you love The Queen’s Gambit on Netfix? Do you want to learn how to play chess but are intimidated? Chess improves cognitive function and analytical ability, and who couldn't use a little boost to cognitive function? If you’re ready to learn how to play chess, consider joining the DNA Chess Club at one of their weekly meetings held at the Panera Bread on South Hulen. They offer lessons, either online or in person, too. Sure, they are a nationally recognized club, but no matter your skill level or years playing, DNA welcomes you.
You don’t have to know how to paint or draw to be an artist! Cowtown TwentyFive offers classes and DIY kits that will turn you into an artist, guaranteed. Learn how to make beautiful crushed glass and resin suncatchers with your girlfriends or coworkers in a private workshop, take your sweetie on a creative date, or sign up for a class and make new friends! These suncatchers make great gifts, so why not sign up for a couple of classes?
There are all sorts of running clubs in the area. Some emphasize race training, while others are just a group of people who like to run while they socialize. Some only run far enough to
get to the nearest bar or restaurant. If, however, you are tired of running on pavement, read on. North Texas Trail Runners are a group of runners who like to get off the beaten path, quite literally, and explore the trails in parks and nature preserves around North Texas. So get outside and take the road less… run. It will make all the difference. (With apologies to Robert Frost.)
Gold Blade Fencing Center 500 Kimball Avenue, Southlake
Sure, it’s in Southlake, but fencing is COOL. (Okay, so I might have fenced when I was a kid, and I might be a bit biased. Maybe. Probably.) If you’ve always dreamed of learning how to fence, Gold Blade Fencing Center is the place to start. They offer classes for everyone, regardless of age, that will start you on the road to becoming a fencer. Once you have completed a class, you can join the club and hone your skills. One of my teachers described fencing as “physical chess,” and if you’re ready for a hobby that will challenge your brain and your body, fencing might be for you.
Tarrant County Master Gardener Association 1801 Circle Drive
I hate to tell you this, but gardening is more than just plunking a plant in the ground, watering it, and hoping it grows. Whether you're a green thumb or you tend to kill everything you plant, the Tarrant County Master Gardener Association (TCMGA) is here for you. Want to learn all about annuals? Itching to learn about benefcial insects? Pining to plant perennials? TCMGA is ready to share its years of expertise with you. TCMGA offers classes and workshops for all gardeners, and if you're ready to dig in (see what I did there?), they will support you as you become a Master Gardener through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Gardener Program. Oh, and TCMGA is always looking for volunteers for their beautiful demonstration garden!
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Fuzz Lab
Sage Meadow Trail
Lake Worth Sailing Club
Sunrise Point Court
The Guitar Studio 4455 Camp Bowie Boulevard
DNA Chess Club
Panera Bread on South Hulen
Cowtown Twenty-Five 5701 Birchman Avenue
North Texas Trail Runners Meets at various locations around the Metroplex
Jennifer Breyer
Hi! I’m Jennifer, owner and operator of Bits of Décor, as well as the mother of three girls and the wife of a hardworking husband. I started painting signs while making décor for our frst daughter’s nursery, and it has grown over the years. I continue to create as it not only fulflls my creativity but also brings in a little bit of money for extracurricular activities for our girls. I create completely customizable designs that no one else creates [and sell them] on Etsy. However, I've decided to take a break this summer to create with my girls and teach them about business!
Julie Anne Turner
It all started with a broken heart. (I think all good art starts that way.) The guy I was dating left town to go back to an ex without a word to me. I was a mess, so I wrote a song about it. Several months later, I bought my frst guitar. Since then, I’ve been writing songs to process life. I recorded an EP. It was a great learning experience, and it was so fun to see these songs I wrote in my little house turn into something bigger. Now that I'm a mom, most of my songwriting is limited to ridiculous little songs about how my kids left the dishes on the counter instead of putting them into the dishwasher, but every now and then, something will come to me. It’s nice to know that I can still write songs after all these years.
Hot Hobbies & Clever Crafters
[Editor's Note: We edited these for space and clarity. We will run the full pieces on our website.]
Georgia Love
My name is Georgia Love, and I’m going into ninth grade. I crochet. I use my own patterns because I got fed up with the technical terms and weird code that patterns use. I started a business selling my crocheting to put a little money in my pocket, but I realized my joy in crocheting is not from the money I earn, but when people treasure something unique I made. I decided that instead of selling everything I create, I wanted to start donating my projects to Cook Children’s or pregnancy shelters. I had a friend who had to spend about a week at Cook’s, and as I visited her there, I saw so many kids receiving care. If I can make a difference, maybe provide a smile to someone who is at a low moment in their life, it is worth it!
Chey Lee
My family builds combat robots and travels the country to compete. Two years ago, our son started watching Battlebots. He became obsessed, so we looked for ways to engage with his passion. Battlebots hosted a small tournament in Austin at SXSW, and we made the trek down to watch. One team brought a “bot party” where you could drive and fght miniature versions of actual Battlebots, and my son was hooked. We got him a kids' kit and found a local tournament to join. This is the kindest, most welcoming group of people I’ve ever come across. The community fercely promotes a culture of kindness and good sportsmanship. My son is extremely competitive, and the lessons he’s learned from his heroes teach him more than I ever could. (To this day, the scariest fght I’ve ever been in that destroyed my robot completely was against my son. Needless to say, he revels in that!)
I went through a spiritual awakening fve years ago that allowed me to tune into my true path. A lot of exciting things started to happen, and now my life is one grand adventure. I began writing and recording music with my friend and have an album under the name Tantra Ravenhawk. I sing and play many instruments, and I’m working on my second album. I also perform with the lovely ladies of Dark Veil Troupe at belly dancing showcases around the Metroplex. I enjoy incorporating fow arts with tribal fusion-style dance; I spin a fre staff and dance with palm torches, Isis wings, and other fun fow toys. I recently added fre-eating and frebreathing to my repertoire. I encourage everyone I meet to connect with their Higher Self and courageously walk their most aligned and authentic path. The world needs what you have to offer!
Paige Pauley
Fifteen years ago, I saw a ring in a store. I've always been an artist, and this ring intrigued me. I bought it, brought it home, and set about looking for someone to teach me how to make it. It was a long journey, and many people were gracious enough to share their knowledge with me. About nine years ago, I resigned from my job and started making jewelry fulltime. I did an intensive course at the New Approach School for Jewelers in Tennessee, and my world changed. I've been a silversmith ever since. I love what I do and am very fortunate to make a living doing it.
Kymm Lankford
I got started in ceramics when I was a military wife. They had a ceramics shop on base. I had young kids, and this was the only time I had to myself. Over the years, my art has been my therapy and my happy place. My favorite process is handbuilding; I like to create my own templates and transfer my visions into clay. I sell a lot of butter dishes and dog dishes, but my favorites are my tea sets. I really love coming up with different themes. They just make me happy!
Alicia Rodriguez TikTok is to blame – or thank. I wanted to fnd a hobby outside of reading that would pull me away from my phone. Needlepoint did exactly that. It allows me to slow down and be present. Living in the moment has always been a challenge for me, but needlepoint changed that. I started an online shop called Cowtown Stitch selling hand-painted needlepoint canvases, fbers, and notions, and I've just opened a booth at NRH Hive Collective. The needlepoint community is such a special one, and I wanted to help build it here in North Texas.
Katie Marie Brown I’ve been crocheting since I was 14. My mom tried to teach me, but our brains work differently, so she asked my beloved piano teacher to teach me. I’ve crocheted everything from small hats to huge, weighted blankets. I have an amazing church and homeschool co-op community; they have held me up when
I could barely stand on my own. They know I've been crocheting forever, so now, when I know someone who is going through a grief event, I start praying. I weave my prayers and tears into shawls so that the person who receives them can be surrounded by love.
Whitney Dean I make Freshies. Freshies are scented air fresheners made of aroma beads that I bake, color, and decorate by hand. What started as a hobby quickly turned into something my friends and family love. I work as a nurse and began making Freshies as a fun outlet. As people started requesting my Freshies, I decided to start selling them and opened an Etsy shop. I enjoy creating custom designs. One of my favorite parts of doing this is connecting with customers and watching something I started as a hobby grow into a business.
Dianne Hancock I started beading years ago because I've always been intrigued by the process and the beads themselves. Beading is done by all different cultures, and I was fascinated by Native American beading. I started beading things like earrings, bracelets, hat bands, and now I bead tapestries. I've done custom pieces for people, usually hat bands, but now I have had two tapestries commissioned. My favorite projects are the tapestries because I enjoy the meditative process (busy hands equal a quiet mind) of the detailed, intricate work that goes into each piece.
Tandra Bailiff
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INFLUENCING WITH PURPOSE
VANESSA DALY OF DOS SANTOS FINE ART
We started Infuencing with Purpose to shine a spotlight on local social media infuencers who use their platforms for more than self-advertising. Vanessa Daly is a psychologist, life coach, and marketing expert who turned her love of creating art into Dos Santos Fine Art. Who better to interview for Madeworthy’s hobby issue? [Editor’s Note: This interview was edited for space; we will run the entire article on our website.]
Madeworthy: Dos Santos’ mission centers on art as a way to pause, reconnect, and heal. What frst showed you that art could be more than something beautiful on a wall?
Vanessa Daly: A lifethreatening health situation changed my life. At the time, I was studying psychology, and ironically, I pushed myself beyond healthy limits. Like many people, I had mistaken stress for productivity. After spending four days in the hospital, I knew something had to change. I found an art shop and started taking classes. It helped me feel calmer, more present, and connected to myself. Art helped me move through life with more balance and intention. It helped me shift from survival mode to creation.
MW: How did your background in psychology shape the way you create Art Experiences?
VD: Every individual or corporate experience at Dos Santos Fine Art is designed to help calm the nervous system. Many guests arrive worried about “doing it wrong.” We intentionally create a safe, welcoming environment where people can let go of expectations, reconnect with themselves, and enjoy the present moment. It's amazing to watch people arrive stressed and leave feeling lighter, happier, and more connected.
MW: When someone walks into one of your Art Experiences, what do you hope they feel before they ever pick up a brush?
VD: They don't need permission to create; they are already creative. This time is for them to confrm it. Once that pressure disappears, it's time for laughter and connection. Especially for women, who often spend so much time caring for others, creativity can become a meaningful act of self-care.
MW: When did you begin your own art journey, and how did it lead to creating experiences for others?
VD: When I moved to the United States in 2017 and was waiting for my green card, my husband gifted me art supplies, and I started to paint again. Even after returning to corporate marketing, art remained my hobby. After I was laid off in 2024… we took a leap of faith and opened Dos Santos Fine Art, creating experiences where art, community, and self-care come together.
MW: Your work often draws from nature and the lessons it teaches us. How do you translate those ideas into an experience people can participate in?
VD: I believe we are all part of nature. More than painting fowers or landscapes, I encourage people to reconnect with their feelings, with their natural
by Madeworthy Editorial Team
cycles, and to express themselves through abstract art. We use tools like balloons, toothpicks, Q-tips, brushes, and upcycled vinyl records so people don't feel intimidated. Our classes feel like a return to our natural state as human beings.
MW: When we feature people in Fort Worth for our “Infuencing with Purpose” article, this means you are using your platform for something meaningful. What responsibility do you feel as an artist, teacher, and community builder?
VD: Art transformed my life, and I've seen it transform others. That comes with a responsibility to create more spaces where people feel creative and connected. I am grateful for the art scene in Fort Worth, and
I am constantly looking for more partnerships with local artists, small businesses, and nonprofts to keep adding value and involving more people in our city.
MW: What have you learned from watching people during your workshops? Can you share a specifc story that stands out?
VD: People are often much more creative than they believe; they just need a safe space to express themselves. In our Bottles & Besties self-expression workshops, there are no strict rules or step-bystep instructions. At frst, that freedom can feel uncomfortable. Then something shifts. People relax, experiment, and discover that they don't need to get it right; they need to be present and let creativity fow.
More art means more love and more humanity. One experience involved a group of women supporting a friend undergoing cancer treatment. Together with fabric artist Melanie Summers, we transformed their
search for a headscarf gift into a meaningful ice-dyed silk scarf workshop. Through the power of art, eight friends found a unique way to express their love and support for someone they deeply cared about.
MW: Many people say, “I’m not artistic.” How do you help them move past that into creating?
VD: I remind them that creativity is about letting go of our fear of failing. We spend so much of our lives feeling judged or not feeling good enough that we're afraid to make mistakes. Our experiences are judgment-free spaces where curiosity and courage matter more than results. Once that pressure disappears, magic happens.
MW: Your work supports causes connected to children, women, and mental health. Tell us why you think this is important in today’s age.
VD: Visual art is much more than decoration. It's a powerful tool for connection, healing, and community. We support nonprofts like Bumble Bee Yoga Community, Make-a-Wish paint parties, Steer Fort Worth, and senior communities like James L. West. Being able to use art in service of others is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
MW: What do you hope people carry back into their everyday lives after spending time creating with you?
VD: I hope they leave knowing they are creative… I hope they see art as a new tool to reconnect with themselves, get out of the digital world, strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and build confdence.
And when people choose a Dos Santos Fine Art experience, they're doing more than making art or attending a paint party at a bar. They're supporting local artists, small businesses, and nonproft organizations working to strengthen mental health and community connection throughout Fort Worth. That's the creative ecosystem we're proud to help build.
Vanessa’s Fort Worth Favorites!
• Coffee Shop: Summer Moon (West 7th)
• Breakfast or Brunch place: Press Caffe Clearfork
• Hangout with friends: Salute Wine Bar
• Place to relax and recharge: Bumblee Bee Yoga Community
• Museum or gallery: House of Neville
• Artist or musician: TCU Symphony Orchestra
• Yearly event: ArtsGoggle
• Boutique: Worth & Gray
• Spot to take photos: Japanese Garden
• Sweet treat: Tiramisu at Bocca Osteria Romana
• Hamburger joint: The Social House
• Mexican restaurant: Tinies Mexican Cuisine
"Elements of Nature" Pop-up Art experience Vanessa Daly at Nita Patel Gallery photo Credit: @astrid_garces
Third Thursday pop-up solo Art experience at Tinies Mexican Restaurant
FWADA Spring Gallery Night Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s 26 photo by @817social
Bottles & Besties workshop at Salute Wine Bar Creative Nights @ToroToro
Ice-dye Silk class collab with Melanie Summers
Paint on Records, vinyl records workshop at House of Neville
Bottles & Blooms Mother's Day paint experiences collab withCarol Acedo.
Make a Wish North Texas paint party photo credit @makeawishnt
Show Up for Each Other
FIND YOUR Y BRING A BUDDY
The Y is your place to explore hobbies, commit to wellness routines, and discover community and connection together.
YMCA Member Benefits Include:
Group exercise classes • Outdoor pools
Youth sports • Family activities
Summer day camp & overnight camp
Being a Y member is more fun with friends! You are invited to come try the Y and explore all we have to offer during the month of July.
Already a Y Member?
Bring a friend to experience the Y during July and show them why being a member is beneficial for the whole family.
YMCAFW.ORG
Made in Fort Worth: Cowtown Needlepoint
by Madeworthy editorial team
photos by Rebekah Byrne Photography
What is your favorite hobby? Do you paint in your free time, or do you garden as a way of relieving stress? Can you imagine turning your hobby into a full-time career? That's exactly what Catherine Browning and Molly Peppler of Cowtown Needlepoint did. Catherine and Molly graciously agreed to answer Madeworthy’s questions for Made in Fort Worth.
Madeworthy: What made the two of you decide to build a business together?
Cowtown Needlepoint: We met as sorority sisters at TCU, and our friendship grew even stronger after college when our frst sons were born just a month apart. As new stayat-home moms, we were both looking for a creative outlet and a way to channel our entrepreneurial spirits. What began as playdates with our boys evolved into brainstorming sessions and business planning. In 2024, those conversations became Cowtown Needlepoint. Today, many of
our playdates still double as business meetings, keeping both our friendship and business thriving.
MW: What drew each of you to needlepoint and fnishing specifcally?
CN: Needlepoint is both therapeutic and a way to create meaningful keepsakes. While we had stitched for years, we knew very little about fnishing. Like many stitchers, we relied on our local needlepoint store, but fnishing costs and turnaround times were often challenging. We saw a growing need for skilled fnishers and accessible fnishing education, so we decided to learn the craft ourselves. Through research, practice, and plenty of trial and error, we developed our own techniques. What started as a practical solution quickly became a creative passion.
meaningful memories in a handmade piece.
MW: What does the Fort Worth creative community mean to your business?
CN: We are so grateful for the Fort Worth and greater DFW communities. When we started Cowtown Needlepoint, we never imagined the support and encouragement we would receive. It has been incredibly rewarding to see people embrace what we do and share in our excitement for both needlepoint fnishing and fnishing education. We are truly thankful for every person who has trusted us with their canvases, attended a class, or supported us along the way.
MW: How do your backgrounds and personalities complement each other as business partners?
MW: Your work helps turn someone’s stitched canvas into a keepsake. Can you share some of your favorites?
CN: One of the things we love most about fnishing is the variety of ways a stitched canvas can be transformed. We most often create ornaments, signs, standups, magnets, bag charms, and coasters. Some of our favorite projects celebrate life milestones, including new babies, weddings, and special birthdays. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping preserve
can expect, and how people can get involved.
CN: We teach both in-person and online fnishing classes throughout DFW. Students are guided through the fnishing process step by step, making classes accessible to a variety of skill levels. Whether you want to learn a new skill, save on fnishing costs, or add another creative element to your hobby, our classes are designed to be educational and fun. For class information, visit our website or follow us on Instagram, where we regularly share fnishing tips and tricks.
MW: Needlepoint has become popular with a new generation of stitchers. Why do you think it’s having a moment?
CN: Before becoming stay-at-home moms and business owners, Catherine was an elementary school teacher, and Molly worked as a NICU nurse. We’re both driven, creative, and detail-oriented, which helps us work well together. We often joke that we share the same brain because we regularly fnish each other’s thoughts and sentences. While we bring different experiences to the business, our shared values and similar approach to problem-solving make us a strong team.
MW: This is our hobbies issue. Tell us about your classes, what students
Book your Summer
CN: There are so many talented designers creating beautiful canvases and an ever-growing range of creative fnishing options. At the same time, people are looking for hobbies that reduce screen time and provide relaxation. Needlepoint offers a hands-on, therapeutic way to slow down, unwind, and create something meaningful.
MW: What’s next for Cowtown Needlepoint – new classes, designs, services, or dreams for the brand?
CN: We have many exciting plans. We hope to expand our class offerings and continue teaching both locally and across the country. We’re also developing an advanced online course. In addition, we’re designing our own line of canvases, which we can’t wait to share. Expanding into design has long been a dream, and we’re excited to bring our own creative ideas to the needlepoint world.
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I’ve always loved baskets. I’ve collected them from indigenous peoples and local artisans as I traveled over the years. I have small, intricate pine-needle baskets; seagrass baskets; wicker baskets; and even an antique laundry basket, nearly 100 years old, made of oak.
Basket weaving is the world’s oldest known craft, predating both pottery and traditional textiles. Baskets were the frst permanent containers because they are lighter and easier to carry than pottery. Every major civilization on Earth used baskets, and basket designs are unique to specifc regions, depending on the materials available and the design techniques developed by locals. Indigenous communities created baskets from bark, roots, and grasses, often lining them with pitch to make them watertight. Baskets are often highly symbolic, with specifc patterns that refect family lineages, spiritual beliefs, and a community’s history.
Throughout history, we have told numerous stories involving baskets, such as baby Moses in his basket foating down the river, or On-coy-to using a basket to steal a star to bring light to the world. We use baskets to gather our Easter eggs every year. Throughout American history, basket weavers were respected artisans, passing down the art form from weaver to weaver in their families. Many modern basket afcionados can recognize a particular weaver’s technique and style, and baskets from famous contemporary weavers such as Jeremy Frey, Mary Jackson, and Debora Muhl are in museums’ permanent collections and featured in international exhibits.
number of basket styles. Basket weaving was a fun weekend hobby for a young mom working full time. My kids grew up playing under my folding table as I wove my baskets and sold them at craft fairs.
Over 35 years ago, as I was traveling, a friend took me to a basket-weaving class, and I was hooked on the art form. I came home and found as many books on basket weaving as possible at my local library and at bookstores. I hunted for supplies at hobby shops and taught myself the basics of dyeing the reed, weaving, and fnishing a
for a Texas Business Hall of Fame scholarship for entrepreneurship and community service, and I used the scholarship money to expand my technology consulting business.
Over the years, I continued to weave baskets as a hobby and learned new techniques and designs, mostly based on historical baskets from the Appalachian Mountains. One of my all-time favorites is the Appalachian egg basket, designed to keep eggs from rolling around. Another of my favorites is an herb basket used for gathering herbs or fowers, which allows the plants to dry in the hanging basket.
The internet has made it easier to fnd supplies, patterns, and a community of other basket weavers. Now, after so many years of weaving, I design my own baskets. A popular one is my breadbasket, perfect for proofng sourdough bread. I also enjoy making a basket with a design similar to a Shaker cheese basket but with taller sides to hold potatoes, onions, or other vegetables. Recently, I've been having fun making colorful tortilla baskets.
When I decided to go to college at 32, I needed extra income to pay for it. I had heard the jokes about taking "underwater basket weaving" classes in college, so I decided to capitalize on that cliché. I asked the Continuing Education Department Director if I could teach a course called “Basket Weaving 101.”
That class proved to be so popular that I was able to graduate debt-free with a bachelor’s degree in business with a technology emphasis, and later with a master’s in business administration with a technology emphasis. One of my professors nominated me
I usually weave with rattan palm and seagrass, but I’ve worked with other natural materials like grapevine, willow, and cattails. One time, I wove a basket using a deer antler as a handle. I weave using a basic over-and-under weave, but I'm planning to learn the coil method of weaving and to experiment with fabric and other materials.
Recently, I retired from education and technology consulting, so I've had more time to enjoy my hobbies again. I'm enjoying weaving baskets and selling them at craft fairs again; I also teach a few classes. It's fun to see women (and men) gathered around a table, learning an ancient art form and enjoying the community of weaving. I like to tell them that they will never look at a basket the same way after weaving their own basket.
DR. DAVID KOSTOHRYZ
DR. GREG SCHEIDEMAN DR. WILLIAM RUNYON
by Bonnie Blan courtesy photos
Building artful additions that enhance your life.
Wednesday,
Wednesday,
Wednesday,
Wednesday,
The Power of the Pen
In this digital age of texts and emails and WhatsApp and instant communication, receiving a letter – a real, honest-to-God letter handwritten by someone – feels special. In fact, “special” is too weak a word. Receiving a handwritten missive, be it a letter or an invitation, feels marvelous. Receiving a handwritten letter means that you matter to someone.
Adela Chavez knows the power of handwritten communication. As the creative genius behind Mavenette Calligraphy and Design, Adela has helped countless couples curate stationery that is deeply meaningful. “The stationery you use for an event sets the tone for the whole thing,” Adela said as we chatted in The Brass Vendor Club, a coworking space specifcally designed for the wedding and event community. “When you and a designer work to create stationery for your event that incorporates parts of yourself, it lets people know what they can expect.”
Adela wasn’t always a calligrapher and designer. She spent years working for the Dallas Observer and more years waiting tables at Lili’s Bistro on Magnolia. But in 2014, just after buying a house for herself and her two children, she decided to give herself a Christmas gift.
“I bought myself a calligraphy class,” Adela said. “It was a modern calligraphy class taught by a woman named Lauren Essl who used to run Blue Eye Brown Eye. And I can’t really tell you what made me choose it other than thinking “This looks like something that would be fun, so why not take it?’”
And so, a passion was born, and the seeds of a business were planted. "I loved the class," Adela remembered. "I loved the format; I loved the way Lauren taught, but what really got me was when I was being raised by my single mother, we lived with my grandparents off and on through most of my childhood, and my grandfather was a commercial sign painter pre-computer, so he did everything by hand. A lot of the mechanics of calligraphy made a lot of sense to me because it was a lot of the things that I learned by watching him as he painted these huge 18-wheelers by hand in the driveway."
Calligraphy is ancient. It’s handwriting, but it’s handwriting as fne art. For as long as humans have written, people have striven to make their words beautiful. In East Asia and the Islamic
by Lee Virden Geurkink
world, calligraphers are considered artists of the highest rank. The meaning of the words, combined with the form of the letters, creates a work of art.
Here in the West, calligraphy is usually restricted to announcements, invitations, and certifcates. Modern brush calligraphy enjoyed a rise in popularity around the turn of the 21st century, but calligraphy as a whole isn’t considered an art form. But it elevates whatever piece of paper it graces.
Adela understands that a beautiful piece of custom stationery (she designs and prints each piece herself on a letterpress) with carefully calligraphed words means more than the sum of its parts. "It's hard to explain the tactile and emotional impact of it. I mean, there's a whole different energy to it. Most of us get a whole bunch of junk mail every day, so to receive a very purposely handwritten announcement or invitation means something. It really is a whole beautiful package that tells you what the celebration will be."
Of course, handwritten, customdesigned stationery does not come cheap, nor is it a quick process. "I get a lot of 'emergency calligraphy' emails," Adela laughed. "People look at modern calligraphy videos and think, 'Oh, that looks so easy,' but what they don't realize is that it's not easy at all. It's a very slow process. I've timed myself, and a single envelope takes me, by the time I've measured and written and proofread, over 10 minutes. For one envelope."
But it’s the very intense, very deliberate, very time-consuming nature of calligraphy that appeals to Adela. As someone who has dabbled throughout the years with various forms of calligraphy, I can almost grasp it. There is something very meditative about
being so deliberate. Every letter, every curlicue must be measured and plotted to ft on a line. Those modern brush calligraphy videos and TikToks? They’re sped up for our short attention spans. In reality, each stroke, each curve is deliberate, meaningful, and slow.
Of course, Adela understands that digital design and printing have their places. “Not to say that digital isn’t beautiful, because it can be. If you want a beautiful, four-color design, digital is the way to go. But a purposely-curated design that the couple and I have created, that brings in parts of their personalities, coupled with a beautiful Spencerian or copperplate script, is really more intimate.”
When I asked what she meant, Adela told me a story. “Last fall, I worked with a couple. The bride was half-Filipino, and in the Filipino culture, dragonfies have a special meaning. When you see a dragonfy, it represents a family member who has passed. The bride’s brother had just passed from cancer, and she wanted to incorporate dragonfies into her wedding stationery. So, the invitation had a dragonfy on it, and we made little dragonfies that were the escort cards.
"The forist wrapped an archway with moss and fowers, and we decorated it with the little paper dragonfies that, because the paper was very delicate, futtered in the breeze that the guests could take home. It was very tender, very special for her to have her brother there on her wedding day.”
After a long and lovely conversation, full of tangents about historical fonts and pen nibs and papers and inks, I asked Adela if she thought her art and her business could continue as the digital age progresses. After all, the digital world moves at the speed of light, and what Adela does is slow, painstaking work.
“What I help people create is really very much more impactful than people initially realize,” Adela said. “People think that stationery is disposable, but it’s actually more than just ephemera. It’s one of the very few tangible things you can keep from an event or a wedding. You keep it because it helps you remember, and it becomes part of your history and your family’s history.”
