Nature-Based Wellness Art & Visits

“I love visiting! As a ‘Special Maker’ for the children in your care, I blend creative works and developmentally appropriate psychological education. Participants leave workshops with co-created, meaningful items and gentle Social Emotional Learning take-aways.”
~ Erin Bruchet, M.Ed., Registered Clinical Counsellor

Customized Guardian Critter

~ Ideal for Quiet Corners & Reflection Areas

$120-160

Show & Tell:
During my visit to your special group and setting, I begin with the story of wool-to-felt. I demonstrate how felting works.
I aim to foster awe & wonder of the natural world as we explore specimens and treasures from my collection (e.g., found nest) and various materials that make up my creations.
This is a highly participatory process to determine the ‘Critter’ to be created and the meaning as a Guardian for their space.
Possible Guardians: Eagle, Seal, Rabbit, Fox, Wolf, Bear, Mouse, Sloth.
Installation Visit 2-4 weeks later.
Additional visit possible for seasonal updates.
Using the felted items as a vehicle to deepen exploration of our relationship to ourselves and others, I weave in themes of self-regulation, self-care and positive self-talk.
Creative imagination is a fundamental building block of Empathy.

Mindful Crafting & Wellness

~ Enhancing S.E.L. Curriculum

$280-340

I begin with the story of wool-to-felt. I demonstrate how felting works and how I came to discover it.

My aim is to foster awe & wonder of the natural world as we explore specimens and treasures from my collection (e.g., found nest) and various materials that are building blocks to my creations.

This is a collaborative and participatory process where kids are part of customizing a symbolic felted item that ‘has something important to say’ and can be an anchor in their space.
Installation Visit is 2-4 weeks later to deliver their Felted Creation.
I use the Felted Brain to share stories of Self Regulation and explore parts of self and how to move through stressful moments.
We brainstorm meaningful affirming and strength-based messages to be incorporated in creative ways to the Felted Creation for their space.
Mindfulness is introduced and practiced as we gently touch on good mental health ‘self care.’

Special Group Projects

~Community-Making

Creative participation and DIY assembly is required!
Multi-media DIY projects where participants build their own metaphoric stories.
Community-Making for larger outreach intentions and/or gift-giving, celebrations or important milestones in your community.
I focus on Nature’s beautiful bits (e.g., mosses, bark, lichen, wool/felt) as symbols to share, show and tell.
Small simple felted pieces are supplied.

Grade 4 teacher:

“Erin brings a positive enthusiastic energy to her teaching. The children responded to her warmth and empathic nature. They thoroughly enjoyed her presentation and art projects. In short, the students came away thrilled with their crafts as were their parents.”

Kindergarten teacher:

“We were blessed and honoured to have Erin share her time, talents and kind heart with our Kindergarten class.

Erin visited our classroom to share her needle felting with us and she then joined us on our nature walk to help collect little sticks and soft items from nature to be used in the special gift she made us - a beautiful eagle friend that hangs from our ceiling.

Erin has a gentle and creative soul that children eagerly respond to.

We hope to have Erin back in our classroom!”

Anglican Diocese of New Westminster- Missioner for Youth:

“Erin led Confirmation attendees in an affirming and creative session. There was foraging and symbolic nature themes in felt…They then used the materials to create and wonder. Attendees embedded words, quotes, and prayers into their piece. The result was a peaceful and creative time of reflection, enjoyed by both youth and adults alike.”

Community-Making participant:

“We made together and I really liked the older and younger generations being there with each other. I love my mushroom! Thank you so much.”

Mother and Daughter:

“We LOVED your workshop!!! Thank you Erin.”