A Matchbox Crankie Workshop

In a world filled with screens, come make a handmade treasure!  

Join sister-makers Nina and Sonya from The Far Woods Creative Studio for a hands-on workshop where we’ll be storytelling in miniature; transforming basic household matchboxes into charming folk-art moving pictures that tell a story by hand-cranking a long, illustrated scroll through a viewing window.  

Students Will:

• Build their own miniature theater 

• Design and draw a continuous narrative scroll (an analog movie!) to fit inside.

• Learn how to “crank,” and pair their visuals with a song, poem, or story

Details:

• Where: BLOOMINGTON, IN on Sunday, April 19th, 2026 from 12:30pm - 3:30pm, in our studio on the East Side of Bloomington at the edge of the woods (you will receive the address in your confirmation email after registering).

• Who: Ages 10 and up! (A perfect activity for kids, adults and parent-child duos).  Perfect for multi-generational pairs (grandparents/grandkids), friends looking to create meaningful gifts for one another, or anyone who wants to turn a special story or memory into a physical treasure.

• Cost: Sliding Scale $45--$65— All materials provided.  Parent-child duos are sliding scale $75-$120. Venmo, Paypal or Cash/check are all payment options.  Once you register for the workshop through the link below we will send you a confirmation email with payment option details to secure your spot in the workshop!

Note: We believe everyone is a creative genius. That said, you do not have to be aware that you are one to join this class! ☺️   Everyone, no matter the skill level, will leave with a beautiful and functional piece of pocket-sized art and the ability to make a matchbox crankie again!

This class is being offered in conjunction with Bloomington’s first crankie festival: “We’re Crankie” on Saturday, April 18th from 1-3 at the downtown library auditorium! If you can make it, go check out the beautiful crankies on Saturday to get a dose of inspiration for our class on Sunday!