Kulina Folk Art Creative Workshops

Rave Reviews

“Garine, Your soap making program was wonderful. Thank you so much for a happy day. Everyone seemed over the moon. We would love to have you back. Your schedule is online I believe. Thank you again,” Melissa Kimmer, Adult Services Librarian, Raynham Public Library


“It was a great class. You provided a lot of detail and pointed out some of the fails of your journey in candle making. Thx for taking the time to educate us in candle making.” Candle Making Workshop Participant  


“It was informative and hands on without feeling overwhelming for someone new to candle making like myself.” Candle Making Workshop Participant


“The Candle Making Workshop was very enjoyable. I just picked up my candle.  I'm so pleased there were no sinkholes and it smells wonderful. I’m not crafty at all so I’m so proud of myself!” Candle Making Workshop Participant


“I second July’s (Siebecker, Hubbard Memorial Library, Ludlow) recommendation for Garine. She is fantastic. I’ve hosted her three times here in South Hadley, with the latest being two weeks ago. You can’t go wrong with her!” Meg Clancy, Youth Services Librarian, South Hadley


“Hi there, I totally agree!! Garine is wonderful! We have had her for 5+ different workshops, and she is always a hit. Reasonable, easy to work with, and a really nice person!” Moira Cranshaw, Youth and Teen Librarian-Supervisor, Emily Williston Memorial Library


“Hello Everyone! This afternoon we ran a candle making program through Duckie Soaps/Kulina Folk Art at the Hopkinton Public Library. Garine, the presenter, was professional and had her craft down to a science. She managed our 15 participants expertly. I ran this program as a tween, teen, and adult program. We had ages from tweens to older adults, with most being tweens. Everyone had a great time and now our classroom smells amazing. I even got to participate! I think this program works well for the size group we had (we capped it at 15, but she can accommodate more for an additional fee). We all learned a ton about candle making, and had plenty of fun. She brings everything she needs with her, and needs minimal time for setup and takedown because of her top notch organizational skills. If anyone wants a program that spans age ranges and interests, this one is a good fit. We even had tween boys participating, which is traditionally a hard group to get involved in some types of craft programs. Her website is below and she is also on the MBLC program performers list.” Jessica "Jak" Miller, Young Adult Librarian, Hopkinton Public Library


“Hi, I wanted to express how much I enjoyed the Rainbow Soap Making workshop. Garine was an excellent presenter. Her workshop was a lot of fun. I had no idea how soap was made or the difference between lye and glycerin/glycerol. Garine was excellent, well prepared, professional, a TEACHER. Garine  mentioned she also has a workshop making candles. Could this be a future class? Thank you,” C.B. West Brdigewater participant


“I also recommend Kulina Folk Art! On Tuesday, Garine taught her scented candle workshop! Quick, easy, safety-focused, and mess free. I will absolutely hire her again in the future!” Bridget Kennedy, Young Adult Services Librarian, Palmer Public Library


“Dear Garine,Thank you for hosting two amazing fabric programs for our community on March 22! I was lucky enough to join you during the children’s session and had a blast decorating along with our young patrons.

Your programs give patrons the opportunity to express their creativity using uncommon materials to make beautiful projects. We are greatful for your partnership and look forward to having you back in October for Candle Making! With gratitude,” Cate Bartlett, Youth Services Library Assistant


“Hi Gariné, thank you SO MUCH for leading such an excellent workshop! I had blast just watching. :)” Morgan Howard, Youth Services Librarian, Chinatown Branch of the Boston Public Library


“I have to admit that when I took your Scrunch-Paint a Silk Scarf workshop I didn’t think the scarf would end up looking good. But when it dried and I ironed it it turned out REALLY AMAZING!” Participant


“Garine, I must tell you that on the MA library system email group everyone RAVES about you! They say how great your programs are and how lovely you are to work with. Recently a candle making presenter question came up and your name kept popping up as a recommendation. People jump in and say they second the compliments! It's always good to hear when you work so hard, that people appreciate you. Have a great day, Janice” Janice McArdle, Youth Service Librarian, Granby Free Public Library


“Before booking Paper Quilling with Garine I was a bit skeptical if we would get enough turnout. We ended up with our normal sized crowd, all wearing their masks and eager to paper quill. Everyone had a good time and it was fun to see how the paper could turn to different shapes. Garine's programs are always fun, she is very encouraging to participants, and patiently scans the room, stopping to help those who need it. Garine never disappoints. Our patrons are looking forward to our next class taught by her. I highly recommend her programs.” Melissa Rickson, Senior Library Technician, Hubbard Memorial Library, Ludlow


“We had Kulina Folk Art yesterday at our Library. Garine presented 2 workshops- Bouncing Ball on Cotton (youth) and Scrunch-Painting a Silk Scarf (teen). The workshops were fantastic! Garine is wonderful as an instructor. She was able to accommodate everyone individually with incredible patience and support. What a delightful afternoon, I highly recommend it!” Moira Cranshaw, Youth and Teen Librarian-Supervisor, Emily Williston Memorial Library


“We had a great workshop last night on creating greeting cards using the craft of quilling. The patrons loved it, she was easy to work with, arrived early, did her set up and clean up and reasonably priced. It was a hit. Thought it deserved a shout out!” Helen Graham, Assistant Director, Reuben Hoar Library, Littleton


“The Sunderland Public Library was pleased to host Garine Arakelian of Kulina Folk Art for her “Build a Better Soap” workshop in January 2018. Garine was a pleasure to work with throughout the whole process. Planning the program was easy and Garine clearly explained what the program entails and what her requirements are. She was able to tailor the program to suit the unique needs of my patrons and my library. The program was popular and had a long waiting list. Garine was punctual and completed all of the program set up herself. During the program she was warm and professional, and was able to engage patrons of all ages. All of the participants loved the program! At the end of the program everyone was happy, and I have received several requests to bring her back, which I hope to do!” Katherine Hand, Sunderland Library Director


“We hosted Soap Making for Teens and Soap Making for Kids at our Library. Both programs were fantastic and VERY popular. Gariné did a great job - patrons are still talking about it days afterward! We're excited to have her back for future programs.” Sam Hoffman, Youth Library Assistant at Hubbard Memorial Library, Ludlow


“Kulina Folk Art’s soap making workshop we held at the Oxford Free Public Library was fantastic! Gariné explains everything clearly during the program and made it so much fun for the attendees. She was wonderful to work with and made it easy setting up a time to hold the program. All of the patrons that attended told me how much they loved the workshop and told me they had a blast making the soaps. We will definitely have Gariné back at OXPL!” Brittany McDougal, Director at Oxford Free Public Library


“Many thanks for sharing your soap-making skills with us in Ashburnham! I know that the young people enjoyed the creative process and that they learned more about how soap is being made, along the way. And I was lucky enough to gain a rubber duck sample, too. Thanks again, and best wishes on your future endeavors.” Corinne Smith, Library Assistant, Programs, Stevens Memorial Library, Ashburnham


"Garine presented 2 programs at our library, one for children and one for teens. She geared them perfectly for the different age groups. Both were well attended including the teen program! Everyone created a beautiful soap to take home and enjoy. I definitely plan on having Garine back again.” Meg Clancy, Youth Services Librarian, South Hadley Public Library


“Dear Garine, On behalf of the Bellingham Library and the Bellingham Senior Center, I want to thank you for the wonderful workshop you presented our multigenerational programming on Duckies Soap Making.

Not only were you incredibly organized, but you had the children, parents, and grandparents all had a wonderful time. They enjoyed it so much that when the children were through making their duckies in the soap, the parents and grandparents and adopted grandparents all wanted to make them. We ran out of soap! I didn’t realize when we discussed the number of participants that the older generation would want to do it too.

The program was an unqualified success. We look forward to repeating it next year. Thank you,” Sheila Ronkin, Certified Program Manager, Outreach/Development, Bellingham Senior Center


“Garine Arakelian's Duckies Rock! soap making program was a great success at my library! Garine taught the participants about soap and soap making, all while showing them a really good time. Everybody left with a fun rubber ducky soap. Garine is also great because she set up, cleaned up, and brought all the materials herself. I really enjoyed having Kulina Folk Art, and would totally recommend her to anybody looking for a great program!”

Sarah Feather, Children's Librarian, Parlin Memorial Library, Everett


“​We had Garine do an aquarium soap making workshop for 40 participants (between the ages of 5 and 18) on Tuesday​, and it was absolutely wonderful! Everyone was totally engaged and excited, and they left with absolutely beautiful soaps that they designed and created. All that we needed to provide was space and tables, and she brought in everything else.” Kelsey Socha, Youth Services Librarian, Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield


“Over the summer we hosted Gariné Arakelian for three Rubber Duckie Soap making classes. Each class was geared for a different age group: children, teens, and adults. I was so impressed by the way Gariné presented information about soap and soap making to each group. She made it understandable for all. All of our patrons from young to old thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. Gariné made it fun and everyone was able to be as creative as they wanted with the materials she supplied. She was very patient and kind to all who participated. Gariné was flexible and a pleasure to work with. We can’t wait to have her out again!” Tara Windsor, Children’s Librarian, Taft Public Library, Mendon


“Kulina Folk Art’s “Soap Making for Everyone” was a wonderful program brought to our library by Kulina Folk Art. Garine is extremely pleasant and flexible, which is always appreciated in the library world. Her presentation was clearly explained so that patrons of all ages could enjoy. Garine also brings everything she needs and sets up like a pro! We will definitely have her back in the future. Thank you!” Deb Hinkle, Library Director, Uxbridge Free Public Library


“Hi Garine, Thank you so much for an amazing program at the Hingham Library last night! Abby said it was so much fun and the patrons really enjoyed themselves as well. We'll definitely want to have you back at some point in the future. And thank you for my soap! That was very kind of you. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and happy new year! Best wishes,” Michael Achille, Local History Librarian, Hingham Public Library


“Thank you Garine, It was another success! I appreciate you coming.” Kim Kotob, Activity and Volunteer Coordinator, Ashland Senior Center


“Thank you, Garine! That was a fantastic program. I keep telling my coworkers how much fun it was. I'm compiling a list of programs I'd like to bring to the library next summer, so hopefully we can have you back then. Best,” Cailin Chenelle, Children's Services, Bolton Public Library


“Thank you for bringing your soap making program to the Mansfield Public Library.  This was a great hands-on program for our audience of children ages 5 and up and their parents. You were so organized and it was a joy to work with you.  

We all loved learning about soap making, and your instructions and demo set us up for success. The finished project was perfect for all ages, with enough room for creative individuality to shine through. I definitely recommend this program for other libraries and venues! Thank you!” Kitty Schacht, Mansfield Public Library


“Hi Gariné, I wanted to thank you again for your wonderful soap making workshop here at Ames Free Library last week. We enjoyed hosting you and our attendees had so much fun creating with you! Hope to see you again soon! Best,” Megan, Ames Free Library, North Easton


“We took your class Build a Better Soap with Assortment of Duckies and we loved it. We are not using our soaps, instead we have decorated our bathrooms and tell our guests we made these soaps in your workshop. We will sign up again for your next workshop you are offering.” Mother and Daughter who participated in a soap making class at Oxford Free Public Library


“Hi Garine, Just today while working the circulation desk I had two families tell me how much they enjoyed the soap making workshop! Kudos to you for a great program. Take care,” Kelly Daniels Baker, Head of Youth Services, Sunderland Public Library


“Garine,Thank you so much for an awesome workshop! We will be in touch in the future. Thanks,” Clare, Head of Children's Services, Head of Children's Services, Amesbury Public Library

Ashburnham Public Library, About Rubber Duckie Soap workshop

The Gardner News - Friday, October 6, 2017, News staff photos by Doneen Durling

Good, clean fun - Finne Patty blows on the soap to help cool it down recently at Stevens Memorial Library in Ashburnham. He added peppermint to his soap and was surprised at how strong it smelled.

www.thegardnernews.com

Hudson Public Library, Aquarium Goldfish Soap workshop

A very happy patron at Hudson Public Library making Aquarium Goldfish Soap. Love that smile!

©2017-24 Kulina Folk Art mykulina@yahoo.com / 413-436-7444 / Design Garine Arakelian


Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield, aquarium soap making workshop Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield

Aquarium Soap at Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield

soap making at the Fitchburg Senior Center

Soap making at the Fitchburg Senior Center

Photos: SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE/JOHN LOVE:

https://mng-sen.smugmug.com/Soap-making-at-Fitchburg-Senior-Center-July-25-2018/i-vkxnkF5


David & Joyce Milne Public Library, Williamstown soap workshop Scrunch-Paint a Silk Scarf with Garine Arakelian of Kulina Folk Art