Working with Clay to Produce Something Unique
Residents at United’s Garrison Green community put their creativity to work last weekend by using clay to create small fairy houses. A fairy house is a whimsical home for fairies, and provides an interesting decoration for the yard or home.
Newly built fairy houses waiting for a touch of paint
"We went with fairy houses because they are small and easy to create for all levels of experience working with clay. This weekend we’ll be painting the finished houses, firing them in the kiln and glazing them, which will make them nice additions and conversation pieces in the residents’ suites."
~ Nicole Bond (United’s Garrison Creative Facilitator)
Ceramics has become a popular addition to the art studios at both Garrison Green and Fish Creek communities. Even without experience, fascinating projects can be created from a simple ball of clay.
"Clay brings us back to the earth,” said Nicole. “It’s taking a raw material and using our imaginations to create something unique. For the fairy houses, I gave the residents a basic plan and then let them use their imaginations to add steps, doors and their own personal touches to their creations. There was a lot of fun and laughter, which really creates a sense of community."
~ Nicole Bond (United’s Garrison Creative Facilitator)
She noted that it’s wonderful to see the reactions of older adults who may not have used clay before. “Working with clay is an opportunity to try something different, get your hands dirty and leave with a new skill that you might not have tried before,” said Nicole.
Garrison Green resident Thelma Scheunhage with her fairy house
Thelma Scheunhage, who moved into Garrison Green two months ago and is taking in as many of the painting and music workshops as she can had this to say:
"You know, I used to work with clay more than 30 years ago. This was a great opportunity to back into working with clay. I put a chimney on top and a flower box on the outside. I’m going to paint it green with a blue roof. Or maybe vice versa. I haven’t decided yet, but it was great fun!"
~ Thelma Scheunhage (United’s Garrison Resident)
Garrison Green resident Thelma Scheunhage with her fairy house
Thelma Scheunhage, who moved into Garrison Green two months ago and is taking in as many of the painting and music workshops as she can had this to say:
"You know, I used to work with clay more than 30 years ago. This was a great opportunity to back into working with clay. I put a chimney on top and a flower box on the outside. I’m going to paint it green with a blue roof. Or maybe vice versa. I haven’t decided yet, but it was great fun!"
~ Thelma Scheunhage (United’s Garrison Resident)
Louise Dean shapes the perfect roof for her fairy house
"I loved it! I decided to make my roof curved and to put a clay strip around the outside. Now I’m looking forward to painting it in two shades of brown to look like a tree. I hadn’t made one before. It was great fun!”
~ Louis Dean (United’s Garrison Resident)
The art studios at both communities are staffed by professional artists – creative facilitators who are there to support and encourage residents.
The studios offer a wide variety of skill-building workshops, collaborative and conceptual projects, art education sessions and outings to local galleries.
Louise Dean shapes the perfect roof for her fairy house
"I loved it! I decided to make my roof curved and to put a clay strip around the outside. Now I’m looking forward to painting it in two shades of brown to look like a tree. I hadn’t made one before. It was great fun!”
~ Louis Dean (United’s Garrison Resident)
The art studios at both communities are staffed by professional artists – creative facilitators who are there to support and encourage residents.
The studios offer a wide variety of skill-building workshops, collaborative and conceptual projects, art education sessions and outings to local galleries.
Wondering if an older adult community like United's Garrison Green is right for you or a loved one?
- Garrison Green is the perfect residence for you if you love being creative, enjoy lifelong learning, and experiencing new things.
- Garrison Green is also perfect for you if you do not want to be defined by your medical conditions, but rather want to live life on your terms - focused on your strengths, abilities and interests.
Here is what our residents say about living at Garrison Green:
...two steps below heaven.
Living at Garrison Green is like two steps below heaven. It really really is. Everything is provided.
- Trudy Martin | Resident
We never separate couples based on their medical needs.
"We are completely satisfied that United Active Living will be providing for us as a couple. We can be independent if we like to. And we can have assistance if we like to. But we can go through it together."
- Sharyn & Landis Krause | Residents
If this resonates with you, please either give us a call for more information on 403-917-1389 or visit our Information Page to learn more about United's Garrison Green experience.
United Active Living's Garrison Green
3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW
Calgary, AB T3E 0C9
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