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Make handmade poinsettia and ‘ugly sweater’ ceramic ornaments over two evenings in Lake Charles with resident artist Adrienne Romero. Perfect for beginners, this low-key workshop yields ready-to-gift keepsakes in time for the holidays.
Make handmade poinsettia and ‘ugly sweater’ ceramic ornaments over two evenings in Lake Charles with resident artist Adrienne Romero. Perfect for beginners, this low-key workshop yields ready-to-gift keepsakes in time for the holidays.
Book with Imperial Calcasieu Museum
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Operated by Imperial Calcasieu Museum · Lake Charles, Louisiana
Handmade with Love: Holiday Ornaments brings a hands-on two-evening ceramics workshop to Lake Charles, Louisiana, offering adults a creative way to mark the season. Hosted at imperialcalcasieumuseum, the sessions run November 20 and December 4 from 6–8 PM; finished pieces will be ready for pickup by December 8. Resident artist Adrienne Romero leads the group through hand-building, glazing, and finishing so each participant leaves with a small set of truly personal ornaments.
The workshop focuses on a short roster of projects: sculpting a poinsettia ornament by hand and glazing two premade pieces, including a playful “ugly Christmas sweater” design. Clay, basic tools, and kiln firing are part of the process; glazing happens in the second session, when color and texture bring each piece to life. The class size is intentionally limited to about 25 people, so Romero can demonstrate techniques, correct hand-building posture, and help with glaze choices. Expect hands-on instruction, step-by-step demos, and chances to experiment with slips, underglazes, and simple surface carving.
What makes this experience a standout in Lake Charles is its blend of low-pressure instruction and regional warmth. Instead of a rushed craft table, you get a guided studio environment where seasonal motifs meet the tactile, everyday craft of ceramics. Poinsettias— a classic holiday flower often used to accent Louisiana mantels—anchor the project, and the workshop’s timing lines up perfectly with local gift-giving traditions. It’s an accessible way to support a local artist and bring home a functional keepsake that reflects the Gulf Coast’s relaxed sense of style.
Practical notes: plan to attend both evenings; sessions are two hours each. Wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and consider bringing an apron or gloves. The building entrance will be through the museum’s side door, which will be propped open for check-in. The workshop is designed for adults 18 and up and welcomes all skill levels—no prior ceramics experience required.
For travelers, this is a compact, low-logistics creative stop that pairs well with an afternoon exploring Lake Charles galleries, dining on Cajun fare, or strolling nearby historic streets. Whether you’re making ornaments as gifts or starting a seasonal tradition, Handmade with Love offers a friendly studio rhythm, direct instruction from Adrienne Romero, and a tangible reminder of a Louisiana holiday.
Many participants treat the class as a low-key evening out with friends or a solo creative date; couples can each design complementary ornaments. Tools and communal materials are provided, though instructors encourage bringing any personal small stamps or cookie cutters for unique impressions. Finished ornaments are glazed and fired in the museum kiln between sessions; final pieces will be carefully labeled for pickup by December 8. Space is limited—book early through provided referral link to secure your place.
No — the workshop is designed for adults of all experience levels and Adrienne Romero will guide basic hand-building and glazing techniques.
Participants must be at least 18 years old.
Basic clay, tools, and kiln firing are included; you may bring small personal stamps or cookie cutters for custom impressions.
No — plan to attend both scheduled evenings (Nov 20 and Dec 4) to complete and glaze your handmade ornament.
Finished and fired pieces will be available for pickup by December 8.
Entry is through the museum’s side door, which will be propped open for check-in.
Imperial Calcasieu Museum, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and creative traditions of Southwest Louisiana. The museum presents rotating exhibits, community programs, and special events that highlight local heritage and visual arts. Programming ranges from family-focused experiences to seasonal public events staged under the museum’s historic Sallier Oak, a landmark setting that connects visitors with regional stories. The museum’s events include signature experiences such as Lighting of the Oak: SPIRITS, held on October 23. That evening combines storytelling by local historian Adley Cormier, immersive performances by roaming interpreters, and support for the museum’s nonprofit mission. Another public offering is the Kidz Birthday Party program, which provides a guided painting session, a curated museum tour, and free playtime, with cleanup handled by staff to simplify planning for families. These programs are designed to engage children and adults with hands-on art-making and local history. Imperial Calcasieu Museum partners with regional artists, historians, and community organizations to maintain programming that is both educational and welcoming. The museum’s nonprofit status and reliance on community support underscore a commitment to access and preservation. Visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences in Lake Charles will find museum events that prioritize storytelling, creative participation, and the unique traditions of Southwest Louisiana. As a civic resource in Lake Charles, the museum maintains regular hours, hosts community-driven exhibitions, and documents regional stories through collections, educational outreach, and event programming that reflect local identity and support cultural tourism in Southwest Louisiana.
Book with Imperial Calcasieu Museum