When We Can Play

Workshops, pop-up shops, and community art gatherings — past and present — from the whimsical world of Bean Up The Nose Art.

Workshops & Classes

ModgePodge Madness

Collage workshop series

Get your hands delightfully sticky in this hands-on collage workshop. Tamara guides participants through layering techniques, color play, and the joyful chaos of mixed media — no experience required, just a willingness to make a mess and have fun.

ReRite Your Story: The Next Chapter Workshop

Creative journaling & collage

A collaborative workshop blending visual art with personal storytelling. Using collage and guided writing prompts, participants explore new narratives and fresh beginnings. Presented in partnership with RiteHereNow.

The Happiness Spreadsheet Workshop

With Cathy Curtis

A unique session combining financial wellness with creative play. Cathy Curtis of Curtis Financial Planning joined Tamara to help participants map out what truly brings joy — on paper and in practice. Held in November.

Vision Book Workshops

With Marilyn LoRusso

Tamara and Marilyn LoRusso led intimate vision book sessions in March, guiding attendees through collage and intention-setting to create personal visual roadmaps for the year ahead.

A flat vector illustration of colorful mixed-media collage supplies — torn paper scraps, scissors, glue sticks, and paint tubes scattered across a bright worktable, with splashes of magenta, teal, and gold against a dark background.

Pop-Up Shops & Community Gatherings

Now Hear This! Pop-Up Shopping for Fall

Bay Area pop-up

A seasonal pop-up shopping event featuring Bean Up The Nose Art greeting cards, luggage tags, and Cafe Press goodies — a chance to browse and buy in person.

Marin Open Studios

May

Tamara opened her studio doors as part of Marin Open Studios, welcoming visitors to see new work, watch the creative process, and shop original collages and printed goods.

Spring Sale — Alameda

April 26, 2044 Alameda Ave., Alameda, CA

The workshops offered under the When We Can Play banner invite participants to set aside their grown-up worries and reconnect with the simple joy of making something by hand. These sessions are designed for absolute beginners and seasoned creatives alike, focusing on mixed media collage techniques that emphasize play over perfection. Attendees gather in a relaxed studio space where curiosity is encouraged and mistakes are welcomed as part of the process. Every workshop aims to remind people that creativity is not a luxury reserved for artists, but a birthright available to anyone willing to pick up a glue stick and see where the scraps take them.

Pop-up shops bring the colorful, whimsical world of Bean Up The Nose Art directly into neighborhoods around the Bay Area. These temporary retail experiences feature small-batch prints, handmade greeting cards, luggage tags, buttons, and other nifty goodies that carry the same spirited aesthetic found in the original collages. Each pop-up is a celebration of enthusiasm and pluck, with Tamara often present to chat about her process and share encouragement with fellow makers. The events are announced through social media channels and tend to draw a friendly crowd of art lovers, collectors, and curious passersby looking for something bright and unusual.

Community art gatherings serve as a meeting ground for local artists, crafters, and neighbors who share a love for color and creative expression. These informal meetups are structured around a simple prompt or theme, allowing everyone to explore their own interpretation using provided materials and guidance. The atmosphere is supportive and low-pressure, with an emphasis on conversation and mutual inspiration. Musings on nature, bravery, and the creative spirit often weave through these sessions, reflecting the deeper values that underpin the entire Bean Up The Nose Art mission. No prior experience is required, only a willingness to play.

Past events have included collaborations with fellow artists and small businesses around Marin County, where Tamara has hosted book signings and creative demonstrations alongside other local makers. These gatherings often feature featured artists who share their own approaches to mixed media, collage, and craft, creating a rich exchange of ideas and techniques. Attendees have described these events as refreshing respites from the digital world, offering a chance to slow down and engage with tactile materials. The loose, contemplative rhythm of these gatherings mirrors the generous spacing and airy feel of the website itself, inviting everyone to linger and explore.

Looking ahead, the calendar continues to expand with new workshop dates, pop-up locations, and special community events that celebrate the intersection of art and everyday life. Tamara is always seeking new venues and partners who share her belief that the world needs more enthusiasm, color, and whimsy. Whether you are a longtime follower or a first-time visitor, these events offer a genuine opportunity to connect with the creative process and with others who value curiosity and pluck. Keep an eye on the dispatches for announcements about upcoming opportunities to play, create, and connect.

A one-day spring sale featuring fresh collage prints, cards, and gift items at a pop-up location in Alameda.

Classes at Collage / The Rusty Chandelier

Whidbey Island, October 2010

Tamara taught mixed-media collage classes at this beloved Whidbey Island creative space, sharing techniques and enthusiasm with a lively group of makers.

REAL MAIL Gatherings

October 2010

In collaboration with the Letter Writers' Alliance, Tamara participated in REAL MAIL gatherings celebrating the lost art of handwritten correspondence — with Bean Up The Nose Art cards front and center.

Collaborations

Thirstystone License

Ongoing partnership

Thirstystone licensed images from Bean Up The Nose Art for a line of coasters and housewares, bringing Tamara's whimsical collages into homes across the country.

Calypso Cards

Greeting card distribution

Bean Up The Nose Art greeting cards were represented by Calypso Cards, extending their reach to independent gift shops and boutiques.