Johanne turns her love of making things into creative afternoons together. She tries out ideas, shares what she has learned and invites others to join in. That is what we want to make possible with 99active: people sharing something they enjoy and getting to know each other along the way. Johanne is an intern on our team and has already offered many Moments of her own. Here she talks about getting started, trying things out and plants that thankfully never need watering.
Hi, I’m Johanne
I think sometimes all you need is an idea, a few materials and, above all, the courage to begin. I have always enjoyed teaching people something and getting them excited about creative projects. I love the moment when a little idea becomes something of your own. Something that did not exist a little while ago, and now you can hold it in your hands.
I’m a student, and alongside my studies I invite you to join my creative Moments in Leipzig. We sit together in a small group, try things, ask questions and learn from each other. You can come on your own, even if you have never picked up a crochet hook or a paintbrush before. I’ll show you the steps, and we’ll see what you can make together.
From a saved post to a first attempt
I often find inspiration on social media. A piece of jewellery, an unusual colour combination or something made with materials you might already have at home. You probably know the feeling: save it now, definitely make it someday. The folder of lovely ideas fills up. The craft table stays empty for a while.
When an idea sticks with me, I try it out. I start with little prototypes, test materials, change things and see what works. The first attempt does not always look like the picture on my screen. Sometimes things do not fit together, or a supposedly easy step has its own rather different definition of “easy”.
So I try another way. With each attempt, the movements become more familiar, the results improve and I grow more confident. Eventually, I know where I can help someone else, because I remember getting stuck in the same place. And then I think: wouldn’t it be lovely to try this together next time?
Paint on clothes, plants without a watering schedule
That has led to all sorts of creative Moments. In my acrylic upcycling workshops, we give old clothes a fresh look. For the collage workshop, Michelle and I invite you to cut, glue and try combinations together. Everyone works on their own piece while ideas travel around the table. Things that were scattered across it suddenly come together.
My Moments also include crocheting plants, making suncatchers and turning second-hand buttons into bracelets. I’ll guide you from your first stitch or choosing your favourite buttons to a little creation of your own. The crocheted plants are especially easy to care for: no watering, no debate about the right spot and no sad goodbye after two weeks. A green thumb is entirely optional.
The newest addition is macramé: we work through the knots together, and you make your own plant hanger at your own pace. Even the real plants get a lovely place to live. Someone will still have to remember to water those, though.
Here is a glimpse of my creative Moments:
A date in the diary turns “someday” into a start
The biggest challenge for me is often putting an idea into practice. In my head, a project can seem to demand much more energy and effort than it actually takes. Meeting at a set time helps me get started. I prepare the materials, think through the steps and deliberately make room for it.
One of the places I use for my creative gatherings in Leipzig is the bar area at the Seaside Park Hotel. A cosy place, a shared table and some time: an idea gets a little space in everyday life.
Perhaps you recognise this from student life. Between lectures, deadlines and everything else, good intentions can stay just that. Yet you may already enjoy something that other people would love to learn. Crocheting their first stitches, making jewellery or giving an old piece of clothing a new look. Something you love doing could become a small workshop of your own.
Meet Johanne on video
Here is a chance to get to know me a little better.
Taking home something handmade and a little pride
“I can make this myself.” That is the feeling I want to share. Everything does not have to be perfect from the start. I love it when someone tries something new and discovers what their own hands can do.
Being creative together also means learning from each other. I demonstrate a technique, and someone else has an idea I would never have thought of. We begin with similar materials, yet everyone’s work turns out differently.
Conversation comes easily when you are making something: about colours, the next step or whatever the person across the table is working on. You help each other, find inspiration and get to know new people in Leipzig along the way.
Perhaps you go home with a piece of jewellery you made yourself. Or a plant that will happily survive a long holiday. And that small, lovely feeling of pride: I made this. Maybe even the thought that you have something you would enjoy teaching others, too.
Perhaps you have a saved idea waiting to make it off your screen and onto the table. Come along, even on your own. You don’t need any experience or someone to bring with you. We’ll take our time, help each other and chat as we make things. I would love to get to know you over a creative afternoon together.