The Paradise Center in Longboat Key hosts 'Do-It-Yourself' art class

Sarasota artist Debbie Lemieux didn't know what to do when she inherited an abundance of jewelry and crystals from her mother-in-law. Soon, her creativity sparked an idea. 

"I had always loved hanging sun catchers from windows and repurposing old jewelry," said Lemieux. "They shine rainbows all over the room so I thought it was the perfect, inexpensive way to honor the jewelry I had and artistically experiment with different pieces." 

This year, Lemieux started creating her own sun catchers. Going beyond antique jewelry, Lemieux started using anything she could find to make these sun catchers including keys, beads and medallions. 

With all the materials provided, Lemieux led Longboaters in making their own sun catchers Sept. 11 as the second part of her "Do-It-Yourself" art series at the Paradise Center. In the first class on Aug. 26, the group colorized photographs with pan-pastels to create art prints. 

The three attendees of the Sept. 11 class used driftwood as the base for the sun catcher and hung strings with a mix of beads, crystals, medallions and keys that Lemieux collected. Using recycled chains, the women plan to hang it from their windows at home or give it as a gift. 

Sallie West joined her close friend Donna Powell, who lives on Longboat Key, in the class. She said this was the perfect activity for bonding with a friend and expressing creativity.

Lemieux is excited to offer more creative classes at the Paradise Center such as flower arranging and paper making. 

"I love being able to share the techniques I learn with other people," said Lemieux. "It makes me more motivated to create and give ideas to people who have most of these things at home and don't know what to do with them. It is truly inspiring to create with others."