Golden Spike Decorative Painters

 2026 January Newsletter

LeeAnn Washatka, President

What a whirlwind 2025 has been! As the year ended, we were able to pause, reflect, and celebrate together with a beautiful Christmas and fellowship-filled gathering at our annual holiday party and cherished year-end tradition. While our group was smaller this year, the sense of connection, laughter, and shared joy was as strong as ever. We enjoyed good conversation, meaningful fellowship, and of course our classic White Elephant exchange—where Bob Ross gifts once again made a strong showing.

Moments like these are a reminder of what makes our group so special. It’s not just the projects we paint, but the relationships we build, the encouragement we offer one another, and the space we create to relax, laugh, and paint together. Whether you’ve been with us for years or joined more recently, your presence truly matters.

I also want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for allowing me to serve as your president for the past two years. It has been an absolute privilege to lead such a talented and supportive group. To my surprise and delight, many of you shared that you enjoyed my tenure enough to ask me to continue in this role. I’m honored by your trust and confidence, and I’m genuinely excited to serve again.

Looking ahead to 2026, I couldn’t be more enthusiastic. We already have some incredible projects lined up, and we have been listening closely to your feedback about the styles, techniques, and themes you’d like to explore. I truly believe that this year’s lineup will not only reflect your input but will more than exceed your expectations. Our goal remains the same: to offer meaningful, engaging, and enjoyable painting experiences that inspire creativity while fostering connection and community.

As we move into the new year, I encourage everyone to participate when you can, invite friends who may be interested, and continue sharing ideas and feedback. This group thrives because of your involvement, enthusiasm, and willingness to show up—both for the art and for one another.

I’m incredibly excited for what 2026 has in store and look forward to another year of creativity, growth, and shared experiences. I hope to see each of you throughout the year, brush in hand, creating something beautiful together.

We also want to thank Sandy Mctier for her generous donation of patterns and stencils. See our links page for a direct link to her web page.

My brush is ready,

LeeAnn Washatka

2026 Seminars and Paint-ins

January 17th  (Saturday)                 – Jana Poulsen – Woodburning on Gourds

February 21st (Saturday)                 – Maxine Thomas  –  Snowman design (New)

March 21th (Saturday)                     – Wendy Ouellette – Easter Rabbit

April 18th (Saturday)                        – Rosina Lettre – Water Color Rose

May 16th (Saturday)

June 4th-6th (Thur-Sat)                    – Lynne Andrews Seminar – Old Glory Santa Plate

July 18th (Saturday)

August 15th (Saturday)

October 15th-17th (Thur-Sat)           – Pat Lentine Seminar  – TBD

November 21th (Saturday)

December – Christmas Party

If you have suggestions for projects for 2026, please let the Board know.

2026 Elections

The current offices were overwhelming voted to continue for 2026. But GSDP still needs new 1^st and 2^nd Vice Presidents to complete the Board. Please consider volunteering for one of these Board positions.

        President - LeeAnn Washatka

        1st Vice President -

        2nd Vice President -

        Treasurer - Pat Reeder

        Secretary - Lydia Gossett

                        

                         Lori Jennings

                         Nancy Langford

    

Chapter Dues

It's time to pay 2026 GSDP dues ($15). Checks can be made out to Golden Spike Decorative Painters and mailed to the GSDP care of Pat Reeder at 470 W 4900 S, Washington Terrace, UT 84405.

January

Woodburning on Gourds

Teacher:             Jana Poulsen

Cost:                        $7.50

Surface:                   Gourd of your choice

Date:                        January17^th 10am – 2:30pm

Supplies:

Wood burner with three tips if possible - skew or knife, shader and a writing nib. These are not required but they are what I use most. If you have a solid type of burner it will work too, it is just a little harder to finesse. (See Below)

Note: This is a not a painting class!!

We will be learning the wood burning only. The picture only shows how the piece can be finished.

Prep:

Lightly sand the gourd. It makes for a cleaner burn.

Transfer pattern to gourd before class. Butterfly and humming bird patterns will be provided and you may choose either one to burn. (Enlarge or shrink the pattern to fit your gourd.)

You can go to https://youtube.com/shorts/8ODXOwXu-TY?si=-460naztkigAtNuE to see how Jana textured around her design.

The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse 1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.

February

Snowman Design (this is a new design from Maxine)

Teacher:          Maxine Thomas

Cost:                    $7.50

Surfaces:             9" square box (without the lid) or 9" flat surface. The box is available from Pinecraft Inc.(503-307-8145).  Maxine used the large box with scalloped lid. The box is also available as a set of 3 that nest into each other. 

NOTE: The boxes are here. If you had LeeAnn order you a box, you may pick it up at the January17^th Paint-in at the Westwood Village Club House. Otherwise, please contact LeeAnn (801 391-3556 ) to arrange for a time and place of pick up.

Date: February 21^th 10am – 2:30pm

Supplies:

Prep:

The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse 1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.

March

Easter Rabbits

Teacher:         Wendy Ouelette

Cost:                  $7.50

Surfaces:           18 inch x 11 inch frame from Hobby Lobby (can be done on anything) 

Date:                   March 21st 10am – 2:30pm

Supplies: DecoArt/Americana

Black                       White

Bright Orange         Burnt Orange

Cadmium Yellow     Light Buttermilk

Mistletoe                 Teal Mint

Toffee                      Tuscan Red

Margarita                 Vivid Violet

Regular painting supplies, water bucket, pallet, etc. You might want to bring a chalk pencil.

Brushes used to paint the piece:

        1/2 inch angle brush or your favorite floating brush

        10/0 liner brush

        # 3 round brush

        1/4 inch Jo Sonja's oval wash brush

(You can substitute with a 1/4 inch lunar blender or an old filbert. This is used to make the fur)

Prep:

Base the piece in black and then put on the pattern. You don't need to put the pattern on the inside of the ears.

The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse (1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.

April

Water Color Rose

Teacher:         Rosina Lettre

Cost:                  $7.50

Surfaces:           TBA

Date:                  April 18th 10am – 2:30pm

Supplies

Water color paints - primary colors

Plastic paint palette

Paper towels

Brushes

 Prep:

No prep

The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse (1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.

June Lynne Andrews Seminar

Teacher:             Lynne Andrews

Cost:                  TBA

Surfaces: The wood for the plate, pictures, patterns, instructions and paints for Old Glory Santa plate are included the seminar price. This piece will be taught on Thursday and Friday. Two smaller projects, Christmas tree and Santa ornament, are also part of the seminar and will be taught on Saturday.

Date: June 4^th thru 6^th 10:00 am

(setup and chat time 9:30-10:00)

Seminar: There is a $50 non-refundable deposit. The deposit must be received by May 15^th to hold you spot in the class. The check should be made out to Golden Spike Decorative Painters and mailed to GSDP care of Pat Reeder at 470 W 4900 S, Washington Terrace, UT 84405.

Any remaining seminar balance must be paid when you pickup your surfaces, pictures, patterns and instructions.

You will be notified of the date and location of pickup.

Lunches are included in the seminar price. (Please note that we are unable to accommodate individual dietary needs.) Bottled water will also be provided.

Contact LeeAnn (801 391-3556 ) if you have any questions about the seminar.

 GSDP 's mission is to educate the community on the traditions of decorative folk art painting and to preserve these cultural legacies for future generations. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive space to connect, create and inspire one another while fostering a vibrant community.