Turn a cherished photo into a one-of-a-kind pressed flower portrait — crafted by your own hands and heart. Date: Wednesday, May 27Workshop Event Time: 5:30-7:30 pmLocation: Dharmas Restaurant4250 Capitola RoadCapitola, CA 95010 Bring a favorite photo of someone you adore and transform it into a stunning pressed floral portrait. Guided by the artful hands of Charina of Orchid & Pine Studio, you'll layer delicate blooms, play with color and composition, and leave with something entirely your own. No experience needed. Just curiosity, a little patience, and a love of beautiful things. Join us at Dharmas for an evening of creativity, community, and the slow magic of working with flowers by hand. What you'll learn ◆Floral composition and color theory ◆An overview of the art and technique behind pressing flowers ◆How to layer blooms for a portrait-style composition ◆Display and long-term care for your finished piece What's included ◆A wide selection of pressed flowers and foliage to work with ◆Archival glue, tools, and hands-on expert guidance ◆A 5x7 gold-plated brass frame (PORTRAIT orientation)— elegant and gift-ready ◆A warm, welcoming space with fellow flower lovers at Dharmas ● All workshop attendees will enjoy a complimentary chai or tea, hot or iced during the workshop. ● We highly encourage you to reserve your frame ahead of time by purchasing a ticket before the date. Walk-ins are welcome, but only while supplies last Read how to select your photo and what to bring to this workshop here! About Dharmas Dharma's Natural Foods is a beloved, family-owned vegetarian restaurant founded in 1982 by Bernie Shapiro in Capitola, CA. A long-standing staple of the Santa Cruz County community, Dharmas has spent over four decades serving hearty, plant-based comfort food made with natural, organic ingredients — no preservatives, just good food done right. Located near the beach at 4250 Capitola Rd, the restaurant offers a laid-back, rustic atmosphere with a wide-ranging menu that's 95% vegan friendly, with plenty of gluten-free options. From BBQ Tofu-de-Beast to curries, salads, and burgers, every dish reflects a deep commitment to wholesome, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. More than a restaurant, Dharmas is a neighborhood gathering place — and we're honored to host this workshop within its walls. Meet Charina — Orchid & Pine Studio With a BFA in fashion design and a background in teaching yoga and meditation, Charina has spent years finding the place where form, texture, and mindfulness meet — and pressed floral art is where it all comes together. Through Orchid & Pine Studio, she bridges the worlds of floral design and slow, intentional craft in a way that feels both purposeful and alive. Her work has been featured at The Huntington Botanical Gardens, The New York Botanical Gardens, In Her Studio and In Her Garden magazine. In her Pressed Floral Portrait Workshops, Charina creates space for you to slow down, reconnect with your hands, and rediscover your creative side. You'll learn to layer delicate blooms, play with color and composition, and leave with a piece that is entirely your own — a quiet reminder of what your hands and imagination can make.
