Tour Description: At Traditions Workshop, the goal is to keep memories alive and restoring family heirlooms. Traditions Workshop is a hybrid shop. Power tools can be found onsite, but you can also find can adze, hand planes, saws, scrapers, needle and thread. Our tour will consist of providing an overview of the Traditions Workshop crafts and classes offered such as blacksmithing, stain glass, drop spindle and more. This one-time tour, geared to the introduction of restorations skills and availability, will meet on Thursday, September 17, from 10:00 to 12:00, at Traditions Workshop.

Tour Host Bio: When Lt. Col. David Sandlin retired from the Air Force after a 22-year career as an A-10 and F-16 fighter pilot and 13 years as a software contractor, it didn't take long before he was ready for something new. As it turned out, something new was actually something old, after forming his Traditions Workshop furniture repair and restoration business. David believes that "Part of restoration is doing the blacksmithing work, because some of the pieces we get in are antique and you can't find the hardware anymore, so we have to make it".

Notes: We will meet at Traditions Workshop, 418 Green Acres Rd, Unit 4, Fort Walton Beach

Tour Description: Discover the joy of creativity and connection in the Kit Card Class. Stampin’ Up! kits are designed to introduce you to the fun of paper crafting. Depending on your chosen kit, you’ll create 6 to 9 handmade cards. (The kits are not the same as the ones in the September 18 session.) Each kit includes stamps, ink, precut pieces, and step by step instructions. Michelle will guide you through the process of stamping images and sentiments, assembling your cards, and adding personal touches to each project. No prior experience is necessary. A fee of $30 will be collected at the door to cover the cost of the card kits. Please bring the exact amount.

Tour Host Bio: Michelle Rushing has been a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator for over 10 years. Today she enjoys all kinds of creative projects including stamping, die cutting, card making, and scrapbooking. Through her Stampin' Butterfly social media pages, she shares paper crafting tips and projects to help others discover the joy of creating something handmade.

Notes: We will meet in the UWF Cafe, which is in the Library (Building 8). 

Tour Description: Emily Clarrey of Katie’s House of Flowers & Gifts will showcase a day in the life of a florist. She will also help attendees create small fall flower arrangements. A fee of $25 will be collected at the door to cover the cost of the fall flower arrangements. Please bring the exact amount.

Tour Host Bio: Emily and Dylan Clarrey have owned Katie’s since 2017. Katie’s has been in business since 1965 and serves most of Okaloosa County. It has a long-standing reputation in the community for being community first and providing stunning floral arrangements. Katie’s was recognized as the 2023 Niceville Valparaiso Small Business of the Year. Emily was recognized as a recipient of the United Way’s 2025 40 under 40. Katie’s amazing family of 12 is at the heart of everything they do, and they are extremely proud to carry on Katie’s legacy.

Notes: We will meet at Katie’s House of Flowers & Gifts, 402 Bayshore Drive, Niceville, FL 32578.

Tour Description: Just Think Cake is an award-winning cake shop where your vision becomes a tasty reality. Participants will decorate 6 cupcakes (to take home) with piped frosting and fondant accents. A $15 cash fee will be collected before class begins.

Tour Host Bio: After being gifted with a cake decorating class, Kristen found her niche and began a flourishing business in 2011. She is now well known for her delicious and expertly decorated cakes for any occasion!

Notes: There is a $15 Fee to cover materials cost. We will meet at Just Think Cake, 2 David Street, Unit D, Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Tour Description: Discover the joy of creativity and connection in the Kit Card Class. Stampin’ Up! kits are designed to introduce you to the fun of paper crafting. Depending on your chosen kit, you’ll create 6 to 9 handmade cards. (The kits are not the same as the ones in the September 18 session.) Each kit includes stamps, ink, precut pieces, and step by step instructions. Michelle will guide you through the process of stamping images and sentiments, assembling your cards, and adding personal touches to each project. No prior experience is necessary. A fee of $30 will be collected at the door to cover the cost of the card kits. Please bring the exact amount.

Tour Host Bio: Michelle Rushing has been a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator for over 10 years. Today she enjoys all kinds of creative projects including stamping, die cutting, card making, and scrapbooking. Through her Stampin' Butterfly social media pages, she shares paper crafting tips and projects to help others discover the joy of creating something handmade.

Notes: We will meet in the UWF Cafe, which is in the Library (Building 8). 

Course Description:  With help from the instructor, you will create several acrylic paintings of flowers and still life. No experience is necessary. This is a 4-week double session class. There is a $40 non-refundable fee.

Instructor Bio:  Pat Roberts is a local artist. She is an active member of the Arts and Design Society and Okaloosa Public Arts. Pat exhibits as well as teaches at ADSO and HH Arts.

Additional Notes:  This is a 4-week double session course meeting on October 8, 15, 22, 29. There is a $40 non-refundable supply fee due at the first class

Tour Description: Do you know that the only source of quality wood products on the Emerald Coast can be found at Niceville Slabs and Cookies? They provide custom woodworking, sawmill services, kiln drying, and domestic and imported wood. It all started with owner Michael DeShay’s renovation business and a passion for woodworking. If you’re working on a project and need some cuts or other work done, consider visiting Niceville Slabs and Cookies. And, as a part of this tour, you will have the opportunity to purchase many of their incredible designs. This one-time class will meet on Friday October 9, at 10:00AM.

Tour Host Bio: Genevieve Burgess is a Jill of all trades, and veteran of the Air Force. Genevieve has been woodworking since 2018, when she attended Fox Valley Technical College in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for Wood Manufacturing Technology.

Notes: This one-time class will meet at Niceville Slabs & Cookies, 207 Kelly Road, Unit B, in Niceville.

Tour Description: Join us for a special behind-the-scenes tour of Salt & Story, a unique independent bookstore and community gathering space. Attendees will learn about the inspiration behind the store, how an independent bookstore operates, and the role community-centered businesses play in fostering connection and creativity. Following the tour, participants will create a hands-on book-themed craft project to take home. A fee of $25 will be collected at the door to cover craft supplies. Please bring the exact amount.

Tour Host Bio: Laura Redmon is the owner of Salt & Story, a local entrepreneur, community magazine publisher, and a passionate advocate for small businesses and meaningful community connections. With a love for storytelling, creativity, and bringing people together, Laura created Salt & Story as a place where readers, makers, and neighbors could gather, learn, and feel inspired. She enjoys hosting engaging events that encourage creativity, conversation, and lifelong learning.

Notes: We will meet at Salt & Story, 1103-B John Sims Parkway, Niceville, FL 32578