Classes and Workshops
Our signature Mindful Making classes, held in our Arlington studio + shop, invite you to slow down, express, and connect - with a different theme or topic each season. The mood is casual and creative. You'll take away your own creation and leave refreshed and renewed.
Theresa also teaches a range of letterpress workshops at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center in Hyattsville, MD.
Visit our FAQ page for Arlington studio class policies and other info.
Arlington Studio & Shop
2424 26th Rd S, Arlington, VA 22206
Mindful Making: Gratitude Box
Thursday, October 30. 6:30-8:30 pm.
Arlington Studio & Shop
$20
Make a box from custom letterpress printed paper to hold your daily gratitude notes. Cut a collection of small gratitude cards from Open to Being paper to fill the box throughout November.
Level: Beginner. No experience necessary.
Slow Wrapping: Techniques for Thoughtful Gifts
Thursday, November 20. 6:30-8:30 pm.
Arlington Studio & Shop
$35
Transform gift wrapping into a mindful practice in this hands-on workshop. You'll learn simple, elegant paper wrapping techniques—including a clever pocket fold that holds your greeting card—and discover how natural materials like kraft paper, fresh greens, and twine can look luxurious and intentional.
Your registration includes VIP Early Access to Theresa's Table on Saturday, November 22 (11 am – 1 pm), our "slow shopping" experience where you'll find curated gifts ready for your beautiful wrapping techniques.
Beautiful, Effortless, Sustainable Gift Wrapping
Thursday, December 4. 6:30-8:30 pm.
Arlington Studio & Shop
$35
Celebrate creative reuse as you transform everyday materials into beautiful, memorable packages. Repurpose t-shirts, scarves, tea towels, and discarded fabric through the Japanese art of furoshiki fabric wrapping, making the wrapping itself into a gift.
Furoshiki wrapping cloths are available for purchase in the shop ($20).
Your registration includes VIP Early Access to our final Theresa's Table of the season on Saturday, December 6th, where you'll find curated gifts ready for your beautiful new wrapping techniques.
Mindful Making for Groups
Most of our two-hour Mindful Making workshops can be modified for your group of 4-8 people. Dates scheduled according to studio and instructor availability. Mininum four weeks advance notice required.
$25/person, minumum 4 people.
Choose from:
- Bookmarks
- Mini Notebooks
- Gratitude Boxes
Email us at hello@opentobeing.com to inquire.
Bespoke Workshops
Learn letterpress or work with us to create an experience just for you.
Starting at $250 for two hours for 1 person.
Email us at hello@opentobeing.com to inquire.
About the Teacher
Theresa Esterlund is an Arlington-based artist and educator whose teaching draws from her deep experience and expertise. A former museum educator and leader, she excels in creating playful, reflective, and collaborative experiences for renewed energy, balance, and connection. Theresa’s artistic background includes letterpress and other printmaking techniques as well as collage and mixed media. Her artwork is inspired by nature and intentional living, with a minimal, abstract aesthetic.
In September 2023, Theresa launched Open to Being, a boutique letterpress stationery and art studio with a vision of a more compassionately connected world. She designs and prints elegant letterpress paper goods, stationery, and artwork for heart and soul. She works out of her Arlington studio as well as at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center in Hyattsville, MD.