Whimsy & Wonder is a backyard arts-and-crafts class that serves as a homeschool enrichment course for local children. This program is designed to offer children a heartfelt, process-based art experience that nurtures creativity, curiosity, confidence, and self-expression.
Founded in March 2026, Whimsy & Wonder was created in response to local families seeking a more intentional, engaging approach to art education—one that values exploration over perfection, and encourages each child’s unique perspective of the world. Through thoughtful discussions, material exploration, and guided activities, the students have the opportunity to develop a greater sense of connection to both themselves and their environment.
Ultimately, this class is about embracing whimsy, encouraging a sense of wonder, and inviting children to create—simply for the sheer joy of it.
Core Values
What will my child be learning?
Hover over each box to explore Whimsy & Wonder's core values and teaching philosophies.
Whimsy
Embracing playfulness, imagination, and joy. Whimsy invites children to engage with both their inner world and the world around them with lightness, delight, and creativity.
Open-Ended Creativity
The belief that there is no single “right” way to be creative. Creativity can take many forms, and does not need to be polished or perfect to be meaningful.
Appreciation for the Natural World
Developing a deeper relationship with the earth (especially our local ecosystem) by observing, honoring, and finding inspiration in nature. Nature is truly a source of so much whimsy & wonder.
Wonder
The practice of noticing— slowing down to observe the beauty, magic, and mystery present in everyday life. Wonder nurtures an open heart, open mind, and a lifelong sense of curiosity.
The Courage to Try (and Fail!)
Trying, experimenting, and making mistakes are essential parts of learning. Children are supported in taking creative risks and seeing failure as feedback, not something to fear.
Patience &
Slow Living
Honoring the time it takes to make something by hand, and finding the importance in doing so. Children practice focus, persistence, and trust in the creative process.
Curiosity
The art of asking questions and remaining a student of the world. I encourage children to explore, investigate, and stay engaged with learning as an ongoing, joyful process.
Resourcefulness & Sustainability
Learning to creatively use what we already have. Children explore making with intention, reducing waste, and caring for the environment through thoughtful and creative material choices.
Connection to Materials
Building respect for materials by understanding where things come from and how they’re made—from start to finish.
Explore classes for Fall 2026
Classes & Curriculum
ARTS & CRAFTS
About A&C:
The world is filled with whimsy and wonder, and hands-on creativity is such an incredible way to experience that. This class is designed for children who love to create—or who simply need the opportunity to discover their inner creativity.
Each class begins with a gentle invitation to settle into the day through mindfulness, stretches, or simple yoga movements, followed by a thoughtful discussion centered around a seasonal theme, nature, art, or anything that has brought someone wonder recently. Students spend time sketching before diving into an open-ended art project using whatever materials and techniques have been hand-picked for that day's class.
Rather than focusing on achieving perfect results or creating "good" art, we'll celebrate experimentation, curiosity, and personal expression. Children will be encouraged to ask questions, solve creative problems, take artistic risks, and discover confidence in their own unique ideas. The project is less about the end result, and more about the lessons we learn through the journey of creating.
Projects may include painting, printmaking, sewing, fiber arts, baking, collage, and more.
Class Logistics:
Class Type: Homeschool Enrichment
Session Duration: 10 weeks (10 classes)
Dates: Sept 10 - Nov 12
Meeting Times: Every Thursday, 10 am - 1 pm
Open to Ages: 7-13
What Makes This Class Unique?
Instead of teaching students to be "perfect" artists, Whimsy & Wonder's A&C class shines light on the creative process over the finished product.
Students will:
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Experiment with a variety of materials, techniques, and creative mediums
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Practice the art of observing their inner and outer world with a sense of curiosity and wonder
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Have the opportunity to create art in a calm, encouraging atmosphere that values creativity and curiosity over perfection
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Develop a deeper connection to their unique worldview and creative lens
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Explore themes such as local ecosystems, environmental stewardship, etc.
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Learn how to engage with materials in a mindful, resourceful way
ART & LITERATURE
About A&L:
Both art and literature have the power to shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us, and teach us how to move through the world with a sense of wonder. Part book club, part art studio, this class invites students to dive into a shared novel while exploring its themes through thoughtful discussion and hands-on creative projects inspired by the story.
Students will read assigned chapters at home before each class, then gather to discuss memorable characters, meaningful themes, thought-provoking words/language, and the questions the story invites us to consider. The conversations and themes discussed will become the inspiration for hands-on art projects that encourage students to engage with the novel in an enticing, creative way.
This class is open to students who love reading, or simply love engaging with the magic of stories. Together we'll discover that literature isn't just something we read—it's something we experience.
Let's Journey Together!
For Fall 2026's A&L class, students will journey together through Shim Jung Takes the Dive by Julia Riew. Written by renowned composer and inspired by Korean folklore, this book is a heartfelt middle-grade novel filled with courage, family, identity, and finding your own voice.
Class Logistics:
Class Type: Homeschool Enrichment
Session Duration: 10 weeks (10 classes)
Dates: Sept 9 - Nov 11
Meeting Times: Every Wednesday, 10 am - 1 pm
Open to Ages: 8-14
*This class allows for a wide age range, so long as the student feels comfortable reading and discussing a middle-grade novel.
What Makes This Class Unique?
Rather than studying a work of literature through worksheets and quizzes, students engage with stories through conversation, creativity, and imagination.
Students will:
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Have the opportunity to engage with a novel in a variety of ways— offering them the opportunity to truly digest the material
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Practice the art of engaging with a book through highlighting and annotation
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Enjoy the book's contents through both reading and listening
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Engage in meaningful discussions about the book's themes, key ideas, new vocabulary, etc.
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Bring the novel's themes and concepts to life through hands-on creative projects
W&W FOR LITTLES
About A&L:
A Whimsy & Wonder class for our littlest learners—a thoughtful, process-based experience centered around creativity, stories, movement, nature, curiosity, and hands-on exploration.
Children will have the opportunity to play, move, get curious, and lean into the inherent sense of whimsy and wonder that children so often possess at a young age.
Rather than focusing on mastering art skills or projects, we’ll utilize creative activities and art modalities to encourage children to ask questions, gain a sense of creative confidence and independence, learn how to use materials, practice listening and visual skills, and so much more.
Class Logistics:
Class Type: Homeschool Enrichment
Session Duration: 8 weeks (8 classes)
Dates: Sept 8 - Oct 27
Meeting Times: Every Tuesday, 12 - 1:30 pm
Open to Ages: 4-7
"My daughter absolutely LOVES going to Whimsy and Wonder. She looks forward to it each week and never wants to miss. The other kids are so kind and Julia is patient, kind and teaches the girls to see the whimsy and wonder in nature all around them. When we are outside walking she points out the names of flowers and plants and tells me all about them. She has learned about different cultures and the foods they eat. She learned how to make pizza, scones and herbal tea from scratch. She’s learned how to weave and simply observe nature and paint/draw it. We love Whimsy and Wonder and will continue to do it next year.”
Lizzie | Parent
Questions & Answers
A bit more information on W&W
Is this class Step Up approved?
Yes! As o July 2026, W&W is now a Step Up provider. This class is also eligible for reimbursement through Step Up. If you need any assistance with the process, I am happy to assist.
Can I sign my child up for both A&C and A&L?
Yes! The classes do share some similarities (such as a hands-on craft project), but will be different enough that you can absolutely register for both.
Where is Whimsy & Wonder hosted?
It's hosted in my backyard, on the west side of Panama City Beach. I try to foster a cozy, safe environment, and having students seated beneath a shady oak tree, surrounded by wind chimes and birds chirping has created a really lovely environment.
How big are class sizes?
I plan to always keep my classes rather small, so both myself and the students are able to form relationships with one another. My spring 2026 class was 4 students, and class sizes are capped at 8-10 students.
How much does each class cost?
Detailed information on cost and finances can be found in the the Fall 2026 Info Packet!
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, if needed. This class is eligible for reimbursement through Step Up, so I encourage parents to seek that out first. If, however, you are in need of a payment plan, you can find more details in the Info Packet.
What should my child bring to class?
All materials will be provided for class, and students will be expected to take care of the materials they recieve.
Aside from this, I suggest students bring a water bottle, snack or lunch, and wear comfortable clothes.
Do you offer services for birthday parties?
I haven't yet worked a birthday party for children, but have had lots of people inquire, and would absolutely love to! If you're looking for arts-and-crafts to be incorporated into your child's birthday party or another private event, please email info@whimsyandwonderstudio.org.
Are the classes co-ed?
Yes! Although my students have consisted only of girls thus far, my classes are certainly open to boys as well. The core values and curriculum are, I believe, applicable and relevant to all, regardless of gender.
What is the registration process?
To register, please contact me directly by emailing info@whimsyandwonderstudio.org or click here to download the Fall 2026 Info Packet.
What do you mean by mindfulness, movement and grounding exercises?
One of my occupations is teaching yoga, and I've found this to be a really useful and fun modality to incorporate into the class. It may be gentle movement to get any antsy-ness out of our system, a guided mediation to open the imagination, or taking a few deep breaths to calm the nervous system. Being creative is difficult when one is feeling anxious or unfocused, so these exercises and activities help students feel grounded and present, thus allowing them to think, converse, and engage in class a bit better.
Interested in registering for a course, or learning more about all that Whimsy & Wonder has to offer?
Click here to download the Fall 2026 Info Packet, or reach out to me directly, by emailing info@whimsyandwonderstudio.org.
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