Dirks shares creativity with others


Gina Dirks’ business HomeSpin offers DIY parties for those looking to get crafty. She hosts her own parties, and goes on location as well. (Photo by Kim Brooks)
Crafting Corner
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     While working full-time at Monticello High School, Gina Dirks still has time to use her creativity, and now she’s sharing her talents with others.

     HomeSpin is Dirks’ business that offers DIY (do it yourself) parties.

     “I grew up drawing and painting,” Dirks said of where her creativity stems from. As a graduate of Monticello High School, she credits art teacher John Kortmeyer for bringing the artist out.

     Dirks offers a wide variety of art projects for her classes: wooden pallets, canvas, and more. She described her own, personal décor as being “rustic.” Dirks’ daughter, Kelli, is also quite creative.

     “It’s a family affair,” said Dirks.

     Dirks has been offering crafting classes for a year now. She hosts parties herself, and also goes on location for groups wanting to bring in an expert artist. DIY parties have included kids’ birthdays, adult birthdays, bridal parties, and holidays.

     “It’s something to do that gets me out and about,” Dirks said.

     She was renting a downtown store to host her DIY parties, inviting her own friends to take part in the fun. Now, she comes to the host or rents places in town.

     “Monticello is lucky to have so many places to rent,” Dirks said.

     She stressed that her craft ideas are not tailored to just those who have the creative bone. Dirks said, “Everyone is always surprised at how well they do.

     “I never introduce something that people can’t do,” she added.

     For Dirks, her favorite craft is painting on canvas. She said her paintings are just simple steps involving shading and shapes.

     Her DIY parties range in size, but Dirks said eight to 10 people is “a fun sized group to work with.” She is hosted as many as 25 people at once.

     For a fee, Dirks provides all of the materials needed, bring all of the art supplies with her.

     “In the end, people take a lot of pride in what they’ve created,” she said.

     Aside from her own craft parties, Dirks has also partnered with the Monticello library for kids’ crafts.

     She is also teaching a barn quilt class at Kirkwood’s Jones Regional Education Center in Monticello.

     She said not only do these parties allow people to explore their creative side, but it’s the social aspect as well.

     “People just have a ball talking and laughing together,” she said.

     These types of DIY parties, and painting parties in general, are catching on.

     “I thought maybe they were just a fad,” Dirks said.

     As for how she comes up with ideas, Dirks uses Pinterest a lot, and also gets ideas from other people. During certain times of the year, her ideas turn to the seasons and holidays.

     Dirks uses her Facebook page “HomeSpin” to post her own parties. For those looking to book her for private get-togethers, Dirks is available nights and weekends. Call her at 319-480-1087 to book a party.

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