The coffee is ready and the table is set. It's not time to eat but time to create. At Basic Green Box in Admiral, the task for the day is to create a European-inspired "Bistro Tray." Paints and brushes are lined up and participants wait anxiously - ready to play.

A group of attentive gals gathers around the craft table, as instructor Charlotte Wintermann goes over ground rules.

"First, there are no rules," she smiles as she explains the project of painting and decorating serving trays - giving just enough direction for the task at hand while leaving options open for the creative mind to expand.

"An important element of design is that it flows, and you also may want to think about creating a focal point," she suggests as she pulls out the sample bistro trays she created to give students ideas.

Wintermann doubles as the owner of Admiral's Basic Green Box as well as the store's craft queen (minus all the Martha Stewart stereotypes). She calmly shows people how to create amazing store-quality items while teaching them to discover their creativity within.

So, in addition to running a full retail operation (where she sells home and garden accessories and gifts), and an online catalog (through which the company began), Wintermann spends several days each month teaching people to create the types of things you might see in her brick and mortar store.

"The tabletop fountain is great example," she explains. "People look at something like that and don't know how it's put together and don't think they can make it themselves. But then they take the class and come home with a beautiful fountain and can say, "I made it myself!"

So whether it's building bistro-style serving trays, tabletop fountains or attractive centerpieces for the holidays, the bottom line at Basic Green Box is that all project classes are conceptual so that students can translate the skills they learn there to use elsewhere.

"Now that they understand how a tabletop fountain works, the idea of creating an outdoor garden fountain is not so intimidating," she says. "It inspires them to do things they didn't think they could do."

At Basic Green Box, unlike at home on your own (where unknown projects seem to grow into monsters overnight), you actually know what you're getting yourself into. You start off simple with helpful supervision, and can take what you've learned to any length you want - on your own.

"There's a certain sense of satisfaction that comes from making something yourself, but oftentimes there's so much trial and error with new projects that it can become frustrating," she explains. "So these projects are designed for the non-crafter who loves to decorate and is aware of how important it is to create a great environment, but doesn't have time for trial and error."

So what Basic Green Box takes the guesswork and hassle out of finding the correct materials and helps you create things that looks beautiful and professional, yet handmade by you!

Interested crafters-to-be can register for classes online, in person or over the phone. Most classes range between $25-$45 depending on time and materials. Want to see what's inside the Basic Green Box for you? Consider the following upcoming classes:

Set the table, holiday style! (free)

Dec. 7 and 8 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

This is a free tabletop decorating class where participants will gather a few items from home (such as serving pieces, candles, greens) and combine them with varied elements to inspire creative table design. You'll see how to use color and traditional d/cor elements to create several simple but "wow" tabletops! Registration is required and space is limited.

Gift bags, Gift Tags and Packaging (please call for cost)

Dec.11 from 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Basic Green Box believes that a great portion of the gift, is in the packaging itself. The tiniest effort can create a great, stylish, and "oh-so-thoughtful" touch of your very own! In this class, participants will make one "no-sew" gift bag, three gift tags, and wrap one present using various materials with a focus on 'quick makes' to create in as little or much time as you wish!

Indulgent Holiday Wreath-Making (please call for cost)

Dec. 15 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

The holidays are a time to splurge. In this class, participants will do just that by creating a fresh fruit (tangerine, apple, lemon or lime) holiday wreath that makes big decorating impact that can be used for any season!

Holiday Tabletop Centerpiece (please call for cost)

Dec. 20 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Just in time for family and entertaining, learn to make some quick, tabletop centerpieces that are perfect for your holiday table. Enjoy the fabulous holiday aromas-from fresh greens to sugar and spice-and add the festive, detailed touches in any little corner of the room. You don't need to throw a party to have an excuse to decorate so join us for a quick, but action-packed hour of making your own centerpiece everyone will enjoy.

Other Basic Green Box events include:

Basic Green Box Holiday Open House

Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Stop by for holiday treats and store specials just for you.

Free Coffee Sunday's

The entire month of December

Join us any Sunday in December for a hot complimentary cup of java. Bring a friend, have a seat, plan your holiday events.

(Information Box)

What:

Basic Green Box

Where:

3407 California Ave SW

206.932.3560

www.basicgreenbox.com

When:

Hours are Tuesday - Friday 12-7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday noon - 5 p.m.; (closed Monday)

Have column ideas or comments?

Please send e-mail to:

WestSeattle101@yahoo.com

Want your very own collection of all "101 Things to Do?" Or looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer and a sip of cider?

Visit Basic Green Box on Sat. Dec. 17th from 2:30-3:30 p.m. for a "West Seattle 101" book signing by author Lori Hinton. This is a great last-minute opportunity to get a signed, personalized holiday gift for friends and family!