Students will have the opportunity to create their own creatures in an upcoming Softies workshop at the University Center.

The workshop is hands-on for participants and is one of up to six workshops Roberta’s Gallery holds every semester. Anyone can come, but the workshops are aimed towards students. The Softies workshop will give students the chance to make stuffed animals, or Softies.

“Generally they’re a fun-looking creature that you may or may not be able to identify as a specific creature,” Roberta’s Gallery Supervisor Kim Adams said.

Creatures aren’t the only thing students are limited to crafting.

“One of the students created a Softie tooth for his niece,” Adams said. “The student made a little pocket for her to put her tooth in.”

People who attend the workshop have complete control over their Softies creation.

Students can chose from a pattern or they can create their own creature. Students can also bring in their own items to personalize their Softie.

“I don’t like to give pre-made kits,” workshop leader Monica Swinson said. “I like to give them the tools, the material, an idea and then say ‘OK, go create, let’s see what you make.’ It’s so reflective of the individual.”

Swinson, who has been involved with the workshops including the memory wire workshop and a sock monkey class, has been teaching them since 2008.

Swinson got the idea for Softies from the magazine “Stuffed.”

“I thought ‘wow, these are some amazing little critters,’” Swinson said. “They are so whimsical, fun and freeform. I bet college students would really get a kick out of making these.”

The Softies workshop requires almost no sewing experience to attend.

“Some of the Softies are very simple,” Swinson said. “A lot of them can be constructed pretty quickly.”

If students don’t have a lot of experience with sewing, Swinson will be able to help.

“Monica is a great teacher,” Adams said. “She brings a lot of creativity and patience in working with people at various levels. She’s an excellent facilitator. We’ll also have a number of gallery staff at hand who will also provide assistance.”

The workshop provides students with the opportunity to take a break from school work.

“Anyone who wants to take a break from school should come,” Swinson said. “Students usually only do one kind of thing in school. This is something that’s kind of different. You get to play, you get to create, you get to have fun. You get to take home something that’s fun, unique and reflective of you.”

Students can stop by Roberta’s Gallery at the University Center or sign up by sending an email to [email protected].

The workshop is limited to 15-20 people and spots fill quickly, Adams said.

All workshops are free to students and all of the materials will be provided.

The Softies workshop is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on March 13 in UC room 261.