Who We Are (and Why We're Awesome)

About the Owner

Hey! I’m Holly—Chaos Coordinator, and resident badass behind Spruced Studio.

I love all things DIY, creative, and hospitality-related, so naturally, I decided to mix them all together and hope for the best… and voilà, the studio was born. Turns out, it worked.

When I’m not working (lol, that’s cute), I’m busy taking entirely too many photos of my two bougie cats or planning my next trip with my travel buddy (aka: my husband)—as long as there’s an umbrella in my cocktail and indoor plumbing, I’m in. We’ve raised three amazing adult kids and just added a daughter-in-law—so yes, the family group chat is thriving.

My passion for the studio is simple: I didn’t create the studio just to make cute things (although we do that really well). I created it to bring people together, spark some creativity, and give you an experience you’ll actually remember.

So, if you’ve ever said, “I’m not creative,” I’d love to prove you wrong.

Come hang out, get a little messy, and make something that makes you feel like a total badass.

I hope you’ll join us to branch out and make something!

Meet Our Amazing Teachers

Every teacher brings their own vibe, story, and creative edge. The result? A space where creativity struts in, has a blast, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Hello! My name is Alina!

I'm the owner of Leaflet Floral. I graduated from Grand Valley State University (like the good West Michigan girly I am) with a degree in studio art, which has aided my floral design much like flexibility helps me do my weekly yoga! I started doing floral when my homecoming date and I couldn't afford to buy corsages and boutonnières, and because I am a proud thrifty gal. Now I have the honor of doing wedding floral, offering bouquet bars, and teaching classes. Though I run and organize the business, I couldn't do it without the help of my husband, Jacob, and my mom, Jean (look mom, I made it!). When I am not focused on floral, I love cooking (ask me about my dinner club!), going on walks and hiking, trying new hobbies, and reading. I WILL spend a whole day binge reading. I am excited to share this joy with you through floral arranging classes!

I'm Barb of Charcuterie by Barbie!

I love to create elevated, yet approachable charcuterie experiences that bring people together in the most delicious way. My husband Dave—is the behind-the-scenes helper (whether he signs up for it or not!)—I am a proud mom of three grown kids and “Gigi” to three. With a background in sales leadership, I bring both creativity and confidence into every class, making learning feel fun, relaxed, and completely doable. I love helping people discover how to build beautiful, crowd-worthy boards while laughing, tasting, and enjoying the process along the way. When I'm not teaching, I'm deeply involved in ministry work, walking alongside women as they rebuild their lives after seasons of addiction, incarceration, and instability—something that reflects my heart for connection, restoration, and meaningful community.

Hi! My name is Cecilia!

I am the artist attempting to teach you watercolor and acrylic painting here at Spruced Studio! For real though, teaching art kind of fell into my lap 6 years ago and I’ve been doing my best to fake it ever since 🙂 After years of searching for my “purpose,” I took a job teaching elementary art at a small private school; someone told me I was good at it one time.. so after searching for a way to do it on my own time, Spruced Studio was the perfect fit! I left teaching in the elementary school and now am a full time artist which includes teaching here at Spruced. I am self taught so self doubt goes hand in hand but I’d like to think that only makes my approach to teaching at Spruced better. If I can teach myself, surely I can teach you! I am married to my husband Brad and we have a cat named Rick! We love to spend time with friends and we have a mutual love for trying to find fun in every day. And that is why I’m teaching here! I have so much FUN seeing the joy and satisfaction that students creating art find in themselves. The community that brings people together in this studio is energetic and so meaningful. I love that it brings people who either want to learn new skills or just want to get together with friends- since that is exactly what art is to me, a way of finding myself and learning my strengths and a way of connecting with others. I hope that whatever class you take at Spruced, you’ll find yourself connecting with community, learning new skills and most importantly having fun. I love it here and I have faith you will too

Cher Sikkema - Bitter Bee Designs (The Master of Creative Chaos)

By day, I play as a functioning adult. By night, I’m a hard-core crafter who firmly believes that if it isn’t moving, it should probably be hot glued, moss-covered, or bedazzled. I started crafting due to a compuslion to create and thinking it was cheaper than therapy. (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. My craft room now has more assets than my 401k). I’ve officially reached a level of expertise where my "process" is less like a fine art and more like a high-stakes cooking show where I’ve lost the recipe and the kitchen is on fire—but somehow, we still end up with a five-star meal. Classes: Hat & Purse Burning: I have a "burning passion" for fashion—literally. I’ll teach you how to use fire for good, not evil. Mossy Wreathmaking: I like to call this "organized nature." It’s for people who want the forest vibe without the bugs. Crystal Suncatchers: We’re basically trapping rainbows in glass. It’s very scientific. Don't check the math on that. Wood Burning Whimsy: Helping you etch your soul (or just a cute flower) into a piece of timber. The "Real" Me When I’m not dodging flying sparks or plucking hot glue strings, I’m chasing the "Perfect Day" trifecta: a really good cup of coffee, a stroll through town taking in the scenery, and a guilt-free shopping trip. When I can combine all of those with quality time with my family...Perfection!! I navigate the beautiful madness of life with my husband, our three daughters, and two granddaughters. And of Course, I’m also the personal assistant to a crazy pup named Pickles, who I’m 90% sure is the one actually running the house (and possibly my bank account).

Hi, I’m Katie — the creative mind behind H+H Baking Co. and H+H Creative Co.

By day I'm a trainer for a hospital, but the rest of the time I’m usually professionally covered in flour, frosting, or embroidery floss. I’ve always loved making things by hand, and somewhere along the way that hobby spiraled into teaching classes… and accidentally starting TWO creative businesses. Turns out if you keep saying “this would make a fun class,” eventually people start showing up. At Spruced Studio you’ll usually find me teaching cookie decorating, sourdough bread baking, and embroidery for beginners. My goal is to make creativity feel approachable — whether that means piping your first cookie design, learning how to bake a loaf of sourdough that actually springs, or stitching something that looks intentional (and not like a tangled knot of thread). My classes are relaxed, beginner-friendly, and full of helpful tips, questionable baking puns, and the occasional “trust the process” pep talk. And if it seems like I’m always working on a new class idea… it’s because I probably am. My brain is basically a constant cycle of “what if we turned this hobby into a workshop?” Come learn something new, get a little messy, and leave with something you made yourself!

Hi! I’m Katy McAvoy!

I'm a photographer, food stylist, home cook, mixologist, Michigander, and lover of all things food and drink. I never turn down a good happy hour and believe that everyone deserves a delicious drink. My cocktail book, Homemade Happy Hour, was both something I'd always wanted to do (publish a book) and something to keep me focused (I started it during the Covid shutdown). I love teaching people how to make delicious drinks at home - both with and without alcohol. Let me take the guess work out of using bar tools, and answer all your drink and alcohol-related questions. photo credit: Wild Phern Photography

Hello Spruced Studio Friends! I'm Theresa Avery.

My company is called Fresh Decaf Watercolor. I've been teaching beginning watercolor at the studio since August 2023, a journey that began quite unexpectedly. I first discovered the joy of the medium while searching for an activity to share with my two granddaughters; however, I quickly found myself captivated by the process and became truly obsessed with the art form. As a self-taught artist, I developed my personal style by studying advanced techniques through various tutorials, a couple of classes and extensive practice.While attending one of Holly's sign painting classes with my two daughters and them excitingly announcing to Holly, "Our Mom does watercolor!", Holly invited me to bring in some samples and in turn join her teaching staff. It has been a pleasure to pass the techniques I've learned along to the students here at the studio. I truly enjoy seeing the beautiful outcomes, creative energy, laughter and the smiles shared around the tables.