2026 Workshop Leaders
Allie Nielsen:
OWNER, VINE + BRANCH
Floral Workshop
Allie Nielsen is the founder of vine + branch, a floral design business she started in 2020 that specializes in permanent floral and moss designs. The business also supplies fresh smilax to clients across the country. Allie’s work has been featured in Birmingham Home & Garden magazine, and she has loved being a vendor at the Nashville Antiques & Garden Show and the Thomasville Antiques Show in years past. Beyond her studio, she enjoys leading hands-on workshops and hosting pop-ups that bring people together through creativity and beauty. Allie is especially excited to return to Pursell Farms for Hearts of Rest Weekend to guide a workshop that combines her love for design with her love for people and the Lord. She and her husband, Will, live in Andalusia, Alabama, where they’re raising their two boys, Lex and Hank.
Ruthie Carlson:
OWNER, RUTHIE CARLSON FINE ART
Paint and Collage
I cannot remember a day that I did not have crayon or paintbrush in my hand. My daddy owned a printing company, and when I was little he would take me with him on Saturday mornings to draw and dream among infinite shelves of paper. I knew then I would be an artist. My closet was my first studio. I pushed my clothes to one side, brought in a lamp, and meticulously displayed all my paints, markers, and crayons. That was just the beginning, and I have been painting ever since. I am mostly self taught. I am thankful for workshops, classes, and mentors that have poured into me and taught me so much along the way! I learn something new every time I paint. It is my joy to get to paint every day, and to share my passion with other women who come for art classes or just a cup of coffee. I am thankful for the unique opportunity that God has given me to share my gifts with others. It gives incredible meaning and purpose to my creative journey.
Cassie Pitts:
OWNER, PRISSY HIPPIE
Jewelry Making
Cassie Pitts, began her creative journey over 10 years ago, since then it has bloomed into a celebrated business, specializing in bold, colorful jewelry and paintings. Her designs, whether wearable art or canvases, captivate with their vibrant colors and playful elements. Cassie is a creative spirit born and raised in Alabama, and finds inspiration in everyday life, balanced by her roles as a wife and mother of two, sharing a lively home with two dogs, a pair of cats, and 16 chickens. You can view more of her designs on her website, www.aprissyhippie.com
Holly Hendrickson:
OWNER, DAINTY AND DARLING
Hand Embroidery
Holly Hendrickson is a wife, mom of two teenagers and former elementary school teacher. She enjoys turning simple stitches into meaningful keepsakes and bringing creativity into everyday life! Many of her projects are completed at the ballpark, dance competitions and even in the car. Finding a hobby that can be taken anywhere has brought her much joy and she hopes to inspire you to do the same.
Find Holly Around The Web:
Instagram