Paper Hops, Flavor, and Fall: A Workshop at 12 Bones Smokehouse & Brewery

When you think of Asheville, you might picture mountain views, craft breweries, and a vibrant creative community. At the heart of it all is a little barbecue joint with a big story: 12 Bones Smokehouse.

What began in the belly of a floodplain shack has grown into one of Asheville’s most beloved eateries. Founded by Tom Montgomery and Sabra Kelley, the restaurant first opened its doors with little more than a smoker, a few hand-painted signs, and a cheeky marquis boasting “Tender Butts and Sweet Racks.” The humor drew a few confused phone calls, but the food kept people coming back, and soon the once-humble shack was drawing lines out the door.

By the time longtime employees Bryan and Angela King took the reins, 12 Bones had become a legend. Even President Barack Obama (and First Lady Michelle) stopped in, not once, but three times, to enjoy those famous ribs. On busy days, the restaurant pushed close to a thousand hungry customers, all eating off metal plates in a quirky space where writing on the walls is encouraged.

Today, 12 Bones continues to earn national praise and local love. It has been featured in Southern Living, Garden & Gun, and the Food Network, which called their Blueberry-Chipotle Ribs “a sweet start that builds into a slow, satisfying afterburn.” In 2024, it was recognized in Asheville’s Food Fan Awards (The Stoobies), and recent reviews describe it as “better than ever … succulent ribs, stellar sides, reasonable prices, and generous portions.” 

What sets 12 Bones apart is not just its accolades or its history, but its spirit. It doesn’t adhere to a single style of barbecue. It celebrates them all. Memphis-inspired ribs, Carolina sauces, Kansas City nods, and those inventive recipes that feel distinctly Asheville. The result is barbecue that’s unapologetically itself, much like the city it calls home.

That same spirit of creativity and community is what makes this October so exciting.

Last year, I had the fortunate opportunity to meet Angela and spend a week with her when she attended my Garden Rose Workshop in Seattle. From that meeting, a friendship was born. We kept in contact, and this past summer she even flew all the way to Orange County to join another workshop in California. From that friendship came a fantastic opportunity: Angela invited me to collaborate and debut a beer with her brewery, 12 Bones Brewing. She let me choose the hops and beer style, and since I love fruity hazy IPAs, the choice was clear. Thus was born Paper Petals, a juicy hazy peach IPA!

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, I’ll be joining forces with 12 Bones for a brand-new event: the Hops Autumn Crown Workshop. For the first time ever, I’m bringing my paper flower workshops to Asheville, and we’ll be celebrating fall in true 12 Bones style, with food, drink, and a whole lot of fun.

Together, we’ll craft delicate citra hop flowers and leaves out of crepe paper, then design them into whimsical crowns to wear and take home. Every ticket includes all supplies, The New Art of Paper Flowers book, an exclusive tote bag, and one refreshing 12 Bones beverage. For families, kids under 15 can join with their own supply kit for just $45.

We’ll also be raising a glass to a very special collaboration: Paper Petals, Hazy Peach IPA, brewed by 12 Bones with 100% citra hops and juicy peach. Like the blueberry-chipotle ribs, this beer is a reminder that creativity flourishes when you step outside tradition.

Fall is a season of harvest, gathering, and celebration. What better way to honor it than with flowers, flavor, and a story-rich place like 12 Bones?

 ✨ Seats are limited. Save your spot today and join us in Asheville for an unforgettable afternoon.

 👉 [Reserve Your Seat Now]