Workshops

Showcase your artwork and writing in a unique journal you can carry with you everywhere you go. In this workshop you’ll learn how to use Milk Paint to create a journal that looks like it has been worn by the years. You’ll begin by layering contrasting colors of paint on red oak covers and then sanding through those layers to simulate a patina of age and wear. Book blocks will be constructed by collating individual sheets of paper into signatures, and then sewing them on to the covers using a Coptic stitch. Next, a brass closure will be fabricated to keep your journal securely closed and it will be attach it to the book. Finally, you’ll complete the project by insetting an image into a metal bezel, attaching it to the front cover and then applying wax to protect the finish.

What could be better than your own personal Spellbook to impress your friends and cast fear into the hearts of art muggles? This workshop will focus on transforming plain oak boards into a personalized Spellbook you can use to record your own secret incantations, or just use as an art journal. We’ll use layers of paint to age the wood covers and create a warm patina. The all seeing eye of art will be inset into the front cover of the journal and then your instructor will demonstrate some simple masking and painting techniques. You’ll use the techniques to paint medallions of power on the covers to give the spellbook its magical properties. We’ll create a book block from high quality watercolor paper, sew it onto a leather spine and then attach the covers completing the book. The completed book will measure 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″.

Honor your personal spirit guides by carrying them with you in a shrine art journal. This workshop will focus on transforming walnut boards into a personalized shrine to honor the things that move you. We’ll use Milk Paint on walnut boards to create a sense of warmth and age. The instructor will demonstrate how to create a recess in the front cover in which you’ll create your shrine and arrange your sacred objects. You’ll embellish the edges of the shrine with a painted design to draw attention to the niche and insure it’s the central feature of your book. We’ll create a book block from high quality watercolor paper, sew it onto a leather spine and then attach the covers completing the book. The completed book will measure 4″ x 6″.

Wooden covers and the coptic stitch have been used in bookbinding for hundreds of years to create books of lasting beauty. This workshop will focus on transforming ordinary wood boards into a chunky coptic sewn art journal. The instructor will demonstrate how to use Milk Paint, a traditional wood finish to create layers of color and texture on your covers. You’ll embellish the front cover of your journal with a bezel that features an image of your choice. We’ll create twelve signatures from high quality watercolor paper and sew them to the covers using a modified (locking) coptic stitch. The locking Coptic stitch will be used for this project because it will add stability and strength to to this book. A simple leather closure will be added to complete the journal. The completed journalwill measure 3″ x 5″