Spend the day exploring simple ways to create layers of texture and color on heavy watercolor paper (a technique that also works great on fabric).

To create the covers for your journal, we will use simple cut shapes as masks, and then layer on the texture and paint, creating a rich, dreamy look. Covers are thick and sturdy, yet flexible, and can be stitched, as well as used for art cards, wall quilts, collage, etc.

Along with the easy and fun texture technique used on the covers, we will paint and collage the inside covers, learn simple book construction, and depending on time, add pockets, tabs, and embellishments.

Signatures will be blank and ready for journaling or adding more elements later

No sewing required, but you can bring a sewing machine if you would like to add sewing as an embellishment

Your free class kit, supplied by DJ Pettit, includes:

• A sewn spine that DJ will make from neutral upholstery fabric. It will be ready for binding and glued to the book (or sewn if students bring machines)
• A handout with instructions and inspirational photos
• Patterns and vinyl for cutting masks
• Templates for binding
• A goodie or two, to add to signatures.

See more book samples on DJ's site here: http://www.djpettitt.com/Books1.html

Metal-smithing, an art of the masters, is presented in an innovative and non-intimidating way making it so you'll never look at metal the same again.

Not your typical metal-smithing class, it is designed to show you how to take readily accessible materials and tools to create totally original pieces.

Whether you like bright and shiny or aged and earthy, you will love learning to cast your own metal components from your favorite found objects (you'll be amazed at how simple it is!).

You will also learn how to fabricate sealed metal boxes and shrines to showcase your smaller works of art or to fill with resin, plaster or found objects to incorporate into book arts, assemblage, jewelry and more!

Other techniques will be presented including soldering sheet to sheet, creating super simple shrine forms, and free-hand metal etching.

Your class kit includes:

• Sterling Silver wire
• Sheet brass and nickel-silver for all students - enough for class projects
• Flux
• Blackening and etching agents
• Various tools and supplies for all students use

An adventure in color for altered books

This class was created out of a need to use all the supplies and paper I had bought in the past and never used.

In this class you will be taught how to maximize art supplies and your art making skills to create more with less.

Make fabulous backgrounds for your altered books or mixed media applications with lots of depth and texture.

We will discuss and play with:


• Giving ugly paper new life
• No more sticky pages
• Creating your own glazes without breaking the bank
• No more muddy messes
• Using Stamps to create added texture and depth
• Gel medium and its many uses
• To Gesso or not to gesso
• Getting along with your inner critic