You’ve probably heard of using walnut ink for antiquing paper – but there is so much more you can do! Come play with us as we explore the possibilities of Walnut Ink Crystals. Leisa Watkins a representative from the Kindred Kids Inc., a major supplier of Walnut Ink will show us the fabulous looks you can achieve with Walnut Ink. This will be a process-oriented workshop where you create sample of several techniques. When you go home you’ll have the samples and written instructions on how to achieve each look. This ink is great for "shabby chic" scrapbooks, fabulous backgrounds, altered books, and one of a kind works of art.

Supply List

Turn your ancestor photos and memorabilia into a one-of-a-kind book that is sure to be treasured for generations. You'll create the foundation of the book in class using basic cream and black. Then you'll begin to add images, vintage papers, and fun embellishments to create a keepsake. The book contains flaps, hidden compartments, mini scrapbook pages, and other fun techniques. You'll be introduced to fun and unique ways to use your images. Bring with you 15 to 20 pictures that have been reduced down to a size from about 1 ½" to 4". Other things you may want to bring: copies of old recipe books, letters, photos of homes or cars, costume jewelry pieces, fibers, or anything else that has meaning to you or your family. Was your ancestor a seamstress, bring buttons, lace, or pieces of an old pattern? You get the idea. Please note: The foundation for this project will be completed in class. Much of the embellishment will need to be completed after class.

This class is designed for the stamper or mixed media artist. Some of the processes we will explore in class are making your own paste paper, creating faux plaster, creating a crackled background, aging paper, incorporating found objects, using modeling paste, and a surprise or two. As in all of my classes, you’ll receive a handout with the steps necessary in each technique. I’ll have examples of how to incorporate the techniques into your works of art.

Journals are extremely powerful tools that can not only make you a better artist but a better person. Come play with us as we explore different ways to incorporate art into your journaling. You’ll learn how to transform a regular, hardcover book into an art journal that expresses your dreams and desires and your artistic self! This class will focus on the dreams you have while awake, but you can easily incorporate it all into a journal to record the dreams you have while sleeping, or any other type of journal. We’ll explore ways to express yourself in the pages using a variety of mediums and techniques. You’ll complete a few exercises to help you become focused on your dreams. The journal will become a tool to help you in achieving your dreams.

Explore the Possibilities

"Life is full of obstacle illusions." (Milton Berle) In this class you'll explore ways to find inspiration for your art. This class will be a fun exercise in seeing the imagery in everyday objects and how to use them in your artwork to express emotions, feelings, and visual imagery. Leisa will bring with her imagery, as well as three-dimensional objects, several different mediums to play with and more. We’ll explore ways to use the objects and create a few works of art using them. This class is designed to help you to learn to think more creatively. You’ll create several spreads in an art journal or altered book.

Fire & Ice

Using the fiery colors of copper, rust and bronze, and the icy colors of silver, platinum, and white you’ll transform a children’s board book into a beautiful work of art. First, we’ll use surface techniques to create the background, then we’ll layer on metallic paints and powders, copper mesh, glitter, and much more. Techniques used in this class are numerous – you won’t be disappointed.