4-Part Workshop Series

Date: Thursdays, September 28-October 19, 2023

Time: 6pm-9pm

Description: This series of workshops will cover all aspects making paper, from building moulds to wet on wet collage to bookbinding.

Week 1: Moulds marking and sheet forming paper

You will learn how to build a mould that will be yours to keep, and basic sheet forming. You will learn how to successfully create sheets of handmade paper from recycled fibers in the “western style” by making various sheets of handmade paper: thick, thin, blank , smooth, and textured surfaces. You will also embellish wet paper sheets with random inclusions and seeds. We will cover the history of paper making and discuss of intended uses of handmade paper.

Week 2: Sheets with color and texture

First, we will “de post” dry papers. Then we will warm up by making blank sheets, and further explore textures by adding embossing. We will discuss the use of natural and manmade dyes, adding color, and explore an intro to pulp painting and adding custom watermarks.

Week 3: Collage

This week will focus on collage. We will de post and discuss textured and colored papers, rules of collage, and wet on wet techniques. We will be Illustrating with natural materials and vintage ephemera while covering archival collage making.

Week 4: Bookbinding

We will be creating book structures from wet and dry handmade papers. Wet books, stab bound books, calendar bound books, and flutter books will be covered.

Tuition: $180 + $40 Materials fee

Materials: All materials will be provided but students are encouraged to bring any natural, fibrous materials from their own home and/or studio.

Location: Contemporary Craft (5645 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201)

Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded by check, to your credit card, or Contemporary Craft account for future workshops.

Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks.

If you require accessibility accommodations, please let us know by calling 412.261.7003 and we are happy to assist you.

About the Artist

For my entire life I have been a working artist, organic gardener, and beekeeper. I create handmade paper as a means to an end. Paper art works take the form of: art lighting, shadow box, stationary, books and sculptures all crafted from sustainably collected plants, recycled and invasive fibers.

Each piece is a vignette that holds a visual narrative. Through layers of vintage ephemera, photos and bits of cloth, tales are told. When etched images are included the dialogue begins. Toys, natural and found objects punctuate the story. No material is arbitrary; I am influenced by overlooked materials found in my community, my own back yard. Rusty old tools are mashed together with deconstructed plants; this is where I find humor, combining these unlikely fellows. Often my works invite the viewer to playfully interact with the art work through light and kinetic elements that bring the imagery to life.