Portland Art and Soul Workshops

Workshop Details

Linda and Opie O'Brien 9-4:30 Thursday/Friday	386 - The Book/Doll: an Altered Epiphany (2 Days)	[back to quicklinks] $ 270 Plus $20 materials fee
In the fall of 2005, while conducting a workshop, we had an epiphany and collage as we knew it was forever changed! We discovered that really strong backgrounds, limited foregrounds, an assortment of dimensional faces and a variety of unusual edge treatments were the elements that guarantee success. Using only these techniques, you could actually stop at that point and proudly declare your book done... but of course we won't! This 2-day workshop will begin with a pre-sanded and gessoed, 8"x4" doll-shaped board book that has five two-sided pages and whether you're a novice or a seasoned altered artist, you'll be thrilled with the results. During both days, you'll work with a variety of materials that include assorted papers, metals, adhesives, inks, beads, waxed-linen, wire, cheesecloth, found materials and more to create a book using these techniques and learning some others as well, including two no-fail image transfers that are perfect for altered books. Day 1: We’ll begin with backgrounds first, followed by the addition of seemingly random layers of specialty paper. Since our book is figurative in shape, that is the only thought that should occupy our mind as we let ourselves be guided by our intuition. Soon a variety of forms will begin to emerge from the recesses of our "memory". In the afternoon we'll make two page pockets, then move on to edge beading and some other techniques that will add jazz and pizzazz to our pages. Day 2: It’s all about creating a variety of unique and unusual dimensional faces that will include: metal, pop-outs, paper, found objects, recycled and other non-traditional materials. Other techniques include wirework for attachment and embellishment, and image transfers. With our faces intact, we'll return to add some finishing touches to our stream of consciousness creation. Supply List: --a small spool of 3 or 4 ply waxed linen in any color. --a few charms and some beads (large and small) that will fit over the waxed linen for the edge techniques. --matte gel medium, like Liquitex or Goldens or whatever you prefer for collage, and a glue stick and a roll of double sided tape (the red is best). --a small spool of 20 gauge wire (any color). --one package of mini brads. -pack of Portfolio oil pastel crayons (Staples) or any crayons or colored pencils. --round and flat nose pliers and lite wire cutters. --a thin awl or needle tool. --paper scissors. --bone folder or brayer or old credit card. --1/8" eyelet setter, hammer and setting mat. --a few 1" foam brushes or inexpensive ones. Optional: --some face images in approx. 1" and 2" sizes. We'll have some to share, but if you want variety, then bring some with you. -- if you have one, bring your Japanese screw punch with the 1/8" tip and a smaller 1/16" tip. We'll have one to share. --any favorite small-scale embellishments, thin or tissue-like papers, ephemera, or charms--think limbs as this is a doll as well as a book! Kit fee includes:   prepared gessoed book, background and specialty papers, eyelets & washers, inks, some imagery and cool doo-dads. Please visit our website www.burntofferings.com for more examples of our work and pictures of the tools we use and email us with any questions. NOTE--this class will be held at the Holiday Inn, just down the road from the Embassy Suites. The hotel shuttle will be available for those who need transportation. Lunch is included in the cost of your class. Online registration for the Portland event is now closed. Late sign-ups will be taken at the Art & Soul office at the Portland event, depending upon availability. Please check in with us there if you wish to inquire about a class. Thank you!