Virginia Art and Soul Workshops

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Nina Bagley 9-4:30 Sunday	812 - Pocket Book of Parlor Questions	[back to quicklinks] $ 130 Plus $10 materials fee
No. 1640:  “Why do we see ourselves in a mirror?” Easy access to computer information, addiction to television, the inevitable homogenization of  lifestyles and overuse of slang in what was once a beautiful, embroidered language has left more than some of us longing for simpler times when entertainment was often as easy as a quiet afternoon or evening gathered with a few friends spinning stories, perhaps asking thought-provoking questions that surely led to the beginnings of new ideas.  With this in mind, I’ve created a diminutive 2 ½” x 4” book from cabinet cards and new vintage-inspired papers, small enough to be tucked into one’s pocket and carried to a gathering, or to a table over tea with a friend.   The cover is constructed of mica covered papers, with ribbons and small mirrors (for reflection); tied to the ends of the ribbon is a small bronze key (I’ve had cast from an actual vintage key; you’ll each get one), symbolizing the opening of ideas for quieter, gentler times. Supply List: --Scrapbook papers with a vintage “wallpaper” feel--I loved using a beautiful line called Basic Grey, easily ordered online from http://www.croppinparadise.com/basic-grey-basic-grey-printed-paper-c-1168_1169.html, but the variety out there is endless.  I’ll leave that up to you.  Just make sure to vary the colors and patterns for a whimsical approach, rather like a Victorian “crazy quilt” effect. --8-10 vintage cabinet cards (antique photographs on stiff cardboard from photographer’s studio), size 2 ½” x 4”.  (My book holds 26, but time won’t permit working on this many in one day; additional photo pages can always be added at a later time.  Bring more, if you like, and then if there’s time, you CAN add them!).  These can be readily found at http://www.ebay.com/ or in junk shops for low prices.  An alternative would be to purchase collage sheets from http://www.artchixstudio.com/index.htm, cut them out to size, and glue to cardboard before class.  Besides, it isn’t the era that is important; it is the moods, the expressions that the photographs convey in connection to the questions posed! --1-2 yards thin but sturdy ribbon for binding,  as well as a bit of ¼” wide ribbon (5” or so) for mirror attachment to front cover --Eyelet setter, small hammer (I use the Memory Makers version – good size) --Bench block  for hammering – optional, but we’ll be hammering our 1/8” eyelets flat as pancakes, and the blocks are handy for this.  A good, lightweight one for traveling can be ordered from http://volcanoarts.biz/ --Cutting mat, exacto knife, scissors, ruler --PVA glue (please – good, quick drying, holds paper very well) – can also be ordered from volcano arts --Paintbrush for glue, cup for water, a few paper towels --Small palm-sized square of fine grit sandpaper --Fine-tipped pen or pencil --A few colored pencils Materials fee includes: small bronze key, pre-cut mica covers, copper eyelets (1/16” & 1/8”), small glass mirrors for cover, pre-printed words “The Pocket Book of Parlor Questions” for title and question on back of book (no. 1640, see above), and coffee stained paper for the questions. CLOSED - CLASS FULL

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