Technique and Project.
Not everything needs to be tidy, tasteful, or tied up in a matching ribbon. In fact, some of the most compelling art is a little unruly, deeply layered, and proudly imperfect. This two-day mixed media retreat is a celebration of going off-script, letting your materials lead the way, and creating from that deliciously unpredictable place where real magic lives.
We’re here to break a few rules (gently), rip some edges (enthusiastically), and lean into the mystery of what happens when you give yourself full permission to make a glorious mess. Whether you’ve been making art for years or are just itching to try something new, you’ll find a welcoming, joy-filled space to explore, experiment, and surprise yourself.
Here’s what’s in store:
** Day One – We’ll kick things off by building a rich stash of textured, layered, and wildly expressive papers. Think rusting, staining, mark making, paint peeling, and multi-layered tearing and distressing that’ll make your inner rebel sing. You’ll walk away with a pile of papers that practically hum with possibility.
** Day Two – Time to channel all that juicy chaos into a rogue art book. This isn’t your tidy little scrapbook—this is a small but powerful art object packed with energy, emotion, and unexpected twists. We’ll play with composition, explore unusual combinations, and incorporate tip-outs, surprise shapes, and any other delightful detours that emerge along the way.
Your creative voice is the main event here. My role? To share an overflowing toolbox of techniques, offer suggestions when you want them, and cheer you on as you dive into your own unique process.
This is your invitation to step off the beaten path and let your creativity lead the way—no map required.
Materials Fee $20 paid at beginning of class includes:
Watercolor paper
Cheese cloth
tissue paper
Stencils
Dyes
Walnut Ink
Instant coffee
waxed linen
Rusty objects
Vinegar
Plastic
Black ink
A ton of mark-making tools
Water-soluble graphite
Texture tools
Vintage papers
Supplies Needed to bring for Class:
An assortment of sturdy paper: mixed media paper, watercolor paper, card stock
An assortment of collage papers : think textured, vintage, worn
An assortment of acrylic paints in your favorite color palette. (I prefer Liquitex and Amsterdam acrylics. Make sure to include a black and white.
Scissors
Wet wipes
A palette and water container
Paintbrushes in an assortment of sizes
Matte gel medium
a white paint pen ( I prefer Posca) a thin metal ruler suitable for tearing paper
To pre-order supplies, click on this link for Cobblestone Creek Studios.