This is the workshop that started it all for me. My very first A&S workshop, and most popular class! Originally envisioned way back in '03, I have been teaching, practicing, improving, and fine tuning the design of this all-metal book binding since then, and I think I have it down (finally). We'll start with some heavy watercolor paper you can customize to make your book just perfect for writing, journaling, painting, scrapbooking, or whatever else you might want to do with your Glass Journal!

In this "form and function" workshop, students will begin by learning how to fabricate the entire metal book binding, completely "from scratch", give it a nice patina with some chemicals and a torch, and later, adorn it with chain, beads, charms, and other do-dads. Then, we'll attach the glass covers and some cool transparent photos. This unique binding and the skills you'll use to make it, once mastered, can be easily adapted to make book covers from many other materials and other mixed media art applications! Two transparent photos are included in your kit, but you are more than welcome to bring more personalized images for your covers if you wish. Just print out any 2 photos you like on transparency film at 4.25" sq. just don't trim them to size yet! Beveled glass covers come pre-drilled in your kit, due to time constraints of this one day workshop, but feel free to bring your own Dremel tool and a 1/8" diamond drill bit if you want to try your hand at drilling glass in class.
Skills that will be covered in the workshop include my technique for drilling glass, some metal fabrication skills, the alteration of metal with torches and patinas, some basic bookbinding terminology, using various small hand tools & tool safety, and tons of fun too!

Materials Fee $45 paid at beginning of class includes:

Fully illustrated instruction booklet
Copper clad "plumber's tape"
Machine screws, nuts, and washers
Copper and/or brass wire
2 Vintage photo transparencies (you'll have options - usually a cute kid or pretty lady)
2 pre-drilled 4" beveled glass squares
Chain
Some random beads & pins
Patina
Clear coat spray
 

To complete the project, students MUST come to class with the following supplies:

16 pieces of 90# watercolor paper (either hot press/cold press, but it looks best hand torn). Each sheet should measure 3.75" x 7.5" (We will have time to give your paper a quick paint wash to give it some color, but if you like, please feel free to paint, stamp, collage, dye, color, or otherwise decorate your paper before you attend, just use lighter colors, and a not-too-busy design on at least two of the sheets, so the transparent images show up well on the front and back of the book.)

TOOLS
Tin Snips
Phillips screwdriver
Small disposable paint brush
Scissors/ruler/pencil
Chain nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Wire cutters
5/16" nutdriver, wrench, or socket

OPTIONAL
Torch w/fuel canister
Dremel tool or drill with 1/8" Glastar diamond drill bit and your sanding, grinding and cutting accessories

For more artist info visit Black Sheep Artist Studio or email
thomasashmanart@ yahoo.com.
 

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