Secret Keepers
An edited and recorded version of a workshop originally held live via Facebook in 2022. Please note that as this was originally a Live Workshop on FB, there will be the comments, asides, pauses, blips, and bumps that come with a live event.
Wishes, hopes, prayers, goals, dreams, aspirations. Fears, trauma, illness, worries, losses, stressors. We all have them. In this workshop, we will be creating a unique project that can serve as a literal and figurative place to either honor and hold or process and let go of these pieces of our lives. Both project- and technique-based, this class has been designed to be a blend of art journaling and mixed media – with a twist.
We will be making a closed and wrapped book structure. On the inside will be layers of paper, fabric, photographs, and ephemera – symbolically representing different chapters of your life. Within and underneath the layers, you will be journaling your story. Once complete, the structure will be tightly wrapped and closed, keeping all of your secrets safe and sealed within.
A wide variety of creative techniques will be taught within the class: art journaling, assemblage, book arts, surface design, acrylic/ink painting, fiber wrapping, and more. You will leave the class with a new project, a toolbox of techniques that can be applied to your ongoing work, and perhaps a new direction to take within your creative endeavors.
The Skinny
- The workshop is hosted on YouTube.
- The class includes 3 hours of instruction in one video
- Cost of the workshop is $40USD.
- There are no refunds once registered.
- Once you complete your purchase, you will receive an email (from either Seth Apter or Janene Kalb and usually within 24 hours of registering) that includes a direct link to the workshop.
- The supply list can be found in three places: in this listing, in the PDF you will receive a link to when you register, and in the instructional email.
- Please do not share the workshop link as it is meant only for paid participants.
Supply list:
I am providing a detailed supply list so that your questions can be answered. At times, I have included the brand or type of supply I will be using but remember: anything can be substituted for anything.
-Book covers. Pre-cut your choice of material for your covers into two 4-inch squares. You can use any sturdy material such as book board, chip board, art board, art panel, the back of a pad or journal, a book cover from a hardback book, etc. And yes, you can chose to go bigger but, if you do, you must adjust the sizes listed for the next two supplies.
-Two sheets of paper that will be worked over in class and will serve as your covers. We will work on larger sheets (think 8.5 x 11, 12 x 12, etc.) and cut them down together. You can use lightweight watercolor paper, lightly designed decorative/scrapbook paper, vintage ledger paper, or the like. You may want to have several options so that you have some choices as your book comes together within the class.
-4 x 4 inch pre-cut “pages” for your book. Choose an assortment of decorated paper, handmade paper, gelli-printed paper, velum, vintage book pages, personal photographs, thin fabric, tissue, handmade paper, and the like. Have at least 2 dozen squares…but you can go big and add as many as you like. Remember that this is a closed structure and once complete, you will not see these “pages” again.
-Translucent paint and/or ink in assorted colors. I will be using a combination of Golden Fluid & High Flow Acrylics and my Aladine Izink Dye Spray
-Adhesive. I will be using a glue stick but feel free to use your choice of adhesive such as glue stick, matte medium, or PVA/white glue. You will need a brush (or your fingers) if you choose a wet glue.
-Unmounted stamps. I will be using background stamps and a small alphabet set.
-Permanent inkpads in assorted colors. I will be using StazOn.
-Spray bottle with water
-Wrapping material. Choose an assortment of thread, twine, narrow fabric strips, fine gauge wire, thin craft/ jewelry chain, and the like. You can also add beads and or other small embellishments.
-Journaling pen(s)
-Paper towel and baby wipes
-Scissors
-Ruler