Bird Song

Karla's classes at Birdsong 5

For quite a while, I've known what my 2 Birdsong classes will be, but I have had to wait till I pulled together all my materials before I could finish the examples for the class.

When I take a class, I like to see a full photo of what I'll be doing, not just a snippet of a corner.  It's good to plan for variations and extras that I'll want to pack to personalize the project.

And when I teach a class, I have to know that the examples are accurate. That I'll be able to find enough of each item needed to make sure every kit is equal and of the same quality as every other kit.

But while I do want the kits equal, I do like them to have some flexibility and choice. So, I've got options for the students.  These books can be made with the canvas as the outside cover, or as the lining.  I've got a few selections of vintage fabric to use along with the canvas.

And I have been hand dying velvet ribbons to coordinate with the vintage curtain fabric and barkcloth that I've purchased to create the covers.

As well as hand painting little charms to dangle from the ribbons of each book.

 

(back of the book)

There was no problem with finding plenty of old lace, I have it by the bucket load out in the studio. I'll be measuring and cutting it to stuff the kits with, and since it is vintage and the velvet is hand dyed, no two books will turn out exactly the same.

That is my favorite part of a class! I adore looking around the room and seeing all the individual takes on the project.

(backs again)

This class will show step by step how to create a journal from a provided pattern based on an old cabinet card photo folder.

And will include some old photos to add to the books.

After we have assembled the books made of old, floral fabrics and canvas (no sew), the foofing will begin, with lace, velvet, millinery, ribbons, charms, and a vintage picture.

This book has the floral fabric used on the inside cover, instead of on the exterior of the book.  All the books will tie shut with soft ribbons topped with sparkly bits of rhinestones.

On day two, for my second class, we will fill the pages up.  I have pages of tips on doodles, lots of vintagey goods, and plenty of images and wallpaper to provide to make each book a work of art.  

 

But that isn't all! Beth and Hope will each pitch in for part of the class with their favorite tips on art journalling.  It's a three for one class!

Each student should be able to leave the weekend classes with a completed book, some finished pages, and lots of ideas on how to complete the journal at home, as well as a fun bag of supplies to work on the rest of the pages with.

Classes are at my Lawrence, KS studio, here at my cottage on Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6.  More about the event can be found here and here.

The other two classes will be taught by Lori Oles and Lesa Dailey.  How lucky am I to snag this magnitude of talent to come to teach here???

Our Teacher Line Up

 Lately, I've been obsessed with creating art journals.  I can't get enough of making books. My Friday afternoon class at Birdsong will simply just have to be about how to make a book from scratch. We will create the covers, add signatures of pages, and decorate the exterior, all using "The Good Stuff".

 Pictures to come, soon.  

On Saturday afternoon, I'll provide a packet of great old papers, pictures, and embellishments to start in on making some pages.   You will get tips and ideas on using your hand made book, as well as "Good Stuff" to finish it with.  Vintage wallpaper and millinery blooms are definitely going to be in the kit, as well as photos, pictures, old text, ribbons, lace, rhinestones, all my faves- YUM!  

Along with the class at Birdsong, all guests will get my online class, "Creating an Art Journal" in case they would like some further inspiration once they get home.

Beth Leintz will chime in with some of her favorite journalling how-to's also.  She will join me in tag-team teaching.  You can find Beth in many issues of Sew Somerset magazines, with her stitchery, and she is every bit as handy with a glue bottle.

I'm lucky to have such talented friends willing to share their skills!

But wait, that isn't all!  We also get to learn some decorative handwriting skills from Hope!  These two experts are going to be part of the last class of the day, when we delve into filling up the books we made.

Hope Wallace is a self taught artist and designer living outside of Baltimore. Hope is known for mixing old elements with modern principles to create unique and whimsical designs. Her work has been featured in several national magazines, including Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion and Country Living.  Hope also has a love for art journaling and enjoys sharing her pages with others to inspire them to start a journal of their own.

 

Lesa Dailey has joined us for the weekend to teach one of her whimsical creatures that are featured by Bethany Lowe.  If you haven't met Lesa herself, I'll bet that you have met one of her delightful characters at your favorite boutique.

Here is an example of some of Lesa's expressive little cuties.

And Lori Oles will be creating layers of loveliness with a "Pocket full of Posies" wall hanging, featuring vintage lace and ephemera.  

Lori's work has graced the pages of what seems like 99% of the Stampington publications for years.  She was considered one of their "go to" gals for many projects. 

 

If you are interested in joining us, Friday June 5th and Saturday June 6th, at my cottage (featured last year in Where Women Create and Romantic Country magazines) in Lawrence, KS, or would like more info, please contact me at:

[email protected]

For more information,and pictures from past events, please scroll down.