Assembling a box full of dreams

My altered book class at Artists Medium in April was such a great success that they have asked me to teach a workshop in assemblage. I will be teaching "Box full of dreams: Assemblage Art Workshop" on Saturday, June 20th. Class is from 10:30 to 4:30 and only $40. The gals at Artist's Medium tell me that there are a few spots left. You must pre-register. Call 802-870-1236 or 1-800-255-1290 to sign up.

This is a great opportunity to use the found objects you have been collecting to create a unique work of art that speaks from you heart.

What should you bring to the class?

1-A box structure to use a base: Any box, wood or metal would work. Limit yourself to about 12"x12". You can buy pre-made shadow box type box, that are about 2" deep at Artist Medium or other art supply outlets or use something that you already own, like an old candy tin or cigar box. Anything goes- as long as it is something you are willing to drill into and paint.

2-Images: You can purchase all sorts of copyright free images to download and print off the internet at sites like Etsy, and lunagirl.com. You can download them and print them with on a good quality copier. You can use vintage ephemera and photos you find at flea markets and antique stores. Use the originals or make copies. You can take your old photos to copy shops and turn them into transparencies to use in your piece. Transparencies are a great way to a depth to your work. Some transparencies will be available for purchase at the class.

3:Found Objects: My favorite things to use are rusty things, scraps of fabric and trim, old clock parts, pieces of frames, parts of toys, dolls. You can use bits of old jewelry, charms, tiny bottles. How about mesh, screen, wire or string? Or maybe organic pieces, like dried seed pods, driftwood, shells. You can use anything you can think of to embellish your work. Think outside the box, and bring things that inspire you.

4:Paint: Acrylic paints add depth and help to blend the objects together. My favorites, are Van Dyke Brown, Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold, TitaniumWhite, Mars Black, Quinacridone Crimson, Yellow Ocher and Payne's Gray. I also like to use a crackle resist- I will have a little of this at the class to try.

5. Adhesives: Matte Gel Medium, Heavy Duty Glue like E600 or Liquid Nails

6.Your imagination. And Dreams… We will work on creating a visual story of your own dreams or personal myth. So start thinking about what inspires you. But don't stress the small stuff- your story will come to you. (I promise)

7. Misc tools like pliers, wire cutters, heat gun, etc. if you have and want to bring.

if you have any other questions- please feel free to email me....