Paper and Friends
Summer/Fall/Winter 25/26
A series of classes where you learn skills, make friends and skip the mistakes I made along the way! Each class focuses on self expression, creativity and results in take-home pieces. Let’s make beautiful and meaningful artwork together!
All classes will be held at my studio at Art Emergency, 721 East Ninth St. Sign up is hosted by Eventbrite, individual class links in descriptions below. Enrollment will be limited to 8 people per class. These Saturday classes are $55 per person (taxes and fees included), are from 1-4pm and are all inclusive. Tea and biscuits will be served mid session. Contact me with any questions: Liza MacKinnon, 785/840-7940 | liza@mackomics.com
Deb R.
We had a splendid time!! Liza shares her wealth of knowledge generously, fantastic class. Thanks so much, Liza!
Julie W.
This class was so much fun and Liza is such a good teacher. She had so much material for us to choose from. I don't know which I like better, the small dolls or the large one, but I know for sure I will be making more. Looking forward to taking another class from Liza in the future.
Kathy S.
A great way to spend an afternoon. Liza is a wonderful and generous teacher.
Nan R.
Such a great class! Liza is so generous and supportive! I highly recommend taking a class from her!
Margaret D.
This was a marvelous class that taught a new activity to do with ones' hands while creating small works of art. Liza was a patient teacher who gave clear instructions. She also brought plenty of materials so everything needed was at hand. We left with at least one finished or almost finished art piece and the knowledge on how to make more. Eager to see what I do next!
Margene S.
We both enjoyed the Vision Board class today. I had never done anything like that before so I found it quite interesting and makes me think about how I would go about it again in the future!
Thanks for all your help and your wealth of material to make choices I'm looking forward to the mapping class.
Irene T.
It was fun, relaxed, and I learned new things and met new people! Thank you all!
Susan P.
I've always loved embroidery, but never attempted it on paper. Liza's workshop was a great way to learn and practice this technique. She has a wealth of knowledge that was a delight to tap into.
Kelly C.
I had the BEST evening! I stepped out of my fabric zone and into the world of paper flowers! Liza and Irene taught a wonderful class of paper flower making. The variety was awesome!!
Burned-edge Organza Flowers
Saturday August 30, 2025 1-4pm
Create luxurious fabric flowers from sheer organza, beads, charms and vintage buttons. Enjoy the mesmerizing process of melting the edges of organza circles and layering them together to create one-of-a-kind accessories like earrings, barrettes and brooches. All materials, fittings and accessories will be supplied for this three hour creation session. There will be some hand sewing in the assembly stage, however no experience is necessary. Enjoy good company, snacks and drinks during this Adult Play session.
See more photos and sign up here!
Torn Paper Couture
Saturday September 6, 2025, 1-4pm
Create one-of-a-kind fashion plates with the fine art of torn paper collage. Participants will create a runway look on a textured background and then create a beautiful fashion model choosing from many silhouette poses or may illustrate their own. These fresh, graphical images are great for gifts or a perfect accent for any home. No experience necessary as I will walk you through easy steps to success. I will provide all the materials and charming accessories you might need to make your work pop and shine. This is a 3 hour class, complete with snacks and drinks and all you need to bring is yourself and a friend.
See more photos and sign up here!
Charming Keepsake:
Paper Baby Shoes and Bib
Saturday September 27, 2025 1-4pm
What could be sweeter than a tiny bib and adorable paper shoes? Make these lovely items and frame them in a shadow box or gift them to a new parent. Choose from my extensive map collection or make them from sheet music or any of my decorative paper stash. Participants will receive a kit with several shoe patterns and can make as many as they like. Decorations on the paper may include embroidery, painting or collage. Contact me ahead of time so I can pull custom materials for your very special projects. (i.e., map of France, yellow ribbon, pink buttons) As always, snacks and drinks and good company provided.
See more photos and sign up here!
Embroidery on Postcards
Saturday October 11, 2025 1-4pm
Transform a black and white photograph or postcard into a one-of-a-kind work of art.
This 3 hour class will begin with basic stitch samples on a card stock template and then move into design and preparation of the final artwork. Instruction will also cover composition and color, pre-punching holes in stages, how to recover from mistakes and paper collapse and simple framing options.
Participants are encouraged to bring family photo reproductions if they choose (best if printed on matte, not glossy photo paper), however they may also select items from the artist’s extensive photo and postcard collection.
Take-home embroidery kits will be provided including stitch template, needle threader, cardboard, punching needle and embroidery needles.
See more photos and sign up here!
Sweet Vignette Jewelry
Saturday October 25, 2025 1-4pm
Create a Sweet Vignette brooch or pendant to keep or give as a gift. This simple design is made from layers of ribbon, beads, charms and fabric scraps. Using treasures from my extensive collection and inspired by the work of Heather Chevreau, you too can make a mini, wearable tapestry. All materials, trim, tools and jewelry findings are included in this special workshop. Students may design several shapes and take home materials to finish their pieces at the end of class. As always, snacks and drinks and good company provided.
See more pictures and sign up here!
Holiday Cottages
Saturday November 8, 2025 1-4pm
Using 2 different die-cut house shapes from your choice of card stock, make your own gift boxes or mini-village of tiny houses. These versatile constructions can be decorated with personal effects like family photos or concert tickets. All materials will be provided, however, feel free to bring your own saved papers, photos, or artwork. Choose your papers and shop my extensive supply of embellishments and ephemera to make completely unique three-dimensional collage pieces. Each little house can be lit from within by a flickering battery operated tea light. Make little trees from pine cones and create roofs laden with snow. A perfect class to take with a friend - make cottages for your mantle, dinner party centerpiece or as gifts for loved ones.
See more photos and sign up here!
Paper, Fiber, Costume Jewelry and Ribbon-Wrapped Door Wreaths
Thursday November 15, 2025 1-4pm
Create one of a kind wreaths for yourself or as a gift. Using a foam base, students will be able to choose from multiple fiber techniques as well as paper and costume jewelry to create unique and personal wreath projects. All materials, including two sizes of wreath bases, die cut flowers, wire, yarn, costume jewelry, vintage ribbons and rick rack and a vast selection of decorative paper are included. Enjoy this 3 hour class with a friend and take home a wreath or two. Some hand sewing experience would be helpful but is not necessary. Participants will learn how to make flowers and leaves from paper and felt and choose to make various styles of wreaths such as yarn and paper wrapped and will have access to a huge collection of vintage 1800’s ephemera for final accent decorating.
See more pictures and sign up here!
2026 Vision Boards
Saturday January 10, 2026 1-4pm
Create a vision board for 2026 - Working with significant imagery, including a photo you bring of yourself, mixed media techniques in fiber and decoration, we will merge our 2026 word or phrase with a visual composition to keep us inspired and on track all year long.
The vision board above, from 2023 was my way of balancing my love for both my life in Kansas as well as my desire to spend more time in New Mexico. I aligned the horizons in images from both places and merged the clouds in an over arching frame. Zoom in to see small collage details representing the fires of my creative inspiration, my love of the natural world and small embroidered details. I have book cases full of books and resources from which to find your perfect images.
See more photos and sign up here!
Maximalist Art Cuff Bracelets
Saturday January 24, 2026 1-4pm
Combine and layer vintage trim, charms and steam punk elements to create an Art Cuff - a decorative, one of a kind bracelet. Participants will have access to vintage fabrics, luxurious ribbons and a colossal bead collection. Some hand sewing experience necessary. The afternoon will begin with some lessons on some small fabric flower construction and then the maximalist layering and composition will begin. All base materials, including lace, velvet, grosgrain, felt and "invisible" thread will be provided. This is a perfect class to take with a friend.
See more photos and sign up here!
SOLD OUT Summer Cottages
Saturday June 21, 1-4pm
Using 2 different die-cut house shapes from your choice of card stock, make your own gift boxes or mini-village of tiny houses. These versatile constructions can be decorated with personal effects like family photos or concert tickets. All materials will be provided, however, feel free to bring your own saved papers, photos, or artwork. Choose your papers and shop my extensive supply of embellishments and ephemera to make completely unique three-dimensional collage pieces. Each little house can be lit from within by a flickering battery operated tea light. A perfect class to take with a friend - make cottages for your mantle, dinner party centerpiece or as gifts for loved ones.
See more photos and sign up here!
SOLD OUT
Embroidery on Postcards SANTA FE
Saturday August 9, 1-4:30pm
Join paper garment artist Liza MacKinnon for a creative and fulfilling afternoon on Canyon Road. This singular event is sponsored by Edition ONE Gallery and will be at the Neptune Event Space housed in the beautiful Irene Von Horvath House. Embroidery on paper is a magical and delicate art and you will leave fully skilled and ready to embellish.
This class will walk you through all the steps to successfully create one-of-a-kind pieces. We will begin with basic stitch practice on a card stock template and then move into design and preparation of the final artwork. Instruction will also cover composition and color, pre-punching holes in stages, how to recover from mistakes and paper collapse and simple framing options.
Participants are encouraged to bring family photo reproductions if they choose (best if printed on matte, not glossy photo paper), however they may also select items from the artist’s extensive photo and postcard collection.
All materials for two completed projects, light snacks and a take-home embroidery kit are included. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn skills with a friend and then apply them to your own photographs and keepsakes.
This class is in Santa Fe, NM
Limit: 10 participants
See more photos and sign up here!
SOLD OUT Articulated Figures
Saturday August 23, 2025 1-4pm
Using die-cut components, we will create unique posable figures. They could be a figure from history, yourself or a loved one. In this three hour class, each student will assemble a figure and then design and create clothing and accessories from paper and/or fabric. Participants will be able to shop my extensive studio collection for embellishments and mixed media components to complement their figure. Choose from boxes of buttons, ribbons, lace, charms, premium paper, vintage scrapbooks, etc. Participants may use the provided die-cut heads or cut and illustrate their own unique visage.
See more photos and sign up here!
SOLD OUT The Fairy Tale Forest
Saturday January 25 1-4pm
Join a roundtable discussion about fairy tales and how they've been significant in your life. Using a variety of forest themed stencils, we will depict the forest on a 7 inch tall gothic window die cut from mat board. Select a fairy tale character from an extensive collection of vintage fairy tale resources and collage it into the scene. Make a decorative portico if you are so inspired. If participants are interested, finished pieces may be selected to be included in my solo show a the Phoenix Underground this summer that explores the forest as a character in fairy tales.
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SOLD OUT Mapping the Heart
Saturday February 1 1-4pm
A mixed media exploration of the sense of place, home and the journeys we take. Select maps and images from my extensive resources (and/or bring your own) and we will create links, honor places and define locations that resonate with our lives. This could incorporate places you've lived, places you've visited or wish to visit, places your ancestors lived, a journey you took each summer to see loved ones, etc. Arrive with ideas and we will shop my thousands of maps to find you a perfect substrate for your mixed media masterpiece. Once you have signed up, send me an email at liza@mackomics.com and let me know a couple of locations you'd like me to source so I can have your materials ready for you. Alternatively, bring your own paper ephemera to incorporate it into the final piece. (tickets, photos, menus etc.)
See more photos and sign up here!
Cuffs & Collars Oh My!
Saturday June 14, 1-4pm
Are you ready to “zhuzh” up your clothing and accessories? Here is your chance to select from thousands of buttons, beads and charms and make your maximalist dreams come true. Join me for this intimate class (only 8 seats) and enjoy snacks, drinks and inspiring conversations as you encrust your cuffs and collars. Bring your own garments, accessories or housewares to the class. Bring a few options (shirt and purse or a pillow and jacket) and enjoy and afternoon of adult craft and play.
See more photos and sign up here!
SOLD OUT Paper flowers – Die-cut and layered, tissue paper, garlands, origami, spiral rolled and rolled folded
Saturday, March 15, 2025 1-4pm
Join me and guest teacher Irene Tsuneta to learn every kind of paper flower we know! You will recognize many of these flowers as decorative elements in my work and employ these techniques to your own artwork and gifts. Participants will have the opportunity to create three-dimensional paper flowers from card stock, maps, tissue paper, dictionary pages and more. We will be using rolled, wired and layered techniques as well as a few origami styles. Students can select from an immense supply of paper and make as many samples as they like.
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SOLD OUT Paper Dresses
Saturday, March 22, 2025 1-4pm
This three-hour introduction to paper garments class will begin with mini six-inch mannequins and graduate to large, two foot mannequins. This class will follow the course of my own creative development from two-dimensional garment representation to the large three-dimensional pieces I make today. Students will work with various paper and mixed media elements to convey three-dimensional drape, flair and decoration on a two-dimensional framework Each person will have the opportunity to shop my copious ephemera, ribbon and embellishment collection to create truly unique pieces. All supplies will be provided, including die-cut mannequins to build upon.
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Fabric Flowers - learn more than 10 different techniques, from yoyos to rolled rosettes SOLD OUT
Saturday October 12, 2024 1-4pm
Learn to make 10+ types of flowers from fabric, ribbon and lace. These signature pieces may be used to accent pillows, picture frames, headbands, brooches and bags. Some hand sewing experience is necessary. Learn in a warm and friendly environment and leave with many unique samples made with your own two hands. All materials including fabrics, felt, tulle, ribbons, sewing notions, buttons, beads, and accessory findings are provided in this three hour class.
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Star-Studded Sunburst Crowns SOLD OUT
Saturday August 10, 2024 1-4pm
Create wearable art! Design your own red-carpet worthy sunburst crown with all supplies included. This is a big project for a three-hour class, so we can work until each crown is finished. Each student will design and complete a unique and show stopping golden tiara. This hands-on workshop will use die-cut spiral flowers, shish-kebob skewers and a whole lot of hot glue. The assemblage will be spray painted gold and then embellishments will include beads and stick-on jewels.
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Halloween Masks SOLD OUT
Saturday October 26th, 2024 1-4pm
Create deluxe domino-style halloween masks in this seasonal class. Beginning with a die cut mask base, design your piece with feathers, flowers, beads, ribbons, costume jewelry and vintage buttons. There will also be spooky supplies on hand: mini bats and skulls as well as sequins and netting. Students are welcome to bring photo inspirations and supplies to share. We’ll have hot cider and cookies during our break.
See more photos and sign up here!
Mixed Media Holiday Decorations SOLD OUT
Saturday November 9, 2024 1-4pm
Spend an afternoon creating multiple mixed-media holiday tree decorations. Beginning with a 2-dimensional die cut circle or wreath base, students will have a choice of layering materials ranging from deluxe interior designer fabric samples to vintage ribbon and buttons or collage materials and miniature holiday stickers. These diy decorations are a perfect size for gifting to friends and family or filling out your own tree. Enjoy a mini art vacation with a friend with a mid session break for tea and biscuits.
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Mother's Day Sunflowers
Saturday May 10, 1-4pm
Create a beautiful paper and fiber sunflower brooch or barrette. We will custom paint pages of an 1800's Kansas Atlas for the petals and leaves and then embroider the seed bed to make wearable sunflowers. Each of these mini masterpieces will be one of a kind and unique to you. A perfect Mother's Day activity for you and your mother! All materials and easy to follow instructions will be supplied. Drinks and snacks are provided as well as tiny bee charms to finish the project.
See more photos and sign up here!