Paper and Friends
Fall 2024
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 at Eventbrite, individual class links in descriptions below. Enrollment will be limited to 8 people per class. These Second Saturday, Third Thursday and (new) Third Saturday classes are $50 per person (+taxes and fees), are three hours long 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
Star-Studded Sunburst Crowns
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.
Sign up here!
Introduction to Paper Garments
Thursday August 15, 2024 6-9pm
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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See more pictures and sign up here!
Burnt Organza Flowers - for accessories, jewelry and decoration
Saturday September 14, 2024 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 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.
Sign up here!
Paper flowers – Die-cut and layered, tissue paper, garlands, origami, spiral rolled and rolled folded
Thursday September 19, 2024 6-9pm
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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Sign up here!
Embroidery on photos and postcards
Saturday September 28, 2024 1-4pm
Transform a black and white photograph or postcard into a one-of-a-kind work of art.
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This three 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.
Embroidery kits will be provided including stitch template, needle threader, cardboard, punching needle and embroidery needles.
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Sign up here!
Fabric Flowers - learn more than 10 different techniques, from yoyos to rolled rosettes
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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Sign up here!
Articulated Figures
Thursday October 17, 2024 6-9pm
CANCELED............................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 studio collection for embellishments and mixed media components to complement their figure. Participants may use the provided die-cut heads or cut and illustrate their own unique visage.
Halloween Masks
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.
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See more pictures and sign up here!
Mixed Media Holiday Decorations
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.
Sign up here!
Paper, Fiber and Ribbon-Wrapped Door Wreaths
Thursday November 14, 2024 6-9pm
Create one of a kind wreaths for yourself or as a gift. Using a foam base, students will be able to work with multiple fiber techniques as well as paper and felt to create unique and personal wreath projects. All materials, including two sizes of wreath bases, die cut flowers, wire, yarn, 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!
Winter Cottages - Whimsical miniature houses, dusted with snow and lit from within.
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Saturday November 23, 2024 1-4pm
Using 2 different die-cut house shapes from your choice of cardstock, 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 will 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 winter window sill or as gifts for loved ones
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Sign up here!