Paper and Friends
Winter 2024/25

Create a vision board for 2025 - Working with significant imagery, including a photo you bring of yourself, mixed media techniques in fiber and decoration, we will merge our 2025 word or phrase with a visual composition to keep us inspired and on track all year long.
 

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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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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.)

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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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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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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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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.

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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.
 

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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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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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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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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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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.