Paper and Friends
Spring/Summer 2025

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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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.

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Canceled due to covid.​

Join a roundtable discussion about fairy tales and how they've been significant in your life. Conversations will be facilitated by Guest Artist: Professional Storyteller: Priscilla Howe.  Using a variety of forest themed stencils, we will depict the forest on a 7 inch tall gothic window die cut from mat board.  Students will then select a fairy tale character from an extensive collection of vintage resources and collage it into the scene. Make a decorative porch or portico if you are so inspired.  If participants are interested, finished pieces may be submitted to be included in my solo show a the Phoenix Underground for July Final Friday that explores the forest as a character in fairy tales.

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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.

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Due to lack of sign-ups, this class has been canceled -6/13/25

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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This class is in Santa Fe, NM

Limit: 10 participants

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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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See more photos and sign up here!

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.

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See more photos and sign up here!

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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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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 collaged 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.

Sign up here!

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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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Sign up here!

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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Sign up here!

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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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See more pictures and sign up here!

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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See more pictures and sign up here!

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!

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.

Sign up here!

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.