I have a small but growing Facebook group where I share the occasional free mini workshop (like this one!) with group members. 
My goal is for the group to be a place for sharing, learning, and inspiration. All creatives are welcome - I hope you'll join us!
The workshop is now available on demand!
(The live class was held on July 18th and is now archived in the group.)
In this free mini online mixed media workshop (nearly 2 hours in length) I'll share four different types of matchbook-style art journals. We'll go over the basics of each and walk through making the cover (with patterned window) and inserts for at least one journal. We'll discuss ideas for how you can fill the pages of your books and I'll demo some of the techniques that I've used in creating these samples. I'll also show you how to make at least two of the handmade embellishments that go into the pockets of the journal that I'll be demoing in class. 

While you're welcome to work along with the video, this class is intended to be more demonstration, ideas, and inspiration for you to take away and put to use later... I will not be completing an entire journal start to finish, but I'll give you the basics and demonstrate the techniques to make any of the journals shown as well as some of the embellishments. I have also provided a few patterns that you can print and use at home.
 Free! (But you do​ need to be a member of my Facebook group)
There are no set supplies for this workshop - use what you have!

That said, here's a list of some of what I used as well as a few links to a few items I have available in my shop. I also encourage you to shop at your favorite local shop or independent online retailer for anything you might want to purchase - shop small when you can
Tools:
  • Scissors
  • A stapler with staples (I use both a regular office stapler and the Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher)
  • An awl or thick needle for poking holes
  • Paint brushes (I have some fabulous Dynasty Blue Ice brushes that are great for backgrounds and new Dynasty small Round and Filbert brushes for acrylic or watercolor.)
  • Optional - A bone folder or something for creasing paper
  • ​Optional - Waxed linen thread or embroidery thread and a tapestry needle
  • Optional - Rubber stamps  (I'll be using my stamps from PaperArtsy and some other mounted stamps from my collection)
  • Optional - Acrylic blocks if using unmounted stamps
  • Optional​ - Stencils (I'll be using my stencils from StencilGirl)
  • Optional - A heat gun (I use the 2-speed heat tool from WOW!)
  • Optional - An x-Acto knife or other razor tool and a self-healing or glass mat
  • Optional - Blending brushes for applying ink through stencils and / or stencil brushes for stenciling with paint.

Adhesives:
Paper & Substrates:
Paper & Substrates, cont...:
  • Small pieces or scraps of cardstock, watercolor paper, etc...
  • Optional - Acetate, ink jet transparencies, printed scrapbooking transparencies for making windows in your covers.
  • Optional - A sheet of vellum to make pockets (you can also use patterned paper if you like)

Inks, Paints, Pens, etc...:
  • Paints - I'll be using a variety of Matisse background paints, Golden black gesso, PaperArtsy Fresco Acrylic Paint, and maybe a few others. No set colors or types - use what you have / what you like.
  • Ink Pads - I'll use black and brown Archival Ink pads for framing and some stamping, VersaFine Clair pigment ink pads for stamping, an embossing pad for heat embossing, and a white StazOn Pigment ink pad.
  • Pens, colored pencils, or markers for doodling and mark making (I'll be using a Uniball Signo white and gold gel pen and a black Uniball Vision Elite.) I'll also use Posca paint pens, but again - use what you have / what you like.

Embellishments:
  • Optional​ - Washi tape in a variety of sizes and patterns
  • Optional - Paper slide mount 
  • Optional​ - Embossing powder (I'll be using my Boho Blends powders from Emerald Creek.)
  • Optional - Stickers, cutout images, bits of ephemera, etc... to add to your pages
  • Optional - Clips, ribbon, twine, etc... to embellish, add to tags, use for closures, etc...

Miscellaneous:
  • Baby wipes and / or paper towels 
Technical Requirements:
  • You must have a Facebook account as the workshop is only available in my Facebook group.
  • ​Your computer or device should be capable of viewing video with a strong enough internet connection to stream the lesson
  • Check to ensure that you can hear and see videos on Facebook (you usually need to both click into a live video and unmute it in order to hear and read and add comments.)
  • Although this workshop isn't intended as one where you work along with me, I still recommend that if you don't already have it, that you download the Facebook app on your phone or device and get logged in and set up. It's a much easier way to take and share photos of your workshop projects within the group.
Administrative Details & Class Policies:
  • You must be a member of my Facebook group.
  • Since this is an online class, I just want to make sure it's clear that you'll be responsible for providing all of your own supplies (please see the supply list above.) I've tried to give lots of options and alternatives so that you can pull from your stash wherever possible - most should be able to make a version of this project without needing to purchase anything.
FAQ:
Q: Where do I go to register or sign up?
​A: No registration is required, but you do​ need to be a member of my Facebook group. All creatives are welcome and you can request to join the group, but please answer the question and read the group rules so I can add you. ​Once in the group, the workshop is available in the "Videos" section, or look for the "Live Demos and Demo Info" post topic.

Q: How long will the video be available?
A: The workshop is archived in my group and you'll be able to find it using the Popular Post Topics for live videos. It will be available as long as my Facebook group is in existence.

Q: I've asked to join your group - when will I get access?
A: Please give me at least 24 hours to add you. Also, if you haven't been accepted, make sure that you've answered the question about why you want to join and that you've reviewed the group rules. (I do get a fair amount of spam requests, so I need this to validate that it's a legit request.)

Q: Can I place an order for your shop if I live outside the US?
A: Yes - I can ship internationally, but note that shipping costs start at 18.99 USD and go up from there (although I will refund an overage or more than $0.75.) If you purchase anything especially heavy, I reserve the right to add an extra shipping fee. (I also recommend that you look at your local shops for anything they may have and support them were possible.)
Data Safety | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
​© COPYRIGHT 2024 by Gwen Lafleur. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.