An exciting creative collaboration between two Edinburgh artists which combines learning how to print your own papers with learning how to make your own books.
 
Two Arienas Collective workshop artists - bookbinder Cass Barron and printmaker Lou Davis - team up for this treat of an online workshop, which celebrates colour, texture, mark making and bookbinding.
 
A series of step-by-step video tutorials will encourage you to experiment with a range of simple but effective printmaking techniques to create a one-of-a-kind A5 sized junk journal, which makes for a great sketchbook, memory book, diary or gift for someone special. 
 
Lou will show you how to make a DIY gel plate, and share some of her favourite vege-gel printing techniques, including how to create your own stencils and use found objects to make unusual textures. She will also share her tips on how to get the most out of a limited colour pallete, and give you some guidance on colour mixing and composition.
 
Once you have created a series of prints onto different papers, envelopes and pre-loved materials such as old maps and book pages, Cass will show you how to transform these into a beautiful, colourful A5 Journal with exposed spine and decorative cross stitch binding.
 
At the end of the course you’ll have a wide range of mark-making techniques under your belt that can be applied to everything from bookbinding and card making, to printing your own wrapping paper. You’ll also be equipped with all the skills you need to make eye-catching, colourful books that make great personal journals, and unique gifts for birthdays, Christmas and other celebrations.  
 
How the course will run
 
The course will take place online in the form of a series of pre-recorded videos, which take you through the process step-by-step - much like we do at our in-person workshops but with the added bonus of being able to pause, rewind and return to your project when it suits you best. You will have continuous access throughout the life of the course, meaning you can complete it in your own time, and at your own pace.
 
Keeping it social - optional Zoom get-together
 
An optional Zoom Sharing event is included. so if you'd like to join in please select the Zoom option. You'll get an invitation to the next Zoom, when you will have the chance to meet Cass and Lou, find out more about their work, ask questions, and share your books and printing creations (if you want to). These Zooms are a way for us to replicate the ideas sharing and social elements of our face-to-face workshops that usually happen over a cuppa! *Please note that Cass is currently on maternity leave and the Zoom sessions will return late 2022/early 2023.
 
What's included
 
Your course includes access to Cass and Lou's online tutorials, plus a boxed kit that will be sent to you by first class post. The kit includes: vege gel powder for making your gel plate; a set of acrylic paints; paint roller; a selection of textures for printing; a collection of plain and pre-loved papers to print on and include in your book; book board; leather; glue; book film; waxed thread and high quality bookbinding tools. Plus a teabag and biscuit to fuel your creativity!
 
The kit will be sent out by first class post, or can be collected in person from The Arienas Collective by arrangement. The link and password to access the online course will be sent to you by email.
 
In-person option
 
This course is also available as an in-person workshop and you can find out more here.