Painting with Paste
Methods and Techniques of Paste Paper
February 3 - 7, 2025 | Monday - Friday | 5 days | $ 285
7 pre-recorded video tutorials with PDF instructions posted each day. Access to a private chat area for questions and comments.
Unleash your creativity with Bonnie Stahlecker guiding you through expressive painting on paper with paste and pigment. This course goes beyond traditional paste paper, which uses one color with a repeating pattern. Instead, you will learn a wealth of techniques, including underpainting, rubbings, pastel drawing, and exploiting collage elements. In addition, you will discover three different methods of applying the paint and paste to the paper and why you would choose one over the others. With the knowledge gained during the class, you will have the skills to create unique papers for book covers and magnificent papers for book pages.
By creating decorative papers through the media of paste paint, you will find that making paste paper is immediate and more cost-effective than purchasing embellished papers. It requires no specialized tools or equipment. The best reason to create paste papers, however, is that you get to choose the colors and designs for each project.
You will create 21 sample papers highlighting each skill as you learn the techniques. Each sample paper will be accomplished with a document sheet. As a grand finale, the samples and notes will be bound into an appealing reference book for future projects.
The five main lessons will be released over the week of February 3, 2025. Please set aside this week to complete the lessons if your schedule allows. If not, the lessons and videos are available for three months.
A kit that accompanies this workshop will be mailed before the first lesson.
The workshop is open to all US citizens. Class size is limited.
In this course you will:
- learn various techniques of painting with paste so that you can use this knowledge to create incredible decorative papers
- discover different ways to apply the paint and paste to establish the method that is best for you
- gain confidence to generate pages for artists books to extend your page design skills
- learn how to make a book using the Japanese Side Stitch to organize the samples
The fee includes:
- seven videos of instruction concentrated into easy-to-follow steps
- a supply kit of pre-cut materials
- six detailed handouts in PDF format
- bonus lesson: different approaches to dampen the paper
- private discussion area
The demonstrations are filmed with the camera overhead so you can get an excellent view of the action.
Testimonial
Thank you, Bonnie, for such a great, challenging, and inspiring course. I really appreciate your excellent video and print instructions. - Rosi Smith
Format of the online course:
The five main pre-recorded video tutorials and PDF handouts will be posted daily from February 3 to February 7. Once they are released, you can work at your convenience to complete the task before moving on to the next lesson the following day. During the week, Bonnie will check messages in the discussion area to address any questions or comments. You will have access to the videos for ninety days. The handouts are downloadable and are yours for a lifetime.
Schedule:
Monday: Introduction and Preparatory Work
Tuesday: The Traditional Method
Wednesday: The Layered Method
Thursday: The Magic Mix Method
Friday: Binding the Sample Book
Materials, Equipment, and Tools:
Students will supply acrylic paint, pastels, and matte medium. All the papers and the methylcellulose are provided in the kit.
Students might already have a lot of the equipment and tools. If not, the items can be found at thrift, hardware, or dollar stores. Items include plastic containers, cheap brushes, sponges, stencils, a water spray bottle, and tools to move or lift the paste paint.
The bookbinding tools are minimal. They include an awl, binder clips, a needle, and a scoring knife. (A drill is an option instead of using the awl to make the sewing holes.)
A detailed list regarding the tools sizes and vendors will be shared when you register for the course.
Have Questions? Please contact Bonnie.
The kits will be mailed in January. Sign up now to get yours in time.
Registrations may not be shared and are non-transferable.
This class is only open to US students.
Your Instructor
Bonnie Stahlecker
I started my artistic life with the book as the vehicle to carry my creative expression. I now create both artist books and sculptures.
One of the most vital talents I have as an instructor is my organizational skills and the ability to share information in easy, understandable steps. I have a passion for art and a considerable amount of knowledge and experience to share. I have honed my skills and knowledge to serve my workshop participants better. For example, in 2000, I took private bookbinding lessons and researched historical book models. Since then, I have adapted the techniques to make my artwork and offer my innovations to others. I look forward to sharing my expertise and wisdom with you in my online courses.