Mixed Media Workshops

My workshops are offered through
Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
in Mineral Point, WI.

Check my Teaching Schedule in the sidebar for upcoming dates.

Below are some classes that I commonly teach. From time to time I do add new classes not on this list, so check the schedule.

Mixed Media Paint Layering
Learn how easy it is to create rich textures and colors by building up layers in a variety of media. In this quick, fun class you’ll combine layers of collage with acrylic paint glazes, adding texture, pattern, and interest using acrylic paints and mediums, stenciling, and stamping with home made stamps and household objects. You’ll go home with handmade decorative papers that can be used for a variety of collage or mixed media projects. No previous painting experience required, just a sense of adventure!

Junk Drawer Art Charms
Yep, we’re going to make jewelry charms from those little odds and ends that accumulate in your desk drawer, tool chest, sewing kit, toy chest, wherever. Sharon will show you how to make nifty charms using inexpensive craft materials, introduce you to some great craft techniques, and teach you basic jewelry attachment methods, then turn you loose on her collection of doodads...or you are welcome to bring your own. The object can be the charm just as is, or drill it, distress it, alter it, embellish it with paint, beads, wire, ink. Anything goes! Use your charms for a charm bracelet, as necklace pendants, or even as earring dangles. 

Bracelet with Handmade Beads

Make some terrific looking beads out of unconventional (and inexpensive!) jewelry materials - paper beads that look very much like lampwork beads, beads made from fabric, wire, vinyl tubing, telephone wire casing, and more. These beads are great fun to make and can be done in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit any design. When combined with commercial beads they make up into unique jewelry pieces with a look that can't be bought. You'll string your beads on easy-to-use Memory Wire and leave with a great new bracelet that's truly all your own.

Altered Mint Tins

Have you been saving those mint tins thinking there must be a use for them? Come and transform them into wonderful artful pieces.  Sharon will show you how to deal with the paint and shininess of the tin, how to attach stuff, and how to create an accordion fold insert for photos (a great gift idea!). There will be lots of art supplies, decorative papers, doodads and embellishments on hand, but you are welcome to bring your own. Sharon will bring mint tins but you may also furnish your own.

Rusty Stuff

Do rusty and aged things just speak to you? Want to know how to turn a cheap plastic doodad into a wonderfully rusted treasure or how to age that all too shiny metal object? Then this class is for you. You'll use several techniques to rust and patina metal objects (including some surprisingly non-toxic methods), transform objects NOT made of metal into rusty things, experiment with faux rust, aging paper and rusting fabric. You will go home loaded with info and a bunch of stuff in the process of aging. (Time permitting we'll make something from our new "old" stuff, but primarily this is a process class.)

Homemade Stamps

Who doesn’t love stamps? Whether for scrapbooking, card making, mixed media, or paper and fabric surface design, you just can’t have too many, right? But commercial stamps can get expensive, especially the larger stamps. So why not make your own - it’s fun and easy! Sharon will show you lots of clever ways to make stamps using readily available inexpensive materials which you may already have on hand. So spend an afternoon creating your own personalized stamps (no carving involved!). Make as many as time allows. All materials supplied, including one moldable foam stamp block and one small rolling pin for making a roller stamp.