Mixed Media & Design   

Class Overview

Are you interested in learning how to write a book but need more information and support to get it done and make it a success? Learn the art of publishing your own book, from writing, to editing, design and final publication. This class will include two parts. In Part 1, focus on writing your book and consider all of the questions needed to create excellent content. What is the story you want to tell and how do you tell it? Who is your audience and how do you approach your audience and readers?
 
Learn about storytelling, refining your topics, the editing process, and all of the steps and considerations for writing your book. How do you want the final product to look and feel when it is complete and being held and read? Consider the visual aspects of your book, including layout, illustration, design and your book's cover.
 
In part two, work towards final publication, including choosing a publishing house, book promotion and online retail selling. You can publish your book in your native language, whether it is English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Mandarin, Hindi, Farsi and Amharic. Instructor Georgetta Gancarz, explains, "I want students to express themselves in their identity and culture. For me as an artist, freedom of self-expression, including cultural, is necessary to be true and creative."  She has written and published 20 books to date, and also teaches multiple art classes for Continuing Education.

What You Will Need

Students must have access to a laptop or computer and internet access for this class. You will need to install some free writing programs on your device.  

Learning Objectives

• Understand the steps needed to write a book
• Gain skills in thinking about your audience and future readers
• Acquire knowledge in executing your book, including topics such as: storyline, creating chapters, choosing a title, referencing and documenting sources, and editing
• Gain knowledge in creating the visual aspect of a book, including design, layout, illustrations

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone interested in publishing a book.
   

Class Overview

This class is for anyone who is ready to be their own boss. Come to class and we will workshop your business idea and develop the basic tools of starting a business plan. 

In class, we will talk through how to start your small product-based business in a sustainable way. Learn about pricing and marketing strategies, and common pitfalls to avoid. Gain an understanding about key ideas such as how to know when to seek outside production, or add employees. 

Learn how to run a business without it running you. Enjoy guidance from people with extensive business experience eager to pass on what they have learned to new entrepreneurs.  This class will teach you how to start scrappy and lean – and how to stay that way. 

Supplies Needed 

Bring your computer, notebook, and a product idea for your business. You will also need a way to download and print pdf worksheets.

Learning Objectives

• Avoid the pitfalls that most new entrepreneurs face
• Have the confidence and resources to strike out on your own with your product based business idea
• Outline a business plan that has been workshopped
• Develop a business that is sustainable

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone who has a business idea that would like to turn it into their day job
• People with a product in mind who would like guidance developing a business plan
• New entrepreneurs who would like support building a more sustainable business model

Class Overview

Get ready for winter holidays by learning how to create festive cards with colored pencils! Explore the colorful and expressive medium of colored pencils as you follow along during an engaging step-by-step demonstration in this hands-on class.

Learn a variety of basic techniques to bring out the best in your colored pencils and make use of the vibrant colors readily available. This is an opportunity to explore color and learn some fundamental drawing skills that you can build upon for future card making, drawing, and other creative endeavors.

You’ll be able to create cards for whichever holidays you would like. By the end of the class, you will have developed new skills and created art that you can proudly share with loved ones for the holidays.

Supplies Needed

• Drawing pad (70 lb. or higher): 9 x 12” or 11 x 14”, whichever size you’d prefer for your drawings
• Hb or 2b pencil
• Large white vinyl eraser
• Handheld sharpener (preferably one that can catch pencil shavings)
• Set of at least 24 to 36 colored pencils (if you plan on doing more colored pencils in the future, a set of 48, 72 or higher - Prismacolor colored pencils are recommended), but for this class, a set of 24-36 colored pencils (preferably 36) of any brand will work fine!
• Pad of 9 x 12” watercolor paper (smooth is better) 120 lb. or higher
• Scissors
• Optional: colorless blender pencil (i.e., by Prismacolor)
• Optional: detail eraser (Tombow Mono Knock 3.8)
• Optional: electric pencil sharpener (i.e., School Smart, X-ACTO)

Learning Objectives

• Basic techniques of colored pencils
• Colored pencil skills such as blending, details, texturing, light source, shadows, layering,
• Principles of color such as: color mixing, color relationships, use of complementary colors, warm and cool colors, light and dark colors, pure and neutral colors, etc.
• Basic drawing skills such as proportion

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone who would like to learn to use the beautiful, colorful, portable, fun medium of colored pencils
• People interested in creating winter- and holiday- themed cards
• Anyone interested in learning about and exploring color
• People with experience using colored pencils but would like to develop their skills
• No prior experience needed; everyone is welcome!

Class Overview

Have you ever had a friend or family member say you should do more with your art? Have you ever imagined doing business with your art? Explore one of the simplest, least expensive, safest ways to honor - and sustain - that encouragement and make some return on your investment of time and money in your art: turning your art into greeting cards. 
Learn what makes the best greeting cards from 2d and 3d art and how to assemble a greeting card - what you need and where to buy it. Explore the power of going beyond just originals.  Discuss how to photograph your artwork, if it is not already photography, to prepare it and duplicate it.
In this class we will explore pricing, selling online, working with stores and even licensing your art to third parties. The emphasis will be on removing hurdles so you can be making your own cards by the second session. This class is timed to prepare you in plenty of time for the best time of year for greeting cards, the holiday season. Your design will work for all art mediums, 2d and 3d, from painting to photography, ceramics to wood working.

Format: Hybrid

• Day #1 meets in person at Wood Technology Center (2310 S. Lane St, Seattle, WA 98144)
• Day #2 meets on Zoom.

Bring the following items to class

• [Do this before you come to the class] Email 5 photographs of examples of your art as candidates for use on your greeting cards by 10/27 to your instructor to share for feedback in the first class
• 10 samples of your art (not originals!) as small photographic prints, 5x7 inches or smaller, (ideally mat or pearl finish, not glossy)
• 10 scored, blank sheets of card stock (A7, A6 or A2 sized)
• 2-sided tape applicator (Tombo or similar)
• 10 matching or contrasting envelopes (sized to fit your folded card stock and available where you buy your card stock
• 10 clear plastic, self-sealing enclosures (sized to fit your folded card stock and envelope)
• 10 adhesive labels printed with © your name and contact information (email or website) or a rubber stamp

*** The materials we will use to assemble your own greeting cards can be purchased from most craft stores. If you have any question about the materials, please contact your instructor before you make the purchase.

Learning Objectives

• Better select the pieces of your art that are the most suitable for greeting cards
• Make a finished greeting card with your art
• Set an appropriate price for your greeting cards
• Sell your own greeting card directly
• Contact a local store to have them sell your greeting cards
• Understand the ins and outs of selling greeting cards online

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone making art in any medium, 2d and 3d, painting to photography, woodworking to ceramics
• Artists who want to make some return on their investment of time and money in their art
• Anyone who wants to share their art with friends or loved ones
• Artists who love seeing their art out in the world, being enjoyed by and having an impact on others
   

Class Overview

Whittling is a simple and fun hobby that many people all over the world enjoy. In this interactive class, learn how to use the tools, select wood for your project, make the basic cuts and use proper whittling techniques. Enjoy whittling small animals that you will treasure for years and they also make wonderful gifts. In this class we we also learn how to sharpen and hone your tools to keep them razor sharp. Discover a new interest through this fun, hands on, engaging class! No previous whittling experience required.

Supplies Needed

• Whittler’s detail knife / sharpen carving knife (Recommended: KN13 Flexcut knife)
• Carving gouge set (recommended: Mikisyo Power Grip Carving Tools 7 Piece Set)
• Carbon paper 
• Thumb guard
• Cut resistant gloves
• Leather honing strop with polishing compound (recommended: BeaverCraft Leather Honing Strop with Polishing Compound LS2P1SR41 3”x 8”Double Sided Leather Stropping Kit for Knife Sharpening Vegetable Tanned Leather for Stopping Tools)
• Pencil

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Obtain basic knowledge of whittling
• Understand use of tools
• Whittle with confidence
• Be familiar with how to select woods depending on projects
• Make the basic cuts and techniques
• Understand how to sharpen the tools

Who Should Take This Class

• Anyone interested in trying the art of whittling
• People looking for a new hobby, creative outlet or craft to do with your hands
• People who are new in using carving tools
• Anyone who would like to make small animals from wood