Stairway to Heaven I
Instructor: Michelle Ward

A fascination with architecture and a love of pattern spawned Michelle's interest in Byzantine imagery -- with the deep, rich colors found in the religious icons, shrines, and cathedrals and the recurring use of arches and domes. With a nod toward Byzantium, learn to paint papers using layers of repetitive motifs, then the use the papers to build a triptych book.

The structure will have its own architectural appeal and with a few simple steps (pun intended), we will add a pull-down stairway. When propped open, your book doubles as a shrine. We will manipulate the pages with cutouts and dimensional elements to create visual pathways across the pages, in addition to any content you want to incorporate. Using tools we make in class, each book will have its own personality.

Your book structure will be completed in the workshop, but you may find yourself continuing to add details in the following days at home with this program's provided kit including paper, templates, binding, embellishments, and tricks for making patterns. The color palette you work with will be your choice. Use a tapestry of jewel tones or work in the subtleties of neutrals like white and gold.

• Several (3-4) small bottles (2 oz.) of acrylic paint, your choice of color
• One metallic acrylic paint (like gold or copper)
• Small bottle of white gesso
• Several foam brushes, one white bristle paintbrush
• Cardstock - several sheets or scraps that work with your palette
• Exacto knife and cutting mat
• Metal edge ruler
• Rubber carving material, minimum 4"x6" (safety-cut found on ensaco.com)
• Bone folder or scoring tool with burnisher
• Small awl or large sewing needle for poking holes
• Regular sewing needle
• Scissors
• Adhesive like gel medium or smooth glue stick
• Mini-brads, pack of 50 (color your choice)
• Metallic embroidery floss (one skein, your choice of color)
• Spray bottle and cloth rag
• Apron

Optional supplies include circle punches (any size), favorite patterned rubber stamps (and ink pad), brass or copper findings, decorative scraps from your stash, copper tape, illuminated letter wrapping paper, religious medals or cards, postage stamps, maps. Japanese Screw Punch (if you have one)
"V" shaped cutting tool for carving rubber

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION