Hi everyone

there is one more place at the table in case you are interested ...... please click on the link to the right to reserve you place ... so far I have been working on a technique that takes a photograph and turns it into a stencil then you take and use it with walnut spray on fabric to create this really cool look for your altered books ... I am also going to be doing some copper work this time ... ok that's enough of a teaser .... see you soon and remember the full payment needs to be made by Feb 15th ...... Linda

2010 Retreat/Workshop

2010 workshop date is set and again it will be VERY small just 6 people ....... it will be March 25-28, 2010 ...... and the price will be $375.00 total ... with a $150 Deposit due when you sign up and becomes NON-refundable on January 15, 2010 and the Balance of $225 is due by February 15, 2010 ...... REMEMBER there will only be 6 spaces, so tell Santa to bring you your Workshop money ... this includes bed, 2 meals a day and classes ..... see you then ;)

Remember you will need to bring the basic tool kit listed below … if there is anything else you will need to bring I will let you know in the email I send to all of you about a month before the retreat ……

Basic Art Tool Kit

I feel all listed items should be in a well stocked basic tool kit, BUT if you work better with other items bring them.

Detail & Regular Scissors
4 large or 8 small Glue sticks - highly recommend Washable Elmer's School Gel glue sticks (orange lid with blue bottom)
1 new roll ¼" Double sided Wonder or Redline tape
Personal size Paper cutter
Package of regular sized brads - copper/gold/black (either color or a mix)
Package of 1/8" aluminum eyelets in basic metal colors
Black Memories or Versa Fine Ink Pad & re-inker
Versa Mark ink pad & re-inker (or some other clear embossing ink pad)
1 fine tipped water brush (this has a water reservoir in the handle)
1 mop head paint brush (about ½" fluffy head)
1 #3 detail paint brush
1 round sponge & 1 small sea sponge
Black fine tip writer (similar to ball point)
1 #2 pencil
White artist’s eraser
1 black Tombow or Le Plume type marker (you will use the paint brush/clarify type end)
Bone folder
Stylus
Black waxed linen thread and tapestry needle
6" Metal ruler with cork
Exacto knife with extra blades
Personal Cutting matt about 5x9"

Itinerary for the Retreat:

Thursday -

Arrival - Noon to 1:45pm
1st secession - 2pm to 5pm
Supper (provided by Linda) - 5:30 to 6:30pm
Clean up kitchen - 6:30 to 6:55pm
2nd secession - 7pm to 9pm (the only night secession)

Friday & Saturday -

Breakfast (provided by Linda) - 7:30am to 8:30am
Clean up kitchen - 8:30 to 8:55am
3rd secession - 9am to Noon on Friday - Sat. will be 5th secession same timing
Lunch (provided by Linda) - 12:30 to 1:30pm
Clean up kitchen - 1:30 to 1:55pm
4th secession - 2pm to 5pm - Sat. will be 6th secession same timing
SUPPER - you are on your own both evenings

Sunday -

Coffee at 7:30 for those of us that can't function without it ... then you will have time to do finish up work while I fix brunch (about 10 or 10:30am) .... we can have a kitchen discussion of anything you have questions on ... around 11:30 you can start loading up and heading home hopefully having lots of fun and learning something you feel was useful

2009 Retreat is over

Fun was had by all and they say they learned lots ......... I had a wonderful time it's always great to teach to ones who want to learn and have fun also ....... These are photo's of them working so hard on their Technique Reference Books ....... also a few email comments from them -

1. Hey everyone!!!
I am back safe, sound, and tired in Wichita.
I had such a great time and learned so much. You are all wonderful!
Thank you Linda for working so hard to make this retreat happen. I will anxiously await word of your next workshop (smile).
Hugs everyone!!
P.S. I am working on my book right now!!
I am searching for images on the internet. Coworkers want to see what I did, but I want to finish the book before I bring it in.

2. It was wonderful! Thank you Linda for an amazing time. The education and the food, as well as the company was spectacular! I am exhausted to say the least! Wanted to sleep on the way home!

It was great to meet some amazing and fun ladies as well! You were all great!

3. Hello everyone! I too had a blast and so enjoyed my laughter and learning! Thanks again Linda!!!!!

4. Just now checking in. I loved every minute of it! I felt like I had known all of you my whole life.

5. it was INCREDIBLE! - I LOVED IT! - even losing Silk Brick! - he's in BIG trouble!!

I learned more in these four days than I've learned in the last two years! :))

Date for 2009 Altered Book Workshop Retreat

It will be March 26-29, 2009 .... and will be held in Temple, TX .....
this will be a small Altered Book Technique Reference Book Workshop/Retreat .... 6 students will have space to work, sleeping quarters (individual beds), 3 breakfast, Supper the evening of your arrival, 2 lunches and snacks provided .... at a cost of $350.00 each ... your $150 deposit is due when you sign up, the deposit becomes NON-refundable by Jan. 15, 2009 and the balance of $200 is due by Feb. 15, 2009 or pay in full at time of sign up, it's simple just click the PayPal buttons to the left, please note that the banner on the PayPal page will say "The Art Sook" because that is the name of my business .... your deposit will hold your seat and since there are only 6 places you might want to sign up early .... you will arrive on Thursday 26th, between Noon & 1pm with the first session starting at 2pm till 5pm the second session will be that evening (the only evening class) from 7pm till 9pm ... then we will start at 9am till noon and 2pm till 5pm on Friday and Saturday ... that makes the 6 full sessions .... then on Sunday morning you will have time to do finish up work, have discussions & enjoy brunch before everyone heads home .... you may work Friday & Saturday evening if you wish but there will be NO formal sessions taught .... just email me Linda Manning Findley to sign up ... looking forward to this new adventure in Altered Books and seeing some of my return students

Itinerary - March 2009

Thursday -

Arrival - Noon to 1:45pm
1st secession - 2pm to 5pm
Supper (provided by Linda) - 5:30 to 6:30pm
Clean up kitchen - Linda - 6:30 to 6:55pm
2nd secession - 7pm to 9pm (the only night secession)

Friday & Saturday -

Breakfast (provided by Linda) - 7:30am to 8:30am
Clean up kitchen - Linda - 8:30 to 8:55am
3rd secession - 9am to Noon on Friday - Sat. will be 5th secession same timing
Lunch (provided by Linda) - 12:30 to 1:30pm
Clean up kitchen - Linda - 1:30 to 1:55pm
4th secession - 2pm to 5pm - Sat. will be 6th secession same timing
SUPPER - you are on your own both evenings

Sunday -

Coffee at 7:30 for those of us that can't function without it ... then you will have time to do finish up work while I fix brunch (about 10 or 10:30am) .... we can have a kitchen discussion of anything you have questions on ... around 11:30 you can start loading up and heading home hopefully having lots of fun and learning something you feel was useful ......

Things that will BE provided

This year I am providing all things to complete and basics to complement the techniques you will be learning ........ so just pack up your basic tool kit and the things in the "Things YOU need to bring" list and come on .... we are going to have a great time learning techniques for your reference book .... then in the future you can do wonderful things in your altered books ....... see you soon Linda

Thing YOU need to bring

These items are other than what is provided in class.

You will need to bring a book for your personal Technique Book ... I suggest your book be a hardcover sewn signatures (sewn binding of pages) encyclopedia or text book preferably no older than 1980 - 1999 (yes that is older than I usually use but these books are made to withstand lots of abuse and years of reading) you should be able to pick one up at a Library sale or Salvation Army or Goodwill for a couple of dollars ... PLEASE do NOT bring a novel type book

You will choose your altered book’s color scheme; I suggest 3 to 5 colors that go well together in varying shades and black that will always be in your basic art kit ..... you don't have to stick to a theme or even a color scheme just colors you like (the papers and such I have this year are in black/tan/red/green/pink/peach/off white/copen blue and maybe some aqua) so just about any color you pick should work.

1. Three to Five (3 - 5) Ink pads in your color scheme - light, medium, darker medium (something just a couple of shades darker than medium but not black). Choose dye based, hybrid, preferably not chalk or pigments ink pads. I prefer to work with dye base inks or hybrids but all inks will work on NON-slick book pages (if you have a book with slick pages the dye and hybrid are the only inks that will work). Marvy ink pads work well also. Chalk and pigment take longer to dry so you can't work as fast as you can with dye base or hybrids

2. Ribbon, lace, fiber in your color scheme (about 18 inches of each or 1 1/2 yds of one)

3. Alphabet stickers that will compliment your chosen colors: such as regular peel off stickers or ones that you will adhered yourself ... these can be made from metal, cork, cardstock or chipboard ... a couple of sets will be plenty

4. IF YOU WISH to bring your own ephemera -8 images about 3x5" or ATC size (2 1/2" x 3") nothing bigger ... they can be of people, butterfly's, flowers (printed on paper preferable but cardstock will work), stickers, postage stamps, 10 decorative brads (your color choice) ... everything is in your kit to do the techniques so you don't have to bring these unless you want

Extra things to bring ONLY if you already have them:

Japanese Screw Punch or Crop-A-Dial
12" Metal ruler
decorative edge scissors
hole punch to fit your eyelets (that you carry in your basic art kit)
eyelet setter for your eyelets
3 to 5 stipple brushes (one for each color ink you are bringing)

Basic Art Tool Kit

I feel all listed items should be in a well stocked basic tool kit, BUT if you work better with other items bring them.

Detail & Regular Scissors
4 large or 8 small Glue sticks - highly recommend Washable Elmer's School Gel glue sticks (orange lid with blue bottom)
1 new roll ¼" Double sided Wonder or Redline tape
Personal size Paper cutter
Package of regular sized brads - copper/gold/black (either color or a mix)
Package of 1/8" aluminum eyelets in basic metal colors
Black Memories or Versa Fine Ink Pad & re-inker
Versa Mark ink pad & re-inker (or some other clear embossing ink pad)
1 fine tipped water brush (this has a water reservoir in the handle)
1 mop head paint brush (about ½" fluffy head)
1 #3 detail paint
1 round sponge & 1 small sea sponge
Black fine tip writer (similar to ball point)
1 #2 pencil
White artist’s eraser
1 black Tombow or Le Plume type marker (you will use the paint brush/clarify type end)
Bone folder
Stylus
Black waxed linen thread and tapestry needle
6" Metal ruler with cork
Exacto knife with extra blades
Personal Cutting matt about 5x9"

Altered Book Retreat for 2009

I know that some of you are watching to see when I get this posted BUT at this time it will be a little longer ..... there has been a death in the family and I am tied up doing Executrix duties hopefully in a few weeks I can again get to planning ...... thanks for being patient ..... Linda

My Altered Grand Tour 2008 - the book I taught

A Great time was had by ALL

We started out the retreat on Thurdsay and worked hard everyday to produce a wonderful book ...

click to enlarge





Thanks to all of my wonderful students for making a great Altered Journey ....... Linda

Date change !!!!!!!

NOW .... March 13-16, 2008 ................


I am extending the date to sign up but all sign ups need to be the FULL payment now of $225 ... so email me to make sure you have a seat ...

well I guess you can say Jeri shouldn't have left the finishing up of 2008 to me because I made a big booboo .... the original date ended up being Easter weekend and we all know that no one competes with Easter so I have changed the dates ... sorry for any inconvenience ...... Linda

Thought I would post a couple of photo's from the book we will do at this retreat .....

Map to Salado, TX

Ok I can't do the pictures of the maps on the blog so click on the link Map of Salado, TX US and it will take you to MapQuest and then on the left side of the map you will find a bar that you can click on to get larger (to cover more of the state or US) and smaller to get close up of Salado .... the hotel is just off of Freeway I-35 take exit 286 it's on the left coming from Dallas headed south and on the right coming from Austin headed north .... with the addresses of these places you can select get directions in MapQuest and they are accurate so you should have no problems ...

address for the Holiday Inn Express -
Holiday Inn Express: 877-410-6681
1991 N. STAGECOACH ROAD, SALADO, TX ...

address for Austin Airport (if you fly into there) -
Austin-Bergstrom Intl Arprt: 512-530-2242
3600 Presidential Blvd # 411, Austin, TX 78719, US

address for Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport (if you fly into there) -
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): 972-574-2151
1530 W 18th St, Dallas, TX 75261, US

Slide show of some of my Altered Book work

We will be doing a book with a Travel theme for the Retreat on March 13-16, 2008 in Salado, Texas ...... scroll down to see more about the upcoming Retreat .... enjoy Linda

We will be doing the Altered Book Retreat in 2008 !!

Altered Book Retreat March 13-16, 2008 the theme of the book will be "My Altered Grand Tour". You will create an elegant work of art depicting captivating places - exotic, time honored, must see places. You will enjoy tea in Paris, see Egypt's pyramids, visit the leaning tower of Pisa in Italy, and go on safari in Africa. Mark you calendars and tell everyone you are headed to Salado, TX in March of 2008 for a fun filled 4 days of Altering a great book. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays - Christmas, Valentine's Day, or a birthday - this altered book retreat is a perfect way to pamper yourself. Grab your best friend and come join in the fun. The total cost for the 4-day class: $225, deposit $100 due at time of sign up. (Deposit becomes non-refundable after January 15) Complete payment due by February 15, 2008. You may pay your deposit or make your full payments using the PayPal button to the left ... please note that the banner on the PayPal account will look similar to this banner but your payment will read to "The Art Sook" because that is my business name. The list of what is provided in the kit, what you need to bring and the itinerary are posted and to get to it quickly you will just click on the link on the side bar. A map will be posted a little later. There will be only 20 seats so sign up early to be assured a place at the table ..... make you payment by PayPal using the button on the left side of the page then email Linda Findley for your reserved seat.

The arrangements have been made at Holiday Inn Express and there will be a block of 13 room at a special rate of $95 per night + taxes, so if everyone has a room mate that would be $47.50 + tax for each night. Call 254-947-4004 or 888 465 4329 and ask for "The Altered Book Retreat" block of rooms for our special rate, these rooms will only be held at this rate till Feb. 15, 2008.

Due to Jeri Aaron's heavy schedule she has ask me to take over the rest of this Retreat ... I want to thank Jeri for all of her diligent work and advice on my AB Retreat, she has said she hopes to still be at the even and I am hoping it will work out that way .... remember to tell your significant other or family that this would be a great gift .... Thanks Linda

"My Altered Grand Tour" KITS

The packaged kit you will receive includes:

1 book
1 image for outside cover of the book
1 skeleton key
2 sheets of off white Mulberry
2 each 8 ½"x11" off white & black card stock
3 12x12 pattern papers (in tones of off white/tan/beige to go will all color schemes)
3 playing cards
8 each white, gold, and silver photo corners
Tags: 3 large, 2 medium, 1 small, 1 mini, 6 jewelry size
3 mother of pearl Buttons
1 yard each satin ribbon - white ¼", black 1/8”, off white
military soutache braid
1 coin holder frame
sandpaper
3 snaps
1 Western Union telegram image
1 paste brush
1 small container of Golden Matt Gel Medium

Below you will see what is provided for each spread/technique we will do in this book

Starting your travels:
1 11x15 map page
5 coin envelopes
1 Ferry schedule image
3 starting travel images

Africa:
1 12x4¼" Distressed ephemera strip
2 glass slides
1 animal image
1 animal print napkin
1 Book cover image for making a book inside a book

Egypt:
1 small glass bottle
3 mummy images
2 hieroglyphic strips

Italy:
1 strip of wall paper fresco border
1 postcard image
3 Images for special effects technique in Italy
1 sheet handmade Monogami paper

Paris tea party:
2 2”x9" Serendipity ephemera strips
1 decorative appliqué
1 tea bag envelope
1 12" piece white Victorian lace
1 Lady & tea party image
1 piece of costume jewelry

Kit will include several other unique bits and pieces to accent your book (but each kit may not have the same unique bits and pieces)

Altered Book Retreat ITINERARY

THURSDAY, March 20, 2008:
4 -6pm: Welcome and Social Gathering. Linda will hold a general altered book discussion and include some tips & tricks she’s learned.
6-7pm: light supper
7-9pm: 1st Technique session
11pm: Classroom closes

FRIDAY March 21, 2008:
8am: Classroom opens - 11pm: Classroom closes
8:30-10:30am: 2nd Technique Session
11 - 1:30am: Lunch & visit Stamp Salado
2-4pm: 3rd Technique Session
5-6pm: light supper
7-9pm: 4th Technique Session
Students may take breaks at any time when Linda is not teaching a technique. After each technique teaching session, Linda will remain in the classroom for an hour of individualized questions/answers/help. Students will be free to work at their own pace during hours the classroom is open.

SATURDAY March 22, 2008:
8am: Classroom opens - 11pm: Classroom closes
8:30-10:30am: 5th Technique Session
11:30-1:30am: Lunch
2-4pm: 6th Technique Session
5-6:30pm: supper - Texas BBQ - provided by Linda as a thanks for coming
7-9pm: 7th Technique Session
Students may take breaks at any time when Linda is not teaching a technique. After each technique teaching session, Linda will remain in the classroom for an hour of individualized questions/answers/help. Students will be free to work at their own pace during hours the classroom is open.

SUNDAY March 23, 2008:
8 am - Classroom opens - 11AM: Classroom closes
8:30-9:30am - 8th and Final technique session
9:30-11am - pack, show off your works of art; say goodbye
to newly made friends.

Basic Art Tool Kit

BASIC ART TOOL KIT:

I feel all listed items should be in a well stocked basic tool kit, BUT if you work better with other items bring them. The items with STARS * in front of them will not be used in this AB class but are invaluable in a well equipped art kit.

Detail & Regular Scissors
4 large or 8 small Glue sticks - highly recommend Washable Elmer's School Gel glue sticks (orange lid with blue bottom)
1 new roll ¼" Double sided Wonder or Redline tape
Personal size Paper cutter
Package of 50 regular sized brads - copper/gold/black (either color or a mix)
Package of 50 1/8" aluminum eyelets in basic metal colors
Black Memories or Versa Fine Ink Pad & re-inker
Versa Mark ink pad & re-inker
1 fine tipped water brush (this has a water reservoir in the handle)
*1 mop head paint brush (about ½" fluffy head)
*1 #3 detail paint
1 round sponge & 1 small sea sponge
Black writer (similar to ball point)
White artist’s eraser
1 black Tombow or Le Plume type marker (you will use the paint brush/clarify type end)
Bone folder
Stylus
Black waxed linen thread and tapestry needle
6" Metal ruler with cork
Exacto knife with extra blades
Personal Cutting matt about 5x9"

EXTRA things you need to supply

EXTRA things you will need to bring for your book:

These items are other than what is provided in class and will enhance the finished look of your book. You will be given a kit that has colors of black, off white and tan - these colors will work with your chosen color scheme. If you choose to wait until you get home to add these type things that is great too.

You will choose your altered book’s color scheme; I suggest 3 colors that go well together in varying shades but 2 colors will also work and if you like the look of mono chromatic then the black, off white and tan of the kit will work also .....

1. Three (3) Ink pads (or 2 if that is what you choose) in your color scheme - 1 light, 1 medium, 1 darker medium (something just a couple of shades darker than medium but not too dark). Choose dye based, hybrid, or chalk inkpads, NOT pigments. We have found that Color Box Chalk Inkpads give excellent results on most book pages. Marvy inkpads work well also.

2. Ribbon, lace, fiber & 1 tassel in your color scheme (about 1yd of each or 2yds of one)

3. Alphabet stickers that will compliment your chosen color scheme: such as regular peel off stickers and these can also be made from metal, cork, or cardboard. A mix of these usually works well and you need to have them spell out "My Altered Grand Tour". (These you need to bring not wait till you get home to add)

4. Ephemera - You will visit Africa, Egypt, Italy, and Paris in this book so please bring: 5 or 6 pieces of ephemera per country no larger than 3 ½”x 5 ½”.
Examples are: images, postcards, photos, stickers, stamps, passports, airline or train or ferry tickets & schedules, fake foreign money, anything that reminds you of these places, and 4 decorative brads (your color choice)

5. 3 to 5 sheets 12”x12” decorative paper that compliments your chosen color scheme.

Extra things to bring ONLY if you already have them:

Japanese Screw Punch or Crop-A-Dial
12" Metal ruler
decorative edge scissors
hole punch to fit your eyelets
eyelet setter for your eyelets
3 stipple brushes