ARTU 05 The ABC Book of Me – Collage as Autobiography

The ABC Book of Me - Collage as Autobiography

Price: $125

Lesley Riley

We collect things. We are drawn to papers, ephemera, colors, found objects, bits and pieces that speak to us, that hint at the many stories we weave together to tell of our lives. What does your collection reveal about your past, your present, your hopes and dreams for the future? Why leave your childhood memories to languish in a box, or your current passions filed away for that 'special' piece? Now is your time.

In The ABC Book of Me, you will mine your treasured trinkets tokens and text to create an autobiographical record of you, circa August 2005. Learn how to use transparent glazes to create beautiful book pages that will serve as the canvas for your collages. Then, using the alphabet as your guide, your prompts, you will categorize the pieces of your life. It's as easy as ABC but as full of information as a PhD. It's the story of YOU - who you are, an autobiographical collage book - the Book of Me.

Start now by collecting and alphabetizing your collection. D - for that dolls dress you have kept since childhood. T - the ticket for the concert where you met that special person, A - your straight A report card, M = mother - yours or the day you first became one...you get the picture. Collect and copy these precious memories, or bring the real thing if it is small and relatively flat. The more variety you have, the more your book will be a showcase of your life, fanning out to tell your story.

Lesley's art can be seen in: Cloth Paper Scissors, fall 2004 issue on page 34, Material Visions Book by Somerset Studio and in Artists Journals & Sketchbooks by Lynne Perella. Her own book, Quilted Memories: Journaling, Scrapbooking & Creating Keepsakes with Fabric is due out in April 2005 from Sterling Publications.

Supply List:

You will need an Alphabet set - this can be a stamp set, ABC cards, something from the scrapbook or stamp store that goes at the top of each "page"., Scissors and or X-acto knife and cutting mat, 1 22x30" sheet of smooth (hot press) 140 lb water color paper, 2 - 1" foam brushes, Additional small paint brushes, 3 or 4 of your favorite rubber stamps - pattern stamps preferable, RS pads (suggested colors gold, silver, black, white), Dritz Large Eyelet Kit ($2.69 at Joann Fabric) Brass or silver finish, Extra package of large eyelets ($2.29) Brass or silver finish, Soft Gel Medium, Sobo Glue.

Copies or originals of your chosen collage items. Try for at least one for every letter of the alphabet. Some letters will naturally be easier than others. We will brainstorm in class - sometimes it's just a word stamped or cut from a book. The good thing is that you can add more on once the class is over

All other supplies included in class fee.

You can see more of Lesley's art at www.lalasland.com.