Edgar Allan Poe's Memoires Tuesday 9:00 - 4:30 $130  
  Jo McQueen    


Student Level: All
Type of Workshop: Project

 

    2009 was the 200th anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe. We are going to create a delightful book that contains many items that Mr. Poe saved over the years . But wait, the book isn’t really a book at all, but is a papier mache box that has been aged with layers and layers of paint and then distressed to look like a very old book.

    Inside the box we find an old poetry reading notice a friend sent from France , a copy of a painting of Poe’s wife, maps of Richmond, Virginia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he resided most of his life. A book rests inside the box which Mr. Poe included in which to write notes about his life. Other items are hidden inside, many wrapped with gauze and tied with twine or ribbons. There is even a small key to a desk he once owned where he wrote many of his eerie tales and an old rusty snuff box in which Mr. Poe kept his tiny treasures.

    We will create the small book found inside using book board, onionskin paper, and scrapbook paper and will bind it with a Coptic stitch using waxed linen thread. This is an easy method you will use again and again for making books.

    You will learn many techniques for aging new items to look like they have been around for years and years. Maybe you don’t want to create a collection of things from Mr. Poe, but would rather create your own box of memories. Whichever you choose to create, you will leave with a treasure box of memories – either Mr. Poe’s or your own or those of a loved one.

    Supplies furnished by Instructor: Papier Mache box, Book board for inner book, Sheets of onionskin and thin paper for creating a book, Waxed linen thread, Needles, A sheet or two of copies of various “Poe” related papers. If you find any you would like to use, bring them along. Walnut crystals, Sanding blocks and sand paper, Gauze Ribbons and twine for tying up items inside the box, Walnut stained tags, Tiny tin box to distress, and for use Butane torch and extra Butane, Black spray paint, Rusting agents, Heat gun

    Supply List:
  • Any personal photos if you prefer to create your own memories
  • Personal mementoes such as tickets, maps, receipts, etc.
  • Ranger Distressing Inks in “Old Paper” and “Brushed Corduroy”
  • Scissors
  • Exacto knife
  • PPA adhesive – available at most Michael’s – use your 40% off coupon
  • Small tub of white gesso – 2 oz. will be sufficient
  • 2 oz bottle Black acrylic paint – any brand will do. If you are creating a different box of memories you might want to choose a different color, but we will still age it to look very old.*
  • 2 one-inch foam brushes
  • Container for water
  • A couple of rags for clean up

    • If you have brought along a heat gun for use in another class bring it along. If not the instructor will have one available.

    *If you choose a color other than black for your book, bring along sheets of scrapbook paper and a few pieces of coordinating ribbon to tie your items with.

Questions? Email Jo at jmcqueen6@cox.net
Website: www.thequeensdresserdrawers.com