Works of the Imagination:
Ruin--Italian Garden Gate

For the student who wants to explore some unusual "Old World" techniques, such as those used on the Thomas's popular toymaker's shops: Pippen Hill and Faces of the Moon. As an introduction to these techniques, they have designed an Italian garden gate using crumbling masonry and brickwork. Besides applying the mortar and bricks to a wooden understructure, students will practice various aging techniques including applications of watercolors, latex and acrylic paints, as well as plaster, moss and dirt. Not for the fainthearted or fastidious craftsperson, this class is for the adventurous miniaturist interested in exploring a new medium. Though the fragment stands complete as a representative piece of architecture on its own base, the intent of the workshop is to practice techniques the student can then adapt for their own projects. In both cases, it is likely the project will be finished in class. For more information, see Nutshell News 10/96.

In this class, students begin with a partially completed shell, to which you will apply aging, architectural detail, and landscape elements to finish the fragment. You will learn how we work with paints, stains and hand tools to make new wood look old, create old brick and stucco, and to adapt manufactured items to suit our needs. The project should be complete at the end of class.

The classes are open to Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced students. People with arthritis in their hands will find some of the hand-work difficult and painful. It is highly recommended that you get your glasses prescriptions up-dated before class.

3-day workshop

To register, contact:

Larrianne's Small Wonders
1890 East Main St.
Ventura, CA 93001
Tel 805-643-4042