Discover the centuries-old craft of bookbinding in this hands-on course designed for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of constructing handmade books — from folding and sewing signatures (bookbinding process of stitching multiple folded groups of paper (signatures) together using binder thread to create the internal text block of a book) to attaching covers and finishing edges. The course is made up of individual sessions, each exploring a different and creative aspect of designing and personalizing your book. No prior experience needed — just a love of paper, texture, paints and making things by hand.

Decorative Clusters - This is a very creative way to use up those paper scraps that have been accumulating. They can be used to decorate your pages or covers to add more color, texture and dimension.

Supplies specific to this class:

• Scrap papers of different colors, sizes and textures
• Glue Stick,
• Scissors,
• Stapler
• stickers, ephemera, bling, trims and ribbons that will compliment your book design

General Supplies needed:

• Journals- blank sketch/watercolor books, or you can hand make a book or alter a book.
• Pens, markers, pencils, rulers, brushes Paints (acrylics, watercolors, inks, metallics)
• Colored pencils
• Collage materials: (magazine clippings, newspapers, paper scraps)
• Glue or adhesives 
• Stamps and stencils
• Washi or decorative tapes
• Gesso: white or clear
• Sponges
• Palette knives

Optional supplies

• Fabric,
• Textured papers, 
• Brayer
• Gel press
• Ink sprays 
• Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, July 6 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

STA Strong BHOF (Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation) Education Group: This group meets bimonthly to learn about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis. 

This program will meet on Wednesday, July 8 from 1:30 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Reduce the amount of chemicals used in the landscape and garden. Save money while  saving  pollinators and beneficial insects.  Become aware of the value of pollinators and beneficial insects to our landscape and fool supply.

There will be a Build a Pollinator House program at the Saint Johns Agricultural Center at 3125 Agricultural Dr. Saint Augustine on July 20 where you will have the opportunity to make your own pollinator house. Check with the instructor, Barbara, for more info on this. The Build a Pollinator House program is not a COA sponsored event.

Barbara started her horticultural background at the age of 6 working in her family's garden center in Connecticut. It served her well, as it helped put her through college doing perennial gardens in the summer. She has been a Master Gardener in Connecticut and Florida for a combined total of 30 years. 

This one session class will meet on Monday, July 13 from 9:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Discover the centuries-old craft of bookbinding in this hands-on course designed for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of constructing handmade books — from folding and sewing signatures (bookbinding process of stitching multiple folded groups of paper (signatures) together using binder thread to create the internal text block of a book) to attaching covers and finishing edges. The course is made up of individual sessions, each exploring a different and creative aspect of designing and personalizing your book. No prior experience needed — just a love of paper, texture, paints and making things by hand.

Create DIY washi tape- Using paints, markers, and masking tape, you can make washi tape designs to coordinate with your own book style. It’s fun and easy to do!

Supplies specific to this class:

• Beige masking tape in different widths
• Any watercolor or acrylic paints
• Markers – watercolor and black permanent, gel pens,
• Metallic markers or paints
• Parchment paper
• Brushes – Round and Flat – 4-8
• Stencils, stamps and permanent ink pads

General Supplies needed:

• Journals- blank sketch/watercolor books, or you can hand make a book or alter a book.
• Pens, markers, pencils, rulers, brushes Paints (acrylics, watercolors, inks, metallics)
• Colored pencils
• Collage materials: (magazine clippings, newspapers, paper scraps)
• Glue or adhesives 
• Stamps and stencils
• Washi or decorative tapes
• Gesso: white or clear
• Sponges
• Palette knives

Optional supplies

• Fabric,
• Textured papers, 
• Brayer
• Gel press
• Ink sprays 
• Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, July 13 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Discover the centuries-old craft of bookbinding in this hands-on course designed for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of constructing handmade books — from folding and sewing signatures (bookbinding process of stitching multiple folded groups of paper (signatures) together using binder thread to create the internal text block of a book) to attaching covers and finishing edges. The course is made up of individual sessions, each exploring a different and creative aspect of designing and personalizing your book. No prior experience needed — just a love of paper, texture, paints and making things by hand.

Altered Playing Cards- Playing cards are the perfect addition to making your book unique. Using paints, stencils, stamps and even fabric scraps, you can design each card to look like it is old, vintage, mid-century, shabby chic, a sample specimen card or any other different style you can create. Place them in special hidden places in your book.

Supplies specific to this class:

• Playing cards
• Paints- watercolor, inks, acrylic
• Markers – permanent and watercolor
• Scissors
• Fabric scraps
• Tissue paper, napkins
• Glue stick, white Elmer’s glue
• Stencils
• Decorative suggestions- stickers, dried flowers, bling, etc.

General Supplies needed:

• Journals- blank sketch/watercolor books, or you can hand make a book or alter a book.
• Pens, markers, pencils, rulers, brushes Paints (acrylics, watercolors, inks, metallics)
• Colored pencils
• Collage materials: (magazine clippings, newspapers, paper scraps)
• Glue or adhesives 
• Stamps and stencils
• Washi or decorative tapes
• Gesso: white or clear
• Sponges
• Palette knives

Optional supplies

• Fabric,
• Textured papers, 
• Brayer
• Gel press
• Ink sprays 
• Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, July 20 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

June focus will be Lifestyle-Digital & AI health, Environment

“Health is Wealth” So where and how do I start?

In this class we will focus on Health Promotion and Not Disease Treatment. How to begin making healthier food and lifestyle choices which we know it can be a challenge for us. We hear to eat this, not that. Move this way not that way. This is bad for you. You must do this and go there. Old habits die hard. So where do you begin?

We will explore:

• Nutrition & Health that is “practical” and obtainable
• Focus on healthy food options, review food groups and beverages
• Learn Steps to shape your personal plan
• Explore activities to enhance your lifestyle

You will be provided with:

• A sample day food plan
• How to do somatic shaking
• A list of suggested resources
• How to create better sleep habits
• Recipes

Each month will focus on a different area of wellness. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Creating a personal wellness plan and implementing daily-life changes
• Detox and the role of water
• Liver health and seasonal spring detox
• Environment and lifestyle influences
• Understanding inflammation
• The “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” food lists
• Keys to longevity

This one day class will meet on Monday, July 20 from 2 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

In this interactive cooking demonstration, we will explore the modern culinary trend of "fibermaxxing" to support digestion, heart health, and blood sugar stability. High fiber doesn’t mean low taste! This class will showcase how to utilize high-fiber, prebiotic-rich summer produce and herbs to create elegant, vibrant dishes that are light and refreshing for hot weather.

James is a Professor of Biological Sciences at St. Johns River State College in St. Augustine, personal chef and is a Master Herbalist with over 20 years of experience.

Class sessions will be held on Thursday, July 23 from 2 - 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.) 

For ages 18 and up.

Discover the centuries-old craft of bookbinding in this hands-on course designed for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of constructing handmade books — from folding and sewing signatures (bookbinding process of stitching multiple folded groups of paper (signatures) together using binder thread to create the internal text block of a book) to attaching covers and finishing edges. The course is made up of individual sessions, each exploring a different and creative aspect of designing and personalizing your book. No prior experience needed — just a love of paper, texture, paints and making things by hand.

Pockets, Tuck spots and Hidden Places- These are added to your books to extend places to hide notes, tags, journal cards or memorabilia. By using special origami type folding, cutouts and glue you are only limited by your imagination as to where and how to include them with your book design.

Supplies specific to this class:

• Decorative paper, cardstock, book pages
• Magazine images that correspond to your book design
• White Elmer’s glue
• Decorative suggestions- stickers, paper clusters, silk flowers, stamps/ink, bling, etc.

General Supplies needed:

• Journals- blank sketch/watercolor books, or you can hand make a book or alter a book.
• Pens, markers, pencils, rulers, brushes Paints (acrylics, watercolors, inks, metallics)
• Colored pencils
• Collage materials: (magazine clippings, newspapers, paper scraps)
• Glue or adhesives 
• Stamps and stencils
• Washi or decorative tapes
• Gesso: white or clear
• Sponges
• Palette knives

Optional supplies

• Fabric,
• Textured papers, 
• Brayer
• Gel press
• Ink sprays 
• Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, July 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.