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.

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.

Gel Press Printing- This printing technique can be used to create your own background images for your book pages. Gel press printing is a true artform in itself letting the artist make designs to be used in collage, and one off prints. With the addition of markers, stencils and even leaves and flowers you can make unbelievable prints. Let your creativity flow with this one-of-a-kind medium!

Supplies needed: 

• Copy paper (minimum 24lb)
• Envelopes, paper scraps, playing cards, etc. what ever you have.
• Acrylic paints – (hobby paints are good for beginners) heavier tube paints are better.
• Gel Press printing plate 5x7 or larger (Do not get the Speedball Press it’s only for ink)
• Breyer
• Acrylic Markers
• Permanent black marker wide tip
• Stencils  Flowers and plants
• Black and white magazine images to do transfers.
• Optional: Other papers can also be used besides copy paper. Rice paper, deli paper, tissue paper,

Class sessions will meet on Mondays, August 3, 24, 31 (no class sessions August 10 & 17) from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

This Watercolor class is designed to expose you to the unique characteristics and techniques of the medium using various scenes and compositional layout. We will be studying atmospheric perspective and depth of field that makes landscape watercolor painting so effective. There will be regular critiques and discussions to improve your understanding and skill development.

Mr. Ouellette received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in Painting from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He taught at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and showed in many galleries and museums including the Detroit Institute of Art. He moved to St. Augustine in 1981 where he continued his career as an artist and professor of Fine Art at the Florida School of the Arts in his twenty-six year tenure. He was also a professor of Fine Arts, Painting and Design and Art History at SJRCC St. Augustine campus. He is currently teaching Art History and Studio classes at Flagler College Continuing Education.

Watercolor Materials and Supplies                

Brushes:

• sable (preferred), ox hair (if you can find it or sable blends or sable synthetics 
• 1”       flat
• 1/2”    flat
• #6 and #8 round
• rigger brush 

 Paper:

• Two sheets of Arches 22”x30”, 140 lb. cold press,  or a 9” x 12” block      

Paints:

Box sets of tube watercolors which should include most of these:        

• ultramarine blue
• cerulean blue
• cobalt blue
• thalo blue
• alizarin crimson
• cadmium red light
• cadmium yellow light 
• new gamboge
• burnt umber
• burnt sienna 

Other materials:                            

• covered palette, plastic
• painting board approx. 16” x 20”
• masking tape
• materials box
• non-breakable container for water
• roll of paper towels

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, August 5, 12, 19, 26 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

This course is structured to develop basic drawing techniques by concentrating on the elements of descriptive drawing through observation. 

Students will develop the qualities of line and volume with a full range of values. The course will also cover linear perspective and compositional design.

Materials needed:

• 18" x 24" drawing paper pad (not sketching paper)
• 16" x 20" (approx.) drawing board
• #2 and #4 graphic pencils
• white plastic eraser
• kneaded eraser
• masking tape

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, August 5, 12, 19, 26 from 11:15 to 1:15 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

This method is designed to use erasers to subtract out highlights on a blackened surface Color is then added to enhance the picture. The substrate used is Grafix Matte .005 Dura-Lar Drafting Film (Note: It is important that it be matted on both sides) 

This is a 3 hour workshop so students are welcome to bring a snack and a drink. There are no concessions at River House.

*Supplies Needed:

• Black Prismacolor Pencil

Other suggested Prismacolor pencils to enhance the color:  

• Cool Grey 20% (#1060), 50% (#1063),
• Burnt Ochre 943,
• Terra Cotta 944,
• Peach 939,
• Yellow Orange 1002,
• Dark Green 908,
• White
• Feel free to use additional colors or exchange any color for other ones.
• Turpenoid brand odorless solvent
• Spray bottle to spray on solvent
• Foam core poster board
• Painter's tape
• 1 inch flat soft paint brush
• Paper towels
• Optional: light pad

A variety of erasers: 

• Tombow mono Zero Eraser
• Kneaded eraser
• White eraser
• Mr. Clean magic eraser
• *Battery erasers should not be used they will remove the matte coating preventing addition coloring.

This is a one day class held on Thursday, August 6 from Noon to 3 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084) 

For ages 18 and up.

Inktense pencils are a type of watercolor pencil known for their vibrant, intense colors. Unlike traditional colored pencils, the inktense pencils contain highly pigmented, water-soluble ink-based cores that allow you to create bold, vivid drawings. When applied to paper and then activated with water, they transform into bright, watercolor-like washes, giving artists the flexibility to craft detailed lines or wide washes of color. They’re great for adding depth, richness, and clarity to artworks, and they can be used dry for precise details or wet for softer, blended effects. If you're interested in dynamic, striking colors and versatile techniques, inktense pencils are an excellent choice!

Supplies needed:

• Derwent Inktense Pencil set
• HB graphite pencil
• Transfer paper
• Watercolor Paint brush – round 8, 10, 12
• Spray bottle
• Water containers
• Watercolor paper – 140lb hot or cold press / or mixed media paper

Instructor will supply reference material.

Please note that this is a 3 hour class so you might want to bring a light snack and something to drink as there are no concessions at River House.

This one day workshop will meet on Thursday, August 27 from noon to 3 at River House located at 179 Marine St. in St. Augustine.

For ages 18 and up.