Fall Day-Long Altered Book Workshop

Saturday, November 10th, dawned sunny and warm–a perfect day for a workshop during which I planned for us to move between my studio and my spacious back deck. As one of the participants, Kim Stoneking, described it: “Rose Marie’s Fall Day-Long Altered Book Workshop began with tea and coffee over introductions on her back deck. To get us started, Rose Marie led us in a warm-up exercise inspired by the Exquisite Corps Games she’d recently participated in. She then provided examples of some altered books that showcased the different techniques that can be used to create altered books. After that, we were let loose to create. The hours seemed to fly by as I worked on my autobiographical altered book…suddenly it was time for lunch.

Rose Marie provided a delicious vegetarian lunch that we ate on her deck. As we ate, we compared our progress on our altered books. After lunch, we returned to the studio to continue work on our books. At the end of the workshop we shared our altered books in an informal critique on Rose Marie’s back deck. I enjoyed Rose Marie’s workshop tremendously. I was able to continue work on my book and get inspiration from the other participants.”

Another participant, Martie Fagan, wrote: “To be able to turn an old book, which is most likely destined for the trash, into a work of art is such a great endeavor… It was such a rewarding experience! Time just flew… I felt totally immersed in the project.”

Karen Riffe shared: “As always, you provide the right amount of encouragement, guidance and inspiration… It was an interesting group of women with interesting perspectives.”

Beatriz Mester enthused: “Great workshop, thanks, Rose Marie! I would rate my experience as a 10. Both the teacher and the other participants were a true source of inspiration. It was a great encounter with intelligent, creative, compassionate and thoughtful women who shared their concerns about our society, the world and the destiny of our planet… You provided a space that promoted both creativity and critical thinking. You also provided sound feedback regarding my process, that helped me get to where I was trying to go. You took good care of (us) with delicious food in a magnificent environment… Everybody was interesting, open and passionate about different aspects of life and our connection to the Universe and to others… I enjoyed every aspect of it but truly loved exploring my own self through the collage technique and learning about the other participants’ creative process and motifs. The sense of oneness that I experienced with the other participants, and the confirmation that no matter which creative path I might be exploring, my voice is always there, persistently coming to the surface in a very recognizable style… Loved your garden and deck, by the way!”