Instructors: Cat Bennett & Bari Zaki

Quarter No. 1: Sundays Aug. 3, Sep. 7, Oct. 5, from 2–4pm (Chicago time) 

Club Artful is our new monthly art club via group Zoom. We convene the first Sunday afternoon of each month at 2pm for two hours. In the first hour, we make a simple paper structure: a stitched booklet, or hand-folded envelopes, or an origami box, or even…  In the second hour, Cat leads us in a range of drawing & painting techniques to fill your papery treasure. Each month we have a different creative theme. We announce the theme via email and IG three weeks ahead, and again one week before the session as a friendly reminder. 

How this works: You are welcome to join us on a per-session basis or with a 3-month subscription at a slight discount. Enticement: Your quarterly subscription comes with a set of three postcards (4" x 6") illustrated by Cat. For Quarter No. 1, she has chosen three of her most inspiring artists: David Hockney, Sonia Delaunay, and Vincent van Gogh. On the backsides are interesting facts about each artist with an inspirational quote. You will receive these via mail in a hand-folded envelope (made by me) using imported papers.

Backtrack yak: If you’d like to join us on October 5 for your first Club session, you still have the option of signing up for the 3-month subscription. You will receive the live recordings from August & September’s Clubs and then either Zoom in on Sunday, October 5, or use the forthcoming live recording. And, of course, you will receive the trio of Cat’s postcards.

You do not need a kit of specific materials for any of the Club Artful projects. They are an opportunity to use papers you’ve collected and art supplies you have on hand. We will provide a list (right after you register) detailing exactly what you will need paperwise, including dimensions, and what supplies and tools we will use during the session.

What you’ll make October 5: A slim stitched booklet with an 8-page (16 serendipitous sides) signature, measuring 5⅞ x 7⅝ x ¼. Both front and back inside covers have an envelope/pocket, splendid for storing or stashing. We will stitch the cover & signature together using the loopy-link stitch. Cat will lead us in filling our booklets with small good things in a variety of mediums; pen, markers, and watercolours.

BZ (first hour) will lead the group with a short demo of how to fold a parent-size sheet into a signature using a bonefolder & shipping clerk’s knife. (I will also be including written instructions via PDF with your registration in case you’d like to prepare ahead of time.) For your signature, you can use Stonehenge or any watercolour or drawing paper you have on hand. We will then measure, score and fold our decorative covers. For the finale we will use 7-ply (or 4-ply) waxed-linen thread to stitch our booklets using the loopy-link stitch. 

Scene at left: A stacklet of loopy-link stitched booklets with cover papers ranging in weight from light (100gsm) to heavy (250gsm). If you’d like to have a selection of these global papers for your booklet cover-making, we have assembled and pre-trimmed a marvelous mix that includes 2 sheets each of 6 decorative papers PLUS 12 pieces of Stonehenge for your signatures. All the sheets are pre-cut to the exact size you need for your covers and your signatures. You can read more about our Perfect Project Packet here.

You will receive a 20% discount on any tools ordered for the workshop (via refund after your workshop purchase). You can purchase these tools individually here. 

CB (second hour) will lead us in exploring line drawing with brush and watercolor paint and permanent marker pen. “We’ll be making a book about the small good things that inhabit our world and bring us comfort and joy. We’ll use line drawing that’s bold and dramatic with brush, and smaller more refined with marker pen. Our books will be made with Stonehenge or similar weight fine grain watercolor paper which will enable us to use a variety of mediums. Our goal will be to explore making strong, fluid lines and exaggerating form to create vibrant images like the vibrant artists we are!”

NOTE: As always, Bari will record the complete lesson as it’s happening, and the recording will be available for you, with no interruptions or delay, later that same afternoon. If you have any questions, now or later, you are welcome, and even encouraged, to call or e me.

Previewing Nov./Dec./Jan Club Artful

Sunday, Nov 2: Petite portfolio + Fanciful Birds

Sunday, Dec 7: Hardcover accordion + Observational plant drawings

Sunday, Jan 4: Origami-esque accordion + Landscapes

Select your session(s) from the drop-down menu below.

Cat and I look forward to sharing camaraderie and creative inspiration through making paper treasures and filling them with art!

About Cat: She was an illustrator for over 25 years for newspapers, magazines and book publishers. Cat now makes and teaches art. All three of her wonderful books are available in our shop & online: The Confident Creative, Making Art a Practice, and The Drawing Club of Improbable Dreams.

“I believe that drawing and painting create happiness. I love teaching because I get to see people discover their own creative genius!” – Cat Bennett