Nina Bagley's "Gatherings" was the first class I took in Portland. I have admired Nina's work for a long time, and it was great to meet her and listen to her wonderful southern accent as she gently led us through her techniques.

I worked on this cover during class, but I think I may actually bind it into a book rather than leave it in my "gatherings."

Clearly, I have some more gathering to do before this work is finished, but that is the beauty of this project. I don't have to stop gathering until I run out of ribbon to bind the covers together. And that will be some time.

Friday was spent in
Thomas Ashman's "Ultimate Journal" class. Working with sheets of copper, drills, torches and patina was fun . . . Well, except for the part when we were standing outside in the pouring rain with torches and patina. Not so much fun. But funny.

This one needs some more work too, but I really enjoyed the class.

Saturday and Sunday were spent with
Judy Wilkenfeld making these beautiful velvet albums.

I have been a Judy groupie since I discovered her blog last year. Her work is just so rich and detailed.

So thoughtful.

She spent the two days of this "Just in Case" class sharing her techniques as well as her processes.

I LOVED this class, but I knew I would.

And I will use her techniques again and again.

One of the things I appreciated is how well constructed her work is. Her books are made to be handled over and over.


Mine is not finished, but I'm really happy with the results so far.

I even learned a new technique for my hair. It is "quite" lovely, don't you think?

Monday I spent with Judy again, in her "Aging Gracefully" class, where we learned lots of techniques for aging paper, fabric, photos, etc. We even learned how to "make" an old book cover. Loved it!