Word Pattern Play In-Store Class
Saturday, Sep 21, 1-4pm
Instructor: Janet Stickler
Limit: 6 students. All participants must be 15 years or older.

Class Details

We’ve always enjoyed using words as design elements, so were immediately drawn to the word patterns of mixed-media artist Janet Strickler. The patterns look like graceful pen and ink designs, but a closer look reveals that they’re strings of written phrases cleverly woven together. A particularly stunning example is Janet’s Peace Mandala, which is 12”x12” and uses the prayer attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi.

Create a smaller pattern of your own using just plain printing or handwriting. Bring in a favorite poem, phrase, song, or something similar. Begin your word pattern by drawing a simple design, perhaps incorporating symbols that visually echo the meaning behind the words. (Janet’s Peace Mandala, for example, uses the 1950s peace symbol in a subtle way.) Alternatively, copy one of Janet’s premade designs as a starting point.

Janet explains how to use positive and negative space and discusses the contrast between a structured, controlled approach or one that’s playful and flowing. She has a clever technique for creating and transferring symmetrical patterns without having to draw out the entire design. It’s invaluable!

Draw your base pattern, then make a template and use a light box to follow the pattern while writing out your chosen phrase. The result is truly art that “speaks”. The finished piece fits nicely into a standard-sized frame.

An email will be sent to participants the Monday before the class. Classes with homework may receive pre-class info earlier. No email? Double check the email address you entered when you registered and your SPAM folder. Due to SPAM filters and inbox settings, we cannot guarantee you will see, read, or open these emails. Two Hands Paperie assumes no responsibility for non-attendance of a class. Contact twohandsclasses@gmail.com with any class questions and see our Class Policies page for more information.

Class Materials

Please bring the following materials:

Bring a poem, saying, or song lyrics to write out
Optional: favorite fine point pen(s) in dark color(s) and/or white

Class Materials Include:

Assorted paper
Light boxes for tracing designs
Pencils, pens, erasers, markers, etc
Design ideas and inspiration

Class Refund/Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the first class meeting will be refunded or, at the participant's option, used to pay for another class. Two Hands Paperie will retain a $10 processing fee for EACH class cancelled by a participant. After 14 days, there is no refund or credit. In addition, the fee for a class cancelled within this 14-day timeframe by a participant cannot be transferred to pay for another class. These policies are to ensure that teachers are compensated for their investment in materials and in time spent preparing for the class. We reserve the right to cancel a class if fewer than 3 students enroll 48 hours prior to the scheduled class time. If for any reason Two Hands Paperie cancels a class, students will be called at the phone number on file and refunded the FULL class fee.

Instructor Bio

Janet Strickler, a mixed media artist living and working in Colorado, calls her work Art of the Ordinary. In truth, there’s nothing ordinary about what she creates. What is ordinary is what she uses: recycled and reclaimed objects, construction leftovers, discarded magazines, candle stubs, coffee grounds, natural materials, and even old paper clips. She loves to explore different media and will attempt to make art out of nearly anything. You can often find her in the Art Parts Creative Reuse store in Boulder, softly exclaiming to herself, “I could make art out of that!”. She enjoys the challenge of turning ordinary materials and cast-off items into objects of beauty.

Much of Janet’s work involves a spiritual element. It’s no surprise, given that the goal of her own art making is to create a beautiful, harmonious, and peaceful environment. Woven throughout her work is a deep love for geometry and pattern. She’s made a lifetime study of art history around the world and has been influenced by works as diverse as ancient manuscripts, medieval architecture, American quilts, Australian aboriginal paintings, Byzantine mosaics, and the decorative traditions of India and the Middle East. Their patterns are a starting point and don’t necessarily result in a predetermined layout. For her, art making is about beginning and then finding out where the piece leads.

True to her personal approach to art, Janet’s classes are fundamentally about exploring and experimenting. Rather than teaching students how to make a particular piece of art, she likes to demonstrate what can be done with a set of materials and then turn students loose to play with them. It’s both astonishing and instructive to see how different the results can be. Classes with her are delightful adventures in discovering the unexpected! Learn more on her website: artoftheordinary.net

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Word Pattern Play In-Store Class Sept 21