• $75

Make Wabi Sabi Mixed Media Books Online Class

Play with fabric, paper, printmaking, mark making, poetry, ensō painting, intuitive hand stitching, found nature & more as you create a unique mixed media book of your own as we dive into the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi sabi and how to incorporate it into art making. Explore slowness, depth, spaciousness, simplicity, the beauty of imperfection & intuitive expression in this class. Unlimited 24/7 access.

“This class opened up a whole new way to tap into creativity. This was the first time that I have ever been encouraged to trust my inner creative self and to just allow play to happen without focusing on someone else’s idea of what my work should look like. So freeing.”

-Linda, past student

"I had never heard the term wabi sabi and it was like opening a whole new place to think from.  I love the concepts of imperfection, space and impermanence and will be bringing them forward in future art making.  I also loved the encouragement of letting our inner critic take a little break and to approach art from a more intuitive and nature-based place.  Thank you so much for sharing all your thoughts and techniques, as well as your resources!"

-Marjorie, past student

Wabi Sabi Principles We Explore Together in This Class:

  • simplicity (less is more)

  • slowing down

  • silence and spaciousness

  • depth

  • subtlety and nuance

  • mystery

  • imperfection

  • impermanence

  • small and intimate

  • humble and unadorned

  • earthy/rustic

  • connecting with the inherent healing rhythms within nature

I find that as I work with each of these qualities during the creative process, they naturally invite a depth of meaning, discovery and spiritual growth that not only expands the experience of creating art but also ripples into the rest of my life in unexpected and beautiful ways.

Some of the Creative Techniques We Explore Together:

Slow stitching practices that I love

Japanese ensō circle meditation painting and momigami-inspired transformative techniques

Printmaking with found nature

Mark making with found nature

Going on wabi sabi walks for inspiration

Connecting with the energy of the sun by hanging fabric & paper outside

Making different kinds of simple book structures to invite play and creative exploration

Class Content You Receive Instant Access to:

Explore this course over 4 weeks as I have it laid out or dive in and jump around however feels best for you. You receive unlimited access to this course with support from me along the way if you need it, so you can take your time and slowly play and discover.

WEEK 1 VIDEOS

Welcome
Preview
What is Wabi Sabi
Preview
Materials
Preview
How to share photos of your work
Going on a Wabi Sabi Walk
Gathering Nature for Printmaking
Printmaking with Nature
Mark Making with Nature & Calligraphy Brushes
Ensō : Painting as Meditation
Fingerprint Mark Making
Sun Infused Materials
Shodo and Kanji Inspiration - Japanese Calligraphy
Shodo Book Inspiration

WEEK 2 VIDEOS

Japanese Momigami Inspired Weathering Technique
Painting Weathered Papers/Fabrics
Dripping Wax on Paper and Fabric
Discovering the Book Structure-Part 1
Discovering the Book Structure-Part 2
Binding Your Book
Stitching Wabi Sabi Fragments

WEEK 3 VIDEOS

Playing with Scent: Rubbing & Stitching Herbs
Adding Pockets
Incorporating Stones & Sea Glass
Burying Books & Materials
Tea Dyeing Fabric, Paper & Books
Inviting Poetry & Quotes In
Poetry & Quotes - Part 2
PDF of Wabi Sabi Poems & Quotes

WEEK 4 VIDEOS

Seeing Through New Eyes: Reading your Book Different Ways
Reading with Intention or Wabi Sabi Word in Mind
Deconstructing/Reconstructing the Books
Pinterest Board of Wabi Sabi Inspiration
Recommended Books
Thank You!
Feedback

Testimonials

"This whole class was just fabulous. I was glad you shared how thoughtfully ordered the classes were. I was tempted to do it in the order that many workshops follow: here’s what we are going to make. Work with that goal in mind - and instead followed your order. I am glad I did - making lots of marks and playing around before structuring the book was freeing. It really did allow for a more spontaneous and natural flow. And I felt my work was more meaningful to me. Playing removes the pressure to “perform”. Thank you Emma!" -Linda, past student

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"I really loved your class. The way you combined the philosophy of wabi sabi with art making and slow stitching made me consider  concepts in a new way. A wonderful chance to play!  -Niki, past student

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"I love the idea of spaciousness and imperfection - what a great new way of viewing things in nature and in life!  The theme of impermanence is also a new one for me and one that feels completely natural." -past student

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"I thought I had a reasonable understanding of wabi sabi but this presentation really expanded and deepened my awareness  of the overall concept and aspects. Thank you Emma for the generous course. I enjoyed it immensely."-Susan, past student

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"I am loving this beautiful Wabi Sabi course and find myself falling under the spell of Wabi Sabi. Thank you for opening my eyes to this beauty." -past student

Some of the Wabi Sabi Books I've Made that Inspired This Class:

Beautiful Wabi Sabi Work Created in this Class by Students: