Altered Books: Mixed Media Art Journaling with Sarah (Ages 9-12)
Thursdays, 4:30 - 5:45PM
Book a single class (not recommended) $25 or Book an 8 class package, $175
Register here -->
https://www.themarshallmusegallery.com/kids-art-classes
*Bring an old book to create your art journal!*
Turn old books into brand-new works of art! In this fun and imaginative class, students will use painting, drawing, collage, stamps, stencils, and more to transform discarded books into one-of-a-kind art journals. Each week brings a new creative prompt or technique, encouraging students to experiment and express themselves page by page. With plenty of room to explore, this class helps young artists build confidence, try new materials, and tell their stories through mixed media. Every eight-week session includes all-new projects, so returning students will keep discovering fresh inspiration all year long!
How to Choose the Right Book:
~Hardcover is Best
A sturdy hardcover provides a strong foundation and can withstand paint, collage, and binding stress. Softcovers may warp or fall apart.
~Check the Binding
Look for books with stitched bindings, not glued or spiral-bound. You can check this by opening to the center of a signature (group of pages sewn together) — you’ll see threads if it’s stitched. Glued (perfect-bound) books tend to fall apart when altered.
~Paper Matters
Choose books with non-glossy (matte), thicker pages. Thin or shiny pages are harder to work with and resist paint and glue.
Avoid glossy photo paper or slick magazine-style books unless you plan to fully gesso or glue all pages together.
~Size & Format
Think about how you’ll use the journal:
Small books = portable, fast projects.
Large books = big impact, but bulkier.
Square or unusual formats can be extra fun.
~Consider Content
Choose books with interesting backgrounds, old textbooks, atlases, music books, or dictionaries offer visual texture.
Avoid books with content that might be emotionally triggering or sensitive (e.g., medical books, war histories) unless you’re intentionally working with those themes.
~Smell Check!
Old books should smell pleasantly aged, not musty or moldy. Moldy books can be unsafe to use.
We offer 60+ arts and movement classes each week! Check out themarshallmusegallery.com for the full schedule.
You may also like the following events from The Marshall Muse Gallery:
- Next month, 20th October, 06:30 am, The Art of Ease: Mindful Morning with Melissa, Mondays in Greensboro
- Next month, 20th October, 10:00 am, Oil Painting with Craig Richards, Mondays in Greensboro
- Next month, 20th October, 01:00 pm, Color Mixing & Color Theory with Craig Richards in Greensboro
Also check out other
Arts events in Greensboro,
Workshops in Greensboro,
Fine Arts events in Greensboro.