Illumination is the art of decorating books, pages, letters, numbers, and motifs with beautiful colors, gold or silver.
For centuries, manuscripts have used this technique, combining gold and colors, giving a stunning effect. Students will learn the different mediums for applying metallic gold, powered gold, and gold leaf. Choose from a selection of different designs and letters to make your piece unique.
Your piece will be completed with a frame that you will learn graining techniques to enhance your design.  All materials are included to complete your project.
Maximum class size: 10
A move from Michigan to Sturbridge, MA brought Karen to New England and an introduction to the wonderful world of Early American Decoration. After many visits to Old Sturbridge Village she developed a love and respect for all the country painted tinware, floorcloths, decorated trays and primitive paintings. Karen became a member of the Historical Society of Early American Decoration in 1972 after submitting two pieces for judging. Since that time she has received awards in theorem painting, country painting, and bronze powder stencilling on tin and wood. Karen also teaches other Early American techniques such as gold leaf, reverse glass painting, freehand bronze, brides boxes, fractures, scherenschnitte, floorcloths, primitive painting and pen and ink applications. Karen has taught classes at Sturbridge Village, chapter meetings and the Historical Society of Early American Decoration’s annual fall workshop meetings. The past 23 years she has been busy teaching at the Handicraft Club in Providence, RI. Karen is currently serving as corresponding secretary on the board of trustees of the Historical Society of Early American Decoration.