By Kris Hurst
Every 1st quarter of the year, Ignite Studio focuses on a specific medium or technique. This year, we’ve selected an everyday art material that can be used as canvas, sculpted, folded, woven, cut, pasted, sewn, embroidered and quilled. Guessed it yet? PAPER!
Paper has been around for over 2,000 years and is the focus for our spring quarter in Ignite. Visit us and discover the many ways to utilize this medium! Registration for paper-based programs in Ignite begins two weeks prior to the class. Drop-ins are held during regular library hours. You can simply stop in anytime to try out any or all of our rotating activities.
Paper-Based Programs in Ignite
Quilled Paper Hearts with Teaching Artist Jeannette Parssi
Thurs 2/2 • 6-7pm
Thurs 2/4 • 11am-12pm
Join us as we learn about the art of paper quilling. Roll and pinch long thin strips of paper into different shapes, and glue them together to form a decorative heart that could become a favorite memento or sign of affection for someone you love. Ages 6 and up.
Paper Mache Bowls Painted with Alcohol Inks
Sat 2/18 • 11am-12pm
Mon 4/10 • 6-7:30pm
Paper Mache bowls are made from newspaper and a paste of flour and salt. Decorate pre-made bowls using alcohol inks and stencils. Get your hands gooey by making your own bowl to take home and decorate. Ages 13 and up.
Calming Collage Class
Wed 2/22 • 6-7:30pm
Sat 3/25 • 11am-12:30pm
Winter brings us snow, holidays, and hot cocoa, but it can also bring us some seasonal sadness as we long for the warmth of spring. During this time it’s nice to relax, give our busy minds a break, and get creative. Take a mental vacation with us in this class where we’ll play soft music and have dozens of papers, stickers, and more to help you create your very own calming collage. Perfect for those who want to de-stress and create some artwork in a judgment-free space. Ages 16 and up.
Paper Basket Class for Adults with IDD with Teaching Artist Yuki Darrow
Sat 3/11 • 11am-12:30pm
Sat 3/11 • 2-3pm
Join us in this class specifically geared towards individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Students will make paper baskets, large and small, using colored cardstock, ribbons, and stamps. One-on-one instruction is limited, so patrons needing continuous support to participate should bring their support person. Ages 16 and up.
Paper Sculptures 
Sat 3/18 • 11am-12:30pm
Thurs 4/13 • 6-7:30pm
Learn how to use the free program Pepakura Designer to turn 3D models into 2D templates! An instructor will walk through step-by-step directions on how to find 3D models, use the template software, and other tips and tricks along the way. Walk away with a project to do at home and the ability to use Pepakura for paper sculptures, scale models, cosplay, and more! Ages 16 and up.
Newsprint Collage Workshop with Smithsonian Teaching Artist Kate Lewis
Sat 4/15 • 9:30am-12:30pm
Kate Lewis will join us live from the U.K. in this special workshop featuring a Smithsonian instructor. Kate creates botanical collages made directly from newsprint commemorating moments in time we are living through. The aim of this class is to introduce Kate’s newspaper collage practice and for all participants to make a small piece. Participants will learn the basics of collage – scale, line, cutting and gluing – to create these personal pieces. Ages 16 and up.
Paper Based Drop-in Activities in Ignite
Drop in to Ignite for a new, unguided art making activity every two weeks. Instructions and materials provided.
Folded Paper Valentine’s Cards 
2/6-2/18
Make your own card for Valentine’s Day using bright, folded paper and glue. Design a heart that radiates with color and love.
Beverly Buchanan Inspired Homes
2/20-3/5
Construct a paper house in the style of African American artist, Beverly Buchanan. Buchanan constructed small representations of homes or ‘shacks’ out of everyday materials, including cardboard and wood scraps. Patrons will use similar materials to pay homage to a dwelling that has personal significance.
Klee Scratch Art
3/6-3/19
During Disability Awareness Month, work in the style of abstract artist Paul Klee. Known for his fantastic and childlike work, Klee suffered from a joint disorder which made it difficult for him to grip art making tools. Patrons will mimic his work by etching out designs on scratch paper using a stylus. Adaptive tools, such as pencil grips and loop scissors, will be on hand to aid those with similar challenges.
Patterned Paper Pets
3/20-4/2
Make your own Patterned Paper Pet, inspired by the work of Clare Youngs. Using templates, patterned paper, and brads, create your own pet with articulated appendages.
Mini Unicorn Piñatas
4/3-4/16
Celebrate National Unicorn Day by making your own paper unicorn. Using everyday magic, transform simple materials such as copy paper, chipboard, and glue into this three-dimensional mythical beast.
Recycled Paper Clay
4/17-4/30
Work with clay made from recycled paper. Paper clay is lighter than ceramic clay and easy to work with.
Join us all spring to play with paper, and share your makes on our Ignite Community Discussion Board on Facebook.
Happy making!