description

In the town of Tesoros Mexico small wallets are produced that are carried by faithful Roman Catholics. They contain pictures of the Virgen de Guadalupe, various saints and contain medals, rosaries and religious icons. In this workshop you will create a personal portable shrine that can be carried close- and set open while  you are traveling. Turning this altar idea on it’s head  a bit the artist is encouraged to assign their own icons sainthood-be it St. Bono or St. Martin-your choice. There is room for many images and a fold out acrylic page can be used for a two sided page addition.You will learn basic and fun handlettering with pen and ink to label these saints. The wallet is made from a pencil case-and contains three pockets  and a zipper for prayers and personal thoughts. Bits of fabric, charms, amulets, and simple stitching will be added to complete the shrine. These touchstones will be a constant reminder of those who encourage our creativity and ideals we aspire and pray to! To connect to these images is important-to ground ourselves daily with a silent thank you in prayer.

All Saints Pocket Altar

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bio

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       supply list

• Two plastic or fabric Pencil cases-I found plastic Transformers cases at the dollar store
• Bits of fabric and paper various colors and textures
• Smaller Images of your favorite people, the people who in your eye have changed or are changing the world-also religious  icons that you wish to include-these could be transferred to fabric
• Pen Holder -not a crowquill pen holder-but a regular one
• Bottle of acrylic ink-FW or Speedball
• Beads, charms, plastic rosaries-you know -the stuff we collect
• one square foot of clear acrylic covering used for tablecloths and such
• 20 gauge or less-at JoAnns
• An  Awl or a Hole Punch-the smaller kind (available at JoAnns or Michaels)
• Scissors
• Bright emboidery floss-2 or 3 skeins, Big eyed Needle ( I like crewel)
• One or two yards cool cord for binding up your wallet
• Brads or grommets
• A small container of Yes glue
• I’ll provide pen nibs, and doodads, cropadile and extras of most of the above!

printable version

Lisa Engelbrecht is a lettering and multi- media artist and instructor in calligraphy and taught for years at  Cerritos College in California . Lisa  teaches workshops and classes internationally specializing in lettering on fabric, experimental lettering and the creative process. Lisa has been on the faculty of seven international lettering conferences and teaches at collage, quilting and alternative arts conferences nationwide. In 2006 Lisa introduced new multi- media classes at the International Quilt Show in Houston, Texas and returned in 2008. She is interested not only in classical letterforms but also alternative surfaces for lettering and current  street influences on modern calligraphy.  She is a frequent contributor to Somerset Studios and her work on fabric was featured on the covers of Legacies and Quilting Arts magazines.  Lisa is also a freelance lettering artist for American Greetings.  AND  she is  the author of the just released  book from Rockport/Quarry Publishing, Modern Mark Making, from Classic Calligraphy to Hip Lettering. Lisa's work can be seen in the June 2008 issue of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion. Her classes are fast, fun and totally stress free!