MATERIALS ALCHEMY: DEVELOPING MEANINGFUL AND MAGICAL LAYERS IN MIXED MEDIA WITH CRYSTAL MARIE
October 2-4, 2026
Port Orchard, WA
Alchemy begins when the ordinary becomes extraordinary—when torn papers, threads, pigments, and marks gather into something greater than their parts. In this workshop, we will enter that space of transformation, where collage becomes both a process of layering and a language of discovery.
Guided by artist Crystal Marie, you’ll create your own collection of papers and textiles with hand-altered surfaces, then explore how they might speak to one another on canvas or paper. Through the tactile process of kneading, staining and mark-making, collaging and layering, you’ll learn to trust the intuitive pull of the materials, letting them guide you toward unexpected connections and compositions.
Rather than striving for perfection or control, we’ll lean into the mystery—allowing fragments to find their place, and compositions to take shape through both chance and intention. Along the way, you may create small samplers to test ideas, alongside larger collage works that carry depth, texture, and resonance. This is the heart of material alchemy: not simply technique, but transformation.
“What begins as scraps and remnants becomes a work alive with meaning—your own visual story revealed through layers of paper, mark, and intuition. ”
Living Language
Techniques Covered in this workshop include:
Creating, using, and storing Konjac Glue.
Applications for using Konjac Glue to create interesting textures and patterns on paper.
Using Konjac Glue as an adhesive
Developing meaningful designs with mark-making techniques.
Stiffening, staining, and shaping paper and textiles.
Layering and embedding string, feathers, or other small items into paper
Composing collage works on paper or unstretched canvas.
Finishing collage works on panel and in free-flowing banner style presentation.
Release
Itinerary
Friday, October 2. We will meet in the Bellissima Art Studio at 9:30 a.m. Crystal will go over the workshop schedule and then we will begin to create, stopping for lunch, and then continuing until we end around 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 3. Meet in the studio at 9:30 a.m., lunch and dinner will be provided today.
Sunday, October 4. Meet in the studio at 9:30 a.m., late lunch, then we will clean up and have our show “n tell. Workshop will be over at 4:30 p.m.
This Art Escape includes
Three days instruction by Crystal Marie
Three lunches, one dinner
Some Art Supplies
Private Facebook Page
New art tribe
The cost of this workshop is $800. A non-refundable $400 deposit is due upon registering. The remaining $400 is due April 15, 2026.
Port Orchard is the site for the workshop. The location is 9 miles north of Gig Harbor, WA which is listed as one of the most desirable cities in the US to visit (or live). It is located south of Seattle, across the Narrows Bridge on Hwy 16.
The Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter stops in Gig Harbor and in Port Orchard.
There are many AirBNBs and B&Bs in the area. A list of accommodations will be provided if requested.
We will provide
Tools and equipment to create Konjac Glue
Konjac powder
White Mulberry paper for substrate and fodder
Adhesive
Brushes/applicators for adhesive
Unstretched canvas for substrates
Wire, nails, string, and other materials for embedding and attachments
Wire cutter and hammers
Rust solution for staining
India Ink
10x10” cradled wood panel
3-4 small disposable type food containers with lids (8oz--16oz)
Nitril gloves
Drawing mediums of choice (oil and chalk type pastels, charcoal, graphite, color pencils, watercolors, etc.)
Artist Supply List
Scissors
Craft Knife
Ruler
Apron
Large Silicone craft mat or silicone oven liner
2-3 Chinese Calligraphy Brushes in varying sizes
2-3 Hake style brush’s (at least one should be 2.5--3” width)
2-3 small bottles of fluid acrylic paints in colors of choice
Variety of collected papers and ephemera for collage-new and/or vintage.
Selection of textiles in patterns and colors of choice– can be new or salvaged from clothing, household linens, etc.
One box of unbleached pre-folded coffee filters (for pour over style)
One box of dry wax bakery tissue
Small lightweight found or natural objects.
Bellissima Art Studio, Port Orchard, WA
Crystal Marie considers herself to be “a material girl” when it comes to her art practice, which is rooted in collage. Evolving to include three-dimensional sculptures and assemblages, Crystal’s work speaks to both physical location and identity. Her process begins with an experimental approach, allowing what she’s brought to the table to inform her decisions as she builds layers of texture and meaning.
A Chicago based mid-career artist, Crystal Marie has one book published on the art of collage and is writing a second book about overcoming the blocks commonly encountered in the studio. Crystal has exhibited her work in many fine art exhibitions and solo shows, earning her gallery representation and the coveted 2018 Racine Art Museum Artist Fellowship.
Kathie Vezzani who is hosting the workshop, also is an artist who paints, rusts and waxes. She organizes trips for other artists and in a former life was a caterer. She has over three decades of experience organizing trips for foodies and artists.