A Deck of Whispers Workshop
with Elaine Riley
January 29th & 30th, 2026 - 10AM-3PM
(with a 30 minute lunch bread)
204 S Austin St Rockport, TX
$125 for Members, $150 for Non-Members
Class Description:
Join Elaine Riley, a seasoned mixed media artist and teacher, for a two-day immersive workshop designed to spark creativity and joy. This workshop, titled A Deck of Whispers, will guide participants through the process of crafting a personalized deck of 12 cards. Each card will feature meaningful words chosen by you, serving as gentle prompts and encouragement throughout your days, weeks, and months. Whether you are new to mixed media or an experienced creator, you will discover new techniques and ideas to enrich your artistic practice. No prior experience is necessary.
Mixed media art offers boundless possibilities for creativity. During this workshop, you will create a 12-card deck of cards using watercolor paper, painting fronts and backs of the cards with watercolor paints. No experience with watercolors is required and the watercolor paper will be supplied. You will learn to paint, stencil, stamp, and mark-make on your cards using a variety of mixed media techniques. Once your cards are beautifully painted, you will select collage elements and meaningful words to add to them. These words may come from poetry, books, quotes, or personal mantras that resonate with you. The process is often full of surprises, and each card will offer a whisper prompt to inspire, encourage, or soothe you whenever you need it. These whispers also serve as excellent journaling prompts.
Materials and Preparation:
Some materials will be provided for the workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring personal items to enhance their cards, such as photos, favorite papers, charms, magazine images, pens, and markers. If you choose to use photographs, it is recommended to print them onto regular paper, as it blends better in collages than photo paper. An inkjet printer is sufficient; no special equipment is needed. Watercolor paper, word list, acrylic paint and brushes, and collage materials will be provided.
Materials to Bring:
· Watercolor paints/set.
· Brushes (inexpensive) large watercolor brush.
· Glue stick (Uhu brand recommended)
· Favorite stencils and rubber stamps and stamp pad
· Pens, pencils, or markers that are your favorites
· Wet wipes and/or a rag or hand towel for drying brushes and quick clean ups.
Daily Plan:
Day 1:
· Introductions: Me and Class
· Overview of the project and process and Q&A session
· Demonstration: Preparing the back of the card deck
· Demonstration: Stencil, stamp, and mark making on the back of the card deck.
· Demonstration: Preparing the front of the card deck for college
Day 2:
Cutting the cards
Selecting picture(s) for cards and attaching
Selecting words for the cards and attaching
Show and tell session
January 29th & 30th, 2026
10AM – 3PM
$125 members, $150 non-members