Here’s where you can find me teaching! Workshops are open to all skill levels — no experience necessary! Beginners are always welcome! All workshops are designed and taught by Studio Nicole. Studio space generously provided by Art by Matia in Laurel, DE.
Build Your Own Oracle Deck with Studio Nicole
This one’s a little different — and a lot of fun. Starting from a masterboard, we’ll build out a set of oracle cards using a pool of images and words I’ll bring for you to mix, match, and make your own. No two decks will look alike, and no two decks are supposed to. By the end, you’ll walk away with a deck that speaks in your voice — whatever messages you need to hear right now. All levels welcome, no oracle-deck experience needed.
Wednesday, September 23 · 6:30 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 6:25
Focal Points & Fodder with Studio Nicole:
The part of the page that immediately grabs your attention? That’s your focal point — and this workshop is all about finding (or making) yours. We’ll dig into different ways to create focal points and build up your personal stash of collage fodder, so you’re never staring at a half-finished page wondering what to do next . Come with curiosity, leave with a toolkit of go-to techniques and a stash of pre-made focal magic. All levels welcome.
Participants are welcome to bring their own journal, or purchase one for $15.
Wednesday, October 7 · 6:30 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 6:25
SERIES: Journal-Making with Studio Nicole
This is a 3-part workshop series for anyone who’s ever wanted to make a journal with their own two hands, from a blank stack of paper to a finished book that’s yours — cover to cover, literally.
What you build it into is up to you. Keep it for yourself. Turn it into a holiday gift for someone you love. Document a trip you just took (or are about to take). Track your garden through a full season. Capture your kids’ childhood or your family’s story, one page at a time. Come with a theme in mind, or come with nothing but curiosity — either way, you’ll leave with something real.
October 21 — Workshop 1: The Bones — $40
We start from the ground up: choosing papers, building signatures, decorating your cover, and hand-sewing it all together into a real, functional journal. This is the foundation everything else gets built on.
November 4 — Workshop 2: The Extras — $30
Now we make it interesting. We’ll add pockets, belly bands, tuck spots, flips and flaps, and some basic page edging — the little functional surprises that make a handmade journal feel special.
November 18 — Workshop 3: The Finishing Touches — $30
The last step is all about personality: stickers, stenciling, tabs, ribbons, tags, and more. This is where your journal gets its theme and its voice. I’ll bring a variety of materials to work with, but since this session is all about your specific vision, come with a few of your own materials that fit your theme too.
Wednesdays, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18 · 6:30 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
*Please note: Doors open at 6:25
Pricing:
- Only Workshop 1: $40
- Only Workshop 1 or 2: $30 each
- Bundle Workshops 1 + 2: $60 (save $10)
- Full series (Workshops 1 + 2 + 3): $80 (save $20)
You can take these one at a time or sign up for the whole series — either way, you’ll walk away with a completely unique, fully customized, beautifully hand-crafted journal of your own.
All materials will be provided, but participants are invited to bring any themed paper or embellishments they may want to include.
Lettering for Beginners with Studio Nicole:
Back by popular demand!!
If you missed this the first time around, today’s your lucky day! 🙂
In this workshop we’ll cover faux calligraphy, shading and highlights, and how to adapt your own everyday handwriting into something fancy — using pencils, pens, and brush markers. No special experience needed, no fancy supplies to buy beforehand. Just come ready to write, experiment, and surprise yourself.
No journal needed for this workshop!
Wednesday, October 28 · 6:30 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 6:25
Past workshops:
Modeling Paste with Studio Nicole
Ever wonder how those thick, textured, almost-3D art journal pages get made? That’s modeling paste — and it’s one of my favorite ways to make a page really pop. In this workshop, we’ll play with modeling paste to build dimensional backgrounds and focal points that add texture, depth, and a little bit of “wait, how’d you do that?” to your pages. No sculpting degree required — just a willingness to get a little messy. All levels welcome.
Participants are welcome to bring their own journal, or purchase one for $15.
Wednesday, September 16 · 6:30 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 6:25
Beginner Faces with Studio Nicole
Drawing faces feels intimidating — until you realize that imperfect faces are often the most expressive ones. In this beginner-friendly workshop we’ll work through the basics of facial proportion, shape, and shading to build the confidence to put a face on the page without overthinking it. Using a combination of watercolor, charcoal, and mixed media techniques, you’ll create loose, expressive portrait sketches in a low-pressure, no-rules environment. No drawing experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to try.
Wednesday, September 9 · 6:00 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 5:45
Color Block Botanicals with Studio Nicole:
In this workshop we’ll build a bold, graphic art journal page from the ground up — starting with cut watercolor paper blocks, learning basic color blending techniques to fill each one with soft, luminous color, then arranging them across the page as a background. From there we’ll stencil a bold botanical focal point right over the top and finish with white pen highlights to make everything pop. The result is a striking, layered page that looks more complex than it is. All skill levels welcome — no watercolor experience needed.
Participants are welcome to bring their own journal, or purchase one for $15.
Wednesday, August 12 · 6:00 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 5:45
Woven Paper Pages with Studio Nicole
Paper weaving is one of those techniques that looks impressive but is completely approachable — and the results are endlessly satisfying. In this workshop we’ll explore two approaches to paper weaving in an art journal context: a loose, layered collage style using strips of patterned paper, washi tape, and ephemera, and a structured over-under woven grid that fills the whole page. You’ll leave with a finished spread and a technique you can keep experimenting with using any papers you have on hand. All skill levels welcome — no experience necessary.
Wednesday, August 19 · 6:00 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 5:45
Torn Paper Collage Portraits with Studio Nicole:
In this workshop we’ll use torn and cut paper collage to build a focal image — arranging layers of patterned paper, book pages, sheet music, and ephemera within a silhouette shape to create a finished piece that’s uniquely yours. The technique is endlessly flexible: keep it simple with a bold graphic shape, or add shading, highlights, and detail for a more complex finished piece. No drawing experience needed — the silhouette gives you the structure and the collage does the rest. All skill levels welcome.
Participants are welcome to bring their own journal, or purchase one for $15.
Wednesday, August 26 · 6:00 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 5:45
Layering Collage Elements with Studio Nicole
If you have a pile of gelli prints, painted scraps, and collage papers sitting around with no idea what to do with them — this workshop is for you. We’ll cover how to layer collage elements with intention, using your existing papers as backgrounds and building up focal images, ephemera, and words on top to create finished, cohesive mixed media pages.
You’ll learn how to make decisions about placement, contrast, and balance without overcomplicating it. Bring your scraps or use what’s provided — either way you’ll leave with a new approach to collage that makes the pile a lot less intimidating.
Wednesday, July 22 · 6:00 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 5:45
Journal-making with Studio Nicole: Mini Explosion Books with Gel-Printed Covers
Create a playful 3×3 explosion-style mini book in this fun paper crafting workshop. Participants will construct a small layered book that “explodes” open to reveal multiple panels. We’ll design colorful covers using gel printing techniques, layering acrylic paints and textures to create unique printed papers. Once the prints are ready, we’ll assemble the book, creating a charming handmade keepsake.
Wednesday, June 24 · 6:00 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 5:45
Lettering for Beginners with Studio Nicole
Always admired beautiful hand lettering and wondered if you could do it? You can!
In this workshop we’ll cover faux calligraphy, shading and highlights, and how to adapt your own everyday handwriting into something fancy — using pencils, pens, and brush markers. No special experience needed, no fancy supplies to buy beforehand. Just come ready to write, experiment, and surprise yourself.
Wednesday, July 1 · 6:00 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 5:45
Inky Wildflower Garden with Studio Nicole:
In this workshop we’ll build a vibrant, loosely layered mixed media background and then fill it with expressive acrylic ink wildflowers — echinacea, roses, botanicals, and more. Using a fine liner bottle for fluid, gestural line work, you’ll layer ink shapes over a colorful painted and stenciled background to create a lush, wild garden page that’s full of energy and completely your own. No experience necessary — just a willingness to let go and make a mess. All skill levels welcome.
Participants are welcome to bring their own journal, or purchase one for $15.
Wednesday, July 8 · 6:00 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 5:45
Stenciled Backgrounds & 3D Focal Elements with Studio Nicole
Create rich, layered mixed media artwork using stencils, texture techniques, and dimensional embellishments. Participants will build colorful backgrounds with acrylic paints, inks, and stenciling methods, then add focal elements such as butterflies or collage pieces for a finished composition.
Participants are welcome to bring their own journal, or purchase one for $15.
Wednesday, June 17 · 6:00 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 5:55
Gel Plate Monoprinting & Image Transfer with Studio Nicole
In this exciting mixed media workshop, participants will experiment with monoprinting techniques to create unique printed textures and layered backgrounds. We’ll also explore image transfer methods to incorporate printed imagery into your artwork.
Journal not required for this workshop.
Wednesday, June 3 · 6:00 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$40 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 5:55
Watercolor Floral Cards with Studio Nicole
Spend an evening painting delicate and expressive watercolor flowers while learning approachable techniques for beginners. We’ll explore wet-on-wet painting, color blending, loose brushwork, and simple ink details to create vibrant floral compositions. Whether you’re brand new to watercolor or looking to build confidence, this class offers a relaxed and creative environment.
Participants are welcome to bring their own journal, or purchase one for $15 (Journal optional for this workshop).
Wednesday, May 27 · 6:30 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 6:25
Magical Powders: Watercolor & Mixed Media Effects
Explore the magic of pigment powders and watercolor techniques in this expressive mixed media workshop. We’ll experiment with color bursts, water activation, layering, and texture techniques to create dreamy, atmospheric backgrounds.
Participants are welcome to bring their own journal, or purchase one at the workshop for $15.
Tuesday, April 22 · 6:00 PM
The Laurel Exchange & Studio, Laurel DE
$25 per person
Journal-making: Handmade Accordion Books with Studio Nicole
Learn how to create beautiful handmade accordion books in this creative bookmaking workshop. Participants will fold and assemble paper to form an expanding accordion-style structure, choosing from a vintage or floral theme. These versatile little books can be used as art journals, mini photo albums, or keepsakes.
Wednesday, April 29 · 6:30 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 6:25
Embossing Techniques for Mixed Media with Studio Nicole
Learn the beautiful art of heat embossing in this beginner-friendly workshop. Participants will explore how to use embossing ink, powders, stamps, and heat tools to create raised, glossy designs that add texture and shine to our pages.
Participants are welcome to bring their own journal, or purchase one at the workshop for $15.
Wednesday, May 13 · 6:30 PM
11508 Commercial Lane Unit C, Laurel, DE
$25 per person
*Please note: Doors open at 6:25