Art Workshop: 

Start an Altered Book Art Journal

Friday, June 12, 2026 | 4pm - 6pm

700 Rayovac Dr., Suite 307

$35 per person ($5 for a book)

Limited space available

What is Altered book journaling?

An altered book art journal is a place for art making and writing that utilizes an old book as the canvas. 

Other versions of art journaling you might have heard of: Art journal, junk (or junque) journal, artist book, visual journal, smash book, glue book, altered book, sketchbook. 

Each of these other variations have their own nuanced approach and benefits.

a space for you

This two-hour hands-on workshop is an introduction to altered book art journaling, a creative practice that transforms an ordinary hardcover book into a personal art journal. We'll paint, layer, collage, and play our way through the pages, and you'll leave with a creative outlet that's entirely yours to keep going.

No art experience needed. No pressure to make something perfect. Just you, some materials, and two hours that belong to you.

Join us June 12 >>

The Details

Date: Friday, June 12, 2026

Time: 4pm - 6pm

Location: 700 Rayovac Dr., Suite 307, Madison, WI 53711

Who: Adults 18+

What: Join us for a fun and creative experience where you will create your own altered book art journal and learn how to make it into your own creative practice.

Registration: Register in advance for $35. Bring your own book, or purchase and choose one from us for $5. All other materials are provided.

What

to

expect

We'll spend our two hours together moving through everything you need to feel confident picking up this practice on your own. Here's how the time unfolds:

Prepping your book and pages — We'll start at the beginning. You'll learn how to prepare your book and pages so they're ready to work with, no matter what materials you want to use.

Art processes to use and return to — We'll explore a variety of techniques you can layer, repeat, and make your own. These are the building blocks of the practice and simple enough to come back to again and again.

Making it a practice — We'll talk about how to actually use your altered book as an ongoing creative outlet, so it doesn't just sit on a shelf after tonight.

Time to create among others — This is the part that matters most. There's something about creating in a room full of people that feels different than creating alone, more spacious, more permission-giving. You'll have time to settle in, experiment, and just be.

You'll leave with a started book, a handful of techniques, and a practice you can return to whenever you need it.

About Us

We're two therapists who believe that making art changes things. We created this space because we wanted a place where people could come together, create without pressure, and leave feeling more like themselves. We're glad you're here.

Art of Healing Madison

Taryn Cates

Taryn Cates, MS, LPC, ATR 

Taryn is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist specializing in creative self-expression, life transitions, grief, and burnout. She offers a gentle, integrative approach to art therapy and believes that slowing down to make something can be one of the most powerful ways to move forward. Art of Healing Madison is her space for that work.

Taryn's website: ArtOfHealingMadison.com

Wildflower Therapies

Kelly Toltzien

Kelly Toltzien, MS, LPC, ATR-BC

Kelly is the founder of Wildflower Expressive Arts Therapies and a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Art Therapist with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in expressive arts therapy and somatic work, bringing a strengths-based, body-informed approach to everything she creates.

Kelly's website: Wildflower-Therapies.com

Space is limited – register now

Sign up today. Your future self will thank you for it.