Mixed Media Nature Sketchbook Workshop

Play with mixed media techniques to create a concertina sketchbook celebrating the wonder of nature!



5 hours Class size 1 to 8 guests

  $180 - $200 (Earlybird price of $180 applies if you book into a public session 30+ days ahead, otherwise $200 per guest when you book for 1 guest, $180/guest for 2+ guests. $150 per class surcharge applies for private classes) (Afterpay available)

Would you like to loosen up your art and not be afraid of 'the blank page?' Always wanted to try gelli printing but didn't know where to start? Curious about artist books and their creative potential? Join this sketchbook making workshop today!
In this class, you'll make a concertina artist book with visual content created using techniques such as gel printing, drawing, mark making and watercolour washes.
This is a great introduction to both printmaking and artist books with its simple three dimensional form allowing freedom of artistic expression.
This workshop covers many different art techniques, all at a basic level, so you don't need to be an expert in any of them to create an amazing artist book by the end of the session.
You'll learn:
  • The basics of gel printing using acrylic paints
  • How to apply art principles such as composition, line, and shape to the concertina book format
  • Experimental drawing techniques using liner pens, gel pens and coloured pencils
  • How to use watercolours to create washes and pops of colour to enhance your imagery and bring your composition together
  • How to fold a concertina book
By the end of the class, you'll take home a beautiful concertina book filled with your gel prints and drawings.
Cancellation Policy: Life happens, we get it! You can cancel or reschedule your workshop booking anytime up to 7 days before the class. Unfortunately, if you cancel within 7 days and we're unable to fill your spot, we won’t be able to offer a refund or credit. You’re welcome to pass your ticket on to someone else - just send us a message with their name and contact details so we can update the booking. Thanks so much for your understanding and support.

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Save $40 when you book with a friend

Upcoming dates for Mixed Media Nature Sketchbook Workshop

Times are Brisbane time. Dates and prices as of 3 Oct 2026, 7:23pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

1 upcoming date between 24 Jan 2027 and 24 Jan 2027.

  • Sun 24 Jan 2027, 9:30am-2:30pm
What you'll get
  • Paper, gel plates, and rollers are supplied.
  • Concertina book to take home.
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Suitable for all art experience levels.
What to bring
  • Your drawing kit including pens, coloured pencils, watercolour pencils.
  • Black Liner Pens - waterproof, sizes recommended 0.8, 0.4. (Unipin from Officeworks is suitable).
  • White Gel Pen - size 1.0 (Uni-Ball Signo Broad Gel Pen White or Sakura brand - Officeworks)
  • Watercolour kit, brushes, water brush (whatever you have, though artist quality preferred).
  • Acrylic paints - colours + black and white. Artist quality or student quality purchased from an art shop recommended (not Aldi, discount shop or Kmart).
  • A selection of leaves to print with - flatten in a book a few days before
  • Notebook and pen for note taking
  • Apron and nametag
  • Lunch and snacks
Add-ons available for this class
  • Water Brush ($7)
  • Mini Watercolour Kit ($23)
You can add these when you book (optional).
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, birthday or hens party.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

Hive Studios, Unit 13/10 Depot Street, Banyo QLD

Art from the Urban Wilderness is located at Hive Studios in the suburb of Banyo, 15 km from the centre of Brisbane City. By Car – via the Gateway Motorway, take Exit 112 at the Nudgee Service Centre. By Train – walk from Northgate Station (2 kilometres) or Banyo Station (1.2 kilometres) or catch an uber or taxi from the station (1-2 minutes drive).

Your teacher can also travel within 50 kms of Banyo, to a venue of your choice for a private class.

Mixed Media Nature Sketchbook Workshop location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Mixed Media Nature Sketchbook Workshop

  • 5/5 from Rebecca Smith, attended Sep 2026: This class was sooooo good! Our teacher, Sandra is an inspiring artist who shares her vast knowledge freely and has a passion for her art. Her instructions are clear and concise when she explains each step during class. Sandra’s artwork is gorgeous and she is an absolutely delightful teacher. I’ll definitely be booking in more classes.
  • 5/5 from Judi Neumann, attended Sep 2026: What a fun class. Sandra is one of my favourite instructors as she is very patient and provides clear instructions. She also demonstrates each step/process prior to us doing it. The mixed media class gives me the opportunity to work in different mediums which I really enjoy. Sandra’s preparation is excellent so no time is wasted on looking for things. It is a fabulous studio with benches and tools, large windows to let the light in and is extremely clean and tidy. Learning how to record information and making a concertina book, provides us with a product to take home and some homework to finish it off. Lovely attendees as well and the number of attendees is just right.
  • 5/5 from Judy Jones, attended Sep 2026: A friend and I went to this workshop together and thoroughly enjoyed it. The class size was small with plenty of room to observe techniques then try them out ourselves with Sandra on hand with support and advice. It was fun learning a variety of techniques and multiple ways to use them to make our own individual folding book. Beware-some of them were quite addictive! Who knew collage, gell printing and combining water-colour and illustrative drawing could be so effective even when you are a beginner. It is an invitation to create and experiment. I will definitely enjoy finishing my work and using Sandra's examples and suggestions to create a book that I am happy to display. I see myself making more in the future.
  • 5/5 from Phyllis Hutchinson, attended Aug 2026: Would love to do the class again as I feel I would appreciate and absorb each step more fully.
  • 5/5 from Lisa J Febey, attended Aug 2026: I travelled interstate to attend Sandra's Mixed Media Nature Sketchbook class and arrived late on foot, due to unexpected train delays. Despite this, I instantly felt relaxed in her studio. She explained the processes required in a lovely warm, clear and calm manner, very generously sharing her knowledge and skills (also a few materials with me due to flight luggage restraints). Sandra assisted everyone equally with enthusiasm and encouragement. I left having thoroughly enjoyed the class, happy with my work and excited about getting back home (eventually) to explore the new skills I'd gained.
  • 5/5 from Ngaire Macleod, attended Jun 2026: I had a great time at this mixed media Nature Workshop putting together lots of different techniques, such as gel plate printing, outlining, drawing and watercolour. Although I didn't finish my concertina book, I have lots of ideas to make it something I will treasure. Sandra is a very organised presenter and she made the workshop fun.
  • 5/5 from Maxine Cole, attended Feb 2026: Enjoyed another fabulous Mixed Media Nature Sketchbook workshop with Sandra at 'The Hive'. Lots of creativity, good company, laughter & fun was had by all today.
  • 5/5 from Susan Lomas, attended Feb 2026: Great class. Loved every aspect. Sandra is a terrific teacher and of course the venue is wonderful too. A beginner could do this class but it is probably better if the participant has a little background experience in working with paint and drawing materials. There are classes in botanical drawing, watercolour painting and leaf printing at the same venue one or more of which might be beneficial for someone who has no art experience at all before doing this workshop.
  • 5/5 from Petra Lahmann, attended Feb 2026: First time gel printing with Sandra. Fabulous experience. Materials were great, learnt a lot at each step. I am always impressed by the effects of colours and the unexpected outcomes. Ghost prints are my favorites. Thanks Sandra for being such a good teacher! Petra
  • 5/5 from Letitia Wood, attended Feb 2026: The class was held in a relaxed, friendly environment. The explanations of new techniques were comprehensive, and there was plenty of time to play around with my own piece. I didn't finish it, but I feel I left with enough knowledge to continue at home and create something I'm happy with. Thank you Sandra for a wonderful day. Just what I needed to quiet my overthinking head.
  • 5/5 from Fleur Parker, attended Feb 2026: Attended with my mum and we found Sandra to be very knowledgeable, patient and talented. Great location. Your workshop is very inspiring and great for beginners or those who want to explore more techniques. The gel printing was my highlight. We look forward to your next Workshop.
  • 5/5 from Grace Keogh, attended Oct 2025: The class was great! I thoroughly enjoyed learning new skills and techniques to use in my mixed-media practice. Sandra is a very knowledgeable and supportive tutor, and her studio is a creative haven.
  • 5/5 from Pamela Thorne, attended Oct 2025: Well worth the money. I learned so much under Sandra's guidance. Plus, I'm now inspired to keep going in my art practice. Fun and motivating course that I highly recommend.
  • 5/5 from Maxine Cole, attended Oct 2025: Attended a wonderful Mixed Media Nature Sketchbook, with Sandra, at Art from the Urban Wilderness. Great studio space, plenty area to work on your artwork. Air-conditioning is great on a hot day.
  • 5/5 from Donna Maysey, attended Jun 2025: My sister and I did this class together and we really enjoyed it. We learned so much. Sandra taught us gel plate printing and mixed media drawing and painting to create a folding botanical themed journal. I will definitely be reusing the skills I've learned.
  • 5/5 from Sandra Bulger, attended Jun 2025: This workshop was a gift to myself so I could learn techniques to use with my gelle plate and an easy art to take with me when I'm travelling or out in the bush. I wanted to explore artist books to record place and tell a visual story, a glimpse into the natural locations I visit. Sandra is a delightful teacher, very giving of her talents and knowledge and led all of us through some simple steps in the creation of our beautiful books effortlessly and with humour. The studio atmosphere is super conducive to playing with paints, paper, pencils and botanicals. I had a lovely time and am very grateful for the opportunity to learn from Sandra, this opens up a whole new world of applications and delights. Thanks very much, I will definitely be seeing you again.
  • 5/5 from Sandra Taylor, attended Jun 2025: The Mixed Media Nature Workshop This was very good and I enjoyed it. Although we brought some of the materials needed, Sandra provided most that were needed too. And her studio is really well equiped for a workshop like this. Sandra is an excellent teacher. She picks up any difficulties that we might be experiencing and assists when needed.
  • 5/5 from Sharyn Tidswell, attended Jan 2025: Lovely atmosphere. Plenty to inspire. Learnt new skills. And left with a unique creation to be proud of, and a desire to do more. Thank you, Sandra, for guiding us so beautifully.
  • 5/5 from Cheryl Ling, attended Jan 2025: This was a great class. Sandra talked us through the project one stage at a time and there was lots of opportunity to create a piece that was uniquely mine. There was plenty of time for one on one feedback and help from Sandra. The other students were really friendly and it was a comfortable environment with plenty of tea and coffee! Highly recommended.
  • 5/5 from Cassy Baker, attended Jan 2025: Learnt some new techniques and had fun sandra very patient will definitely try again at home thanks
  • 5/5 from Jean Roden, attended Jan 2025: Combining gelli printing with pens, watercolours and collage was a real treat today, with interesting and good work achieved by everyone. The venue is great: real coffee, treats, and air con. A great space to explore ideas, with tools to borrow and led by Sandra who is an expert teacher. Thank you! Jean.
  • 5/5 from Mia Watanabe, attended Sep 2024: I recently did the Nature Sketchbook workshop with Sandra. It was a wonderful, interactive and fun class and I was really happy with how mine turned out. Sandra is a wealth of knowledge and is so inspirational! I always enjoy going to her social art days as well, I’m a printer and the facilities are awesome! Highly recommend!!
  • 5/5 from Carol Bacon, attended Sep 2024: I had so much fun learning about gell prints and concertina books. Sandra was patient and encouraging. So willing to share of her expertise and supplies. The art space was delightful. Light and airy. I will definitely return for another class.
  • 5/5 from Sandra Woolard, attended Sep 2024: Sandra is a patient and good teacher. She was well organised, started and finished on time which I appreciated. The venue is outstanding. The class was good value. I learned to let go of old habits and to embrace new ideas. Thank you Sandra
Your teacher
Sandra Pearce

Sandra Pearce

5.0 (24)

Sandra Pearce is a Brisbane/Meanjin based artist working with artist books, printed images and paper installations. Her art practice responds to ideas relating to nature-human conflicts, the impacts of urbanisation and the human manipulation of landscape.

Sandra has exhibited widely in both regional and private art galleries and has participated in several artist-in-residence programs including Curtin Springs (NT) and Cataract Gorge (TAS).




Your host

Art from the Urban Wilderness
Art from the Urban Wilderness

5.0 (316)
female Women-owned

Art from the Urban Wilderness is a community art studio located at Hive Studios in Banyo, northside Brisbane/Meanjin.
The studio was founded by artist Sandra Pearce in 2021, and specialises in the techniques of printmaking, papermaking, drawing, bookbinding and artist books. We offer workshops, courses, social art days, and artist talk events.
Our mission is to build an inclusive art community that nurtures creative authenticity, confidence and resilience. We also believe in the power of art to break the cycle of disaffection towards nature, to enrich lives and inspire care for the environment.
The studio is fully air-conditioned with some onsite parking as well as street parking.

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class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production brisbane Brisbane QLD AU brisbane