Artful Techniques Class
Hosted by Kathy Pflaum at the Topeka Art Guild
Techniques abound for all types of art, and the mission of the Topeka Art Guild is to advance artistic techniques across all mediums.
Each month, the Artful Techniques class gives students the opportunity to learn new methods that can be applied to their own artwork. These classes are designed to let you explore and experiment without a large upfront investment—perfect for discovering what techniques truly inspire you.
We kick off the series in February 2026, meeting on the second Saturday of each month.
$55 for each the class as all supplies are provided. Join us for every class or simply choose the ones that spark your interest!
Artful Techniques is all about exploration and having fun.
Class Descriptions
February – Spackling Techniques
Learn how to create art using spackling compound, small found objects, and various coloring agents.
Yes—even 3-dimensional small paintings or brooches!
Small canvases will be provided.
⚠️ Wear messy clothes… you may end up painting yourself.
March – Nuno Felted Bowl
Create a small Nuno felted bowl using wool roving.
We’ll also discuss how you can embellish your bowl after it has dried.
April – Handmade Cards
Get your Mother’s Day cards (or cards for any occasion) ready!
Learn several techniques for creating beautiful, handmade cards.
May – Cyanotypes
Cyanotypes are oh so much fun!
This process uses a two-part solution applied in the dark, with foliage or shaped objects placed on card stock and exposed to sunlight.
Create striking blue artworks perfect for framing, cards, or other creative uses.
June – Boiled Paper Botanicals & Art Hanging Basics
Yes—we’re boiling plant life onto watercolor paper!
While the paper boils, we’ll also cover how to prepare artwork for gallery hanging (a topic rarely taught in art communities).
-
Each student may bring one piece of art for discussion
-
Basic hanging and finishing supplies provided
-
Learn canvas wrapping, wire installation, and finishing techniques for fiber and more
July – Christmas in July
Get a head start on the holidays by creating folded fabric ornaments.
✂️ A thimble is recommended, as this is a very personal tool.
August – Collage
Explore collage using paper, paint, and small found objects.
We’ll discuss composition and techniques for creating visually beautiful work.
September – Fabric Flower Art
Create a small floral arrangement by ruching or folding fabric onto a small canvas.
We’ll also cover how to properly wrap and prepare the canvas for hanging.
October – TBD
Details coming soon
