AECP Levle 3- Final Workshop

Oh well! Altenew Educators Certification Programme (AECP), has been an incredible journey! I’m so excited that I was able to complete the three levels within a span of 7 months. When I look back, I know I’ve put in a lot of effort, stayed up late to create, learnt so many tips and techniques, and bettered my craft along the way. This programme, gave me the necessary start I needed, to put myself out there and begin teaching.

Today’s post is a long one, I’m sharing my final project for level 3, all about the workshop I hosted.

About AECP?

The AECP programme has three levels and is self guided. People can complete it at their own pace. Each level consists of multiple courses that help in learning specific techniques. Apart from creating a project for each course, at the end of each level there is a challenge that needs to be completed. At the end of Level 3, we are to host a workshop, and you can call this a test.

With these courses, I have not only acquired new knowledge, but also brushed up on my existing skills. It has helped me tie up things together and better plan my classes. It gave me a reminder of some techniques I forget to use, and helped me explore my products and stretch my supplies.

Level 3 Final Project

The final task was to hold a 2hr workshop, in person or virtual, showing and teaching techniques that I like. I chose the virtual route via zoom. I decided to teach techniques using a cover die, focussing on a variety of textures that can be created with it. I included several mediums, to showcase mixed media techniques. Creating backgrounds with these techniques, using a complimentary colour palette, and layered stamping was what I focussed on. In a span of 2 hrs, I taught 2 cards to a group of 10 participants. These cards are packed with techniques, that can be applied to any season, any occasion cards as well as other projects like art journal pages and scrapbook layouts.

Here are some of the key points of this final project

• 2hr workshop – virtual
• demonstrate a technique or techniques with 2-3 cards
• create a lesson plan for approval and distribution
• must have 4-10 participants
• Distribute lesson plan to participants
• once workshop is complete create a post about the workshop, and AECP with photos from participants

To execute this, preparation was most essential. Once I picked the theme of my cards, I focussed on creating samples, showcasing the techniques of my liking. Once that was done, it was easy to write the lesson plan and create a PDF. After this was approved, I fixed a date and advertised the class, and to my surprise I had 10 sign ups within a few hours. That truly made my day. Once that was done, I sent out a couple emails with the supply list, PDF, and zoom link to the participants. On the day of the workshop, I had full attendance, laughter, cheer, enthusiasm and so much fun with everyone.

Project Cards

Let me show you the cards now, and what the participants created. It is always a sight to see everyone’s work and how they used colours, or different products but similar techniques.

Card 1

For the first card, we used the Snowflakes Cover Die as a stencil. Along with that, we used the Golden Sunset Inks as watercolours to stencil and create an ombre background. Exploring the complimentary colour palette was easy using Golden Sunset Inks and Sweet Dreams Inks. Orange and Teal is such a beautiful combination. Using the wispy joy stamp set, we also looked at layered stamping, and mixing ink colours to create a newer blend. the stamped florals were then arranged in a bouquet across the card, and adhered with foam tape and liquid glue to further enhance the textures and create depth and dimension. The card was completed with a sentiment, splatter, and sequins.

Participant Cards

Card 2

For the second card, we explored ink blending and stepping up the background using heat embossing. We used the same cover die as a stencil for the resist embossing and then cut it down abstractly to use as a layer on the background. The flowers stamped earlier were used to create a floral composition along the card. The card was completed with a sentiment, splatter and sequins. Apart from that, this card also focussed creating a mini slim line card and how to approach the composition for such a size.

Participant Cards

Bonus Card

In the PDF that I shared with the participants, I shared instructions on creating a third card as a bonus. This card was created using similar techniques, but the inlaid pieces of the cover die. This was something for them to enjoy and create at their leisure. Two of the participants from the workshop, created this as well.

Participants Cards

As you can see, every participant used either a different cover die, or a different floral stamp, sentiment, or even different colours of inks and colour combinations; and yet, created with the same technique. Every card is unique and special and in my opinion, changing it up with just one product makes it special and unique to them. I thank Walter, Traci, Ruby, Linda, Pam, Leslie, Saskia, Jennifer, Tina and Helen for joining my workshop and sharing such amazing samples. I thank Erum for her constant support, and encouragement throughout this journey. I thank Bridget for providing me with a platform and group to put my skills of teaching out there! And of course thank you Altenew for the fabulous course and products you’ll make!

Teaching this workshop was a fantastic experience for me! My journey with Altenew began a while ago, I’ve had the chance to guest design twice and now I’m thrilled to share that I will be teaching a class at retreat put together by Bridget as well! With the AECP programme my journey and association with Altenew has surely levelled up and I’m so ready for any new chapter that it brings forth!

Thank you for all for sticking by me and supporting me!

Here’s a list of the Supplies Used:

AECP 3- Workshop-Altenew-Aditi Mahajan (1)Download