Events at Push/Pull Ballard

This is a paid class that requires registration. Sign up here.

Craft your own characters, stories, and make-believe worlds while getting an introduction to storytelling and cartoon illustration!

Cartoon characters are the most important thing to come up with before deciding what Cartoon and/or Illustration method one wants to use to tell their stories! This Character Design focused workshop will teach students an introduction to character design. You'll learn to tell stories in single image or short comic formats.

We will explore shapes to build characters, how body language and facial expressions help show who a character is, story and backstory elements, and the different types of characters that can be created, from people, to animals, to talking plants or objects. Pre-printed comic box paper will be provided, and students will get to keep the printed lesson plans from the workshop. Students will leave having practiced drawing their characters, or even having created new characters using sketches, an illustrated scene, or maybe even the start of a short comic.

All supplies are provided. This class is recommended for students ages 14 and up.

Since October of 2010, Donna Letterese (she/her) has taught Cartooning, Zine-Making, and Drawing classes. She taught for many years in and around the Los Angeles area (and still does on Zoom), and since 2020 has been teaching in and around Seattle. Donna loves teaching visual storytelling, and is passionate about helping students find their voice through creating narrative images and words to tell their own tales. As an educator, she has taught at afterschool programs, libraries, museums, and arts centers, really enjoying being part of the process that helps young artists find their voices through putting pencil, pen and any favorite drawing materials to paper.

This is a paid class that requires registration. Sign up here.

Watercolor cats!! And dogs, and fish, and lizards, and geckos, and rats, and guinea pigs, and horses, and dragons, and unicorns, and...

Bring a picture of your beloved creature (be it real or imaginary) and we will sketch a cute cartoon or caricature that captures what makes your pet unique. From there, we'll use pens and ink to create a bold base for our watercolors. You'll have your choice of colors and teacher instruction through each step of your painting.

By the end of the class, you'll have a full-color, watercolor illustration of your furry friend and some new watercolor skills under your belt!

Max M (he/him) is Push/Pull's resident watercolor fanatic. He's been exploring the medium for over 8 years and can't wait to share his passion with you! When he's not painting, you can find Max hiking, swimming, and cooking.

This is a paid class that requires registration. Sign up here.

Join Maxx to learn how to screen print! You'll create your own 5" x 7" design using screen writing fluid and screen blocking fluid to paint on your art. Screens are custom made by Maxx and she'll show you how you can make your own too.

Start putting your art on patches, clothes, stickers and more. Class is 4 hours and includes one long and one short break for drying time. Once your screen is ready, you'll be able to print your design during the class time on paper or fabric. You're welcome to bring in your own small items to print. All materials and tools are provided and at the end you get to take your screen home to keep printing!

Maxx taught herself how to screen print over a decade ago and has been printing works for herself and others on paper, fabric and stickers ever since. You can find her printing on many of the items at Push/Pull.

This is a paid class that requires registration. Sign up here.

Learn the ancient art of wax sealing!

Ever wanted a personalized touch to your letters, crafts, and more? We'll begin by learning the basics of wax seals. Then, we'll incorporate dried flowers, gold leaf, ribbons, and two-toned designs to level up your wax seal game. Your recipients will be astonished at how beautiful you can make your designs with this simple-to-learn craft!

You will create at least 5 wax seals that you can either wax directly onto papers that you bring in, or take home with you and later glue onto whatever you like.

All materials are provided for this class, although you are encouraged to bring ready-to-be-sealed letters, packages, and other papers you'd like to embellish. Because this activity involves hot surfaces, this class is recommended for ages 12 and up.