Events at Push/Pull Ballard

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.

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

Come paint a lil' guy! Learn the basics of gouache, an opaque watercolor, while painting a different critter every month. We'll talk about how to layer values, adding highlights, and capturing the essence of your chosen creature. You will leave with a finished painting and a better understanding of the critter of the month.

October: Snakes!
November: Sea stars!
December: Frogs!

All materials are provided. This class is recommended for students 12 and up.

RJ (she/they) is a natural science illustrator, ecology enthusiast, and mixed media artist. She uses gouache in many of her pieces, and particularly loves drawing bugs. See more @beccaquibbles.