This event has been canceled. Check out the second part of the series to make a junk journal in May!

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll gather natural materials, create textured papers, and sew your own hand-bound nature journal.

PVAS Host: Susan Wolcott, Deana Thorsell

$10/person (PVAS members receive a 10% discount). Kids aged 4 and under may attend for free and without being registered. For ages 8 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 25 participants. This program has a minimum of 5 participants.

PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible

This workshop is the first in a two-part series designed to complement one another, though each may be taken on its own. Participants will walk the preserve paths to gather natural materials to be used in place of traditional brushes. Using what they find and other simple supplies, they will create layered, organic prints which will become the interior and cover pages of a handmade journal created from recycled paper. Each participant will cut a small branch to incorporate into a simple stick binding—no sewing experience required. The three-hour session is intentionally unhurried; participants may leave early if needed, as this is a mindful, stress-reducing process meant to encourage exploration and let go of the idea that there is a “right” way to create. This repeatable practice offers a foundational bookbinding technique and serves as a beautiful starting point for nature journaling or expanding into junk journaling in the second workshop. The second workshop will take place on May 24.

• Walking Distance: About a half mile
• Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)
• Exposure: Forested with dense canopy cover
• Terrain: Hard ground/hiking trail. Some rolling hills.
• Restroom: There are 2 composting toilets at Yankauer near the start of the trail
• Parking/Where to Meet: The group will meet at the pavilion near the start of the trail.
• What to Bring: Bring garden snips

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.

If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled.

Read our pricing structure & policies.

About Susan: Susan earned her Master Naturalist certification in 2022. As a lifelong maker, Susan enjoys many creative pursuits, and especially likes working with paper and in nature. She has explored journal making for several years and finds the process satisfying and relaxing. She is interested in projects and activities that help people make a connection with nature. She also has a keen interest in edible and medicinal plants. “ One of the great things about being older is that I have a lot of knowledge to share.

About Deana: Being involved with PVAS for many years and participating in PVAS events and activities with my family and grandchildren, I’ve come to love the program and what it offers to everyone. Their staff and volunteers are very professional, experienced and they make learning fun for everyone. I completed the PVMN 2022 class and have become a Certified Master Naturalist. I wanted to give back to others on something that I’m very passonate about and I love doing – Nature Journaling. It’s not about being able to draw (as most think it is), but being in nature, observing what you see, documenting it by words, photography, drawing, cut and pasting, etc. and finding answers to some of your questions that you may be asking yourself. It is your personal journal to do as you want. It’s a great way to reduce stress, meet new people and share with each other our ideas. Try it – You’ll love it! “