Calligraphy, Bookbinding & Journaling Retreat with Anne Elser

Registration extended through August 10, 2025.

Join Anne Elser to create a decorative and functional work of art. Stitching a handmade book is a soothing and enjoyable creative outlet. And filling the pages you’ve stitched together with your thoughts is such a luxury. This personal handmade journal will become a vehicle in which to fill your hopes, dreams, drawings, musings, sketches, lettering practices and more.

We’ll create scalloped scraps from the papers used to collage the covers and recycle them into short sheets that remain visible on the spine of your journal. Together we’ll make a book with your thoughts and ideas that will be fun and meaningful. And the more you put into it, the more it will talk back to you!

Calligraphy Bookbinding & Journaling Retreat with Anne Elser - intuitive empath, artist & instructor

Let Anne Elser guide you in creating a one of a kind keepsake journal that speaks to you each time you open it. Create scalloped margins by recycling paper pieces used to collage your journal cover and short sheets that remain visible on the spine of your journal. Then fill the pages with thoughts & ideas and learn creative tips on lettering and drawing to make each page unique!

In a retreat setting, form a deeper bond with yourself, your natural environment, group dynamics, and the materials used to create a hard-bound journal that we will learn to fill with lettering, drawing, and journaling techniques.

CLASSES

Enjoy classes, plus evening programs starting on Thursday, and a closing program on Sunday, plus other activities during the stay.

DATES

Opening date is Thursday, October 23, 2025 beginning at 4pm and ending on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 11am.

LOCATION

Skyline Camp and Retreat Center

5650 Sandhill Rd.

Almont, Michigan 48003

810-798-8240

This is a smoke free establishment. Visit their website for more information.

FOOD

Dinner is provided on Thursday.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on Friday and Saturday.

Brunch is provided on Sunday.

Dietary restrictions are accommodated with notice one month in advance.

LODGING

All rooms are private (bedding included) with shared bath facilities.

DIRECTIONS

Skyline Center is 1 hour, 14 minutes, from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) via M53N and 47 minutes from Bishop International Airport (FNT) via I-69.

INCLUDED SUPPLIES

The instructor will provide book boards (pre-cut), paper pages (folded and pierced), glue, thread, wax and needles. These are included in the retreat cost.

SUPPLY LIST (Students Should Bring)

Decorative papers

Bone folder

Glue brush

Watercolor pencils

Erasers

Paint brush

Water brush pen

Paper ephemera

Ruler

Favorite writing instruments & inks

CLASS SIZE

Maximum number of students is 15.

Each participant will have a table.

We need to fill all spaces available here to make this retreat possible. If we do not have enough registrations by August 10, 2025 and cannot hold the retreat, we will refund your event fee of $850, minus fees retained by Eventbrite. Registrants should consider purchasing insurance to cover their investment in case of travel issues, sickness or other emergencies that may arise. Tickets can be transferred to another individual, but this must be facilitated between you and the recipient. MAC cannot be held liable for any individual cancellations or ticket transfers.