Make. Explore. Connect.
Workshops are an opportunity to step away from busy schedules and digital overload, work with your hands, learn something new and connect with other people.
Monica’s workshops bring together making, conversation and curiosity. Some focus on the pleasures of paper and handmade books; others head outdoors to explore the natural world through drawing and observation. All are practical, relaxed and designed to leave you with new skills and ideas to continue exploring at home.
From Paper to Book: An introduction to bookbinding
Discover the pleasure of making your own books using simple tools, paper, card, thread and glue.
This hands-on workshop introduces versatile book structures that provide a foundation for further experimentation. Along the way, you’ll explore how new and recycled materials can be transformed into journals, sketchbooks, photo albums, recipe books, travel diaries, artist’s books or handmade gifts.
You’ll leave with completed books and the skills to keep making your own.
Perfect for: beginners, paper lovers and anyone curious about bookbinding.
Introducing Artist’s Books: Connecting form, content and ideas
What happens when a book becomes an artwork?
Artist’s books use the familiar form of the book to tell stories, investigate ideas and experiment with materials. In this workshop, you’ll learn simple, adaptable binding techniques while exploring ways to bring form and content together.
Your starting point might be a memory, a place, a journey, an observation or something completely abstract. Drawings, photographs, poetry, collage, found materials, textures and colour can all become part of the book.
Monica will also share examples from her own collection of travel diaries, botanical explorations and artist’s books before giving you plenty of time to experiment and develop a book of your own.
Perfect for: curious makers, artists, writers, photographers and anyone interested in exploring the creative possibilities of books.
Creative Nature Journaling: Explore, draw and discover
Part drawing workshop, part nature exploration, these sessions use journals and sketchbooks as a way of slowing down and paying closer attention to place.
Working in environments such as forests, wetlands and coastal landscapes, you’ll explore different ways of recording what you encounter — from broad views and sensory impressions to the smallest textures, patterns and details.
Guided drawing and mark-making exercises encourage observation rather than polished artwork. Monica’s background in ecological restoration also brings another layer to the experience, introducing some of the plants, animals, processes and relationships that make each place distinctive.
No specialist drawing or ecological knowledge is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to look.
Perfect for: anyone wanting a creative reset, greater confidence drawing outdoors, or a deeper connection with the natural world.
Interested in a workshop?
Workshops are offered at different venues and can also be developed for groups, organisations and events.
For upcoming workshops, collaborations or enquiries, visit the Contact page or follow @monica.peters.nz on Instagram.
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