Pocket Nature Guide Mixed Media Workshop

Create your own mixed media pocket nature guide from a single piece of paper!

This youth class features an ADA accessible, leisurely activity — little to no travel required, with less than 2 miles of walking on mostly level terrain. Shade and seating will be available.

Paisley Ramstead is best known for her local snake outreach efforts, but she spent most of her 2020/2021 quarantine creating collages and selling stickers and prints through Etsy. This workshop will explore different collage and mixed media techniques.

In this workshop, students will take inspiration from Joshua Tree National Park and California desert flora and fauna to create their own pocket nature guide using recycled materials from magazines, picture books, and more! After a brief nature walk for inspiration, students will return to the classroom and be guided through the process of creating a six-page pocket guide from a single sheet of paper, celebrating their favorite things found in the California deserts.

All materials provided; however, students are welcome to bring any nature-themed magazines or printed materials that they wish to use in addition to instructor-provided materials. Guests are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate clothing for a short hike around the visitor’s center.

Photo credit: Paisley Ramstead, Desert Institute Instructor