Comments from Diane Bouchard's Students at The Nova Studio in Point Richmond, CA (SF Bay Area)

"Beeswax collage is fun and addictive. Diane had everything ready to go, so we could start creating right away. The class was relaxing and creatively stimulating." - Allison Torres

"Diane's Advanced Altered Books had easy explanations and everything was supplied. Just great! I want more!" - Judy Reidenger

"Everything was wonderful! The instructor (Diane) was very knowledgeable, helpful and extremely nice... Life altering for someone who works 60-hour weeks at an internet company, who normally wouldn't be able to draw a stick figure and who is proud of her work and can't wait to create more beeswax collages to share with friends and family." - Jenni J.

"Excellent artist trading cards class. Diane is very creative and gives really good ideas. The supplies are really well thought out. Excellent advanced altered books class too. I greatly enjoy the classes Diane teaches and will be looking forward to more of them. SHE ROCKS!" - Peg McCaskey

"Thank you so much for such an enjoyable Sunday afternoon! I knew absolutely nothing about Altered Books and came away from the class hooked! Diane is an excellent teacher; knowledgeable, entertaining and encouraging. The studio is a great space to spend time in... so peaceful and filled with interesting stuff to look at. I look forward to taking more classes there as soon as I can. Thanks again." - Kelly Lacy

"What I liked most about the Beeswax Collage Class was the further instruction on collage with an instructor that is knowledgeable and is enthusiastic on what she is doing." - Janice Bazurto

"The choice/selection of images in the Artist Trading Cards class was great... Very inspiring and empowering! I really like Diane's teaching style - very laid back but still keeps the class focused." - Anonymous from Survey

"In the Advanced AB Class, I really liked trying techniques that cost money for supplies so I know if I like it first (like gold foil). Also, the camaraderie... sharing... and seeing all of Diane's samples!" - Janice Johnson

"With beeswax collage, the results with are immediate and fun. The wax is also fun to work with!" - Mariette Leufkens

"Dear Diane, I thoroughly enjoyed the Altered Books Class last Sunday at the Nova Studio. You were extremely well prepared with the timing, handouts, materials, and examples. It was all excellent and I didn't even take a bathroom break because the hours flew by. I'm now so inspired to continue with my own projects and look forward to seeing you again for the ATC Class which I've already signed up for (as well as the Advanced Altered Books class). Thanks again for your wonderful guidance. Lori, I also want to let you know how charming and comfortable your studio is and I plan on taking more classes there in the future. " - Dorothy Langlois

"The Artist Trading Cards class was fantastic! This class met my expectations and went way beyond. Diane is so well prepared, patient & resourceful. For the Advanced Altered Books ... Diane really has her act together! She wasted no time and proves herself with excellent examples. Please have Diane teach more classes!" - Dorothy Langlois

"The beeswax collage process was much easier than I thought. Very fun!" - Rowena Cerri

"Loved the Altered Books class! I got instant gratification! I will definitely sign up for the advanced altered books class. She was very well-prepared and made good use of every moment, offering great tips on what we were doing while we were doing it! I also love The Nova Studio space. It's so cozy! You'll be seeing more of me. There's a lot of classes I want to take." - Tessie Arenas

"I thought the altered books class was great! I'm a beginner and Diane made me feel comfortable and gave me confidence to start creating on my own . I especially appreciated her organized approach and the structure. The hand-out is really nice to have as I can go over what we did in class and have my memory jogged. I also thought the class was well-paced and we accomplished a lot. She has a nice, relaxed teaching style and made the class fun. I'm looking forward to Advanced Altered Books! p.s. I loved the Nova Studio- a great space for creating." - Laura Libbey

"Diane is a very good teacher. The trading cards class was fun and the results were great. I loved the 1-2-3 idea too. Thanks!" - Julie Bloch

"What I liked most about the (altered books) class: Plenty of room to work with. Diane shared her own work , which was very inspirational. The class size was just right for sharing camaraderie - a great group of ladies. I really appreciated having the background music, I find if very conducive for creating! I already have recommended the class to some friends - passed on your web site address. Thanks, again for a terrific afternoon." - Larry Stevens

“Diane Bouchard’s Altered Book Class was better then I had expected. She was very organized, explained techniques clearly, made up great kits and her work is incredible. I’ve been wanting to make an altered book for almost a year now but, was kind of hesitant to start. Thanks to Diane I’m off to an exciting new art form. I had never heard of The Nova Studio until I did a google search looking for an altered book class in the Bay area. I’m glad to have found your wonderful studio and Diane. I'm telling other people I know about it too. Thanks for making a special place for people to explore their creativity." - Sherry Tobin

I took Diane's Altered Books class and wanted to say that Diane is a marvelous teacher and mentor. She inspires, instructs but leaves you lots of room to go at your own pace. You have a wonderful studio and I absolutely loved Point Richmond - What a jewel of a town." - Renna Ulvang

"Hi Lori: Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful space with us. The four hour Advanced Altered Books class absolutely flew by and I could have spent four more without even noticing it. Diane is such a wonderful teacher, warm, creative, relaxed, uncritical, supportive.... all superlatives. I am still working on the "practice" book I started with her in the beginning class; a book which I treasure and is in my mind a serious work of art. I hope you will keep offering these wonderful opportunities. Thanks so much." - Renna Ulvang

"Just wanted to drop you a note to tell you again how much I enjoyed the altered books class on Sunday. It was so much fun getting hands-on experience. Again Diane, you really are an excellent teacher, and an inspiring artist too. It was a great experience - thank you!” - Karen from Walnut Creek

"Thanks for a great class on Sunday (altered books). I am energized to get started on a book of my own and am collecting 'ephemera'." - Margaret Radford

"I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the altered books class. Diane was a supportive, enthusiastic and informative teacher. I will keep in mind taking additional classes at the nova studio. Thank you." - Nona E.

"After your altered books class on Sunday, I went home and took a book off my shelf and did a layout page. Since then I have been adding bits and pieces. I found myself gathering up ephemera I have been collecting and laid it all out on my table. I bought some supplies and to my surprise, I am thinking about my book, what I'll do tonight on it when I get home! I'm telling you this because I think altered books are the medium for me. I've taken some bookmaking classes before and have learned structures but have never been able to start a book with a blank page. With altered books, I have a prompt, a start and find that works better for me. Many thanks for the class! I will be taking more, I'm sure." - Betty Walker

"I had a great time at the altered books class. I really liked the different ideas for pages. There is of course never enough time but that is because we all like to really "get into it". Tell Diane she did a fabulous job." - Regina Oryall

"Diane's altered books class was Fantastic, would love to see Part II." - Kathy Kidd

I totally loved learning the different techniques that Diane shared with us (card making workshop) and I have been inspired and making cards like mad! I have already made nearly 70 cards since taking the class! I really enjoy the process and I'm looking for different things to do all the time now." - Julee Herrmann

"I can't stop looking at the cards my friend and I made at the Lavender Room! The card making class was a blast!! I would definitely take it again and this time, bring even more friends! I even showed them to a few friends and they could not believe I actually made them myself!" - Juliet Travis

"Hi, Lori! I loved Diane's card making class... Keep up the good work and I'll return for a class soon!..." - Mary Still

"The card-making class was FABULOUS! Diane was great at keeping us going, giving us creative choices. I must have said "WOW" about 2 dozen times in 3 hours! ;-) Many Thanks." - Susan Strasburger