Art Process: Handmade Kelp Paint

This year I am moving back into the experimental process that I deeply love. Working with kelp is something I plan to do all year. The smell of kelp, clove oil (in my paint binder) was a soothing briny scent that brought me back to summertime as a child swimming in the bay.

I’m working with @lazypointfarms using @montaukseaweedco kelp meal to create non-toxic handmade watercolor paint. Since these paints are plant based I’m working through a series of tests to watch their colors shift and fade. Capturing scans of them immediately after they dry will preserve the original colors and soon I can offer fine art prints of the abstract patterns made with this crop.

PAINTING MADE WITH HANDMADE KELP PAINT

CHRISTIE JONES, WORK STATION MAKING KELP PAINT, LONG ISLAND

Behind the scenes to process:

• Grind kelp meal with mortar & pestle

• Sift through to get smaller particles (repeat)

• Add handmade non-toxic watercolor binder

• Mix with palette knife & muller

• Make paintings!

KELP COLLECTION, CHRISTIE JONES 2025

I plan to volunteer later this year with Mastic Beach Conservancy as they harvest kelp. Being connected to the growing process, seeing the kelp harvested, and having the ability to lend my own two hands to be part of this monumental movement in New York kelp is something I look forward to. You can learn more about the aquafarms and opportunities to volunteer here.

Village Calligraphy Workshop Recap

Once again I had the pleasure of teaching at Village in Sayville. This time I was thrilled to share the knowledge of calligraphy with an intimate group on a Thursday evening. We had candles lit, chocolates near, and the sound of our dip pens moving across parchment. It was everything I dreamed of. Years ago I started my business teaching calligraphy through the north east. I traveled and hosted workshops all over. I taught in my own studios on Long Island, and lettered many items for weddings. The last time I taught was masks on in the pandemic, and this was such a wonderful way to get back into teaching an art form that is so near and dear to me.

I was so proud of everyone’s progress! Left handed or right handed, some experience or no experience - everyone left that evening with a better understanding of how to use the tools, and create lovely letters.

February Calligraphy Workshop at Village in Sayville, NY

I will be launching an online workshop so regardless of where you live or if you have taken a workshop in the past and want to brush up on your skills you can do so from the comfort of your home. Keep in mind, I do offer private lessons too. Reach out, I’d love to help!

Village Watercolor Workshop Recap

It takes a village! I’m thrilled to partner with Village in Sayville this wonderful general store that opened in 2024. When Ashley the owner asked me to teach here I instantly knew YES! Surrounded by beautifully curated gifts we hosted our first handmade watercolor workshop of 2025 here. I designed a custom watercolor sheet based on the store, and attendees were able to see the paint making process in person. After an intro everyone had full access to my handmade paints from earth & mineral pigments along with a variety of my designs to create their own paintings.

I can’t wait to teach more workshops like this in 2025. I have some scheduled, so make sure you’re checking the event page for upcoming options.

And don’t worry if you’re not local. I’m working on NEW online classes! Stay tuned.