Eight local residents will have the opportunity to learn card-making from an expert when Karen McDermott provides classes at the Community Center for four weeks beginning Tuesday, Aug. 8.

McDermott, a summer resident of Southport, is the director of the Book Arts Roundtable in Orange, New Jersey. She founded it in 1999.  A self-described “paper fanatic,” she holds a degree in print and paper-making and spent 17 years as chair of the art department of a New Jersey school. McDermott has studied with artists and book binders across the U.S.

Explaining that she always loved paper, McDermott is able to make her own and has a studio in her Southport home. When the Community Center’s Shawn Lewin learned about her expertise, he asked if she would teach a class, and the card-making class was created.

“I like to share what I know with others and see the joy and surprise on people’s faces when they complete a project,” she said. The classes will start with instruction in using paper and working with color and progress to making greeting cards, holiday cards and gift tags.

“Everyone should go home with 4-6 completed cards at the end of each session,” she said.  “We will use the Big Shot die cutting machine to create cutouts to adhere to cards, rubber stamps to add images and text, and gorgeous colors of cardstock to tie it all together.“

No expertise is needed for the classes and McDermott said she will provide “equipment, ideas, paper and tools.” Those attending may bring scissors, if they have them, and any other needed equipment will be identified after the first class.

Because class size is limited, those wishing to attend are asked to call the Center at 633-9876 to reserve a space. Classes are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29.