ALL WORKSHOPS ARE SOLD OUT

Prices vary per class.

We will email you all relevant information leading up to the event so you have the instructions necessary to participate! No cancelations / refunds. Each workshop will run one to two hours.

We are bringing a new set of seminars to our 39th annual Sidewalk Sale! More information coming soon. Spots are limited. Seminars will be hosted during the Sidewalk Sale and you must be present to attend. These are in-person seminars, not virtual.

AUGUST 13

Jean Hayes, Kindness Journal Workshop: August 13 @ 10:00am

Jean is a supporter of Random Acts, a worldwide grassroots non-profit dedicated to inspiring acts of kindness around the world both big and small. This winter they launched the Random Acts' Kindness Journal. During this workshop each participant will receive one copy of the Random Acts' Kindness Journal and one 2" Random Acts World Kindness for All vinyl sticker. Jean will introduce you to this journal while participants share acts of kindness both on and off the page. Please bring some gently used supplies (stickers, paper, stamps, ephemera, washi, ect) to share/destash/exchange with the group. Jean will bring her own stash to share and supply the necessary tools. Anything left over from the workshop will be brought to the Atlas Stationers' 39th Sidewalk Sale sticker swap/destash at the cafe across the street. After the sale, Jean will donate any unused items to a thrift called Sparrows Nest which supports Home of the Sparrow. Home of the Sparrow provides transitional shelter and supportive services to those who are in need.

Bryce Gillett of Luxury Brands of America, Build Your Own Concept Pen: August 13 @ 10:30am

Join Bryce Gillett of Luxury Brands of America for an interactive workshop exploring the world of fine writing instruments! Bryce will introduce Luxury Brands of America (LBA) and share the history and legacy of the iconic Platinum 3776 fountain pen, including how LBA became a distributor of Platinum pens. Participants will then take part in a hands-on design session to create their own concept pen, exploring the elements that make a writing instrument both functional and unique.

Helen Wang of TheCoffeeMonsterzCo, Inky Doodles & Typefaces For Journals: August 13 @ 12:00pm SOLD OUT!

We love stickers and washi tapes and pretty papers over here, but sometimes it's nice to go back to the basics! This beginner-friendly class will go over doodling techniques using fountain pens, creating a typeface from one's natural handwriting, and putting it all together with whimsical embellishments. We hope students walk away with the confidence to incorporate doodling into their daily journaling routine! Materials will be provided, but feel free to also bring your favorite journaling supplies!

Laurie Paolinetti, Brush Calligraphy Workshop: August 13 @ 2:00pm

This beginner-friendly workshop with brush pens will guide you through Copperplate script basic strokes & the lowercase letters. The script is known for its graceful slant, thin upstrokes, thick downstrokes and its elegant appearance. Often used today for formal invitations & certificates, these decorative letters will have you captivated with calligraphy! Brush pen Copperplate combines traditional elegance with modern brush pen convenience. Attendees will receive (2) Tombow Fudenosuke brush pens & a detailed handout (which includes capitals!) to further their practice at home.

Ryan Sirignano of Esterbrook, Adaptability in the World of Fountain Pens Workshop: August 13 @ 2:30pm SOLD OUT!

Over the last 20 years, Ryan Sirignano has seen the pen industry change in countless ways, from shifting customer habits and market trends to the renewed interest in analog writing that grew after the pandemic. Through those changes, brands like Esterbrook have found new ways to reach collectors, writers, and stationery lovers around the world. In this workshop, Ryan will share his perspective on what it takes to bring back a beloved vintage pen brand, how Esterbrook has grown through community, storytelling, and product innovation, and what larger trends continue to shape the fine writing industry today. Attendees will also receive a gift bag with over $50 worth of Esterbrook products!

AUGUST 14

Haley Franker, Bookbinding: August 14 @ 10:00am SOLD OUT!

Learn how to do beginners bookbinding stitches including chain stitch and pamphlet stitch to create your own personal notebooks for writing and junk journaling. Paper and thread, as well as paper decorations and stamping materials to decorate their notebooks. Awls, rulers, needles, and bonefolders will be provided as tools during the workshop, but will not be for the attendees to keep.

Ask Me Anything (AMA) w/ Atlas Brothers, Brian & Brendan: August 14 @ 10:30am

Join us for an exclusive Q&A session with Brian and Brendan, the brother duo and proud 4th-generation family owners of Atlas Stationers! This engaging session offers a rare chance to connect directly with Brian and Brendan. Dive into their journeys as brothers and business leaders, explore how their family heritage has influenced their vision, and hear firsthand how they’ve navigated evolving the company while honoring its roots. Whether you want to learn about their career paths, inspirations, or future goals, they’ll share candid stories, lessons learned, and the passion that drives them. Known for their charisma and innovative mindset, Brian and Brendan are ready to answer your questions and provide a truly authentic, inspiring experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from two remarkable leaders shaping the future of Atlas Stationers!

Helen Wang of TheCoffeeMonsterzCo, Inky Doodles & Typefaces For Journals: August 14 @ 12:00pm SOLD OUT!

Jessica Jovel of Letters to Apollo, Lets Junk Journal: Sunset in the City: August 14 @ 2:00 pm

Spend the afternoon capturing the magic of late summer in Chicago through paper, scraps, and stories. Sunset in the City is all about golden hour walks, café stops, and the little moments that feel bigger when the sun starts to set. We’ll be creating journal pages inspired by city life, photobooth memories, and everything you want to remember from this season. Bring your journal, your favorite bits and pieces, and let’s document a summer night before it slips away.

Lina Nguyen, Mini Layering: August 14 @ 2:30pm SOLD OUT!

Explore the art of collage through a smaller, more approachable format. In this workshop, we’ll focus on creating mini layered compositions using sticker sheets, washi tape, memo papers, and curated ephemera. Lina will walk you through her process for building cohesive layouts in a limited space- from choosing an anchor piece to layering textures and details in a way that feels balanced and natural. Working on a smaller scale makes it easier to experiment, play with materials, and let go of perfection. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to ease into collaging or try a more relaxed, low-pressure approach to journaling, no experience needed.

Sidewalk Sale Workshops

Sidewalk Sale 39 Workshops - 2026

Sidewalk Sale 39 Nibmeister Appointments w/ Matthew Chen (Matthew's Nibworks)

Sidewalk Sale 39 Nibmeister Appointments w/ Gena Salorino (Custom Nib Studio)