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StoryFest 2025 Presents: Book Bedazzling Workshop for Fun & Relaxation With Allie Joy
Workshop Details
Saturday, October 18, 4-5 pm (McCall Room #216)
Get crafty at The Westport Library and turn your favorite book into a work of art! In this playful, hands-on workshop, participants will transform books into dazzling decorative pieces using gems, glitter, and other creative materials. Whether you’re adding sparkle to a beloved novel or reimagining a vintage hardcover as home décor, this class blends literary love with artistic flair. All materials provided — just bring your imagination… and a book to bedazzle!
Due to time constraints, it will probably not be possible to bedazzle the entire book cover during the workshop. However, we will certainly be able to set you on a path so that you can continue on your own. Please bring a book with a cover that is appropriate for bedazzling. Simpler designs with bold text or minimal details work best (think Emily Henry–style covers). If you are unsure about your book choice, please bring an extra option. Remember, the less intricate the design, the more successful the bedazzling will be in the time allowed.
If you know what book you plan to bring, please send the title to [email protected]. Knowing ahead of time helps us get gem colors that match your cover (or get as close as possible) and make sure everyone has what they need. You can absolutely change your mind later, but having a general idea is still super helpful!
This workshop will begin promptly at 4 pm. Please allow yourself extra time to find parking so that you arrive on time and don’t miss key instructions. We look forward to seeing you at this fun event!
About the Instructor
Allie Joy is a board-certified art therapist and licensed professional counselor and the founder of Creatively Clinical, a practice dedicated to integrating creativity into therapy with authenticity, compassion, and clinical structure. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and ceramics and a master’s in art therapy and counseling. Early in her career, she served underserved communities in schools and outreach settings while supervising fellow clinicians. Today, she supports other therapists through consultation, supervision, and creative training courses — helping them diversify their practices, embrace innovation, and build sustainable, grounded careers.
About StoryFest & StoryFest 2025
Now in its eighth year, StoryFest is the largest annual literary festival in Connecticut and one of the biggest in the Northeast. It is a celebration of the story in all its forms and storytellers from across all media, each year drawing scores of authors and hundreds of readers, writers, and fans.
The 2025 edition runs October 13 to October 20, starting with Julian Brave NoiseCat’s book launch for We Survived the Night and ending with a 10th anniversary celebration of Shonda Rhimes’ New York Times best-selling memoir, Year of Yes.
The festival rings in its hallmark weekend on Friday, October 17, by showcasing storytelling through film and music with a screening of the documentary Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues, followed by a concert event with James Montgomery’s Blues Band featuring SNL Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman.
Saturday, October 18, will feature a series of events starting at 10 am and going until 6 pm — including panel discussions, author talks, book readings, signings, and more.
Past participants include National Book Award finalist Jason Reynolds; Goosebumps author R.L. Stine; acclaimed essayist and memoirist Roxane Gay, New York Times best-selling authors Michael Lewis, Mitch Albom, Claire Messud, Angie Kim, Stephen Graham Jones, and Caroline Kepnes; young adult superstars Nic Stone, Tiffany Jackson, and L.L. McKinney; Emmy Award winner Sheila Nevins; best-selling memoirist Isaac Fitzgerald; Kirkus Prize recipient Saeed Jones; and Pinkalicious author/illustrator Victoria Kann.
About Verso University
- Classes are usually structured as a consecutive series.
- Class size is often limited.
- Each series has a one-time fee registration fee covering all classes in the series.
- Registration is mandatory.
- The Westport Library wants to ensure that all interested students are able to participate in Verso University courses. If the registration fee is a barrier to entry for you, please contact [email protected].
Verso University is the Library’s lifelong learning and education initiative, serving up year-round offerings of classes, workshops, and lectures designed to further education and learning. Offerings run the gamut of educational opportunities, ranging from one-time lectures to ongoing courses to classes that meet weekly or perhaps monthly.
Verso University programs are made possible by the generous support of the Nancy J. Beard Lifelong Learning and Education Fund.
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The Westport Library is committed to intellectual freedom, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. Our mission is to provide welcoming spaces for the free exchange of ideas. The Library does not endorse or condemn points of view, including any program content or the views expressed by presenters or participants.
