Turn a Little Golden Book into a Handmade Journal with Ann Mann in Monroe, GA

Storybook Journal Making with Ann Mann in Monroe, Georgia, offers a hands-on creative workshop that turns a Little Golden Book into a personalized journal. Meeting in Monroe, Georgia (United States), this two-hour class on Monday, November 16 from 1–3 PM brings writers, artists, and nostalgia-seekers together under the guidance of Rev. Ann Mann, an Emmy Award–winning writer, pastor, artist, and author.

Sit at a communal table and open a childhood favorite: the Little Golden Book is the star—its gold spine, illustrated plates, and compact size make it an ideal base for a durable, portable journal. The session supplies original Little Golden Books for those who need one and welcomes participants who bring their own. Ann walks the group through the practical mechanics—splitting and reinforcing the spine, adding signatures, selecting endpapers and dividers, and finishing with a wrap or ribbon closure—plus creative choices like patterned inserts and pockets for keepsakes. Tools and classroom supplies are provided, so you can focus on design and technique rather than sourcing materials.

With class size capped at six, there’s room for one-on-one coaching and conversation about storytelling, memory-keeping, and the rituals of daily writing. The pace is deliberate but relaxed: expect two focused hours where you’ll learn skills that extend beyond the workshop. You’ll leave with a finished journal, the confidence to make more at home, and practical techniques you can repeat with any small-format book.

This workshop stands out in Monroe’s local arts scene because it pairs craft skill with narrative sensibility. Instead of a generic bookbinding demonstration, Ann emphasizes the story inside the cover—how a repurposed Little Golden Book becomes an object worth revisiting. The class is geared to ages 16 and up, costs $45 per person, and fills quickly; last-minute registration is sometimes possible if space remains.

Beyond the table, Monroe’s compact downtown and active arts community make this an easy afternoon stop on a regional trip from Atlanta. Whether you’re a traveler looking for a novel souvenir or a local eager to build a habit of journaling, this session is an accessible, hands-on way to reclaim a piece of childhood and turn it into a tool for adult creativity. Bring a favorite book if you have one, a sense of curiosity, and leave with a small, personal archive of future stories.

Materials are included—every attendee gets a Little Golden Book if needed plus papers, adhesives, and sewing thread; shared tools are provided, so the only thing to bring is patience and any personal ephemera you want to tuck inside. The class's small size encourages sharing techniques and stories—many participants trade tips on paper sourcing and repairs. This workshop is ideal whether you want a meaningful keepsake or a practical craft skill.