ACE CREATIVE LAB
BOOK WORKSHOP 2026
Have you ever dreamed of becoming an author or illustrator? Immerse yourself in a six day creative process with Ace book creator Gabija and creative mentor Joana. Experience how books are created – from the first sketches to binding and presenting your own book.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
The camp is for children aged 8 to 14 years old.
No previous experience is needed, only curiosity and a desire to create. The camp is bilingual – we continue the ACE book tradition and work in Lithuanian and English.
If your age doesn’t fit this group, but you dream of becoming an author or illustrator? Write to us at info@aceknyga.com – we will be happy to accept you.
CAMP DATES
June 22nd – 27th
July 27th – August 1st
By the end of the camp, each child will have:
- Written a story in a chosen format: a comic, graphic novel, short story, etc.;
- Illustrated it in their own style;
- Learned the basics of layout and book structure;
- Learned book binding techniques and printed their own book;
- Experienced the entire creative process of an author – illustrator;
- Participated in a book presentation, to which family members will be invited – each child will feel like an author and will have presented their own work.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Price: When registering before May 15 – 350 €, from May 15 – 390 €
Duration: First 5 days from 8:00 to 15:00
Last day – a special book presentation celebration, to which family members are invited!
Location: Keramikų g. 2B, Dvarčionys, Vilnius
Meals: Twice a day
PROGRAM
Write. Create. Share.
Day 1 – Ideas and Inspiration
Introduction to the world of books, idea generation, character creation.
Day 2 – Story in Illustration
Basics of storytelling, frame creation and linocut creative practice.
Day 3 – Illustration
Texture hunt in the forest, illustration techniques, search for personal style.
Day 4 – Cover Design
Typography, composition, alphabet creation, cover illustration.
Day 5 – Book Production
Book binding and preparation for presentation. Relaxation practice with a yoga instructor.
Day 6 – Celebration and Camp Closing
Young authors showcase their books, receive diplomas, and celebrate their creative journey.
WHAT KINDS OF BOOKS WILL WE CREATE?
At the camp, we will create ZINES (pronounced “zeen”), small self-made booklets that can be about anything. There is no one right way to create them. Someone who doesn’t like writing can create a zine almost entirely from drawings. Someone who loves writing will fill pages with text, and someone who enjoys cutting will create a collage zine. We will encourage the use of various techniques and allow imagination to expand without limits.
THE ORGANIZERS
Gabija Gasiunas
Ace book series author, illustrator, and publisher
After completing her master’s studies at Vilnius Academy of Arts, Gabija founded her own small publishing house and created the bilingual Ace books series. However, for her, creativity is not just work, but a way of life.
Read More . . .
At the camp, Gabija will show behind the scenes of how an idea for a book is born, how a sketch becomes an illustration, and how an illustration becomes a book. She will teach children not only the theory and practice of illustration, but also how to express themselves boldly through creativity. Gabija communicates with children perhaps even better than with adults. She understands their language, supports their wildest ideas, and knows how to ignite the creative spark in everyone.
Joana Monastyreckienė
Creative Mentor
A creator, events organizer, mother, and someone who simply has a gift for working with children. She is constantly involved in creative projects – writing, filming, organizing. And she brings that same energy to the camp.
Read More . . .
At the camp, Joana will help children discover that writing is not hard work or a school assignment. It is a space where they can experiment, laugh, and surprise themselves. In her classes, the group quickly settles in, energy rises, and stories begin to flow naturally. Joana also shares relaxation techniques that help children free themselves and create without fear of making mistakes. Because the best texts are born when children simply allow themselves to play with words.
The number of places is limited – only 10 children per session.
Don’t miss the opportunity. Register now and see you soon at ACE Creative Lab!
