THE ART QUILT: HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS

SPIRIT DOLLS: Manifest and create your own Muse!

In this workshop we will delight in the designing and making of dolls. There is something truly magical that happens when making human-like objects. They may be representative of ourselves or our wishes. They may serve as muses and encouragers to our individual creativity. They may be very funny, spiritual, ironic, cuddly, etc. We will work with very basic materials and easy techniques. Your doll may be made entirely by hand and/or by hand and sewing machine. You may want to incorporate charms and mementos that reflect the “spirit” of the doll. We will look at many types and styles of dolls and you may choose a particular one or decide to make one that combines ideas from several you’ve seen. These dolls will be small (we have only two days, after all!) To prepare for this workshop, gather some items to incorporate in your doll and come with an open mind and a desire to play!

MANDALA EXPLORATIONS

In this workshop, we will learn about the compelling nature of mandalas, centrally balanced and composed images. They represent wholeness, balance, interconnectedness of man and nature, and can lead to wisdom. Mandalas are often a vehicle for meditation and the simple process of creating a mandala can be a form of meditation itself. While we are creating our own personal mandalas we will look at examples of them through the ages and in the natural world. We will participate in several hands-on exercises which will lead to a finer understanding of the meanings and uses of mandalas. Our studies will involve paper collage and some drawing, very direct applications, which can or may lead to more involved works later. This is an easy flowing, non-threatening workshop and you don’t “have to be an artist” to participate! You simply need a curiosity about the subject and an open mind and willing fingers.

MOLA MANDALAS

We will experience the work and practices of two widely different cultures in this workshop. Mola is a term for a reverse appliqué technique the Cuna Indians of the San Blas Islands (near Panama) use. Their colorful and intriguing needlework is admired throughout the world. Mandalas, as you read above, are circle designs. In Eastern thought they represent life, the world, wholeness and centeredness. We will create mandala pictures in the manner of molas. Contrasting colors of fabrics will be layered and designs will be cut through and stitched to reveal the successive underneath layers of colorful cloth. We will practice hand stitching.

PAINTING AND PRINTING WITH TEXTILE PAINTS

One way to make your fabric work more personal is to use fabrics you have painted yourself! And, even further, to use printing blocks and screens, etc. which you have made yourself. So, this workshop will involve the making of some tools and the painting and printing of unique panels of cotton fabrics. All of this is major fun and you don’t even have to have an idea for that masterpiece quilt that you are going to design with all this painted fabric! We will paint for the joy of painting. Textile paints are easy to use, clean up with water, and are heat-set for permanence on the fabric. Roll up your sleeves and join the fun!

SPIRIT STONES

The first part of this workshop is up to you! Go out and find several special stones. They should be about fist-size and as round and smooth as possible. Some beaches and river beds provide wonderful specimens, and as an added benefit, you are outdoors in nature! Enjoy it! When we meet in the workshop, we will look at many finished spirit stones, talk about their meanings, and make one or more of our own. Cultures all over the world imbue inanimate objects with spirituality. Stones have played a particularly significant role in this practice. We will have the opportunity to participate in this creative experience.

FABRIC COLLAGE CONSTRUCTION

This class is about exploring with pieces of fabric to develop individual fabric constructions. Students will work with a vast array of patterned and textured fabrics to create unique compositions. Techniques such as appliqué, piecing, fusible bonding, weaving, floating, and reverse appliqué may be used in a "collage-like" manner to develop small quilt top “studies” or sketches. Emphasis will be placed on getting across a particular idea or image through whichever methods work best. Trusting one's intuitive response to the materials and ideas will be encouraged. This class is about ideas and themes; construction methods will follow naturally, once specific themes are established. During the actual construction process, students may make use of hand and/or machine sewing. An exploration of a variety of types and colors of threads will be encouraged. Bring your open mind and lots of fabric!

PAPER COLLAGE INSPIRATION

(All of my paper collage workshops follow this one basic description.) Through the readily accessible and direct experience of using paper to capture ideas, participants will engage in a variety of stimulating hands-on exercises which will promote spontaneity, serendipity, and trust in one's intuition. This workshop is designed to push participants gently beyond their own established boundaries and accepted ways of thinking. Inspiration for new growth and new work is sure to result from these days of play! We will use all kinds of papers. Collecting materials is part of the creative process and part of the “mystery,” an adventure all its own, so why not get started gathering now!?

An important Note. The process of my work is a slow and intuitive one. It takes me a long time to make a finished piece, and there are many stages in the development of each quilt. Thus, my workshop offerings reflect some of these stages. They focus on just one or two aspects of my overall process. I envision my workshops as "sketching" or information-gathering opportunities, and not as vehicles for producing finished quilts.

For Special and/or individual workshops by request, please contact Natasha for details.