Discover many of the unique benefits that dyeing with shaving cream can offer the textile or paper artist.

In addition to creating unique faux marbled effects using two different recipes, we will discuss and create samples on silk and cellulose fibers of various direct dye applications such as painting, stamping, and stenciling. 

Paste resists, discharge agents, and vat dyes will be discussed and demonstrated. Learn how they are used in tandem with Dyeing with Shaving Cream. 

Why just print on paper when you can print on cloth?

Learn how to feed fabric into any printer and copy your photos onto fabric.

Come have fun creating easy cloth collages!

We’ll print both sides of cloth, add photo transfers, sandwich objects and more images between transparent layers, dye and wax the cloth to create very complex images with incredible depth.

THIS CLASS HAS RUN. CONSIDER ONE OF THE OTHER WORKSHOPS BEING OFFERED FOR SUMMER 2008.

In this workshop students will create a sampling of lamps, lanterns, screens and other structures that lend themselves to illumination.

We’ll explore forms which we cover with pre-made sheets of paper (either handmade or purchased), including traditional wire frames, structures made of lightweight wood, traditional Japanese collapsible lantern structures and paper hot air balloon and ball forms.

We will utilize a few hand papermaking techniques, such as embedding wire and string to create structure within sheets of paper and draping wet sheets over armatures.

We will talk about various natural and electrical options for working with paper and light.

THIS CLASS HAS RUN. CONSIDER ONE OF THE OTHER WORKSHOPS BEING OFFERED FOR SUMMER 2008.

This is a unique opportunity to look at design and analyze the special characteristics of Japanese historical style, with specific orientation to surface designers and fiber artists.

This course will consider how “east” and “west” view design elements, challenging your views on composition, and expanding your knowledge.

The class will give specific information on kimono designing, the classic Japanese canvas and how the kimono developed through history.

The class will allow you to create your own original designs (patterns and layout plans) to be used for reference material for future use.

Work will be with paper designs and fabric collage.

This class will focus on feltmaking in reference to the body.

Students will explore ideas regarding three-dimensional and solid feltmaking.

The history and science of this ancient art form will also be discussed.

During our week together we will explore many different ways of transferring imagery to cloth and paper.

Techniques that will be covered include: solvent transfers using xylene and Citra-Solv®, several different ways of using Gel Medium to transfer, various methods of making photocopy transfers, Thermofax screen printing, direct wax screen printing and carving an alphabet from  rubber stamp material.

Time permitting, other techniques will be demonstrated.

The focus of this class is not a finished project but to assemble an artist notebook filled with experiments of each technique and notes for later reference.

This workshop is a rare opportunity to learn “art couture” from the inside out and lean to sew with these gorgeous fabrics.

Beginning with a “store bought” pattern, students will work step by step on how to adjust this pattern to create a garment that fits and could feasibly include unique designer features.

There will be a discussion of tools and techniques for sewing garments from exquisite textiles, as well as instruction on preparing fabric for cutting, transferring the pattern to muslin and actual sewing time to create a lined/unlined jacket. 

Some sewing experience is required.

This workshop involves the exploration of the act of markmaking as a vehicle for the discovery of form, materials and ideas.

With an emphasis on mixed-media, participants will explore the mark-making possibilities of branding, rust printing and composting and are encouraged to respond to these marks utilizing various techniques and media.

Through these studies, participants begin to gain an appreciation for the materials themselves and discover the freeing possibilities of experimentation through mark making and the creation of art from almost anything.

At first glance a tunnel book is two-dimensional, but expand the book and peer into it and a new three-dimensional world appears.

Learn the basics of designing and constructing a tunnel book and a protective cover sleeve.

You will find constructing a tunnel book to be a way to create your own visual world in book form – limited only by your imagination.

Here’s a chance to explore an exciting book structure with an experienced artist/teacher.

Learn a needle-felting process that is as spontaneous as drawing with a pencil or finger painting.

It’s even erasable until “set” by felting!

Anyone who works with technical or material restraints will love the freedom and playfulness of the process, but the class is not about fairies or gnomes; through hands-on exercises and illustrated lectures, we will learn about basic design elements, color theory, and the nature and properties of fibers.

Using plant materials from the garden, along with Asian fibers such as Kozo and Gampi, students will make papers with unique and beautiful textures and rich natural color.

Students in this workshop will produce a portfolio of high quality, handmade papers that are made simply and inexpensively.

You will be able to use the information gathered to continue the work in your studio, classroom or kitchen.

The papers produced will be strong and carry a variety of qualities including properties suitable for bookbinding, printing, collage, and sculptural work.

Beginning students will learn the basic tricks for quilting: measure, cut, choose fabric, sew, quilt and finish several projects.

4-patch, 9-patch and strip pieces can then become a pillow, tote, doll or baby quilt.

There will be plenty of time to practice and share tips while learning a satisfying new skill.

Accomplished quilters can pick up the latest tips and techniques to complete unfinished objects.

This is a great way to get inspiration and support with suggestions and fresh ideas.

Explore mark-making possibilities, personal iconography and content. Within this focus, emphasis is placed on using the silk screen in an intuitive, painterly way.

n addition to deconstructed screen printing and other spontaneous printing methods, we will also be working with Caran d’Ache crayons, charcoal, and direct dye painting.

Students will be asked to bring items of personal inspiration as a jumping off point. Daily spontaneous compositions will serve as vehicles for further exploration.

This workshop will begin with creating intuitive and layered surface designs with dyes, inks, discharge agents and resists on the remarkably receptive surface of paper, including waxed, colored and watercolor.

Students will be introduced to photo transfers on paper as well as fabric and collage techniques including layering fabrics and paper using stiffening techniques with an emphasis on layering transparent materials, cutting and piecing, stitching and embellishment.

Come learn the techniques of traditional Yoruba batik, adire and tie-dye as well as the culture and feel of the history behind these art forms.

In all three processes the designs taught will be traditional to the Yoruba culture; in each process different designs are used.

Batik is the process of using wax and foam rubber to create designs on fabric.

Adire is the process of creating designs using cassaua paste, a small broom and a chicken feather.

This class will introduce shibori techniques which are often bypassed by western artists.

Shirokage, Katano, and Chinese stitch resist will be the focus for creating new patterns.

Advanced arashi techniques including Hasu Ami (net) and Hagoromo (angel wings) will also be covered.

We will begin with a review of the basics, but quickly move to expand knowledge and skill.

We will explore ways to stretch the concepts using the sewing machine and smocking pleater.

Dyeing will include Fiber Reactive MX, Silk Acid, and transfer printing on polyester.

We will also complete a project using shibori to recycle and decorate old clothing.

If you want to finish projects you haven’t had the time, space, or equipment for then treat yourself to a weekend of uninterrupted creativity in this open studio.

You deserve it!

General support in the studio with equipment, dyes, etc. will be provided.

The only perquisite is that you have already worked with the materials and techniques you plan to work with.