Classes and Workshops

My specialties are Machine Appliqué, Free Motion Thread Painting, and Embellishments techniques.  Listed here are my current classes and workshops.  If you would like more information on a particular class or a full color catalogue (serious inquiries only please) for your shop or guild please contact me.

NEW!  Creating Fabric Paper - mixed fiber media for backgrounds, purses and journal covers, and so much more! (this class listing is under construction)

Learn this exciting new technique using a muslin base, tissue and art papers, silk fibers, bamboo roving, dyed cheesecloth, organzas and more to create your very own original and one of a kind piece of Fabric Paper.  Explore different ways to use stencils and stamps, textile paints and pigment powders, Smooch Spritz, glitters and just all kinds of fun stuff.

Art Quilt Creations - Treasures of the Deep

This two day or five part class takes you through creating your own free form background, creating your own fabrics, fabric painting, machine quilting, cut away appliqué, yarn couching, hand stitching, hand beading, and so much more. This class can be a two day workshop, or a series of four to five classes. The best part is they don't have to be taken in order, and can be taken as individual classes! Contact me for a full class description.

Embellish by Machine

4hr—Correct supplies and proper use of tools will be discussed as we use Angelina fibers, coordinating fabrics and your rotary cutter to create a free form background. Then learn several variations of the decorative Yarn Couching techniques and various Beading by Machine methods.

Embellish by Hand

4hr—Explore the basics of embellishing by hand on quilts and textiles. Discuss threads and needles as well as the various kinds of beads and decorative yarns. Learn how to start, stop and travel; several beading stitches and yearn couching techniques; sequins, drops and dangles, fringes; attaching focus beads and clustering. Plus examples of how to take these basic embellishment techniques and applications and expand upon them.

Thread Painting I

4hr - In this class you will learn about the needles, stabilizers, threads and Notions, as well as the basics of how to Machine Appliqué. Then we will learn how to use all these tools to Thread Paint using your machines Free Motion capabilities.

Thread Painting II - prerequisite Thread Painting I

2 day - Take your thread painting skills to new levels. Learn free motion straight stitch and free motion satin stitch appliqué methods and expand upon the thread painting method with directional stitching to add texture and shading for depth and color. Discover how this same directional stitching can be used to create free motion machine embroidery. Finally learn to couch some decorative yarns and sew on beads to accent your piece.

Thread Painting and Embellished Sunflowers

2 day - Learn the basics and more as you explore the Thread Painting technique while creating a one of a kind work of art. In this class you will learn the basics of fusible machine appliqué, then go on to learn several ways to manipulate the basic Thread Painting stitch as well as when and where to apply the thread colors to create texture, depth and eye popping color combinations. We will then explore the Yarn & Thread Lace technique used for the centers of the sunflower, as well as the basics of Beading by Machine plus a few pointers for Beading by Hand.

Hummingbirds and Fuchsias

2 day - Learn fusible machine appliqué and free motion appliqué, the basic thread painting stitch as well as directional free motion stitching and free motion appliqué. Many techniques packed into this class including some color theory for your threadwork.

Embellished Journal Covers

4hr - Learn the easy ‘No Curve Piecing technique in this unique refillable notebook cover. Explore embellishing with yarn couching and beading to add that extra glitz to your project. Journal covers can be made to any size to fit any book. Class will make a cover to fit a 4 x 6 notebook. (This class can also be Curve Appeal Bag Large or Small)

Fiber Art Pendant Necklace OR Fiber Art Pin

4hr - Create a beautiful work of wearable art for any outfit in this class. Easy construction and embellishments make this a fast and fun project. Learn to use Fast2Fuse Heavyweight thick stabilizer with layered fabrics and heat bondable Angelina fibers to create a one of a kind pendant that we will then embellish with decorative yarns, beads and sequins, with special instruction on highlighting a special bead or button. A simple braiding of decorative yarns creates the necklace which is then also beaded, completing your wearable art piece.