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Class Descriptions
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Please follow the linked pictures for an enlarged view.)
Current Classes 1
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China Aire ©
TECHNIQUE: Silk and metal embroidery on fabric
LENGTH OF CLASS: 12 Hours (2 days)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
An exotic melody, a flight, a voyage of exploration—using research into stitch and motif that was done at the Kent State University Museum, we
will explore the world of Chinese embroidery while stitching butterflies and insects amid a bower of cherry blossoms. We will also travel to the Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute through slides
taken while I was on tour there of the secluded gardens and workshop rooms. In edition we will learn from actual samples of fabrics, threads, and embroideries produced there. Samples of other Chinese
embroideries will be available for discussion and students are encouraged to bring their own Chinese embroidery treasures to share with the class.
We will also explore the world of Chinese
symbolism and stitch with stranded silk and Japanese gold.
Students will be encouraged to use their own ideas for some color and stitch
interpretations.
SIZE: 6.5" x 9" design on 7.5"x 10"
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Cleopatra's Garden ©
Proficiency level: Intermediate
Class length: 2 day
Class Description:
The forgotten pleasures of the court of the Egyptian queen emerges as thoughts drift in the gentle breeze of a jewel colored fan on golden papyrus.
Working with silk, metal, and beads on gold
bounce painted # 24 congress cloth, the class will learn a method of coloring the canvas. This will be demonstrated and students will get a chance to do a small sample that can be used for another
project. The painted canvas for the class will be provided. The students will learn silk satin stitching over padding and superimposed couching, pattern couching, and beading in addition to
working with the silk and metal threads. The silk fibers used are flat silk, Soie Crystale, Zwicky, and silk sewing thread. These are combined with # 1 gold, braids, and bugle beads.
Size
: 6.5" X 7.5" design on 11.5" X 12" #24 Congress Cloth
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Cleopatra's Journey ©
Proficiency level: Intermediate
Class length:
2 day
Class Description:
Using the lotus petaled ore of an Egyptian queen, the journey begins on golden canvas and jewel colored silks as ancient times linger.
This class is chance to
learn a number of ways of working with silk, metal, and beads on gold bounce painted # 24 congress cloth. The method of coloring the canvas will be demonstrated and students will get a chance to do a
small sample that can be used for another project. The painted canvas for the class will be provided. The students will learn diagonal and vertical satin stitching over padding and superimposed
couching, pattern couching, composite stitches and beading in addition to working with the silk and metal threads. The silk fibers used are flat silk, Soie Crystale, Zwicky, and silk sewing
thread. These are combined with # 1 gold, braids, and bugle beads.
Size: 6.5" X 8" design on 11.5" X 12" #24 Congress Cloth
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Crab Apples Blossoms ©
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Basic to Intermediate
LENGTH OF CLASS: 2 Days, (12 hours)
DESCRIPTION:
Blossoms on Crab Apple trees burst into bloom in the warmth and freshness of
a spring day. This silk and metal embroidery brings to life the splendor of
the season using the techniques of Traditional Japanese Embroidery. The
student will be introduced to basic, age old techniques, that reflect the
1600 years of embroidery tradition in Japan. No prior knowledge is necessary
only a willingness to learn. Laying flat silk, twisting silk, Vertical Single
Layer; Diagonal Single Layer; knots, and couching #1 gold and Karayori are
some of the techniques covered in this class. The kit as been adapted to
compensate for the high cost of some materials. We will be using stretcher
bars and standard needles for the basic kit. Traditional frames and handmade
needles will be available at an additional charge.
SIZE: The 5" X 3" design is on 18" X 8" Silk foundation fabric.
MATERIALS THE STUDENT NEEDS:
Scissors, straight pins, tiny watercolor type paint brush, small flat dish,
devise for holding the frame steady and flat. Tekobari is required. Lamp
and magnifier if needed. The usual needlework tools.
Optional materials available at extra cost: Japanese embroidery frame,
handmade needles, Sudberry box for presentation.
CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT: Flip chart on easel.
Beginning the first morning: a VCR and TV hooked up. This is needed to
present a video on Kurenai Kai. Time needed: one hour.
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Creative Metalwork on canvas
TECHNIQUE: Metal Thread Embroidery, Contemporary, Experimental
LENGTH OF CLASS: 24 Hours (4 days)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Intermediate to Advanced
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Reaching into the materials from the distant past and into those on the cutting edge of the future we will explore many facets of metal thread embroidery in relationship to
canvaswork. Our focus will be on ways of celebrating and interpreting nature, specifically trees, in relation to three-dimensional metal embroidery. Each glittering leaf will be an exquisite jewel
individually suspended from a gilded branch over a gilded trunk. We will develop the background through voided areas and contemporary combinations of composed of interpretative canvas stitches over
acrylic painted Congress cloth.
The students will develop their own designs from the research of trees, leaves, and bark patterns. There will be discussion of the types, design implications,
and uses of the many metal threads, metals, and padding material provided. The students will be encouraged to experiment with new ideas in working. Students will have a chance to create metal fabrics
using metallics, metals, and dissolvable sheeting. Stitch techniques include metal thread embroidery over padding, surface embroidery over canvas stitches, and needle lace.
Some of the
materials provided are metallic braid, purl purl, check purl, Torsade, wire in copper and gold color in several gauges, metal sculptural mesh, and copper and gold foils. Padding materials explored:
cord, and paper roping.
Using a few simple tools provided by the teacher, we will construct metal composite threads and make purls and new adaptations of purls.
The students will be
encouraged to investigate their own ideas. Many choices are available to the student:
- Design development
- Working samples
- Evaluating metal threads and their applications
- Working their own original design on handpainted black congress cloth
The student are encouraged to bring pertinent materials for home. They should also bring a sense of play and humor as we use some of the oldest and newest materials available today to create
exciting new interpretations.
SIZE: At the discretion of the student but limited to 18˝?x 10˝?
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Designing with Metal Threads on a Countable Ground Technique
LENGTH OF CLASS: 24 Hours (4 days)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Intermediate to Advanced
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Using a simple design technique, the students will develop their own designs
and stitch patterns to complete a stitch diagram so that they will have a
working system to start their piece in class or at home. Texture and value
and their relationship in metal thread work will be discussed to develop
Pattern couchings and fillings. There will be discussion of the types, design
implications, and uses of the many metal threads provided. The student will
develop a chart that will help in evaluating the threads as to shape, value,
and texture, so that they can apply this knowledge to the design work.
Because the emphasis will be on designing, the student should have had
previous experience with silk and metal threads.
Numerous stitch patterns will be provided but the students will be encouraged
to investigate their own ideas to be worked in sampler form on the 28 count
linen. The samples worked in class can be inserted into a notebook for future
reference if so desired. There will be a brief discussion of using the
computer to develop patterns.
Silk and Metal thread techniques taught include: Framing up linen fabric;
design transfer; couching Kid and Japanese paper; Kid applied over cord;
Couching: Japanese Golds and twists, Torsade, Jaceron; Attaching: Jaceron,
Smooth Purl, Plate, and beads. Design size at the discretion of the student
but limited to 8"x 10." The sampler and design will be worked on one piece
of linen approximately 18" x 12."
After deciding on a design, the student will be able through a unique system
to exchange credits for the metal threads they need for their work. Each
student will be able to select from a huge variety based of their varying
design needs.
Many choices are available to the student:
* Design development
* Working samples for the notebook
* Evaluating metal threads and their applications
* Working their own original design on silk fabric
* Which threads and how much they need for their design
SPECIAL CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS: Flip Chart and Floor Ease. Slide Projector
for 1 hour the first morning. Use of a copy machine would be extremely
helpful but not essential.
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Dogwoods in Autumn ©
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Basic to Intermediate
LENGTH OF CLASS: 2 Days, (12 hours)
DESCRIPTION:
The days dwindle down, the air is like wine, and the dogwood leaves show
their true color as they turn to jewels in golden light. As these treasures
of Autumn brighten the landscape and then fade to traceries of gold, this
silk and metal embroidery brings to life memories of the splendor of the
season. The student will be introduced to basic silk and metal thread
embroidery technique through shading and couching techniques including:
Vertical Random Long and Short; Diagonal Blending; Long and short over
padding; couching silk, #1 gold and braid. The kit will include three kinds
of silk and four types of metal threads including check purl.
SIZE: The 8" X 12" design is on 11.5" X 16," 18 count mono canvas.
MATERIALS THE STUDENT NEEDS:
Metal cutting scissors, thimble, straight pins, devise for holding the frame
steady and flat, laying tool (tekobari recommended). Lamp and magnifier if
needed. The usual needlework tools.
CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT: Flip chart on easel.
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Dragonfly's Delight
Proficiency level: Beginning to Intermediate
Class Length: 1 or 2 days, 6-12 hours
Description:
The
rich hues of riverside iris attract a passing dragonfly. Using the provided hand-dyed Congress Cloth, metallic silk organza, silk and metal threads we will create an elegant memory of a late spring
afternoon. Appliqué, long and short, couching and stumpwork with beading are the techniques used to create the focal points. Students will be able to practice on the side of the canvas before working
the motifs. Come delight in a flight of joy.
Size: 5" X 10" design on 13" X 14" Congress Cloth and metallic silk organza foundations
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East Meets West
TECHNIQUE: Silk and Metal embroidery on canvas
LENGTH OF CLASS: 24 Hours (4 days)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
The trickle of a pool, the whisper of a breeze on our fan, the glow of late spring flowers invite the us to daydream of times past and follow
the new growth into the future as we combine the elegance of traditional oriental design with Japanese and Western silk and metal techniques.
For dimensional effects we will be using string,
felt, and stitch padding techniques. Japanese embroidery techniques of tie dye and modified flax leaf effects are combines with lattice work, superimposed embroidery, and many couching
variations.
SIZE: 12" X 16" design on 14" X 20"
SPECIAL CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS: Flip Chart and Floor Ease.
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Élégant Éventail ©
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Advanced
CLASS LENGTH: 4 day
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
The swish of a satin gown
and the glow of times past are remembered in this gold and blue fan, or as the French would say élégant éventail.
The foundation for creation is #24 Congress Cloth and the silk fibers used
are flat silks, Zwicky twisted silk, and silk sewing thread. These combine
with smooth, rough, and check purls; Faconnee; Jacerons and braids. The
stitches included are vertical, horizontal, voided, and diagonal satin used
flat and over padding. The students will also learn how to transfer parts of
their own patterns and make a new thread composite from metal thread
components. The focus of the class will be on padding and filling areas with purls. The student should be
proficient in Blackwork and laying flat silk.
SIZE: 11" X 13 " design on 15.5" X 18" #24 congress cloth
KIT INCLUDES:All materials necessary to complete the design
including the working frame.
MATERIALS THE STUDENT SHOULD BRING:
Metal cutting scissors, frame magnets, fine tweezers (Uncle Bill's
recommended), thimble, straight pins, bees wax, small ruler with mm
measurements, 12" ruler, devise for holding the frame steady and flat, laying tool (tekobari recommended). Lamp and
magnifier if needed. The usual needlework tools.
CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT: Floor easel with flip chart
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Elizabethan Elegance
TECHNIQUE: Silk and Metal embroidery on fabric
LENGTH OF CLASS: 6 hour workshop (1 day)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Beginning to Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Following the traditions and interpretations of designs of the sixteenth century and blending them with the silk and metal
of the twenty first, we will create an exquisite floral.
For dimensional effects we will be using padding in card, felt, and string under silk and various goldwork techniques.
Students will be encouraged to use their own ideas in color and stitch interpretations.
SIZE: 3.5" circle
SPECIAL CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS: Flip Chart and Floor Easel.
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Evening Enchantment
For we sing with our light.
For we are birds made of fire.
For we spread our wings over the sky.
Our light is a voice.
From a Passamaquoddy Indian song
This enchanted bird glides in a blaze of dazzling light as evening falls. Can you hear its Siren song? Follow it to an enchanted world of gold and copper.
Students will paint their fabric to resemble a sunset and arrange their own interpretation of the bird and cloud formations. For dimensional affects we will be using felt under kid and waxed
string under Japanese golds. Japanese embroidery techniques of coiled couching are combined with goldwork techniques of chipping and couching milliary and crinkle. These all unite with shading the
many colors of Japanese golds with silks to create contoured forms.
SIZE: 10" X 16" design on 16" X 22"
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Fiocco Fantastico ©
LENGTH OF CLASS: 12 Hours (2 days)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Fiocco
Fantastico Italian for Fantastic Tassel. Dream of elegant evenings in your fabulous villa as you are engaged in working this elegant interpretation embroidered on congress cloth.For dimensional
effects we will be using padding in numerous ways: bead wire, cord, string, felt, and card. Flat and twisted silk are the foundations for superimposed satin over card, beads, and goldwork. The
use of random Blackwork variations blend the background from foreground into the distance.Students will be encouraged to use their own ideas for some color and stitch interpretations.
SIZE: 7.5"x 10" design on 14" X 15.75"
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Fiocco Favoloso ©
LENGTH OF CLASS: 12 Hours (2 days)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL:Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Fiocco
Favoloso is Italian for Fabulous Tassel Elegant evenings in a fantastic villa are yours for the dreaming as you are immersed in working this sumptuous interpretation embroidered on congress cloth.For
dimensional effects we will be using padding in numerous ways: bead wire, cord, string, and felt Flat and twisted silk are the foundations for superimposed beads and wired check purl. Knotted
lacework in silk and braid covers the upper skirt and padded goldwork is used to create frills on either side of crinkle edged silk herringbone.. The use of random Blackwork variations blend the
background from foreground into the distance.Students will be encouraged to use their own ideas for some color and
stitch interpretations.
SIZE: 7.5"x 10" design on 14" X 15.75"
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