|
Class Descriptions
(
Please follow the linked pictures for an enlarged view.)
Current Classes 3
|
|
Montgolfière du Matin ©
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Advanced
CLASS LENGTH: 4 day
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Ascending into the pale light of morning, just as the sun is rising, your
balloon takes you to new heights of experience in silk and metal threads that
take your breath away. Montgolfiére, the French word for hot air balloon, is
the name of the pioneer of flying these ethereal aircraft. With the
montgolfière as a guide, the world of silk and metal threads will open out
before you.
The foundation for this craft is silk Sha. The silk fibers used include Ping
Ling, Soie Platte, Waterlilies, and silk sewing threads. These combine with
Kid, metallics braids, twists, check purl, Jaceron, and Japanese Colorful and
Dull golds to form elaborate borders and elegant fillings. The stitches
included are Upright Satin with Lattice Holding, numerous couching
variations, Radiating Buttonhole, Herringbone, Outline, diagonal Chain
Filling, Burden, and a darning pattern.
The student will learn a new way of framing up to facilitate working on the
transparent silk Sha and how to work with some of the newest and the oldest
materials in the silk and metal threads repertoire.
SIZE: 9" X 8.5" design on 12" X 14.5" countable silk foundation
KIT INCLUDES:
All materials necessary to complete the design including the working frame
MATERIALS THE STUDENT SHOULD BRING:
One set of Koma. 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: Floor easel with flip chart
|
|
|
Montgolfière du Soir ©
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Advanced
CLASS LENGTH: 4 day
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Descending in gentle breezes as the last rays of the setting sun touch the
sky you will celebrate after an exhilarating flight. Montgolfiére, the French
word for hot air balloon, is the name of the pioneer of flying these ethereal
aircraft. With the montgolfière as a guide, the world of silk and metal
threads will open out before you.
The foundation for this craft is Thai silk that you will apply to a backing
fabric. The silk fibers used include Ping Ling, Soie Platte, Waterlilies,
and silk sewing threads.
These combine with beads, Kid, twists, check purl, crinkles, Jacerons, and Japanese Colorful and Dull golds to form elaborate borders and elegant fillings. The stitches included are horizontal and
diagonal satin, Lattice Holding, numerous couching variations, Herringbone, and Outline. The focus of the class will be on couching and filling areas with purls.The student will learn to work
with some of the newest and the oldest materials in the silk and metal threads repertoire.
SIZE: 8.5" X 9" " design on 13.5 X 16" silk foundation
KIT INCLUDES:
All materials necessary to complete the design including the working frame
and one set of Koma.
MATERIALS THE STUDENT SHOULD BRING:
Metal cutting scissors, curved scissors, fine tweezers (Uncle Bill's
recommended), 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: Floor easel with flip chart
|
|
|
Mountain Laurel in Spring ©
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Intermediate
DESCRIPTION:
Blossoms of Mountain Laurel burst into bloom in the warmth and freshness of a
spring day as memories are echoed in the lacework of leaves. In this silk and
metal embroidery, the student will use variegated silk to create a background
for the scattered buds and blossoms. Blackwork is used not only for interest
upon close inspection but also to create lacy textures from afar. The
teacher will create a gold metallic hand stenciled and pounced canvas for
each student and demonstrate this technique for the class. The students will
also learn: how to lay silk, laid work, satin stitch, radiating Long and
Short, couching techniques, knots, and variations of ribbed spider stitch and
Blackwork.
SIZE: The 8" X 11" design is on 11.8" X 16," ecru 24 count congress cloth.
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.
|
|
|
Nocturne
TECHNIQUE: Silk and Metal embroidery on canvas
LENGTH OF CLASS: 12 Hours (2 days)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Beginning to Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
The days dwindle down, the air is like wine, and leaves show their true color as they turn to jewels in golden light in a
star light sky. 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.
Starting with each student's interpretation with metallic paint using leaves as a resist, the student will use metal and metallic threads to create the scattered leaves. Following a discussion of
depth of field and it relation to composition, the stitches will be the student's choice. Extra canvas will be included for experimentation. Blackwork is used not only for interest upon close
inspection but also to create the illusion of starlight.
Students will be encouraged to use their own ideas in color and stitch interpretations.
SIZE: At the students discretion, but
limited to 5" X 20" design on 7" X 22" canvas Doodle canvas 6" X 7"
SPECIAL CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS:
Flip Chart and Floor Easel, Water source
|
|
|
Out of Time; Out of Place
TECHNIQUE: Silk and metal embroidery on fabric
LENGTH OF CLASS: 24 Hours (4 days)
PROFICIENCY: Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Combining the elegance of traditional 16th century English design and traditional Japanese motifs with the beauty and glitter of metal thread
and surface embroidery we will explore the depth and breath of silk and metal embroidery. Using motifs garnered from numerous sources that I have researched, the students will develop their own
designs and stitch patterns to complete a stitch diagram. The students will be come familiar with the traditional metal embroidery of the 16th century and how they can apply that to the present day.
The students will design their own unique interpretation from the motifs. Numerous motif and stitch patterns will be provided but the students will be encouraged to investigate their own ideas. There
will be a brief discussion of using the computer to develop patterns.
Beginning with the arrangement of Thai silk fabrics fused to black Dupionni silk, the student as many design choices. For
dimensional effects we will be using padding and raised metal techniques. Goldwork and surface embroidery stitches are explored.
All the principles of good design will be stressed. There will
be discussion of the types, design implications, and uses of the many silk and metal threads provided.
Silk and Metal thread techniques taught include: framing up foundation fabric; fusing
fabrics; design transfer; padding techniques, couching: braids purl pearl, passing thread; attaching: check purl with chipping effect, purl pearl, paillettes. Filling pattern: Battlement couching.
Surface embroidery stitches: detached buttonhole, woven spider stitch and satin stitch variations with self and felt padding.
Many choices are available to the student:
o Design development
o Stitch combinations and progressions
o Color placement
SIZE: at the student's discretion but limited to 18˝ x 14˝
|
|
|
Overture ©
TECHNIQUE: Silk and Metal Threads on Canvas
LENGTH OF CLASS: 1 Day (6 hours)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Beginning to Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
This class is for the beginning Silk and Metal student who would like to learn more of the basic techniques of this
embroidery. The luminescence created by the silks and metallics along with the simple yet exquisite stitches will enhance the students delight in needlework.
There is ample use of the
techniques presented to allow the student to become familiar and confident with them. Included techniques are: laying flat silk over braid in Burden Stitch, diagonal satin in Soie Cristale and
Pink Ling silk, upright Long and Short in Ping Ling silk, attaching beads, and couching La Lamé and Japanese Twist.
The design is approximately 4"x 6" on a 8" x 10" congress cloth foundation.
|
|
|
Overture II ©
TECHNIQUE: Silk and Metal Threads on Canvas
LENGTH OF CLASS: 1 Day (6 hours)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Beginning to Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
This class is for the beginning Silk and Metal student who would like to learn more of the basic techniques of this
embroidery. The luminescence created by the silks and metallics along with the simple yet exquisite stitches will enhance the students delight in needlework.
There is ample use of the
techniques presented to allow the student to become familiar and confident with them. Included techniques are: laying flat silk over braid in Burden Stitch, diagonal satin in Soie Cristale and
Pink Ling silk, upright Long and Short in Ping Ling silk, attaching beads, and couching La Lamé and Japanese Twist.
The design is approximately 6"x 4" on a 8" x 10" congress cloth foundation.
|
|
|
PANSY PROFUSION
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Intermediate
CLASS LENGTH: 1 day
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
A warm spring morning, bright blue sky, pansies nod in
the breeze. Their reflection is everywhere. The sun turns the nights rain to pools of gold. In our embroidery the warmth of the sun reflects in the gold metallics as you shade your pansy created in
Japanese gold and soft twist silks. A ring of silk ribbon with beads brings the outer flowers and leaves to three dimensional life.
You will learn to couch in pairs to fill a shape with
Japanese gold. Making sharp turns with the gold threads will be stressed. We will use the ancient technique of Or Nué to shade the gold into the pansy "floating" in the gold. Ribbonwork with beads
form the field of flowers around the perimeter.
Design Size: 4˝ X 6˝ inch oval for example. Optional but limited to 8˝ X 10˝ linen
|
|
|
Prelude ©
TECHNIQUE: Silk and Metal Threads on Canvas
LENGTH OF CLASS: 1 Day (6 hours)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Introductory
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
This class is an introduction to the splendor of silk and metal embroidery. Never again will you have to "fear" silk and metal
threads. The luminescence created by the silks and metallics along with the simple yet exquisite stitches will enhance the students delight in needlework.
There is ample use of the
techniques presented to allow the student to become familiar and confident with them. Included techniques are: laying flat silk in satin stitches, lattice holding, burden stitch, diagonal satin
with Zwicky silk, and couching La Lamé and Torsade.
SIZE: Design area is 4" X 6"
|
|
|
Prelude II ©
TECHNIQUE: Silk and Metal Threads on Canvas
LENGTH OF CLASS: 1 Day (6 hours)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Introductory
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
This class is an introduction to the splendor of silk and metal embroidery. Never again will you have to "fear" silk and metal
threads. The luminescence created by the silks and metallics along with the simple yet exquisite stitches will enhance the students delight in needlework.
There is ample use of the
techniques presented to allow the student to become familiar and confident with them. Included techniques are: laying flat silk in satin stitches, lattice holding, "Multi-strand" couching,
diagonal satin with Zwicky silk, attaching Check Purl, and couching La Lamé and Torsade.
The design is approximately 4"x 6" on a 8" x 10" congress cloth foundation.
|
|
|
Radiant Pendant ©
TECHNIQUE: Silk and Metal Threads on Canvas
LENGTH OF CLASS: 2 - 3 hours
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Introductory to Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
The elegance and richness of medieval days is revisited in this small pendant
that can be used as a Christmas ornament for the tree or as a special a
bookmark. When complete and hanging in a place of honor on the tree or in an
honored book, the student will feel more confident with flat silk and the use
of metallics.
Flat silk techniques will be emphasized along with lattice holding using #1
gold, bead application, and couching La Lamé and Torsade metallics.
COST: $15.00 including the working frame
STUDENT SHOULD BRING: The usual needlework tools, a laying tool (tekobari
recommended), a devise to hold the frame tight (two hands are needed to work
flat silk), a light and magnification if needed for working #24 Congress
Cloth. The usual needlework tools including a cover for transporting the
work.
SPECIAL CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS: Flip Chart on Easel
|
|
|
Richelie Wrought
TECHNIQUE: Goldwork & Design from Elizabethan Elements & Techniques
LENGTH OF CLASS: 24 Hours (4 days)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Intermediate Advanced
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Combining the elegance of traditional 16th century design with the beauty and glitter metal thread and surface embroidery we will explore the depth and breath of metal
embroidery in the time of Elizabeth I. Using motifs garnered from numerous sources that I have researched, the students will develop their own designs and stitch patterns to complete a stitch
diagram. The students will be come familiar with the traditional metal embroidery of the 16th century and how they can apply that to the present day. The students will design their own unique
interpretation from the motifs. Numerous motif and stitch patterns will be provided but the students will be encouraged to investigate their own ideas. There will be a brief discussion of using the
computer to develop patterns.
Students have options of working the sampler in class, pursuing their own design, or work from the teaching sample to become familiar with the design characteristics
and materials of Elizabethan England focusing on goldwork. For dimensional effects we will be using padding and raised metal techniques. Detached elements, goldwork, and surface embroidery stitches
are also explored.
All the principles of good design will be stressed. There will be discussion of the types, design implications, and uses of the many silk and metal threads provided. Because
the emphasis will be on designing, the student should have had previous experience with silk and metal threads.
Silk and Metal thread techniques taught include: framing up backing fabric with
foundation fabric; design transfer; padding techniques, couching: braids, purl purl, passing thread; attaching: purl purl, paillettes, pearls. Surface embroidery stitches: plaited braid, ceylon
stitch, cable plait, detached buttonhole, and woven spider stitch.
After choosing a design, the student will be able through a unique system to exchange credits for the silk metal threads they
need for their work. Each student will be able to select from a huge variety based of their varying design needs and will develop a plan to start their piece in class or at home.
Many choices are available to the student:
- Design development
- Stitch combinations and progressions
- Working their own original design on velvet fabric
- Working the sampler on linen
- Which threads and how much they need for their design
SIZE: at the student's discretion but limited to 11˝? x 14˝?
Sampler: 8˝? x 11.5˝?
Photo is example only.
|
|
|
Rock, Paper, Stitches: Exploring Dimensional Texture
TECHNIQUE: Silk and Metallic Thread Embroidery, Contemporary, Experimental
LENGTH OF CLASS: 2 days or 4 days
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Basic Intermediate to Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Working with the attributes of a child's game, we will begin by playing with a
variety of contemporary materials and ways of using them to create new surfaces. Our focus will be on ways of celebrating and interpreting nature, specifically rocks and stones, silk and metallic
embroidery. 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 rock and stone patterns. There will be discussion of the types f design implications, and uses of the many materials provided. The students will be
encouraged to experiment with new ideas in working. Students will have a chance to create dimensional fabrics using metallics, netting and dissolvable sheeting. Stitch techniques include surface
embroidery over and in conjunction with canvas stitches.
Unusual materials will be explored: Tyveck®, cellophane, Angelina, several types of dissolvable sheeting, bonding web, and making
silk paper.
The students will be encouraged to investigate their own ideas. Many choices are available to the student:
o Design development
o Three color ways
o Working samples and evaluating them as they will be applied in the finished piece
o Working their own original design on handpainted ecru or black congress cloth
The
students are encouraged to bring pertinent materials from 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.
Note for the 2-day class: there will be more presentation and less time for the students to experiment and design their own piece. The emphasis will be more on techniques
presented.
SIZE: At the discretion of the student but limited to 18˝? x 14˝?
|
|
|
Shattered Gold
In a creative but supportive design adventure, the student will explore the
glorious world of silk and metal embroidery.
Using a simple design technique, the students will develop their own designs
and stitch patterns. Texture and Value and their relationship in metal
thread work will be discussed to develop Pattern Couchings and Fillings.
Numerous stitch patterns will be provided but the students will be encouraged
to investigate their own ideas. Because the emphasis will be on designing,
the student should have had previous experience with silk and metal threads.
The Silk and Metal Thread techniques taught include: Framing up silk fabric
on a linen backing foundation; design transfer; couching Kid; Kid applied
over heavy cord; Couching: Japanese Golds, Torsade, Cordonnet, and Gold Dust;
Attaching: Jaceron, Smooth Purl, Plate, and beads.
The design area will be approximately 4" square on 9"X12" silk.
|
|
|
Spring Awakening
TECHNIQUE: Silk and Metal embroidery on canvas
LENGTH OF CLASS: 12 Hours (2 days)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Beginning to Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Blossoms burst into bloom in the warmth and freshness of a spring day as memories
of leaves mist the background gold. Starting with each students interpretation with metallic paint using silk flowers as a resist, the student will use variegated silk along with metal and metallic
threads to create the scattered blossoms. Following a discussion of depth of field and it relation to composition, the stitches will be the students choice. Extra canvas will be included for
experimentation. Blackwork is used not only for interest upon close inspection but also to create lacy textures and a suggestion of lattice for the background.
Students will be encouraged to use their own ideas in color and stitch interpretations.
SIZE: At the students
discretion, but limited to 5" X 20" design on 7" X 22" canvas Doodle canvas 6" X 7"
SPECIAL CLASSROOM REQUIREMENT:
Flip Chart and Floor Ease, Water source
|
|
|
Strawberry Fields Forever ©
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Intermediate
CLASS LENGTH: 2 day
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
A warm summer morning, bright blue sky, a field of daisies? Those aren't
just daisies, look underneath. Strawberries! Where's my basket? Never
mind, I 'll just sit here a while, no one will know as long as I wash the red
from my fingers. My secret and a secret place.
There once was such a place. Whether it is still there I don't know; but
this shaded silk and metal piece can take you there in spirit. The warmth of
the sun shines in the gold metallics as you shade your strawberries created
in Japanese golds and Zwicky silks over padding.
You will learn to couch in pairs, to and fro, round and round to fill a
shape, and outwardly coiling with 4 sizes of Japanese gold. Making sharp
turns with the gold threads will be stressed and you will learn to pad a
shape with felt and cord.
KIT INCLUDES:
All materials necessary to complete the design including the working frame
and one set of koma.
MATERIALS THE STUDENT SHOULD BRING:
Another set of Koma would be helpful; see kit cost. 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 including a cover for transporting the work.
CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT: Floor easel with flip chart
|
|
|
Summer Dance
TECHNIQUE: Silk and Metal embroidery on canvas
LENGTH OF CLASS: 24 hours (4 days) as a basic intermediate or 2 days as an advanced intermediate
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Intermediate see above
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
A fresh breeze brings the fragrance of wisteria as butterflies dance. Using realistic and stylized techniques in silk and
metal canvaswork we will interpret the warmth and joy of a summer day.
Students will develop the design of their composition in motif and color placement. Butterflies in satin, long and short
and shaded, couched black Japanese gold are dancing among leaves that are developed from the choice of the needlepoint stitches. The use of variegated color placement will be discussed. The flowers
are formed with various padding techniques under satin stitch with goldwork anthers. Leaves are needle point filling stitches with stems and tendrils in couched twists. Good technique in laying
stitches and the use of variegated silk will be emphasized. Accents of goldwork add a feeling of opulence to the summer sunshine.
Students will be encouraged to use their own ideas in color and stitch interpretations.
SIZE: At the students discretion, but limited to 5" X 20" design on 10" X 22" canvas
|
|
|
Summer Solstice
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Intermediate
CLASS LENGTH: 2 day
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Transporting the embroider from the inspiration of illuminated manuscripts to
a misty Summer morning, this design is reminiscent of the hand painting and
gold leaf used to illuminate the pages of the handwritten books of the Middle
Ages combined with the essence of a Solstice dawn. The silk and metal
threads used in combination with heavy padding techniques add tactile as well
as visual appeal. A medallion of silk and metal is joined to borders of
padded flat silk with superimposed scrolls of couched gold leaves. Enclosed
by the borders is a vista created with the use of random Long and Short
stitches in variegated silks, some over padded areas. The tree is a
combination of needlepoint stitches and couching silk over padding. Metallic
counted thread patterns form the background. Techniques included: Padding
over string, felt, and padding cotton; couching metallics and various silk
threads; laying Flat silk; and surface embroidery, counted thread, and
needlepoint stitches. The student will learn to manipulate the colors in the
variegated silks to accomplish their own individual feeling toward the
design. The 7 1/4 X 8 inch design is worked on ecru Congress Cloth.
KIT INCLUDES:
All fibers and foundations necessary to complete the design.
|
|
|
Summer Sonata
Proficiency level: Beginning to Intermediate
Class Length: 1 or 2 days
Description:
Summertime and the berries nod to the music in the breeze a warm afternoon. Using the provided hand-dyed Congress Cloth, beads, silk and metal threads
we will create an elegant memory of a summer afternoon. Bead 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 the warmth and fruit of a sultry day.
Size: 6" X 9" design on 14" X 18" Congress Cloth
|
|
|
Winder Wonders ©
TECHNIQUE: Silk and metal embroidery on canvas
LENGTH OF CLASS: 24 Hours (4 days)
PROFICIENCY LEVEL
: Advanced Intermediate
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Fans open and bright blossoms blend with the winter pine inviting us to celebrate the past and follow the new growth into the future. We
will combine the elegance of traditional oriental design with Japanese and Western techniques as the new world of silk and metal needlework opens before us.
For dimensional effects we will be
using felt and stitch padding techniques. Japanese embroidery techniques of stamen effect and modified flax leaf lattices are combined with superimposed embroidery. Goldwork techniques of cutwork and
many couching variations will be employed as we explore the ways to bring together East and West.
SIZE: 10" X 16" design on 18" X 16.6" congress cloth
|
|
|
Winter Solstice
PROFICIENCY LEVEL: Intermediate
CLASS LENGTH: 2 day
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Transporting the embroider from the inspiration of illuminated manuscripts to
the crystalline essence of snow, this design is reminiscent of the hand
painting and gold leaf used to illuminate the pages of the handwritten books
of the Middle Ages combined with the essence of a Solstice night. The pine
trees, under their burden of snow, cast shadows on the frozen pond as
moonlight illuminates the scene. The silk and metal threads used in
combination with heavy padding techniques add tactile as well as visual
appeal. A medallion of silk and metal is joined to borders of padded flat
silk with superimposed scrolls of couched silver twist and #1 silver to form
trailing pine branches. Enclosed by the borders is a vista created with the
use of random Long and Short stitches in a variety of silks and combined with
silver, some over padded areas. Metallic counted thread patterns form the
background. Techniques included: Padding with string, and felt; couching
metallics and various silk threads; Kid appliqué; applying beads; laying Flat
silk; and surface embroidery, counted thread, and needlepoint stitches. There
will a color selection available. The 7 1/4 X 8 inch design is worked on ecru
Congress Cloth.
KIT INCLUDES:
All fibers and foundations necessary to complete the design including the
working frame.
MATERIALS THE STUDENT SHOULD BRING:
Metal cutting scissors, fabric scissors, thimble, straight pins, devise for
holding the frame steady and flat, laying tool (tekobari recommended). One
set of koma is necessary it may obtained from the teacher at extra cost. The
usual needlework tools. Lamp and magnifier if needed for working #24 Congress
Cloth.
CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT: Floor easel with flip chart.
|
|
Back to Class Index
|
|
|
