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• Layers of Meaning ~ On-Line

  • When
    December 31, 2020
  •  
    (MST)
  • Location
    On-Line
  • Registered
    2 registrants

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  Layering is the magical component that brings a collage to life, adds depth, emotion and allows it to tell our story. However, layering does not always come easily.

  In this class we will explore the concepts of layering: both visual layers and physical layers. We will have a crash course in collage design and composition with a focus on exactly what makes a great collage.

  There are so many exciting techniques to use in mixed-media collages and we will learn and play with quite a few. Techniques will include image transfer and direct printing from your printer, staining fabrics, ideas for transparent layers, and stitch layers

  This class is textile based and will include stitching but artists in all mediums are welcome to play, explore and create with us.

  Supplies:

  Start with a notebook and whatever you have in the craft box or studio; fabric scraps, paper, etc. You will already have many of the things you need and as you view lessons you can choose to purchase additional items you want to try.

  
  

  
  

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• Boro: The Art of Tattered Rags ~ On-Line

  • When
    December 31, 2020
  •  
    (MST)
  • Location
    On-Line

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  Boro is the Japanese word for tattered rags. From the 1600’s and even into the early 1900’s the Japanese farmers of the northern region of Honshu used this technique to repair and patch their clothes. Originally made from hemp the farmers were gradually able to get their hands on bits of cotton and finally silk. Every little scrap was precious and washed and saved until it was used to give their clothes longevity. These items of clothing were so used and worn and yet have such strength that you can’t help but admire them.

  So gather up your bits of worn and beautiful fabric and let’s create a wall hanging that will speak of carefully preserved memories. A time when fabric was precious and hard to find and every little bit was worth saving.

  the fabric suggestions below are for a traditional Japanese look, you may of course use any fabrics you have on hand.

  Ruth has a fabulous  kit that you can purchase here.

  Supply List-

  · 2- 20x26 pieces of indigo fabric

  · 1-20x26 piece of cotton batting (I have been using black batting but natural is fine)

  · Fabric bits for “patches”

  · Thread, fibers, pearl cotton, floss, to match patches fabric

  · Needles, (chenille sizes 18-24 and embroidery)

  · Thimble

  · Reading glasses if needed

  · Large scissors for cutting patches

  · Small scissors for trimming thread

  · Pins for securing patches

  
  

  
  

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• Immersion dyeing with Natural Dyes - On-Line

  • When
    December 31, 2020
  •  
    (MST)
  • Location
    On-Line

  Register

  

  Instructor: Melanie Audet

  This class teaches students the fundamentals of using natural plants and natural plant extracts to color fabric.  The students will learn how to mordant fabric,  and use natural dye powders such as cutch, kamala and parrot tree to create beautifully colored fabric.  We will be dyeing various fabrics to see how the color looks on different types of fabric. 

  Student supply list:

  • Apron
  • Mask
  • Gloves
  • Notebook
  • Card stock (to display samples)
  • stapler/staples
  • Sharpie Marker
  • label stickers (optional)
  • hole punch (optional)
  • Pinking shears (optional)(to make samples look pretty) 
  • Further necessary equipment is reviewed in the first lesson
    
  • If making a sample booklet, different cellulose and protein fabrics, cut into 2"x5" pieces.  Otherwise, fabric of your choice, one cellulose (cotton, bamboo, hemp, rayon) and one protein.
  • Natural dyes of your choice. You can purchase a kit from my website Twig and Berry Dyes.com* or if you would like or you can purchase dyes from various sources, such as Maiwa, Botanical Colors, Cupid Falls Farms, or The Yarn Tree to name a few.  

   Purchase the kit  

  *The kit includes a 1oz package of an extract, a 2oz package of regular dye powder and tannin, and a 6 oz package of non-ferric Aluminum Sulfate all for $25.00.  

  Instructor Bio:  Melanie Audet is originally from the Detroit area of Michigan.  She received a BA from Albion College and a  BFA from the Oregon College of Art and Craft, where she learned how to use synthetic dyes.  She has continued her education by learning the art of natural dyes. She is the owner and proprietor of Melanie Audet Limited Editions and Twig and Berry Dyes.   Her love for textiles is more of a compulsion and she loves to share this passion with others.

  
  

  
  

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• Dirty Dyeing with Fiber Reactive Dyes - On-Line

  • When
    December 31, 2020
  •  
    (MST)
  • Location
    On-Line

  Register

  

  Get down and dirty with this immersion dyeing class, a bit looser in approach than creating reproduceable colors.  Students will learn the basics of how to safely color fabric using a dye bath and fiber reactive dyes, specifically procion mx dyes. It is a good introduction to dye safety and the process of immersion dyeing with no mathematical equations to create a reproduceable color. Color is free and loose and open to interpretation.   Regardless of your project, this class is a foundational class and a good introduction to the world of dyeing.   

  Student supply list:

  • Apron
  • Mask
  • Gloves
  • Notebook
  • procion mx dyes, purchased on line from Dharma Trading Co., Pro Chemical and Dye, Dick Blick  or from you local art store.
  • Fabric, either cellulose (cottons, rayons, bamboos etc) or silks
    
  • Sharpie Marker
  • label stickers (optional)
  • Pinking shears (optional)
  • Equipment necessary for this class is reviewed in the first lesson.  
    

  Instructor: Melanie Audet

  Instructor Bio:  Melanie Audet is originally from the Detroit area of Michigan.  She received a BA from Albion College and a  BFA from the Oregon College of Art and Craft, where she learned how to use synthetic dyes.  She has continued her education by learning the art of natural dyes. She is the owner and proprietor of Melanie Audet Limited Editions and Twig and Berry Dyes.   Her love for textiles is more of a compulsion and she loves to share this passion with others.

  
  

  
  

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