Workshops & Presentations

I am absolutely available for presentations and workshops. I have an English degree, a teaching degree, and a Masters in Library Science, so lesson plans and presentations (I love doing digital) are no problem–in fact, they are a joy to do!

I am an enthusiastic presenter, and especially enjoy introducing people who think they are NOT creative to their artistic side. Of course, I also relish exchanging notes and techniques with seasoned artists!

Art is a spiritual practice for me, one that brings adventure and revelation into my life. I approach it with a sense of wonder and curiosity. “Fun” is the operative word.

I look forward to hearing from you about leading an art experience in your area! Reach me at:

silverspringstudio@gmail.com

Check issue 33 of Quilting Arts Magazine to see an example of some of my work and techniques!

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Workshop 1: PAPER PLEASURES: construct a paper topped, shaped quilt See my article in QUILTING ARTS, Issue 33.

Explore the pleasure of constructing a quilt with a paper top. You may find, as I did, that you love the textures you can create, the ease with which you can create shapes and decorate the surface. Here are some of the topics/techniques that we will explore:

–Using printed images
–Making and using a variety of art papers for clothing.
–shaping the quilt
–Painting with acrylic & gesso on your quilt top
–Using pencil crayons, pastels, dimensional paint, stamps, etc.

SUPPLIES: Your own images and words, printed on simple copy paper. A CD or DVD of further images would be useful as well~or simply a collection of papers, as long as the ink will not run. Photocopied images are fine.

You will also need to bring your favorite fluid acrylics (and any other paint or surface coloring agent you enjoy), gesso (white & black), dimensional paint (white & black), gloss medium (liquid), matte or semi-gloss medium (gel), a variety of paint brushes, white cotton, white and/or black felt, white & black polyester thread, scissors, and a sewing machine.

You can also bring any stamps, rollers, brayers, or other such tools that you normally employ. I’m sure we can incorporate them!

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Workshop 2: CLEVER INCLUSIONS

I love adding buttons, mandalas, or brooch-like items to my quilts. Handmade beads are also fun, and can be made in the exact color and patterns you need!

Here are some of the topics/techniques that we will explore:

–Papier mache. This is not the papier mache of your youth: we will make buttons, beads, and “brooches” that will look absolutely fabulous!

–Air-dry clay. The new air-dries are amazingly strong, and quite flexible.

–Simple tassels. We will make tassels with papier mache/air dry clay tops, and embroidery floss.

SUPPLIES: Your own images and words, printed on simple copy paper. A CD or DVD of further images would be useful as well. You will also need to bring your favorite fluid acrylics (and any other paint or surface coloring agent you enjoy), gesso (white & black), dimensional paint (white & black), gloss medium (liquid), white glue, and a variety of paint brushes.

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Workshop 3: AFTER-THE FACT-APPLIQUE: the Wiebe-way

You know how you have the quilt all stitched and painted, and then think of an important element you’d like to add: maybe a feather, a leaf, a mandala. But if you collage it on now, it will look so out of place! Well, I have developed a method I talked about in Quilting Arts Issue 33, using tissue paper and paper towel, that will help you make an applique that will look as if it always belonged wherever you put it!

SUPPLIES: Your favorite fluid acrylics (and any other paint or surface coloring agent you enjoy), gesso (white & black), dimensional paint (white & black), gloss medium (liquid), matte or semi-gloss medium (gel), and a variety of paint brushes. Foam brushes work well for this technique, in the smallest size. Hand sewing needles, white and black thread, a thimble and scissors (paper and a small thread cutting model) will be needed as well.

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Workshop 4: QUILTING MEETS CROCHET

I have always loved crochet: it is so versatile, so easy to shape, and has many different “looks.” I have found that it is also a great skill to use in quilted hangings: for edging, for joining modules within the hanging, for binding, and even for the sleeve that holds the hanging rod. Crocheted lace at the bottom of a hanging adds what I call “heirloom beauty” to the piece. We will explore all these different ways to incorporate this wonderful skill into our mixed media art quilts!

SUPPLIES: A 1mm steel hook (or a litle bigger if that is too fine for you); a fine white crochet cotton (size 30 or finer); a spool of white polyester thread; a quilting needle (for hand sewing); a spool of white polyester thread; and an embroidery needle that the crochet cotton will fit through.

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Workshop 5: SISTER ANGELS: construct a sister angel (or a pet angel, or a boyfriend angel, or .  .  .  . )    See my article in  FIBRE & STITCH 7.

We will create a doll for the wall using photos or drawing of your significant other’s face. If you can get photos of their feet and hands, even better. We will then use many of the same techniques as those for making a paper quilt:
–Using printed images
–Making and using a variety of art papers for clothing.
–shaping the quilt
–Painting with acrylic & gesso on your quilt top
–Using pencil crayons, pastels, dimensional paint, stamps, etc.

SUPPLIES: Images of the person you want to create the doll for (face, hands, feet) printed on simple copy paper. A CD or DVD of further images would be useful as well~or simply a collection of papers, as long as the ink will not run. Photocopied images are fine.

You will also need to bring your favorite fluid acrylics (and any other paint or surface coloring agent you enjoy), gesso (white & black), dimensional paint (white & black), gloss medium (liquid), matte or semi-gloss medium (gel), a variety of paint brushes, white cotton, white and/or black felt, white & black polyester thread, scissors, and a sewing machine.

You can also bring any stamps, rollers, brayers, or other such tools that you normally employ. I’m sure we can incorporate them!

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Presentation 2: FROM SILVERSPRING STUDIO to QUILTING ARTS

I talk about Silverspring Studio (my blog) and how it came to be and how it has developed. Then I discuss ways that my blog presence prompted my connection with Quilting Arts Magazine, and helped me to evolve as an artist.

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