Current Classes Available

Design & Create with Kashmiri Chain Stitch Embroidery
Using a single simple embroidery stitch, students will learn to design and create an original garment, bag, accessory, or house ware. 

The versatile technique of Kashmiri chain stitch on cotton canvas provides a less expensive, free-form alternative to needlepoint for stitchers interested in breaking away from counting and for knitters, rug hookers—and people who have never tried any of these other forms--who long to try something new.

Kashmiri chain stitch embroidery requires worsted weight wool or superwash on cotton canvas and a large sharp pointed darning or chenille needle.  The use of worsted weight yarn instead of crewel or needlepoint yarn, or embroidery floss, means these embroideries are affordable even for large projects. 
Starting with paintings and collected images and objects for inspiration, students will learn how to develop rich and interesting designs from simple and accessible sources.  We will learn how to sketch out basic design features and develop the spontaneity and freedom to make up other parts of the design as the piece develops.

This class will focus on several fundamental skills:
1. Elements of Design
2. Drafting simple patterns that can be realized in the canvas that will be the foundation for the
    embroidery.
3. Designing embroidery pattern the elements of which are sketched onto the canvas.
4. Mastering the kashmiri chain stitch and four basic stitch patterns—circle, spiral, long line,
    and fill—each of which has characteristics that can be harnessed to enhance students’
    designs.
5. Finishing.  Finishing techniques will vary depending on student projects but may include
    adding backings, linings, insertion of zippers and attachment of hardware and accessories
     required to complete designs.

Design & Make Your Own Silver Shawl Sticks and Pins

Using a rosewood stick as a foundation, students will use malleable waxes to create the top and/or ring for a shawl stick/pin.  This class will explore shape, texture, form, patina, and finish as elements that can be used to make unique and interesting jewelry elements to be used as accents or as closures for woven and knitted shawls and garments.

Finished waxes will be cast in sterling silver or bronze in a professional casting studio and later assembled, finished and patinaed in class.

Design & Make Your Own Fabulous Metal Buttons and Garment Closures

Create original button and closure designs to augment your handmade clothing.  Take your handwork to another level with metal fastenings that express you, are completely unique and integrated with your existing and/or handmade garments.  Students will experiment with several kinds of malleable wax, playing with texture and forms to produce unique and individualized findings that will then be cast in metal.
Basic forms will be discussed, such as hook & eye clasps, buckles, and buttons with both holes and shanks.

Finished waxes will be sent to a professional casting studio to be cast.  Castings may be one-of or in multiples and will be sent to students after the class once the castings have been completed.

Design & Make Your Own Unique Metal Bag Jewelry

Similar to the Design & Make Your Own Garment Closures class, this class will take students step by step through the process of designing and creating original bag jewelry designs to augment a particular bag design, or as the starting point and inspiration for a bag design.  Make your handmade bags stand apart from the rest with totally individual accessories and hardware.

Students will use malleable waxes to create buckles, rings, zipper pulls, and more, which will then be cast in metal from finished waxes.  Castings may be one-of or in multiples and will be sent to students after the class once the castings have been completed.