Autumn Allure ©

Length of Class:  2 day (12 hours)
Proficiency Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class Description: The days dwindle down, the air is like wine, and the oak 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 silk and metal thread embroidery techniques including: Random buttonhole; Goldwork over padding; couching braid and milliary; creating detached elements. The students will learn to frame-up 2 fabrics for the foundation and backing.

Size: 6˝ X 6˝ on 9˝ x 12˝ silk foundation with linen backing. ½˝ detached elements.

Crab Apples Blossoms ©

Proficiency Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Length of Class:  2 Days (12 hours)

Class 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 Needed: (Supplied by Student) 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.

Dogwoods in Autumn ©

Proficiency Level:   Beginner to Intermediate
Length of Class:  2 days (12 hours)

Class 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 Needed: (Supplied by Student)
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.

Dragonfly's Delight ©

Class Length: 1 or 2 days, 6-12 hours
Proficiency Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class 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

Dragonfly Shimmer ©

Length of Class:  1 day
Proficiency Level: Beginner to Intermediate 

Class Description: Light catches the vivid iridescence on the wing. Learn to work with one of the most beautiful natural elements of the East. Beetle wings have been used since medieval times in the courts and temples from Japan to India.
 On a foundation of blackwork done in variegated braid is a dragonfly worked in beetle wings held 2 ways: as a detached element and as a bead. Glass beads make up the rest of the body. Students will learn how to shape and attach the wings and there will be discussion on Sternocera culture.
 Size: 4˝ X 4˝ inch square congress cloth

Elizabethan Elegance ©

Technique: Silk and Metal embroidery on fabric
Length of Class: 1 day (6 hours)
Proficiency Level: Beginner 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

Classroom Equipment:  Flip Chart and Floor Easel.

Fierce Fibers ©

Technique:  Silk and Metalic Thread Embroidery, Contemporary, Experimental
Length of Class: 2 days 
Proficiency Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class Description:  We will be acknowledging the new way of looking at design and fibers. The slang of today as stepped up the way we look at the world. The Wiktionary means shows the evolution of the meaning of “fierce” from ferocious through the Irish slang for “very” or “excellent” to US slang for “boldness” as seen on the catwalk.
Students will make silk paper and learn to sculpt it. The students will develop their own designs from the research of fire and flame. There will be discussion of the types of design implications, and uses of the many materials provided. The students will be encouraged to experiment with new ideas in working and will have a chance to create dimensional foundations.
We will start by playing with a variety of contemporary materials and ways of using them to create new surfaces. We will develop the background through voided areas and contemporary combinations of composed of interpretative canvas stitches on Congress cloth with appliqué.
Unusual materials and techniques will be explored: Tyveck®, silk paper, silk tops and molding to a form
The students will be encouraged to investigate their own ideas. Many choices are available to the student:

·       Design development
·       Working samples and evaluating them as they will be applied in the finished piece
·       Working their own original design on white 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.
Size: At the discretion of the student but limited to 16" x 13"
 

Gilt-y Pleasure ©

Technique:  Silk and Metal embroidery, Contemporary, Experimental
Length of Class:  2 days 
Proficiency Level: Beginning to Intermediate

Class Description: From ancient times there has been a search for creating a rich and
glittering effect that is unequalled. In this class we will explore the many methods ad products that we can gild. Starting with painting the canvas with copper and/or gold acrylic, we will play with a variety of contemporary materials and ways of using them to create new surfaces. Using leaves as an inspiration, we will develop backgrounds through voided areas and contemporary combinations composed of interpretative canvas stitches on congress cloth. Silk and metal thread instruction includes working with 3 different silks, check purl, plate, #1 Gold, and braid.
The students will develop their own designs as they explore different ways of gilding. There will be discussion of the types of design implications, and uses of the materials provided. The students will be encouraged to experiment with new ideas in working and will have a chance to create dimensional foundations.
Unusual materials and techniques will be explored: Tyveck®, Lutradur®, gold leaf and transfer foil.
The students will be encouraged to investigate their own ideas. Many choices are available to the student:

•       Congress cloth: black or ecru
•       Design development
•       Working samples and evaluating them as they will be applied in the finished piece
•       Working their own original design

The class example will be developed into sections of a handbag. The handbag design will be available for those who want to pursue that presentation.
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.

Size: At the discretion of the student but limited to 16˝ x 16˝
The suggested finished product can be made into a small handbag: 7˝ x 7˝ x 5˝

Leather and Lace ©

Technique: Silk and Metallic Thread Embroidery, Contemporary, Experimental
Length of Class: 1-2 days (6-12 hours)
Proficiency Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class Description: Starting with painting the canvas with copper and gold acrylic, we will play 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 lace like plants in silk and metal embroidery. We will develop the background through voided areas and contemporary combinations composed of interpretative canvas stitches on 18-count interlock with kid appliqué.

The students will develop their own designs from the research of
pictures from nature. There will be discussion of the types of design implications, and uses of the  materials provided. The students will be encouraged to experiment with new ideas in working and will have a chance to create dimensional foundations.

Unusual materials and techniques will be explored: Tyveck®, Lutradur® and kid.

The students will be encouraged to investigate their own ideas. Many choices are available to the student:
•       Design development
•       Working samples and evaluating them as they will be applied in the finished piece
•       Working their own original design

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.

Size: At the discretion of the student but limited to 8˝ x 10˝
The suggested finished product can be made into a small portfolio to hold a paper pad or other treasures

 Mariposa©

Butterflies flutter in the bright glistening sunshine. The bright wings create a flash of a rainbow.

The two layers of foundation provide a dimensional experience. Seed beads and crystals are centered in the flowers on #18 silk interlock canvas top butterfly’s wings.  It floats over the other butterflies of laid silk, which are embellished with sequins and beads.

Proficiency Level:  Intermediate

Design Size: 4" X 6" design on 8" X 12" 28 Count Dusty Green/Olive Jobelan

and interlock silk canvas. Depth is at the discretion of the student

Nocturne ©

Technique: Silk and Metallic Thread Embroidery on canvas
Length of Class: 2 days (12 hours)
Proficiency Level: Beginner 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"

Classroom Equipment: Flip Chart and Floor Easel, Water source

Overture ©

Technique: Silk and Metallic Thread Embroidery on canvas
Length of Class: 1 day (6 hours)
Proficiency Level: Beginner 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. 

Size: The design is approximately 4"x 6" on a 8" x 10" congress cloth foundation.

Overture II ©

Technique: Silk and Metallic Thread Embroidery on canvas
Length of Class: 1 day (6 hours)
Proficiency Level: Beginner 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. 

Size: The design is approximately 6"x 4" on a 8" x 10" congress cloth foundation.

 Pinwheel Pleasure ©

Proficiency level: Basic to Intermediate

 Class Length: 1 day

 Description:

Metals and silk combine to make this lacy pinwheel a please to stitch.

 The transparency of the silk interlock ground and close couched wire allow open filling stitches to raise over the interspersed blades of couched wire and braid creating a dimensional experience.

 Threads used include 3 colors and sizes of braid and wire.

 Size:  4" circular design on 8" X 8" Congress Cloth and interlock silk canvas. Depth is at the discretion of the student.

Playing with Fire ©

Technique: Silk and Metallic Thread Embroidery, Contemporary Experimental
Length of Class: 1 day (6 hours)
Proficiency Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class Description: Welcome to world of heat and the new materials available to the needlework world. This class is a quick introduction so we will start by playing with a variety of contemporary materials and ways of using them to create new surfaces and textures. The backgrounds will be developed using overdyes in Bargello stitches on Congress cloth with appliqué.

The students will be encouraged to experiment with new ideas in working and will have a chance to create dimensional foundations. Unusual materials and techniques will be explored: Tyveck®, cellophane, and Angelina®. Students will be encouraged to investigate their own ideas. Many choices are available:

• Design development
• Working samples and evaluating them as they will be applied in the finished piece
• Working their own original design on black congress cloth

 Students are encouraged to bring pertinent materials from home. They should also bring a sense of play and humor.

Rock, Paper, Stitches: Exploring Dimensional Texture ©

Technique: Silk and Metallic Thread Embroidery, Contemporary, Experimental
Length of Class: 2 days (12 hours) Or 4 days (24 hours)
Proficiency Level: Beginner 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:

• Design development
• Three color ways
• Working samples and evaluating them as they will be applied in the finished piece
• 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”

Sea & Surf ©

Technique: Silk and Metallic Thread Embroidery, Contemporary, Experimental
Length of Class: 2-3 days
Proficiency Level: Basic Intermediate to Intermediate
 
Class Description: A cool walk on the beach or the thunder of a wild day of surf, which would you pick? Bring your memoirs, photos, and join us as we enjoy the delights of the seashore. 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 sea and surf with silk and metallic embroidery threads. We will develop the background through voided areas and contemporary combinations of composed of interpretative stitches on Congress cloth.

The students will develop their own designs from the research of sea and surf patterns. There will be discussion of the types f design implications, and uses of the many materials provided including sea glass. The students will be encouraged to experiment with new ideas in working. Students will have a chance to create dimensional fabrics using sheers. Stitch techniques include surface embroidery over and in conjunction with canvas stitches.
 
Unusual materials will be explored: Sea glass, cellophane, and Angelina.

The students will be encouraged to investigate their own ideas. Many choices are available to the student:
·       Design development
·       Working samples and evaluating them as they will be applied in the finished piece
·       Working their own original design on white 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.

Sho Noshi ©

Technique:  Silk and metal embroidery on canvas
Length on class:  1-2 days (6-12 hours)
Proficiency level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class description: Noshi, the Japanese work for wrapped dried fish (abalone) have been a traditional gift of celebration. Today we will celebrate the introduction of the students to the wonderful world of silk and metal thread needlework on canvas as they work this sho (small ) noshi.
The students will learn how to frame up and transfer the design. There will be an introduced to four different types of silk from around the world. After a demonstration of how to wind koma, the students will be provided with the Japanese gold on spools for immediate use. Focusing on laying silks and couching the students will become more proficient in these techniques.
Students will have choices of stitch and color placement.

Note: In the 2 day class, there will be a demonstration of canvas painting used for the background in this class. Students will be allowed to paint if they wish. They may also try their hand winding koma.

Size: 6" X 8" design on 12" X 14" hand painted congress cloth

Snowflake Samba ©

Technique:  Embellished pulled thread on Canvas
Length on class:  2 days (12 hours)
Proficiency level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class description: Snowflakes in a gentle whorl settle onto a new-made world. The day glistens in appreciation of the transient beauty.
Students will have a chance to revive the fun of making paper snowflakes that they ay have learned as children.  Using metallic paints with paper snowflakes as a resist, they will create a design of scattered snowflakes. Pulled thread stitches of the student's choice are provided to create the lacy structure of each snowflake. The whimsical nature of the technique allows for imprecise imaginative crystals and embellishments.
Students will be encouraged to use their own ideas in design and stitch interpretations.

Size: At the students discretion, but limited to 10" X 16" design on 13" X  18" canvas

Sophisticated Spring ©

Length on class:  2 days (12 hours)
Proficiency level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class description: A warm spring morning, bright blue sky, pansies nod in the breeze. In our embroidery we will combine the freshness of new growth and dimensionality with the formal beauty of goldwork. The warmth of the sun reflects in the gold metallics as you shade your pansy created in soft twist silks.  The outward spiral of brings the outer flowers and leaves to three-dimensional life.
This class is an introduction to the use of silk shading, goldwork techniques and detached elements. The students will learn to frame-up two fabrics for the foundation and backing.  They will couch braid, wire and pearl variations along with learning how to work with sequins and check purl in S-ing. Silk shading is worked inside wire on silk organza and then cut away to make the pansy three-dimensional.  

Size: 6" x 6" design on 9"x 12" silk foundation with linen backing. 1/2” detached element.

Spring Awakening ©

Technique:  Silk and metal embroidery on canvas
Length on class:  2 days (12 hours)
Proficiency level: Beginner 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"

Classroom Equipment: Flip Chart and Floor Ease, Water source

Splendor in Snow ©

Technique:  Embellished pulled thread on canvas

 Length of Class:  12 Hours (2 days)

Proficiency Level:  Beginning to Intermediate

 Class Description:

Snowflakes in a gentle whorl settle onto a new-made world of pine in a majestic winter. Adorned in braids of golds and beads it beacons to us to enjoy the enchantment of the possibilities in stitch.

 Pulled thread stitches of the student's choice and placement are provided to create the lacy structure of each area of the winter pine. Divisions are embellished in braid combinations along with Milliary and beads.

Students will be encouraged to use their own ideas in design and stitch interpretations.

Size: At the students’ discretion, but limited to 7" x 10" design on 18" x 16" canvas, which allows for a practice area.

Summer Shine ©

Technique: Silk and Metallic Thread Embroidery with Shisha elements

Length on class:  1 day
Proficiency level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class description: Contemporary Canvaswork Dazzling sunlight radiates off a golden flower with vivid foliage. Learn to work in shisha technique with mirrors and one of the most beautiful natural elements the East. Beetle wings have been used since medieval times in the courts and temples from Japan to India. Students will learn how to sculpt and attach them. 

Design Size:  3" x 5" 

Summer Sonata ©

Length on class:  1-2 days (6-12 hours)
Proficiency level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class 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

Summer Song ©

Length on class:  2 days (12 hours)
Proficiency level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class description: Summertime and the meadow nods to the music in the breeze a warm afternoon. The chicory flower is often seen as inspiration for the Romantic concept of the Blue Flower: which stands for desire, love, and the metaphysical striving for the infinite and unreachable. It was also believed to be able to open locked doors, according to European folklore. Queen Anne's Lace is so called because the flower resembles lace; the red flower in the center represents a blood droplet where Queen Anne, wife of James I, pricked herself with a needle while making the lace.
Using the provided hand-dyed Congress Cloth, beads, silk and metal threads we will create an elegant memory of summer. We will be using a new composite thread: Gilt Sylke Twist.™ Bead appliqué over Syrmna Cross, couching, and ribbonwork with goldwork are the techniques used to create the focal points. Come delight in the warmth of a sultry day.

Cost: $85.00 
            Stretcher Bars (14x14): $5.00 available from teacher

Size: 6" x 9" design on 12"x 14" Congress Cloth

Winter Wonderland ©

Length on class: 2 day

Proficiency level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class description: Silk and Metal with beads and detached elements

Frost licks at the pins and snow flakes twinkles in the in the twilight glow.

The student will be introduced to metal embroidery and dimensional beading with couture techniques including: couching hand twisted braid, sequins on edge over padding, and creating detached elements of snowflakes and pine boughs. The beading includes 3 different detached snowflakes incorporating different sizes and types of beads.