Courses

This course provides an opportunity for in-depth exploration of two interesting techniques, bead embroidery and needle felting. With time, space, and abundant materials, each participant will create their own unique works of art. Bead artist Jo Wood says “My goal is to review and then move beyond the basics of…

Discover the magic of “painting with beads” through your choice of seven different signature beaded lapel pin projects. In a reflection of the art and craft of bead embroidery, artist Jo Wood will lead you through your choice of one or two bead-embroidered projects, time permitting. The birch tree pin…

Bring a favorite landscape image to class and create your own unique bead painting on felted wool (material provided). Your piece can be made into a pin for a wearable work of art, or framed for display. This workshop is for all skill levels, for those new to beading on…

Drawing inspiration from opulent hand embroidered Victorian Crazy quilts; learn how to construct a traditional 14-inch Crazy quilt block using the stitch and flip sewing method on a muslin base. Traditional Crazy quilts were not constructed for warmth or for the bed; instead they showcased the maker’s needlework skills. The…

Brightly-colored seed beads have been used to embellish and brighten clothing and homegoods for centuries. Learn to make a beaded doily in this short class and experiment with color and pattern repetition to create a unique piece. Beadwork artist Marcie McIntire will provide instruction and materials for creating these lovely…

Learn basic leather sewing and beadwork by making a drawstring shoulder bag. This three day introductory course will work with soft deerskin leather, and teach several different stitches and embellishment techniques. The finished bag will measure 9” x 5 ½”.

Create a beautiful very handmade piece of clothing: right down to the fabric design! Students will create a lightweight, drapey, felt tunic using fine wool and two layers of silk. They will dye the tunic and then complete the design by steam printing with leaves and flowers. Students should bring…

Autumn brings a riot of color to the landscape of the North Shore. This workshop is your opportunity to capture a bit of the season with beads. Each participant will bring an autumn image to inspire their design. From your image you will create a unique “bead painting” embroidered on…

This class is for weavers who wish to go beyond repetitive pattern drafts and explore personal imagery and design. Doubleweave is a technique in which the weaver simultaneously weaves two layers of cloth. Reversible patterns and imagery are woven into the cloth, dark-on-light on one side, and light-on-dark on the…

When we think of dioramas, foggy memories of shoeboxes and elementary school projects might pop up, but dioramas can be much more than dinosaurs! Diorama means “through that which is seen” in Greek, and is a method of creating a three dimenstional scene to convey a story or a feeling.…

Braided structures are among the oldest examples of human textile work. Learn to create cloth without the use of a loom, an extremely portable method. No previous weaving experience is assumed for the beginners’ class. Using a ready-to-go warp, participants will receive an introduction to the basic techniques. Emphasis is…

This course is an intensive introduction to the ancient textile fiber: flax; and the cloth made from flax: linen. Students will explore all aspects of this traditional material, from seed selection, planting and cultivation, through harvesting, retting, hand processing, spinning, and weaving. We discuss flax’s place in traditional hand textile…

Design, weave, and sew your own custom wool tote bag, perfect for all of your north woods adventures. You’ll create a custom bag approximately 15” x 15” x 3”, woven with a basic twill structure. After designing and weaving their wool yardage, students will gain experience fulling their wool cloth…

Curious continuing spinners, gain inspiration and skill at making the yarn you have in mind. What gives a yarn personality? Prepare by carding, drum carding, combing or not at all; and spin lovely natural sheep shades; hand-dyed locks of wool; or work with the lovely solid top and space-dyed rovings…

Explore several Japanese folk textile traditions while creating a large form boro-inspired quilt or wall hanging using hand dyed shibori resist fabrics, vintage Japanese fabrics and your own upcycled, recycled fabric scraps. We’ll start by learning shibori dyeing techniques Itajame (folding and clamping) and Arashi (wrapping around a pole). We’ll…