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CLASSES updated April 8, 2008
July
Fiber Studio
for Children
SCROLL DOWN for children's classes
-new teachers-
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Spring/Summer 2008 Class Schedul
Click on the type of class you'd like to view...
Basketry | Beadwork | |Rugmaking | Needle ArtsDyeing | Polymer Clay | Surface Design | Weaving
Registration
Click here to download Fall 2008 class listing
Click here for the 08 registration form.
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Do you want to make something out of cloth you’ve woven yourself? In this class you will learn the basics of weaving on a floor loom with cotton yarns. You will be able to experiment with a variety of colors and patterns as you weave. Depending on your interests, you could make a scarf, a table runner, a small bag, a pillow, coasters, or even a wallhanging. . |
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Join us in a making a doll. We will begin by making a pattern and handsewing the doll body itself. Then we will design clothing and complete at least one outfit for the doll. Of course, we’ll also have to give the dolls hair and facial features (think buttons, yarn, wool and costume jewelry!) For those who have taken this class in the past, return with your doll to make additional outfits or create a friend for your doll. . |
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Younger kids will learn the basics of weaving In this class. Everyone will have an opportunity to make a sampler and will explore color combinations and different pat-terns. Use your weaving as a belt, bag strap, guitar strap or wall hanging. We will also explore peg looms, paper weaving, and weaving vocabulary—all taught through games and stories. No experience necessary, just bring your enthusiasm! |
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Spend a week creating your own fiber garland to hang in your room. Using simply shaped animal and bird patterns, wool felt, beads, buttons, ribbons, and thread we’ll fashion a garland inspired by the decorative folk art door hangings of India. You’ll be learning how to use a needle and thread, and having fun learning simple embroidery and embellishment techniques. |
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Come discover fabric collage, papermaking, surface design, and book binding! We’ll take inspiration from working fiber artists and examples of materials used. We’ll create our own pictures using fabric, paper collage, and embellishments. We’ll make our own paper, learn how to print on fabric and paper, using non-toxic pigment, dye, and resist. We’ll combine all our new skills into a final book-making project. |
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BEADWORK
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We should warn you, these supple beaded bracelets can be positively addicting! In three class sessions you’ll learn the basic stitch, special tips for starting and finishing, and how to create numerous design variations. Although this technique can be somewhat tricky to learn, it does get easier with practice. Although crochet experience is helpful, it is not necessary. Some homeworkwill be required between classes
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We’ll work on a ‘wearable art’ pin or necklace pendant while learning the basics of loomed beadwork using seed beads. We will each construct our own loom, learn how to set it up for weaving, develop a project design and begin weaving. On day two, we’ll review progress and take a look at several variations of the basic techniques. To complete the weekend, we’ll explore several finishing techniques, such as edging and fringes. We’ll discuss problem solving strategies and finding supplies and inspiration. |
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BASKETRY
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There are many ways of “wrapping” objects in Asia in order to protect, transport, and present them. What is a fiber vessel—an Indonesian sword carrier, an Indian paper box, a Japanese tea caddy, a woven Sumatran bamboo basket covered with batik and fine beading, a bamboo tea strainer? In this workshop students will fold paper, weave rattan and bamboo, stitch paper and fabric, stitch metal screening with wire, and explore the possibilities inherent in the title, “fiber vessels”! Use the instructor’s collection and library as starting points in this stimulating workshop. Open to beginner through advanced students. |
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The open-hexagonal plaited weave is the ubiquitous basket pattern in Asia. Its structure is so strong that it is used as a second layer to support a basket. The pattern appears in baskets, trays and scoops used for draining and straining, and even for field work baskets. In this workshop, we’ll use the instructor’s basket samples for inspiration and weave multiple baskets suitable for flowers or kitchen use. The primary materials will be bamboo and cane. The second session will be devoted to covering the baskets with handmade paper. Dyeing and staining the baskets will be optional. Some basketry experience is helpful, but not essential.
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CLOSURES & FINISHING TOUCHES
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Using simple hand tools and no heat, students will be using wire of varying gauges and metals to make closures for hand knitted, crocheted or woven garments. Since scale is everything and the technique is the same, you could also make matching earrings, and a short lesson on making slip-on ear wires is included. No previous metalworking experience is required to take this class. |
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Polymer clay is pliable and colorful. So easy and fun to work with. In this class we will learn how to create illusions of precious jewelry; how to make and print covers for hand- made books, with hinge binding; how to make faux enamel, cloisonne and inlay. In this class we'll learn the basics and some imitative techniques for working with polymer clay. The jewelry you'll make in this class, your own unique designs, will be ideal for holiday gifts or wearing to holiday parties. |
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NEEDLE ARTS
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Learn the basic embroidery stitches and their variations, and then let your creativity loose! You’ll practice on aida cloth with embroidery floss and then stitch a traditional or contemporary design on linen. The stitches you learn in class also can be used freeform to embellish quilts, garments, or anything you can put a needle through! We’ll send you a materials list before class begins.
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DYEING
Natural Dyeing Series
We’ll create dyebaths and discuss mordants for woolen, cotton, and linen yarns. As time allows, we will exhaust the dyebaths to extend our range of colors. You’ll take yarn samples to rinse and dry at home. Information about supply sources, techniques, safety, and record keeping will be provided.
Register for all three classes and save!!! $485 Memb [$535 non]
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Create rich, gorgeous colors from plants? Yes, it’s true! The beginning natural dyer will learn the basic steps involved in natural dyeing. Our dyebaths will yield a pleasing spectrum of reds, pinks, apricots, and yellows using madder root and weld.
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Explore natural color, locally! At this lush time of the summer, we will have a wide variety of wildflowers (purple loosestrife, goldenrod, tansy, Queen Anne’s Lace) garden flowers (such as orange cosmos and marigolds) to create our dyebaths. We’ll also experiment with various afterbaths to extend the range of colors from a single plant.
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Explore local color! We will use black walnut hulls and woad to create a range of luscious browns and dreamy blues. By the end of class, you’ll be equally in awe of the determination of our ancestors to both extract and apply these colors to their clothing and art.
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SURFACE DESIGN
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Beginners and experienced silkpainters are welcome at this fun andrelaxed workshop. On Saturday wewill stretch various weights and texturesof silk on to embroidery hoopsand then experiment with differentways to dye and paint an image. Wewill use wax, gutta, and salt to blend,layer and texture designs. Instructionin these techniques will be repeatedon Sunday for new students, andcontinuing students will work on ascarf or wall hanging while havingmore class time to refine their silkpainting and batik techniques. We’llsend a materials list before class starts.
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RUGMAKING
Heirloom Rug Series This series will introduce new rugmakers to historic folk art traditions which depended heavily on recycling fabrics into heirloom rugs.
Register for all three and save!!! $135 members [$150 non]
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You’ll adapt a few rugmaking techniques to create your own heirloom handbag in this quick and easy project. We’ll knit recycled fabrics right into a framework with just a basic garter stitch, making this fun project for even beginning knitters.
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Several techniques and shapes for constructing the knitted rug will be covered in this class. We’ll discuss corded, ovals, heel prints and heart-shaped rugs. You’ll learn how to knit with fabric and begin making a coiled rug—all from your leftover yarns and fabrics.
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You’ll learn how to use a crochet hook to make a rug in 3 different techniques. Hook braiding uses two strands and gives the appearance of a braided rug. Tambour pulls fiber up through canvas to create a chain stitch on the surface. Pjoing is constructed from a series of slip stitches. You’ll learn them all in this class. |
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WEAVING
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| The Master Class will include technical instruction on looms, Maximo’s special techniques of plain and sculptural weaving, selection of materials, color mixing,sources of inspiration, and lots of practice. Maximo will teach his method of design, preparation of cartoons drawnto scale, and loom preparation. You’ll be able to practice the Laura weaving techniques on your own project underthe Master’s supervision. Class size is limited so register early.
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*A list of additional materials needed will be provided upon registration. Materials fee is paid directly to the teacher.
TEACHER BIOS
Nancy Moore Bess is a basket maker with over thirty years experience. Her trips to Japan continue to inspire her work, influence the way she appreciates daily artifacts and everyday materials. She continues to be in awe of temple bells, newel posts, armor and woven fences, and everything she absorbs contributes to her work. Nancy began teaching basketry almost immediately after learning to twine in 1971. Teaching workshops continues to give her great satisfaction.
Sally Dillon has been painting on silk and making scarves, jackets and wall hangings full-time since 1988. Her work has been in numerous exhibitions and galleries in the US and abroad. Her work can be seen at the American Craft Council shows, Paradise City Arts Festivals, and her website, www.sallydillon.com.
Rose Ann Hunter has been a textile structuralist for the last thirty years. She was chosen in 2005 as craftperson-in-residence at Old Sturbridge Village in traditional rugmaking 1790 to 1850 and lectures at various museums, conferences and guilds throughout New England and the US. She has adapted and developed over 30 techniques of rug making by recycling fabrics that are sewn, knitted or crocheted into folk art. Her favorites are the sewn rugs, especially the standing wools.
Cindi Huss is an artist, instructor, and writer who creates sculptural quilted art in her studio in Belchertow. She is a member of SAQA, the Surface Design Assoc., the Hands Across the Valley Quilters Guild, and the Fiber Art Center. She was priveleged to teach in Ireland during the summer of 2007 for the Cork Textiles Network.
Kate Jenkins taught herself to spin and weave as a hobby 30 years ago. Today she works asa professional weaver, creating hand woven chenille fabrics for a clothing designer. She also weaves chenille scarves of her own design and experiments with rug weaving and tapestry.She teaches weaving at Snow Farm in Williamsburg, MA.
Alice Kane has a degree in textiles from the University of Massachusetts and has been interested in needlework since she was a child. Over the last 20 years, she has taught embroidery at the Walter Vincent Smith Museum as well as local extension and adult education services. She makes and sells both traditional and contemporary samplers and also embroiders embellishments on clothing.
Maximo Laura is Peru’s preeminent weaver of contemporary tapestries and rugs. He is a third generation weaver from the district of Ayacucho and a graduate of the University of San Marcos. His works are in collections throughout North and South America, Italy, France, Finland and Denmark. Maximo Laura brings a unique and fresh perspective to the traditional Aubusson, Kilim, Soumak and Anillado techniques. Working In 100% Andean alpaca, llama, wool and cotton, Maestro Laura weaves a world that reflects his personal and cultural views. His tapestries are three-dimensional representations of Andean mythological themes drawn from Peru’s rich history of cultures such as the Incas and their modern day descendants, the Quechua.
A recipient of the Handweaver’s Guild of America’s Award for Outstanding Creativity, Karyl Lynch has been doing loomed beadwork for over ten years. This year Karyl’s work has been accepted into exhibits at Beads International 2008 at the Dairy Barn and Bead Whimsy at The Textile Center in Minneapolis.
Cynthia Loiselle has been involved in fiber art for over two decades. She learned this technique in 1999 and rapidly became addicted. She’s made and sold hundreds of bracelets and has been teaching others the secrets of this technique for several years.
Marta MacDonald recently moved to the area from Cambridge where she has been working as a textile artist and art teacher since 1987. She particularly enjoys helping children take themselves seriously as art makers and encouraging them to be experimental and expressive in their work. Marta started weaving when she was 20 and, although she still enjoys weaving, her current artwork consists of painting and stitching on fabric.
Michelle Parrish especially loves working with natural materials, and participating in the magical transformation of natural materials into a human-made artifact. Michelle has taught children, youth, and adults at the FAC, Hampshire College, and in Kyrgyzstan, and is the associate teacher in the 6–8 year-old classroom at the Common School.
Jill Pollack is thrilled to be returning to the Fiber Art Center to teach a fourth summer of children’s classes. She is a recent graduate of the Masters of Education program at Smith College. Jill is most excited this summer to provide kids with the tools and skills necessary for them to create beautiful art.
Linda Repasky is passionate about working with wool in a variety of forms. She is the author of two books, “Miniature Punchneedle Embroidery” and “A Passion for Punchneedle” (Martingale, 2006). She teaches primitive rug hooking and miniature punchneedle class and workshops throughout New England. She also hosts a rug hooking group in Amherst.
Leslie Wind started making jewelry when a friend showed her which tools did what. Almost forty years later, she continues to explore and refine her craft. Leslie is a member of the Cape Ann Artisans, a group of professional artists celebrating it’s twenty fifth year.
REGISTRATION
To register for all Fiber Art Center classes:
You may call the Fiber Art Center, 413-256-1818 to register with your credit card or mail your registration form, with payment, to: Fiber Art Center; 79 So. Pleasant St., Suite 1; Amherst, MA 01002 or fax 413-256-1896.
Please register at least 7 days before the first class meeting; late registration will incur a $5 late fee. Please note: Materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at the first class meeting unless noted.
FAC Refund policy: Refunds will be made if programs are cancelled or filled or if a change in date or time prohibits your attendance. A full refund less a $15 administrative fee will be given to students who withdraw from a class seven days prior to the start of the class. No refund will be given during the week prior to the start of the class unless the Foundation is able to fill the space from the waiting list.
Publicity policy: By registering for a class at the Fiber Art Center you consent to the use of your name and likeness in publicity materials for the Fiber Art Center and Foundation for Fiber Art. You will not be paid or otherwise compensated for this use. You are entitled to opt out of any photograph, videotape, or other recording made during class or at other Fiber Art Center events at the time such recording is made
For more information about any of the classes listed here, please call the Fiber Art Center at 413-256-1818 or email us, classes@fiberartcenter.org
Samples from many of the classes are on display at the Center; drop in to see them.
The Foundation for Fiber Art does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, culture, disability, gender, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation.
Scholarships
Scholarships for educational programs at the Fiber Art Center are available for adults and children who demonstrate financial need.
The Foundation for Fiber Art generally offers partial scholarships to enable as many students as possible to participate in our programs. Please contact the Fiber Art Center office at 413-256-1818 for an application. All applications must be received at least two weeks before the start of class. A limited number of scholarship spots are available for each session and each course. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis. Scholarship students are responsible for any materials fees.formation.
Nondiscrim
We welcome contributions to the scholarship fund, please contact us for in
ination Policy: The Foundation for Fiber Art does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, culture, disability, gender, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation.
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