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Workshop and gallery archive
workshop : bulb kelp baskets
Turn beachcombing into an art form!
Students will learn how to find and work with bull kelp to create two sculptural baskets. In the morning you will create a knotless netted or lace basket and learn how to mount it onto a piece of driftwood. In the afternoon you will create a random basket which will dry at home on a form. Demonstrations will be given for mounting the random and several other types of baskets. You will also be shown other materials that can be used for the knotless netting technique.
All materials will be supplied. Students are asked to bring their lunch, kitchen scissors and an old bath towel.
WORKSHOP FEE: $90.00 plus $4.50 GST.
INSTRUCTOR: Joanne Waters
QUESTIONS? Call 604-883-2380 or e-mail us
workshop : the painted quilt
Expand your free machine quilting repertoire and experiment with hand painting to explore the “Painted Quilt”. We'll work with some traditional free-motion techniques as well as introduce some new ideas! We will be experimenting with thread colours and fabrics in our quilting designs and then painting the surface both before and after quilting using rich, glorious colours.
We will discuss and sample painting figures, animals, flowers or anything else that takes your fancy directly to fabric and then what to do with your painted masterpiece.
Students in this workshop can create a series of samples exploring various techniques or for those with a theme or some thoughts on subject matter these samples could be the beginnings of a new design or a completed small project. If you have been “exploring” in a sketchbook or are working on some possible design ideas, please bring them along!
Students will bring their own fabrics and threads but all the paints will be provided. Supply list will be provided.
WORKSHOP FEE: $190.00 plus $9.50 GST.
INSTRUCTOR: Catherine Nicholls
QUESTIONS? Call 604-883-2380 or e-mail us
workshop : inspired by . . . art
We’ve all seen those wonderful paintings: old masters, impressionists, abstract…and admired the shapes and colours. This class is designed to guide students through the design process using these classic works as sources of inspiration. We aren’t trying to re-create the work but rather identify and explore the aspects of the art works that appeal most.
Each student will work from their chosen source of inspiration to create a design and eventually a small textile piece inspired by the work of art that excites them most. This class focus’s on the development of a design, from that initial “spark” through to creation of a workable design or pattern.
Images of art work will be provided but if you have images of art work that you are particularity attracted to please bring it along! Please respect copyright if you are inspired by a contemporary artist.
WORKSHOP FEE: $190.00 plus $9.50 GST.
INSTRUCTOR: Catherine Nicholls
QUESTIONS? Call 604-883-2380 or e-mail us
workshop : freeform knitting & crochet
Class duration: 2 days (12 hours teaching time)
During the first half of this workshop students will randomly experiment with their hooks and needles to create small sections of knitting, crochet, or a combination of both crafts together. As the class continues they will learn some of the more difficult stitches, and will create a few unusual motifs that work well when freeforming.
They will then study some basic pattern shaping techniques, and discover how their pieces could be joined together to make wonderfully tactile fabrics that can be fitted to a pattern of any size or shape.
Skills Needed:
While it is possible to ‘freeform’ using either just knitting or crochet alone, to get the most from this class and to produce the most tactile fabrics, potential students should have at least some basic skills in both crafts.
Materials List:
Participants should bring a good variety of different yarns, in colours that they think will go well together. If they have already dabbled with freeform-style knitting or crochet, they could bring any previously-made swatches or experimentations, as these can be used as starting points onto which they can join new sections. They will also need both knitting needles and crochet hooks (in various sizes that approximately suit the weights of the yarns they have chosen) and a pair of scissors.
Workshop notes covering all of the stitches and techniques to be used in the class will be supplied.
WORKSHOP FEE: $160.00, includes GST.
INSTRUCTOR: Prudence Mapstone
QUESTIONS? Call 604-883-2380 or e-mail us
workshop : freeform knit & crochet handbags
Class Duration: Full Day (6 hours teaching time)
General Workshop Description:
Students will learn a range of techniques for creating and combining various freeform motifs made using both knitting and crochet stitches, whilst beginning to construct their own one-of-a-kind wearable art handbag.
I will bring samples and swatches to help provide inspiration, and will demonstrate all of the more unusual stitches and techniques. I will also explain how to join and complete the bag once all of the pieces for the fabric have been created. Each student will receive handout sheets detailing patterns for all of the stitches and motifs that will be covered on the day, together with a page of hints and tips to remind students of different methods that can be used when finishing their bags. Given prior notification, I could supply the soft plastic mesh bag frames that I use as a base for a lot of my handbags, if required.
Skills Needed:
Potential students should be familiar with at least basic stitches in both knitting and crochet.
Materials List:
Participants should choose a colour scheme, and bring along a variety of yarns in that colour range. I would recommend that each student bring with them at least 12 different yarns in colours that they feel will work well together - the selection can include left-over yarns and odd balls. Any thickness or fibre composition is OK, but please try to include both smooth and textured yarns. Also bring knitting needles and crochet hooks that approximately suit the weight of the yarns chosen, a pair of scissors, and a couple of large safety pins.
WORKSHOP FEE: $105.00, includes GST.
INSTRUCTOR: Prudence Mapstone
QUESTIONS? Call 604-883-2380 or e-mail us
workshop: cedar bark weaving — beginner (6 hour class)
Sharing the passion inherited from her Salish grandmother for creating containers and wearables from the forest, Jessica Casey offers this one day introduction to cedar bark weaving. You will learn the basics of checkerboard weave basket and twining techniques. Accent the basket with a decorative band of birch or sedge grass, finish it off with a traditional rim. This is the prerequisite for other more advanced basket workshops.
WORKSHOP FEE: $90.00 plus $5.90 GST. Additional $20 supply fee* payable to instructor upon arrival for workshop.
INSTRUCTOR: Jessica Casey
QUESTIONS? Call 604-883-2380 or e-mail us
*supply fee of $20 provides:
- All Cedar bark, reeds, rushes, sedges required to complete a small basket
please bring:
- Towel to cover lap/clothes during weaving
- Scissors with 4 – 5” blade
- Lunch
workshop: creative felting
Learn wet felting techniques to make a scarf or purse.
WORKSHOP FEE: $98.00 plus $4.90 GST.
INSTRUCTOR: Ursula Bentz
QUESTIONS? Call 604-883-2380 or e-mail us
workshop: monoprinting on fabric
Explore monoprinting on fabric using various approaches until you discover your own personal direction. This class on MonoPrinting is about making textures and marks on fabric. You will be producing new and interesting fabrics using pigments.
- Fabric: You should have at least 6 meters of plain white cotton. This can be a variety of different kinds of cotton…off white or even some muslin. The fabric should be prewashed, if possible.
*Cut at least 2 meters of your fabric into 8 x 11 in. pieces - A working surface: about 18” x 24” The best choice for this is a piece of ¼ in thick plex-glass with finished edges (obtained from a glass store). A piece of white arborite may work.
DO NOT BRING GLASS OR A COLOURED SURFACE. - Rubber gloves and rags
- Items for making makes on the surface: stiff brushes, plastic spoons and forks. Combs, grouting tools, chopsticks, film canisters, rubber stamps, etc.
- Items that will act as a resist: leaves, grasses, wool or string, freezer paper,, etc
- Optional but highly recommended…a rubber brayer, any size or more than one size.
- 6-8 plastic plates(ice cream size) and about the same number of spoons.
The paint is included in your course registration.
Please bring 6-8 small jars, or containers with lids to store your paint.
WORKSHOP FEE: $140.00 plus $7.50 GST.
INSTRUCTOR: Pat Crucil
QUESTIONS? Call 604-883-2380 or e-mail us
workshop: handpainted paper for collage, gift wrap or ornaments with jennifer love
There are many different ways to create pattern, colour and texture on paper. This workshop will introduce you to some of these methods, using supplies and equipment that you’ll find in the most surprising places. This is a fun, quick way to experiment with techniques that can be directly translated to fabric printing. Your handpainted paper can be used for wrapping paper, covering boxes for gifts or storage, making ornaments and cards… or as a great work of art to hang on the wall!
*supply fee provides:
- Paper – 2 large sheets for each student (extras will be available)
- Acrylic and/or poster paint – numerous colours including primaries plus black, silver, copper, etc. to share with other students. Also rock salt and crayons.
- Printed information sheets
- A selection of rollers, paint brushes, foam brushes etc. for use during the class.
- A selection of foam and wood printing blocks, stencils, textural items for making impressions, masking tape etc. for creating designs – for use during the class
- Large plastic plates to mix and roll paint on; plastic spoons; wide-mouthed, plastic containers for water. Plastic sheeting for monoprinting
please bring:
- Apron or wear old clothes
- A drying rack if you have one (we have several but extras are always good)
- A hair dryer if you have one
- At least two large plastic sheets on which to place and layer painted paper for drying
- Textured household items (such as heavy netting, dish-drainers, non-skid mats, hard plastic grids…) to print designs and create textural marks. I will have lots of these but if there’s anything special you’d like to try, bring it along.
other
Unique fibrearts gallery in a 28' yurt, showcases works from local and international artists - surface design, quilting, basketmaking, woodworking, papermaking, handwovens, handspun yarns and more. Past exhibits include 'The Cutting Edge' - opening exhibit by BC Surface Design Association members. (October 2007)
Artists included: Angelika Werth, Yvonne Wakabayashi, Ursula Bentz, Pat Crucil, Michelle Sirois-Silver, Melissa Woods, Kate Barber, Kaija Rautianen, Julia Manitius, Jessica Casey, Jennifer Love, Jane Kenyon (www.janekenyon.com), Hanna Haapasalo, Dionne Paul, Cher Cartwright (www.chercartwright.com), Brigitte Rice, Anne Marie Andrishak and Kristin Rohr.
workshop: handpainted paper studio play day
You had such a great time at the handpainted paper workshops – you asked for a “play day” with Jennifer – using the Workshop space as a studio with all of the marking items, paints and paper available to continue your exploration – here it is!
The day is yours to create and play - Jennifer will be available to assist with techniques, problem-solve and
answer questions.
*supply fee provides:
- Paper – 2 large sheets for each student (extras will be available)
- Acrylic and/or poster paint – numerous colours including primaries plus black, silver, copper, etc. to share with other students. Also rock salt and crayons.
- Printed information sheets
- A selection of rollers, paint brushes, foam brushes etc. for use during the class.
- A selection of foam and wood printing blocks, stencils, textural items for making impressions, masking tape etc. for creating designs – for use during the class
- Large plastic plates to mix and roll paint on; plastic spoons; wide-mouthed, plastic containers for water. Plastic sheeting for monoprinting
please bring:
- Apron or wear old clothes
- A drying rack if you have one (we have several but extras are always good)
- A hair dryer if you have one
- At least two large plastic sheets on which to place and layer painted paper for drying
- Textured household items (such as heavy netting, dish-drainers, non-skid mats, hard plastic grids…) to print designs and create textural marks. I will have lots of these but if there’s anything special you’d like to try, bring it along
FibreWorks Studio Instructor Profiles archive
ann harmer
Ann Harmer has always gained great satisfaction from making things with her hands. She discovered fibre arts when she joined the Sunshine Coast Spinners & Weavers Guild in 2005 and is now fascinated by the many possibilities fibre offers. She is also an avid mushroom hunter, so when she learned that the International Fungi and Fibre Symposium would be held in California in January 2008, she could not resist. The gathering was all she'd anticipated and more, and she returned home with even more enthusiasm for mushrooms and their potential, not just in the arts, but for their important place in the world's ecosystems.
ursula bentz
Since childhood, Ursula has pursued her love of textile arts and over the years has developed her creative expression through her one-of-a-kind wearable art and decorative pieces. Her growth as a textile artist has been inspired by avant-garde fashion, circus, theatre and historic costume design. She graduated from the Capilano College Textile Arts Program in 2005 and is also a member of the S.C. Spinners & Weavers Guild, the Craft Association of BC and several galleries.
A prolific artists, Ursula steadily produces, exhibits and sells her work, her one-of-a-kind creations can also be found at various specialty shops and galleries on the Sunshine Coast. Ursula employs numerous techniques: felting, hand-dyeing, weaving, beading, knitting, crocheting and surface design into her unique textile designs. She has entered juried wearable art competitions in Port Moody and the Gibsons Landing Fibre Arts Festival. Ursula currently works in her studio and welcomes studio visits by appointment, 604-886-0248.
pat crucil - fibre artist
- Studied Drawing and Painting at the Manitoba School of Art and Emily Carr College of Art & Design;
- Studied textiles at Capilano College, North Vancouver
- Exhibited widely in Canada and Internationally
- Founding Member of Sunshine Coast Quilter’s Guild And Fibre Arts Network (FAN)
- Member of Surface Degign Association
- Taught quilting and surface design for over 25 years
jennifer love
- Studied textile arts at Capilano College,
North Vancouver, 1999 to 2002. - Founding member of Foxglove Fibre Arts Studio / Gallery
on Bowen Island - served as its Workshop and Exhibitions
Co-ordinator until 2005. - Now living in Garden Bay, Pender Harbour, BC, running a small resort/marina BC
- BC Representative for the Surface Design Association (SDA)
Artist's Statement:
My medium is usually fabric – fabric that has been dyed, printed with a myriad of different techniques, and then layered and stitched and cut away and stitched again. Layerings – of colours, of patterns and 
textures, of fibres and stitches, of images and cultural references – all combine to create a visual and tactile feast for the senses and the spirit.
Inspiration comes to me from a variety of sources, among them: architectural and decorative design; reflection of colour and light on water; traces left by earlier civilizations; old maps; and the many colours and textures to be found in nature. Printed designs include imagery from my own photographs, textural patterns from slate, stone and marble, and geometric patterns.
My current series of work, Submerged, utilizes the technique called reverse appliqué. These pieces comment on the issue of global warming – beautiful manmade constructions such as the marvelous tile floors of Venice gradually becoming claimed by the forces of nature and the creatures of the deep.
Colour has always been one of my primary inspirations. Painting on paper is another way in which I love to experiment with colour, layering and pattern – the results are so immediate and many of the lessons learned can then be transferred to printing on fabric.
Jennifer Love — PO BOX 68, Pender Harbour, BC, V0N 1S0. cell: 604-817-0909 or email: jenniferannelove@hotmail.com.
jessica casey
"I weave everyday; it is my passion as well as therapy for my soul"
Jessica Casey is a self taught weaver of Coast Salish and Portuguese decent. Jessica spend many childhood hours with her grandmother in the woods. She says it is one of her favourite places to be, surrounded by cedar trees and silence. Jessica harvests and prepares her own materials, using red and yellow cedar bark. She also makes her own dyes for her bark using traditional methods. Jessica makes baskets, hats, and cedar bark clothing. She has recently started weaving Coast Salish blankets on her loom her husband made for her. Though born and raised in Egmont, BC, Jessica currently resides in Sechelt, BC with her 4 "babies" and her handsome husband, Rob.
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BASKETS • 4x4x3 inches, twill weave pattern, with twining, red cedar (sm) • 6x6x4 inches, twill weave pattern, with twining, red cedar (lrg) HATS • twill weave bottom, twined sides, cedar roses & olive shells (left) • twill weave bottom, twined body, abalone button snap (right) |
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BASKETS |
HATS |
PURSES |
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Jessica is pleased to share her talents and knowledge with others. She will schedule a demonstration or classes with your group. To schedule a demo or order one of her woven items, please contact her for more information. Jessica Casey — tel: 604-885-3063 or email: spiritfound@dccnet.net |
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Catherine Nicholls
Catherine Nicholls is an artist, quiltmaker and teacher of design, quiltmaking and creative sketchbook techniques. She has a background in interior design, having run her own successful company for many years. Catherine’s quilts are often inspired by the stories and legends she heard as a child growing up on the Pacific Northwest coast of Canada.
joanne waters
Joanne has been creating, teaching and marketing kelp baskets for over 20 years. Her baskets are currently in Crafthouse on Granville Island, FibreEssence on Dunbar in Vancovuer, the Waltzing Whippet on Molly’s Lane at Gibsons and FibreWorks Gallery at Madeira Park.
:: a bluefish design :