New Surface Embellishment Series

Today was the first meeting of another new summer workshop series- Surface Embellishment.  The two instructors, Beverly Hertler and Marie Maber, will be bringing their extensive experience with fabric arts to this workshop.  They opened today by showing many examples of their own work,  pointing out examples of some of the processes that will be covered in the coming weeks.  With various techniques, even a plain white piece of fabric and be made into an exciting design, and if you start with already printed fabric, there are many creative possibilities.

The focus for today's meeting was on beads.  Different types, different ways to use them, even different kinds of thread (it makes a difference).  After a few specific demonstrations, the workshop participants were given samples and materials to work with and started to have some fun.

This group will meet again at the Boatworks the next two Wednesday afternoons from 12:30 to 3:30.  Subjects in the coming weeks include relief printing on fabric and painting with stencils.  Workshop fees include materials.  People may sign up for single sessions, so if you think you are interested, go check out the class page on the main website, or contact Rebecca during regular office hours.

Week 2

The second week of Surface Embellishment class was a lot messier than the first week. Away went the needles and threads, and here came inks, paint sticks, and various things designed to create patterns and textures on cloth.

At the end of the day, quite a few surfaces had been embellished with colors and patterns. While some are nice as objects right now, most of these samples are destined to be raw materials for more finished work, perhaps for next week's final workshop in this series.

Week 3

In the third week of the Surface Embellishment workshop, the participants continued to elaborate on pieces started the previous weeks.  The focus this time was relief prints, using found objects, carved objects, even fruits and vegetables as sources of shape and texture.  Above, a large piece that instructor Marie Maber has been working on gained additional layers of shape and color, the design becoming more elaborate and intricate week by week.  Below, an assortment of participant cloths, with a variety of organic and geometric designs, drying on a railing.

The three week workshop is now complete, but don't be surprised if you see some of these embellished cloths being used in finished art objects, such as in the exhibition for class and workshop participants later this year.