Portland Spring 2027

This class begins with a face. We’ll start by creating the spirit of our figure—drawing, painting, or stitching a face that feels like someone waiting to be known. From there, we begin to build her form slowly, in layers… allowing the piece to grow in an intuitive and unfolding way. Fabric becomes our language. Through hand stitching, painted details, and fabric surface design techniques, we’ll create a series of connected sections—each one holding its own story, texture, and visual voice. These pieces extend downward, forming a long, rollable figure that can be wrapped, stored, and revisited over time. This is a piece that holds both the visible and the hidden. You may choose to include a private pocket, a symbolic element, or something quietly personal stitched within the layers. Each addition becomes part of her story—whether shared or kept just for you. Along the way, we’ll explore: 1 creating expressive faces using mixed media and/or stitch 2 building a soft, flexible structure that grows section by section 3 fabric surface design for personal imagery and pattern 4 hand stitching as both mark-making and connection 5 embracing intuition over perfection
 Day 1
Creating the face and beginning the body. We’ll explore expressive features, begin layering fabric, and start building the first sections of the figure.
Day 2
Continuing the body, adding surface design, stitching, and assembling a longer, more developed roll-up figure. Time will be given to expand, refine, and add personal elements
A Note on Building Your Face
Take note of the sample face—it’s all about layers of interest. for my sample piece, the base began with an upcycled Vera Bradley bag, followed by a layer of gray felt. From there, smaller fabric pieces and stitched details were added to slowly build the face. Let your materials overlap, combine, and evolve—this is where the personality begins to emerge. You may also choose to include something personal—in this sample, the bow tie belongs to my senior dog, Kashie.

Material Fee $10  paid at beginning of class includes:

-Selection of Kecias Artfoamie stamps for creating patches-
Black felt and other small felt scraps-
Fabric images (for use in your piece, if desired)-
Pins- Embroidery floss and needles-
Black paint-Sponge brushes-use of butter cream paints and stencils by The Crafters Workshop
Fabric eyes and lips

Supplies Needed  to bring for Class:

1.5 yards muslin (washed & ironed. We will also use some of this for Artfoamie patches-small fabric scraps (pieces you love or feel connected to)-
½ yard fabric of your choice (enough to finish the back of your figure and for arms) -
fabric with interesting motifs or shapes (consider pieces that could become an eye)-
repurposed textiles (look beyond traditional fabric—clothing, fabric purses, pants pockets, etc.)
-Various colors of felt (I will be bringing black)-pen for notes & drawing-fray check-glue stick- small package of HeatnBond Lite -
small fabric images (that you cut from fabric, for ex. a bird, a heart, etc to make patches (see sample)
- Scissors-
Pen or pencil (for notes and drawing)-
Fray Check-
Various colors of felt-
Yarn or ribbon (for hair)-
Glue stick-
Heat n Bond Ultra Hold (iron-on adhesive)

optional: I will have a sewing machine with me, but you are also welcome to bring your own