On Teaching, Returning Classes … and Circles

It’s been one of those weeks — full of teaching, conversations, shared discoveries, and that quiet buzz that happens when ideas land and take root. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been immersed in classes, and something rather lovely happened along the way: from two of those sessions, students asked if I would teach them again — in a deeper, more focused way.

So here we are, revisiting two workshops as a direct response to those conversations. I always take this as a compliment, but also as a reminder of why I love teaching so much. These classes grow out of curiosity, repetition, and that moment when someone says, “Could we explore this a bit more?”

The first workshop is Rocks, Pebbles & Stones, Oh My! (March 24 – 9:00 a.m. Mountain)

Ever since I was a small child, I’ve loved rocks, pebbles, and stones. My dad used to joke that it was impossible to go for a walk with me because I stopped every two steps to look at the ground. Even now, I can’t pass a rock without wondering whether I should pick it up and take it home.

It felt completely natural to find a way to bring these familiar, grounding shapes into my work. In this 3-hour live-stream online workshop, we’ll make rocks, pebbles, and stones by hand and explore two different techniques for incorporating them into textile art pieces. No sewing machine is required — everything is done slowly and deliberately by hand.

For those who like having materials ready to go, there is an optional kit that includes my hand-dyed fabrics for backgrounds and rocks, batting samples, template plastic, a hoop, thread, and needle, with an option for background fabric. Kits can be found in the Store under Kits. Please note that I’m unfortunately not shipping kits to the US at this time.

The second new workshop is Sophisticated Monoprinting with Stencils and Masks (March 20 – 9:00 a.m. Mountain)

In this 4-hour live-stream class, we’ll explore a monoprinting approach that allows you to print almost any shape you can imagine: circles, uneven forms, thin or thick lines, rounded rectangles, and more. Because a monoprint is a one-of-a-kind print, each piece will be completely unique. The beautiful irregularity comes from combining stencils and masks together in the same print.

I’ll show you how to work on a gelli plate using fabric or acrylic paints, layering shapes and marks to create rich, sophisticated surfaces that can stand alone or be used in larger textile pieces.

And somewhere in the middle of all this teaching and planning, something else happened.

During one of the classes, someone casually asked if I had heard of a year-long creative challenge they were taking part in, and mentioned that the theme for the year was circles. That was it. They had me at circles.

I promptly joined (yes, another challenge — groan) and completed my first piece using an Italian linen print and coordinating colours I purchased in Australia last year. It felt good to step back into pure play – responding to a simple shape, familiar materials, and the quiet pleasure of seeing where they might lead.

I’m always struck by how closely teaching and personal work are intertwined. One feeds the other, back and forth, in ways I never fully anticipate. These past few weeks have been a reminder of that — and I’m grateful for the questions, the enthusiasm, and yes… even for circles sneaking in through the side door.

Thanks for reading. Until I write again, I’m off to dream of circles …

Ana