Workshops and Lectures

Circles, Layers and Lace

Online / Live

6-hour workshop

Join me for a relaxed and creative workshop where we’ll build a small, beautifully layered wall hanging. We will begin by creating a textured fabric collage with a mix of small pieces of fabric and lace – an intuitive process that invites you to play with colour, pattern and arrangement.

Once your base is stitched into place, we’ll add personality and dimension with appliquéd wool circles. Using a variety of simple hand stitches, you’ll learn how to embellish each circle so it becomes its own tiny jewel on the surface of your piece. From decorative embroidery to subtle textural touches, every stitch helps tell the story of your collage.

This workshop is designed for all skill levels—whether you’re brand new to hand-stitching or an experienced maker looking for a relaxing and inspiring project. You’ll leave with a charming mini wall hanging and plenty of ideas for expanding this technique into future textile artworks.

Come spend some time immersing yourself in colour, texture, slow stitching, and creative play.

This workshop has a kit fee (optional).

a collage of fabrics in soft reds and lace with circles appliqued on top to resemble flowers stitched with black thread and different stitches

Stitched Botanicals

Online / Live

6-hour workshop

Step into a world of soft textures and charm in this peaceful 3-4 hour workshop.

You’ll begin by layering lace, ribbons, bits of trim, and buttons onto a linen base to build a beautifully tactile journal page.

Once your collage-like base is complete, you’ll add a stitched design—pattern provided—to give your page a focal point that ties everything together.

Perfect for anyone who loves slow stitching, beautiful trims and fabrics, and creating meaningful small pieces of art.

This workshop has a kit fee (optional).

an image showing a collage of fabrics and lace and a stitched dill leaf and flower

Rocks & Pebbles & Stones, Oh, My!

Live / online

3-hour or 6-hour workshop

I was born in a small seaside resort and ever since I was a small child, I’ve loved rocks, pebbles and stones.  Still at my age, I cannot resist going by a rock without looking at it and wondering if I can find an excuse to keep it.  So it was natural to me to find a way to incorporate these rocks and small pebbles in a quilt.

Join me in this fun and relaxing class to make rocks, pebbles and stones and learn two different methods to incorporate them into your art pieces. 

An optional kit comes with everything you need for class.

Embellished Rocks

Live / online

3 or 6-hour workshop

In this hands-on, exploratory class, students will learn how to create tactile textile “rocks” and appliqué them onto a fabric background. Using layered fabrics and simple construction techniques, each rock is built for texture and dimension before being stitched in place.

Once the rocks are secured, we’ll explore a variety of easy, accessible hand stitches to embellish their surfaces. Stitching may be realistic or whimsical, quiet or playful—guided by observation, intuition, and curiosity rather than strict rules. Lines, marks, and textures can echo erosion and strata, or wander freely into “whatever feels right” territory. There is no single correct approach.

Throughout the class, many examples will be shared to inspire personal interpretation and creative risk-taking. We’ll also discuss ideas for finishing the stitched pieces as textile books, wall hangings, bags, or other small textile works.

This class is suitable for beginners and experienced stitchers alike, and encourages slow making, experimentation, and the pleasure of stitching without perfection in mind.

Beyond Rocks – Appliqué and Composition

Live / online

3-4 hour workshop.

Discover how much inspiration lies beneath your feet. Rocks and pebbles might seem simple, but look closer and you’ll find incredible marks, layers, textures, and colours—perfect prompts for creative textile work.

In this class, you’ll learn several techniques to make rocks to appliqué onto your background. Once your stones are created, we’ll explore ways to enhance their natural character with expressive stitching and embellishment.

We’ll design a small wall hanging that brings your “stone collection” together, and I’ll also demonstrate exactly how to mount the finished piece on a board. All mounting materials will be provided, so even if you don’t complete that step during class, you’ll have everything—and the know-how—to finish it beautifully at home.

Perfect for anyone who loves nature, texture, and creative play with fabric.

an image showing a small wallhanging mounted on a board of an embellished rocks on linen with two small pieces of linen on the background

Introduction to Transfer Artist Paper – TAP

Live / Online

2-hour workshop online / 3-hour workshop in person

Welcome to a workshop where I share the secrets of a technique near and dear to my heart: image transfer. Join me as I tell you the tricks of the trade, revealing the method I swear by in my own work – Transfer Artist Paper, or as it is commonly called – TAP.

In this class, we’ll explore the art of image transfer onto fabric. I’ve experimented with various techniques, but let me tell you, TAP is unparalleled in its easy of use and success. Get

ready to unlock the magic as I guide you through the steps, sharing insights and tips that will have you transferring images like a pro. Let’s turn your visions into tangible art with the power of TAP!

An optional kit is available with images printed on TAP for your use.

Stitched Memories with Transfer Artist Paper (TAP)

Online / Live

6-hour workshop

Images carry memory, and when combined with fabric and stitch, they become something tangible and lasting.

In this workshop, students will learn how to use Transfer Artist Paper to transfer images onto fabric. The morning session focuses on learning the technique using images provided in a kit (optional), allowing everyone to practice, experiment, and gain confidence without pressure.

In the afternoon, students will work with an image of their own choosing to create a small pieced and stitched memory piece. Through layering fabric, thread, and optional embellishments, you’ll explore how stitching can enhance and respond to an image, adding texture, meaning, and a personal voice.

This class is ideal for anyone interested in combining image, cloth, and hand or machine stitch to create a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind textile piece rooted in personal memory.

There is a kit available that includes images printed on TAP to use during the class.

Stitched memories - a sample of a new class with transfer artist paper and a collage of fabrics and ephemera

Slow Stitching – Rolls and Scrolls

Live / online

6-hour workshop

The world seemed to move at a slower pace then, and although I use technology every day – it seems we cannot escape it – not even during our creative moments, I wonder sometimes at our need to do everything faster.  This is where the slow movement comes in.

Slow stitching is about enjoying the moment you take to create.  My slow stitching moments take form with hand-stitching.  I love everything about it:  the fact that it is highly portable, that I don’t need a lot of materials to achieve lovely results and that it allows me to think while stitching. 

Join me in this class where I will share with you a lovely project to make a scroll using small pieces of fabric that may have a meaning to you – old, used, vintage or new.  I will share some of my favourite stitches, threads and decorative ways to display your scrolls and rolls.

a long and skinny piece of different types of fabrics in strips hand-sewn together with different stitches and ribbons and lace applied to them

From Sketch to Stitch with Inktense Pencils

Live / online

3-hour workshop

In this class, you will use a sketched design to free-motion quilt it on the fabric as if you were sketching on a sketch pad. Free-motion techniques will be demonstrated.   Once the design is fully quilted, it will be coloured using Inktense pencils. Different techniques will be demonstrated.

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From Sketch to Stitch – vibrant colour and stunning backgrounds with Inktense Pencils

Live / online

6-hour workshop

In this class, you will use a sketched design (provided) to free-motion quilt it on the fabric as if you were sketching on a sketch pad. Students will learn how to create stunning backgrounds using stencils and a ruler.

Free-motion techniques will be demonstrated.   Once the design is fully quilted, it will be coloured using Inktense pencils. Different techniques will be demonstrated.

Monoprinting – From Basics to Sophistication

Live / online

6-hour workshop

Monoprints combine the spontaneity of printed paints and fabric, creating a surface that is unlike any other. It is the most painterly method among the printmaking techniques. No two prints are alike.

Students will learn to use water-based paint on Gelli Plates, utilizing various techniques: masking, multiple drop printing, colour mixing, etc.  Students will play around with textures and random materials to create several pieces  that can serve as underpaintings for future work or stand alone as a body of work.

The first part of the class will be spent making stamping plates to use in the monoprinting process.

Beware! It is fun … and very addictive.

The fee for this workshop includes a booklet with instructions.

Kit fee (optional) that includes supplies to make the stamping plates.

Sophisticated Monoprinting with Masks and Stencils

Live / online

6-hour workshop

Monoprints combine the spontaneity of printed paints and fabric, creating a surface that is unlike any other. It is the most painterly method among the printmaking techniques.

Discover a world of possibilities with this monoprinting technique that gives you the ability to print any shape you’d like.

A monoprint is a one-of-a-kind print so each design will be unique.  The irregular nature of the shapes comes from using stencils and masks together in the same print.

Acrylic Skins – Workshop and Demo

Live / online

2-hour workshop + demonstration

In this workshop you’ll learn to create acrylic skins to use in your work.  These acrylic skins require few supplies and are fun and addictive to make and will add an element of surprise and interest to your artwork:  quilts, sketchbooks, painting, collages, etc.

I will show you different ways to create the acrylic skins.  Part of this workshop will be a demo on different products you can use to prepare the skins, how to finish them and how to apply them to your work.

Contemporary Fabric Art with Paintstiks

Live / online

3-hour or 6-hour workshop

Discover the joy of creative expression in this class where you’ll learn to make your own rubbing plates to use with Paintstiks. Join us for a fun and relaxing time as we explore the fascinating world of fabric embellishment and personalized prints.

Paintstiks, with their creamy and thick consistency, offer a user-friendly medium. Throughout the class, you’ll learn various techniques to use them, unlocking the potential to transform fabric into unique masterpieces.

Caution: This experience may be highly addictive!

Kit fee (optional) – kit includes supplies to make the rubbing plates plus textures to use with the Paintstiks

Make your Quilts Sing with Digital Imagery – Editing Photos in PowerPoint

Live Online – Demo

2-hour workshop

When I started using images in my work, I was looking for a way to edit the photos simply, without the use of photo editing programs that would take time to learn how to use. I wanted to be able to use imagery and layer to make a collage where the images would nestle nicely together and the text would wrap around the edges.

In this demo, I’ll walk you through using Powerpoint – a slide show presentation program developed by Microsoft (available for PC and MAC) – as a simple way of editing photos and preparing them for printing onto fabric, paper, or transfer paper.

PowerPoint Demo – Merging Shapes and so much more …

Live Online

2 to 3-hour demo workshop

In continuing to look for ways to work and incorporate images into my work, I started exploring merging shapes into images to create interesting images using photos and combining them in different ways.

In this demo, I’ll walk you through using Powerpoint – a slide show presentation program developed by Microsoft (available for PC and MAC) – as a way of creating interesting images and collages of images, . that you can add to your work.

There is a workbook to go with the workshop with step-by-step colour photos.

PowerPoint Demo – Creating Text and backgrounds

Live Online – Demo

2 to 3-hour demo workshop

I love text and font in all its forms and shapes. From legible to illegible, from formal to funky, and everything in between.

In this demo, I’ll walk you through using Powerpoint – a slide show presentation program developed by Microsoft (available for PC and MAC) – as a way of creating text that transcends the ordinary that you can then print onto cloth to use in your work.

You will also learn how to create backgrounds that match or contrast your images. This workshop opens up a world of possibilities for working with images and creating your own.

There is a workbook to go with the workshop with step-by-step colour photos.

Simple Landscapes with Stitch and Paint

Live / online

6-hour workshop

Sewing machine required. 

In this workshop, students will work on a wall hanging. They will learn how to cut and sew simple curves to prepare the background, without marking or pinning. Once the background has been finished and the basic landscape sewn, the design is drawn on the fabric. The piece will then be quilted in preparation for painting.  A quilting demo will be offered with different background fillers.

Painting techniques – including shading and highlighting – will be demonstrated.

The fee for the workshop includes a PDF with written instructions and optional designs to paint on the landscape.

full_agoodyear
full_poppiesinbloom

Introduction to Fabric Painting

Live / online

6-hour workshop

This workshop will focus on the basics of painting on fabric, shading, highlighting, and blending.

The workshop fee includes the PDF pattern and painting map plus colour photo of the project for reference.

Feather Quilting

Live / online

3-hour workshop

Have you ever seen those quilts covered in gorgeous feathers and thought “I wish I could do that”?  Well, now you can learn how.  With a few tips, a few tricks, and I’m not going to lie – a lot of practice, you can master these beautiful designs.

From traditional to modern, they are one of the most difficult motifs to master.  In this class, you will learn the tips and tricks to start  your journey into quilting beautiful feathers.

Sewing machine required.

Some free-motion quilting experience recommended

Text on Textiles – a Free-Motion Quilting Workshop

Live / online

6-hour workshop

Do you like letters, font, typography?  Would you like to add your favourite quotes, lyrics or words to your work?  Then this process-oriented class is for you.

In a relaxed atmosphere, and with the use of free-motion quilting, you will learn to add text to your quilt, including how to space the lines, what effect different spacing has, how to mark the quilt and finally quilt the text.

This workshop has an optional kit fee with images printed on TAP (Transfer Artist Paper) to add to the work to learn how to quilt around shapes. 

Sewing machine required.

Curve Elegance – The Art of Stitching without Curves

Online

6-hour workshop

Take an extraordinary journey into curve elegance by learning how to construct stunning pieces without the hassle of sewing traditional curves. During this workshop, students will learn the basic technique to construct this piece and learn how to sew curves without sewing any curves.

Sewing machine required. 

The fee for this workshop includes the pattern and instructions.

There is an optional kit available that includes all fabrics and fusible interfacing to piece the top, threads, batting, backing and binding.

“Moments” Workshop

Live

2-day or 3-day Workshop

Please note this is a design class – Students will work on their own original designs.

The workshop is based on the techniques used to make my art piece “Moments” which appeared in Quilting Arts Magazine February/March 2008

Day 1:
Each student will work on its own piece to be finished at 17” x 24” approximately. The focus of the first day will be to design the piece based on a favorite object of inspiration (a photo, a leaf, shell, feather, piece of wood, cup, etc.). Once the design has been finalized, the piecing technique will be demonstrated.

Day 2:
Continue working on piecing the top. Quilting techniques will be discussed, as well as thread painting and embellishment: Paintstiks, Angelina fibers, tulle, stencils, fabric paint, stamps, splattering, beading, etc.

Day 3:
A continuation of Day 2, it allows time for the piece to be completed (depending on design and complexity).

Sewing machine required. 

full_moments

Trees, Trees and More Trees

Live

6-hour workshop

Join me for a hands-on, creative journey where we’ll explore the beauty and elegance of bare trees, focusing on the intricate shapes of their branches and the sky peeking through them. Together, we’ll design your very own tree pattern, capturing the subtle grace of nature in its simplest form.

I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of sketching and building your tree design, then show you how to bring it all together into a finished textile piece.

Whether you’re inspired by the quiet stillness of winter or the detailed structure of nature, this class will offer you new skills and ideas to weave into your art. Embrace the magic of trees and create something uniquely your own!

Sewing machine required. 

an image showing a bare tree made out of different fabrics for the background and the tree trunk and branches

The Fibre Artist in Me: A Quilted Chronicle of my Affair with Fibre – Trunk Show

1 hour lecture

This talk covers the story of by beginnings in the quilting world and the progress from traditional quilting to art quilting and surface design.

I invite you to embark on a visual and narrative adventure, as we explore various milestones in my quilting journey. Through a showcase of diverse examples of my work, I’ll weave the tale of how a simple passion for quilting blossomed into a dynamic exploration of artistic expression.

In this talk, I aim to convey the profound significance of nurturing one’s passion and the transformative power of constant experimentation and play. My hope is that by sharing my experiences, I can inspire others to add some of the techniques I talk about to their own repertoire.

So, sit back, relax, and join me on this colourful expedition through the world of quilting.

From Blueprint to Thread: Architecture as Inspiration – Lecture

1-hour lecture

Join me on an inspiring journey through the intersection of architecture and textile art, delving into the captivating world of architectural structures that can serve as a wellspring of creativity for artists.

Explore various types of architecture, from the timeless beauty of historical landmarks to the sleek lines of contemporary structures. I’ll spotlight the visionary work of a renowned architect and share the genius behind his designs and the unique elements that lend themselves seamlessly to textile interpretation.

Moreover, I’ll share a glimpse into my own artistic endeavours, unveiling how architecture and its diverse features have become a boundless source of inspiration for my own work.

Embark on this artistic voyage as we bridge the worlds of architecture and textile art. Be inspired, as we explore two seemingly distinct worlds, unveiling the limitless possibilities when architecture meets the artistry of textiles.

Creativity Unveiled: Peeling Back the Layers – Lecture

1 hour lecture

An inspiring journey into the fascinating realm of creativity. Creativity often appears elusive to many. We’ve all heard statements like “I’m not at all creative” or “I’m not talented.” It’s time to challenge these notions and embrace the inherent creativity within each of us.

In this presentation, we’ll explore the multifaceted concept of creativity, debunking myths and shedding light on what creativity truly is – a skill that can be cultivated and nurtured by anyone. Drawing on insights from leading experts, we will navigate through the misconceptions surrounding creativity and provide practical tips to seamlessly integrate creative practices into your everyday routine.

Creativity in Times of Covid (or stress) – Lecture

1 hour lecture

Covid-19 has changed our lives. We have been enveloped in a tsunami of news about the virus. We’ve had to self-isolate, social distance, wash our hands, etc. All that, on top of everything else that’s going on in the world, has taken a toll on our creativity and motivation.

Step into a transformative exploration of creativity and motivation amidst the chaos of the Covid-19 era. In this lecture, we navigate the unprecedented challenges that the pandemic has thrust upon us, disrupting our lives and dampening our creative spirits.

We explore insights and practical tips that not only address the toll that the pandemic has taken on our creativity but also emphasize its profound impact on our overall well-being and mental health.

Through my own experiences, I share ideas that go beyond the challenges of the times, enabling you to stay connected with your innate creativity and empowering you to chart a course towards a brighter, more inspired future.

Exploring the Spectrum: A Journey through the History, Theory, and Psychology of Colour – Lecture

1-hour lecture

Embark on an exploration of colour where we delve into the fascinating history of colour. From ancient pigments to the modern colour wheel, we’ll trace the captivating journey of how humanity has perceived and harnessed the power of colour.

Uncover the secrets of basic colour schemes and discover how they influence art, design, and our daily lives. We’ll explore classic combinations like complementary, analogous, and monochromatic, showcasing real-world examples that bring these concepts to life.

As we navigate the spectrum, we’ll delve into the psychology of colour, unraveling the emotions and associations tied to each hue. From the calming influence of blues to the energetic vibes of reds, gain insights into the profound impact colour has on our thoughts and feelings. Explore intriguing facts about each colour, revealing hidden meanings and cultural significance that may surprise you.

Join us for an immersive journey through the kaleidoscope of colour, where history, theory, and psychology converge to paint a richer understanding of the world around us.