Colour Blocking - Registration is Open!

Do you love dyeing fabric? Are you looking for a new way of creating luscious colour that changes across the surface, almost by magic? Curious about screen printing?
Then sign up for my Colour Blocking Online Workshop that begins on August 4th. In this workshop you will learn all the necessary steps to make amazing fabrics that will inspire you to create wonderful art.

 http://www.susanpm.com/online-workshops/

In this workshop you will have a 45 minute video lesson (that you can download and watch forever), a printable PDF with all dye recipes and step by step instructions. In addition you'll be able to leave questions and comments on the password protected webpage. There is a private Facebook group to join, if you wish where other students share photos of their work and talk about their Colour Blocking projects.

 So what is Colour Blocking? Its a way to use thickened dyes as a base for printing with a silk screen. Thickened dyes do not change the hand of the fabric, allowing the fabric to remain soft and supple despite repeated applications, plus thickened dyes are transparent, so layers of dye will change intensity, value and colours, giving the artist a wide range of possible uses for their created cloth.

  I’ve been using thickened dyes for several years and love to screen print with them in a technique I call “colour blocking”. By using an open screen, with no images masked on the screen, I can achieve large areas of one or several colors that can mix and combine on the fabric.

 http://www.susanpm.com/online-workshops/

 Students sometimes ask about fabrics....they wonderful part about Colour Blocking is its versatility1 You can use any fabric that works with Fibre Reactive dyes, so think of cotton, linen, hemp and silk. In fact any natural cellulose based fabric is perfect! Can't decide? Then why not layer some fabrics on top of one another! There's so many great effects that you can create with this technique, its not surprising its one of my favourites!

 Are you thinking this is for you? After you register for the workshop, then check out my free video on making a print table, you'll need one for the workshop. You can get the video here:

Can't wait to get started? If you are a Quilting Arts magazine subscriber, then my article about Colour Blocking appears in the October/November 2014 issue!

I'd love to have you in my workshop, so sign up now and be one of the first to learn Colour Blocking!

You can get the supply list when you register and be ready!

http://www.susanpm.com/online-workshops/

Are You Wondering If It's For You?

I thought it was time to explain a bit more about my Online Workshops and in particular, my upcoming Ice Dyeing Revealed. I've been asked to elaborate......

As a surface design artist, I know you love colour and pattern…don’t we all! We understand the importance of subtle value shifts, repeating imagery and glorious contrasts….that’s why you are so creative! But maybe you are looking for a new method to add to your toolbox? Something that helps you move beyond anything you could imagine…..
I have a method of dyeing that is almost like Forrest Gump…..a surprise every time! By using ice as the carrier for dye powders you will achieve the most incredibly amazing patterns and textures, like nothing you’ve done before…

After this workshop you can build up a fabric inventory like no one else, each piece of fabric will be a new creation, ready for your artistic skills! You will be able to:
• create yardage, not just small pieces but long lengths of gorgeous fabrics
• dye coordinating patterns in different colour ways
• make home decor items, cushions wall hangings and more
• have a ready stash of fabrics for whenever you feel inspired
Doesn’t this sound wonderfully exciting? You bet! there’s a lot to be excited about!

So how does this work? Here’s a bit about Ice Dyeing Revealed workshop:

• First, you will have access to a password protected webpage that’s just for you. I’ll send out the password and all the tidbits the day before the workshop begins.
• There’s a place on the webpage for you to post questions and comments and to chat with all your fellow students.
• The webpage will also have the PDF of all the class notes – download it, print it and use it as a handy reference and reminder, it’s that simple!
• You have the option to join a private Facebook group that’s just for you to post pictures, see others inspiring fabrics and much more. It’s the best and most immediate way to get together!
• You’ll be able to download the video from the webpage, it’s yours to keep forever and ever, and ever….

 

Wondering about the whole “online” thing? Here’s some of those Frequently Asked Questions:

• Do I have to sign in or be at my computer at a certain time?
      Nope, its all recorded before hand, you can watch it whenever you want….in your jammies with a cuppa!
• When does the workshop start and finish?
      Ice Dyeing Revealed begins on the date on the webpage. I generally close off registration one week later so that all students get the maximum benefit from interacting with each other in the workshop and the Facebook page.
      I’ll give you a heads up when I am closing that session of the workshop, usually 2 months from the start date. That gives you time to download the video, just in case you haven’t. But you’ll always be part of the Facebook group, able to see the work from previous and future students
• How do I know what supplies I’ll need?
      There’s a supply list ready for you just below, just print off and get ready.
• Where can I buy the supplies?
      I’ve got a great resource list on the PDF with links to the major dye houses around the world
• Do I need previous dyeing experience?
      Heck no! It’s all easy and I’ll be there to guide you through all the steps to beautiful fabrics.
• What about safety? I don’t know what I’ll need?
      All the dyes and chemicals you’ll be using are safe when used in a responsible manner. I’ll spend time showing you how to set up your workspace and using some simple safety equipment.

What’s this Ice Dyeing about, anyway? All fibre reactive dyes need two things….well actually, three. First they need fabric, well yeah! Then they need a dye activator, that’s the stuff that make the dye permanent on the fabric. Then they need water/snow/ice to dissolve the dye and move it onto the fabric. If you’ve dyed fabric before, then you probably used water, right? Well, I live in Canada….the home of eternal snows, not! My climate in southwestern British Columbia is decidedly Mediterranean…no snow. So I have turned to ice as the next best thing…actually I think it’s the BEST thing. The ice acts both as a carrier of the dye powder as it melts but it also slows down and changes the reaction time so that the dye reaches different parts of the fabric at different times and that’s the MAGIC, folks!

In Ice Dyeing Revealed here’s what we’ll cover:
• the dyes and chemicals that you will use
• safe studio practices, how to set up your dyeing area
• equipment such as measuring cups, colanders and more
• getting the fabric ready for dyeing
• the “magic” folding patterns – it’s all in the folding!
• dye colour choices
• setting up the fabric, the ice and the dye
• batching time – be patient, young Luke…..
• rinsing and washing your fabrics
• getting excited!

Are you ready? What's keeping you back? Just let me know....
Or SIGN UP here:  http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/

I'd love to see you in class!

Ice Dyeing Revealed! - Registration is OPEN!

Did you miss out on the first chance to take part in my Ice Dyeing Revealed Online Workshop? Well, it's back again, so don't miss out this time!

 In this workshop you will learn:

• all the supplies that you'll need to make beautiful, one-of-a-kind patterns
• step by step instructions, both in video and PDF to follow along
• safe studio habits while working
• special folding patterns to create amazing designs

 

You will also have:

•  access to the classroom for three months 
• passowrds to download the video
• sharing opportunity in a private Facebook group

In Ice Dyeing Revealed you can:

• meet other like-minded dyers from around the world
• post pictures of your wonderful fabrics
• ask questions and share ideas

Why wait? Sign up NOW! Space is limited!
Go to:  http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/ and look for the Ice Dyeing Revealed section.

I am looking forward to seeing YOU in the workshop!

 

You're Going to Love It......Resist to Stitch

Its not about disliking or being resistant! Its all about creating resist on fabric. You're going to love it, I promise! A special 3 session online workshop developed just for you. Lots of colour, lots of pattern and lots of exciting new designs to make YOUR fabric so perfectly unique!

In  Lesson One we will explore pole wrapping and Shibori and I have lots of great ideas for easy, simple techniques for you!

In Lesson Two, we'll work with both wax and glue resists for  dyes and diluted paints and play with flour resists as well! You will learn lots of ways to create interesting textures onto fabric!

And in Lesson Three we will focus on a unique and creative way to use stitching to create a resist before dye painting. It's not exactly what you might think....

Would you like to learn more? Then check out the sign up page here: http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/ Read over the Supply List (click on the Green Button)
I also include:

•  an opportunity to discuss, comment and ask questions with fellow students and the teacher (that's me) on the workshop page.  

• There's a photo sharing site thats designed just for you to see what others are creating. 

• Plus you'll have a chance to download all the videos to watch at your convenience....forever! How cool is that??

All of this for a VERY resonable cost! Remember, just go to: http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/
And Register for Resist to Stitch. Hurry! The workshop opens June 19th for a limited number of students, just like you!

Screen Print with Success!

Screen Print with Success is open for registration! Join in this fun class and learn several ways to create image, texture and colour on fabric. These techniques show that screen printing is not difficult or expensive.Students will learn to make simple, basic screens that will meet all their needs and the appropriate paints and tools to use.

We will begin with freezer paper stencils and other masks, then move on to using soy wax on the screens with thickened dyes. Fabric dyes provide wonderful transparency, allowing you to build layers of colours without changing the hand of the fabric. Other screen printing techniques will be demonstrated including Thermofax screens, using gel mediums for foil and special effects.

Time will be spent on showing how the printed fabrics can be used in quilts, clothing and mixed media. Workshop fee will include one small Thermofax screen of student’s choice, mailed at the beginning of the workshop.

Does this sound like a fit for you? Well, hurry on over to: http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/ and sign up, registration is limited so don't delay! We'll see you in class!

Online Learning with Susan!

After a very steep learning curve, the FIRST part of my Online Workshops is up for viewing! I am thrilled to be able to offer a variety of Surface, Design, Dyeing and Printing Techniques for my students.
I love to teach and share with you but I can’t always be at your guild or conference. So I’ve developed the next, best way to inspire you. So, invite me into your home or studio to learn new ideas and techniques.

You can see a short video at:  http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/

Pictures from Print It, Print It!

 My workshops are multi-lesson formats that combine PDF documents to print out – such as dye recipes and resources – and videos for you to watch and learn exactly so many of my techniques are done. You can watch them at your own pace, download them for future reference and work alongside me or take notes with a cup of coffee beside you! There will be opportunity for you to ask questions and post pictures and to meet other students and chat.

Pictures from Colour It, Fuse It!

 Each workshop will be open for six months from the start date and you will be able to keep the links to the videos forever.
Browse through the workshops below, see which dates fit your calendar and sign up! You are welcome to email  me with any questions. I hope you will join me on this exciting new adventure!

So check out all the details at:  http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/

Pictures from Screen Printing with Success!

Learning Online - three Great Websites

School might be out for the summer but quilters can have fun all year long! If we are fortunate there are quilt shops or guilds near to use where we can take workshops and learn great new techniques or brush up our skills in a classroom. But perhaps our schedules don't give us the opportunity or maybe we just cant get to a workshop nearby us.
Sometimes we can take the opportunity to travel to a place like Grand Rapids, MI for the next AQS show www.americanquilter.com or we're on the road this summer and we can visit the Pacific West Quilt Show in Tacoma www.apwq.org But sometimes is just great to learn in the comfort of our own homes with our own sewing machines and fabrics at hand!
So where can you go to learn online? I am lucky to be one of the faculty at www.quiltuniversity.com a resource that has been operating for more than 12 years, has over 120 different workshops to take and offers a FREE introductory class. Sign up for their newsletter and check out some of the great techniques that you can learn.
When discussing online learning I am often asked how the classes are step up. My reply is generally like any other place to learn. The classes are set up at specific dates, the lessons are posted once a week and progress over 3-5 weeks. There is an opportunity to ask questions of the teacher and meet other students in the Discussion Forum and send in pictures of your work for the Gallery. You can participate in the class as much or as little as you want, but I think that students get the most from the class when they take part in the discussions and ask questions.
At www.craftsy.com there are several great learning opportunities from well known instructors. The classes cover a range of different techniques and can be purchased at any time, they are not set in a calendar.
If you are keen on mixed media and doll making as well as quilting, then www.joggles.com might be a good place to check out. They offer a wide range of hand and machine embroidery, book making, doll making ans sketchbook classes. Joggles gives the lessons as PDF downloads and offers an opportunity to meet other students.
Do you have other favourite places to learn online? Id love to hear from you!