Paint with fibers? Yes, you read that correctly!
This eclectic and tactile technique is a dry form of "painting" which requires no paint or water -- just fibers and a loom. The fibers themselves and the way in which we apply (weave) these fibers will allow you to create imagery similar to that of a traditional painting; layering, shading, designing images in realism or abstract presentation.
You will first learn how to construct a loom for weaving, then learn the ins-and-outs of simple weaving tools and weaving techniques. With these tools & techniques mastered, we will then be able to (literally) think outside of the box and create an off-loom fiber painting. You will learn to “paint” (weave) using fibers on virtually any surface; sea shells, rocks, boxes, books, vessels, hula hoop, embroidery hoop, driftwood, forked branches.... the sky is the limit!
This class is for creators of all skill and ability levels who are ready to expand their creativity into tactile media assemblage heaven!
Monday, March 31, 6:00 to 8:00 pm (Eastern US Time)
Project session #1
Suggested supplies for fiber painting / weaving:
- Loom: (1) sheet of 8x10" heavy corrugated cardboard, book board, or picture frame/stretcher frame. Or, of course, a tapestry loom.
- Scissors
- T-square or ruler
- Pencil
- Masking tape
- Tapestry needle (dull point, wide eye)
- Shed stick: ruler or paint stick
- Shuttles; craft stick/tongue depresser, wood coffee stirrer, or toothpicks
- "Beater” (packing tool): 1 double pointed knitting needle, fork, skewer, long toothpick, or wide toothed comb.
- Warp cords that are non-stretchy string or yarn; butcher cord, bakers twine, cotton crochet string #3, sport weight / 4 ply yarn or whatever cording you have available.
- Weft fiber cords: can be ANYTHING of any weight, generally weft fibers are bulkier than warp strings; fancy yarns, lace/ribbon, embroidery floss, fabric (ie t- shirt yarn), plastic, natural elements (raffia, bark strips, sinew, grass, or twigs, hair/fur), etc.
First timer weavers, I recommend using basic smooth sport weight/3 ply yarn or string.
Monday, April 7, 6:00 to 8:00 pm (Eastern US Time)
Project session #2
Suggested Supply List:
- The loom can be any solid object such as a smooth rock, crystal, sea shell, vase, wood cigar box, cardboard box. Or anything with a rigid frame that has an opening; shadowbox, picture/stretcher frame, vessel/urn, hula hoop, or embroidery hoop.
- *Warp cords: non- stretchy heavier string, 4/8 - 8/8 cotton twine, cotton cord, cotton crochet thread, or 2 ply yarn.
- Weft fibers of choice
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Masking tape
- "Beater” (packing tool)
- Shuttle(s)
- Shed stick
* Warp Tip: Aunt Lydia's mercerized cotton crochet thread #10/3 ply is the perfect weight for fiber painting items under 6". During the second session, I will demo fiber painting on a seashell using crochet yarn for the warp & embroidery floss for the weft.
Monday, April 14, 6:00 to 8:00 pm (Eastern US Time)
Project session #3:
In our third session together we will
- finish up our projects,
- show and share what we've done and wish to tackle as our next project,
- ask all the questions that have been surfacing,
- and, as always, enjoy riveting conversation!
We hope you'll join us!!!
Melanie Rose-Zagwyn HorizonLineArtStudio@gmail.com
