WORKSHOPS
Introduction to Thread Painting and Thread Sketching
One day: four to five hours
- Comprehensive introduction to free motion thread sketching with no drawing or tracing;
- Free motion lettering
- Basic thread painting with no drawing or tracing
- Discussion of threads, machine tension
Optional second day of workshop
- Thread painted accents—direct thread painting and thread painted “appliqué”
- Students work on a project of their choice under the direction of instructor
Faces in Fabric (can be combined for two days of workshops with Faces in Thread)
One day: four to five hours
- Introduction to raw edge machine appliqué art quilts using a face as the subject
Faces in Thread
One day: four to five hours
- Introduction to freestyle thread painting for detail work in art quilts using a face as the subject
Photo-inspired Art Quilts
Two days: four to five hours each
(can be run as a one day workshop, however students may not have time to complete a project)
- Introduction to raw edge machine appliqué using a photograph as the starting point.
- How to use the photo as a working pattern
- Fundamentals of creating a fabric collage
- Options for cutting pieces and attaching them
- Finish and functional quilting
- Thread painted accents — direct and thread painted appliqué
TALKS
Leni is happy to tailor her talks to fit your group's specific needs. Her talks are casual and illustrated with many actual quilts that participants can examine up close.
Current topics include:
TRUNK SHOWS
Arrange a trunk show of many of the quilts in either "Photo-inspired Art Quilts" or "Thread Painting" with a discussion of the techniques in each. Participants are able to examine up close the pieces pictured in the books, and can ask questions.
FINDING YOUR OWN VOICE
For many emerging art quilters, developing a personal and individual style is a challenge that must be faced. Leni helps participants find their "voice" or their own recognizable artistic style by discussing techniques, colors, and themes; and by assisting students in developing their strengths and interests.
Understanding color is crucial in creating art quilts that sing. Learn how color can make or change your artistic vision and the importance of value in your color choices. With a solid foundation of color and value, students learn to apply that knowledge to the choice of fabric so that the resulting art quilts have a layer of complicity and interest.
CRITIQUES
Participants can bring work that they have completed or are working on for analysis and assistance from Leni. In her critiques, Leni guides each artist to help them make stronger artistic statements in their work. Even for those who do not have their pieces critiqued, these sessions help students gain a greater understanding of composition, color, fabric, subject and execution.