Fresno FiberArts Guild is also known as FFG
Members and non-members must preregister for the workshops. Sign-up forms are below:
*Workshop Sign-Up Form: Click here: class_sign_up.pdf
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This is a quick summary of the lectures and workshops for 2023-2024:
FFG Workshops for 2023 - 2024
September 16 - 17, 2023 Natasha Foucault
Workshop: Painting on Silk Pillowcases and Silk Panels
(Saturday 12:30-3:30, Sunday 9:00-3:00)
$85 (plus $30 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
October 21, 2023 Kathleen Mattox
Workshop: Create Your Own “Studio Spirit” or “Magical Muse” Using Assemblage Materials
(Saturday Oct 21, 12:30-3:30)
$50 (plus $10 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
November 18, 2023 Sara Trail
Workshop: Sewing On A SJSA Community Quilt Project
Saturday Nov 18, 12:30-3:30)
$0 - Free
January 20 – 21, 2024 Pam Chavez
Workshop: Altered Books 101: Structure and Techniques
Saturday Jan 20, 12:30-3:30, Sunday Jan 21, 9:00 – 3:00 )
$85 (plus $15 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
February 17-18, 2024 Kate Richbourg
Workshop: My Color Story Wrap Bracelet
(Saturday Feb 17, 12:30-3:30, Sunday Feb 18, 9:00 – 3:00 )
$85 (plus $40 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
March 16, 2024 C.R. Radding
Workshop: Design It Yourself Beaded Earrings Sat March 16 (12:30 – 3:30)
$50 (plus $15 kit fee to be paid to instructor [optional])
April 20, 2024 Mini Retreat Day
Saturday April 20, 9:00-3:30
$30 includes lunch
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This is a quick summary of the lectures and workshops for 2023-2024:
FFG Workshops for 2023 - 2024
September 16 - 17, 2023 Natasha Foucault
Workshop: Painting on Silk Pillowcases and Silk Panels
(Saturday 12:30-3:30, Sunday 9:00-3:00)
$85 (plus $30 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
October 21, 2023 Kathleen Mattox
Workshop: Create Your Own “Studio Spirit” or “Magical Muse” Using Assemblage Materials
(Saturday Oct 21, 12:30-3:30)
$50 (plus $10 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
November 18, 2023 Sara Trail
Workshop: Sewing On A SJSA Community Quilt Project
Saturday Nov 18, 12:30-3:30)
$0 - Free
January 20 – 21, 2024 Pam Chavez
Workshop: Altered Books 101: Structure and Techniques
Saturday Jan 20, 12:30-3:30, Sunday Jan 21, 9:00 – 3:00 )
$85 (plus $15 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
February 17-18, 2024 Kate Richbourg
Workshop: My Color Story Wrap Bracelet
(Saturday Feb 17, 12:30-3:30, Sunday Feb 18, 9:00 – 3:00 )
$85 (plus $40 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
March 16, 2024 C.R. Radding
Workshop: Design It Yourself Beaded Earrings Sat March 16 (12:30 – 3:30)
$50 (plus $15 kit fee to be paid to instructor [optional])
April 20, 2024 Mini Retreat Day
Saturday April 20, 9:00-3:30
$30 includes lunch
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Information about the guest artists, the lectures and the workshops are detailed below:
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September 16-17, 2023 Natasha Foucault
10:30am-11:30 am Lecture: Everything You Need to Know About Silk Painting
Workshop: Painting on Silk Pillowcases and Silk Panels
Saturday -12:30pm - 3:30pm
Sunday- 9:00am - 3:00pm
Location: DHHSC, 5340 N. Fresno St, Fresno, CA
Cost: Members: $85 (+ $30 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Non-members: $95 (+ $30 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Lecture description: Everything You Need to Know About Silk Painting
Natasha returns with more exciting stories from her world travels and examples of her newest art works.
Workshop: Painting on Silk Pillowcases and Silk Panels
Saturday Day 1: Class will focus on painting a decorative silk pillowcase. Blank pillowcase and paints are provided in the class kit.
Sunday Day 2: Class will paint a silk decorative panel, to be used as embellishment on clothing or bags. Silk blanks and paints are provided in the class kit.
Supply List:
Biography:
Russian-born artist and teacher Natasha Foucault received her fine art training at the Moscow Art Institute. She has worked exclusively in the medium of painting on silk for over thirty years, and her silk paintings and wearables are sold in galleries nationwide. Natasha creates her still lifes, landscapes, and portraits in her studio in San Francisco, California, where she lives with her husband Steve and son Misha. Her work can be found on www.natashasilkart.com.
September 16-17, 2023 Natasha Foucault
10:30am-11:30 am Lecture: Everything You Need to Know About Silk Painting
Workshop: Painting on Silk Pillowcases and Silk Panels
Saturday -12:30pm - 3:30pm
Sunday- 9:00am - 3:00pm
Location: DHHSC, 5340 N. Fresno St, Fresno, CA
Cost: Members: $85 (+ $30 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Non-members: $95 (+ $30 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Lecture description: Everything You Need to Know About Silk Painting
Natasha returns with more exciting stories from her world travels and examples of her newest art works.
Workshop: Painting on Silk Pillowcases and Silk Panels
Saturday Day 1: Class will focus on painting a decorative silk pillowcase. Blank pillowcase and paints are provided in the class kit.
Sunday Day 2: Class will paint a silk decorative panel, to be used as embellishment on clothing or bags. Silk blanks and paints are provided in the class kit.
Supply List:
- Plastic gloves
- Apron
- Hair dryer
Biography:
Russian-born artist and teacher Natasha Foucault received her fine art training at the Moscow Art Institute. She has worked exclusively in the medium of painting on silk for over thirty years, and her silk paintings and wearables are sold in galleries nationwide. Natasha creates her still lifes, landscapes, and portraits in her studio in San Francisco, California, where she lives with her husband Steve and son Misha. Her work can be found on www.natashasilkart.com.
To view all the pictures on the slideshow, click play or the thumbnail pictures:
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October 21, 2023 Kathleen Mattox
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Lecture: Stay In Your Lane (Or Not?)
Workshop: Create Your Own “Studio Spirit” or “Magical Muse” Using Assemblage Materials
12:30pm - 3:30 pm
Saturday only
Location: DHHSC, 5340 N. Fresno St, Fresno, CA
Cost: Members: $50(+ $10 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Non-members: $60 (+$10 kit fee paid to instructor)
Lecture description: Stay In Your Lane (Or Not?)
This lecture will focus on the Pros and Cons of “staying in your lane”, meaning sticking with one style and/or one medium rather than trying everything as it comes along. There are definite arguments for both sides of this discussion and they will be shared. What is inspiration and how is it involved? What is burn out and what is its role in this discussion? Where do the elements and principles of design fit into this puzzle? And the big question of the day: Why are SOME people good at everything? This lecture will be presented via a Keynote presentation and will allow for discussion and time for questions and answers.
Workshop: Create Your Own “Studio Spirit” or “Magical Muse” Using Assemblage Materials
In the afternoon workshop, you will create a “Studio Spirit” or “Magical Muse” to hang in your workspace to inspire and encourage you, as needed. The figure will be made from assemblage materials that will be provided for you in a kit as well as additional assemblage materials that will be available to allow for more personalization of each creation. There is also a short list of very simple supplies that you should bring. You will have direct instruction and guidance through the process but several options to choose from as you make the basic figure. If you have a mantra in your studio or words of wisdom that you like to follow, there will be an opportunity to use them in the completed project. Look forward to an imaginative, fun afternoon with a studio companion leaving with you at the end of the day!
Supply List:
- Pencil or pen
- Scissors (NOT your best fabric scissors!)
- Small Wire Cutters (only if you have them, do NOT buy!)
- Sewing needle or two, neutral thread, a few pins or clips
- Fabric scraps if you want to dress your creation in a specific color or fabric. You may want to make a skirt or a cape or a ???? Do you have any orphan quilt blocks? You might want to use one for the skirt. There will be some scraps available as well as assorted assemblage materials in addition to your packaged kit that you may select from as part of your kit purchase.
- Ribbon, yarn, or sari ribbon bits to use with your fabric choices (OPTIONAL!)
- Your imagination! (MANDATORY!)
- An adventurous mindset for the day! (MANDATORY!)
Biography:
Kathleen Mattox is a local artist from Sanger, California. She painted while in college at Fresno State in the 1960’s and has been part of many creative endeavors over the last 30+ years. Lucky enough to study with B.J. McCoon, Jean Ray Laury, Charles Chestnut, Robert Hurlitz, and Darwin Musselman at Fresno State, she took classes in watercolor, acrylic, oil, and fabric arts—and she finally returned to watercolor in the year 2000, after not painting for over 30 years. She considers her mentors/influences to be Monte Guynes, Kay Owens, Grace Rankin, John Salminen, Robert Burridge and Karen Knutson.
Most of her early works began with watercolor and then went on to incorporate other media such as permanent pen, gel pen, textured paper, magazine photos, modeling paste, watercolor crayon, opaque paint, metallic paint, gesso etc. In addition to loving a lot of color, she is especially drawn to the elements of line and texture and very aware of the power of contrasting values in effective paintings. Her works are large, usually full sheet watercolors and medium to large acrylics.
Kathleen finds mixed media works, including experimental collages, most appealing, most challenging, and most fun to do. Recently, she has been doing acrylics on canvas or birch panels, many of them abstracts, and many of them using collage. She often uses letters, words, and quotations in her paintings in keeping with her gallery name, “Mixed Messages”, and her love of words.
Wanting her paintings and her fabric creations to be fun for herself and her viewers, she is not afraid to experiment and "play" as she explores new subjects, ideas, and processes. Her subject matter tends to be impressionistic, expressionistic, and/or abstract rather than realistic. She likes to work in series, returning to the same subjects over time. Musical themes permeate many of her compositions, as well as clocks, Italian hill towns, the Madonna and child, crosses, florals, animals, abstract geometric shape compositions, and paintings that comment on the power of language. Her paintings are simplistic and stylized but complex. The compositions are often whimsical and humorous, allowing viewers to find new things long after the first examination.
Kathleen’s works can currently be seen at her own studio/gallery/classroom, "Mixed Messages" ART at 1310 8th Street in Sanger or on her website (mixedmessagesart.com) and her Facebook Fan Page (“Mixed Messages” by Kathleen Mattox).
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To view all the pictures on the slideshow, click Play or click on the thumbnail pictures:
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November 18, 2023 Sara Trail
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Lecture: Creating Change with the Social Justice Sewing Academy
Workshop : Sewing On A SJSA Community Quilt Project
Nov. 19 (Saturday only)
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Cost: Members: $0
Non-Members: $0
Location: DHHSC, 5340 N. Fresno St, Fresno, CA
Lecture description: Creating Change with the Social Justice Sewing Academy
The Social Justice Sewing Academy (SJSA) works with young adults and teens to help find their voice
through the art of quilting. Students learn how to cut fabric and make quilt blocks and, along the way, find
the strength to express the systemic problems that plague their everyday life. One branch of the SJSA is the Remembrance Project which focuses on lives lost due to violence and social injustices. Volunteers receive the name of an individual who has been killed and then research the individual’s case in order to create a quilt block in their memory. The blocks are sewn into banners that are displayed by organizations all over the US to raise awareness and ignite action. In this lecture, SJSA founder Sara Trail will trace the roots of the SJSA and the Remembrance Project. She’ll show the impact these programs have had on both participants and larger communities. Learn how art can be a powerful tool for social change.
Workshop : Sewing On A SJSA Community Quilt Project
FFG Members will take this afternoon to donate their time and sewing skills while working on one of the SJSA Community Quilt Projects. There is no cost for this sewing session, but please sign up so we can know how many to expect and can plan space and tables accordingly.
Supply List:
Biography: Sara Trail, Founder, Social Justice Sewing Academy
Sara Trail learned to sew at the young age of 4, and is now a successful author, sewing teacher, and
pattern and fabric designer. At age 13, she wrote a nationally published book, Sew with Sara, that
teaches teens and tweens how to sew cute clothes and accessories for fun and profit. At 15, she starred
in a nationally published DVD, Cool Stuff to Sew With Sara. She then designed two fabric collections,
Folkheart and Biology 101, and a pattern collection with Simplicity, Designed with Love by Sara. Her
pattern collection features prom dresses, backpack patterns, hoodies, and jackets as well as aprons and
tote bags. While attending UC Berkeley, Sara created a quilt in memory of Trayvon Martin, and her love
for sewing and passion for social justice intertwined. After graduating from the Harvard University
Graduate School of Education, she founded the Social Justice Sewing Academy (SJSA). As Founder of
SJSA, Sara actively travels to facilitate lectures and workshops. She is also key in developing and
implementing the artistic vision of the organization. You can find out more about SJSA at www.sjsacademy.org.
November 18, 2023 Sara Trail
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Lecture: Creating Change with the Social Justice Sewing Academy
Workshop : Sewing On A SJSA Community Quilt Project
Nov. 19 (Saturday only)
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Cost: Members: $0
Non-Members: $0
Location: DHHSC, 5340 N. Fresno St, Fresno, CA
Lecture description: Creating Change with the Social Justice Sewing Academy
The Social Justice Sewing Academy (SJSA) works with young adults and teens to help find their voice
through the art of quilting. Students learn how to cut fabric and make quilt blocks and, along the way, find
the strength to express the systemic problems that plague their everyday life. One branch of the SJSA is the Remembrance Project which focuses on lives lost due to violence and social injustices. Volunteers receive the name of an individual who has been killed and then research the individual’s case in order to create a quilt block in their memory. The blocks are sewn into banners that are displayed by organizations all over the US to raise awareness and ignite action. In this lecture, SJSA founder Sara Trail will trace the roots of the SJSA and the Remembrance Project. She’ll show the impact these programs have had on both participants and larger communities. Learn how art can be a powerful tool for social change.
Workshop : Sewing On A SJSA Community Quilt Project
FFG Members will take this afternoon to donate their time and sewing skills while working on one of the SJSA Community Quilt Projects. There is no cost for this sewing session, but please sign up so we can know how many to expect and can plan space and tables accordingly.
Supply List:
- Sewing Machine
- Sewing Kit: scissors, rotary cutter, mat, ruler, thread in neutral colors, seam ripper, pins, sewing needles
- Extension cords
- Notepad, pencil
Biography: Sara Trail, Founder, Social Justice Sewing Academy
Sara Trail learned to sew at the young age of 4, and is now a successful author, sewing teacher, and
pattern and fabric designer. At age 13, she wrote a nationally published book, Sew with Sara, that
teaches teens and tweens how to sew cute clothes and accessories for fun and profit. At 15, she starred
in a nationally published DVD, Cool Stuff to Sew With Sara. She then designed two fabric collections,
Folkheart and Biology 101, and a pattern collection with Simplicity, Designed with Love by Sara. Her
pattern collection features prom dresses, backpack patterns, hoodies, and jackets as well as aprons and
tote bags. While attending UC Berkeley, Sara created a quilt in memory of Trayvon Martin, and her love
for sewing and passion for social justice intertwined. After graduating from the Harvard University
Graduate School of Education, she founded the Social Justice Sewing Academy (SJSA). As Founder of
SJSA, Sara actively travels to facilitate lectures and workshops. She is also key in developing and
implementing the artistic vision of the organization. You can find out more about SJSA at www.sjsacademy.org.
To view all the pictures on the slideshow, click play or the thumbnail pictures:
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January 20-21, 2024 Pam Chavez
10:30 am -11:30 am
Lecture: Not All Who Wander Are Lost (Pam’s Artistic Journey)
Workshop: Altered Books 101: Structure and Techniques
January 20
12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
January 21
9:00am - 3:00 pm
Location: New Location: Meeting and Workshop: Kiki's Quilt Shack, 5747 North Palm, Fresno, CA
Cost: Members: $85 (+ $15 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Non-members: $95 (+ $15 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Lecture Description: Not All Who Wander Are Lost (Pam’s Artistic Journey)
Pam will discuss the many different creative phases of her art journey, the different media she has explored, and her artistic influences. She will show examples of her art through Powerpoint presentation and in-person samples.
Workshop: Altered Books 101: Structure and Techniques (Saturday Jan 20, 12:30-3:30, Sunday Jan 21, 9:00 – 3:00 ) $85 (plus $15 kit fee to be paid to instructor)This class will cover the basics of creating an Altered Book. We will look at book structure, possible themes for your Altered Book, how to prepare your book to work in, different glues and what they are used for, and page background techniques. After this foundation, we will continue with adding pockets, focal points, and other ephemera to our books. The kit will contain glue, specialty papers, tags, doilies, binder clips, envelopes, and other images you may want to use. It also includes access to gesso and ink pads that I will have on hand. *I will have some stickers, washi tape, and other ephemera available for purchase if you would like to wait and get them at the workshop.
Supply List:
Biography:
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Pam moved to Fresno four years ago. She earned an A.A. in Art from Canada College in Redwood City, and a B.A in Art from San Francisco State University. Her wide art experiences include over 30 years in oil and acrylic painting, over 25 years in the book arts, over 30 years in fiber arts design and construction, 10 years of harness weaving, 4 years as a motorcycle racing photographer (published in Sidecarist, On the Level, BMW News, Cycle Lines, and Good News magazines), and creation and production of two 16mm animated films (one was aired on Minnesota Public Television).
Pam’s art creations are expressions of stories that would otherwise be untold. Conscious and unconscious narratives unfold as she plays with bold color, strong design and insightful text. Pam creates to communicate with the observer, to unfold her internal vision, and to evoke the observers’ own visions and interpretations. It is important to Pam that her art conveys spirituality, strength, independence, and insight. www.chavezarts.com
Pam has shown her work in many different venues, including:
January 20-21, 2024 Pam Chavez
10:30 am -11:30 am
Lecture: Not All Who Wander Are Lost (Pam’s Artistic Journey)
Workshop: Altered Books 101: Structure and Techniques
January 20
12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
January 21
9:00am - 3:00 pm
Location: New Location: Meeting and Workshop: Kiki's Quilt Shack, 5747 North Palm, Fresno, CA
Cost: Members: $85 (+ $15 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Non-members: $95 (+ $15 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Lecture Description: Not All Who Wander Are Lost (Pam’s Artistic Journey)
Pam will discuss the many different creative phases of her art journey, the different media she has explored, and her artistic influences. She will show examples of her art through Powerpoint presentation and in-person samples.
Workshop: Altered Books 101: Structure and Techniques (Saturday Jan 20, 12:30-3:30, Sunday Jan 21, 9:00 – 3:00 ) $85 (plus $15 kit fee to be paid to instructor)This class will cover the basics of creating an Altered Book. We will look at book structure, possible themes for your Altered Book, how to prepare your book to work in, different glues and what they are used for, and page background techniques. After this foundation, we will continue with adding pockets, focal points, and other ephemera to our books. The kit will contain glue, specialty papers, tags, doilies, binder clips, envelopes, and other images you may want to use. It also includes access to gesso and ink pads that I will have on hand. *I will have some stickers, washi tape, and other ephemera available for purchase if you would like to wait and get them at the workshop.
Supply List:
- 1 - Structurally solid, hard-bound book of medium length, novel size (200 – 300 pages)
- No slick or shiny pages
- Pages should not be too thin, flimsy, or brittle
- Acrylic Matte Medium (any brand) 16 ozs or bigger
- Washi Tape (assorted widths, at least one being 1” in width)
- 2 Cheap paint brushes 1 inch, ¼ inch
- Black or brown permanent ink stamp pad, plus one other color
- ruler
- Sharp pencil
- Cheap Vinyl tablecloth
- 1 roll Paper towels
- Wax paper
- Baby wipes
- Plastic grocery-type bag
- Apron and/or clothes you won’t mind possibly getting glue or medium on
- Water container
- Paper scissors – medium sized
- Small pointy ended scissors (think embroidery scissors size – but don’t bring your nice embroidery scissors)
- Hair dryer or craft heat gun
- Tissue paper and/or paper napkins (with images you will want to use in your book and solid colours)
- Assorted mark making tools – felt pens, color crayons, gelatos, acrylic paint, markers, colored pencils, etc (you won’t need all of these, bring what you have)
- 3 junk mail or new envelopes. Different sizes. Narrow enough to fit in your book.
- collage material (ephemera, assorted weight and fiber content papers, photographs (or copies), postcards, colorful magazine pages, look for pages/papers with words and images you want to use in your book, etc.); fabric scraps and thread/yarn snips; small embellishments (found objects, rusty bits, charms, bling, etc.) assorted stickers.
- Permanent Ink Stamp pads in other colors
- rubber stamps
- single hole punch
- flatbed paper cutter
- any scrapbooking papers and/or embellishments
- stencils/stencil dauber
Biography:
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Pam moved to Fresno four years ago. She earned an A.A. in Art from Canada College in Redwood City, and a B.A in Art from San Francisco State University. Her wide art experiences include over 30 years in oil and acrylic painting, over 25 years in the book arts, over 30 years in fiber arts design and construction, 10 years of harness weaving, 4 years as a motorcycle racing photographer (published in Sidecarist, On the Level, BMW News, Cycle Lines, and Good News magazines), and creation and production of two 16mm animated films (one was aired on Minnesota Public Television).
Pam’s art creations are expressions of stories that would otherwise be untold. Conscious and unconscious narratives unfold as she plays with bold color, strong design and insightful text. Pam creates to communicate with the observer, to unfold her internal vision, and to evoke the observers’ own visions and interpretations. It is important to Pam that her art conveys spirituality, strength, independence, and insight. www.chavezarts.com
Pam has shown her work in many different venues, including:
- Google Offices Juried Art Rotation, Mountain View, CA
- Left Coast Juried Art Show, Sanchez Art Center, Pacifica, CA
- Arts on Fire Juried Art Show, Sanchez Art Center, Pacifica, CA
- Book Arts Jam, Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, CA
- Creativity, the Arts and Our Spiritual Journey, Exhibitor and Panel Speaker, Vineyard Church, San Carlos, CA
- Miniatures, Acme Art Gallery, San Francisco, CA
- Diverse Visions, Women’s Caucus for Art Member’s Show, Arguello Gallery, San Carlos City Hall, CA
To view all the pictures on the slideshow, click play or the thumbnail pictures:
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February 17 - 18, 2024 Kate Richbourg
10:30 a.m. – 11:30am :
Lecture: Color As I See It
Workshop: My Color Story Wrap Bracelet
Saturday-12:30am-3:30 pm
Sunday- 9:00am-3:00 pm
Location: DHHSC, 5340 N. Fresno St, Fresno, CA
Cost: Members: $85 (plus $40 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Non-members: $95 (plus $40 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Lecture description: Color As I See It
Tap into your personal color story with Kate Richbourg. Color is a vital part of of our artist toolbox. In this talk Kate shares her take on color for a variety of artistic mediums and provides inspiration, tips, and techniques so that you can “up your color game” in your chosen artistic medium. Kate will also bring some special pieces from her archive of 30 years of beaded jewelry making to share in class to provide inspiration. She will also share some of her creative journey as a bead and metal jewelry artist from a career that has spanned the past 30 years.
Workshop: My Color Story Wrap Bracelet Wrap bracelets are like a jewelry party on your wrist! In this class, Kate teaches the basics on wrap bracelet design and construction. Students will begin by creating an individual color palette with beads, stringing materials, and leather cord from Kate’s extensive collection of supplies. After color palettes are fine tuned to perfection, Kate shares construction techniques including closures, knotting and bead weaving/stringing. You’ll learn everything you need to know to complete a stunning 3-5 wrap bracelet in this two-day workshop. All materials are provided in class for a $40 class fee. Students will choose from a wide variety of artisan-quality beads, clasps, stringing materials, and leather to personalize their project. No additional tools or materials are required. Kate provides everything you will need in class, just show up and get ready for a creative explosion! You’ll find a task lamp and your glasses (if you need them) helpful in class.
Biography:
Kate Richbourg was raised on a small farm in Gilroy, California. As a child, she would spend hours stringing beads and creating her own jewelry. It was a phase she never quite outgrew. After completing college, while trying to get excited about the transition to a corporate career, Kate saw a want ad for a bead store and lost no time in applying. Soon she was teaching classes and writing articles that were published regularly in magazines.
During this time she took a basic metalworking class at a local community college that opened her eyes to the possibilities of what metalworking had to offer the jewelry designer. She began teaching metalworking to the masses and never looked back.
Teaching and designing jewelry since 1992, Kate teaches at national shows, bead societies and bead shops and is published in a variety of jewelry magazines and is the author of the popular blog “We Can Make That at Home”. She broadcasts regular LIVE metalsmithing and beading tutorials on her YouTube channels. She has appeared on several episodes of the DIY, HGTV and PBS network shows “DIY Jewelry”, “Craft Lab” and “Beads, Baubles and Jewels.” Kate is the author of two bestselling books, Simple Soldering: A Beginner’s Guide to Jewelry Making and Metalsmithing Made Easy, from Interweave Press.
Kate is co-owner of beadshop.com and sells her finished jewelry on her website www.katerichbourgjewelry.com.
February 17 - 18, 2024 Kate Richbourg
10:30 a.m. – 11:30am :
Lecture: Color As I See It
Workshop: My Color Story Wrap Bracelet
Saturday-12:30am-3:30 pm
Sunday- 9:00am-3:00 pm
Location: DHHSC, 5340 N. Fresno St, Fresno, CA
Cost: Members: $85 (plus $40 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Non-members: $95 (plus $40 kit fee to be paid to instructor)
Lecture description: Color As I See It
Tap into your personal color story with Kate Richbourg. Color is a vital part of of our artist toolbox. In this talk Kate shares her take on color for a variety of artistic mediums and provides inspiration, tips, and techniques so that you can “up your color game” in your chosen artistic medium. Kate will also bring some special pieces from her archive of 30 years of beaded jewelry making to share in class to provide inspiration. She will also share some of her creative journey as a bead and metal jewelry artist from a career that has spanned the past 30 years.
Workshop: My Color Story Wrap Bracelet Wrap bracelets are like a jewelry party on your wrist! In this class, Kate teaches the basics on wrap bracelet design and construction. Students will begin by creating an individual color palette with beads, stringing materials, and leather cord from Kate’s extensive collection of supplies. After color palettes are fine tuned to perfection, Kate shares construction techniques including closures, knotting and bead weaving/stringing. You’ll learn everything you need to know to complete a stunning 3-5 wrap bracelet in this two-day workshop. All materials are provided in class for a $40 class fee. Students will choose from a wide variety of artisan-quality beads, clasps, stringing materials, and leather to personalize their project. No additional tools or materials are required. Kate provides everything you will need in class, just show up and get ready for a creative explosion! You’ll find a task lamp and your glasses (if you need them) helpful in class.
Biography:
Kate Richbourg was raised on a small farm in Gilroy, California. As a child, she would spend hours stringing beads and creating her own jewelry. It was a phase she never quite outgrew. After completing college, while trying to get excited about the transition to a corporate career, Kate saw a want ad for a bead store and lost no time in applying. Soon she was teaching classes and writing articles that were published regularly in magazines.
During this time she took a basic metalworking class at a local community college that opened her eyes to the possibilities of what metalworking had to offer the jewelry designer. She began teaching metalworking to the masses and never looked back.
Teaching and designing jewelry since 1992, Kate teaches at national shows, bead societies and bead shops and is published in a variety of jewelry magazines and is the author of the popular blog “We Can Make That at Home”. She broadcasts regular LIVE metalsmithing and beading tutorials on her YouTube channels. She has appeared on several episodes of the DIY, HGTV and PBS network shows “DIY Jewelry”, “Craft Lab” and “Beads, Baubles and Jewels.” Kate is the author of two bestselling books, Simple Soldering: A Beginner’s Guide to Jewelry Making and Metalsmithing Made Easy, from Interweave Press.
Kate is co-owner of beadshop.com and sells her finished jewelry on her website www.katerichbourgjewelry.com.
To view all the pictures on the slideshow, click play or the thumbnail pictures:
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March 16, 2024
10-30 am – 11:30 am:
Lecture given by Tara Faughnan via ZOOM: From Cardboard and Scissors to Instagram (My Journey As A Quilt Maker)
Workshop given by CR Radding: Design It Yourself Beaded Earrings
12:30 pm-3:30 pm
(Saturday only)
Location: KiKi's Quilt Shack, 5747 N. Palm Ave, Fresno
Cost: Members: $50 (+$15 kit paid to the instructor)
Non-Members: $60 (+$15 kit paid to the instructor)
Lecture description: Tara Faughnan From Cardboard and Scissors to Instagram (My Journey As A Quilt Maker) In this ZOOM presentation, Tara will share the stories and quilts of her journey from traditional to modern quilter, with stop-offs in contemporary and art quilting along the way. Tara’s philosophy is about embracing all aspects of quilting to create in the present time.
Workshop: Design It Yourself Beaded Earrings (taught by CR Radding)
Play with beads to design your own style of earrings. Choose the beads and components to give you the look you want whether it’s Classic, Sporty, Femme Fatal, or over the top statement earrings, etc. Learn how to form and wrap the head pins to carry your beads, add interesting components, and attach it all to your chosen ear wires. You’ll work at your own pace and make as many pairs as you wish.
An optional kit fee will be available in class for $15 containing all the wire, beads, and ear wires needed for one pair of earrings. Beads, findings, wire, and all the fixings will be available in class ala cart, or you may bring any beads, & findings you have that you want to use. I’ll also provide my favorite sources for beads, findings, wire and tools.
Supply List (Optional) - Bring all, or some, or shop my stash in class.
Tools List:
Biography:
Tara’s Bio:
Tara Faughnan is a quilter, teacher and pattern designer who is passionate about always learning new things, stretching her skills and playing with color! She started to quilt around 2001, using as her guide a reprint of the 1931 edition of 101 Patchwork Patterns by Ruby Short McKim. Somewhere along the way, her love of quilting led Tara to school and on to a career in textile design. For many years Tara worked in house for Michael Miller Fabrics, Pottery Barn Kids, and Riley Blake creating beautiful textile designs for the quilting and home goods market.
And then 2020 hit like a train…. And though it was a tough transition, it allowed Tara to become a full time quilt instructor and pattern writer, and she could not be more grateful for that opportunity. Tara Teaches classes online, and creates patterns for the Color Collective, a fun 6-month fabric and pattern subscription.
Tara draws inspiration from the simple bold geometry of antique quilts, the gorgeous bright colors from textiles around the world, and freedom and spontaneity found in unconventional and improvisationally pieced quilts. She likes to use simple geometry, complex color interaction and finds the line that exists somewhere between harmony and discord. You can find Tara at https://tarafaughnan.com/
C.R.’s Bio:
C. R. Radding developed a fascination for all things sparkly while foraging for treasures in her grandma’s jewelry box. But it wasn’t until finding “serious” beading and wire work that she knew she had found her creative home. Exploring and expanding her personal creativity remains a passion, and for over 22 years she has been teaching and nurturing creativity in others while sharing her skills.
March 16, 2024
10-30 am – 11:30 am:
Lecture given by Tara Faughnan via ZOOM: From Cardboard and Scissors to Instagram (My Journey As A Quilt Maker)
Workshop given by CR Radding: Design It Yourself Beaded Earrings
12:30 pm-3:30 pm
(Saturday only)
Location: KiKi's Quilt Shack, 5747 N. Palm Ave, Fresno
Cost: Members: $50 (+$15 kit paid to the instructor)
Non-Members: $60 (+$15 kit paid to the instructor)
Lecture description: Tara Faughnan From Cardboard and Scissors to Instagram (My Journey As A Quilt Maker) In this ZOOM presentation, Tara will share the stories and quilts of her journey from traditional to modern quilter, with stop-offs in contemporary and art quilting along the way. Tara’s philosophy is about embracing all aspects of quilting to create in the present time.
Workshop: Design It Yourself Beaded Earrings (taught by CR Radding)
Play with beads to design your own style of earrings. Choose the beads and components to give you the look you want whether it’s Classic, Sporty, Femme Fatal, or over the top statement earrings, etc. Learn how to form and wrap the head pins to carry your beads, add interesting components, and attach it all to your chosen ear wires. You’ll work at your own pace and make as many pairs as you wish.
An optional kit fee will be available in class for $15 containing all the wire, beads, and ear wires needed for one pair of earrings. Beads, findings, wire, and all the fixings will be available in class ala cart, or you may bring any beads, & findings you have that you want to use. I’ll also provide my favorite sources for beads, findings, wire and tools.
Supply List (Optional) - Bring all, or some, or shop my stash in class.
- Several pairs of beads, large, small, & in-between
- Several pairs of head pins; these can be plain or fancy
- Pairs of ear wires; leaver backs, or hooks, or posts
- Any components you want such as; bead caps, charms, connectors, etc.
- 1 or 2 feet of “dead soft” Sterling Silver 20 gauge round wire, or you
Tools List:
- 3 main tools are necessary for wire work: Round Nose Pliers, Chain Nose Pliers, and a Flush Wire Cutters.
- Nice to have are: chasing hammer and bench block, jewelry files, and Mandrels.
- All these tools will be available to use in class, but bring them if you have them if you don’t want to wait your turn. I will be talking about tools in class and giving you my recommendations if you want to purchase some. An Ott light or small task light is nice to have, along with an extension cord.
Biography:
Tara’s Bio:
Tara Faughnan is a quilter, teacher and pattern designer who is passionate about always learning new things, stretching her skills and playing with color! She started to quilt around 2001, using as her guide a reprint of the 1931 edition of 101 Patchwork Patterns by Ruby Short McKim. Somewhere along the way, her love of quilting led Tara to school and on to a career in textile design. For many years Tara worked in house for Michael Miller Fabrics, Pottery Barn Kids, and Riley Blake creating beautiful textile designs for the quilting and home goods market.
And then 2020 hit like a train…. And though it was a tough transition, it allowed Tara to become a full time quilt instructor and pattern writer, and she could not be more grateful for that opportunity. Tara Teaches classes online, and creates patterns for the Color Collective, a fun 6-month fabric and pattern subscription.
Tara draws inspiration from the simple bold geometry of antique quilts, the gorgeous bright colors from textiles around the world, and freedom and spontaneity found in unconventional and improvisationally pieced quilts. She likes to use simple geometry, complex color interaction and finds the line that exists somewhere between harmony and discord. You can find Tara at https://tarafaughnan.com/
C.R.’s Bio:
C. R. Radding developed a fascination for all things sparkly while foraging for treasures in her grandma’s jewelry box. But it wasn’t until finding “serious” beading and wire work that she knew she had found her creative home. Exploring and expanding her personal creativity remains a passion, and for over 22 years she has been teaching and nurturing creativity in others while sharing her skills.
To view all the pictures on the slideshow, click play or the thumbnail pictures:
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April 20, 2024 Mini Retreat Day
Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
$30 Lunch included
Location: National University, 20 River Park PL W, Fresno, CA 93720
Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
$30 Lunch included
Location: National University, 20 River Park PL W, Fresno, CA 93720