i am so excited to be heading to tatter blue library in a few weeks to teach two classes...

i will be teaching two of my favorite creative practices: plant-dyed wool felt flowers and bookbinding. the flowers are an exploration of color and creativity, and bookbinding is a practical skill that is a launching point for crafting books of all shapes and sizes. scroll down for more info about both. i am also bringing a collection of handmade goodness from port townsend for a trunk show.
if you have friends in the NYC area, please share!

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Explore a world of color, texture, and creativity in this flower-making workshop inspired by Alison Kaplan’s own dye garden. Alison’s commitment to sustainability and an enchantment with the colors coaxed from plants has brought the Kata Golda color palette to life. The stacks of plant-dyed wool felt on the shelves of her studio inspired these dimensional spring wool felt flowers. Under Alison’s guidance, you will explore creative techniques – from template making and hand-stitching to intentionally embracing asymmetry and negative space. Participants will create unique, one-of-a-kind blossoms that can be worn as brooches, hair clips, or displayed as decorations. There will be an abundant collection of Alison’s sample flowers to explore for inspiration. This event is a bouquet of floral creativity and exploration, brimming with tactile joys, as well as the opportunity to meet likeminded stitchers. We encourage everyone to make as many blooms as they wish, and we’ll have plenty of Alison’s pieces at hand for inspiration. Try out intentional asymmetry, textural topstitching, and more for a wonderful and creative way to use up scraps and ends. Participants will also receive a felt flower-making kit, including templates, instructions, and materials, to keep creating blooms at home. REGISTER HERE!

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In this intimate class, students will learn the art of coptic bookbinding with Alison Kaplan of Kata Golda Handmade. The coptic bookbinding technique creates a flexible book with an exposed spine, the pages open flat making it the perfect journal for writing and sketching. Building on decades of bookbinding experience, Alison makes this craft feel approachable and adaptable. She will showcase an assortment of finished handbound journals in many sizes so everyone can see the endless possibilities. Participants will make a book covered in plant-dyed organic cotton/hemp fabric that is 3.25” wide and 4.75” tall and is about .5” thick.

We will begin with an overview of coptic bookbinding and learn about the tools in the bookbinding kit. We will practice ripping paper and sewing/connecting pamphlets. We will then glue the cover and back and finish our books. We will discuss adaptations to make books of different sizes and shapes – Alison has many options to share. If time allows, participants will be introduced to two other simple techniques: a pamphlet-style notebook, an accordion book that is perfect for displaying photos or using for watercolor painting. All class materials will be provided. Each participant will receive a DIY Bookbinding Kit which includes the tools to continue making more books at home. REGISTER HERE!

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PS: Myra is helping me get ready for Brooklyn.