Art Quilts with STITCHED

STITCHED workshops are still going strong! In fact, Alma Stoller is adding a brand new full video workshop soon!

It's called SoulCraft Art Quilt. Here's Alma's beautiful workshop sample.

STITCHED is an online collection of video workshops by lots of fabulous fiber artists. There are now 22 full video workshops along with pdf downloads plus interactive student message boards and photo galleries. This amazing project has been running since the beginning on 2012 and will be up through the end of the year.

Registration is only $40 and that gets you full access to everything! Seriously, the amount of content for that price is unbeatable. Plus, it's so great to have access to everything right on your computer anytime you want it. If you register now, you'll have all of September, October, November and December to peruse, watch, create, ask questions, post photos, learn and get inspired! Imagine the holiday gifts you could make!

I am especially excited about Alma's new workshop because I think it's such a nice complement to my workshop Branches, Bud and Blossoms: A Botanical Fabric Collage. Here's my workshop sample.

Alma and I both love hand stitching, combining original and commercial fabrics, texture and personal symbols. We touch on all these techniques in our workshops. Isn't it interesting how such similar techniques can be used to create small art quilts that are entirely different from each other?

Check out the full list of workshops here. If you're thinking of registering, my advice is to just dive in! Don't wait. You want as much time as possible to absorb all the creative potential.

STITCHED Celebration Pricing!

It has been such a blast being involved with Alma Stoller's STITCHED workshops. I've loved sharing my work and I've loved watching and learning from the other amazing instructors. The workshops have been live and kicking since January and will continue through December! To celebrate Alma's 40th birthday this week... the registration price has been lowered to just $40!

The STITCHED website includes 20 video workshops, pdf supplements to all the workshops, plus QandA with all the instructors and a super fun photo collection for show and tell with all the students and instructors. Even some bonus mini-workshops and monthly give-aways!

Two new workshops have been added to the line up. Lynn Krawczyk released her "printed stash" workshop in April and Jen Swift's workshop "A Happy Day Mobile" will kick off on June 1.

So, your $40 registration fee gets you access to all the workshops anytime day or night from any computer through the end of the year. A bargain for sure! (All the workshops along with great sample artwork are listed on Alma's registration page.)

My workshop is titled Branches, Buds and Blossom: A Botanical Collage.

It includes segments on surface design, fabric and embellishment selection, hand embroidery and more. Let me know if you have any questions... or just click on over the Alma's registration page and dive in!

STITCHED Student Work

I've been utterly thrilled to see the work that students have created from my STITCHED video workshop! My workshop is titled Branches, Buds and Blossoms: A Botanical Fabric Collage. (I like alliteration. Who doesn't?!)

Here is Nancy Roberts collage. I love the brown and yellow color palate. She really embraced the painting, layering and stitching that I discussed in the video workshop segments. She also used one of my stencil patterns for the branch!

Here is Jody's piece. I love how she tied all the elements together with various embellishments and stitching.

It's been such a pleasure to share my thoughts about creativity and the process of creating art on STITCHED. I'm discovering more and more how much I enjoy teaching and encouraging others to explore their creative spirits. You can check out all the info about STITCHED on Alma's blog. Seriously, there is so much good stuff!

STITCHED Tutorial Round Up!

I've finished up a few major projects recently, so I've got a bit of free time and I am so inspired by the STITCHED tutorials.  If you've got a free hour or so, I bet you can find an inspiring project among these great tutorials.

How about some stitching?!

Remember I did a video tutorial about writing on fabric? Thanks for all your enthusiastic comments on that. You're the best!

Deborah  http://deborahsjournal.blogspot.com/2012/03/hand-writing-on-fabric.html

Paula's Easter inspired tutorial includes stitching on paper! 
Paula   http://www.paulajoerling.com/2012/03/easter-download-and-tutorial.html

So many great ideas for printing fabric with found objects from Jackie. (LOVING her style!) 
Jackie  http://stitchworks-jackie.blogspot.com/2012/03/blog-hop-tut.html 

Super cute honey-bee embroidery, plus tiny fabric appliques.

Mollie  http://www.wildolive.blogspot.com/2012/03/project-blog-hop-honeybee-candle-mat.html 

Excellent template for a fabric pendant. Lots of possibilities for your own design inspiration here.

Cindy Caraway  http://artfullivingonthebluff.blogspot.com/2012/03/march-blog-tutorial-hop-my-turn.html 

Totally easy, comprehensive directions for creating your own oven mitt. (Seriously, I should do this. The mitt I usually use has HOLES in it! Dangerous.)

Jennifer  http://sewhooked.com/2012/03/14/stitched-tutorial-blog-hop-make-an-oven-mitt/ 

I love love love these paper buttons. They are so easy, shiny and fun. Plus I can think of lots of ways to personalize them and use them in various creations!

Kelli     http://ephemeralalchemy.blogspot.com/2012/03/paper-button-tutorial.html

And over the next few days...

March 22nd: Tracie  http://www.radicalrecycks.com/ 
March 27th: Alma        http://www.almastoller.blogspot.com

March 29th: Ann Tucker    http://thelavendartree.blogspot.com/

The artists who have created each of these tutorials are all instructors at STITCHED, an online collection of 20 creative workshops incorporating fabric, stitching, sewing and mixed media in all kinds of fantastic ways. Students have access to all 20 workshop for all of 2012 for only $89. Plus, there are three new workshops being added in the next couple of months. Depending when you register, you could actually be getting 23 workshops for the same price.

So, if you like the spirit and style of these tutorials, I know you'll love STITCHED. Let me know if you have any questions. Or get more info and register here.

Hand Writing on Fabric

Welcome to the STITCHED Tutorial Blog Hop!

I love to use handwriting as a graphic element in my fabric collages. People often ask me how I do it, so I am thrilled to share my process with you. It's simple, really! You should try it. I love handwriting because it is so specifically unique to every person. I also love it because it suggests communicating, story telling and expression.

Handwriting on Fabric Tutorial from Deborah Boschert on Vimeo.

*By the way... this tutorial is part of a tutorial blog hop through out March with several STITCHED artists. How fun! Check out the list of blogs at the bottom of this post.

Supplies
Kona solid fabric
Pigma Micron pen 08
Wonder Under fusible webbing (optional)
your unique handwriting!
creative spirit!

Here is the quilt I mentioned in the beginning of the video. It's titled "Allium Four Ways." At the top, I used just a sliver of the fabric with the handwriting.

Hey! That awesome background music is written and performed by Salisbury Streets. The title of the tune is "Writing Songs." Appropriate, don't you think?

Lastly, if you enjoyed this tutorial and you're interested in more about the creative process and creating a fabric collage, I bet you'd love my workshop at STITCHED. My workshop is titled "Branches, Buds and Blossoms: A Fabric Collage" and it's just one of twenty incredible workshops in the STITCHED collection. Check it out!

This video tutorial is actually part of a STITCHED tutorial blog hop. I'm happy to kick off a month of great tutorials. Check out the others here.

March 1st: Deborah -- That's me! You're here.
March 5th: Paula
March 6th: Jackie
March 8th: Mollie
March 13th:  Cindy Caraway
March 15th: Jennifer
March 20th: Kelli
March 22nd: Tracie
March 27th: Alma
March 29th: Ann Tucker

Time Lapse Fun

Last week, I spent almost four hours painting a bunch of fabric! Some will be used in my art quilts, some will be included in kits for upcoming workshops. I thought it would be fun to do a time lapse video of my morning. Check it out.


Painting on Fabric from Deborah Boschert on Vimeo.

I loved using the Gelli Printing Plate. Wow. I only scratched the surface of the possibilities of that tool. (Luckily I didn't actually scratch the surface. That would be bad.) I also used some more Stencil Girl stencils -- some with the Gelli plate. That awesome background music is written and performed by my very talented cousin Ben Streeter. Check out more of his work here.

Some of this same style of surface design and painting is included in my STITCHED workshop. The workshop also includes sections on design, construction and stitching. Super fun. (And did you hear that STITCHED has been extended? Now you'll have access to 20 workshops all the way through 2012 for only $89.)

I am really enjoying playing with video production. More of that in the future, for sure. What would you like to see?

STITCHED is up and running!

The amazing  STITCHED online video workshop collection opened on January 1! It's so fun to see students perusing the workshops, commenting and sharing photos of their projects.

I've been checking in with the folks who have joined my workshop. Here's a fun quote from a student who is from Slovenia, I believe. (How fun is that? Totally international! Another amazing benefit of online communication.)

Right now I even don’t know where to start I am so exited I am. I need to try all stuff here and place this in my hand and just play, and play and play some more.

My friend Kate joined too. She says...

I’m so glad you got me in to this overwhelming craft-o-rama. I’m giving myself 24 more hours to make a plan then I’m diving in.

Did I mention there are give-aways every month? This month is a cute little Janome sewing machine. Doesn't Alma look so happy to give it away!?

 

In one of my workshop videos, I show lots of options for freezer paper stencils like this one.

 

 Can you see it incorporated in the finished project?

Anyway, come join STITCHED so you can get in on the fun, explore the "craft-o-rama," win a sewing machine, create a freezer paper stencil and play and play and play!

One More Day...

to sign up for STITCHED and have a chance to win one of 10 packages of inspiring materials and tools that could be used in my workshop "Branches, Buds and Blossoms: a Botanical Fabric Collage." You must sign up through a link on my blog by December 20 to get one of the packages. (I had so much fun gathering stuff and getting everything color-coordinated.)

I must say, the STITCHED site is filling up with amazing videos, photos and inspiration from all 20 artists. We've all been working hard to get everything set for the January 1 opening day of workshops! See the entire list of artists and workshops on Alma's blog! Easy registration also on Alma's site.

Another peek at my project... 

STITCHED Teaser and Give-Away!

Don't forget to register for STITCHED!  Here's a teaser video I created for my workshop. Enjoy!
Who doesn't love fabric, paint, stitching and collage!?

What is STITCHED ?! It's an online collection of 20 video workshops by 20 talented fabric artists. Students have access to all 20 workshops thoughout 2012! Each workshop includes several video segments, pdf supplementary materials, a discussion board with the instructor and opportunity to share and interact with other students. And you can participate any time day or night any day of the week. It's a great deal at only $89! Full list of workshops and registration info is here.

I'm so excited to share this project that I've compiled a package of inspiring items that could be used in the workshop (or in any collage project)! Each package includes a color coordinated collection of goodies including a vintage hankie, a few pieces of fabric, cheese cloth, sheer ribbon, embroidery floss, one of my very favorite embroidery needles and a spouncer (my favorite tool for stenciling)! I had tons of fun gathering all these inspiring items.

I'll send a package to the first 10 people who register for STITCHED  through the links here on my blog by December 20. (Gotta get your shopping done before Christmas Day, right?) That link will take you to Alma's blog which includes all the info about STITCHED plus a registration button.

If you've already registered for STITCHED  through my blog, thanks so much -- you'll get one of the packages, of course! Through the magic of technology, the STITCHED coordinator (the amazing Alma Stoller), will send send me the names and addresses of those who register through me. And I'll send out the kits straight away so you'll have them in time for the workshops kick off on January 1!

STITCHED Workshop

I'm so excited to tell you about my STITCHED workshop!

Click here to view more details

Branches, Buds and Blossoms: A Botanical Fabric Collage

Join me in exploring botanical shapes, textures and patterns! I’ll share my process for creating a collage incorporating fabric, machine and hand stitching, and a variety of unexpected materials and techniques. You’ll choose your own fabrics, compose an original design and experiment with layers of detail. I’ll teach ways to add personal design to your fabrics with painted patterns. We’ll use simple construction techniques, then enhance your collage with a variety of unusual materials and interesting embellishments. Plus, I’ll share tons of fun embroidery stitches to add more detail. 

What is STITCHED?

STITCHED is a collection of 20 online video workshops by 20 talented fabric artists. (That's right, I'm just ONE of the instructors for STITCHED.) 

What are the other workshops?

There are workshops on fabric flower making, creating journals and other books, needle turn applique, handbags, and many more mixed media projects involving fabric and stitching! Click here to read about all 20 workshops.

How is STITCHED set up:

By registering for STITCHED you have access to all the STITCHED workshops. You are able to pick and choose which ones you want to dive into first. The workshops are available to you any time you wish throughout all of 2012. Once you are invited to the private STITCHED site, you are free to view and work on any workshop you want any time of the day, any day of the week. (I can't wait to take some of the workshops myself!) 

 

Registration Information:

Early registration starts December 1st 2011. Today!
STITCHED workshops will be up and running throughout 2012.

Registration is only $89.

NOW ONLY $40!

 
Click here to register. You'll be taken to a site hosted by the wonderful Alma Stoller who is coordinating STITCHED. You'll find more info and a registration button there.

Edited on December 12 to add...

I just announced a give-away for the first 10 students who register for STITCHED through my blog. Check out this post for more information.

Here are a few more images of my fabric collage! I can't even tell you how excited I am to share this project through this amazing workshop collection.

Houston Goodies

I cleaned up my studio a bit today and put away some of the goodies that came home with me from International Quilt Festival in Houston.

Marcia Derse is always on my list! I picked up the five fat quarters in the lower left. Plus, I always love seeing her and chatting about her fantastic fabric.  I first met Marcia when I was stunned by her beautiful booth at Festival in 2006.

I picked up four wooden stamps -- in the upper left. I've already used the camel and the leaves!  Several of the other twelves were raving about Oakshott cottons, so I picked up a red/gray stripe and an orange/red stripe. I also got a grab-bag stack of hand dyed fabrics in the upper right. I'm going to have a massive day of surface design and add something to every piece.

But wait... there's more! A tiny lotus charm from Lilly Pilly Designs in the gold bag. They had tons of really beautiful pieces and the gals in the booth were so friendly and enthusiastic. (That always make me more eager to buy stuff!) Two hanks of hand-dyed perle cotton from Artfabrik where Laura and Frieda always greet me with big smiles. Five tubes of beads that I had some plans for ... but I'm not sure I can remember exactly what they were. Lastly, I was sucked in by this bundle of selvedges and off-cuts of felted wool. Perfect for fabric collages.

I've been spending lots of time editing my videos for the workshop I'll be teaching at STITCHED! Alma will be announcing the details for all 20 video workshops on Thursday, December 1 and registration will be open! I can't wait to tell you more!

More Than A Week...

since my last post?! How did that happen? There was that flurry of pictures and excitment following my trip to Houston and then I just fell back into all the every day stuff that must be done -- and does not make for interesting blog posts.

I did take this picture of Lincoln on our leaf-covered deck. So handsome!

I've also been working on my STITCHED workshop. I've been learning so much about iMovie. There is tons of potential for online learning with videos, photo sharing and virtual classrooms. I am very excited to be exploring all the possibilities!