Explore and create original art.Workshops for Guilds and Special Events
Options
Explore the workshops listed below. All of them can be virtual or in-person. In-person events requiring travel must book at least three full days of programming. Travel and lodging provided by the organization.
Fees & Formats
Half-day through 5-day formats
3 Hour Workshop:
$450 virtual, $550 in person
6 Hour Workshop:
$750 virtual, $850 in person
Get in Touch
Connect with Deborah to discuss possibilities.
I’m happy to answer any questions —
and eager to arrange details that fit your group’s needs.
Original Art Quilt Collage
Create original art quilts by exploring a variety of ideas and techniques with layers of fabric, paint and stitch. Experiment with several methods of creating pattern and marks on fabric then begin composing using intuitive ideas. Add details with stitching by hand and by machine.
All levels (with confident enthusiasm)
One to five day workshop (two days is the sweet spot)
Ideally, workshop space includes digital projector and screen
Create a 16x16” original art quilt collage with fabric, paint and stitch
Design an original landscape collage using graphic shapes. Learn composition tips and new ways to think about principles of design. Create detail and add texture with hand embroidery and machine stitching. Plus, we’ll look at lots of examples of how other artists have created unique landscapes.
Appropriate for all levels
One or two day workshop
Ideally, workshop space includes digital projector and screen
Create a 16x16 original landscape inspired art quilt collage
Graphic Landscape Fabric Collage
Art Quilt Collage Bouquets
Create an original art quilt collage with a bold bouquet as the focal point. Experiment with surface design techniques to create original patterned cloth. Learn composition tips for effective design. Explore different ways to create detail and add texture including hand embroidery.
Appropriate for all levels
One or two day workshop
Ideally, workshop space includes digital projector and screen
Create a 16x16” original floral art quilt collage with fabric, paint and stitch
Captivating Compositions
Explore eight design guides that get the creative juices flowing. Look at examples of captivating compositions from fine art and the quilt world. Create a “sketch” for each of the design guides using fused fabrics. Learn to edit, audition and improvise using a super helpful design checklist. Consider adding details with machine and hand stitching.
Appropriate for all levels
One day workshop
Workshop space must include digital projector and screen
Create eight 6x6” fabric sketches inspired by eight design guides
Personal Symbols for Art Quilt Collage
What symbols and personal themes will you incorporate into your small art quilt collages? Deborah will guide you through creating shapes that have personal meaning. Create small original collages using composition templates and inspiring fabrics. Embellish with machine and hand stitching. Learn simple finishing techniques and mount your art quilt collages on mats ready for framing.
Appropriate for all levels
One day workshop
Create up to six 5x7” art quilt collages
Embroidered Fabric Collage
Hand stitching brings fabric collage to life! Combine fused appliqué with improvisational hand embroidery to create two unique, personal small art quilt collages. Learn several embroidery stitches and how to incorporate them into your design for maximum texture, interest and artistry. We’ll cover tips for fused appliqué and improvisational composition.
Appropriate for all levels
Three hour workshop
Create two 5x7” art quilt collages embellished with hand embroidery, ready to frame
Head, Heart and Hands: Developing Your Creative Voice
Super fun interactive program full of creative exercises, conversation, and inspiring challenges. Think about how to fully utilize your head, heart and hands as you develop your own unique and original creative voice. Not a project or technique workshop — just notes and exercises with pen and paper, plus lots of interaction, discussion and ideas.
Appropriate for all levels (especially those interested in the creative process)
Three hour workshop
Workshop space must include digital projector and screen
Come away with new ideas and action items for your creative practice.
Photo Inspired Art Quilt Collage
Use personal photos to create an original art quilt collage. (Rather than copying an image, learn to isolate color, pattern, shape and composition to use as inspiration.) We’ll use raw edge fused appliqué and explore a variety of techniques for creating pattern and marks on fabric using paint. Convert elements from your photos into stitched motifs. Abstract the layout of a photo into a dynamic composition. Deborah offers a set of steps with lots of freedom for creative expression within each step.
Appropriate for all levels (with confident enthusiasm)
Three to five day workshop
Ideally, workshop space includes digital projector and screen
Create an original art quilt collage inspired by your photos
Small Stories in Fabric
Creating original art is a powerful way to honor and celebrate meaningful moments. In this workshop, we’ll look for inspiration in unexpected places, learning to recognize compelling colors, shapes, lines, patterns, and compositions. We’ll also explore how inspiration carries deeper layers of meaning. We’ll incorporate printmaking, hand embroidery and machine stitching.
Appropriate for all levels (with confident enthusiasm)
Three to five day workshop
Ideally, workshop space includes digital projector and screen
Create a series of five small art quilt collages with layers of fabric, paint and stitch, ready to frame
Techniques with Paint and Patterns
Simple techniques and supplies, stupendous results! Cut freezer paper stencils, create foam stamps, print with found objects and make marks with pen and ink! We’ll talk about shapes, pattern, repetition, and color. Students will leave with a beautiful stash of original fabrics ready to be used in art quilts, collage or mixed media.
Appropriate for all levels
Half day or one day workshop, pairs nicely with other one day workshops
Create several pieces of fabric using print making techniques
Praise for Deborah
Deborah’s workshops have taught me about composition, how to make my own unique fabrics, how to look at design ideas from a different perspective and -- most of all -- Deborah has helped me find my own creative voice.
—Patti, virtual workshop student
This was one of the best lectures I have seen on the art of the art quilt. My head is now exploding with ideas!
-Roberta
Deborah presented the steps in the workshop project and we all worked at our own pace. She encouraged us to explore whatever was in our minds. The highlight is always taking a look at what others come up with for designs and listening to Deborah’s comments, suggestions and compliments.
—Dawn, virtual workshop student
Deborah expertly manages the virtual classroom, using its possibilities to expand the information and learning opportunities. She is friendly, lively, encouraging, and full of advice on students' work.
-Workshop Participant
Deborah is delightful and truly excited about her art. She also just happens to be amazingly talented!
-Lasewvy
After Deborah's workshop, came away with a bigger sense of experimentation and more confidence.
-Dawn, workshop student
I was long overdue for some new creativity and inspiration, and I found it in Deborah's workshop! She is an engaging teacher who is kind and patient and encourages students to think outside the box. The techniques she teaches are doable and creative and she encourages students to really make their art layered and rich. I’m truly inspired.
—Teresa, workshop student