Sewing Machines will be provided by Montavilla Sewing Center
We’ll begin by printing directly onto fabric using Gelli plates, layering color, pattern, and marks to create a surface full of history and movement. From there, the printed cloth becomes the foundation for a soft sculptural figure.
Hand stitching, fabric collage, and simple mark making will bring each figure to life—wonky, expressive, and entirely unique. These are not perfect dolls; they are character-filled beings shaped by process and intuition.
This class is welcoming to all levels and celebrates imperfection, texture, and personal voice.
What You’ll Learn:
• Printing layered designs on fabric using a Gelli plate
• Intuitive mark making with paint and simple tools
• Shaping printed cloth into a soft sculptural figure
• Hand stitching for structure, detail, and expression
• Creating faces and personality through texture and stitches
• Trusting the process and letting a piece unfold naturally
What You’ll Leave With:
• A one-of-a-kind fabric figure(s) made from your own printed cloth
• A deeper comfort with playful, intuitive making
• fresh ideas for combining printmaking, stitching, and mixed media
• A deeper comfort with imperfection and personality
• A piece that feels personal, expressive, and alive
This Class Is for You If…
• You enjoy experimenting with paint, fabric, and texture
• You like letting a piece evolve rather than planning every step
• You’re drawn to wonky, tender, expressive forms
• You’re curious about using Gelli printing in new ways
• You want a creative experience that feels gentle and encouraging
Materials Fee $20 paid at beginning of class includes:
table of goodness:
paints,
kecia’s artfoamie stamps to try,
butter cream paints and stencils by The Crafter’s Workshop,
Inktense blocks,
watercolor crayons,
embroidery floss and needles,
scrap felt for features,
fabric w/ lips and eyes, wood block stamps,
mark making tools…..
**If you’re feeling unsure—about sewing, printing, or whether you’re ‘doing it right’—please know that this class was designed with you in mind. There is no wrong way to work here. Every stitch, mark, and choice belongs. You’ll be gently guided, warmly supported, and encouraged to make something that feels true to you. No sewing skills required - there will be machines on hand to play on and of course, I will be there to show you the ropes.
Supplies Needed to bring for Class:
- 1-2 yards muslin washed, ironed and ready for class (no fabric softener) - we will have time to make more than one doll and leave with some printed fabric)
- Gelli plate (8x10) and brayer
- acrylic paint (black and white plus favorite palette colors)
- small paint brush
-hand-sewing needles & embroidery floss (I will be bringing some too)
- fabric Scissors
-black sharpie
-doll stuffing (I recycle pillows (no feathers!) or a 12-16 oz bag (making more than one doll will require extra stuffing )
-Optional: lace, trims, buttons (great for nose and eyes), found fabric bits
To pre-order supplies, click on this link for Cobblestone Creek Studios.