Workshops — Heather Hietala

2026 Workshops

a vessel made of steel wire with a skin of hog gut, there are seeds in the compartments of the bow and stern and a Coptic bound book made of antique dictionary pages in the cockpit

Forms in Wire and Gut

Double Island Studio, Green Mountain, NC

July 20 - 24, 2026

This workshop is designed for both beginners and more experienced individuals interested in working with wire and gut. Participants will learn a variety of textile and basketry techniques including twisting, wrapping/binding, encapsulation, random weave, and sewing. We will begin with samples and transition to larger forms using wire. Participants will also explore adding hog gut as a skin, encapsulation, and lashing/binding elements. Emphasis will be placed on learning and experimenting with the techniques, and play will be encouraged. Expect some fun exercises and lively group discussions.. All levels. Click here to register.

a work on paper; two vertical pod/vessel shapes done in persimmon tannin with stitching and in the background scattered patches of vellum with words written on them

Add Another Layer - Stitching on Paper

Pacific Northwest Art School, Whidbey Island, WA

Wed - Sun, October 21 - October 25, 2026

Join Heather Hietala in learning how to bring new dimensions and unique tactile embellishments to your collages, watercolors, photos, or prints. Explore stitching on paper and learn how a variety of embroidery stitches can add a new tactile dimension to an artwork on paper. Stitching adds texture, mark making, pattern, delineation, a sense of embellishment, a color accent, and/or emphasis to a photograph or print after the act of printing. We will learn how to prepare and stitch on paper and how to dye thread so that you can customize the value and color of your thread to allow it to uniquely coordinate or provide contrast to your work. All Levels. Click here to Register.