Workshops Topics
“I have taken a number of Heather’s workshops and am consistently delighted with her instruction and the introduction to new materials. Most importantly for me, however, is her ability to inspire me to tap into my creative potential which always opens up new and exciting paths in the search for my artistic identity.”
Introduction to Contemporary Embroidery
Two consecutive Saturdays on Zoom, a Weekend or a Week Long In-Person Workshop
Abandon your embroidery expectations and embrace stitching, learn the basic stitches and personalize them to develop your own vocabulary. I will share my contemporary approach to all things stitching. As I teach you the basic vocabulary of stitching I will share my favorite stitches and techniques, materials and inspirations thru demonstration and discussions. I will lead you on an exploration into using hand embroidery/stitching as a way to embellish while relaxing and unwinding. Stitching can be very cathartic; we will work intuitively with pattern, line and mark making. Contemporary or freestyle embroidery has so many functional and artistic uses, whether you are embellishing something, mending, disguising a hole or stain, adding texture to a multimedia piece, thread and needles offer so many options. You will create an embroidery sampler to reference for future endeavors. Limited to 9 participants. Cost is $255, includes shipping the materials and tools to you.
To inquire about about availability contact me at 828-782-8307 or send me an email.
Keeping Creative Visual Journals
Five week course; evenings 7:00 - 9:00pm
I love journaling and it is an integral part of my creative practice. In this workshop we will first make a journal to use as a playground for visual ideas, a place to let your muse take over, and a workhorse for developing a journal practice while exploring your personal style. I will share my journal collection and the many ways I use journaling to support my creative practice. Each of the 5 classes include exercises and challenges you to work in an open-ended way. No matter what your level of experience is, give your inner artist a creative boost with Keeping Creative Visual Journals. It will give you the tools and the confidence you need to keep creativity in your life! The five week class meets weekly 7:00 - 9:00pm. To inquire about teaching possibilities contact Heather at 828-782-8307 or email.
Creative PLay: Surface Design on Cloth and Paper
Two consecutive Saturdays on Zoom, a Weekend or a Week Long In-Person Workshop
This class introduces textile paints and a variety of surface design techniques: painting, stamping, pochoir, texture rubbings, printing, sgraffito, resists, drawing and embellishment. You’ll learn how to create one-of-a-kind decorative designs on fabric and paper. This is a fun workshop; working with textile paints is immediate, non-toxic and very versatile as they adhere to a variety of materials. We will explore image and motif, repeat patterns, layering, accenting, and overall coverage. We will explore image and motif, repeat patterns, layering, accenting, and overall coverage. All levels. To inquire about teaching possibilities contact Heather at 828-782-8307 or email.
A sampler of the techniques covered in the workshop
Stitching as Mark Making
Two consecutive Saturdays on Zoom, a Weekend or a Week Long In-Person Workshop
Stitched marks express time and intention; they record time, becoming a narrative language. We will explore the beauty of the simple running stitch as visual marks and texture. Using the running stitch, a variety of threads, and cloth with a color field square in the center we will explore various design principals: scale, value, contrast, density in relation to composition. Come learn basic design principals and explore what stitching can add to your artwork, to a book, to your clothing. The possibilities are endless. To inquire about teaching possibilities contact Heather at 828-782-8307 or email.
An example of the preprinted background fabric that I supply with stitching.
The Unexpected Page - Cultivating Creativity
Ideally a two week In-Person Workshop
This workshop is designed to invigorate and deepen your creative practice. Using daily rituals and a variety of techniques and media, including collage, stitching, walnut inks, gesso and mark making, we will tap into our unique and playful creativity. The workshop will center on working in an intuitive and nonlinear approach, straddling the fence between cognitive and intuitive. Our creative explorations will be collected and bound into books for continued exploration. We'll connect through demonstrations, discussions, and hands on creative processes. Appropriate for all levels, especially those who want to expand and enrich their creative practice. To inquire about teaching possibilities contact Heather at 828-782-8307 or email.
Cold Connections - Textile Techniques in Wire
Two Day or Week-Long In Person Workshop
This class will introduce wire as an artistic as well as a practical medium. You will learn how to work with wire and explore its linear qualities as well as creating three-dimensional forms. Using your hands, pliers, and cold connections you will discover the wonderful immediacy of wire working. Basic tinkering and fiber construction techniques, including coiling, stitching, and twining will be covered. Wire is a very versatile material and can be incorporated or combined with other materials. We will begin by making small studies and then explore larger forms or vessels. The workshop will cover the properties and qualities of different gauges of wire. It can be a two day or week long workshop. Contact Heather at 828-782-8307 or heatherhietala@gmail.com
The Art of Letting Go
Week-long In Person Workshop
Awaken your unique creative spirit in this workshop's nurturing and playful environment. With an emphasis on process not product, this workshop guides you on a personal journey that is creative and authentic. Thru simple prompts we will explore our inherent resources of intuition, honesty, creativity, and artistic expression. Each day using a ball of clay as a metaphor for ourselves, we will awaken our authenticity as we transform the clay in a variety of ways, yet, ending with a ball of clay. Without expectations or judgment we fully focus on the process and re-experience the pure joy of playful creativity. To support our process we begin and end each day with journaling. You'll return home with your handmade journal of your experience to inspire and guide you as you continue to explore the depths of your own creativity. This workshop is for anyone who desires to lead a more authentic and creative life. No previous art experience needed to enjoy this class.s with an idea. To inquire about teaching availability contact Heather 828-782-8307 or email. Blog Post Part I, Blog Post Part II
Japanese Notan and 2-D Design Principals
Two consecutive Saturdays on Zoom, a Weekend or a Week Long In-Person Workshop
This workshop will focus on the power and magic of the Japanese design principal of Notan. We will explore the interaction between black and white, positive and negative space, between a shape and its background, and the complementary principals of yin and yang. We will learn and explore basic 2-D design principals. Using black and white paper, we will play with negative and positive creating exciting and dynamic designs in paper. In the manner of Matisse we will draw with scissors, innovative materials will provide an unexpected dimension to our pieces. Space is limited. All levels. To inquire about teaching possibilities contact Heather at 828-782-8307 or email.
A composite image of student work from past Japanese Notan workshops.