Learn the basics of good design and explore exercises to unleash your creative process. Tap into your inner artist and apply principles to the creation of art quilts. This class promises to be very exciting and fulfilling.

Each day begins with a different exercise in color and composition using a 12-inch square format. These exercises can serve as inspiration for larger pieces. We will explore composition with line and shape, addressing negative space, soft and hard edges, and the abstraction of realistic inspirations. Evening critiques of your work will also be held.

Materials List:

1. Inspirational photographs: Gather a collection of images you've saved as possible starting points for quilt ideas—either your own images or ones from magazines or calendars.

2. Full range of fabric values: Include very light to very dark fabrics in your chosen color scheme (I typically use 7 values). You can focus on one color scheme for the entire week or bring multiple schemes for different exercises.

Color schemes: Choose from options like monochromatic, analogous, split complementary, complementary, triadic, analogous plus a complement, or combinations of warm and cool colors.

Various exercises will be quick and best done using fusible techniques. However, if you plan to use an exercise to start a quilt, feel free to work in your preferred method—fused, raw edge, or turned edge appliqué.

For each daily class, we will explore a different design concept. You can use one color scheme for all exercises or bring different schemes for each exercise. I know this preparation might seem like a lot, but it will be worth it and will help you discover more about your fabric stash as you search for the needed materials. Enjoy the process!

Exercise One: Composition with Line (Complementary Color Scheme)

• 4 or more fat quarters or 12-inch squares (unfused)

• Light, medium, and dark shades of two complementary colors (e.g., blue and orange)

• Several unfused pieces of each color for the background

Exercise Two: Abstracting a Photograph

• Inspirational photos for abstract design ideas

• Assorted colors from light to dark (7 values of each)

• 12 ½ inch squares in assorted values (unfused) for backgrounds

• Fused assorted colors and values ready to use

Exercise Three: Distorting the Still Life

• Still life photo for inspiration

• Three 13-inch pieces of the same solid fabric for the background (one fused, two not)

• Full value range of color scheme in smaller fused pieces (6 x 12”)

Exercise Four: Grid Work

• Inspiration photo of something inspiring

• Fabrics in full value range matching the image (unfused)

• Sketchbook, pencil, ruler, tracing paper

• Preferred fusible web, rotary cutter, mat, ruler (e.g., Steam-a-Seam Two)

• Sewing machine set up for straight stitching, neutral thread, glue stick