WORKSHOPS at Beal Cottage with Sandra Brown

Even though many rug hookers are self taught, our rate of improvement increases dramatically as we stretch ourselves into our gifts.  It is a noble goal, working to perfect our craft.  Workshops are an opportunity to study a specialized area while receiving individual attention in a classroom setting in the recently opened Beal Cottage--a one-story mid-century ranch house, five houses down from my own home where we would go for dyeing workshops.

Typically the student is there to begin a new piece, and the combination of an experienced teacher facilitating the student’s hooking while tapping into and husbanding the creative atmosphere one finds in workshops can bolster your sense of accomplishment enormously.  My goal is to get you to where you want to be in your hooked piece and tickle your brain as to the possibilities.

Geometrics, March 20-23, 2024 - SOLD OUT

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Geometrics, May 19-22, 2024

(3 day) 5 person class

A comprehensive workshop on Geometrics, including how to design your own pattern using simple grids and templates, how to examine the myriad possibilities of interpretation using Contrast, Color and Texture, and how to create original rugs that qualify for any fiber exhibit.  

Students will work on a new pattern of their choice--either purchased on their own or designed in the workshop--and spend time in class learning how to color plan, choosing from a large inventory of hand-dyed, smooth, textured and vintage wools (material fee of $80 covers 1 yard of hand-dyed wool + 1 yard fine cut linen). Cut can be anything from #3 to #9 and project can be anything from a small tote bag to a room size rug.

Essentially my goal is to provide you with a systematic way of approaching ANY geometric - not just the one you're working on for this workshop.

The pleasure of Geometrics and their usefulness cannot be overstated—they are functional, a great way to use up your stash and  pull together a room with other hooked rugs. They provide relaxed opportunities to just HOOK and this workshop covers all the the preparatory work.

Hooking Fine-Shaded Flowers: Rose, Morning Glory & Daylily

May 7-9, 2024 (2 day) 5 person class

Students will choose between a classic rose, or two throated flowers (daylily or morning glory) to work on in this 2-day workshop using either a #3 or #4 cut.  Cost of 18 x 18 pattern on fine linen, with wool for flower and leaves included in the class.  

We will be using dip-dyed wools and computer technologies to see exactly where lights and shadows are located in petals and leaves and let the beauty of the wool take us into richly colored flowers with detail and realism.  

Arrive 2pm, Tuesday May 9th - Check in, introductions & discussion of patterns and color plans. Social hour, gourmet dinner provided. Begin choosing wool followed by  slide show discussing how to approach hooking a realistic flower using Contrast, Color Temperature and Intensity, along with computer technologies.  

Wednesday, May 10th - Learning the fine art of shading, hooking petals and leaves, breakfast and lunch provided, dinner out at a local restaurant (not included)

Thursday, May 11th - Continue with projects after breakfast, wrap up and settle  wool selections, departure 11am

Cost: $320 + $80 materials fee (includes class fee, double room, breakfasts, snacks, lunches and first evening's dinner, hand-dyed wool for flower and leaves + 18" x 18"pattern. $200 to reserve, and balance of $200 by April 1.**

Particulars:

Arrive 2pm, Sunday May 19 - Check in and set up, introductions & light snack, discuss patterns and goals, then social hour, dinner (included),  begin instruction on designing geometrics, interpretation of design and transferring pattern to backing.

Monday & Tuesday, May 20, 21st - Color planning and choosing wool (smooth or textured?), discussing elements like Contrast, color intensity, color crossovers, and with basic prep done, begin hooking.  Breakfast and lunch included, dinner out at a local restaurant (dinner not included)

Wednesday, May 22 - Wrap up with projects, wool selections and questions, breakfast included, departure 11am

Cost: $485 + $80 materials fee includes 1/2 yard textured + 1/2 yard smooth wool + 1 yard fine linen, class fee, double room, breakfasts, lunches, snacks, desserts and first evening's dinner. Send check to address below:  $200 to reserve, and balance of $365 by March 15, 2024**

FIND, FIX AND FINISH! - March 8-11, 2024   SOLD OUT

Groups of 5 are welcome to schedule a repeat of this class

Arrive 2pm, Friday, March 8- Check in, introductions & social hour, (dinner provided), presentation on basic elements of good design (Contrast, Color, Cohesion, Balance) with individuals sharing their hooked pieces.

Saturday & Sunday, March 9 & 10 - Relaxed two days of hooking, individual instruction with breakfast, snacks and lunch provided, dinner out at a local restaurant (not included)

Monday, March 11 - Wrap up with projects, wool selections and questions, breakfast included, departure 11am

Cost: $485 + $80 materials fee includes 1/2 yard hand-dyed textured wool, 1/2 yard smooth wool + 1 yard fine linen, class fee, double room, breakfasts and lunches and first evening's dinner. $200 to reserve and balance of $285 by February 8th**

**IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE - Since the workshops are small (5 people max), they need to be filled in order to be held.  Students are encouraged to sign up with a rug hooking friend, otherwise a roommate will be assigned since all rooms are doubles.  If the workshop needs to be cancelled by me, your entire deposit and class fee will be refunded.  If you cancel but are able to find a substitute for your place in the workshop, your deposit and class fees will be refunded.  Otherwise, cancelling in the 30 day period prior to workshop means deposit and fees are 50% refunded. After the 30 day prior date there are no refunds unless you can find a replacement.    

A group of five can also arrange for a workshop of their choice, scheduled at everyone's convenience. Turn a gathering of friends into a learning retreat!