Mentoring Sessions 2012

Tutor: Gail Harker

Status: Enrollment Open

Mentoring sessions are designed to provide one-on-one assistance and inspiration. They are also especially useful to enable students working in isolation to interact with other students. These sessions are held throughout the year. For more information about these sessions,click on the link below.

Art and Design: Color Studies 101
Certificate Course, Level 1

Class Name: Crocosmia
Tutor: Gail Harker

Prerequisite
Status: Registrations being taken.

Color, color and more color is the focus of this 5-day hands-on class.  This course provides the sound basics of color theory, stripped to its essentials. A color reference sketchbook will be started in class that will provide you with new approaches to color, a lexicon of color schemes, and a valuable reference sourcebook for years to come.  We will work with different color wheels and use various methods to create color studies. It could be an aid to the following people: quilters, embroiderers, weavers, dressmakers, knitters, floral arrangers, horticulturalists, woodworkers, designers and, in short, anyone who would like to look and work with color in a more informed way. No prior experience is necessary.  Please note that this is not a drawing class. This course is a prerequisite for Level 3 Studies in Art and Design. 

Gail Harker

Art and Design: Color Studies 101 - ONLINE!
Certificate Course, Level 1

Class Name: Diadem
Tutor: Gail Harker

Status: Enrollment Open for Unit 3

Color cajoles, entices, comforts, cleanses, makes us feel warm or cold, sad or happy, passionate or repelled.  It evokes an endless myriad of feelings.  Color is so much a part of our everyday life that we forget it is a powerful, suggestive visual force. Learning to work effectively with color can enhance our lives immeasurably. This online course has been designed to give you access to a new way of looking at color.

The Level 1 Certificate Course includes videos, slideshows, conferences with the instructor, exercises designed to give you a practical knowledge of color, and one-on-one contact with the instructor for questions and feedback on assignments.

Gail Harker

Unit 2 Registration

Art and Design: Color Studies 101 - ONLINE!
Certificate Course, Level 1

Class Name: Georgette
Tutor: Gail Harker

Prerequisite
Status: Enrollment Open

Color cajoles, entices, comforts, cleanses, makes us feel warm or cold, sad or happy, passionate or repelled.  It evokes an endless myriad of feelings.  Color is so much a part of our everyday life that we forget it is a powerful, suggestive visual force. Learning to work effectively with color can enhance our lives immeasurably. This online course has been designed to give you access to a new way of looking at color.

The Level 1 Certificate Course includes videos, slideshows, conferences with the instructor, exercises designed to give you a practical knowledge of color, and one-on-one contact with the instructor for questions and feedback on assignments.

Attention Teachers: this course is approved for 40 clock hours by NWESD 189 (Northwest Educational Service District 189) full course registration only

Experimental Machine Stitch 101
Certificate Course, Level 1

Class Name: Viburnum
Tutor: Gail Harker

Prerequisite
Status: Registrations being taken.

This course will be based on acquiring a thorough knowledge of your sewing machine with an imaginative approach to the creation of contemporary, innovative, samples. The course will be focusing on the large variety of effects that can be achieved through imagination, rather than through the mechanical capabilities of machines. This course is a prerequisite to Studies in Design and Experimental Machine Stitch, Level 2.

Gail Harker

Experimental Hand Stitch 101
Certificate Course, Level 1

Class Name: Artemesia
Tutor: Gail Harker

Prerequisite
Status: Registrations being taken.

A creative, contemporary approach to embroidery through basic design and color. This course serves as a basic introduction to the vast world of embroidery. Techniques and stitches will be worked in imaginative methods using color, line, shape, and balance. Using your own hand-painted fabric, you will create a variety of small, embroidered samples to include line, detached, textured, and composite stitches. This course is a prerequisite to Studies in Design and Experimental Stitch, Level 2.

Gail Harker

Experimental Feltmaking 101
Certificate Course, Level 1

Class Name: Shy Maiden
Tutor: Valerie Stein

Prerequisite
Status: Watch for future dates

This four day course focuses on basic techniques with an emphasis on handling and manipulating fibers. Color theory and blending of fibers will be explored as well as the building of a glossary for each. Feltmaking as a process of forming fabric, 3-D effects, felt balls and cords, pictorials and edge treatments will all be touched on. Learn the specialized skills and techniques of feltmaking so that you can approach future projects with new found creativity and confidence.

Valerie Stein

Papermaking: from Pulp to Portfolio 101
Certificate Course, Level 1

Class Name: TBA
Tutor: Lisa Harkins

Status: Registrations being taken

Paper is the most basic necessity for so many creative art applications – bookmaking, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, collage, and photography.  Take a look in any art store, and the choices will boggle your mind, yet no store-bought paper can match the amazing textures, earthy colors, and special qualities you can achieve right in your own home, using tools and materials that are easily available for little cost.  This course is an introduction to the world of hand-made paper.  Over two sessions, you will learn the specialized skills and techniques that will allow you to approach papermaking with creativity and confidence.

Leah Kaufman

Studies in Design and Experimental Hand and Machine Stitch 201
Certificate Course, Level 2

Class Name: Bergamot
Tutor: Gail Harker

Prerequisite
Status: Registrations being taken.

Paint, print and dye, fabrics and threads, to create a portfolio of Hand and Machine stitched samples and techniques. The use of embellishments such as beads, sequins, cords, and tassels will be explored. A study of contemporary and historic artists will be undertaken. An assessment will include the creation of an innovative stitch book from an original design. Students will learn the creative process of taking a work from design, to sample, to a finished piece, in a logical manner.

Liz Cooper

Studies in Art and Design 301
Certificate Course, Level 3

Class Name: Chocolate Flowers
Tutor: Gail Harker

Prerequisite
Status: Registrations being taken

The focus of this course is to help students develop a series of basic design skills. Students will create a portfolio of design work based on the design principles of dominance, proportion, balance, contrast, variety, harmony, repetition, movement, economy and space in relationship with the elements of art - dot, line, shape, color, value, and texture. Originally developed by Gail for the CIty & Guilds of London program, this course is designed to take beginners to a level of competence where they are able to use a variety of art media to individually express theme ideas in a number of different ways.

Kim Weers

Advanced Studies in Experimental Stitch 301
Certificate Course, Level 3

Class Name: Asters
Tutor: Gail Harker

Prerequisite
Status: Registrations being taken

This course focuses on using knowledge and skills acquired during level 1 and 2 Stitch and level 3 Art and Design courses. Students will add to the samples made in the level 1 and 2 courses, create innovative new art pieces, generate design and inspirational research from a wide variety of historical and contemporary sources and develop structured working and documentation methods. Advanced assessments will include a wall hanging, or panel, a stitched multi media bookcover and interior content, a portfolio of samples, and a 3-D item.

Studies in Experimental Stitch and Multi Media 401
Diploma Course, Level 4

Class Name: Opals
Tutor: Gail Harker

Prerequisite
Status: In Progress

Please be patient while this course summary is being prepared and updated.

Experimental Research for Advanced Design 401
Diploma Course, Level 4

Class Name: Garnets
Tutor: Gail Harker

Prerequisite
Status: Registrations being taken

The course provides students an opportunity to choose, research, explore, experiment, document and develop a major inspirational theme.  A professional body of artwork will flow from the research of the theme. Students will be encouraged to develop their own innovative and inventive design ideas.  Personal expression and more complex imagery will come from new techniques learned in the course along with those from Level 3 Art and Design.

June Steegstra

Experimental Metal Meshworking

Classes with the Masters

Tutor:Lanny Bergner

Status:Enrollment Open

Meshworking is a way of creating three-dimensional forms by cutting, manipulating and joining various types of industrially woven metal mesh. During this four day workshop Lanny will share his extensive knowledge spanning nearly thirty years of studio exploration and art making with metal mesh.  Students will learn about the structural qualities and types of stainless steel, bronze, copper, brass and aluminum mesh, techniques for joining mesh together and a variety of organic and geometric shapes that can be created by manipulating and joining the material.   Students will also learn surfacing techniques such as flame treating (for patterning), silicone embedding and glass frit color enhancement.  Students will be encouraged to experiment with form creation.

Lanny Bergner

Rabari Workshop

Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Kala Raksha Artisans

Status:Enrollment Open

This two day workshop with Artisans from Kala Raksha Vidhyalaya will give you the opportunity to learn about Rabari aesthetics and techniques.

Day 1:  Examine traditional and contemporary pieces, with explanations by artisans of pattern, technique and conceptualization. You will learn:

• basic and accent stitches
• to shape and set mirrors
• basic form and color patterns working in sketch or stitch

Day 2:  Design and execute a small piece. If using combination of machine and hand techniques this can be completed in the day. If only hand techniques, it can be planned and begun.

Participants are encouraged to bring a sewing machine, but it is not mandatory. The center has a limited number available for loan during the class. Please ask about this at the time of registration if you need to borrow a machine.

The Magic of Skagit Valley

Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Gail Harker

Status:Enrollment Open

This very special master class that will motivate and inspire.  In conjunction with the course we are planning a Gallery Show at Barn House titled The Magic of Skagit Valley that will begin April 1, 2013 and will run until April 31, 2013.  Your work may be inspired from any of the following or can be a tangential idea based loosely on the theme: light and color, weather, environment, landscape, forest, flowers and fauna, birds or beasts, sunrise and sunset, rocks and trees, grids of nature, beaches, recycling, staying green, vegetable gardens, farms, barns - my imaginative world! 

Classes with the Masters

Tutor:Barbara DePirro

Status: Enrollment Open

Learn the basics of creating monotype and relief printed images.  Both methods create unique results; the pressure of printing creates texture and pattern not possible when painting directly on paper. The actual process of creating each print encourages spontaneity and openness to fresh unexpected results.  Create art that can stand on its own or a supply of prints, ideal for mixed media compositions. 

Barbara DePirro

Classes with the Masters

Tutor:Barbara Gilbert

Status:

This 6 hour workshop will introduce you to the ancient art of Sashiko hand embroidery. This technique can stand alone or be added to any quilting piece.  Barbara will give the history of this Japanese blue and white embroidery and show some of the older pieces she has collected.   You will work first on a small sample piece to learn three different methods of transferring the designs and practice the Sashiko stitch.   Next, you will work with the traditional Sashiko motifs to design your own Sashiko piece.

Barbara Gilbert

Introduction to Research for Design

Classes with the Masters

Tutor:Gail Harker

Status:Enrollment Open

This introduction will allow students to develop an overview to British Embroidery, particularly the type of motifs and designs that were employed at each century and approach the selection of an inspirational theme for the Major Research project in Level 4 Design.

Joan Butterfield

Resist Dyed Hand Felted Books

Classes with the Masters

Tutor:Chad Alice Hagen

Status:Enrollment Open

This intensive class starts off with learning to felt/full fine merino needle punch batts to use as fabric.  You will then learn the mysteries of safely setting up the resist dye pot (nine dye baths) and the use of hundreds of exciting found tools that make the most interesting marks on our hand felted wool.  The following days hand bound books will be created with the fabulous pieces of resist-dyed felt as the covers. Create a leather lined Long Stitch wrapped journal and a miniature beaded and stitched Coptic book. A delight for both the hand and the eye! 

Chad Alice Hagen

Millefiori Felt Medallions

Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Valerie Stein

Status: watch for new dates

In this invigorating 10 hour class, students will learn techniques for building a felt “rod” containing motifs on the inside as well as on the surface. Focus will be on exploration of analogous color, grouping small felts to form larger patterns, hardening felt rods, and slicing hardened felts into medallions and beads. Resulting pieces created in this unique form can be made in many scales and applied in a number of ways as will be discussed during the class. A perfect chance to plan felted Christmas Gifts!

The Traditional Book

Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Martha Cole
Status: Registrations being taken

This 5-day course focuses on the variety of tools, materials and constructions fundamental to hand bookbinding with an emphasis on correct procedures and techniques.  After preliminary demonstrations and exercises, students will each create a cased-in hard cover book with a rounded and backed hollow-tube spine, traditional two-stripe end bands and invisible hinged hooked endpapers.   A brief history and development of different book structures will also be covered along with examples, so that students can explore further structures with all the requisite skills and/or pursue more advanced studies with confidence. 

Color and Tapestry
Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Kathe Todd-Hooker
Status: Watch for new dates

An unforgettable chance to study color in weaving, this workshop was developed by Kathe for those of you who are just beyond the beginner level. Create a useful set of reference samples that will help you achive the advanced effects you seek within your own work. Techniques covered include: Optical color blending, Chinés mélanges, Color fades using multiple wefts on a bobbin, and the use of silks, rayons, metallics and mohair to change reflective quality.  

Kona Orange: Between Day and Night

Kathe Todd-Hooker

Sketchbooks: Flora & Fauna
Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Gail Harker
Status:Enrollment Open

Learn the secrets, disciplines and explorations of the designer to create an artistic sketchbook. Relax and enjoy the process of refining your observational skills and filling the pages.

There are more than 70 unique plants and trees in the grounds of Barn House. Come with your camera as we examine the many different aspects of these plants appropriate for designing with. We will walk in the garden and select flora and fauna as inspiration. There will be many demonstrations showing how a sketchbook of design ideas can be started. Begin your sketchbook in class and go home with a compendium of ideas to fill it. 

Drawing and Painting for the Terrified

Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Richard Box
Status:Enrollment Open

This course develops from experiments with drawing materials to uncomplicated methods of learning how to see and how to record such observations in monochrome, and especially in color. Above all, the course is concerned with enjoyment, serious fun, and, as John Ruskin once said, "I would rather teach drawing so that my pupils will learn to love nature, rather than the looking at nature that they may learn to draw."  Next, students learn to paint in watercolors. Demonstrations and individual coaching takes the beginner from self doubt to a sense of self confidence at new found abilities.

Picture it in Collage and Stitch - The Richard Box Textile Experience

Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Richard Box
Status:Enrollment Open

Experience the creativity of learning to work with fabric collage, machine and hand stitch as an intergrated practice. Principles of color, tonal values, composition, balance, harmony and design are addressed as Richard takes you step-by-step through his personally developed technique. This course is for beginners and those with more advanced experience. Knowing how to operate your own sewing machine is necessary.

Stumpwork Embroidery

Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Lisa Harkins
Status: Enrollment Open

For a brief time in the 17th century, there flourished a fantastic and charming form of embroidery that still inspires textile artists today – stumpwork, or raised embroidery.  This style of work is characterized by heavily stitched surfaces with three-dimensional elements that were fashioned into useful household items such as boxes and mirror frames.  This course is a wonderful opportunity to learn about using stumpwork in contemporary creations.

Watercolor Felt Inlay
Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Pat Spark
Status:Watch for new dates

This workshop was developed by Pat to help even non-drawers make quite realistic images.  By doing a series of samplers, students are led through these methods and on the last day will begin (and possibly finish) their own design with confidence.  This technique can be likened to using wool to paint the felt like we use watercolors to work on paper.  This class is for all levels.  

Detail - Linn County Petunias

Pat  Spark

From Digital Prints to Stitched Art
Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Gail Harker
Status:Enrollment Open

Ever wonder what to do with your digital photos that you would like to extend into textile art? This course will take the mystery out of printing on fabric and what to do with the printed fabric to take it beyond the printed image.

Work from your own photographs or original artwork in photographs to produce prints on fabric.  There will be opportunities to see and try various methods of creating  printed fabrics for enrichment.  Layers of sheer fabrics will be used to increase and enhance tonality of your print.  Stitching by hand and/or machine will be one of our starting points.  Students will have options to express individuality in their artistic approach and will be coached on the methods that they would like to pursue for their printed artwork.

Jill Taylor

Innovative Stitched Book and Binding
Classes with the Masters

Tutor:   Gail Harker
Status: Watch for new dates

This course is a sampling of unique and innovative hand stitched book and binding concepts. Paint radiant color schemes, layer fabrics and threads to create colorful stitched fabric pages.  Work with a handful of simple stitches to express your individuality. Learn about additions to the bindings and edges using embellishments such as beads, tassels and edging stitches.  See more Innovative Bindings

Dianne Corso

Dyeing to Stitch
Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Gail Harker
Status: Watch for future course

Explore color as part of your artistic development.  Dye scintillatingly luscious colors of threads.  Learn how the artful placement of dye can enhance the impact of a chosen color scheme. This is a class that is mainly focused on dyeing threads for hand stitchers (embroiderers). We will also dye small quantities and sizes of fabrics that are used specifically in our Level 1 Experimental Hand Stitch course or may be used in any personal embroidery project. After this class you will be able to dye any color scheme that excites you.

            Gail Harker

Elizabethan Stitches
Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Gail Harker
Status: Registrations being taken

British Embroidery flourished in the Elizabethan era, literally. As Botanicals and Herbals were printed and made available to the masses, English embroiderers engaged in a frenzy of stitch activity. 

Flowers, plants, birds, bugs and beasts were embroidered on everything from bookbindings, caps, coifs, dresses, jackets, long cushions, bags, gloves, caskets (embroidered boxes) and even tooth cloths.  New fruits such as the strawberry were introduced as were many new flowers and other plants.  Images spread far and wide and the Elizabethan embroiderer keenly copied them from books to play with threads on fabric. Join Gail Harker and Penny Peters on this unique study course. 

Embroidered Casket

V&A London

Transform and Adorn with an Embellishing Machine
Classes with the Masters

Tutor: June Steegstra
Status: Watch for future course

This three day course explores machine techniques for creating felt as well as the use of hand felting needles. A multitude of efects will be covered using a wide variety of fibers. Approaches to creating an exciting catalogue of effects will include weaving, blending, cutting and folding of fibers. Learn about creating and embellishing with fabric beads. Boomers Sewing and Vacuum will supply an embellishing machine for you or you may bring your own.

June Steegstra

Designer Tassels
Classes with the Masters

Tutor: Gail Harker
Status: Watch for future course

This class is jam packed with lots of different techniques showing how to create tassels by hand and machine. You will leave this class with a variety of different tassels and cords and a binder full of notes, ideas, and samples that will move tassel making into an art form. Gail's tassel making classes are very innovative, thorough, and full of imagination.

View more about Designer Tassels

Gail Harker

Events

Gail Harker's Whirlwind Tour of the Glories of British Embroidery & Textiles
Dates:  2013 dates to come . . . . Keep watching

Our sixth special two week tour to England aimed individuals who have a love of art and  textiles. Tour leaders are Gail and Don Harker. Gail is the Director/Instructor at the Oak Harbor Creative Studies Center. Past Tours have seen visits to Hardwick Hall, the D-Day Museum to see the Overlord Embroidery, the Bayeux Tapestry in France, and other exhibitions that include Textile Decoration, Patchwork & Quilting, and Embroidery and lectures at the Victoria and Albert museum in London. Special guest textile artists are included armed with textiles to show us at our hotel when we are too tired to walk any longer. Phone, e-mail, or fax to get a brochure or to ask us more about the 2013  tour. It is a rare and exciting visit that would normally not be available to tourists. Our students call it An Experience of a Lifetime.