This week I am teaching a Frida Hansen wool open warp transparency workshop at Vesterheim Folk Art School in Decorah, Iowa, one year after my first workshop there. Everyone begins a sample piece (or even a not-so-sample piece), but most do not finish by the end of the workshop. It felt like a personal gift recently to see this finished transparent tapestry from Mary Erickson, who was part of last year’s Vesterheim class.
It’s not quite finished; it’s just off the loom before finishing the top and bottom. A beautiful red poppy on black warp!
She worked on this during the cold and snow of a northeastern Minnesota winter. She expressed some unease with her progress and her technique along the way, but you can see the result is stunning!
A Last-Minute Chance to Join This Year’s Vesterheim Workshop
There have been unexpected cancellations in my class beginning this week, on Thursday. If you could schedule a last-minute trip to Decorah, Iowa, we would love to have you! Contact Maddie Brown at the Folk Art School, mbrown@vesterheim.org.
Frida Hansen Transparent Weaving Technique with Robbie LaFleur
In-Person, September 12-15 (9:00 am-5:00 pm CT),
Non-member $335/Member $285.
Welcome to the world of Frida Hansen and her wool open-warp transparencies. In our workshop, you will about the technique through slide-filled lectures and hands-on practice. You will gain inspiration through viewing many of Frida Hansen’s pieces and those of her followers, and discuss how to design cartoons for the best outcome using her technique. By looking at many samples and the instructor’s larger pieces, you will see how various materials affect the look of the surface.
Each student will complete a sample or small piece during the workshop. You can use a design provided by the instructor, or design your own.
Level of Instruction:
Students should have basic tapestry weaving skills.
Supplies:
- Students should bring a portable tapestry loom. (Note: I have a pipe loom that could be borrowed.)
- Yarn for the warp and weft can be purchased at Blue Heron Knittery, or provided from your stash. (A list of suggested yarns will be provided this summer.) The instructor will also have a variety of warp and weft yarns available to purchase for an estimated cost of $15.
- Handouts are $10.
This class does not require a lot of preparation. If you would like more details, I could send you the welcome letter that was sent to students.