In this class, students will use thread, textiles, dyes, paint, and ink to create art. We will experiment with several different techniques to create surface designs on textiles, then use those textiles to create new art by adding additional fabric or by using stitches to add texture and design. Then we will use the embellished textiles to create wall art, or sculptural pieces, or whatever we are inspired to make.

Examples of materials that will be used include Gelli plate printing, block printing, dyes, fabric paint, light-reactive Solarfast dyes, Cyanotype printing (a photographic process), and sewing techniques. This will be a survey class, with time for students to explore how to use the methods and materials so that additional exploration can be done after camp – and, yes, you should try this at home!

Students are encouraged to bring a sewing machine if they are driving to camp.

Meet your Instructor

Julie Arthur

Julie was raised by a family of makers who patiently instructed her in a variety of crafts and encouraged her to think and work creatively. She began sewing, knitting, and crocheting at a young age, did some block printing in elementary school, and sewed her own wardrobe throughout high school and college. Julie has developed a wide variety of artistic skills and has been experimenting with dyeing and block printing, in addition to other methods, as ways to customize fabric.

After many years of sewing only utilitarian objects, Julie started quilting, which renewed her interest in creating with fabric. Coupled with printmaking (learned at Creative Arts Week), she now incorporates paint, ink, and dye to create fabric for sewing projects.

Julie has a BA in Religion with a minor in Chemistry and an MA in English. During her work life, she administered student financial aid programs at several colleges before accepting a position with Federal Student Aid at the US Department of Education. She provided training to college administrators and worked in compliance and oversight until she retired.