It’s time.
It’s been well over a year—November 2019, in fact—since I taught a fabric collage class. I’ve done quite a bit of one-on-one virtual coaching and I’ve hosted twenty-four Thursday Night in My Studio Live! webinars, which many have treated as mini-classes.
But it’s time to get back to teaching those week-long immersive classes.
Long before the pandemic descended, Tom was pushing for us to try out online teaching. We even had an online meeting with a representative of a little-known video conferencing service called Zoom. We could see that the future was going online, just didn’t have time (because I was too busy traveling around to teach) to figure out how to make it work.
And then there was 2020, you know the story. The pandemic wasn’t the only impetus for developing online teaching—but it was the most urgent one. And now we believe we’re ready—a few years ahead of schedule.
First Live Online Classes Scheduled
My first ever live online class will be March 15-19, 2021. We decided to give my Patreon supporters first refusal for this class in recognition of their continued support in creation of this blog and what we do. (If you are a current PATREON supporter, you can email [email protected] with “Expression of Interest in Online Class” in the subject line to receive more information.)
Remaining spots will be available next Saturday, February 20. We’ll announce open registration here in this blog.
If interest is high, we’ll schedule another class later in the year. We’ll keep you updated.
If anything, 2020 has proven that online classes have their place for convenience and accessibility. More live online fabric collage classes will come, though we have yet to schedule them. In part, the schedule will depend on what happens with the pandemic. I still have in-person classes scheduled for later this year. We’ll have to wait and see how 2021 progresses.
The Details
Fabric Collage Menagerie: 5-days
Price: $995 per student
Cancellation Policy: If space can be filled by a replacement student, we will refund your fee minus $200.
Required Class Fee: $169 includes student discount ($199 regular price) for the Fabric Collage Master Class
(This fee is waived if you already own the Master Class)
Hardware and Software Requirements: Computer, tablet, or other larger-screen device; reliable internet; ability to photograph and send images of collage in progress (a cellphone is recommended); Zoom meeting software (free to download)
Maximum Number of students: 12
Subject Matter: Animals only, see above.
What’s It Like?
While a live online class will never be exactly the same as an in-person class, I plan to emulate the experience as closely as possible. There will be morning group meetings to answer questions. Then I’ll meet with students individually throughout the day. Zoom break-out rooms will recreate the experience of working side-by-side with your fellow students. Evening events include a meet-and-greet and a show-and-share.
Being able to see and hear your fellow students, to share photos of your work, even to raise a glass in an after-hours meet-up will help to foster a feeling of camaraderie.
One thing I cannot reproduce of course, is the appeal of many of the locations I teach at. Getting away from our homes, families, jobs, and other responsibilities for a week is one of the advantages of travel. My students will have to be disciplined and ignore the dust bunnies, cook ahead or order take out, don’t answer the phone, and have their partner take care of the dog.
The Live Online Class Schedule
One Week Before Class
I will be providing a free, 45-minute private coaching session prior to class. These sessions will be scheduled for the week prior to class to ensure that each student is prepared with subject matter and supplies, is comfortable with the online format, and ready to begin the class on day one. For an example of what a coaching session is like, please visit this link.
Evening Before Class Starts
I’ll host a meeting to introduce myself and the other students. We’ll also talk about what we plan to do in class. Wine is optional.
Daily Class Schedule
• The live online class runs for five days as an in-person class would, with roughly the same daily 9am-4pm schedule (6 hours plus lunch)—exact time of day will need to take into account students’ time zones.
• Prior to start of each class day: a pre-recorded presentation introduces the next step(s) in the process. Students will come to class having already watched the presentation.
• Work day begins with a live Q&A with the full class where I’ll further discusses that day’s topic and do a quick check-in with each student to set their plans for the day.
• Students are then sent to a Zoom “break-out” room with 3-4 other students. With remaining morning time, I’ll meet with students individually.
• Students email photos of the progress on their project which I’ll share on the screen as I get to each break-out room. This way I can view and discuss each project, making annotations to the photos which students can then refer to when they return to work. Basically, shortened coaching sessions throughout the day.
• Lunch (hour-long break in teaching). Students may continue to work and/or socialize.
• Afternoon: I’ll continue to meet with individual students. By end of day, I’ll have suggested “homework” for the next day.
End of Class Week
I’ll host an evening meeting on last day of class with all students to share and review their work.
After Class
Optional, extra charge follow-up coaching for final or ongoing feedback. The one-time reduced price will be $75 (regular $100).
Taking a Deep Breath
It’s time for me to dive in—how about you? It’s new, could be a little messy scary, but it’s also exciting. One thing that has always bothered me was the idea that so many people wanted to take a class but couldn’t, due to time, health, or travel considerations. Live online classes ought to help reach those people. It doesn’t matter where you live—if you have a decent internet connection we can connect.
It’s the future and it’s here. [cue Star Trek theme music]
What a brilliant idea and it is always good to try something new.
Great idea! Making your classes accessible to others online during this difficult time is brilliant. Online instruction is here to stay!