Step by step. One day at a time. Whatever phrase you choose to break down an overwhelming task into smaller manageable pieces. Bird by bird is how writer Anne Lamott manages the task of writing a book and we can use a similar strategy for fabric collage.
Ever since my husband introduced me to “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” I have found Lamott’s advice eminently applicable to my own work. I’ve found it so useful, I (almost always) read short passages to my students at the beginning of a class. Sure, Lamott doesn’t teach how to cut or glue, but the advice she dispenses on how to persevere in your artistic endeavor crosses all artistic divisions. Read about how I take her advice in the Throwback Thursday linked below.
And… remember it’s not too late to attend live and ask questions in our first “Fly on the Wall” series featuring my lace-collaged polar bear “Winfrieda.” The final October session is tonight! Come visit me in my studio as I work on my newest fabric collage quilt. Recordings of previous sessions are sent after registration for anyone who needs to “catch up” to where Winfrieda is at this week. Just email Tom ([email protected]) to remind him if you just signed up, and request the links.
View the Free Introduction to October’s Fly on the Wall: Susan Carlson Studio Watch Series
Register for the October Fly on the Wall: Susan Carlson Studio Watch
UPDATE: A recording will be made available to registrants the day after each session.
Sign up anytime in the month and all four recordings will be included to view or review.
October 6, 13, 20, and 27
Live each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time
Special Introductory price for the four-week series: $78
October Fly on the Wall Registration
Throwback Thursday Post
“Bird by Bird”: How I Use a Book on Writing to Teach Fabric Collage
Upcoming Live Online Classes
For a description of our live online fabric collage classes, visit this link.
November 7-11, 2022
This class is now full, please contact Tom ([email protected]) to add your name to waiting list if you are interested.
January 30-February 3, 2023
This class is now full, please contact Tom ([email protected]) to add your name to waiting list if you are interested.
Fabric Collage Master Class
For instructions on the entire fabric collage process, you can purchase the Susan Carlson Fabric Collage Online Master Class Manual. Using video, photos, and text I take you from soup to nuts, beginning to end in creating your own fabric collage masterpiece.
Susan Carlson Fabric Collage: Spiral eWorkshop
Wondering if fabric collage is for you? This eWorkshop is intended for beginners in fabric collage. The spiral project is simple, low stress, but still teaches the basic techniques of fabric collage. It also serves as a handy refresher course for those with more experience.
Susan Carlson Fabric Collage: Sea Turtle eWorkshop
Learn fabric collage with Susan Carlson. Each step is clearly written, illustrated with photos, and demonstrated with video. Learn with a Sea Turtle then launch into any fabric collage project you wish.
Serendipity Quilts for Sale
$29.95 plus shipping. Full color throughout. Four complete projects, start to finish, of increasing complexity. Learn fabric collage with this book.