Today will be a treat for me to share the lovely people and their collage subjects of my most recent in-person class, with MISA—Madeline Island School of the Arts—in Santa FE, New Mexico. I’ll be introducing you to half of my class this week, including (above photos) Dianna Kerr and “The Moose,” along with Maria Isenhour and “Fifi Flamingo.” The other half of this very enjoyable class and their creations will join us in next week’s post.
But before I dive into that week in March, I have an announcement regarding my next class coming right up at Woodland Ridge Retreat, just outside of Menomonie, Wisconsin.
Last Minute Openings! There’s still time to register for April’s Fabric Collage Immersion: a 10 Day Workshop at Woodland Ridge Retreat—Pre-class coaching will be available prior to class.
April 21, 2026 – May 2, 2026
Menomonie, WI
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Recent cancellations have opened a couple spots in this Fabric Collage 10-day Immersion. The class runs over the course of two weeks, Tuesday–Saturday each week. The two days in between are to relax, sightsee, or spend more time in the classroom. 😉
Retreat owner Chris and I are considering opening the workshop to a limited number of students who are interested in attending only one of the two weeks. Students attending only one week must have previous experience in my fabric collage technique—intermediate+ level. If you are interested, please reach out to Chris Daly via the Woodland Ridge Retreat contact page. We hope you can join us!
Thank you—and now back to Santa Fe, March 2026
What a great week this was. The weather was perfect for early springtime—not too cold and not too hot—just right for morning walks, lunchtime wanderings, or evening strolls in old town Santa Fe. See my Santa Fe Dispatch post for a feel of the area.
One comment I heard again and again from students was that they had so much fun together and learned so much. In the classroom, things got colorful and wonderfully messy very quickly—what I find to be a perfect environment for creativity. There was lots of visiting from table to table, and new friendships made.
Iris Pattillo (below left), was our self-appointed go-to person for all sorts of supplies she brought from home—including, most importantly, snacks—nuts, raisins, M&Ms and tootsie rolls. Thanks again, Iris.
Carol Bittner (above right), told me she’s been quilting for 6 years, though she also creates fabulous garments from her quilting cottons for herself and friend Barbara Moore. Years ago, Barbara had asked Carol to accompany her to a quilt show in Austin—little did either of them know it would be the last social outing before the pandemic. They’ve been partners in crime (and matching outfits to find each other in quilt show crowds) ever since.
Click on any of the smaller photos to view them larger and to scroll through the photo galleries.
And be sure to check back next Saturday for Part 2—On the Road: Santa Fe 2026, for the rest of the amazing artwork of this awesome class. It’s gonna be a doozy, just like this post. Enjoy.
Iris Patillo
Iris is from Westerville, Ohio—beginning and end of the week photos of her fire horse are above, in-progress photos are below.
From Iris:
I started following Susan about 7 years ago. Did a few spirals, read both her books. Never thought I would get to learn from her in person! Fast forward to March 2026. Sante Fe, New Mexico. MISA.
I finally decided my project right before our pre-class zoom meeting. Let me tell you, that pre-class session is a game changer! I wish all teachers would adopt the concept. Having the chance to talk through my ideas, get priceless feedback and even meet a few class mates made the whole week so much better. I was able to choose what fabrics to bring with so much more confidence. I feel like we all hit the ground running.
I chose to do a fire horse to honor my sister and the changes/growth she is experiencing in her life. I’m so excited by the progress I made during the workshop. I’m more than half way through my “second draft.” Gonna start on the background this week. This is a surprise for my sister and I can’t wait to give it to her for her birthday in July!
Lissa Russell
Lissa is from Aledo, Texas—beginning and end of the week photos of her grandchildren’s portraits are above, in-progress photos are below.
From Lissa:
My project is of my two grandchildren playing in a huge water puddle on a golf course behind their house. It was just super fun to see how much fun they were having getting muddy and wet and just playing while their mama took photos.
Barbara Moore
Barbara, from Lakeway, Texas—beginning and end of the week photos of her granddaughter’s bearded dragon lizard are above, in-progress photos are below.
From Barbara:
I chose a picture of my granddaughter’s bearded dragon, Pancake. I am hoping to finish the collage for a Christmas present. Pancake’s story begins with my granddaughter wanting a pet that was hers! The one requirement from her mother was that it would not need vet trips as they already had a boxer dog and 2 cats.
After research and and much discussion, it was decided that a bearded dragon would probably be good. So off to the pet store they went. My granddaughter fell in love with the runt of the litter. The bearded dragon and her siblings had been in a fight and she lost her left front foot and the tip of her tail. My granddaughter took her home and named her Pancake. That was 2022 and today Pancake has grown to her adult size and brings lots of joy to my granddaughter.
Carol Bittner
Carol is from Weimar, Texas—beginning and end of the week photos of her longhorn portrait are above, in-progress photos are below.
From Carol:
After 30+ years of corporate management jobs around the country and the world, I decided to move back to my hometown, a small town in Texas. I was checking out potential home sites on our family farm, when I turned and saw this magnificent creature watching me from across the road. He has been my mental representation of returning to my roots. I hope I do him justice.
Dianna Kerr
Dianna is from Laramie, Wyoming—beginning and end of the week photos of “The Moose” are above, in-progress photos are below.
From Dianna:
This photo was taken by my brother. I’m very fond of moose and thought it was a great idea to honor my brother’s photo and the majestic moose. Doing it in a collage of colors was always my intent instead of “natural.”
Maria Isenhour
Maria is from San Antonio, Texas—beginning and end of the week photos of her flamingo portrait are above, in-progress photos are below.
From Maria:
Still working on it but really don’t have a story other than a name. I call her Fifi Flamingo, I thoroughly enjoyed your class, Susan. I am now a super fan and plan to make many more collage quilts using your method. Thank you for all your feedback and encouragement. Hope I can take another class soon.
Susan Carlson Fabric Collage Classes for 2026
April: There’s still time to register for April’s Fabric Collage Immersion: a 10 Day Workshop at Woodland Ridge Retreat—three spots remaining—Pre-class coaching will be available
April 21, 2026 – May 2, 2026
Menomonie, WI
FOR MORE INFORMATION
July: 5-Day Live Online Fabric Collage Class via Zoom
July 13-17, 2026
REGISTER HERE
More about my 5-Day Online Fabric Collage Classes
September: Susan Carlson Fabric Collage in Bar Harbor, Maine 2026
September 14, 2026 – September 18, 2026
Bar Harbor, Maine
FOR MORE INFORMATION
All of the collages are beautiful but, the Flamingo is outstanding.