Hey Peeps! One thing I have been struggling with lately is clarity and inspiration. Sometimes getting into a creative rut can be extremely frustrating. I have the desire to create something new and different but either all my creations look the same or I become overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Of course, creative play is something that has helped me tremendously but taking some creative classes at home has really expanded my horizons.
I would have never guessed that taking a few classes at home would expand my knowledge and gave me clarity on the next steps in my design journey. Lately, I am working towards building a surface design and illustration career. Many of the classes that I am currently taking myself are geared towards; painting, developing patterns, and mastering Adobe illustrator. In the future, I hope to take even more classes geared towards crafts; like basket weaving, embroidery, weaving, and textile printing. Check out some of the classes below that I am currently obsessing over. What are some of your favorite online courses or classes?
This class is taught by Lauren of Lark Rising. She designs DIY embroidery patterns for people wanting to get started in embroidery. This class explores the use of color silk stitching in a marbled pattern. It is both for newbies and experienced embroiders looking for a fun project. Some of the things you will learn are:
- Transfer a design for embroidery
- Master satin stitch techniques
- Stitch up to the edges of an embroidery hoop
Domestika: Introduction to Marbled Fabric
This class is something interesting. Carla Qua teaches the fundamentals of marbling with five traditional patterns. She shows techniques on how it can be used and care instructions. Now I have taken classes on Domestika and it is definitely a learning curve (Domestika Review coming soon). The audio is in Spanish but subtitles can be in English, as in many of the other classes. If you decide to take this course just give yourself more time, to fully understand the instructions.
Cost: On sale for $10.99 or Course Bundles starting at $17.90
Craftsy Fabric Design: Block Printing
I have been a long-time fan of Jen Hewett’s work. In this class, she teaches how to block-print your own fabric. You’ll learn how to carve blocks, print them with water-soluble inks, and build design repeats for custom fabrics. Included is an easy apron pattern for your first yard of block-printed fabric. Also worth checking out is her book Print, Pattern, Sew: Block-Printing Basics + Simple Sewing Projects for an Inspired Wardrobe if you would like to learn more about block-printing.
Now I have been a long-time subscriber to Skillshare. The variety of classes that are offered are out of this world. I am extremely excited about this class by Kiley Bennett. Here you will learn how to create 3 easy and colorful clay earrings. Included in this class she’ll go over:
Tools and materials needed
How to sketch your designs
How to color mix and marble
Cutting techniques
Baking and fishing touches
I am actually in the middle of taking this class myself. I have taken a liking to watercolor painting and this class is perfect if you are looking for a project to expand your skills or even add to your portfolio. Artist and Illustrator Carolyn Wiedeman takes us through the process of illustrating a braided suite with watercolor. So far I am loving the tips and tricks given and review coming soon 🙂
This is actually not a class but is totally worth mentioning if you are into weaving. Wool and the Gang offers kits of knitted designs and tutorials on how to complete them. Instead of purchasing a class you would purchase the kit that included all your materials and use the instructions provided as well as the tutorials located on the website and youtube. Alternatively, if you don’t wish to purchase the kit (most kits cost over $120!) you can use the tutorials for free and purchase the supplies listed at your local art apply store.
Here are some of the tutorials that may help:
Tutorial One
Tutorial Two
Another class that looks amazing is Locker Hooking class taught by Lindsey Campbell. Here she teaches how to build wool trivets for the kitchen and dining room from scratch. This class is hosted by The Crafter’s Box. What is unique about this site is you have the option to take the full workshop that includes all the supplies needed or you opting for video instruction and purchasing the materials yourself. I love this versatility, especially if you want to add your own customizations like size and color. Also worth mentioning is that Lindsey also has a number of books on weaving and video classes on her website Hello Hydrangea.
Full Workshop (Digital Video +Materials and tools kit): $75
Video Only: $25
Other creative platforms that are worth mentioning are Creativelive, Behance Live, and Brit + Co
Photos Via: Lark Rising, Agnes, Jen Hewett, Kiley Bennett, Skillshare, Wool and the Gang, The Crafters Box
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