Join artist Kate Dwyer for a hands-on, one-day workshop where you'll explore the unique and creative process of making fabric maché bowls. Kate will guide you step by step through the techniques she uses to transform fabric into beautifully textured, one-of-a-kind forms.

You’ll have the opportunity to bring your own cotton or silk fabrics to incorporate personal touches into your work, or you can choose from the selection of materials provided by the instructor. As you shape and layer your fabric, you’ll learn about design, structure, and finishing techniques to create a sturdy yet delicate form.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have one or two handmade bowls to take home, where they will continue to dry and cure. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, this class is a wonderful way to experiment with new materials and discover an exciting approach to textile-based sculpture in a fun and supportive environment.

TOTAL COST: $110

Course Fee: $100

Materials Fee: $10

LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced

AGE GROUP: Adult (ages 18+)

SUPPLY INFORMATION

If you have them, you can bring:

• Silk and/or cotton fabric that you want to include in your project.
• Rotary cutters or fabric scissors.
• Cutting mats.

Thread, fabric, adhesives, and balloons will be provided. Northwind Art School has many tools and supplies that students can use if they don't have their own to bring.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

What it comes down to is that Kate Dwyer is compelled to make stuff — gardens, glass paintings, necklaces, tortured egg shells, fabric and thread bowls, batik, essays. Kate's formal training was in horticulture/landscape design. The rest is self-taught. Her classes are well-attended and well-loved and she excited to share her techniques with other artists!

Artist website: Kate Dwyer

Join basketry artist Radha Newsom for a hands-on afternoon workshop where you'll weave a beautiful little basket with native rush, Schoelenplectus acutus. 

Do not be fooled by the diminutive size! This class can challenge you. The basket will be formed on a mold, which will be removed halfway through the basket. We’ll begin with a plaited start, followed by 'S' twining and then a simple (yet sophisticated) border to tie it all together. 

Whether or not you have basket-weaving experience, this class is for you. Depending on your chosen pace, you can make one or two baskets during this session. 

TOTAL COST: $100

Course Fee: $90

Materials Fee: $10

LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced

AGE GROUP: Ages 14+

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All materials and tools are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Radha is a basket weaver who farms and wildcrafts weaving materials on Marrowstone Island. Each basket is woven with traditional techniques developed and refined by generations of artisans who have created and shared this craft. Radha has trained with Roma people in France and, most recently, with American and Irish basket weavers. She sells her work at newquistforge.com and teaches rush and willow basketry workshops locally and through the Northwest Basket Weavers Guild. 

Artist websites: Marrowstone Willow, @marrrowstone_willow

Here's a rare opportunity to learn how to construct a functional floor broom that is also a piece of art! We'll start the morning with a short introduction to broom-making and its history, including a foray into the Shaker culture in Maine and instructor Dan Hawkins' connection to it.

Then we'll select our fibers, and while they're in buckets soaking and softening, we'll shape our wooden handles from blanks Dan provides. While we're shaping, Dan will lead a conversation about draw knives, wood grain, and finishing.

After lunch, with the handles shaped, we'll jump into the process of adding the sweeping head using the pre-soaked sorghum. We'll finish by learning how to stitch, clamp and flatten the fiber. During that process, Dan will share insights on technique, broom size, uses and more. From this workshop, you'll walk away with at least one completed broom, along with the ability to make more of them in the future.

TOTAL COST: $205

Course Fee: $165

Materials Fee: $40

LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

AGE GROUP: Adults (18+)

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All materials and supplies are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Dan Hawkins was born in Maine and has worked as an architect and carpenter in China, Denmark, England, and the United States. In 2021, he moved to Portland, OR, where he started Bodge, a platform for his sculpture, woodwork, and brooms. His work explores domestic tools, as well as the craft traditions and techniques associated with those objects. Dan also teaches broom-making and woodworking classes and workshops throughout the Pacific Northwest.

In this fun three-hour workshop, you'll learn how to make a “turkey-wing” style hand broom from start to finish.

We'll start with a short introduction to broom-making and its history, including a foray into the world of the Shakers, and instructor Dan Hawkins' connection to them in Maine. Then we'll jump into learning how to craft a broom, and selecting sorghum and hemp cord for your handcrafted broom — not only a cleaning tool but also a work of art. Dan will share his insights on technique, broom size, uses and more, and you'll come away with a finished broom as well as the skills to make more.

TOTAL COST: $110

Course Fee: $85

Materials Fee: $25

LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

AGE GROUP: Adults (18+)

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All materials and supplies are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Dan Hawkins was born in Maine and has worked as an architect and carpenter in China, Denmark, England, and the United States. In 2021, he moved to Portland, Oregon, where he started Bodge, a platform for his sculpture, woodwork and brooms. His work explores domestic tools, as well as the craft traditions and techniques associated with those objects. Dan also teaches broom-making and woodworking classes and workshops throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Enjoy this cozy, luminous craft over a cup of tea with artist Meg Kaczyk. Transparency stars are special German kite papers folded in segments — origami-style — then attached together forming beautiful translucent star shapes. Meg will provide instruction, handouts, and all materials for an afternoon of companionable and festive star-making. These pieces are beautiful in windows and as gifts from the heart. This is a great workshop for multi-generational art-making for all levels.

TOTAL COST: $60

Course Fee: $60

Materials Fee: $0

LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced

AGE GROUP: Ages 15+

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All supplies included (including kite paper, glue stick, directions).

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Meg Kaczyk guides artists of all levels in classes and workshops based on her own studio process. Her work is fed by daily life, the natural world, poetry, and a long-standing meditation practice. Originally trained as an illustrator and graphic designer, Meg has enjoyed a long creative career including art direction, graphic design, arts administration, and teaching. She exhibits her paintings across the region.

Artist website: Meg Kaczyk, @megkaczyk

In this weekend workshop, you get to learn and experiment with a wide range of shibori dyeing techniques. Teaching artist Kristine Berg is your guide as you explore this centuries-old Japanese art of dyeing cotton, silk, linen, rayon, velvet and even lightweight garments. 

Shibori is a general term for numerous methods of resist dyeing to create fascinating and unique designs. In these two sessions you will learn to compress fabric around a tube; fold and print with blocks and shapes; use stitching to create patterns and delicate designs; and experiment with a variety of techniques that may inspire you to try them out with alternative dyes and garments. 

Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with commercial dye and indigo dye, and are encouraged to explore the possibilities inherent in learning these techniques. No experience necessary!

TOTAL COST: $230

Course Fee: $200

Materials Fee: $30

LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

AGE GROUP: Ages 15+

SUPPLY INFORMATION

Students should bring a white 100% cotton sheet, or 3 yards of white medium weight cotton. You may bring other fabrics as well. You'll also receive your own silk scarf to use with your favorite technique as a special memento. 

Northwind will provide all other materials and tools.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Kristine Berg's career spans 50 years working as an artisan in theater, film, television and commercial work. She has a diverse set of skills including making armor, millinery, metalworking, sculpting, moldmaking, upholstery, felting, weaving, mosaics, shibori dyeing, printing, leatherwork and novelty costume making. She has also taught at BARN on Bainbridge Island, WildCraft Studios in Portland, Oregon, Newport Visual Arts in Newport, Oregon, and Wildling Collaborative Arts in Eugene, Oregon. 

Artist website: Kristine Berg, @kakajam

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to stitch and transform flat fabric into structured, dimensional surfaces reminiscent of paper origami, but rooted in the tradition of reverse smocking.

Teaching artist Kristine Berg guides you through this precise and satisfying process of fabric manipulation using simple tools; a ruler, needle, and thread. You’ll learn to create measured grids, read and copy design charts, and build sculptural patterns that suggest waves, basketry, landforms, and other natural or architectural textures.

This workshop places special emphasis on the history and possibilities of reverse smocking. Traditionally used as a method of gathering fabric while allowing flexibility and movement, smocking has become a starting point for contemporary surface design, textile exploration, and garment innovation.

 No previous sewing experience is required. 

TOTAL COST: $100

Course Fee: $100

Materials Fee: $0

LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced

AGE GROUP: Ages 15+

SUPPLY INFORMATION

Students should bring: 

• Four ½ yard pieces of solid color mid-weight fabric (these can be silk, linen, cotton, or wool)
• Sewing needles
• Complementary colors of thread

Northwind Art will provide all other materials and tools.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Kristine Berg's career spans 50 years working as an artisan in theater, film, television and commercial work. She has a diverse set of skills including making armor, millinery, metalworking, sculpting, moldmaking, upholstery, felting, weaving, mosaics, shibori dyeing, printing, leatherwork and novelty costume making. Kristine taught her Textile Origami Softscapes workshop most recently in London for Selvedge Magazine’s London Textile Month. She has also taught at BARN on Bainbridge Island, WildCraft Studios in Portland, Oregon, Newport Visual Arts in Newport, Oregon, and Wildling Collaborative Arts in Eugene, Oregon. 

Artist website: Kristine Berg, @kakajam

Explore the beautiful possibilities of combining fabric and wool through the art of nuno felting! In this one-day class, fiber artist Kristine Berg will guide you through the process of combining fabric with wool to create beautiful texture and drape in a unique scarf.

Students will learn wet felting techniques and will be able to experiment with color and depth. No prior felting experience is necessary. Come ready to experiment, play with different fibers, and create a wearable piece of fiber art that is uniquely your own.

TOTAL COST: $190

Course Fee: $165

Materials Fee: $25

LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced

AGE GROUP: Ages 15+

SUPPLY INFORMATION

Students should bring

• 2 oz. of Merino wool. Can be a variety of colors but must be 100% Merino (can be purchased locally at Bazaar Girls or Diva Yarn & Trim).
• 3-4 old towels/rags

Northwind Art will provide all other materials and tools.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Kristine Berg's career spans 50 years working as an artisan in theater, film, television and commercial work. She has a diverse set of skills including making armor, millinery, metalworking, sculpting, moldmaking, upholstery, felting, weaving, mosaics, shibori dyeing, printing, leatherwork and novelty costume making. She has also taught at BARN on Bainbridge Island, WildCraft Studios in Portland, OR, Newport Visual Arts in Newport, OR, and Wildling Cooperative Arts in Eugene, OR. 

Artist website: Kristine Berg, @kakajam