Back by popular demand, join us this July 21-22, 2012 for the Summer Simply Silk 2-Day Workshop. Learn the basic techniques of silk painting with New Mexico artist Sandy Hopper at her home studio Grasshopper Silk. This workshop is perfect for beginners or for those who want to gain more experience in creating these beautiful forms of art.

All supplies and a light lunch will be provided. Register with a $50 deposit or pay the full registration fee of $250 (includes the supply fee for a personal silk painting kit:  4 bottles of dye, 1 bottle of dye set, bamboo brush, applicator bottle with tip, 1 bottle of water-based resist, 2-3 silk scarves, silk fabric  and all other incidental supplies).

This workshop is a great way for any creative soul to learn how to tap into that creative energy. No artistic background is necessary. The techniques you will learn give everyone the opportunity to be successful, from the novice to the experienced silk painter. Silk painting is a very “FUN and FREEING” art. With just the basic skills, the creative possibilities are endless. You will be introduced to the different tech-niques used to stretch the silk in prepara-tion to paint, the various types of silk and different techniques used to apply dyes, gutta, presist, soy wax, etc. Then you will learn how to set the dyes using a dye set or steaming your items.

You will learn secrets to help you achieve beautiful results that are fun and stress free. Silk painting can be as free and easy as just playing with color, or as complex as a fine art museum piece. So let’s start simple and easy, create a beautiful piece of wearable art for yourself or to give as a gift. At the same time we will open the door to endless possibilities! And we will have such fun along the way!

~ Itinerary ~

Day One: Basic techniques; Stretching silk, resists in-cluding soy wax, color mixing, material and technique discussions. To steam or not to steam. Where to get supplies! The chatter will be endless….the more you learn the more we will talk. Paint! Paint! Paint! Experiment and explore….and have I mentioned …have fun??

Day Two: Putting it all together. Painting, painting, painting. Plus, hands-on demonstration of setting dyes with dye set and steaming instructions. Ask and I will do my best to answer your ques-tions. Supplies are included in the class fee!