Creative Textile Reuse Workshop

Judith Schonebaum's Creative Reuse workshops are basic introductions to time-honored crafts with a contemporary interpretation, creating beautiful and useful items out of materials that would otherwise be thrown away. We will create a simple weaving project, including making a cardboard loom from start to finish, so you will be able to make more pieces for yourself independently. Judy will provide all necessary materials and tools, but feel free to bring scraps of your own and your preferred scissors. Non-stretchy cotton or other lightweight material is best. She encourages a community "sewing circle" atmosphere, and looks forward to an enjoyable and creative afternoon. Class is limited to 15. Tea and cookies will be served.

Judith Schonebaum

A native of Baltimore, Judy has embraced the artistic environment of the West Coast, where the light, color and rhythms of California have become strong influences on her work, including landscape, abstract collage and figurative/floral pieces. She received her BA in Fine Arts from the University of Vermont, including an intensive program at the Shelburne Folk Art Museum. Recently her focus has been to develop and teach sustainable art practices, using recycled and natural materials to create beautiful decorative and functional works.

Artist Statement

Inspired by handcrafts of earlier times, the need to be less wasteful in our own times, and reflecting a lifelong interest in folk arts, I create and teach the making of useful and beautiful items from past-use textiles, plastics and natural materials that would otherwise be thrown away.

I present and work in several techniques - crochet, hand stitching, twining, Amish knotting, cardboard and stretcher weaving - all which do not require extensive studio space nor complicated or expensive tools.

In addition to individual development, I find working in time-honored “Sewing Circles” very rewarding. A friendly, supportive group atmosphere provides the opportunity for mutual encouragement, sharing of ideas and collaboration among people of all ages and backgrounds.

Fortunately, there is growing interest and respect in art circles for using recycled materials, giving decorative craft more acceptance and appreciation, not only for the qualities of the work itself, but for the dire need we face to be more conscious of our environment.