Class Descriptions
Titles may vary slightly in different venues.

Introduction to Silk Painting:  Silk Painting for Everyone

The  ABC’s of Silk Painting.  Explore the simple, yet exquisite technique of painting on silk in this one-day, six-hour workshop.  Learn the Serti method in which you first trace the outline of your chosen design with gutta resist.  Choose a pattern from my collection, or design your own.  Then touch the colors on with a brush and watch them flow, blending in natural - and sometimes mysterious - ways on their own. Completing an original 22"x22" natural silk scarf or a series of smaller pieces will teach you the basic skills of design, color mixing, blending and texturing. This technique is simple enough for absolute beginners, yet is also an exciting way for more experienced painters to transfer their talents to fabric.  All supplies will be provided.   

Silk Painting - Level 2

For those who are comfortable with basic Serti (resist line) silk painting, Janet Lehwalder offers an advanced class.  Learn new skills in shading, layering, color mixing and line building.  Try alternative resists and fabrics.  Bring a picture or design and learn to adapt it to this medium.  “You’ll be amazed at the possibilities in silk painting”, says Janet.  “Few people are aware of the wide range of work that is being done on silk.”  Plenty of time for one-to-one assistance.

Painting Without Lines

Sometimes you would like to paint something without resist lines as part of the design.  There are several ways to do this using a variety of special products and techniques - No Flow, thickeners, line building, etc.  Come and try them all.  Expand your possibilities.  This class also the one for those who would like to add free hand design, such as calligraphy or stamping, to their piece.

Kids and Family Classes

Bright, free flowing colors make silk painting a favorite art medium for young painters.  Trace a design, mix some colors, paint them on, and you will have a beautiful silk painting to wear, display, or give as a special gift.  Janet Lehwalder, a teaching artist for the Allied Arts Education Project, is an expert at guiding beginners.  The most common comment is, ‘This was so much fun!’  Parents and grandparents love this simple technique, too.  Make this a family activity day.  Designed for ages 6 and up.

Silk Painted Greeting Cards:   Working Small 

Do a series of small silk paintings and apply them to blank cards.  Do your Christmas cards, paint a wonderful selection of year-round cards to send, or package a set of several to give as a gift.  Both beginners and experienced painters welcome.  Silk painting materials supplied.  Stationery available for purchase in class.  Also suitable for framing.
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Embellishment:  Quilting, Beading, and Stitchery 

The silk is beautiful.  The colors are beautiful.  You can’t fail to create a beautiful piece, even on your first try.  This class includes both the silk painting basics and a special focus on really jazzing up your piece. 

The Basics:  In the Serti technique, your design is outlined with a resist.  The dyes are painted on and flow together, blending naturally, until they reach the resist line.  Patterns are available or you can design your own.  All materials are supplied to finish a 22 x 22” scarf or pillow cover. 

More:   This class’s special focus is on adding the texture of hand quilting, and embellishing your finished painting with stitchery and beading.  Beginning skills and materials are provided.  You can enhance the natural luster of your silk with even more sparkle and glow. 

Flags to Fly

Learn the basics of painting on silk by completing a series of 11x11” silk “Flags”.  Strung on a ribbon, these Silk colorful designs will liven up your room, your yard, your boat, your party, or whatever!  In this one day workshop you will find out how simple painting on silk can be.  Outline the design, using class patterns or your own, paint on the colors and watch them blend and flow naturally.  We’ll set the dyes so that they will look beautiful inside or out.

Silk Painting for Quilters

Quilters! Consider Silk!

​Silk is a strong, lustrous, natural fiber that lends its own unique beauty to your quilting. And you can be even more creative by painting your own fabric.

Learn to paint on silk. Mix all the colors of the rainbow and add design with special resists if you like. You will paint a series of fat quarters to use for piecing, hand quilting, beading, applique, and more. Don't be afraid! Silk is washable and easy to sew. So warm and light!