I have an idea… Maybe you can help me decide!
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about new ways to share what I do here, and a question keeps popping into my head: Should I create and launch a course?
Ten years of sharing know-how
Over the years, I’ve loved sharing tutorials, step-by-step guides, and practical creative experiments with all of you. But lately, I’ve been wondering if taking things a step deeper into a structured, dedicated course format would be something you’d enjoy.
The world can truly be at your fingertips now! You can join me from afar so easily.
One idea close to my heart is teaching how to needle felt realistic pictures—breaking down the techniques, layering fibres, and capturing depth and fine details step-by-step so you can create flat 2D felted artwork you’re truly proud of.
I am no stranger to teaching online as I had translated my material to online-learning during the pandemic. As an illustrator (technical) I taught drawing systems in one of the best art colleges; Sheridan College. Over 20 years teaching young creatives was quite rewarding and opened my eyes to what the challenges often are!
What sparks your interest?
That said, as you know, my creative studio is always full of so many different mediums and experiments! So before I dive headfirst into planning, I want to ask the people who matter most—you.
I would love your honest feedback to help guide me:
- Would you be interested in taking a structured online course with me? I promise you’d get to see more of my face…
- Is needle felting realistic 2D pictures something you’d love to learn, or is there another technique/medium I share that you’d rather dive deep into? As I see it, my skillset as an illustrator works perfect with my love of fibre (tactile ‘analog’media). It really is wonderful and very forgiving as a media for beginner and also skilled artists.
- What format do you prefer? (e.g., self-paced video lessons you can watch anytime, a live multi-week workshop, downloadable deep-dive workbooks, etc.)
- Have you ever taken an online course that you just loved?
Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts! Whether it’s an enthusiastic “Yes!”, a specific topic request, or just advice on what would make a course truly valuable for you, I’m all ears. I have gotten so emails from ‘makers’ asking to come over and learn from me in person, however there are so many things that need to be considered that makes it too difficult.
Thank you as always for being such an encouraging, inspiring community. You all really make what I do worthwhile! I can’t wait to read what you think!
Creative Arts Online may be a place where you could park your course. Tami Macala does a great job of promoting and filming. I love her Mosaic Arts Online courses.
Oh, I’ll have to look into that! There’s always the tech part to be concerned with. Thanks for the info!
I really like this idea! Because my schedule is quite busy, self-paced video lessons would work best for me. Finding dedicated time to craft can sometimes be a challenge, so having that flexibility would be wonderful.
I love the idea of needle felting and would very much like to learn how to create 3D objects. While 2D needle felting is appealing, it isn’t very practical for me because I prefer to make items that I can actually use or give as gifts, though I’m sure the techniques learned in 2D would still be invaluable.
I agree! I also always try to be practical in some way, I must have learned that from my mom. 2D needle felting can be an accent on so much. I’m actually working on some wool purses with Needle felt on them… Thanks for the input! I appreciate it.
I love the idea of 2D needle felting course at your own pace. You are such a talented artist anything you do looks amazing. Perhaps a self paced watercolor course as well. I have done watercolor in the past and something that would provide a refresher would be great.
You are amazing, just do whatever makes you happy.
I have spent quite a few decades illustrating with watercolour, and I do really love it. For that reason I have loved how working with wool fibre is very similar and almost most more forgiving than watercolour. Thanks for the note!
I watch a lot of artists on You Tube. Perhaps you might want to start there. Most of these artist/teachers offer tutorials for free from six minutes to almost an hour over two or three videos etc. They build their following and then offer courses. I’ve taken some (Lena Archibald/felter); Jane Dunnewold and others. If I feel I’ve learned and feel comfortable with their shorter free tutorials, I will buy a course.
Wish you all the best and hope to see ‘more of your face’ in the months ahead!! 🙂 Monica
Yes, I do also have a youtube channel. It has served me well. The whole world is accessible, but so are the decisions! I’m so fortunate to have quite a few followers! Each platform has it’s requirements… ‘Hope to put in action soon!
Hello Barb,
First, have to say how exciting it is to open my inbox and find an email from you! I have saved your “frog mosaic” rock tutorial to do “someday”. And the needle felted animals are SO enchanting. I would definitely sign up for a class, especially if they are offered individually. Maybe a needle felted acorn or squirrel or something Christmas ornament?
Thanks for all you do and share,
Sharon
I completely understand that everyone seems to be short on time nowadays! Making a specific project or skill, and keeping it basic to begin with will help. We get the idea that creating is too instantaneous, building skills is key. I learnt that form the college teaching….
Hi Barb – this is exciting for you and your followers. I would be interested in taking an on line class from you if the cost was reasonable. I haven’t taken a fully structured art class on line before. For myself, I have a strong interest in multi-media indoor art. I have made just about all the art/creations that you have posted. I love it all! With regard to needle felting, I am already proficient in wet and needle felting. That too I love. ❤️ You have introduced me to so many cement/concrete ideas. I’m always inspired by those! More ideas?
You were the first person that introduced me to cyanotype. I love it and have done yards of it. I would however, love to learn how to do cyanotype with multi colors, not just the blue color. Thank you for your love of Art!
I am so so impressed that you have let me inspire you so much! I always worry I go in too many directions, but it does really reflect into each media in some way! Yes, cyanotype can be completely consuming, especially as it does require any drawing skills. Many do not feel they can draw, even before they try!
Hi Barb from Rochester, NY! I have been following you for some time now. I communicated with you in the past about dying leather with ecoprinting. I also purchased a. pattern from you to make mittens. I am a quilter, gardener, and felter. I have done shibori and also have worked with cyanotype quite a bit. So, we have a some same interests. I would love to have you create some online courses, especially one on how to make a purse from leather! I taught myself most of my skills from online courses! You have such amazing talents! I do not do fine painting but I am interested in all of your other skills! Thank you thinking of doing this! Bonnie Strollo
Wow! Amazing, thanks! Don’t ask me if I have a collection of leather patiently waiting for some ‘play’! When I consider projects like that I worry that not everyone has a sewing machine that would handle it. I’d say one of my strengths is designing – figuring out a project with certain limits! Oh, if only I had more time or clones of myself! Looking forward to more creating!
My suggestion is for a series of very short videos covering the topic of ‘How to learn how to SEE’, by that I mean, please teach us how to train ourselves in truly seeing what is around us every day. I believe that once we start taking very careful notice of the world around us, and allow ourselves to get our brains to stop editing what we see, many creative opportunities will come to us. It actually would end up being almost a meditation course although not planned as such.
Yes, I’d be interested! The one thing I’d love to learn is how to make felted decorative hats. From the brief research I’ve done, I believe I’d have to make the felting first (and add flowers, or whatever) and then learn to shape them. So any aspect of this process would interest me.
Your creativity is so inspiring. I look forward to each post!
Funny you should mention that! My mom was a milliner! I have memories of her making and shaping hats, and my love of working with wool has spiked my interest. I think that was why I made the post about designing hats I think I’d have start from basics though! ‘Glad you’re inspired!
Following you for years. Starting doing concrete projects because of you. Courses would be a good idea although the only thing tickling my interest at the moment was Fairy Houses using natural elements. Keep on going, Barb.
Well, yes my style of nature inspired concrete does lend itself to fairy houses! It would be a nice small way to create a concrete project! I hope to keep going!