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!
I have taken a few online courses which I have been more than happy to pay for. People who develop techniques spend many hours, sometimes years perfecting these and it’s only fair that a fee is charged. I know from my own experience in 3D needle felted sculpting that I spent 13 year perfecting certain techniques. In a way it was ‘my job’. So YES! Spend time outlining and offering your courses! You deserve to be paid for your expertise! I have found detailed instructions and videos are the best way to showcase a course. Thank you for sharing all of your incredible talent…it does not go unnoticed!
‘Great note! As much as there is free content, it does involve a lot to keep a site going; much behind the scenes requirements! (sometimes quite overwhelming) I may have to have a team, so much needed pieces to put together…
Barb, I get inspiration from your how to’s. I love the inspiration you have provided. I would not take a structured course. I just enjoy playing. Thank you for all the shares you have provided. I hope you don’t stop.
I recall how students would get overwhelmed if there was too much instruction too early. Accomplishing a small win really helped build confidence to keep going… I will keep that in mind!
Simple and straight forward classes would be wonderful.
So true! I remember the joy I’d see in a students eyes when they accomplished something, even when they did not expect it. More times than not people are critical of their ability before they even start!
Hi Barb,
I love fibre arts and have taken various needle and wet felting classes. I find I learn a few new techniques each time. I would take a needle felting course with you, preferably n my own schedule through downloadable video.
I love all that you make. You got me into concrete and now I have my own mini mixer.
Ah yes, it all started with concrete! I’m sometimes baffled when I look through posts, and remember some that I had forgotten about! It’s like my life flashes before my eyes! Wow, your own mixer?! You go girl! (but always be safe) I agree with needle felting…
Hi Barb, I love all the avenues of crafting you share with us, thank you so much. I fell in love with cement / concrete creativity. Creating a space and gathering supplies to do this next spring, I’ll be making yard size mushrooms, love them. Then you shared 2D Felting, now I’m NOT an artists, no drawing skills, but love this, and would take a course in it, IF I can do it in my available free time. Of course I have no knowledge of felting language, terms, supplies, techniques, I’m a blank canvas, so no bad habits to change, just ready to absorb your knowledge. Love the items you shared with us. So in this course I would need information from A to Z . Ok, your turn to do your magic.
Awe, that’s great to hear! I like to keep in mind that often people believe they have no drawing skills but these days so much technology can help with that! Ok! I’ll get right on it! Stay tuned…
You are so very talented!! I don’t find much spare time in my schedule, but often save ideas & examples from you…thank you! When I do find time, I can go back and recall with pics & info a new how-to for my garden or for myself. I wish you luck doing whatever you enjoy!!
I do take online courses. I’m an art quilter and am just finishing up a class with Ricky Tims. And at the same time this one is ending I’m scheduled for a 12 week course with Jane Dunnewold.
I have inherited a felting machine which I have not yet used. So yes felting would be of interest. I’ve dabbled in some hand needle felting, and wet felting. I would be more interested in scenery.
Cyanotype would be of interest as I could use the end product in a quilt.
I would not be available until next year as I will be busy with Jane’s class until then.
Your tutorials are great but classes would be better.
I LOVE everything you do!
I have taken an online self paced class which I loved from Deryn ( a jeweler creator in Montana I believe). She actually taught how to make lovely snowman creations. Loved it. I love self paced because I don’t have the schedule I can be @ a class online @ a certain time weekly. Would love learning more felting or painting on fabric or leather. Ty for even thinking of teaching us directly.
You are so generous in the sharing of your creations. Not all are! I made covid masks from your instructions/designs. I think that was how I discovered you.
It has been lovely to see the arty and creative art projects you come up with. I may not have made them yet but one day.
I think accessibility is key as one can’t always make online streaming- life can get in the way. However lovely it is to be viewing/participating in real time,sometimes it’s just nice to go at one’s pace.
Thankyou for all the creativity and inspiration.
Yes, I did benefit from designing the masks back then. I really do like to design and since I’m trained as a technical illustrator explanation and tutorials is my line of thinking. I do know much about life, there’s so many demands on my time!
Yes! That would be great.
Thank you for all you do.
Donna
‘So glad to have so much appreciation!