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 love everything you do, especially your incredible concrete creations. Unlike you, I don’t really have any artistic talent, so I actually just watch what you do and admire it. I don’t usually make anything, because I always feel like it’s out of my league. I’m a Senior and enjoy seeing what other people create.
Oh, did you know I am also a senior?! I should be slowing down but feel like I still have much I want to do! Perhaps you may take the jump one day if it feels simple enough…
I think the needle felting class would be great. My only concern with many of the classes is that they are so expensive that I cannot afford to take them. I think if I were going to teach, that I would rather have more students with paying a reasonable amount rather than leaving so many people out because the costs are way to high. Like a hundred is reasonable but several hundred and thousands is out of reach for many. Or if it is really high that it can be stretched over 6 months to pay without getting hammered extra fees. Just my thoughts but I hope you jump in and do well at your new venture!!
Cindy
Thanks for the input! I understand about costs! I see so many courses nowadays so I am very cautious! I hope to start with smaller reasonable courses, it also helps people gain confidence! Stay tuned!
Yes I’d love a video course for rock making and mushroom making.
Self-paced video lessons would be my preferred option.
Yes, definitely self paced so they can be revisited!
Barb, you were a Godsend when I first started learning how to Eco Printing. Your generosity at sharing all that you knew helped to move me forward more than anything else. I have taken structured classes on other topics in the past and enjoyed them and gotten a lot out of them. One of them expired after three years so I had no way to go back and look at it again when I had a question. Any future course I took I would want lifetime access. I haven’t done any felting, but it does appeal to me. You definitely deserve to be paid, especially after all all that you have given to us freely from your heart.
I understand some of those issues. I also need to figure out all the tech requirements… Thanks for the appreciation!
I’m very interested in your concrete art. I have attempted a facial sculpture out of foam insulation. For a first time try I think it came out pretty well. That’s as far as I’ve gotten with it though. I would love to learn more about concrete art.
I have heard that often. The concrete work is a bit more challenging to teach but it doable. It may a better class for summer though… ‘So glad you made the face!
Barb- As an artist addicted to processes and materials, you’re right up my alley! Yes, I’d take an online course with you- just so you get paid!! I’m
Kinda interested in the felted portraits( if I can trace a photograph), but I’d really like to get more comfortable with concrete for the outdoors! Like a fairy house???? Or other sculpture….
Re: cost, I agree with some previous comments. I see courses out there that I’d love to take but our approaching $400 and that’s just not in my budget. I agree hopefully you can keep it reasonable but you need to charge what you need to charge.
RE: format, I like being able to watch videos on my own timeline, but nice to have an in person zoom or Facebook live every week or so. A private Facebook page can also be helpful and community building.
Thanks again for all the free info you put out! I always look forward to seeing your name in my inbox
I’m quite overwhelmed at the positive response. I have always been quite conscious of filling inboxes with mail and also aware of budgets. There’s a lot to consider… Yes, the option to review is key, that was something I learnt from the online college teaching that made it so successful.
Would love a course in beginner’s needle felting !!!
Great, It is one of my faves!
I’m going to be 80 in October, so I guess I’m also a “senior”, though I feel much younger, as I’m sure you do.
I have loved your tutorials and have used many of them to create wonderful pieces of “art”. I delve mostly into anything cement/concrete. Mosaics, geodes.
I would love to think that I would follow along with any lessons, but know myself better than to commit myself, because I mostly do things on the spur of a moment. However, I do appreciate the offer.
I’m impressed! Part of my challenge is staying on the course as often many projects are in progress!
So happy that I have helped your creative journey! Happy making!
I LOVE your artwork – I live just down the 403/401 from you (London). You make everything seem…possible.
I’ve taken a few online and in person felting (needle and wet) classes, but I am still a very new beginner. Most of the courses I’ve taken have been taught by instructors who know how to do it, but not at all how to teach. I think I’d be interested in taking online classes from you.
(Hope that’s not too general of an answer!)
I struggle with the ideas that some want expert and some are beginners… I’m also very conscious of costs as I know how so much is free nowadays. Sometimes it’s the decisions that take so much effort.
That is so true. I honestly think I’ve learned the most from free tutorials online for various hobbies (as opposed to ones I’ve paid for – maybe I’m just expecting too much when its coming out of my pocket…?).
You have what I consider expertise in so many art forms. I salivate when I think of having your brain!
Hello, Barb.
I came across you quite a few years ago when I made concrete balls with the aid of beach balls, which I then decorated with tiny tiles. These balls are still alive. Today I came across you again, to my great delight, because I want to make some rocks for my garden. I fortunate am I!. I’m complete inspired and your illustrations and comments will be very helpful.
Thank you, Barb. You are a treasure.
Judy Shutes
That’s so great! I was rained as a technical illustrator so I understand about providing instruction clearly. ‘So happy to have you along!