Adorn Atelier is the brainchild of designer Orna Willis, the online hub for artistry in craft, offering specialized classes with the most outstanding artisans working today. Orna sees the Atelier as an answer to the increasing costs that go with traditional classes: time off from work, day care, travel, in some instances, hotels or flight expenses. The website www.adornatelier.com is a utopian online school that allows students to affordably and conveniently learn new skills, advance exsisting skills or develop in a completely new area without ever leaving home. Adorn Atelier's Spring 2012 class roster hosts a wide array of processes including felting, embroidery, paper cutting, metal crochet, knitting and more.
Carefully assembled to provide diversity and the highest level of mastery in their given fields, each teacher participating in the April 2012 class series is an extraordinary artist in their own right. The teachers and the Adorn Atelier staff worked together to create classes that embrace thorough step-by-step instruction and ample teacher/student interaction. Additionally, each instructor has put together kits that utilize the finest materials and tools, enabling students sole focus to be in the doing and not on the finding and getting.
The Adorn Atelier teachers and staff invite you to have a look around!
Questions?
For questions about a specific class, you can contact that teacher using the emails listed on their "personal about" class.
If you are a teacher wondering about our upcoming class slots, or if you have specific questions about the website, you can contact us at TheAdornAtelier_gmail.com. Please give us a few days to get back to you!
"You said you couldn't be with someone who didn't believe in you. Well I believed in you. I just didn't believe in me. I love you... always..."
"Dear Mr. Vernon...
We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong... but we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are..."
Who doesn't love a good John Hughes film? The Breakfast Club is still one of my top ten movies of all time, and if it's yours too then this is the perfect stitch collection for you. Included are the charts for three John Hughes movies The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and the materials to stitch them.
These cross-stitch patterns comes with a full colour chart with floss legends in DMC, JP Coats, and Anchor. These patterns are simple and suitable for beginners. This class will include our best stitching tips for both beginners and more experienced stitchers.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
Finally everyone's favourite movie franchise in Pixel People format! Featuring Luke, leia, Chewie, Lando Calrissian, Obi Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Admiral Ackbar, Wedge Antilles and all the rest! This cross-stitch makes the perfect gift for the Star Wars fanatic in your life... or for you - that's cool too!
This cross-stitch pattern comes with a full colour chart with floss legends in DMC, JP Coats, and Anchor.
This pattern is simple and suitable for beginners. We've included our best stitching tips for both beginners and more experienced stitchers.
Okay, even we have moments of geekiness... probably more than we'd like to admit. We might even have a wee bit of a Harry Potter obsession... still... and we can't be the only ones, which is why this is the perfect stitch for fellow fans. A small, subtle way to prove to the world that you're not a Muggle.
This cross-stitch pattern comes with 3 full colour charts DMCfloss, and Aida Cloth.
These patterns are simple and suitable for beginners. We've included our best stitching tips for both beginners and more experienced stitchers.
Sometimes a girl meets a boy and they become friends. Sometimes a girl kisses a boy and they both realize there's more between them than they thought. Sometimes they fall in love and get married. Sometimes a girl teaches a boy to stitch and suddenly there's one more thing they can share together and build on and plan for. And sometimes they both believe that every wee little stitch is an important part of a much larger story... and every story deserves to be shared.
Advance your bead weaving skills and take on this more complex and gorgeous bracelet set. Explore different textures in this fun and interesting class. Othello is a set of bracelets featuring a thick 4.8mm rubber cord base. The base gains its texture with a modified Right Angle Weave creating a natural spiral producing contrasting color for lots of impact. You will learn how to size your bracelets for a custom fit. Right Angle Weave and Netting are unique and versatile stitches that produce the base for this project. Tamara will take you through the basic technique of Peyote Stitch and you will fasten Flower beads and buttons to encircle the bracelets. Directions will be provided and discussed for all techniques. Kits are available in five colors and include Silver and Bronze beads handmade by the artist. Bead weaving experience is recommended.
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
If you love to sew and have wanted to try your hand at weaving but don’t know where to start this is the class for you! Intrigued by bead weaving stitches and enjoy working with tiny beads? Then join Tamara Scott for this fun project, perfect for the beginner who is ready to try their hand at basic weaving techniques!
Learn the art of beaded flowers and together we will create this stylish bracelet inspired by embroidery techniques.
In this course you will make various components to represent flowers and leaves and then attach them to ultra suede and/or leather. The class will offer two cuff sizes so you may choose a basic or more elaborate band. Class instructions cover many bead weaving techniques including square stitch, netting, brick stitch and sewing. Kits are available in Two Colors and will include Leather, Ultra suede, and miscellaneous supplies. Bead weaving experience is recommended.
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Tamara Scott is originally from Oklahoma, studied at the Art Institute of Dallas, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Tulsa Junior College, the Spruill Center for the Arts, and Marc Adams School of Woodworking. Her career started out as a Graphic Artist and Illustrator expanding her focus on painting, portraiture, woodcarving, old masters reproductions, silversmithing, mixed media, beadwork, as well as bronze and silver clay. Tamara is a certified Art Clay silver instructor and has been a professional artist and teacher for over 20 years.
She has collaborates with her father, Ron Fleming. Ron is a professional painter and sculpterer working in wood and crystal. The vessel Complicata was displayed at the 2009 SOFA Chicago show. Rainbird was exhibited at the Spirit of the Southwest Special Exhibit June 2009 at the AAW's Albuquerque Symposium.
Tamara is currently focused on painting, woodcarving and beadwork as her mediums with an emphasis on mixed media. She designs beadwork patterns with an emphasis on bead weaving techniques. Her instructions provide clear, comprehensive explanations of her techniques, as well as graphics and text. When she is not teaching, Tamara is designing and creating artwork in her studio in Atlanta, Georgia.
‘A perfect little Pouch” is an opportunity for knitters to try out knitting in the round on both circular and double pointed needles. At the same time to learning to knit using beads as a major decorative component in a knitting project. It will be fun to watch the beading pattern grow and for the first timers how your skill in placing the beads will be perfected along the way. You will be creating a beautiful yet functional piece of knitting that would make a perfect evening bag, a bag for treasures you own, a lovely gift for your friends, and many other options.
I grew up in England in the 1950’s when knitting was not so much a pastime but a utilitarian craft. English winters known for their damp dull days when the chill cuts right through you necessitated warm woollies that you could wrap yourself in around the coal fire; no central heating in those days! The economy of the time dictated you make them yourself. At age seven my mum taught me how to knit and crochet, and very early on I graduated from simple scarves to sweaters. In those days one still shopped locally at your ‘parade ‘of shops and amongst the butcher, fishmonger, grocer and greengrocer there was always a ‘wool shop’. I spent many an hour in the tiny store picking through balls of wool and searching through mounds of patterns. Through my early teens I crocheted more than I knitted, it seemed to grow more quickly. However in the late sixties the whole landscape of knitting changed for me with the appearance of Patricia Roberts a designer whose geometrics, fairisle and cables knew no bounds. All were a delight to the senses and inspirational. Then along came Kaffe Fasset in 1985 by which time I had spread my wings and flown to the United States.
`My first steps at designing were inspired by these designers, taking some of their basic pattern shapes and creating wild fairisle patterns in vivid colors. I earnestly taught myself how to knit continental style, or ‘pick’, as my default knitting (and still is) is the English ‘throwing’ style. I needed to use both techniques for classic fairisle knitting the whole sweater working in the round, always using two colors of yarn in each row and working with steeks. My taste in designers spread to Alice Starmore and Shelia McGregor, who took a more classical approach to knitting. Knitting as an ancient craft and the functionality of knitting now had a fascination for me; such as classic fairisle, the Fisherman’s Guernsey and Aran sweaters.
During this time worked as a project manager in a large research lab at the University of Pennsylvania, I also had three children and an artist (painter) husband who kept me busy. Still I managed to maintain my sanity (if I could stay awake), with a little knitting each evening. I designed and made sweaters for my family.
Knitting has always been my passion, I have taught basic knitting and fairisle knitting. I have recently become interested in beaded knitting and I love to work in lace. The pieces I am offering in the workshop ‘The perfect little Pouch’ and 'The Shetland shawlette' are opportunities for basic knitters to expand their horizons and give them the tools to expand to more complex smaller and bigger beautiful knits.
This class is for anyone who has previously completed counted stitch designs and is familiar with all of the "ins and outs" of needlepoint!
Inspired by the decadent lush lines of cascading foliage and flowered vines, this all silk design is an excersize in exotic stitch combinations that create complicated miniature vingettes.
The completed piece is 8 x 11 in size, while the working canvas measures a 12 x 14, cream colored congress cloth. The class will emphasize
mutiple stitch combinations, and will certainly challenge your counted stitch capabilities!
Kits include:
Immerse yourself in the wonderful versitile art of needlepoint and make your first creation one that you can wear!
In this class (carefully oriented to a beginner's needs) each student will complete three sets of earrings in three different colorways. Students will learn the basics of needlepoint, including set-up, weave stitch, following a counted pattern, switching colors, laying threads, finishing and backing canvas.
Students will then learn how to work with their finished pieces to transform them into wearable art. By utilizing various bottom ornamentation techniques, and the 3 different sets of findings included in the kit, each set of earrings will be an individual unique creation.
Born and raised in Israel, Orna Willis attended the University of Haifa, where she studied painting, ceramics, interior design and photography. Throughout her exploration of these media, she discovered a constant in her love of color. As she moved on to live and work in Tel Aviv, the San Francisco Bay Area, Michigan, and, most recently, Philadelphia, design and architecture have both come to have great impact on her work. Each different culture and climate has influenced her vision and approach to her work.
In 1995 she was introduced to needlepoint, and found that the geometric nature ofthe canvas, and the infinite color options of hand-dyed fibers offered her the perfect medium. She began designing needlepointpieces that give the observer a taste of the colors, textures and shapes that fibers can produce. For the past fifteen years she has conducted workshops at the National and International level, imparting her expertise and knowledge to eager students.
A forerunner in the recent handcraft revival, she has made guest appearances on HGTV and the DIY channel demonstrating How Tos and DIYs in needlepoint, embroidery and embellishment. Her work was chosen multiple times to be on the set of NBC sitcom Friends, and her innovative jewelry line has been a staple at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. Her successful website (www.ornadesign.com) has flourished, and two years ago Orna began teaching her popular series of Cyberclasses, introducing new techniques to new generation of artisans. This new concept has allowed her to reach more students than ever. Her website and blog have become renowned as a hub for new ideas and methods in fiber.
Her passion for teaching evolved, and the idea of an online studio space began to unfold. Orna reached out to other artisans and teachers, and found many who sought just such a space. Slowly the archetecture of an online Atelier unfolded, and became this marvellous website: AdornAtelier.
She hopes that students who find themselves here will explore everything this website has to offer. By combining classes and techniques, she encourages students to put together the perfect creative cocktail for artistic growth. Explore, crossover, create --- it is the greatest gift any teacher can offer.
Most people know of origami, the art of folding paper into shapes. Kirigami is paper that is both folded and cut. A paper snowflake is a two-dimensional kirigami. Pop-up books and cards are three-dimensional kirigami. While there are many world-wide papercutting traditions, kirigami is specific in that the folding is essential to the creation of the design. If it isn’t folded, it isn’t kirigami; it is scherrenschnitte, another flat papercutting craft.
Kirigami can be simple or complex, whimsical and elegant. Most of all it is fun! It is an excellent way to hone one’s spacial awareness using simple, easy to acquire materials. Projects can be portable (like your knitting!) and excellent conversation pieces. Best of all, it is difficult to make something that isn’t beautiful. It is always a delight to open one’s cut paper and be surprised at what is revealed.
This course will take students through the basics of creating several kinds of two-dimensional kirigami papercut. You will be encouraged to create your own unique designs, although several templates for motifs will be provided. In the end you will have created several examples of two-dimensional kirigami to hang or frame. This class will cover:
•How to fold and cut garlands, paper snowflakes (6-sides,) mandalas (8-sides), bifolds (2 sides) and combination cuts (8-sides to 2-sides.)
•Cutting techniques such as cutting curves, using connectors, using negative space, cutting away to differentiate sides, etc.
•Instructions on cutting some basic motifs to integrate into your papercut. These include flowers & stars, lotus centers, and silhouettes.
•A complete introduction to materials & equipment: what kind of paper to use, types of scissors and knives, folders, etc.
•Finishing techniques such as pressing, mounting, displaying and framing your papercut creation.
Who doesn’t love pop-ups? Their novelty is always
surprising and delights all ages. This course is intended to take the principles of kirigami* papercutting and apply them to them to three dimensions. (* Most people know of origami, the art of folding paper into shapes. Kirigami is paper that is both folded and cut. A paper snowflake is a two-dimensional kirigami. Pop-up books and cards are three-dimensional kirigami.) In this class students will create several kinds of pop – up cards and stand-up paper scenes from simple materials.
This class will take students through the basics of creating several three-dimensional kirigami works. We will cover:
•How to fold and cut a single-piece pop-up card. This is a card made from one piece of paper, folded and cut in such a way that when opened, your design pops out.
•How to fold and cut a pieced pop-out card. This is a card where the part that pops out is made separately and then placed into the card backing. Students will learn more than one kind of pop-out design.
•How to make a papercut diorama scene. Create a charming little papercut scene multiple layers deep. Stand this up on its own or put into a shadow box, this is sure to be a conversation piece.
•A complete introduction to materials & equipment: what kind of paper to use, types of scissors and knives, folders, glues etc.
•Finishing techniques such as pressing, mounting and embellishing your papercut creation.
NOTE: while the Kirigami I (2D) course will give you a fuller appreciation of the principles of kirigami papercutting and can be helpful as an introduction to this class, it is not a pre-requisite. This class can stand alone as a way to learn an aspect of kirigami.
Cynthia Emerlye is an artist and illustrator who also likes to cut paper. She began papercutting many years ago when she and her six children would cut simple paper snowflakes as a winter holiday activity. She still holds a “Snowflake Party” every winter but now her creations are much more advanced. Today Cynthia creates ornate, one-of-a-kind cuttings and commissioned work for collectors all over the world. Cynthia is a member of the Guild of American Papercutters. She has cut mandalas and work to frame, created cards, cut work for weddings, made three-dimensional scenes, and pop-out books. Her work has been in art galleries and shows, featured in books, magazines, and online. She has been teaching kirigami in workshops and classes for several years and is excited to bring this delightful craft to the online community.
The beginners Jewelry Class suits anyone with good vision and a passion to craft. This class includes learning the basics of Yoola's invisible spool knitting technique. We will go slowly through the various ways of mastering this mysterious technique using only a tiny crochet hook and copper wires.
The advanced jewelry workshop requires participation in the jewelry Beginners Workshop or the purchase and successfull preparation of YoolaTube and YoolaHoops. These can be bought as DIY video kits or online video tutorials.
In this workshop we will learn how to integrate medium size and large stones in the invisible spool knitting technique, we will prepare step by step the following items : YoolaPotion pendant, Yoola Hanging Crystals, Yoola Center Stone Ring and Caged Pearl Earrings.
The beginners workshop suits anyone with passion to crafting and good vision, no special knowledge
is required.
The workshop includes learning the basics of Yoola’s invisible spool knitting technique to create Yoola’s Pomegranates.
We will go slowly through the various ways of mastering this mysterious technique using only a tiny crochet hook and copper wires.
The wire lampshade beginners workshop suits anyone with passion for crafting and good vision- no special knowledge is required.
The workshop includes learning the basics of Yoola’s invisible spool knitting technique to create Yoola’s lampshades. We will go slowly through the various ways of mastering this mysterious technique, we will be using a tiny crochet hook and copper wires.
My name is Yael, I'm a professional industrial designer and a partner in a design firm called Baribua(.com).My work demands a lot of creativity, but since all the work is done on the computer, it leaves my hands "starving". For many years I was looking for an era in which I could create my final designs in my own hands.
Naturally, I never really had the time to look for it. But then, luckily, life summoned me with a relocation period to Switzerland, not designing for a while, left me with a growing hunger which led me into taking a jewelry course. The course was a big success, I went back home by the end of the first day in ecstasy, I havent felt that way for a long time. I started carrying my sketch book with me everywhere, designing new pieces.
The reactions of my friends at the international school my kids went to, were very encouraging, the mom's just loved my designs, first orders came in and I was so happy. I established a little atelier at home, and started exploring new techniques and fine tuning my skills.
Meantime, that great pause has ended and I'm back home, back in my design firm, meaning again I didnt have much time for my jewelry work. But again, life summoned me with a jeweler that saw my work, loved it and asked to put it on display at his shop. I was reminded again how much I love creating jewelry and decided I will not neglect it.
This class is designed for beginners. No previous felting or sewing experience is necessary. We will discuss different felting methods, Sample many different types of wool available to work with and learn about the sheep they come from. Teresa is also a shepherd as well as a needle felting artist and she will help you understand the process the wool goes through from sheep to felted sculpture. While learning the background of felting and wool you will begin the needle felting journey by needle felting a little sheep using basic needle felting techniques. We will make a second little sheep using different wools in different colors giving you the opportunity to see how different wools are to work with. The final project of the class is a standing sheep, where you will learn how to felt around wire to make sturdy legs. You will finish this class with a small of flock of 3 wool sheep.
You can learn more about Teresa Perleberg, her art and her flock of Romeny sheep at bearcreekfelting.com
This class is designed for anyone that has had experience with needle felting. If you have completed any of my needle felting kits you are ready for this class. If you are looking for new techniques to enhance your current needle felting projects you will love this class.
In this class you will learn the techniques that I use to make the bunnies in my “Bunnies in Dresses” Collection. You will learn how to sculpt with wool and how I go about adding the little details to the bunnies. We will be using wet felting and needle felting to make the bunnies and their dresses.
I was raised on a farm in North Dakota and have been around pets and livestock my entire life which led to my affection for all animals. My love for the fiber arts began when I purchased a few sheep for our family. This project led to spinning, knitting and eventually needle felting. The Romney sheep we own provide me with my favorite medium. I love the texture of the wool and how easily it blends together to make the animals come to life. I continually look for ideas for my sculptures – in the wild, in pictures and in my own pets and farm animals.
I began sculpting animals out of wool in 2006. Mostly I use the wool from my own sheep and dye what I need to get different colors. I do purchase /trade wool with other fiber lovers in the area. This gives me different textures since each type of wool has characteristics all its own. I sculpt mostly realistic animals – but I’m developing more and more whimsical animals from my own imagination. The devotion of time spent on the face of the animal really brings the overall expression to my piece of art. To truly appreciate my work, one needs to understand the process of needle felting and the time that is necessary to create such detail out of wool. It gives me great pleasure to know my pieces are now part of several private collections in places throughout the world!
Adorn by Orna and Adorn Atelier copyright 2011
