New classes!!!


YAY! New classes are always so exciting for me to announce! All classes are taught at Paper Tales, in Point Loma, located near the intersection of I-8 and I-5 freeways. So simple to find! Call 619-222-2510 to sign up for a class. We will have sooo much fun, and hope you can join in :o)


Class #1: Valentine "Be Mine" Hoop Class - Sewing with 3-D Felted Wool 
Just in time for a Handmade Valentine!

Feb 9,  1- 3:30pm - $38.00 includes all materials to make this project. 

Class Description: Learn embroidery and no-machine sewing skills while you create the most unique and heartfelt Valentine. We will create a lovely handmade Valentine that is suitable for gifting or keeping for yourself to bring just the right amount of cheer into your home, So, so sweet! We will be creating a collage of 3-D felted wool that you will sew in place, and embellish with found objects. Finally, you will "frame" your gorgeous art in an embroidery hoop, and it will be ready for display at the end of this class!


Class #2: Rainbow Art Feather Hoop Class - Introduction to Flat Needle Felting 

March 22, 3-5:30 pm - $35.00 includes all materials to make this project.  *Needle felting tools are NOT included, but are available for a discounted price on the day of the class.

Class Description: Learn basic flat needle felting, embroidery and no-machine sewing skills while you create this beautiful feather framed in an embroidery hoop. Needle felting is using special barbed needles to attach two natural fiber elements together, essentially "painting" with fiber. In this introduction to needle felting class, you will learn the basics of needle felting, and will be using simple embroidery techniques to embellish your fiber painting. Finally, you will "frame" your gorgeous art in an embroidery hoop, and it will be ready for display at the end of this class!


Class #3: Needle Felted Bunny in a Box - An Introduction to 3-D Needle Felting

April 5, 2-6 pm - $65.00 includes felt materials to make this project. *Needle felting tools are NOT included, but are available for a discounted price on the day of the class. 


Class Description: Learn advanced 3-D needle felting skills while you create the most irresistible bunny ever, and just in time for Easter! Needle felting is using special barbed needles to sculpt wool fiber into shapes. In this class, you will learn how to make a solid wool sculpture, and then make a felt box in which you can pose your bunny. 

PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL CLASSES:

You do not need to have previous needle felting or embroidery skills to take my classes, but if you have not needle felted before, an extra measure of patience will be needed on your end. I will help you, so please do not worry!

- Warning: needle felting is enjoyable and relaxing. Be prepared to become addicted!!

- Suppliesclass fee includes one kit to make the class project, which includes the necessary materials, BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY NEEDLE FELTING TOOLS. You will need to bring (or purchase) a set of Clover brand Fine needle felting needles, a foam felting mat, and (optional) a Clover brand "pink pen" style needle felting tool which holds 3 needles. Remember, tools may be purchased on the day of the class for a discount. You will need to bring a small pair of scissors and may also want to bring a pair of "cheater" style glasses if you need them, as we always work "small" in my classes!

- Come to have fun! We always do :o)

I can't wait to see you at an upcoming class very soon!

x, Val


Cutes alive and well


Yep, thank goodness! The cutes are alive and well, and continue to run rampant through my studio! 

Snow Friend with Leg Warmers by Val's Art Studio

Hunny Bunny in a Wee Box by Val's Art Studio
Hunny Bunny in a Wee Box will be an upcoming class. Don't worry if you are on my class list and haven't heard from me lately. I am just in the class creating mode still, and will rope down those dates! As soon as they are set, I will send out a newsletter. Please hold tight!



Now as far as my work space goes, you can see here that I am focused on a few other more mundane tasks than creating the Cutes. Have no fear, every so often, I  * m u s t  s t o p * and get back to creating the Cutes. These sweet objects help my imaginative life to flourish when my mundane life takes center stage. Don't you know how true that is!

x, Val

Happy new year, happy twenty fourteen!


Happy New Year to you and yours!!! How has 2014 been treating you so far? I hope you have eased into the new year with grace, promise, and prosperity!

My new year started off just right with some of my work featured in the latest Sew Somerset issue, front and center! I was contacted mid last year by the publisher, who found my special needle felted pillows in my Etsy shop. Several had already sold, but I recreated the ones I could, and made a few new ones too. I was thrilled to learn they put all of them into this beautiful magazine. 

Sew Somerset Winter 2013-14







My bird pillows have been some of the most popular items I have created. They are like movable room art, happily sitting on a guest room bed, living room chair, in a bookshelf niche, anywhere! Each one is one of a kind, completely unique. I start with felted wool from recycled sweaters, patchwork them together, then needle felt an irresistible bird to the cover. Then I sew them into a beautiful pillow. I put so much love and care into each one. An X and an O from me to you :o)

Check your local Barnes and Noble, JoAnn Craft store, or specialty book store to get your copy. There are plenty of other fantastic projects in this issue besides yours truly...

Here's to a great beginning to 2014!

x, Val