http://www.annschroederstudio.com/workshops/a-cape-breton-experience/

Artist Ann Schroeder shares her passion for colour in this inspiring setting of ocean and sky.

Ann’s hillside studio overlooks the Gulf of the St. Lawrence and the rolling dunes of West Mabou beach. Lobster boats head out to sea, watched over by the resident bald eagle pair from their lookout on the bluff.

Here you can discover the magic of dyeing silk scarves, cotton fabric, and/or T-shirts with rainbow hues. You don’t need to be “artistic” or experienced in any way, just willing to play, experiment and try something new. This experience has been enjoyed by women, men, and children as young as 8 years old.

Using safe chemical dyes, you’ll learn to mix your own colours, perhaps inspired by the blue of the ocean, the soft greens of the meadow grasses, or the colours of the sunset you saw the night before. You’ll create patterns by scrunching, folding, or clamping the fabrics. Then you’ll paint, pour, or squirt on the dyes.

If you like, Ann will give you a tour of her quilt studio. You’ll sit together at the kitchen table sharing tea and oatcakes and talking about dyeing, quilting, other artists to visit, Cape Breton music, and more.

You’ll take home two items you’ve dyed yourself along with memories of the beautiful landscape and the fun of being creative.

About the artist:

Ann loves sharing her passion for colour and has taught more than 100 people how to dye cotton and silk. Her fine art quilts have been shown at Quilt National in Athens, Ohio and the Mary Black Gallery in Halifax and have been published in Art Quilts: A Celebration and Fiberarts Design Book Six.

What others have said:

“An oasis of creative fun…. With a well-equipped studio and lots of ideas to share, Ann makes learning about colors and fabric a wonderful and encouraging experience.”

“It was quite the best workshop I have attended and the setting was certainly the most beautiful.”

“My blues and greens really did capture the landscape colors…. A great way to spend a sunny day—or a rainy one.”

Cost for a 3-hour session (includes all materials):

1 person $150

2 to 3 people $100 pp

4 people $85 pp

5 to 6 people $75 pp

Coupon code: P6637
Affiliations: Destination Cape Breton
Valid: January 9, 2013–December 21, 2013

Available most Mondays through Saturdays with at least a day's notice.

Please wear comfortable shoes and play clothes (not your best white linen pants). Smocks are provided.