Adventures in Orvieto, Italy | Susan Edmonson Collage of Italian Memories

Collage of Italian Memories

Dates: May 17 - 23, 2009
Instructor/Leader: Susan Edmonson

Trip Description
Orvieto, its buildings, landscapes, people, colors and textures will serve as inspiration and resource for creating a fabric collage of memories in wall hanging form. You will gather ideas from every nook & cranny of the Italian culture, as you explore the cobblestone streets & beautiful hillsides of Orvieto. You will want to be sure to pack your digital camera & a small sketchbook to jot down ideas as you explore for later use in the studio.

Each morning we will spend some time in the studio designing wonderful backgrounds & learning new techniques. You will
draw on the cultural experiences and adventures that are an integral part of this trip to fuel your work. You will broaden the horizons of your creativity through the different textures &
techniques you will be using.

During the week you will create a fabric collage wall hanging while:
• Drawing and painting
with wax pastels (No
drawing skills required),
• Use your sketch as a
guide to aid in bringing
your drawing to life using
simple acrylic paints.
• Learning how to do fancy
lettering on fabric,
• Exploring wool applique,
• Painting with thread,
• Using thread to create 3
dimensional effects.

No experience needed -
just a sense of adventure!

Itinerary
May 17 - Arrive Orvieto,
                group dinner
May 18 - Layout planning,
                wax pastels,
                beading, tour of
                cathedral, Italian
                culture, wine
                tasting
May 19 - Collage back-
                ground panels, vineyard tour and lunch
May 20 - Fancy stitching, hand lettering techniques on fabrics,
                cooking class
May 21 - Weekly market, wool applique, thread painted leaves for 3-D
                effect, Etruscan cave tour
May 22 - Sketching the landscape using wax pastels, putting it all
                together
May 23 - Show and share, Depart Orvieto

Details
Cost - $2350. Fee includes six nights double occupancy lodging and basic course materials. Single occupancy available for an additional cost. Because the tour is meant to expose you to the local culture, meals are not prearranged or included. Travel costs are not included.

Click here for registrations and terms, or contact us by e-mail, phone or writing at the contact information below.

A trip for companions is available for $1750.

Meet Susan
Susan is an award winning quilt maker who started her journey in 1981 and today continues to wow audiences with her unique artistry. She has designed quilt patterns and kits for two national stores as well as her own pattern line.

Her specialties have been folk art, crazy quilted purses and wall quilts, and “flower doodles.” Fabric collage books and mini quilts are among her newest creations. All of her work is lavished with beading and embroidery. She loves working with vintage style fabrics and colors. The patterns she designs evolve from original pieces inspired by vintage quilt designs and nature.

She teaches and lectures at local and regional guilds throughout the Southeast. Most recently she has been on the faculty for many symposiums, Mid-Atlantic Quiltfest & other large events. She always encourages her students to have fun with their projects while embracing new techniques. A number of her creations have been featured in Altered Couture and Sew Somerset. publications.

In 2005 Susan and Kristin Steiner teamed up to form “Creative Spirits.” They lead unique creativity retreats held in Blowing Rock, N.C. called “Believe In Yourself.” Many mixed media & fabric techniques are always featured.

Susan majored in Art and Design at Queens College in Charlotte, NC. She lives in Concord, NC with her husband Tim of 30 years and her very small Chihuahua, Chili. Brandon and Chad, her two grown sons are a very important part of her life. Chad,a graphic designer, is consulted on many occasions for ideas and technical advice. Visit her at
www.susanedmonsondesigns.com.