Phyllis
Cullen is an internationally known artist, author,
instructor, curator, mentor, and activist, as well as a
retired physician. Her books on fabric portraiture, "It's
all About the Face" and "More Than Just a Pretty Face,”
complement her ongoing virtual and in-person worldwide
teaching, curating, and sales.
Her lifelong
dedication to mentorship, connections, and advocacy attests
to her belief in the power and wonder of the art form,
whether through her fabric, paper, clay, wool, or beadwork.
"Art exists to enrich our lives, to tell our stories, and to
open our minds.”
Level: All Levels Class Type: Hands-on Category: Collage Techniques Machine(s): Not required
We'll use bits and pieces of printed fabrics to "Paint" an animal portrait. Choose from one of my many animal or bird designs on my website PORTFOLIO page- https://www.phylliscullenartstudio.com/portfolio.html or from a pattern I create for you from a photo you provide in advance. We'll chop up our fabrics, divide them into values, and fill in the value-marked pattern sections with corresponding value pieces of fabric. Add a bit of tulle, and some simple quilting, and you will have created your unique masterpiece.
If you prefer to finish your piece without sewing, that's okay too! No-sew finishing options are also taught. The results are wild, whimsical, and totally believable! Instructions on the use of Adobe® Photoshop® Elements to create a pattern are included in the course.
No drawing skill needed, but expect to learn about values, contrast, lines, and eyes. And a new way of looking at fabric!
Kit/handout Fee: $40 (Paid to the teacher in the classroom). Kit includes: Full-size pattern Handout 2/3-yard Steam-a-seam Reference photos Dark tulle 40-50 different fabric pieces A custom pattern of your own photo will be created for you after class is over to create a second portrait! A link to a recording of a full scrappy animal class for after-class use will be provided as well.
Student supply list: Small rotary cutter and mat, scissors, (tweezers are optional) Black marker Glue stick or instant glue of choice Clear plastic overlay sheet 18” x 20” One or more fat quarters of solids, tone on tone, or other choice for background (you may want to wait until the face is completed and choose this at a booth at Show. Or bring a few different possibilities Optional: light box
If you would like a custom pattern, you need to email Phyllis at PCUL429@gmail.com at least a month in advance of class to ensure she has a good photo to work from. Patterns will be made in advance and brought to class. Kits and handouts mandatory.
Level: All Levels Class Type: Lecture/Demo Category: Art Quilts/Embellishments Machine(s): Not required
It’s all about portrait quilting. As the author of the book by the same name, Phyllis will guide you through numerous examples and styles of quilted portraits of people and animals. We include lessons on the various aspects of creating these pieces, including posing, choosing photos, creating patterns, values, choosing fabrics, and how to quilt faces.
A good introduction to our books, classes, and workshops, but lots of information and inspiration to get out and "make a face!"
Level: All Levels Class Type: Hands-on Category: Other Machine(s): Not required
We'll make easy, very colorful flowers with a little wool roving, soap, and water. I'll show you every step for a few different styles. Then we will do some easy and fast beadweaving centers (you could also use these for earrings or pendants) that look like you spent hours. Two fun techniques in one class, with so many possibilities! Bet you can't make just one!
Kit/handout Fee: $40 (Paid to the teacher in the classroom). Kit includes: Bubble wrap, 2 pieces at least 12” x 12" Nylon netting (tulle) Several colors of wool roving Red wool batting Various embellishment fibers: bamboo, viscose, silk, curly locks, sari waste Beading needles, regular and big eye Beading thread (enough for a dozen beaded centers) Three sets of beads plus loose small beads to go with all three felted balls 2 water containers, hot and medium temp Olive oil soap or dish detergent Spray bottle, scissors, two dish towels
Level: All Levels Class Type: Hands-on Category: Art Quilts/Embellishments Machine(s): Not required
Students in this class will learn the layered portrait technique. Amaze your friends and family! I will demonstrate how to manipulate photos and how to draw contour quilting lines, but for the one-day class, I will create a custom pattern for each student based on a photo emailed to me in advance.
If you have a selection of photos, you may email them all to me, and I will help you choose; then you will get a pattern in class. Anyone who does not send me a photo will have a choice of mine (Ben Franklin, Johnny Cash, Einstein, Elvis, whoever I feel like printing out at the time). You can request one you see on my website PORTFOLIO page- https://www.phylliscullenartstudio.com/portfolio.html
Kit/handout Fee: $35 (Paid to the teacher in the classroom). Kit includes: Fabrics for portrait, custom patterns, and Misty Fuse.
Student supply list: Sharp scissors Craft knife Small rotary cutter Small mat Ruler 2 colors of Sharpies Photos for custom patterns must be emailed in advance of class.
Students must email Phyllis at PCUL429@gmail.com at least 2 weeks in advance to arrange sending appropriate photos for custom patterns.
Level: All Levels Class Type: Hands-on Category: Art Quilts/Embellishments Machine(s): Sewing Machine required
Learn to make a simple pattern for a fabric vessel, cut the sides from stiff stabilizer, and crazy quilt the sides. Then we'll have fun with decorative stitching, lots of embellishments (learn to make fabric and ribbon flowers, beaded fringe, and many others), and tons of different ideas to decorate, then easily construct your one-of-a-kind sculptural art. Pure fun!!!
Kit/handout Fee: $45 (Paid to the teacher in the classroom). Kit includes: 1. 3/4yard of a heavyweight fusible stabilizer. 2. Bunch of coordinated fabric scraps (about 4 fat quarters or large scraps) 3. ½ yard fabric for the inside of the vessel 4. Fancy fabrics like velvet, satin, etc. 5. Embellishments – beads, yarn, cords, trims, lace, fringe, tassels, old jewelry, buttons, charms, Angelina, ribbons, glitter glue, fake flowers, silk flowers or leaves, shells, seeds, foil, you can also bring some you have and be prepared to share, and borrow from others. 6. Sewing machine, preferably with some decorative stitches (Optional – but a good time to start using all those fancy stitches you have never used before). 7. Sewing threads, including metallic if you have them 8. Pins, hand sewing needles, pen or marker 9. Glue stick, fabric glue 10. Scissors, rotary cutter and mat
Student supply list: Your favorite scissors, pins, and regular sewing supplies.
* SEWING MACHINES ARE NOT PROVIDED IN THIS CLASS. Bring your own machine in good working order, pedal and cord.
Sewing Machine and Supply storage: For your convenience, we have available, free of charge temporary and overnight storage at the class registration desk located at Nevada Office 1, across the hall from classroom N5 on the lower level of the hotel.
Level: All Levels Class Type: Hands-on Category: Art Quilts/Embellishments Machine(s): Not required
Use my stained glass pattern; you will then make a raw-edge fusible-appliqued and quilted piece that not only looks like real stained glass but requires no fussy edge treatments, no bias tape, no fussy quilting, and is quick, easy, and fun!
Kit/handout Fee: $45 (Paid to the teacher in the classroom). Kit includes: Black (base) fabric all fabrics needed for appliques Black misty fuse 12 x16 - this will be fused to the front of your base black fabric Freezer paper Large and small parchment paper Transfer paper Glue stick
Handouts and full-size patterns will be provided in class
Student supply list: Small rotary cutter & mat Scissors Regular pen Pins
Phyllis
Cullen is an internationally known artist, author,
instructor, curator, mentor, and activist, as well as a
retired physician. Her books on fabric portraiture, "It's
all About the Face" and "More Than Just a Pretty Face,”
complement her ongoing virtual and in-person worldwide
teaching, curating, and sales. 
