Join fibre artist Beth Cunningham for an inspiring hands-on workshop exploring the art of transforming paper into delicate, stitched 2D dress compositions. Drawing on techniques developed during her art residencies in France, Beth will begin with an overview of her creative process and the evolution of her paper dress series, following which attendees will embark on their own 2D paper dress artwork.

Students will work with an image of a dress drawn on watercolour paper and a selection of instructor-made specialty papers. Using watercolour, stitch, and collage, each participant will design a unique piece that blends colour, texture, and embroidery to tell a personal story. The goal of this workshop is to create a finished 2D paper dress incorporating stitch, layered papers, and collage—a piece that reflects both technique and imagination.

Supplies Furnished by Instructor:

• Dress image on watercolour paper
• Instructor-made papers

Student Supply List:

• Small bottle of white Elmer’s glue
• Watercolour set or watercolour pencils
• Small watercolour brush
• Two plastic containers or paper cups for water
• A few paper towels
• Old magazine (to work over and catch glue)
• Pencil and eraser
• Embroidery floss
• Embroidery scissors
• Awl or push pin
• Needle suitable for 6 strands of embroidery floss
• Paper scissors

This workshop is perfect for artists, makers, and anyone curious about merging stitch, paper, collage, and paint into expressive, tactile art. No previous experience is required—just an open mind and a love for creative exploration.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Beth Cunningham is a fibre artist whose work is rooted in meticulous handwork, material exploration, and personal narrative. Working primarily with embroidery and appliqué, she creates richly layered 2D and 3D works that frequently incorporate the recurring silhouette of the dress. This form serves as both subject and metaphor suggesting identity, memory, camouflage, and the unseen interior life of the wearer.

Cunningham’s artistic path was set early. Inspired by her mother, a skilled seamstress, she began making art at the age of five using colourful spools of thread and fabric scraps from the sewing room floor. She later earned degrees in Clothing and Textiles and Studio Art and spent 42 years teaching. That long teaching career continues to inform her research driven studio practice, her curiosity about materials, and her commitment to reuse and reinvention.