Textile classes for all
Mission
Our mission at Brandau Arts is to teach and contextualize skills within the world of textiles to students of all ages. Classes begin focusing on techniques through hands-on projects in sewing, dyeing, and fiber processing.
Classes conclude with presentations, as well as guest and site visits, connecting students with professionals within the textile community. Brandau Arts aims to preserve local fiber economies, celebrate textile traditions, and practice self expression.
Tailored to you
Brandau Arts offers a variety of textile class styles to meet you wherever you are in your textile exploration. From machine sewing to dyeing and weaving, classes can be scaled to fit you or your students’ needs. Brandau Arts classes honor craft traditions, while encouraging experimentation and forging long-lasting connections to materials. Check out the class offerings, and schedule your free consultation today to find the best fit for you.
FAQs
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Learning to sew has many benefits ranging from growing your creativity, preparing for a job in the trades, or learning a practical skill that will help you save resources. It can improve hand-eye coordination, develop math skills, and be a vehicle for self-expression.
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Natural dyes are all around us and have been used for centuries by our ancestors. Practicing natural dye preserves this knowledge, connects us to history, offers an alternative to toxic dyes, and lessons in science. Natural dyes open up a world of magic that is often in your backyard.
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Fiber, as in textile fiber, refers to the basic structures resembling threads that make up fabric’s building components.
Fiber in textiles comes from natural as well as synthetic sources. At Brandau Arts, we focus on textile processes of natural fibers as they relate to the natural environment around us.
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Really, they are for anyone interested in textiles. The enrichment classes are geared towards after school programs for K-12. Private lessons, small group workshops or classes can be developed for all ages, including adults.
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Brandau Arts is based in Midtown, Ventura, CA. Private lessons and workshops can be held out of our home studio and garden. We can also come to you! Enrichment classes can accommodate schools in Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ojai, and Camarillo.
Testimonials
“I did private lessons with Carley to learn how to use a sewing machine and she walked me through my first basic projects. She's a kind and patient teacher with so much knowledge to draw from. I feel so much more confident using my machine and exploring more complicated projects on my own now!”
-Margot, adult private lessons (5 weeks) projects: apron and tote bag
Carley is an extremely gifted textile artist and an incredible teacher. Her expertise, patient virtue and sense of humor made for the perfect session. She made me feel competent and confident and explained each step in the process in an easy-going way. I left beaming with pride and a brand new hat.
-Ash, adult private workshop, project: hat
“Our workshop was a wonderful blend of family, friends, and creativity. We had a memorable experience with Carley, a talented artist and teacher currently working with indigo. She introduced us to the intricate process of dyeing, using plants she grew herself, transforming our understanding of materials and sparking our creativity. The relaxed setting allowed us to fully absorb her calm and knowledgeable approach, making the learning experience both enjoyable and enlightening. Overall, it was a perfect day filled with unexpected insights and inspiration”
-Cece, adult 1 day indigo group workshop, project: bandanas