Lectures
Maria is available to lecture at your quilt guild or other group. This lecture could focus on one of the following, or she can customize a lecture to address the topics your group is specifically interested in.
Trunk show of Maria’s quilts. If desired, the guild may choose to have the focus include one of the following:- People and portraits in quiltmaking. A PowerPoint presentation is used to introduce the group to 50-100 quilt artists who use people in their quilts. Discussion revolves around various techniques used.
- Experimenting with materials and coloring mediums. Maria describes the importance of continued play, including the use of journal quilts as a way of exploring available options.
- Growth and development as a quilter. For years, Maria struggled with a fear of failure. She talks about what she does to overcome it.
Protecting quilts. Focus on the Lost Quilt Come Home website, lostquilt.com, how it got started and its purpose. A PowerPoint presentation is used to discuss various ways quilters can protect their quilts through labeling, photographing, insuring, displaying, storing, shipping safely, and other relevant issues.
Color in Quiltmaking. Basic color theory explained and illustrated with fabric collage and quilted examples. Explains the color wheel and how to use it as a starting point to create dynamic, show-stopping quilts. Information is applicable to both traditional and contemporary quiltmaking.- Custom lecture. Maria is also open to customizing a lecture based on the individual needs of your guild.
Workshops
Fused Applique Portraits. My most popular workshop, this technique is suitable for all skill levels including non-quilters. No artistic ability is required! (You actually don’t even need to be a quilter to take this class. The finished portrait can be framed instead of quilted.) Focus will be on manipulating a digital photograph to create a fused applique pattern. Step-by-step process shall be demonstrated during the workshop, and written instructions shall be provided, but students will not be manipulating their own photograph during the workshop. Get fused applique portrait workshop flyer here.-
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- Half Day Workshop. Students will cut out and fuse their portrait during class, and instructions will be given for ways to quilt their portrait later on their own.
In addition to standard workshop fee (see below), please add a $10 per person materials fee which covers the cost of preparing photos in advance, necessary photocopies, appropriate fusible webbing, etc. Sewing machine is not required. - Full Day Workshop. Students will cut out, fuse, and quilt their portraits during class.
In addition to standard workshop fee (see below), please add a $15 per person materials fee which covers the cost of preparing photos in advance, necessary photocopies, appropriate fusible webbing and batting, etc. Sewing machine IS required. 
Drawn and Painted Portraits. These techniques are suitable for all skill levels, but may appeal more to the adventurous. Focus will be on using a manipulated digital photograph as the basis for hand coloring or hand painting a portrait. Step-by-step process shall be demonstrated during the workshop, and written instructions shall be provided, but students will not be manipulating their own photograph during the workshop. A variety of mediums shall be demonstrated. Freehand portrait drawing shall also be demonstrated. Get drawn and painted portrait workshop flyer here.- Half Day Workshop. Students will draw or paint their portrait during class, and instructions will be given for ways to quilt their portrait later on their own.
In addition to standard workshop fee (see below), please add a $10 per person materials fee which covers the cost of preparing photo in advance, suitable fabric, etc. Sewing machine is not required. - Full Day Workshop. Students will draw or paint and quilt their portraits during class.
In addition to standard workshop fee (see below), please add a $10 per person materials fee which covers the cost of preparing photo in advance, suitable fabric and batting, etc. Sewing machine IS required. 
Playful Portraits. Sometimes you just want to have fun. Forget the serious stuff! Let loose with Maria and make a playful portrait! It’s time to be creative, even if you think you can’t draw. Maria will provide multiple choices to help get you started. Mix and match the pre-drawn eyes, nose, mouth and other facial features provided, or be completely original and design your own. Maria will give ideas and tips for fusing, embellishing, and quilting your portrait.- Half Day Workshop. Students will design and create their playful portrait during class, and instructions will be given for ways to quilt the portrait later on their own.
Standard workshop fee only (see below); no additional materials fee. - Full Day Workshop. Students will design and create their playful portrait and quilt it during class.
Standard workshop fee only (see below); no additional materials fee. 
Quilting Your Portraits. Have you made a fabric portrait, but now you are afraid to quilt it? Does it seem too overwhelming or too scary? Learn several different approaches to quilt a portrait. Maria includes a trunk show of quilted portraits and offers tips and suggestions. Workshop includes a discussion of choosing threads and batting and visual samples.- Half Day Workshop. Students learn several different approaches to quilting a portrait and then free motion quilt portraits in class. Students should have previous experience with free motion quilting.
In addition to standard workshop fee (see below), please add a $15 per person materials fee which covers cost of preprinted faces ready for quilting. Sewing machine is required. 
Color in quiltmaking. Discussion of color theory and ways to create color schemes for both traditional and art quilts. Discover how color can help you make a show-stopping quilt. Hands-on application using colored pencils and fabric. Get color theory workshop flyer here.- Half Day Workshop. Introduction to basic color theory. Students will “take notes” with actual fabric swatches.
Standard workshop fee only (see below); no additional materials fee. - Full Day Workshop. Students learn basic color theory and apply it in a small fused wall hanging.
Standard workshop fee only (see below); no additional materials fee. 
Perspective for Quilters. Learn how to design two-dimensional quilts that look three-dimensional. Workshop will teach one point and two point linear perspective as well as how to use color and position to give art quilts and even traditional quilts a feeling of depth. Once you’ve learned these basic rules, you’ll be able to draw convincing cubes, houses, architectural and landscapes elements, as well as many optical illusions, and then turn your drawing into a flat quilt with the appearance of depth and volume. (This workshop does not teach 3-D embellishments.)- Half Day Workshop. Students will learn how to draw using perspective and will begin a small, fused wall hanging.
Standard workshop fee only (see below); no additional materials fee. - Full Day Workshop. Students will learn how to draw using perspective and will createn a small, fused wall hanging.
Standard workshop fee only (see below); no additional materials fee. - Custom workshop. Maria is also open to customizing a workshop to meet the individual needs of your guild.
More student pictures can be seen on my Facebook page.
Fees
- Lecture: $300 plus Maria’s expenses and lodging, if applicable.
- Half day workshop (3 hours): $350 for a maximum of twenty students plus materials fee as noted above, plus Maria’s expenses and lodging, as applicable.
- Full day workshop (6 hours): $525 for a maximum twenty students plus materials fee as noted above, plus Maria’s expenses and lodging, as applicable.
Additional details and requirements are listed in Maria’s contract. If you are planning a lecture or workshop for your group, please contact Maria for a sample contract.