Abstracting from Reality Workshop by Lisa Flowers Ross 02/26-27/26

Lisa Flowers Ross has agreed to teach a two-day “Abstracting from Reality” workshop for us from 8:45-3:45 on Feb. 26 & 27, 2026. The workshop will be held at the Idaho State Archives building, 2205 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise, 83712.

Lisa Flowers Ross is a celebrated textile artist who creates colorful, modern, contemporary art. Because Lisa is local, we have the unique opportunity of being able to host this design workshop at less than half the cost that it has been offered elsewhere!

Lisa describes her “Abstracting from Reality” workshop this way:
“Exploring different perspectives will lead to discovery of new ways of seeing. The focus of this workshop is to learn various approaches to abstraction that can be used in designing future artworks.

Using their own photos for inspiration, participants will work through several exercises on paper that explore design elements and principles such as line, shape, repetition and value. Different ways to translate these elements into fiber will be discussed.
Participants will leave with a mostly completed project using either fused fabrics or collaged papers. Hand stitching may be worked on in class, but any machine stitching and finishing will need to be completed outside of class.”

Ticket sales will open on Oct.1st and are limited to members of the Boise Basin Quilt Guild until Jan. 1st. On Jan. 1st, the general public is invited to register for any remaining spots. The registration deadline (and the last day to request a refund) is Feb. 21st

Supply List:

Participants will do several exercises on paper before working with chosen material for their individual project.

Supplies to bring for design exercises:
– pencil (regular 2B)
– eraser
– paper scissors (please do no use your fabric scissors for paper)
– stapler, if you have one
– staple remover, if you have one

Photos to bring:
Bring several color or black & white photos printed out on paper with image size at least 5″ x 7″ up to 8″ x 10″ (They don’t have to be super high quality, as long as you can see the photo and some details). Photos of landscapes, cityscapes, architecture, interiors, plants, nature or objects will be the easiest to
start with. It will be good to have a minimum of 5-10 pictures (more gives you more options). You might want to bring a variety to chose from so that you don’t have photos that are all landscapes or all
flowers, for example.

Independent Project Supplies:
First we will work on paper exercises together. Then, students will apply the exercises to their own project. For the individual project, students will use one of their photos as inspiration to create an abstract design. This piece will be approximately 9 x 12″. Students will choose to create a fused fabric piece OR a collage with colored papers. I recommend bringing solid colored cotton fabrics or papers (see notes below), so that details can be added later with
stitching (or markings on paper).

If you choose to make a fused fabric piece for the independent project, you need to bring:

• a selection of pre-fused solid colored cotton fabrics. (Iron fusible webbing to the back of the fabrics.)
• Small prints that “read” as solid may work as well.
• Tighter weave fabrics are better, as they do not fray as much.
• Be sure to bring a range of values from light to dark. The colors do not have to be realistic to what you have in your photos.
  *Please make sure fabrics are fused and ready to use.

We will not spend time in the workshop preparing the fabrics. The fused fabric will not be used until the second day. So if you are local, you can wait to
decide what colors to bring after the first day, if you like.

• a piece of fabric or batting for the base on which to fuse your design, at least 13″ x 16″. If you want
  the base fabric color to show as part of your background, then bring several colors to chose
  from. Otherwise, a white or neutral color is fine.
• fabric scissors
• fabric marking tool (i.e. fabric pencil, chalk pencil)

OR if you choose to make a paper collage piece for final project, you need to bring:

• a selection of solid colored papers. Papers that have small prints that “read” as solid may work, too.
  Suggestions: scrapbook papers, construction papers, art papers, found papers, painted papers,
  magazine papers with solid sections that can be cut out
• a sturdy backing paper on which to glue your pieces
  Bring a selection of at least 3-5 colors for this, if you choose to let the background show. If you
  plan to cover the entire background with the cut out papers, then the color of the support paper
  doesn’t matter.
• your favorite adhesive to attach papers
  (I will provide a glue stick but you may prefer to use Elmer’s, scrapbooking glue or dots, etc.)
• pens, markers, colored pencils, etc. to add details if you choose.

Supplies the instructor will supply:

• blank white paper
• materials for value studies
• “view finder”
• glue sticks
• tracing paper

If you have any questions about supply materials, please feel free to contact me at
lisa@lisaflowersross.net. I look forward to working with you!
Lisa Flowers Ross